Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 18 Desperate Counterattack

The moonlight disappeared behind thick clouds, and the night grew even deeper. Damp mist filled the mountains and forests. Zhang Peng and his group dragged their weary bodies, struggling to move forward on the rugged mountain path. The excruciating pain from his wounds was constant, and every step tugged at Zhang Peng's nerves. Large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to lead the team toward the camp.

Xia Lijuan stayed close to Zhang Peng, supporting his arm, her eyes full of worry: "Your Highness, your injuries are too severe, please rest."

Zhang Peng shook his head, his voice hoarse but firm: "There's no time. The enemy could launch an attack at any moment. We must get back."

After walking for an unknown amount of time, the lights of the camp finally appeared in the distance, flickering in the darkness like a ray of hope. The group quickened their pace, and the moment they stepped into the camp, their tense nerves finally relaxed.

The military doctor rushed over, re-treated Zhang Peng's wound, applied herbal medicine, and bandaged it properly. Afterwards, despite his pain, Zhang Peng forced himself to summon his generals. Inside the tent, candlelight flickered, and the generals sat solemnly around a map.

"Although this reconnaissance was fraught with danger, we have also gained a clear understanding of the enemy's strengths and weaknesses." Zhang Peng pointed to the map and said in a deep voice, "The enemy's new general is skilled in surprise attacks. The camp's defenses appear loose, but in reality, they are full of hidden traps. If we attack rashly, we will be playing right into their hands."

A general frowned and asked, "Your Highness, what should we do?"

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and slowly said, "The enemy is overconfident and underestimates us, so we will use their strategy against them. We will send an elite force to feign a frontal assault to draw the enemy's main force away, while our main army will flank from the side and launch a surprise attack on their rear supply lines. Cut off their supplies, and the enemy will fall into disarray without a fight."

The generals nodded in agreement, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit. Xia Lijuan stood in a corner of the tent, silently watching Zhang Peng, her heart filled with admiration. She knew that this battle was a matter of life and death, and Zhang Peng was leading everyone with an iron will to find a way out.

With the battle plan finalized, all units moved swiftly. The following morning, bugle calls pierced the sky, and the feint attack force, led by Li Ming, charged towards the enemy camp with shouts. The enemy, as expected, fell for the trap, and their main force poured out to meet the feint attack.

Meanwhile, Zhang Peng led the main force, quietly flanking the enemy. They traversed dense jungles and forded swift rivers, marching rapidly towards the enemy's rear. Under the blazing sun, their clothes were soaked with sweat, but none of the soldiers complained of fatigue; they had only one belief in their hearts: for victory, for the country.

As they approached the enemy's rear, Zhang Peng keenly sensed something amiss. The enemy's rear appeared loosely defended, yet an eerie calm permeated the air. A chill ran down his spine, and he whispered the order: "Be careful, there might be an ambush."

No sooner had he finished speaking than shouts of battle erupted from all around, and enemy ambush troops surged forth from all directions. It turned out that the enemy commander had anticipated Zhang Peng's plan and had set a trap in advance.

Zhang Peng remained calm and quickly directed his troops to form a defensive formation: "Brothers, hold on! In a narrow encounter, the brave will prevail. Today is the day we break through the enemy's defenses!"

The soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes resolute, and engaged in a desperate battle with the enemy. On the battlefield, swords clashed and blood stained the earth. Zhang Peng brandished his long sword, charging ahead; his figure was like a banner, inspiring the morale of his soldiers.

Xia Lijuan was not to be outdone. Wielding a sharp sword, she fought alongside the soldiers beside her. She was agile, moving freely through the enemy ranks, and every move she made was precise and ruthless.

The battle intensified, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Zhang Peng knew that continuing the stalemate would be disadvantageous for his side. He looked around and noticed that the southeast corner of the enemy's encirclement was slightly weaker. He shouted and led his elite soldiers in a fierce attack on the southeast corner.

Under Zhang Peng's leadership, the soldiers fought with the ferocity of tigers descending a mountain, finally breaking through the enemy's encirclement. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Peng shouted, "Charge! Strike at the enemy's supply depot!"

The soldiers' morale soared, and they surged towards the enemy's supply camp like a tidal wave. Seeing their supply camp in dire straits, the enemy's ranks crumbled. Zhang Peng led his troops in pursuit, swiftly destroying the enemy's supply depot.

Deprived of supplies, the enemy army's morale collapsed and fell into chaos. Li Ming's feint attack force seized the opportunity to counterattack, and under the combined attack from both sides, the enemy army suffered a complete rout.

As the smoke from the battlefield gradually dissipated, Zhang Peng let out a long sigh of relief, his tense body finally relaxing. This hard-won victory was won with the blood and lives of his soldiers. He turned to look at Xia Lijuan, his eyes filled with relief and love.

"We won," Zhang Peng said softly, his voice filled with exhaustion and joy.

With tears in her eyes, Xia Lijuan nodded vigorously: "Your Highness, we won."

This victory not only repelled the enemy's invasion but also brought temporary peace to the border. Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan, having endured life-or-death trials in this war, had their bond deepened. They knew that more challenges might await them in the future, but at this moment, they only wanted to savor this hard-won victory.