The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 416: Tang "Laokou" urges him to go, Lei Tao takes a dangerous road

Just as they finished speaking, the sound of rapid horse hooves suddenly rang out in the distance, instantly shattering the brief silence. Everyone's expressions suddenly changed, and they instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons, looking warily in the direction of the sound, as if facing a formidable enemy...

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Tang Zhangshan, riding a panting warhorse, galloping towards them at lightning speed. Before the horse even stopped, Tang Zhangshan swiftly dismounted and strode quickly to Lei Tao, saying anxiously, "Taozi, it's time to leave. We've been in Liuye County long enough. The constant stream of telegrams from our superiors is driving us crazy!"

A flicker of realization crossed Lei Tao's face, and he responded playfully, "Oh, is this my fault? You guys always keep nagging me about uniting all forces you can unite with. Look, I've just consolidated the two bandit groups in Liuye County for you. They've been reorganized into the 'Liuye County Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Independent Brigade.' I did a great job, didn't I? Isn't that impressive?"

Tang Zhangshan frowned, glanced around at the battlefield filled with smoke and devastation, then looked anxiously at Lei Tao and said quickly, "Taozi, I understand your thoughts. Integrating the bandit forces will indeed be of great benefit to the anti-Japanese war. You have done an excellent job in this matter. But the situation is extremely urgent right now. The superiors are sending urging telegrams one after another. We can't delay any longer."

Lei Tao rolled his eyes and said with a smile: "You did such a great job, shouldn't you give me some money as a reward?"

Tang Zhangshan was both angry and amused. He reached out and gently patted Lei Tao on the back of his head, then scolded him with a smile, "Wages? You're still thinking about it, kid. Once we drive away the Japanese, people all over the country will give you big red flowers. That's much better than wages!"

Lei Tao dodged while laughing and retorted, "You're such a stingy fellow, Tang! You really shouldn't be on the battlefield. You should be the head of logistics. In my opinion, within a year, the warehouses at headquarters will be packed to the brim!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Zhangshan's eyes widened, and he made a move to hit Lei Tao again, but Lei Tao dodged him easily like a nimble monkey. Tang Zhangshan helplessly dropped his hand, sighing and cursing, "You kid, you're still making fun of me! You're calling me 'stingy'? These are special times, aren't they? Every bullet, every grain of food is precious. Every penny saved is a penny earned. This is all for the sake of our great cause of resisting the Japanese."

Scarface Li, who was listening nearby, was overjoyed and laughed at the top of his lungs. "Haha, Captain Lei, you're hilarious. But Commander Tang, I think you're right to be stingy. When I was a bandit, I used the loot sparingly too. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to last so long."

Sun Jinhua couldn't help but chuckle and jokingly said, "If Commander Tang were really put in charge of logistics, the headquarters warehouse would probably not only be full, but overflowing!"

Tang Zhangshan felt a little embarrassed by the chatter, so he waved his hand and quickly changed the subject: "Alright, alright, stop talking nonsense. Hurry up and pack up and get ready to go. Business is important, and we can't delay any longer."

Lei Tao was not satisfied and continued to say with a smile: "Tang 'General Manager', before we set off, can you please improve the food for everyone? We just finished the battle and have to travel again. We have no energy without any food in our stomachs."

Tang Zhangshan glared at Lei Tao and said unhappily, "Improve the food? I'll be thankful to have some solid food to fill my stomach. After this battle, I'll treat you to a big meal, okay?"

Zhao Fugui also joined in the fun: "Commander Tang, I'll remember what you said. I have to keep my word when the time comes. I'm looking forward to eating the braised pork!"

Everyone burst into laughter, and the tense and oppressive atmosphere suddenly relaxed a lot. At this moment, the soldier in charge of the alert rushed over to report: "Everything is normal around here, and there are no traces of Japanese troops at the moment."

Tang Zhangshan immediately put away his smile, regained his serious expression, and gave a loud order: "Okay, in this case, each team should assemble quickly according to the plan and prepare to set off!" Everyone took action and packed up their things quickly and orderly.

After arranging matters here, Lei Tao quickly walked to the front of the "Liuye County Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Independent Battalion" and his expression became serious: "Old Li, Miss Sun, after the team is reorganized, you will follow Commander Tang. He is experienced and we will definitely win more battles by following him. You must obey his orders strictly."

Scarface Li scratched his head, puffed out his chest, and said with a simple and honest face: "Captain Lei, don't worry, we will definitely listen to Commander Tang. It's just that we are reluctant to leave you."

Sun Jinhua nodded slightly, her eyes full of reluctance: "Captain Lei, don't worry, we will take good care of ourselves and will definitely lead the team well."

Then, Lei Tao came to the middle of the "Ghost Squad" members, his eyes firm and fervent, and said loudly: "Brothers, we have received a new mission. We have to cross the Japanese-occupied area and go to the secret camp deep in the mountains and old forests in Pingyi County, the Second War Zone. Together with our comrades there and a group of soldiers selected by the headquarters, we will start the final tactical training. Along the way, the Japanese strongholds are scattered everywhere, patrols are wandering everywhere, and the dangers are countless. But we are the 'Ghost Squad', dancing on the edge of a knife. The more difficult and dangerous the obstacles, the more we can show our extraordinary abilities!"

Team member Liu Zishan rubbed his hands together, his face flushed with excitement as he said excitedly, "Captain, I'm just looking forward to seeing some tough guys! We didn't get enough of the last fight with the Japs. This time when we're crossing the Japanese-occupied area, I'm sure we'll get the chance to give them a good beating!"

Meng Xiaoyu rolled her eyes at him and snorted softly, "You only know how to fight and kill. Our top priority is to reach the secret camp safely. Don't let the time pass when the time comes and you fail to accomplish what your superiors have told you to do, and then just show off your bravery." As she spoke, she skillfully checked the gun in her hand, her slender fingers quickly pulling the bolt, her eyes focused and calm, revealing a reassuring composure.

Lei Tao looked at his team members with a gratified smile on his face. "Zishan's momentum cannot be lost, and Xiaoyu's caution is also crucial. We must move forward boldly, but also be cautious. This time, after meeting up with our comrades in the secret camp, the tactical training we will undergo will make us stronger, and we will be more confident in future battles against the Japanese."

Tang Zhangshan walked over and looked at Lei Tao, his eyes full of worry and concern: "Taozi, it's too dangerous to cross the Japanese-occupied area. You must be careful in everything. Be sure to contact me in time if there is any situation."

Lei Tao patted Tang Zhangshan on the shoulder and said with a confident smile, "Old Tang, don't worry, I know what's going on. You and your troops should also pay attention to safety. Maybe one day we can fight side by side on the battlefield again."

Afterwards, Lei Tao and the "Ghost Squad" carefully packed their equipment, waved goodbye to the main force, and resolutely embarked on the arduous journey through the Japanese-occupied area. Their bodies were nimble, like a group of cheetahs, swiftly moving through the mountains and forests with skillful and smooth movements. They soon disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, leaving only the rustling of leaves.

Tang Zhangshan stood for a long time, gazing in the direction they departed, silently praying for their safety. After a moment, he took a deep breath, turned his head, and looked at the men of the "Liuye County Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Independent Battalion." He shouted, "Move out!" The team marched mightily in the other direction, the clatter of footsteps and horse hooves blending into a melody of hope and determination. On this war-torn land, two teams, shouldering different missions, marched resolutely toward the unknown. Their figures stretched out in the setting sun.