199: Mixed Second Brigade

Time reached the end of the twelfth lunar month, and severe cold enveloped Blue Star.

Even Xijiang Province, located in the south, could not escape the erosion of rainy and snowy weather. The cold wind, carrying icy rain and scattered snowflakes, swept across the land, leaving the entire world bleak and desolate.

Even those tireless zombies saw their movements become much more sluggish in this harsh weather.

After more than a month of continuous warfare, the Red Alert Legion had achieved brilliant results.

95% of the zombies in major cities such as Qianzhou, Lujiang, and Lingchuan had been cleared, and most of the cleanup work in Yuanzhou, Jiancheng County, and Zhongling County had also been completed.

The total number of survivors accommodated in the five major bases of Longxing City, Lujiang, Qianzhou, Yuanzhou, and Lingchuan had reached as high as 1.8 million! The military strength had reached eighteen Red Alert main regiments (six brigades), plus one full Mixed Brigade, with the total force breaking through the 40,000 mark!

(New units will not be detailed to avoid filler.)

Among these eighteen regiments, eight were in southern Qianzhou, fully prepared and ready to head south at any time to participate in the Shaocheng and Meicheng joint campaign in the South of the Ranges in cooperation with the Southern Military Region.

The remaining troops were stationed in Chuping, Yushui, Yuanzhou, Zhongling, and Jiancheng to ensure the stability of the rear.

At the same time, Li Ang led three Red Alert main regiments toward Jiangzhou. Another two Red Alert main regiments and Tang Qi's First Mixed Brigade, under the personal leadership of Zhang Lei, targeted Raozhou and the Porcelain Capital!

Among the Third-Tier Masters accompanying Zhang Lei on this expedition were Chen Hao, Xiong Da, Howling Heaven, Natasha, and Tang Qi. The troops advancing on Jiangzhou were commanded by Li Ang, assisted by Third-Tier Experts such as Xiong Er, Earthsplitter (Storm War Dog), Blaze Ash, and Yang Yi.

The Red Alert Legion was now strong and well-equipped, with the number of Third-Tier Masters exceeding twenty! Besides those on the expedition with Zhang Lei and Li Ang's units, there were also many masters such as Jiang Xin himself, Tanya, Jiang Feifei, Li Wei, Yang Wen, Yang Ning, Zhu Yan, Lei Xin, Li Yi, and Air Wing Vice-Captain Liu Jiang.

Of course, during these five months, the major bases of the National Government had not remained idle. Their strength had developed rapidly, and Third-Tier Masters had sprung up like mushrooms after rain. The total number in the seven major military Region bases (East, South, West, North, Central, Tubo, and Anxi Base) alone had reached over a hundred. The official list of experts had also expanded from the previous "Top Ten Masters" to the "Top 100 List."

Latest Top 100 List (Partial):

1. Lü Bu Reborn: Lü Yan (Kyoto)

2. ice fire divine lord: Zhang Lei

3. Overlord: Xiang Wentian (Eastern Military Region)

4. Heavenly Wolf: Yang Tian (Kyoto)

5. Divine Fire Grand Archmage: Lin Yan (Kyoto)

6. Lightning Mage: Ye Qingwen (Kyoto)

7. Loyal and Chaste Lady Marquis: Top Expert of the Western Military Region (Heroic Spirit of Qin Liangyu, granddaughter of Qin Guoqiang)

8. fire phoenix: Nangong Yu (Southern Military Region)

9. Ice Princess: Li Hanyu (Northern Military Region)

10. Qi Huatai (Descendant of Qi Jiguang, Southern Military Region)

11. The Flash: Lei Heng (Western Military Region)

12. Windrunner: Liu Kaifeng (Eastern Military Region) ...Just as Zhang Lei's army was about to set out, Luo Chen, feeling somewhat anxious, requested an audience with Zhang Lei.

Inside Zhang Lei's temporary office, the atmosphere was solemn. A huge operational map hung on the wall, and the roar of engines from the base's troop movements could be faintly heard outside the window.

"Have a seat, Young Master Luo." Zhang Lei raised his hand, signaling the travel-worn Luo Chen to sit, while he continued to examine the arrow markings on the map, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable authority.

Luo Chen sat as told, his hands unconsciously resting on his knees, his fingertips pressing slightly, revealing his inner tension. He opened his mouth to speak several times but swallowed his words each time.

After finishing the last bit of military business at hand, Zhang Lei turned around, looked at the silent Luo Chen, and spoke with a hint of confusion: "Young Master Luo, have you come at this moment to discuss something important? If not, I must depart immediately; the military situation is urgent."

Luo Chen took a deep breath as if he had made up his mind, looked up, and his gaze became firm: "Officer Zhang Lei, I will speak plainly."

Luo Chen paused and continued: "After careful deliberation, my family intends to bring the entire clan to join the Red Alert Legion and contribute to the recovery of our lands. I... also hope to use my meager strength to find a position in your army. I wonder... I wonder, Officer Zhang Lei, what kind of price our Luo Clan must pay?" He almost gritted his teeth as he spoke the last sentence, carrying the final bit of pride and determination of a great clan.

Hearing this, a faint smile played at the corners of Zhang Lei's mouth, and he understood perfectly. Incorporating the Luo Clan's defense force had always been part of the plan; under the rule of the Red Alert Legion, independent local armed forces were absolutely not permitted. It was just that the Luo family had previously contributed to the recovery of Sword City, so it wasn't appropriate for him to bring it up first. Now that the other party had taken the initiative to surrender, the timing was perfect.

"Young Master Luo, you're overthinking it," Zhang Lei leaned back slightly, his tone relaxing a bit. "The Red Alert Legion has no special requirements for the Luo family. We only hope the Luo family can continue as before, protecting the land and people, and refrain from doing evil." He spoke nonchalantly, but he had cleverly thrown out a smokescreen, intending to lead Luo Chen to reveal his cards and sincerity.

Luo Chen was no fool; he remained silent for a moment, his mind rapidly weighing the options.

Then, he looked up, his gaze clearer, and said: "Officer Zhang Lei, the family's intention is that all two thousand plus members of the existing defense force can be handed over to the Legion for unified deployment, without any reservations. Furthermore... the family has accumulated a stock of two hundred kilograms of gold over the years, which we are also willing to offer to the Legion to fund military expenses." He knew the Red Alert Legion had been collecting precious metals, and this sincerity was truly significant.

Zhang Lei nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. Luo Chen had indeed done his homework, knowing the Red Alert Legion needed precious metals. He had not only handed over military power but also offered 200 kilograms of gold.

The Luo Clan handing over all private soldiers for the Red Alert Legion's use meant that even if the Legion were to break up and reorganize this unit in the future, assigning them to various fronts, the Luo family would not object.

"Young Master Luo, I have understood your family's patriotic heart and sincere intentions," Zhang Lei's voice became more serious.

"Since the Luo family is determined to join the Red Alert Legion, you must naturally undergo the Legion's comprehensive reorganization, strictly abide by all the Legion's regulations and military orders, and ensure that every order is executed..." Zhang Lei deliberately trailed off, his sharp gaze falling on Luo Chen's face, waiting for his final stance.

"That goes without saying!" Luo Chen stood up immediately, straightening his back, his tone resolute. "Since we have decided to join the army, we must naturally accept the army's unified command, without exception! Everyone in the Luo family will comply!"

"Good!" Zhang Lei clapped his hands and laughed, also standing up.

"The Luo family is truly a thousand-year-old clan, understanding the greater good and considering the overall situation! In that case, on behalf of Commander-in-Chief Jiang, I agree to the formal reorganization of your Luo Clan and its armed forces!" Zhang Lei stepped forward and solemnly extended his right hand.

Seeing this, a smile of excitement and relief instantly blossomed on Luo Chen's face. He hurried forward, firmly grasping Zhang Lei's right hand with both of his, repeatedly saying: "Thank you, Officer! Thank you for your fulfillment, Officer!"

"Welcome, Luo Clan, to the Red Alert Legion!" Zhang Lei gave a firm squeeze in return.

After the handshake, Zhang Lei's expression turned solemn. He snapped to attention with a "snap" and gave Luo Chen a standard military salute. Luo Chen did not dare to be negligent and immediately tidied his appearance, responding with a military salute that, though slightly unfamiliar, was incredibly solemn.

After the salute, the atmosphere relaxed. Luo Chen had a smile on his face, but he rubbed his hands together, speaking somewhat bashfully: "Officer Zhang Lei, about... about the organizational structure... what do you think..."

"Haha, sit! Sit and talk!" Zhang Lei laughed heartily, signaling Luo Chen to sit down again.

Luo Chen sat down uneasily, looking expectantly at Zhang Lei. However, Zhang Lei unhurriedly picked up the ceramic teacup on the table, gently blew away the foam, and took a sip of hot tea. Luo Chen did not dare to rush him and could only suppress his anxiety, waiting quietly.

Putting down the teacup, Zhang Lei looked at the restless Luo Chen and finally spoke slowly, his tone carrying the composure of someone in control of the situation: "Young Master Luo, as for the organization, that's easy to say. Given your family's strength and the contributions made in the campaign to recapture Sword City, I can first agree to give the Luo family a brigade-level designation."

Luo Chen's eyes instantly lit up.

Zhang Lei continued: "As for the designation, it will be set as the Red Alert Legion's Second Mixed Brigade, what do you think?"

"Good! Good! That's wonderful! Thank you, Officer! Thank you for the opportunity, Officer!" Luo Chen was overjoyed. A brigade-level designation far exceeded his initial expectations! In this post-apocalyptic world, possessing a regular army brigade designation meant status and infinite future possibilities! Aside from his uncle who was already a Major General in the Southern Military Region, it was not entirely impossible to strive for a higher rank of Lieutenant General in the future.

"Young Master Luo—no, I should call you Brigade Commander Luo now." Zhang Lei smiled and continued: "You will hold the post of Brigade Commander. The candidate for Deputy Brigade Commander can be recommended and appointed by your family. Our army will dispatch a Brigade Political Commissar, a Brigade Chief of Staff, and at least two Regimental Commanders, as well as more than half of the officers at the battalion, company, and platoon levels to the Second Mixed Brigade. At the same time, we will draw two hundred experienced Red Alert veterans to serve as grassroots instructors, mixed into various squads and platoons to help you familiarize yourselves with our army's regulations and tactics as quickly as possible and form combat effectiveness."

Luo Chen listened carefully, understanding everything in his heart. Such an arrangement meant that the command, ideological construction, and core framework of this army would be firmly held in the hands of the Red Alert Legion, with the Luo family playing more of a symbolic leadership role and acting as a provider of troops. But he also knew this was an inevitable result, and compared to being completely swallowed or disbanded, it was already an excellent arrangement. He had already learned that Tang Qi's First Mixed Brigade in Lingchuan had roughly the same conditions.

"Good! I represent the Luo family in completely accepting! Thank you, Officer, for your thorough consideration!" Luo Chen nodded heavily, without any objection.

"Brigade Commander Luo is truly sensible." Zhang Lei nodded with satisfaction. "In that case, you should start the preliminary registration and integration of personnel during this period. I will draw qualified personnel from the militia reserves of major bases to fill the Second Mixed Brigade's establishment, ensuring it reaches full strength."

He paused and threw out the final, and most substantial benefit that Luo Chen cared about: "As for equipment, it will be equivalent to the First Mixed Brigade. In addition to standard individual weapons and heavy firepower for companies and platoons, the Legion will issue to the Second Mixed Brigade: 50 armored personnel carriers, 40 military trucks, 20 Grizzly light tanks, and 10 rhino heavy tanks."

Hearing this equipment list, Luo Chen stood up again in excitement and bowed deeply to Zhang Lei: "Thank you, Officer! Luo Chen and the Luo Clan will not fail the Legion's trust. We will surely fight bravely to kill the enemy and repay this kindness!"

"Good!" Zhang Lei also stood up, patted Luo Chen on the shoulder, his gaze filled with expectation. "Brigade Commander Luo, work hard and achieve more military merits in the future. You will understand that the choice you and the Luo family made today is definitely a wise one! The future stage is far broader than you can imagine now!"

After speaking, Zhang Lei picked up the military overcoat on the back of the chair, put it on briskly, and walked out of the office with long strides. Outside, the roar of engines became more intense; the army was about to set out.

Luo Chen remained alone in the office, watching Zhang Lei's departing figure, his heart surging. He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes full of yearning and determination for the future. He believed that by closely following this powerful and potential-filled Legion, the Luo Clan would surely break free from regional constraints and, in this magnificent post-apocalyptic world, rise again, and even... return to Kyoto, joining the true core circle of elite families in the Hua Nation!