Chapter 12: The Battle Begins

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Xu Gaoxiang roughly outlined the specifications of the mortar. "This is the American M1 81mm mortar, weighing around 61 kilograms in total, with a maximum range of 3,000 meters. It is equipped with conventional high-explosive shells, smoke bombs, and illumination rounds!" As he spoke, Xu Gaoxiang pointed to several open wooden crates. "There are 50 shells in total here: 30 high-explosive rounds, and 10 each of smoke and illumination bombs!"

"The blast radius of the high-explosive shells is 23 meters—no less formidable than the Japanese mountain guns!" Li Yunlong gazed at the mortar’s bowl-sized muzzle and its 3,000-meter range. The destructive power rivaled that of mountain artillery, and a broad smile spread across his face. "Ha ha ha, this comes just in time!"

Judging by the Japanese arrogance, they would never suspect that these so-called ‘rustic fighters’ would possess such large-caliber mortars.

"Ha! Given the Japanese’s usual arrogance, they might have their command post right at the frontline. Well then, Old Li here won’t hold back!" Li Yunlong turned to Xu Gaoxiang, his expression serious. This brother, a veritable godsend, needed protection—there were still hundreds of guns yet to be secured. They had to act quickly before the Japanese forces pressed closer, urging his younger brother to retreat.

"Now that you have your escort, let’s not waste time. Give me an address so we can send someone to find you when the time comes."

Xu Gaoxiang was prepared for this—one of the benefits of having a single designated trading partner. "I’m new here and don’t have a fixed place to stay yet, but…"

With that, he produced two small black square pagers, about the size of a palm, much like the beepers he had seen in his childhood. Their function, however…

"This is a pair of directional communicators. You can make voice contact, just like this!" Xu Gaoxiang handed one to Li Yunlong.

He then raised his own device and pointed to a side button. "Hold down this button and speak into it."

Following his instructions, Li Yunlong pressed the button on the communicator in his hand. It lit up red and vibrated twice, nearly causing him to throw it in surprise.

Seeing Xu Gaoxiang’s amused expression, Li Yunlong glared at him. "You little devil, laughing at Old Li’s expense!"

Pressing the other button as directed, Li Yunlong heard Xu Gaoxiang’s earlier words playback through the communicator.

"Ha ha ha, what a fine gadget!"

Stowing the device carefully in his chest pocket, Li Yunlong was about to send Huzi to bring reinforcements for Wang Chengzhu when a messenger arrived.

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"Report, regimental commander! The enemy’s main force is closing in!"

Li Yunlong’s face hardened. "You retreat first, brother. I’ll deal with these devils."

Xu Gaoxiang’s expression turned serious. "Alright, Old Li, kill as many of those devils as you can for me. We’ll meet again someday!"

Without hesitation, Li Yunlong left a soldier to guide Xu Gaoxiang, then personally grabbed a crate of shells. The group hastened toward the frontline position.

Following behind the soldier, Xu Gaoxiang and two others observed the resolute faces of the Fourth Company soldiers as the entire unit charged toward the front. A feeling welled inside him that he had never experienced during peacetime—a stirring of spirit and determination.

From afar, he caught sight of the backs of the men from the Fifth Squad who had saved him. "I hope we meet again."

Walking silently along the mountain path, flanked closely by Jushi and Arno, Xu Gaoxiang suddenly heard a series of loud explosions from Cangyun Ridge.

The guide glanced back anxiously. Xu Gaoxiang understood his meaning. "Comrade, just lead me the way! Here, take this rifle."

He lifted Arno’s overcoat, exchanged for a pistol, and handed it to the soldier.

The soldier accepted the pistol and magazine without hesitation. "Cross the mountain ahead along this path, then travel east for ten li. There’s a town there—territory of the Jin-Sui Army. Once you reach it, you’ll be safe."

After giving the directions, the soldier saluted Xu Gaoxiang respectfully before turning back to dash toward the Cangyun Ridge position.

Xu Gaoxiang sighed, gazing at the main peak of Cangyun Ridge in the distance. "Sigh… I wonder if just this one mortar can reduce the casualties somewhat. Chengzhu shouldn’t have to sacrifice himself again, right?"

"Let’s go." Gathering his thoughts, Xu Gaoxiang and his two companions gradually disappeared from view.

At the main peak position on Cangyun Ridge, the mortar had just been set up when Li Yunlong hurried through the trenches to an observation post. He crouched at the trench edge, raising his binoculars for a careful survey.

At the distant foothills, Japanese soldiers swarmed like locusts, forming encircling wings from east and west, enclosing the three main peaks of Cangyun Ridge.

Opposite the position of the newly arrived First Regiment, behind the Japanese units, on a dirt slope, Lieutenant Colonel Sakata Nobutetsu of the Third Regiment of the Fourth Brigade received binoculars from his staff officer and listened to the report.

Sakata climbed the slope and began studying the enemy positions. "What is the situation?"

"Report, sir. The enemy has established blocking positions on the main peak of Cangyun Ridge. Our Fourth Battalion has completed flanking maneuvers on both wings, and the Third Battalion is ready to launch a frontal assault!"

The staff officer finished and stood respectfully aside.

Sakata raised an eyebrow. "Omoshire. To shift so swiftly from mobile warfare to positional defense, this opponent is worthy of battle. Let’s hope it isn’t too dull!"

He raised his right hand sharply. "Orders!"

"Yes, sir!" The officer immediately opened his folder and began recording.

"Artillery company, commence fire suppression! The Third Battalion will assault the main Cangyun Ridge position head-on. The Fourth Battalion will infiltrate via flanking maneuvers on both sides. We must annihilate the enemy before midday!"

"Attack!"

With the command given, the Third Regiment responded swiftly. Six 92-type infantry guns from the artillery company adjusted their firing parameters, and the Third Battalion deployed troops rapidly.

Meanwhile, within the trenches of the newly arrived First Regiment, Zhang Dabiao crouched beside Li Yunlong.

Li Yunlong, observing the Japanese movements closely, suddenly spotted a company of enemy troops rapidly assembling. He lowered his binoculars. "Dabiao, notify everyone! The Japanese artillery barrage is coming!"

Zhang Dabiao shouted loudly and dashed through the trenches. "Artillery barrage! Artillery barrage! Artillery barrage…"

Li Yunlong roared, "Quick! Everyone get down!"

Huzi blew a brass whistle with full force, and soon whistles echoed throughout the position.

Upon hearing the signals, the soldiers reacted swiftly and calmly, dropping prone and taking cover in bomb shelters. The concealed observation posts stood firm, eyes glued to the enemy’s movements.

Within minutes, whistling shells tore through the sky—"Whoosh… whoosh… whoosh…"

Boom! A shell exploded on the trench perimeter, raising a cloud of dust. Seconds later, the thunderous barrage continued relentlessly, shells raining down one after another on the First Regiment’s positions.

On the flank, a detachment of the Death-Defying First Brigade was also struck by artillery fire. The battle had begun.