As dusk fell.
The dense forest was shrouded in gray. A few nocturnal birds called out in delight as they dove into the forest, their sounds soon fading away. After a heavy rain, the tropical prival forest had beco even more stiflingly hot. The air, mingled with the stench of decaying bodies, was dispersed by the gentle breeze. A bright moon hung overhead, watching over this ancient land, indifferent to its sorrow or joy.
Luo Zheng and the others took a brief rest at the summit, recovering so of their strength. The scholar ca jogging up and sat down beside Luo Zheng, whispering, "Captain, the lookout didn't notice anything unusual in the valley, but there have been a few vehicles coming and going on the winding road that leads into the valley. Not sure what they're carrying. The valley is too large, and the distance too great. Plus, it's dark and hard to see clearly. Should we wait here and decide after dawn?"
With the terrain of Turul's stronghold imprinted in Luo Zheng's mind, it was clear that this terrain was tough to attack. There was only one way into the valley, and descending from the mountaintop by ropes was hardly feasible. Moreover, the cliffs were too high, and the huge boulders jutted out, making it difficult to see the situation below. It was only possible to guess at the overall situation. A rash attack was out of the question. Luo Zheng helplessly replied, "Then let's wait till dawn, to see clearly before we make a move. However, Turul must already know we're nearby. It wouldn't be right to do nothing."
"What do you suggest?" asked the scholar curiously.
"Create panic, don't let them have peace," Luo Zheng said softly. Glancing at the murky valley below, which was no longer visible, he continued, "There's only one road into the valley. We're atop the mountain and can see the road, but we can't get down. So, let's have two snipers monitor the road strictly, allowing no one to enter or leave the valley."
"What if they counterattack?" the scholar reminded him.
"We're just blocking the road. Even if they counterattack, it will be tomorrow's concern. Turul definitely won't dare make a move before dawn," Luo Zheng analyzed indifferently. Seeing the scholar still seed worried, he added, "As long as the entrance is sealed off, the people inside will feel the pressure. The valley isn't small, but there are no farmlands, which ans they need to bring in food from outside. If we can't attack, we'll cut off their food supply and then play it by ear."
"Okay, I'll make the arrangents." The scholar wasn't sure how effective this would be, but he didn't mind causing Turul's people so trouble. Since there was nothing else to do, blocking the passage seed like a viable option. He agreed and went to set it up.
Luo Zheng sat quietly, swiftly devising a plan. Soon after, he heard a few sniper rifle shots, which startled him. Shortly, a voice ca through his earpiece, "Report, three ard individuals were seen leaving the valley and have been killed."
"Well done, just like that. Don't let a single one out, nor allow anyone in, even if it's a vehicle, make sure it's taken down," Luo Zheng instructed, offering a few words of encouragent and then ending the call. His mood, however, didn't lighten at all; Turul's stronghold was tough to attack, and he had no idea how Lan Xue and the others were doing.
"Report, a squad of about thirty people has erged from the gorge," a voice in his earpiece announced.
Upon hearing this, Luo Zheng quickly grabbed his weapon and rushed over, calling the others to follow. Before long, they reached a slope dotted with large rocks and peered down, catching sight of a small team speeding out from the gorge along the road below.
The effective range of AK47s is roughly 400 ters, clearly insufficient. Luo Zheng set up his sniper rifle, took aim through the darkness, which barely allowed him to make out the silhouettes of people. His expression darkening, he asked, "How's the terrain reconnaissance? Going along the road, is there a spot on this mountainside that's closer to the road?"
"I've checked; this is the closest location; moving forward would only take us further from the highway. The river ahead widens, and the terrain opens up. There's a village about two kiloters further." A soldier hurriedly reported.
"Shoo." Luo Zheng pulled the trigger without hesitation. The AK47 might not reach, but that didn't an the Type 88 sniper rifle couldn't. The effective range of the Type 88 sniper rifle was 800 ters, but that didn't an it couldn't hit targets beyond 800 ters. Effective range isn't the maximum range. Luo Zheng had already asured the distance when he had asked earlier—it was around 650 ters from the highway, well within the effective range.
Through the sniper scope, visibility was poor, and Luo Zheng could barely make out the target falling to the ground. He continued to aim calmly at a second target, shifting the muzzle slightly downward to lock onto the body of the next target and fired again.
"Shoo, shoo, shoo!" Luo Zheng kept firing. His expression was as cold as iron, and his slightly narrowed eyes were sharp. The casings ejected from the gun chamber and landed on a nearby rock with a crisp sound, like Death God's sinister laugh. His precise shots killed each enemy that appeared on the highway one by one. Those who were left turned and ran, retreating back into the canyon.
"We're running low on bullets. Aim before you shoot. Scholar, set up a double post and keep a tight watch over this area. We absolutely can't let them get away. After dark, we can't launch an attack, and neither can the enemy. Anyone coming out is just a live target," Luo Zheng stated icily.
Everyone nodded in agreent without hesitation, overawed by Luo Zheng's extraordinary gun skills just monts earlier. With 650 ters distance under moonlight aiming for a sniper shot—considering the irregular side winds on the highway—it was an unfavorable sniping situation. Yet, Luo Zheng's shots were on target, which made everyone realize that not only was he tactical, but his personal sniping skills were also formidable. They looked at Luo Zheng with great respect.
Scholar knew about Luo Zheng's gun skills but didn't expect such improvent. Seeing the boosted morale of his comrades, his heart swelled with joy, and he readily agreed, shouting, "Brothers, have you seen what real sniping is? Your skills aren't nearly sufficient. Put away your pride and learn properly from our captain."
Luo Zheng was surprised as he looked toward Scholar, who winked at him, which made him sowhat understand. Scholar wanted his help in improving everyone's sniping skills. After thinking it over for a mont and realizing there was nothing pressing at hand, he said, "Nothing urgent now, let's exchange ideas. If the enemy cos out, just alert ; we'll integrate practice with real combat."
"Thank you, Captain." Everyone exclaid joyfully, starting to address him as Scholar had.
Luo Zheng was too lazy to correct the title and wasn't in the mood to, gesturing for Scholar to join him aside. After turning off the headset, he spoke in a low voice, "Blocking the exits can only cause panic, but how effective it is, is hard to say. Without heavy weapons and sufficient manpower, this fight is tough. Any ideas?"
"Our sniper bullets are limited, and we can't keep this blockage for long. We're short on manpower, and the terrain isn't in our favor. To attack, we'd need heavy weapons. Why don't we try to procure so?" Scholar suggested.
"Heavy weapons? What are your thoughts?" Luo Zheng asked in surprise.
"Turul is holed up in his stronghold; we can't attack there, but we can still target his forces dispersed in other areas. We need to look around, although I'm not familiar with the layout here," Scholar suggested.
Upon hearing this, Luo Zheng suddenly had an epiphany. His eyes lit up, and he smiled.
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