198: Go for it!

122nd Division Headquarters.

The atmosphere inside the low-ceilinged headquarters was heavy.

The light from the oil lamp flickered across several faces filled with frustration and anger.

Feng Tiankui, Luo Jialie, Lu Fan, Li Zhenshan, Bai Jinbiao, Feng Hanqing, and others were gathered around a simple map table.

After receiving the ceasefire order, everyone had gathered for a temporary emergency meeting.

“Damn it! This battle is being fought so pathetically!” Feng Tiankui slammed his fist on the table, making the map jump.

Li Zhenshan chimed in, “We were just about to take a bite out of that fat piece of meat, the 9th Division, and then a single piece of paper makes all our hard work go to waste!”

Luo Jialie asked with utter confusion, “Boss Lu, Brother Feng, you two have seen the world. Tell us, what is the high command thinking?”

The two exchanged a glance, and Feng Hanqing spoke first. “I suspect the problem still lies with certain people in Jinling.

First, it's nothing more than power struggles and personal interests; they treat the war as a bargaining chip for their own gain.

Second, they harbor unrealistic fantasies, hoping for external mediation to end the war and avoid its expansion.”

As the former second-in-command of the famous Young Marshal Faction in the Northeast, Feng Hanqing cut straight to the point from a political perspective.

Although he didn't name names specifically,

those who understood knew he was referring to the two top leaders in Jinling.

After Feng Hanqing finished, everyone turned their gaze toward Lu Fan.

“Old Feng is right, but I believe the primary reason is that the fighting has been too brutal. Everything stems from the days of bloody combat.”

Lu Fan passed around a round of cigarettes, lit one, and continued, “According to reliable information from the front,

in places like Baoshan and the Wusong Estuary, the casualties for various units have been extremely heavy, and entire organized units have been depleted.

The average time from a soldier stepping onto the battlefield to their death is less than two minutes. Jinling is terrified; they're worried about losing all their capital.”

“That makes sense! At its root, it's the excessive casualties that triggered this,” Feng Tiankui summarized incisively.

He then instructed Luo Jialie, “Jialie, show everyone the battle damage statistics handed over by the Friendly Forces earlier.”

Luo Jialie handed over a document, his voice heavy. “Everyone, please look at the specific casualty figures.

In Luodian alone, an entire division plus a brigade has been thrown in over the past three days. The casualty numbers are staggering.”

Behind those cold numbers were countless vibrant lives.

And these lost lives confirmed Lu Fan's speculation: the massive casualties had caused hesitation and fear among the decision-makers.

“What do we do next?” Feng Hanqing asked the crucial question. “Are we just going to watch the Japs catch their breath?”

Surprisingly, Feng Tiankui, who had just been strictly obeying orders, now had a flash of decisive, murderous intent in his eyes.

“What do we do? Orders are for those wearing uniforms.” He slowly took off his military uniform and draped it over the ceasefire order with a wicked smile.

Then, he turned to Lu Fan, stood at attention, and said loudly, “Member Feng Tiankui reporting to the Security Team Leader!”

Though he stopped there, everyone understood perfectly—he was going to defy orders.

Feng Tiankui's action meant completely giving up potential military merits and logistical supplies.

He was fighting purely to kill the enemy, even if it meant bearing all the risks alone!

This kind of 'sink the boats' determination, regardless of gain or loss, moved everyone present!

Li Zhenshan finally realized and clapped his hands. “That's right! After being a soldier for a day, I forgot I have another identity.

Ceasefire orders can control regular troops, but they can't control the Security Team.

Division Commander Feng, the old fox is indeed the wisest.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Change gear!” Lu Fan smiled slightly.

“Good! Boss Lu, Jialie, pass the word down: those willing to kill Japs, change gear!” Feng Tiankui ordered without hesitation.

Lu Fan immediately leaned over the map, speaking rapidly, “The Japs have just been defeated and are facing a ceasefire; their guard will inevitably be down.

Right now, it's pouring rain outside—this is a god-given opportunity. We will use the heavy rain and the cover of night to launch a lightning strike!”

“Li Zhenshan!” Lu Fan ordered loudly. “The core of this operation: combined arms. You are in charge of the Tank Assault Team.

As the spearhead of the assault, don't be stingy with ammunition. Tear through the Japs' forward positions at maximum speed.

Drive straight into their core headquarters and artillery positions!”

“Un-der-stood!” Li Zhenshan was excited, drawing out the word.

Lu Fan immediately called on the next commanders: “Bai Jinbiao, Feng Hanqing.”

The two stood straight and responded, “Present!”

“You are in charge of the main infantry force. Follow closely behind the tanks, clear out the remaining enemies, and expand our gains! Remember, coordinate your movements and cover each other.”

Lu Fan issued the combat tasks clearly and concisely, adding a deliberate emphasis at the end.

Bai Jinbiao and Feng Hanqing exchanged a look and responded steadily, “Yes!”

After instructing the two, Lu Fan turned around. “Division Commander Feng, Adjutant Luo, the key to combined arms is coordination.

Follow closely behind Bai Jinbiao and Feng Hanqing, keep your subordinates in check, and cooperate with the tank-infantry coordination.”

The two men, now out of uniform, replied seriously and earnestly, “No problem, we will definitely follow the team leaders' arrangements.”

With the tasks assigned, Lu Fan scanned the group and said slowly, “This sortie is a special case; we need a quick resolution.

Therefore, I have only one requirement: everyone must follow orders to the letter.

I will remain in the rear to provide information support and report enemy movements in a timely manner.

Everyone, begin pre-battle preparations. We depart in half an hour.”

“Roger!”

The plan was set, and everyone went to prepare.

In the afternoon, dark clouds covered the sky, thunder rumbled, and the rain poured down.

The officers and soldiers of the 122nd Division silently took off their Sichuan Army uniforms, revealing the modern combat gear and bulletproof vests provided by Lu Fan.

After checking their weapons, the column set out silently, like a blade unsheathed in the dark night, striking quietly.

The torrential rain reduced visibility to a minimum, perfectly hiding the Security Team's movements.

The peals of muffled thunder masked the roar of the engines.

Timing, geography, and morale were all in alignment at this moment.

With Feng Tiankui's shout—“Ancestors above, protect us as we wipe out the Japs!”—

eighteen type 80 main battle tanks, like steel behemoths, rolled out of their hidden positions.

Following behind was the 122nd Security Division, all dressed in camouflage.

Half an hour later, Li Zhenshan sat in his tank, looking at the faint outline of the enemy positions ahead.

Lu Fan's cold voice came over the radio: “One kilometer from the enemy position. Li Zhenshan, it's up to you!”

Li Zhenshan forcibly suppressed his inner restlessness and ordered calmly, “All units, assault formation. Every vehicle, take note.

This operation is tank-infantry coordination. Control your speed and follow instructions strictly.”

“Understood...”

Bai Jinbiao and the others received the instructions and quickly passed them down.

In an instant, a murderous aura rose from the troops advancing through the mud.

Every single soldier felt like they had been injected with adrenaline, accelerating to keep pace with the charging tanks.

“Distance 500 meters. All units, load high-explosive shells! Brothers, floor the gas pedals! Open fire with everything you've got when we make contact!”

The Jap positions were close at hand, and Li Zhenshan could no longer hold back.

Fueled by his racing blood, he shouted, “Infantry brothers, watch your distance! Charge!”