The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

After a short rest, Zhao Xiaojing coughed softly, breaking the silence. He lowered his voice and asked, "Tiecheng, Dazhuang, do you have all the flares with you?"

Zhang Tiecheng patted his chest and said firmly, "Don't worry, Xiaojing, I always have it with me. I can use it at any time."

Li Dazhuang also said in a muffled voice: "I have mine with me, Brother Jing, don't worry, I will complete the task!"

Zhao Xiaojing nodded, took out a crumpled drawing from his arms, and unfolded it in the faint moonlight.

With the help of the faint moonlight, Zhang Tiecheng and Li Dazhuang recognized at a glance that this was the simple topographic map drawn by Zhao Xiaojing from memory when the three of them were scouting the periphery of the anti-Japanese camp during the day.

Although it was only roughly outlined with charcoal, the important sentry posts, patrol routes, and even the locations of several large trees were clearly marked.

Zhao Xiaojing pointed to several lines on the blueprint that had been darkened with charcoal pencil and said in a deep voice, "Our mission is very clear. We need to obtain the detailed deployment of weapons for the anti-Japanese camp and the defense map of the main camp."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over Zhang Tiecheng and Li Dazhuang to confirm they were listening intently. He then continued, "Tonight, while the anti-Japanese battalion is changing guard, we'll use flares to create chaos and attract the patrol's attention. I'll then take the opportunity to sneak into the armory."

Zhang Tiecheng frowned slightly and asked, "Xiao Jing, can we do this with just the three of us? This anti-Japanese camp is heavily guarded, and we're unfamiliar with the area..."

Zhao Xiaojing smiled confidently and patted Zhang Tiecheng on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I've already planned it. The key to our operation this time lies in speed and timing."

He pointed at the map and said, "Tie Cheng, you're the best, so I'll give you the map of the main camp. Remember, your mission isn't to tangle with them, but to record the camp's defense map on the Spy Recorder as quickly as possible."

Zhang Tiecheng took the blueprint, folded it carefully, and put it in his arms. He nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, Xiaojing, I understand."

Zhao Xiaojing turned to Li Dazhuang, patted his shoulder, and handed him two flares. "Dazhuang, everyone says you're an indestructible patrol horse. Long-distance running is your forte. These two flares are now yours."

"Remember," he instructed, "the first flare will be launched after the change of guard, attracting the patrol to the east. The second flare will be launched about a thousand steps in between. You have so little time, and only you can reach it. You must attract the patrol to the release point of the second flare. Otherwise, there won't be enough time for Tie Cheng and I to complete our mission."

Li Dazhuang took the flare and nodded seriously, "Don't worry, Brother Jing, I promise to complete the mission!"

"Remember," Zhao Xiaojing looked around and lowered his voice, "We only have one chance, so we must act with caution and not make any mistakes!"

As the night deepened, the anti-Japanese camp gradually quieted down, with only the occasional sound of patrolling soldiers' footsteps breaking the stillness. The three held their breath, closely watching the movements within the camp, waiting for the perfect moment...

Dark clouds obscured the moonlight, and the entire anti-Japanese camp seemed to be shrouded in a huge black curtain. Only a few scattered lanterns swayed in the wind, casting mottled shadows.

"Here it comes!" Zhao Xiaojing lowered his voice, but his eyes were surprisingly bright.

In the distance, two patrols crossed each other, marking the shift change. Zhang Tiecheng and Li Dazhuang held their breath, gripping their weapons tightly, like two cheetahs poised for a pounce.

"Now, Dazhuang!" Zhao Xiaojing shouted in a low voice.

Without hesitation, Li Dazhuang ran eastward, reaching a secluded corner and lighting the flare. With a crackle, a beam of fire shot up into the sky, exploding into a dazzling red glow that illuminated half the sky.

"who?!"

"Something's happening! Go check it out!"

The camp erupted in chaos, with patrolling soldiers scurrying toward the signal flares. Zhao Xiaojing curled his lips and winked at Zhang Tiecheng. Taking advantage of the chaos, the two men crouched and scurried toward the main camp.

Li Dazhuang watched the patrolmen being led away, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and turned to run towards the second designated location. Despite his sturdy build, he ran like the wind, nimbly weaving between the tents. It wasn't long before he reached his destination and lit another flare.

"Why are there still more?!"

"What the hell! Who is causing this trouble?!"

The soldiers of the anti-Japanese camp were completely confused by the two signal flares and ran around like headless flies. Zhao Xiaojing and Zhang Tiecheng took the opportunity to sneak into the main camp successfully.

"Found it!" Zhao Xiaojing lowered his voice and pointed to a parchment map on the table, which was densely covered with various symbols and lines.

"Hurry up!" Zhang Tiecheng took out a book with a black cover from his arms and quickly copied the contents on the map.

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the tent, accompanied by the soldiers' roars: "Search! We must catch these daring guys!"

Zhao Xiaojing was so anxious that beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The footsteps outside the tent were getting closer and closer. Each sound and each step seemed to tread on his heart, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

"There is no other way, I can only take a gamble!" Zhao Xiaojing thought to himself, at worst, it would be a fight to the death, even if he was discovered, he would fight to the death.

"Tiecheng, you go first! I'll hold them back!" Zhao Xiaojing stood up suddenly and said to Zhang Tiecheng in a low voice.

Zhang Tiecheng suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief. "No! Let's go together! How can I let you take this risk alone?"

"Don't be silly, we only have one chance, you must bring the map back!" Zhao Xiaojing shouted sternly, his tone full of unquestionable determination, "Now only you can complete the mission!"

"But... I can't leave you alone!" Zhang Tiecheng wanted to say something else, but Zhao Xiaojing grabbed his arm and interrupted him.

"No buts! The mission is paramount! Remember, bringing back the intelligence is more important than anything else!" Zhao Xiaojing said, pushing Zhang Tiecheng to the other side of the tent. "Hurry!"

Just then, a familiar voice rang out from outside the tent: "Captain Wang, a spy has been spotted at the eastern sentry tower of the anti-Japanese camp, causing chaos in the camp. He appears to be in possession of a secret booklet, which may be important intelligence for our camp. Military Advisor Chen has ordered the captain to lead his troops to search for him."

Then, another resounding voice replied, "I obey your orders. Please also tell Military Advisor Chen that we need to prepare two more teams for reinforcements. After all, the enemy is in the dark, and we are in the light."

"Xiao Jing, could this voice be..."

"Shh!" Zhao Xiaojing made a silencing gesture, signaling Zhang Tiecheng not to speak. The two held their breath and listened carefully to the movements outside the tent.

After that, a flurry of footsteps faded away. Zhao Xiaojing and Zhang Tiecheng exchanged glances, each seeing a sigh of relief in the other's eyes.

A moment later, three soldiers walked into the tent at a leisurely pace. The leader coughed softly and said in a teasing tone, "Don't hide, Tiecheng, Xiaojing."

Zhang Tiecheng and Zhao Xiaojing slipped out from under the table and wooden cabinet in the tent. They were ready to surrender, but when they saw the person coming, they were so shocked that their jaws dropped and they shouted in unison: Lu Qingyun!