Bright Sword: This unit is really ruthless

"Very good," Zhang Ling nodded, with a hint of satisfaction in his tone, "Zhang Dabiao, you have always had strong execution ability, keep it up."

Zhang Dabiao heard this and showed a relieved smile on his face. He straightened his back and said, "Yes, Commander!"

"Monk, what about you?" Zhang Ling turned and looked at the monk.

The monk scratched his head and chuckled, "Commander, I followed the rules this time and didn't cause you any trouble. But... you know, I get a little itchy when I start to fight, so I took down the enemy outpost as well."

Zhang Ling frowned after hearing this: "Monk, your mission is to investigate, try not to reveal your identity."

"Commander, I know, but the enemy has discovered me, so I have to take action!" The monk had an innocent expression on his face, but there was a hint of mischief in his tone.

Zhang Ling sighed. Knowing the monk's character, he was too lazy to say more: "Pay attention next time. The mission was completed well."

"Yes, Commander!" the monk and Zhang Dabiao answered in unison.

Zhang Ling waved his hand and asked the two to leave. He watched them leave, but his heart was still uneasy. War is a complex art. In addition to strategy and courage, discipline and obedience are more important. But when his soldiers are as unruly as Li Yunlong and the monk, Zhang Ling can't help but worry.

"Am I too lenient with them?" Zhang Ling thought to himself, then sat back at the table and began to organize the latest battle report.

At this moment, Blind Cheng rushed in and broke Zhang Ling's thoughts: "Commander, Xiuqin brought a few people back from the front line, there is an emergency!"

"Xiuqin is back?" Zhang Ling's heart tightened and he quickly stood up, "Take me to see her."

Xiuqin is one of Zhang Ling's most trusted investigators, and her intelligence is always accurate. Zhang Ling followed Cheng Xiazi all the way to the temporary medical station on the front line, and saw Xiuqin sitting by the bed, with a bandage on her leg, pale but firm eyes.

"Xiuqin, how are you?" Zhang Ling asked anxiously.

"Commander, I'm fine." Xiuqin forced a smile. "The enemy is making a big move. They are secretly mobilizing troops and preparing to attack our flank."

Zhang Ling's heart sank suddenly: "Are you sure?"

"Sure, I intercepted their telegram and translated the content." Xiuqin handed a telegram in her hand to Zhang Ling.

Zhang Ling took the message, quickly read it, and cursed inwardly. The enemy was indeed cunning, and this time they actually planned to attack from the flank, intending to cut off the Eighth Route Army's retreat.

"Xiuqin, you did a great job. Go back and have a rest. Leave the rest to me." Zhang Ling comforted her.

"Commander, I can still help." Xiuqin said stubbornly.

"No, you need to rest now. This is an order." Zhang Ling said firmly.

Xiuqin nodded helplessly, but Zhang Ling saw deep reluctance in her eyes. Zhang Ling patted her shoulder, signaling her to rest assured, and he quickly walked back to the command center to start planning a new defense plan.

"Adjutant, notify all commanders immediately

Zhang Ling obtained more than a dozen standard cannons and prepared to attack the hill.

After Zhang Ling returned to the headquarters, he immediately summoned several key members including Li Yunlong, Zhao Gang, Heshang, Zhang Dabiao and Cheng Xiazi. In the conference room, several worn-out maps were spread on the table. Zhang Ling stood in the middle, staring at the hilltops marked with enemy garrisons with his eyes.

"Everyone, listen up. We now have new equipment - more than a dozen standard cannons!" Zhang Ling's voice echoed in the small room, his tone full of firmness and determination. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We must use this batch of artillery to completely take down the several hilltops occupied by the enemy."

Li Yunlong's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he couldn't help asking, "Commander Zhang Ling, cannons are good things, but can we use artillery smoothly?"

"That's right. Artillery training takes time." Zhao Gang also said, "Besides, the enemy is not a pushover. They will definitely not let us get close to the top of the mountain easily."

Zhang Ling nodded. He had anticipated these problems. "You are right. Artillery is indeed a problem. But fortunately, we have several retired artillery masters who can quickly train new recruits so that we can master these cannons as soon as possible. In addition, regarding the enemy's defense... we need to make a detailed plan to ensure that our artillery can exert its maximum power before the enemy reacts."

The monk touched his bald head and said excitedly: "Commander, how about I take a few people to explore the area near the top of the mountain and see the enemy's defense situation?"

Zhang Ling pondered for a moment and nodded: "Okay, monk, you take a small team to investigate the enemy's specific deployment. Remember, don't alert the enemy."

"Understood, Commander!" The monk patted his chest and left after receiving the order.

After the monk left, Zhang Ling turned to Li Yunlong: "Yunlong, the importance of this mission is self-evident. The main force you lead must cooperate with the artillery operations. Do you have confidence?"

Li Yunlong grinned, revealing a row of white teeth: "Commander Zhang Ling, don't worry, as soon as the artillery fire sounds, I and my brothers will guarantee to smash the enemy's head to the ground!"

Zhang Ling was slightly comforted by Li Yunlong's confidence. "This attack is crucial. The hilltop occupied by the enemy not only has a geographical advantage, but also has a large number of troops that cannot be underestimated. Zhao Gang, you and Li Yunlong will be responsible for the overall tactical deployment and ensure coordination between various units."

"Yes, Commander." Zhao Gang nodded in response, then picked up his notebook and began to record, with a trace of thought in his eyes, "Commander Zhang Ling, how long will the artillery training you mentioned take?"

Zhang Ling looked up at the clock on the wall, a stern look flashed in his eyes: "We don't have much time, two days at most. After two days, no matter how well prepared we are, we must launch an attack."

Li Yunlong frowned slightly. "Two days? Time is a bit tight. But if we delay any longer, the enemy will definitely find out what we are doing."

"That's why we have to race against time." Zhang Ling said in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "The enemy has been active these past few days, and their reinforcements are on the way. If we wait until they arrive, our chances will be even slimmer."

Zhao Gang nodded gently: "Commander Zhang Ling is right. Although two days is a short time, if we go all out, we should be able to train the artillery to the minimum combat standard."

"Zhao Gang, go coordinate the artillery training and gather the best instructors and recruits." Zhang Ling gave the order quickly.

"Understood." Zhao Gang put away his notebook and immediately turned around to make arrangements.

Zhang Ling and Li Yunlong were the only ones left in the room, and the air was filled with a tense atmosphere. Zhang Ling's eyes moved away from the map and fell on Li Yunlong: "Yunlong, you must stay calm during this operation. I know you like to fight hard, but we can't take any risks this time."

Li Yunlong raised his head and looked directly at Zhang Ling: "Commander Zhang Ling, I know this battle is very important. Don't worry, I will act according to the plan and will never do anything rash."

Zhang Ling nodded and patted Li Yunlong on the shoulder: "Okay, I believe you."

Li Yunlong nodded solemnly and left the room. Zhang Ling looked at his departing figure, with mixed emotions in his heart. Li Yunlong was a rare talent, but his personality sometimes made Zhang Ling uneasy. However, at this juncture, Zhang Ling had no choice but to pass the heavy responsibility to Li Yunlong.

A few hours later, the monk returned to the headquarters with several investigators, looking exhausted. Zhang Ling saw him coming in and immediately asked, "What's the situation?"

The monk took a breath and brushed off the dirt on his body. "Commander Zhang Ling, the enemy's defense line is much denser than we thought. They have deployed several layers of sentries around the top of the mountain, especially the sentries on the flanks, which are guarded very tightly."

"Have you discovered the enemy's artillery positions?" Zhang Ling asked.

"Yes, we found that they have an open area on the south side of the top of the mountain where several cannons are placed. Although the number of artillery is small, the position is extremely advantageous. If we attack rashly, we will likely suffer a devastating blow." The monk replied with a frown.

After hearing this, Zhang Ling's face became serious: "It seems that the enemy has made preparations for defense. We cannot underestimate their reaction speed."

The monk nodded and said, "Commander, I think we have to find a way to get rid of the enemy's artillery first. Otherwise, no matter how powerful our artillery is, they will counterattack and destroy us to ashes."

Zhang Ling pondered for a moment, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Monk, can you take a few people to sneak into the enemy's rear and destroy their artillery positions?"

The monk was stunned for a moment, then he laughed excitedly: "Commander, you think highly of me! This mission is indeed dangerous, but I am willing to give it a try."

"Okay, you take your reconnaissance team and go around the enemy's defense line and try to kill their artillery as quietly as possible." Zhang Ling said in a firm tone.

"Got it!" The monk's eyes sparkled with excitement, "I'll definitely do a great job for you this time!"

Zhang Ling nodded, and watched the monk lead his men away, still feeling uneasy. Although he had confidence in the monk's ability, the enemy was not an easy opponent, and this mission was full of unknown dangers.

At the same time, Zhao Gang also brought the latest progress of artillery training: "Commander Zhang Ling, the artillery has already started intensive training. Although time is tight, everyone is doing their best."

Zhang Ling nodded, with a hint of relief in his voice: "Thank you for your hard work, Zhao Gang. In this battle, we must win with one strike and not give the enemy a chance to react."

Zhao Gang nodded gently: "I understand, Commander Zhang Ling. We will continue to intensify training in the next two days to ensure that the artillery can accurately strike the target."

Zhang Ling walked to the window and looked out into the distance. Night had fallen, and a few stars in the sky were twinkling faintly. Zhang Ling's heart was full of expectations for future battles, but also mixed with a hint of uneasiness. On the battlefield, any mistake could lead to a total loss, and he knew this very well.