114: Chapter 114 In a hurry, stumbling and crawling!

At the same time.

The Japanese infantry units naturally noticed the earth-shattering explosion coming from the direction of the artillery positions.

The soaring flames and billowing thick smoke were clearly visible even from a dozen miles away.

Not to mention the continuous, earthquake-like roar.

"Nani?"

"What's the situation?"

"It's from the direction of the artillery positions!"

"An explosion? Did our own artillery misfire?"

"No... these explosions are too dense! It doesn't look like an accident!"

"Could it be... the Eighth Route Army launched a sneak attack on our artillery?"

Japanese commanders of all levels and ordinary soldiers were all dumbfounded.

Wasn't it agreed that the heavy artillery would level He County?

How did their own artillery positions blow up first?

However, before they could recover from this sudden change and make an effective response—

Inside He County, the 107mm Rocket Launcher Battalion, which had already adjusted its firing parameters based on the coordinates of the infantry assembly areas provided by scouts, opened fire!

Shen Wang had brought 20 units of 107mm rockets before, and this time he brought another 18, making a total of 38 units.

Although not as many as the 36 Katyushas, it wasn't far off!

Swoosh swoosh swoosh swoosh—!!!

Unlike the vertical strikes of the Katyushas falling from the sky, the trajectory of the 107mm rockets was flatter, carrying a piercing whistle.

They raced toward the Japanese and Puppet Army' preset infantry ambush positions, assembly points, and headquarters tent areas!

Boom boom boom boom—!

Although the power of a single 107mm rocket was not as great as a 132mm rocket, they were striking infantry targets that lacked heavy armor protection and were relatively exposed!

In an instant, the Japanese and Puppet troop positions were also plunged into a sea of fire and chaos!

The Japanese infantry, who were assembling and waiting to pounce on He County, were blown off their feet by this sudden artillery fire.

Temporary fortifications were vulnerable before the 107mm rockets; tents were torn apart and ignited, and soldiers huddled together were blown to pieces.

"Enemy attack! Shelling! Disperse! Disperse quickly!"

"baka! Where is our artillery?! Why haven't they suppressed them?!"

"Signalman! Contact Regiment Headquarters! Contact the artillery! What on earth is happening?!"

"Medic! Help is needed here!"

...

Panic-stricken shouts, shrill screams, and frantic orders rose one after another.

The previous calmness and ease instantly turned into a hurried scramble!

The Japanese Soldiers no longer cared about any plans. Amidst the rockets flying from the sky and the constant explosions, they scrambled to find cover or tried to flee the bombing area like headless flies.

Looking down from the sky, with He County at the center, the Japanese deployments on the periphery that originally crouched like fierce tigers were now in a mess, with smoke and fire rising everywhere in several key areas, especially the artillery positions and some infantry assembly points.

"Reporting to Headquarters! Mountain Eagle Observation Point No. 26 reports that the 3rd Battalion of the 222nd Regiment, 36th Division on the southern line has suffered a devastating blow, and the remnants are fleeing to the southwest!"

"Report! The main assembly area of the Puppet 'Peace Preservation Corps' 8th Regiment coming from City Name on the northern line has been covered by dense rocket fire; their organization is in chaos and they are fleeing in all directions!"

"Report! Near Hill 379 on the eastern line, the 7th Infantry Battalion of the Independent Mixed 3rd Brigade has suffered heavy casualties and has lost organization!"

"Report! The 2nd Battalion of the 225th Regiment, 37th Division on the western line has had its position overturned..."

"Report..."

...

One report after another, filled with excited, trembling voices, poured into the He County Headquarters through walkie-talkies like popping beans.

Staff officers quickly marked the map. The red arrows and areas that originally represented threats were being crossed out with black 'X's representing 'destroyed' or 'scattered' one by one.

War is not just a competition of guns, ammunition, and manpower, but also information!

If the Japanese hadn't insisted on 'besieging a point to strike reinforcements,' it would have been impossible for the Eighth Route Army to receive such detailed information.

Of course, the most important thing was the Backpack Walkie-talkies brought by Shen Wang.

The Japanese never dreamed that you could damn well call the headquarters directly from the front line!

Listening to these reports, even though the Brigade Commander was mentally prepared, his hand holding the red and blue pencil still paused slightly.

It worked! It really worked!

Relying on these miraculous pieces of equipment brought by Shen Wang and the seven days of life-risking training by the soldiers, they had actually, in a head-on confrontation with a mere ten thousand plus troops, repelled—or even crushed—the siege of a hundred thousand Japanese and Puppet Army!

A month ago, this would have been an unthinkable fantasy!

"Good! Well fought!" The Brigade Commander slammed the table. "The Japanese are in chaos, and their morale is shattered! Pass my order—"

"Full-scale assault! Hit them hard! We must thoroughly hurt and cripple these hundred thousand enemy troops! Give them a psychological shadow that lasts a lifetime!"

"Yes!!"

Li Yunlong and the others roared like thunder, their eyes red with excitement as they turned and rushed out of the headquarters.

They had been impatient for a long time!

Soon, the gates of He County swung wide.

Roars erupted everywhere!

Leading the charge were ten 99A Main Battle Tanks!

The 125mm cannons looked down disdainfully; low engine roars thundered as the tracks ground over the earth, leaving deep ruts.

Following closely behind were a full sixty type 59 medium tanks that had just been deployed!

Although not as monstrous as the 99A, their 100mm main guns and 120mm equivalent frontal armor still made them undisputed overlords on this battlefield!

On the flanks and rear of the tank cluster, twenty Katyusha rocket launchers that had just completed emergency reloading and twenty 107mm Rocket Launchers were towed by trucks, following the advance, ready to provide new rounds of fire coverage at any time.

Behind them were four 85mm Anti-aircraft Guns and twelve 37mm Anti-aircraft Guns to deal with potential air attacks.

If there were no air raids, anti-aircraft guns could also be leveled for direct fire!

At the very back of the column were over a hundred military trucks filled with infantry! The soldiers gripped their Type 56 assault rifles tightly, with RPGs placed beside them.

Except for the necessary city defense troops, almost the entire garrison of He County poured out!

Completely mechanized!

Tanks cleared the way, artillery accompanied, and infantry followed!

The soldiers were each exceptionally excited!

This firepower configuration and mobility—even a Japanese Grade A Division couldn't compare!

The soldiers and civilians left on the city walls and by the streets watched this never-before-seen, suffocatingly powerful army march out of the city, all moved to tears of excitement, their cheers shaking the heavens!

This scene was too inspiring! Too spectacular!

Inside the headquarters, Shen Wang and the Brigade Commander stood side by side at the observation port.

The Brigade Commander refused to let Shen Wang join the assault no matter what, which left Shen Wang somewhat regretful, but he understood it was for his own protection.

He looked at the 'luxurious' sortie lineup outside the window, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.

Forget a Japanese Grade A Division; even Little Mustache's army groups were only so-so compared to this!

If those hundred or so trucks were replaced with armored personnel carriers, it would be a proper heavy combined arms brigade!

Over ten thousand soldiers, nearly two hundred tanks and trucks, charged at full speed in the direction of the fleeing Japanese...