The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 411: Qingyan Canyon Sets a Net and Waits

An hour later, the scout stumbled into the camp, his military cap tilted to the back of his head, and reported breathlessly: "We've just received intelligence from the underground party in Menglong County: The Japanese Matsui Battalion and Yamamoto Cavalry Battalion are heading towards Qingyan Gorge! There are at least 34 of them, carrying Type 34 infantry guns and baggage trucks!"

Lei Tao knelt on one knee, the tip of his bayonet pointing to the canyon on the map, his tone calm: "If the Japanese take the official road, Qingyan Canyon is the only terrain where we can deploy our forces. This is our only chance to meet them head-on!" He tapped the map with the butt of his rifle. "While taking the mountain route can avoid an ambush, it will delay the artillery by at least twelve hours. The gamble is that Zuo Ye Shan Guang dares not abandon his heavy equipment." Tang Zhangshan smashed his pipe: "Wang Huming leads the reconnaissance company to seize the north slope, focusing on building machine gun positions; Zhao Fugui's cavalry company ambushes the pine forest on the west slope, specifically targeting the Japanese grenadiers; Scarface Li and Sun Jinhua are responsible for the canyon exit, blocking the Japanese retreat; Lei Tao..."

Before he could finish, Lei Tao interrupted him: "Captain Tang, don't let me take command. I'll give the command to you. I'll lead "Netherworld" to be responsible for precise strikes to eliminate the Japanese command chain and heavy firepower points..."

Tang Zhangshan looked at Lei Tao, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, and then nodded: "Okay, then I'll trouble you and the Netherworld Squad. You must completely eradicate the Japanese army's command system and heavy firepower points!" After saying this, he looked at everyone again, his expression stern, and his voice raised a few degrees: "Remember, this battle is a matter of life and death. Only victory is allowed, not defeat! Everyone act according to the plan, and move quickly!"

Wang Huming put his feet together and responded loudly: "We guarantee to complete the mission!" Then he turned to the brothers in the reconnaissance company and shouted: "Brothers, carry your weapons and follow me to the north slope!" Everyone shouted in unison, carrying machine guns and ammunition boxes, and ran towards the north slope with firm steps. The heavy breathing and hurried footsteps echoed in the mountains and forests.

Zhao Fugui turned and walked up to his men, raising his arms and shouting, "Brothers, this is our first battle in the true sense, and it's also a great opportunity to prove ourselves! Keep our spirits up, and when we kill the devils later, don't show any mercy! We must wash away the shame on us with the devils' blood!" The cavalrymen tightened their reins, murderous intent flashing in their eyes, and responded in unison, "Yes!" Then, Zhao Fugui jumped on his horse and was about to lead the cavalry to their destination. At this time, Sun Jinhua shouted, "Zhao, you stinky cavalrymen, don't let me rescue you when the fight starts..."

Zhao Fugui heard the voice and leaned slightly sideways on his horse. A hint of unruly smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He replied loudly: "Grandma Sun, don't worry! We cavalrymen are very good at killing the devils. Don't let us down and ask us to rescue you!"

Sun Jinhua said unconvincedly, "Just wait and see!" Turning to her trusted subordinates, she shouted, "Sisters, we can't lose to men. Go kill the devils!"

Scarface Li rubbed his hands together and shouted to his brothers: "Brothers, grab your weapons and go to the canyon exit. Don't let a single Japanese soldier escape!" The two teams quickly ran towards the canyon exit, their figures quickly shuttling through the dense forests, with determination in their eyes.

Lei Tao led the "Ghost" team toward the commanding heights on the south side of the canyon. Along the way, Meng Xiaoyu couldn't help but ask, "Brother Lei, the Japanese are coming with such force this time, can we really succeed?" Lei Tao glanced back at her, his eyes firm and confident, "Don't worry, we're well prepared, and the terrain is in our favor. As long as we all work together, we'll definitely win!"

After reaching the commanding heights, Lei Tao quickly surveyed the surrounding terrain and began methodically assigning tasks: "Zishan, you hold the position behind the large rock to the east. Keep a close eye on the Japanese officers and artillery commander, and strike at the first opportunity. Xiaoyu, you remain hidden in the bushes to the west. If the Japanese infantry begins to charge, strike from the flanks to disrupt their formation. The rest of you, find your hiding places and fire upon my command. Never expose yourselves." The team members quickly dispersed, each finding a suitable hiding spot. Lei Tao quickly walked behind a large tree and retrieved a Springfield sniper rifle and over a hundred rounds of specialized ammunition from the Bagua Top. Holding the rifle and ammunition, Lei Tao quickly approached Liu Zishan and whispered, "Zishan, switch guns." Liu Zishan took the rifle and ammunition, expertly cocked the bolt, and, feeling the weight and texture of the rifle, whispered, "Brother Lei, don't worry. I'll leave no Japanese alive!"

Meanwhile, Wang Huming and his reconnaissance company raced towards the ravine. Upon reaching the ravine, they quickly split into two teams, each climbing the mountainside. The steep and slippery slope forced everyone to use their hands and feet to scramble upward. Someone accidentally cut their hand, but after a simple bandage, they continued their climb. Finally reaching their desired position, everyone immediately set to work. They dug trenches with shovels, piling earth in front of them, reinforced bunkers with stones, set up machine guns and mortars, and meticulously adjusted their firing angles, meticulously scrutinizing every detail. Wang Huming shuttled back and forth between positions, personally inspecting every detail. He crouched down, observing the firing range of a machine gun, then patted the soldier beside him, "Li Dadan, move this machine gun a little to the left. That's where the Japanese are likely gathering. We need to ensure full fire coverage." Li Dadan nodded, and together with his comrades, they slowly moved the heavy machine gun. Everyone is making final preparations for the upcoming war, just waiting for the Japanese army to step into this carefully laid "death trap".

On the Japanese side, the Matsui Battalion, riding in trucks, sped along the winding mountain road toward Qingyan Gorge. Matsui Ichiro sat in the middle of the convoy, his brow furrowed. He would occasionally peer out to survey his surroundings, feeling a sense of unease, a sense that this encirclement and suppression campaign would not go smoothly. He shouted at the soldiers outside, "Everyone, be alert! Beware of rebel ambushes!"

The Yamamoto Cavalry Brigade followed closely behind on their tall horses, the clatter of their hooves echoing loudly. Yamamoto Yuichi, atop his black warhorse, wore a stern expression as he waved his whip, urging the cavalry to speed up. "Hurry up! Don't dawdle! Get to the canyon quickly and wipe out all those rebels!"

Zhao Fugui's cavalrymen were hidden in the woods flanking the canyon. It was so quiet that only the occasional snort of their horses could be heard. The cavalrymen gripped the reins tightly, their eyes fixed on the canyon, their palms sweaty, as they waited for the order to attack.

As the Japanese army entered the canyon, the silence was broken by the steady, heavy sound of footsteps. The Japanese soldiers, clad in dark uniforms, their bayonets gleaming coldly in the dim light. At the front of the column, several Type 92 infantry guns, towed by supply trucks, raised a cloud of dust. They advanced cautiously, unaware that they had stepped into a death trap.

Tang Zhangshan, hidden in a hidden observation point atop the mountain, kept his eyes fixed on the Japanese troops, his binoculars moving as they moved. When the last Japanese soldier entered the ambush circle, he decisively fired his red flare. Instantly, a streak of red light pierced the gray sky, dazzling the valley.

Wang Huming had long been waiting in his bunker on the north slope, his eyes fixed on the canyon entrance. Seeing the red flare, a flicker of determination crossed his tense face. He stood up abruptly, raised his Mauser pistol high, and shouted with all his might, "Fire!"

At the command, the reconnaissance company members rose from their bunkers like tigers unleashed from their cages. Light and heavy machine guns roared in unison, flames gushing out as a barrage of bullets rained down upon the Japanese troops. The interwoven crackle of gunfire sounded the prelude to battle. The mortar positions also sprang into action, their crews expertly loading and adjusting their angles. With a resounding, muffled thud, each shell, trailing long, whistling flames, soared towards the Japanese ranks. The shells exploded among the Japanese troops, sending flames soaring into the sky and sending earth, rocks, and the remains of Japanese soldiers scattering everywhere.

Matsui Ichiro had been sitting in the truck, resting his eyes, when the violent explosion jolted him open. His face instantly turned ashen, veins popping out on his forehead. He kicked open the door and leaped from the truck to the ground.

Matsui Ichiro quickly drew his command knife from his waist, a flash of cold light gleaming through the air. He brandished it and roared at the soldiers around him, "You useless idiots! The heavy machine gun crew prioritizes suppressing the firing points on the north slope! The mortar squad, aim at the pine forest on the west slope and fire!" Then, he kicked the collapsed grenadier and yelled, "Charge!" Suddenly, his adjutant grabbed his arm and pointed upwards into the canyon, "Colonel, enemy sniper!" Before he could finish his words, a bullet from a Springfield sniper rifle pierced the temple of a machine gunner, sending blood splattering on Matsui's cap.

"Everyone, disperse!" Matsui Ichiro suddenly grabbed a messenger by the collar. "Notify the cavalry battalion! Detour through the south wall of the canyon!" His eyes suddenly locked onto the burning truck on the west side. "That sea of ​​fire is the breakthrough point! Blast a passage for me with the grenade launcher!"