"It makes sense to travel at night, but the brothers are too exhausted; they indeed need to rest. The enemy, thinking to block our path ahead, must also rush through the night. Even if they get there before us, they'll need to muster their spirits to prepare for our potential attack. By evening they'll surely be worn out. We'll conserve our energy during the day and be ready for a night assault or detour." The Scholar agreed, but his face still bore an unresolved look of worry.
"What are you worried about?" Luo Zheng noticed this and asked softly.
"There are two concerns. First, it's getting dark, and a night march will be tough on the troops, especially the Ghost Team. After continuous combat, they're wavering and worn out, with their energy severely overdrawn; we must be cautious. The second point is the military satellite overhead; Arctic Bear Country is definitely aware of our current position, tracking us in real-ti, and could relay our location to their troops at any mont. This is not in our favor," the Scholar explained truthfully.
"Yes, that's what I'm most worried about too." A trace of helplessness flickered across Luo Zheng's icy face. As the mountain ridges drew closer and a few snowflakes fluttered down, snow was coming. Luo Zheng's heart tightened with concern, but suddenly his eyes lit up and he ca up with a plan, shouting, "Brothers, advance with haste, rush into the canyon!"
"Yes." Everyone, clueless but noticing the snowfall, picked up their pace without a second thought and quickened their advance.
With a puzzled look, the Scholar glanced at Luo Zheng and caught up, whispering, "Do you have a plan?"
"Mhm, I'll tell you later," Luo Zheng replied offhand. The wind was too strong as he ran; speaking would cause him to inhale the frigid air, which cut through the trachea and lungs like a knife's edge, making him uncomfortable.
No one spoke. They all spread out their legs and began to sprint as if on a nightti retreat, charging into the canyon in one breath. The canyon was tall, narrow, and deep, blanketed by a vast expanse of snow that curved forward into the unknown. Upon seeing the steep cliffside gaping inward, Luo Zheng imdiately shouted, "Quick, go over there!"
Though they did not understand why, they firmly followed Luo Zheng's command, running like a pack of wolves on a snowy night, huddling inside the recess of the overhanging cliff. The spot was sheltered from the wind, and the ground there was relatively dry. Luo Zheng unfolded the map, illuminating it with a tactical flashlight, and signaled to those nearby to summon the squad leaders to co over.
Before long, the Scholar and the rest gathered around. Everyone put down their military bags and sat down. Luo Zheng said, "Everyone rest on the spot for half an hour, eat sothing to replenish your strength, and stay on guard. Scholar, arrange for your n to keep watch at the mouth of the canyon. If the enemy is spotted, fire a shot as a warning."
"Yes," the Scholar responded and hurried off to arrange things.
Luo Zheng continued to study the map, calculating sothing. Everyone was familiar with Luo Zheng's way of thinking and quietly awaited his plan without interruption. anwhile, the warriors silently ate their rations while glancing over, their ears perked up, sensing an impending major tactical adjustnt that could determine their fate.
"It's arranged," the Scholar hastily returned and sat down on one side.
"Guys, I have a new idea. Let's discuss it," Luo Zheng said calmly.
"Young bro, go ahead. We all trust you," Shan Hu imdiately declared his stance, and the others echoed in agreent.
"Look, if we march through the night, the enemy can only set up an ambush here." Luo Zheng pointed to the map as he spoke: "But what if we don't march through the night?"
"What do you an?" the Scholar asked with surprise and curiosity.
"Our rapid dash into the canyon just now created the illusion that we're making a nightti move, an illusion that must have been captured by the satellites of Arctic Bear Country and reported to their troops. By now, the pursuers are probably also rushing to intercept us at the front. Of course, this needs confirmation. Wait a mont," Luo Zheng said, taking out the satellite phone.
Under the curious gaze of everyone, Luo Zheng dialed the Group Army headquarters. This specialized military satellite phone was set up to dial only one number to prevent eavesdropping. The call connected quickly, but to Luo Zheng's surprise, the person answering was Captain Wu. Curious, Luo Zheng asked, "Why are you answering?"
"I'm at the Northwest Group Army headquarters, assisting with this operation. How are you all doing?" Captain Wu inquired.
Luo Zheng knew it was not the ti for small talk. A lengthy conversation could be intercepted, and Arctic Bear Country's information warfare capabilities were formidable. He hurriedly said, "Please report the pursuers' current whereabouts?"
"The pursuers are twenty kiloters south of the previous union in the forest, moving rapidly westward. It seems like they're trying to reach the front of your retreat route to encircle you. Be careful," Captain Wu warned seriously. Huaxia Country also had military satellites and could monitor the situation of the pursuers.
"Call again in half an hour," Luo Zheng said after receiving the desired information, promptly hanging up the call. He disassembled the battery to save power and avoid being monitored. In precarious situations, one could never be too cautious.
"How did it go?" The Gardener exchanged glances with the others and asked in suspense.
"The pursuers are enroute toward the front of our retreat path," Luo Zheng clarified and, seeing everyone's curious faces, continued, "My idea is to rest here for half an hour. After that, we'll confirm the enemy's location again. If they keep moving, we'll change our plan. If they stop, we'll continue heading south."
"Won't resting for half an hour cause us to miss the best opportunity to retreat?" Monk asked in surprise.
"Exactly. That's the effect I'm aiming for. Look around. We're hidden underneath this recessed cliff, invisible to the enemy's satellites. They cannot pinpoint our whereabouts. After half an hour, if the enemy continues to move, it'll an they believe we are heading south, and we'll head back to the original forest and retreat from there. What do you think?" Luo Zheng asked gravely.
Everyone stared at Luo Zheng in surprise, slowly understanding his trick. The Scholar, with superior tactical command skills, grasped Luo Zheng's plan and after a mont of contemplation said, "That's the guerrilla warfare 'leading the bull away' tactic. Let the enemy go ahead to intercept, then we strike back unexpectedly. The enemy will surely notice and co after us again. If they continue chasing us relentlessly, the enemy will undoubtedly be broken. If they don't pursue, even better, we can directly head south, saving us a day and a night's journey. However, there are two issues."
Everyone's eyes brightened, now fully comprehending Luo Zheng's idea. They looked at the Scholar, who continued after Luo Zheng nodded in agreent, "First, returning from the canyon to the open plains makes us easily detectable by enemy satellites. They will turn back and we will be in a passive position. Secondly, how do we make the enemy believe that we are retreating south? If the enemy's satellites can't locate us for a long ti, they will beco suspicious."
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