The vast night sky was deep and dark, black as pitch, with nothing visible; even the stars had quietly hidden away, and the moon was nowhere to be seen for quite so ti. Suddenly, a ray of light appeared on the horizon, gradually growing larger, dispersing the surrounding darkness, vying for space with the night.
Endless night could not resist the arrival of brightness, retreating like the tide, the light speeding forth, quickly illuminating the vast primal forest. The forest, silent throughout the night, was now filled with the joyful cries and frolics of birds and beasts among the lush branches and leaves, turning lively in an instant. Yet, deep in the forest, a valley surrounded by towering mountains remained exceptionally quiet.
Trenches crisscrossed the valley entrance, with concealed air-raid shelters and a Hidden Soldier Cave on the cliffs. Those who toiled through the night lay sprawled in the trenches, resting, seizing the mont to restore their energy. Smoke drifted from a spacious cave in the valley, faintly rising, mixing with the mountaintop clouds, becoming imperceptible. Several people erged from the cave.
Leading them was Luo Zheng, having just finished breakfast. Luo Zheng stretched his arms in the open space of the valley, did so chest-expanding exercises, then looked up at the sky and the silent trench positions at the mouth of the valley. He walked over, activating the signal device to connect with the satellite, followed by Hook, Lan Xue, Captain Li, and other officers.
The signal device soon connected to the satellite, and Luo Zheng asked in a low voice, "Lan Xing, what's the enemy's situation?"
"Still stationary near the canyon entrance camp," Lan Xing replied.
"Mm, keep a close eye on the enemy's missile base. I estimate they'll use missiles to attack us," Luo Zheng urged, and glanced at the sky again. The sky was completely light now, showcasing a deep blue color with drifting white clouds. Such nice weather; how good it would be if there were no battles to fight.
Luo Zheng shook his head, discarding impractical distractions, and joined everyone at the trench's edge. He looked at the crisscrossing trenches and listened to the snoring warriors inside, unable to help but marvel. Such comndable warriors, managing to stay calm and composed under these circumstances, their morale speaks volus.
"Our defenses were rushed last night and are now complete. We're just waiting for the enemy's attack. Is there anything else I need to do?" Hook asked quietly, satisfied with the trenches. With these trenches and antiaircraft weapons, Hook felt a glimr of hope.
"The enemy's attack tactics typically involve missile strikes, helicopter bombardnts, followed by ground troop advancents. Missiles aren't too frightening—they take so ti to reach us, which is enough ti for us to hide in the caves. As for helicopters, we have Red Banner Six, we're less afraid of those. Ground troops, however, pose the greatest threat. That depends on the courage and determination of our soldiers," Luo Zheng chuckled, his eyes shining with confidence.
"Don't worry, my warriors possess imnse valor and resolve. They'll fight fiercely to protect their ho, even to the death. Trust us," Hook said earnestly.
"I believe in you," Luo Zheng replied solemnly. They had fought side-by-side before, and Luo Zheng had a profound understanding of the battle spirit and courage of the Hook Tribe warriors. Given half a year to train them, they would certainly beco a formidable jungle warfare force, fearless of any national army.
"Are we just passively waiting?" Captain Li curiously intercepted the conversation to ask.
Luo Zheng did not directly respond to Captain Li's question but looked at Hook and continued, "We can begin contacting surrounding units. Have them send people over to join the fight, or hire them—either works. In the upcoming battles, we're bound to seize many weapons. Swapping weapons will work, right?"
"Yes, many tribes still use primitive weapons. Giving them modern firearms would surely motivate them to send troops, though not in great numbers. They're unfamiliar with operating such weapons and need ti," Hook quickly replied.
"That's easy. Let them learn to shoot simply outside first before coming over. Find them a base for accommodation, that's all. With your hunting prowess, I estimate they'll be decent marksn in three days," Luo Zheng laughed.
"No problem; I'll arrange that," Hook eagerly agreed. He called Bao Li over, relayed a few instructions, and Bao Li hurriedly departed. Hook looked at the sky, his expression beca solemn, and continued, "Not sure if this place can withstand the missile attack."
"This valley is large, the mountain strong; even if a missile strikes, the problem isn't huge—rest assured," Luo Zheng said, surveying the surrounding mountains. From the radio, Lan Xing suddenly alerted that the enemy camp had stirred, seemingly preparing to move out.
Luo Zheng froze briefly before realizing the enemy was preparing to attack. He quickly said, "Everyone retreat to the cave. I guess the enemy will start attacking. Wake up the brothers in the trenches; everyone co out and enter the cave. Let's not invite misfortune," he said, turning towards the cave.
Everyone understood, smiling at each other, and followed. After arranging the trench guards, Hook also joined them. Not far away, Luo Zheng heard Lan Xing's surprised shout: "No, a missile has been fired from the base, incoming towards you. Can you handle it?"
"Rest assured, it's no big deal," Luo Zheng confidently replied, quickening his pace as he shouted, "Hook, have your n hurry; the enemy's missile is launched."
"Ah? Okay," Hook exclaid in surprise, promptly agreeing.
Everyone rushed into the cave, followed by those guarding the trenches. They all hurried to the cave's depth, squatting down with their guns, waiting. Several oil torches were lit, illuminating the cave. Luo Zheng and the others gathered together, silent, patiently waiting.
"Boom!" Suddenly, an earth-shattering explosion sounded from outside, the ground seeming to quake. Soil from the cave's ceiling crumbled and fell on everyone, leaving so struggling to stand, quickly supporting themselves against the cave walls. Luo Zheng patted dust off his body, utterly shocked. Such power? Knowing they were deep into the cave, far from the outside, yet feeling this intensely. Wouldn't it be deadly being outside?
The enemy ground forces would take a while to arrive, Luo Zheng felt no urgency to drive everyone out. After about ten minutes, another massive explosion echoed from outside, a large clump of soil crashing down, hitting the steel helts. Luo Zheng angrily dusted off the soil, gritting his teeth, brimming with endless killing intent.
"Boom!" Another huge explosion rang out. Everyone's shocked gaze turned to Luo Zheng. Small valley, three missiles launched—the enemy is fully committed, planning a total offensive?
User Comments
0 comments from readers