The Glory of Youth

At the training commencement ceremony for the 270th Brigade's new recruits, An Lei had the veterans demonstrate a rocket soldier's operational procedures to the newcomers. Xia Zhuo immediately voiced his doubts, arguing that the rocket soldiers' positioning after the “mark your positions” command was flawed and impractical for combat. After the ceremony, squad leader Lü Zheng harshly reprimanded Xia Zhuo, but Xia Zhuo refused to admit fault. Lü Zheng ran to complain to An Lei, only to find An Lei actually calculating the issue Xia Zhuo had raised. Lü Zheng requested Xia Zhuo's transfer out of his squad, but An Lei refused. Lü Zheng attempted to distribute care packages as customary, only to be driven away by Lin Anbang's sycophantic flattery.

Upon learning Fang Zhenjun's true identity, Lü Zheng rushed to his side to halt their duel. With the 270th Brigade's imminent relocation to a new camp, morale among Xia Zhuo and his comrades was low. Lü Zheng rallied the troops, leading them in chants of “Defend our homeland!” The leadership decided to combine the redeployment with a military exercise. As the 270th Brigade entered the camp, Xia Zhuo and his comrades witnessed various heavy weapons before them, a powerful sense of pride and admiration welling up within them. A doctor named Huang Wen was dispatched from the base hospital to serve as the brigade's psychologist during the exercise.

The 270th Brigade suddenly received a base alert: a terrorist organization had secretly implanted an irreversible program into a launch device, with the explosion scheduled for twelve hours later. Xia Zhuo conceived a plan to alter the magnetic field to intercept the missile, but Ouyang Jun dismissed it as impractical. When Xia Zhuo approached Qi Peng to submit his proposal, he learned Ouyang Jun had already submitted an identical plan—one deemed more feasible. Confronting Ouyang Jun about stealing his idea, Ouyang Jun denied it, suggesting Xia Zhuo verify the records himself. Xia Zhuo went to the archive to verify it, only to be caught red-handed and immediately locked in a detention cell.

In detention, Xia Zhuo replayed today's events and realized this was likely just a drill. He frantically sought someone to unlock the door. Xia Zhuo earnestly presented his theory, but Lü Zheng scoffed at his analysis. Ultimately, Xia Zhuo failed to convince the company commander and others, landing him back in detention. Xia Zhuo refused to give up. He knew failing to find An Lei meant losing the competition. Lü Zheng spotted Xia Zhuo escaping through the ventilation shaft on surveillance and entered the detention cell to investigate. When Lü Zheng opened the door, both Lin Anbang and the others were stunned. Yi Zimeng had vanished. Lü Zheng guessed both Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng were in the tunnel and made no attempt to search for them.

Brigade Commander Wang Jinying personally interrogated Xia Zhuo, who articulated his thoughts with eloquence. Impressed by Xia Zhuo's analysis, Wang Jinying invited him to join the 334th Brigade, but Xia Zhuo promptly declined. Meanwhile, Battalion Commander Qi and others finally realize the problem aligns with Xia Zhuo's predictions, prompting them to activate the contingency strategy. The 270th Brigade issues Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng administrative warnings, leaving Yi Zimeng deeply disheartened. The exercise is forcibly terminated, and leaders like Fang Zhenjun express profound regret over its failure. Xia Zhuo was returned to the 270th Brigade, where Lü Zheng personally led a team to retrieve him. Though Lü outwardly expressed disdain, he was secretly overjoyed.

The 270th Brigade moved into new barracks and commenced comprehensive training. An Lei and Political Commissar Liang proposed forming a specialized unit capable of executing decisive final strikes, which Liang supported. They sought veteran input, intending to select volunteers for a combined arms company—the elite “Battle Blade Company.” Lü Zheng also recognized Xia Zhuo's potential, so he entered him into the Elite Gunner Selection Competition. Ouyang Jun was displeased upon learning Xia Zhuo intended to go easy on him, demanding Xia Zhuo compete seriously and even berating him. Xia Zhuo grew furious, and the two clashed again over the matter.

Lin Anbang was caught by the squad leader flirting with a female medic. The squad leader ordered him to volunteer for today's IV and intramuscular injections, threatening to call the company commander otherwise. Lin Anbang had no choice but to comply. On the boxing ring in the gym, Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun sparred fiercely, neither holding back as they landed punch after punch to each other's faces. Lü Zheng intervened, ordering them to return and reflect on their actions. An Lei proposed having the Four Elders participate alongside the new recruits in the Elite Shooter Selection Tournament to set an example. Hou Jidong and Chen Haofeng objected, but Lang Yongcheng assured them he could handle it. With Lang Yongcheng's assurance, the other three reluctantly agreed.

Lin Anbang deliberately pressed the abandon button. Lü Zheng immediately drove over, only to find the button alone. At that moment, Lin Anbang and Yi Zimeng secretly emerged and drove off with Lü Zheng's car. Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun went to find Lin Anbang and Yi Zimeng, only to encounter an enraged Lü Zheng. Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun brought Lü Zheng back to the standby hangar, arriving just as the Four Elders were dining. The two were ravenously hungry. Lin Anbang and Yi Zimeng drove up to meet everyone, claiming they'd withdrawn from the competition. Lü Zheng had sent him to sell goods, and the group was instantly fooled. Since they hadn't brought money for the competition, Lin Anbang even had Yi Zimeng keep track of the accounts.

Xia Zhuo and the others finally located Lin Anbang and Yi Zimeng, with everyone deeply displeased by Lin Anbang's actions. Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng severely reprimanded Lin Anbang, who only then realized his mistake. Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng led their comrades onward, while the Four Elders left all the food for the new recruits, leaving themselves to eat only wild vegetables. Lü Zheng sought to expel Lin Anbang from the Blade Battalion, but Lin protested vehemently. Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng accompanied Lin back, only for Lin to end up comforting them instead. The Four Elders were about to depart for the Elders' Village. An Lei specially had Yang Wanjin deliver sweaters for them and arranged a dedicated vehicle for their journey.

Xia Zhuo requested a different service number, but Yu Quanhai coldly refused. Yu Quanhai's training was strict, and Xia Zhuo couldn't help but curse under his breath. As punishment, he was made to run three laps around the training field. During cross-country training, a comrade fell. Xia Zhuo was the last to arrive at the scene and was punished by being denied dinner. Xia Zhuo, Yi Zimeng, and Ouyang Jun each secretly shared some of their rations with him. Yu Quanhai discovered this. Not only did he eliminate the fallen comrade, but he also punished Xia Zhuo and the other two with standing penalties. The squad leader explained the duties of a missile operator to new recruits like Lin Anbang. Lang Yongcheng encouraged Lin Anbang, saying that if he trained hard and impressed him, he too could earn a spot in the Blade Company. Lin Anbang suddenly understood.

Lin Anbang felt anxious, growing tense the moment he boarded the vehicle—so much so that Lang Yongcheng was speechless. Lin Anbang didn't want to be separated from Xia Zhuo, Yi Zimeng, and Ouyang Jun. He begged Lang Yongcheng to put in another good word for him with Lü Zheng. Xia Zhuo, Yi Zimeng, and Ouyang Jun were still carrying the wooden stakes forward. When they couldn't bear it anymore, they rested on the spot. With only twelve kilometers left, Ouyang Jun suddenly collapsed. Xia Zhuo and Yi Zimeng were startled and noticed his waist wound had become infected. Xia Zhuo decided to fire a signal flare, but Yi Zimeng urged him to reconsider. Yu Quanhai waited at the finish line. Four teams had already arrived, but all except Xia Zhuo's group had given up.

Upon hearing Yu Quanhai was leaving, Xia Zhuo came specially to see him off. Yu Quanhai told Xia Zhuo meaningfully that every person one encounters should not be experienced in vain; what matters most is what one can learn and gain insight from them. After enduring the grueling boot camp, the group reentered the Elders' Village, the final stop of the selection camp. Lin Anbang lay awake that night, reminiscing about his university days with Xia Zhuo, Ouyang Jun, and Yi Zimeng. Training in the Elder Village officially commenced. Lang Yongcheng rode a small motorcycle while leading them on a 10-kilometer run, challenging them: whoever touched the motorcycle's rear first at the finish line would treat him to Hunan rice noodles.

Xia Zhuo wanted to share his noodles with Yi Zimeng, but Lang Yongcheng refused. Having gone without noodles, Xia Zhuo ran back with the main group. Fuming, Xia Zhuo modified the missile into a bed and confronted Chen Haofeng about his dissatisfaction with the training camp, only to be harshly reprimanded. As the Blade Squadron was officially established and saluted the squadron flag, An Lei declared they were the ultimate killing weapon in combat. Lin Anbang encountered Lang Yongcheng while donating funds. Lang asked Lin if he wanted to join the Blade Squadron, Lin Anbang was thrilled. Lang Yongcheng approached Lü Zheng, proposing Lin Anbang as his final disciple.

Hou Jidong and Chen Haofeng remained at the base camp, giving all their provisions to the standby warehouse. Ouyang Jun arrived with the finalized accommodation arrangements, deeply displeased at not being admitted to the standby warehouse. Xia Zhuo and others reentered the standby warehouse. Lang Yongcheng asked Xia Zhuo to accompany him to the restroom, where Xia Zhuo and Lin Anbang reunited. A small squirrel entered the main control room. Lü Zheng ordered everyone to find it. Xia Zhuo caught the squirrel with just one peanut, leaving Lü Zheng utterly astonished. Ouyang Jun brought a goose to participate in the practical exercise. Chen Haofeng was furious and told him to take care of the goose before returning. Ouyang Jun had no choice but to entrust the goose to Yan Yibing.

Lang Yongcheng persuaded Lü Zheng to give Lin Anbang a chance, and Lü Zheng softened his stance. Another goose died, leaving Ouyang Jun filled with self-blame. Hou Jidong suggested eating the goose, but Ouyang Jun flatly refused. Both Hou Jidong and Chen Haofeng recognized Ouyang Jun's potential and began vying for him as a disciple. Yi Zijun was going stir-crazy in the combat readiness duty room. Wang Xianmin agreed to cover Yi Zimeng's shift for two days so he could get some fresh air. Lang Yongcheng signed Lin Anbang up for the qualification exam, and Lin Anbang declared he would pass on his first try. Lü Zheng chased Yi Zimeng back to the company headquarters and immediately convened a video conference call, requiring everyone in the standby hangar to attend.

An Lei learned both Blue Teams had been wiped out, with the special sniper eliminated by Xia Zhuo—a development both thrilling and unexpected. Lü Zheng was also satisfied with the exercise. Lin Anbang officially joined the Blade Company, much to the delight of Lang Yongcheng, Xia Zhuo, and others. Lü Zheng assigned tasks: besides mastering their primary specialties, all members must become proficient in other fields and obtain certification. They had only three months; those unable to learn could leave immediately. Ouyang Jun began learning to drive, with Lin Anbang as his instructor—a situation that deeply frustrated him. Lin Anbang acted like a big shot, and Ouyang Jun stormed off in anger.

Shao Shuai approached Lü Zheng to discuss students' unbalanced academic focus. Wang Xianmin and Lao Liu had almost no students under their guidance. Wang Xianmin had only one disciple, Xia Zhuo, which surprised Lü Zheng. Yi Zimeng hadn't applied for any major, so Lü Zheng instructed Shao Shuai to give him a stern talking-to. The major allocation list was posted, and everyone gathered to discuss Yi Zimeng, who hadn't applied for any majors. Seeing this, Yi Zimeng panicked and hurried to find Xia Zhuo, asking him to put in a good word so he could apprentice under Wang Xianmin. The assessment began. Xia Zhuo, Ouyang Jun, Yi Zimeng, and Lin Anbang were randomly grouped together. Yi Zimeng drew the role of firing control operator and grew visibly nervous, repeatedly insisting he wasn't up to the task.

Chuandong University received a call from the Super Brain organizers regarding the resolution of Xia Zhuo's championship dispute. The president immediately notified Xia Zhuo. Lü Zheng accompanied Xia Zhu back to campus, though Xia Zhu still found it hard to believe. His restored title and prize money were confirmed, and Lü Zheng expressed envy upon hearing it amounted to one million USD. Accompanied by Lü Zheng, Xia Zhuo specifically searched online and was overjoyed to see his championship title restored. The Sword Edge Company held a company-wide meeting where Yang Wanjin congratulated Xia Zhuo on his championship victory. Xia Zhuo celebrated with Yi Zimeng and Lin Anbang, substituting water for alcohol, and declared that part of the prize money belonged to them.

The school requested Xia Zhuo's personal visit, and An Lei assigned Lü Zheng to accompany him. Lin Anbang and Yi Zimeng reluctantly saw Xia Zhuo off. Yi Zimeng reminded him to bring back the guitar he promised to buy, while Lin Anbang went overboard, listing a long shopping list. Lü Zheng shooed Yi Zimeng and Lin Anbang back home before setting off with Xia Zhuo. Ouyang Jun recalled the scene when he was caught cheating years ago, so he called the Dean of Students for help. After Ouyang Jun pleaded repeatedly, the Dean finally agreed to try to help him. When Xia Zhuo returned to his alma mater and met the principal, the principal was very proud of him but refused Xia Zhuo's idea of donating money to the school.

Learning of the rift between Ouyang Jun and his father, Xia Zhuo and Lü Zheng resolved to help resolve the misunderstanding. They planned to dine with Ouyang Hua to understand the situation, but were repeatedly turned away at the door. During another visit, they pretended to be sent by Ouyang Jun to check on him, finally prompting Ouyang Hua to reveal the root of their discord and soften his attitude toward them. Ouyang Hua praised Ouyang Jun for excelling—promoted shortly after joining the military—and showed them his photos. Xia Zhuo and Lü Zheng exchanged glances, then chose to play along without exposing the truth.

During breakfast the next morning, a pre-recorded video of Ouyang Hua suddenly played on the large screen. Ouyang Jun was furious, accusing Xia Zhuo of meddling in their father-son affairs without permission. Shao Shuai explained that Xia Zhuo and Lü Zheng had intended to help them reconcile—they'd met Ouyang Hua in Qingdao—but Ouyang Jun refused to acknowledge their efforts. Shao Shuai and Lü Zheng discussed Ouyang Jun's situation, feeling both love and frustration toward him, but mostly guilt and regret. Ouyang Jun locked himself in the storage room, prompting Shao Shuai to rush in. No matter what Shao Shuai said outside, Ouyang Jun remained silent.

Xia Zhuo discovered that Lin Anbang had not only accessed his computer but also embellished and added to the contents before choosing to publish them publicly. Xia Zhuo had no choice but to call Huang Wen for help. Huang Wen promised to help get the website administrators to remove the post. Lü Zheng also contacted the website, demanding the post be deleted, but they insisted the original poster must submit the request themselves. Ouyang Jun went to find Lü Zheng and Shao Shuai, prompting Shao Shuai to quickly escort Xia Zhuo away. Lü Zheng tentatively mentioned the online incident to Ouyang Jun. To prevent a fight, Shao Shuai deliberately assigned Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun to face-to-face guard duty, explicitly forbidding them from arguing.

Xia Zhuo's parents asked Ouyang Jun how to reach the military camp, wanting to see their son. Ouyang Jun informs them that the Rocket Force camp is highly classified, adding that even the photo Xia Zhuo gave them could land him in serious trouble for revealing the camp's location. Upon hearing this, Xia Zhuo's parents immediately hand the photo over to Ouyang Jun. Ouyang Jun helps repair their car and draws them a map for the return journey. Xia Zhuo and others undergo hypoxic training in the standby hangar. Lü Zheng summoned Xia Zhuo to his office, placed the photo he'd sent his parents before him, and demanded he reflect on his mistake.

The rivalry between the Blade Company and First Company officially began. Lü Zheng and the First Company commander locked horns, intensifying training difficulty and bellowing slogans—both determined to crush their opponent in spirit and strength. Lü Zheng specifically summoned Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun, demanding they devise a plan to secure the launch mission for the Blade Company without inviting criticism from other companies. Ouyang Jun proposes writing a blood oath to prove their resolve to brigade leadership. The entire company gathers around him urging him to lead the effort, but Ouyang Jun fails to follow through after several attempts. Xia Zhuo seeks out Yan Yibing, hoping she can help him get pumped up, only to be spotted by the First Company Commander.

The Blade Company secured the honor of launching the 100th missile. Xia Zhuo and his comrades rushed to the First Company's barracks to celebrate, enraging the First Company soldiers who doused them with buckets of water. While everyone reveled, Ouyang Jun remained somber. Political Instructor Shao Shuai urged him to wait until after the 100th missile launch, but Ouyang Jun couldn't bear the torment of rumors any longer. Ouyang Jun goes to the brigade headquarters and voluntarily admits his mistake to the political commissar. He deceived both his father and his superiors, hoping the brigade will discipline him. Due to the launch mission, the 270th Brigade needs to replace the launch vehicle. Lang Yongcheng is reluctant to see his beloved vehicle retire, growing more and more depressed each day. Lin Anbang and Xia Zhuo are deeply concerned.

The entire Blade Company suddenly appeared, with Xia Zhuo pushing a cake to celebrate the birthday of Lang Yongcheng's most cherished vehicle. Lang Yongcheng was deeply moved. Xia Zhuo was playing basketball when Ouyang Jun approached, challenging him to a game. After their match, the atmosphere between them became unusually warm and friendly. Huang Wen helped Ouyang Jun resolve his emotional turmoil. Ouyang Jun reconnected with his mother and became much more cheerful, which made Lü Zheng feel particularly uncomfortable. Yan Yibing couldn't receive her delivery and had to buy face masks from a proxy shopper. She haggled with the girl over the wall, unaware that Lü Zheng was standing right behind her, watching the entire scene.

Ouyang Jun drove Huang Wen home, deeply grateful for his help. Hou Jidong summoned Xia Zhuo, Yi Zimeng, and Lin Anbang to help Wang Xianming retrieve the lost geese. On her way back, Xiao Xuan—who sold face masks—spotted the missing goose and brought it back to school. After the principal inquired about the situation, he instructed her to return the goose. Xiao Xuan, however, insisted on keeping it as a pet for the children. Liang Nuo agreed with Xiaoxuan's suggestion, and the principal reluctantly consented to keep it for now. Yan Yibing cried alone after buying counterfeit face masks. Upon learning this, Huang Wen offered to give her his own masks.

Lin Anbang suddenly fainted and was sent to the infirmary. Yan Yibing specially prepared a self-heating pot for him, urging him to finish eating quickly and return to duty. Xia Zhuo hadn't received any messages from Liang Nuo. Liang Nuo looked at Xia Zhuo's messages on her phone, but unfortunately, the signal was often weak here. Xiao Xuan was curious about what Liang Nuo's boyfriend looked like and asked her to bring him out for a look. Lang Yongcheng believed he was responsible for the missile damage and requested disciplinary action. The company commander comforted him and took him to the hospital for a checkup. Lang Yongcheng went for an eye exam, but the results left him deeply saddened. The company commander had no choice but to accompany him as he drowned his sorrows in alcohol.

In the Blade Company's open vote for the launch crew, Lü Zheng received nearly all votes for himself, yet Xia Zhuo still topped the list. Shao Shuai believed Xia Zhuo was unfit for such responsibility, and Lü Zheng surprisingly agreed. When the votes were tallied, Xia Zhuo predictably became the launch control operator. Ouyang Jun and Lin Anbang also made the starting roster, while Yi Zimeng received zero votes. When Lü Zheng received Huang Wen's plea to enter the standby bay, he immediately rejected it. Shao Shuai was certain Huang Wen would be admitted. True enough, no sooner had he spoken than a call came from higher-ups, demanding Lü Zheng's full cooperation.

Ouyang Jun was deeply disappointed upon learning he could only serve as a communications operator. Using a bathroom break as an excuse, he sought out Lü Zheng and requested to withdraw from the launch crew. Lü Zheng brought Ouyang Jun before the backup vehicle crew. Seeing the launch vehicle right before his eyes, pride and honor welled up within Ouyang Jun. Lü Zheng informs Shao Shuai about the backup crew arrangement, which Shao Shuai naturally opposes. Lü Zheng counters that this introduces a competitive mechanism to fully mobilize their motivation. The order arrives assigning Ouyang Jun as the backup launch control signal operator. Xia Zhuo and Ouyang Jun exchange glances—both desperately want to secure this launch mission.