The Hook Tribe was occupied by the Sam Country army, which would affect the troop morale. Dispersed retreating, avoiding the enemy's edge was the safest way, preserving strength while avoiding being discovered and attacked by missiles. However, Sam Country had dozens of reconnaissance units; too few would get consud, too many would draw airstrikes, and large-scale resistance would face missile attacks. This battle was indeed tough.
Luo Zheng understood Hook's worries, but given the actual situation, dispersed retreat was still the best choice. Luo Zheng thought for a mont and said, "You're familiar with the terrain, so hide first. Moreover, our people should arrive in a few days. Find a place for airdrop arrangents; actions are best taken after our people arrive."
"Hiding for a few days shouldn't be a problem. Alright, let's do as you say. There's a valley that's absolutely safe, and it can be reached in two days. So of our people are also hidden there. It's a dead valley with only a small gorge for entry, similar to the valley where our tribe lives. But there are underground caves, very complex inside, leading to the outside. Strangers definitely won't find the exit," Hook said helplessly and hurriedly.
"Alright, head there first. Don't let your troops retreat in that direction; head in the opposite direction. Best to lure the enemy, lead them in circles, and secretly return to the valley you just ntioned in three days," Luo Zheng advised.
"Okay, I'll arrange for soone to deliver the order right away," Hook replied in a deep voice.
A few minutes later, the main force moved again, marching quickly in the direction Hook ntioned. The journey was safe, as everyone was familiar with the jungle, encountering no obstacles. At dusk on the second day, they followed an inconspicuous small gorge, and the terrain beca steeper as they advanced. Towering trees, birds, and animals cried out, and the wind rustled the leaves, bringing vitality to the prival forest.
Two hours later, a valley appeared ahead, surrounded by towering peaks. Many big trees grew on the mountains, with mist curling around them. The valley, about ten football fields in size, was flat, overgrown with low shrubs. A band of ard n rushed out, joined by many children, laughing and playing, giving the place a utopian feel.
Luo Zheng surveyed the valley with a satisfied smile. The mist rising above the valley made it difficult for satellites to detect, and the surrounding steep terrain made it hard for anyone to attack. Seeing the laughing and running youth, the ard personnel coming to greet them, and the towering trees and the winding river leading away, he couldn't help but ponder that if there were no war, this place would be perfect for living. Such steep slopes would even deter Fierre Beasts from easily attacking the valley's people.
"This is it; the cave is beneath the mountain ahead," Hook said nearby.
"Nice place. Let's go and check out the cave," Luo Zheng quickly replied.
After the group joined the welcoming party and exchanged jokes, Hook handed his troops to other officers and led Luo Zheng toward the cave. The entrance, situated under the mountain, was about ten ters in diater and height, all made of rock. People were inside. Outside, Luo Zheng looked up at the mountain, about five hundred ters high, appearing extrely solid. Even a Ground Penetrating Missile may not take it down, and he couldn't help but smile.
"How is it?" Hook asked.
"Good, we can use this valley as the headquarters. Let's go inside and have a look," Luo Zheng replied with satisfaction.
They entered the cave, where torches lit up the place, and many people were present. On seeing Luo Zheng and the others arrive, they warmly got up to greet them. Hook spoke to everyone about sothing as they walked more than ten ters inside. Luo Zheng saw a fork and a dark river, with good ventilation, and he smiled with satisfaction, asking, "Where's the exit?"
"Take the fork road; it takes about half an hour to get out. The exit is very small and hidden, resembling a crack in a rock when seen from the outside, surrounded by trees and shrubs, making it hard to find. I've personally walked that route," Hook explained hurriedly.
"Great place. Let everyone prepare more dry grass; long-term living here can lead to illness since the cave is cold. Burn more firewood to warm up, to avoid any diseases," Luo Zheng advised.
"Yes, it's all arranged. Able-bodied n have gone hunting to store food," Hook responded.
The group ca out of the cave, and Luo Zheng gave Lan Xue a look. Lan Xue understood and went to a secluded spot to contact the headquarters with a signal device. The team was already on standby, ready to co in for support, but without an airdrop point, they dared not act. Luo Zheng and the others' primary mission upon arrival was to find an airdrop point. Unexpectedly, they encountered the Hook Tribe's crisis and had to first take out Sam Country's logistics base, delaying contact until now.
"How is the surrounding defense arranged?" Luo Zheng asked Hook.
"We arranged the defense like we did in our original valley, with Land Mines and traps, all learned from your setup. The slopes and peaks around the area were already set up three days ago. The guarding troop primarily defends the gorge, allowing an hour's delay if the enemy attacks, giving everyone sufficient ti to retreat," Hook promptly explained.
"Hmm, very good. Not building cabins in the valley is the right choice to avoid detection from Sam Country's satellites. Everyone staying in the cave is good, and the smoke from fires will be mistaken for mist. The hillsides are shrouded in mist, providing excellent cover," Luo Zheng praised.
"No problem, then. When will your people arrive?" Hook quickly asked. Thinking about the forces scattered in the forest, potentially facing attacks anyti, Hook couldn't be truly happy.
"It's been contacted; they should arrive tomorrow night, as dayti is too conspicuous," Luo Zheng noted.
"Great! Do you see anything else we can do to improve the defenses here?" Hook asked gratefully.
"The mountain slopes on either side of the gorge entrance aren't steep. I suggest setting up so traps, like big stones. These are all around, and you can prop them with logs, then release them when needed. The stones can roll down and block the gorge, both killing enemies and delaying their advance. Prepare more," Luo Zheng suggested.
"Oh? Makes sense. Such primitive traps are more intimidating. I can't believe I overlooked this. What else?" Hook, delighted, quickly asked.
"Do you have anything flammable? Lay it on the ground, cover with dry grass, making it thicker. If needed, set it on fire. The dry grass will ignite the flammable material beneath, creating a larger fire," Luo Zheng said, his gaze firming up, full of determination.
Hook understood imdiately, excitedly saying, "Yes, we have it. We've stored a lot of charcoal and coal, mixing them to create a path. Cover it with dry grass; even if it rains, it won't matter; it'll dry quickly. This is a great idea; I'll arrange for people to do it imdiately."
User Comments
0 comments from readers