Chapter 13: The Staggering Victory That Shook Headquarters

Deputy Commander: ...
Chief of Staff: ...
Division Commander: ...

"Three hundred Type 30 submachine guns... fifty Type 92 heavy machine guns... thirty mortars..." The division commander repeated softly, his fingertips tapping the table unconsciously, his eyes filled with waves of disbelief and shock.

"This... this is practically the entire reserve firepower of one of our main divisions! Who are these people? To take such action... so earth-shattering?!"

The deputy commander furrowed his brows, silent; the chief of staff rubbed his chin repeatedly, clearly processing this explosive information.

The brigade commander, sensing the moment had arrived, immediately revealed even more startling results: "It was precisely with this equipment that Li Yunlong led the new 1st Regiment in an ambush at Black Wind Gorge, successfully annihilating the Yamazaki Battalion and the puppet army’s 19th and 27th Regiments! Over three thousand enemy troops were killed! Countless supplies were captured!"

"Hss—"

A collective intake of breath echoed throughout the command room.

It was real!

Although theoretically feasible for a division-level force to achieve such results relying on terrain, hearing it firsthand still delivered a tremendous shock.

"What about casualties?" the deputy commander fixed his gaze on the brigade commander. "How did the new 1st Regiment fare?"

This was the core of his concern.

No matter how great the victory, if the cost was too high, it was a pyrrhic win.

A faint, uncontrollable smile finally appeared on the brigade commander's face: "Reporting, Deputy Commander! In the Battle of Black Wind Gorge, the new 1st Regiment suffered 64 light injuries, 22 severe injuries, and only 33 fatalities!"

"What?!"

"Truly?!"

The division commander suddenly stood up, his voice shifting in disbelief.

"Absolutely true!" The brigade commander straightened his posture and spoke firmly, "In this battle, Li Yunlong achieved an astonishing kill-to-loss ratio of nearly 100 to 1!"

One hundred to one!

These four words thundered like a lightning strike through the command center.

This was the source of the brigade commander's confidence.

Li Yunlong had acted without permission, and by law, his punishment could be severe or lenient.

If casualties had been heavy, execution would be the mildest consequence.

But to achieve such a historically unprecedented kill ratio... the nature of the act was entirely different.

The merits and demerits would balance out lightly—this was an extraordinary feat.

"My word, 100 to 1... this Li Yunlong."

The deputy commander rubbed his temples hard, beginning to feel a splitting headache.

He had been determined to punish Li Yunlong severely as a warning—execution aside, at least dismissal from his post.

But the number "100 to 1" was too dazzling, too explosive.

So dazzling that the deputy commander didn't even know how to handle Li Yunlong anymore.

The brigade commander, astute as ever, immediately caught the hesitation in the deputy commander's eyes and spoke at the right moment: "Deputy Commander, actually, Li Yunlong's actions this time... were somewhat justified."

He cautiously dropped a crucial piece of information: "The patriotic businessman’s weapons were not given away for free. His condition was that they must be used to fight the devils!"

And before leaving, he clearly stated: the more devils Li Yunlong killed, the more and better equipment he would receive next time!"

"What?!"

This was the third time today the deputy commander was completely stunned!

Even though he was as calm as a mountain collapsing, now he could no longer hide his astonishment.

"That patriotic businessman will send more weapons and equipment?" The deputy commander stared intently at the brigade commander.

This was especially significant!

If it was just a one-time deal, a division's firepower, though precious, was still understandable.

But if it was... a continuous supply of arms, increasing with battlefield success?!

The significance was profound enough to overturn the entire balance of power in the theater!

This was no longer a simple patriotic businessman; he was practically a godsend!

The brigade commander nodded firmly: "That’s exactly what he said! Li Yunlong was driven wild by this 'generous reward' and risked everything to pull off a major feat, so he could earn more and better gear!"

The deputy commander's expression finally shifted from dark to bright, even showing a trace of excitement.

He understood—it was a perfect way out the brigade commander offered, along with an irresistible blueprint for the future.

"Hmm..." The deputy commander pondered briefly, then made a decisive ruling, "Very well! This time... the merits and demerits cancel each other out!"

"But you tell Li Yunlong for me: if there’s a next time, not even the emperor himself can save his head! I’ll personally execute him!"

"Yes!" The brigade commander felt a great weight lift off his shoulders and responded loudly.

Li Yunlong’s crisis was averted, and everyone’s focus immediately shifted to that batch of heavy weaponry and the mysterious figure behind it.

The deputy commander’s gaze sharpened: "Have we identified that... patriotic businessman?"

The brigade commander shook his head: "His background is a mystery! According to Li Yunlong, he came alone, driving a military truck, unloaded the equipment, and vanished without a trace."

"Alone into the tiger’s den... what courage!" The chief of staff couldn’t help but praise.

At this critical moment just before the enemy’s winter sweep, daring to infiltrate the base area single-handedly was no ordinary merchant’s feat.

The division commander also spoke: "Deputy Commander, from all indications, that wealthy merchant has no ill intent toward us."

"Exactly!" The deputy commander agreed deeply, "I believe this person not only bears us no ill will but holds great goodwill and trust toward us! Such a friend we must hold onto tightly—at all costs!"

His gaze turned to the deputy director of the political department, speaking decisively: "Immediately! Assign the new 1st Regiment the most outstanding political commissar! High political awareness and strong capability are essential!"

"Not only to rein in that stubborn Li Yunlong but more importantly—to establish the strongest possible connection with Mr. Lin! We must ensure this lifeline remains smooth and unbroken!"

"Yes! Task will be completed!" The deputy director accepted the order solemnly.

At this moment, the division commander looked at the brigade commander and suddenly asked, "Old Chen, about that batch of equipment... have you already 'gratefully accepted' it?"

The brigade commander chuckled: "Commander, you know me well."

Unexpectedly, the division commander shook his head: "If so... Li Yunlong and the new 1st Regiment are in danger!"

This statement startled everyone.

But then, all understood the division commander’s meaning.

Li Yunlong had wiped out over three thousand enemy soldiers and puppet troops in this battle. The devils would never let this go easily!

The division commander’s face grew grave: "With the enemy's intelligence capability, it won't take two days for the truth to be uncovered. Then, Li Yunlong and the new 1st Regiment will be in serious danger."

"If I remember correctly, the Yamazaki Battalion belongs to the 29th Mixed Brigade, and that Sato fellow is no pushover!"

The brigade commander’s expression instantly darkened: "I’m heading back immediately! Mobilize reinforcements!"

The deputy commander decided without hesitation: "The entire 386th Brigade must be mobilized! Immediately enter Level One alert! Prepare to counter the Sato Brigade at any time!"

"Yes!"

Without delay, the brigade commander turned and dashed out of the command center, mounted his horse, and plunged into the vast night, galloping furiously toward the garrison with his guards.

Watching the brigade commander’s departing figure, the atmosphere in the command room remained tense, but at least a pillar of strength had appeared.

"With Old Chen here and that batch of heavy weaponry, standing up to the Sato Brigade won’t be too difficult," the chief of staff tried to reassure.

The deputy commander’s gaze was far-reaching as he slowly said, "Perhaps... there might even be a pleasant surprise?"

A faint glimmer of hope rose in his heart.

Then he barked an order sharply: "Send orders to all units! Heighten vigilance! Guard rigorously against enemy feints!"

"Yes!"

The headquarters radio crackled rapidly as commands flew out in all directions.

...

At Cangyun Ridge, the new 1st Regiment’s garrison.

Though deep into the night, the soldiers on watch were all alert and spirited.

Having just experienced a thrilling victory—annihilating over three thousand enemies and capturing mountains of supplies—morale was blazing like fire under oil.

"Squad leader! Something’s happening!" A fresh recruit whispered urgently, pointing toward the dark road ahead.

The squad leader squinted, following the gaze.

Sure enough, a faint light flickered stubbornly through the boundless darkness, like a firefly in the night.

"It’s a vehicle’s headlights! Quick! Notify the company commander!" The squad leader’s heart skipped a beat.

The recruit immediately crouched and ran toward the village.

The squad leader and the others quickly concealed themselves, silently aiming their guns toward the light source.

"Rumble, rumble rumble—"

The engine noise grew closer and clearer.

"Squad leader, it seems like... just one vehicle?" an experienced soldier asked, puzzled.

The squad leader confirmed—it was indeed a lone truck approaching.

A daring thought struck him, making his heart pound wildly: "Could it be... Mr. Lin?! Quickly! Lower your gun barrels! If it’s Mr. Lin, show him the utmost respect! He’s the great benefactor of our new 1st Regiment!"

...