138: Departure from Nanyuan

The side hall of the Taoist Temple was filled with the smell of disinfectant alcohol and wound medicine.

Lu Fan was carefully disinfecting and changing the bandages for a team member whose arm had been pierced by a bullet.

Looking at the cheerful old soldiers, he couldn't help but admire them.

During the suturing yesterday, to avoid affecting their trigger-pulling speed later, they all refused anesthesia one by one.

Even though Lu Fan argued until he was blue in the face, assuring them that his anesthesia wouldn't damage their finger nerves, these men stubbornly refused to listen.

All to ensure the sensitivity of their finger nerves, guaranteeing they could pull the trigger to kill the enemy at the first moment.

During the suturing, these men not only didn't utter a sound but could also chat and laugh with their comrades.

They somewhat resembled the legendary Martial Saint scraping poison from his bones.

Lin Yanqiu was skillfully handing over bandages and medicine nearby.

After treating all the wounded, the situation remained quite optimistic.

Under the effect of penicillin, the conditions of the eleven wounded were stable, with no infections or fevers.

This allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

Considering the tense war situation, to guard against unexpected events.

Lu Fan took out bottles of Xiaohaha Purified Water mixed with [Large Bottle Primary Enhancement Potion] and distributed them to everyone.

"Xiao Lin, make sure everyone drinks it, remember everyone, including you all!" Lu Fan issued the order seriously.

These old soldiers were good in every way, except they were damn too frugal.

If he didn't say anything, many wouldn't be willing to drink such good water.

"Boss, we have a guest." Zhang Tingshu quickly walked in, his face carrying a hint of gravity.

He leaned close to Lu Fan's ear and whispered: "The 38th Division Commander of the 29th Army, General Zhang Zhongguo, has arrived and is in the main hall."

"Zhang Zhongguo?" Lu Fan's eyes sharpened.

This was a famous anti-Japanese general who left a significant mark in history and ultimately died heroically for his country!

He immediately stood up: "Quickly take me to see him."

In the main hall, a tall, resolute-faced middle-aged military officer in a crisp general's woolen uniform stood solemnly.

Behind him followed over a dozen elite guards.

His brow carried the martial spirit of a soldier, yet it couldn't hide a lingering trace of gloom.

"General Zhang, your esteemed presence is an honor; I apologize for not welcoming you properly!" Lu Fan clasped his fists in salute, his tone sincere.

"Boss Lu, you're too polite. Your generous donation last time resolved Beijing's material shortage problem; I am deeply grateful," Zhang Zhongguo returned the salute, his voice loud and clear, his sharp gaze sweeping over the spirited, peculiarly equipped Security Team Members.

"Nephew Zhang has briefly described your recent heroic deeds to me!

At Wenzi Mountain, at Dragon King Temple, in Langfang, along the railway lines, you severely damaged the Japanese invaders and upheld our nation's prestige! I admire you!"

"General Zhang, you flatter me; it's just our duty," Lu Fan replied.

Lu Fan invited Zhang Zhongguo to sit inside the temple, with Zhang Tingshu and Li Zhenshan also accompanying them.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Zhongguo praised the Security Team's achievements generously and was greatly encouraged by their complete annihilation of the Japanese devils.

However, both Lu Fan and Zhang Tingshu keenly sensed.

This general, known for his loyalty and bravery, had an indescribable heaviness and helplessness hidden deep in his eyes.

"General Zhang, you seem... troubled?" Lu Fan offered a Hualiqun cigarette, probing.

Zhang Zhongguo lit the cigarette and fell silent, only letting out a long sigh after a while, filled with humiliation and indignation.

Then, with a look of dejection, he spoke: "To be honest with you, Mr. Lu, I just returned from Tianjin... accompanying Army Commander Song to apologize to that Japanese commander, Katsuaki Kōzuki!"

"Apologize?!" Li Zhenshan exclaimed in shock, almost slamming the table and standing up, but was restrained by Zhang Tingshu's glance.

"Yes, apologize!" Zhang Zhongguo's face turned ashen, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white.

"This time, following Army Commander Song to Tianjin, I thought we held the advantage on the battlefield and could forcefully order the Japanese to cease fire.

But upon arriving in Tianjin, things were completely different from what I imagined. Army Commander Song was submissive in the talks, constantly making concessions.

Not only did he lack the backbone a Chinese soldier should have, but he also begged the Japanese invaders to show mercy and grant peace!

I... I simply couldn't bear to watch and angrily left midway!

Such behavior is no different from making a pact with a tiger, inviting humiliation upon oneself.

It also chills the hearts of the frontline soldiers fighting bloodily!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Fan and the others felt their minds go blank, their cerebellums shrinking.

Inflicting heavy blows on the Japanese continuously, yet groveling for peace.

What the hell kind of magical operation is this?

Thinking about it made anger surge in their chests.

Even more detestable, Song Zheyuan still harbored illusions about these jackals, still engaging in such self-destructive actions.

Just then, one of Zhang Zhongguo's personal guards rushed in hurriedly.

Handing over a just-received telegram: "Division Commander! An urgent telegram from Division Commander Zhao!"

Zhang Zhongguo quickly unfolded the telegram, glanced at it, his face changed drastically, and he stood up abruptly.

"Outrageous! Just finished peace talks, and now they've gathered forces from three directions to attack Southern Camp; Southern Camp is in critical danger!"

He slammed the telegram heavily on the table, clasped his fists to Lu Fan and said: "Mr. Lu! Southern Camp is the southern gateway to Beijing and must not be lost.

Division Commander Zhao is fighting bitterly at Southern Camp; I must immediately lead my troops to reinforce them. I take my leave now!"

"General Zhang, wait!" Lu Fan suddenly stood up, his eyes sharp as knives.

"With Southern Camp in crisis, how can we stand by and watch? General, how many troops are you taking on this trip?"

Zhang Zhongguo glanced at the Guard Company behind him and said gravely: "Leaving Tianjin in haste, I only brought a Guard Company, about a hundred men."

"A hundred men?!" Lu Fan frowned deeply, "The Japanese besieging Southern Camp must have significant forces! General, going there would be like a drop in the bucket!"

He looked at the death-defying determination in Zhang Zhongguo's eyes.

Then swept his gaze over the equally indignant, battle-ready Security Team Members and student soldiers like Lin Yanqiu beside him.

Instantly, he made a decision in his heart.

"General Zhang's loyalty and righteousness are admirable! But saving the country and killing the enemy is not the task of one person or one army!"

Lu Fan said resolutely: "We are willing to accompany the general to Wanping, lend General Zhang a hand, and jointly resist the Japanese invaders!"

"This..." Zhang Zhongguo looked at the team behind Lu Fan, though not large in number.

It exuded an elite, iron-blooded spirit, with equipment far beyond its time; a flicker of excitement and hope flashed in his eyes.

"Mr. Lu, your noble righteousness! I... on behalf of the Southern Camp defenders and the elders of Beijing, thank you!"

"No time to lose! Set off immediately!" Lu Fan said no more, turned and ordered: "Tingshu, assemble the team!

Lightly wounded follow the team; seriously wounded stay behind under Lin Yanqiu's care.

Everyone check your equipment and ammunition.

Target: Southern Camp!"

"Yes!" Zhang Tingshu and Li Zhenshan responded thunderously, their eyes bursting with fervent fighting spirit.

The Security Team Members quickly sprang into action, efficiently organizing their equipment.

In the time it takes to smoke a cigarette, to Lu Fan's surprise.

His order for the wounded to stay behind wasn't carried out; instead, everyone assembled, each brimming with fighting spirit.

Seeing this, he said no more, waved his hand grandly, and agreed to the expedition.

He knew that even if he forced them to stay, these people would secretly follow later.

Once thePassion (hot blood) in the bones of the Chinese people is ignited, it's not easily cooled down.

"All personnel! Move out!"

At Lu Fan's command, the team set off on their journey once again.