Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 210 One group can withstand a million soldiers!

Before the bugle call had even faded, the soldiers of the 7th Steel Regiment surged out of the city gates like a tidal wave, their bayonets flashing in the morning light, forming a silvery wave.

The U.S. Army retreated, and the U.S. Air Force, which was already struggling, also gave up.

They decided to desperately shake off the Chinese Air Force led by Wang Wei and fly towards the rear.

In addition to the main assault force led by Wu Wanli, Pinghe also led a sniper team to target officers among the fleeing soldiers, further undermining the order of the US military.

Liu Hanqing, along with his anti-aircraft company, used the still-warm M45s to fire volleys at the retreating American troops in the distance.

"Dong dong dong dong dong dong..."

Suddenly, the sound of 20mm anti-aircraft guns rang out, blasting many fleeing American soldiers to smithereens.

Meanwhile, Lei Gong's artillery positions had also moved forward, and the final salvo hit the artillery positions of the US airborne regiment.

"Boom! Boom! Boom..."

Countless 105mm shells rained down, and continuous flames engulfed the mortar ammunition boxes, triggering a chain of explosions that turned the US artillery and mortars into fireballs.

The artillery fire did not stop, but continued to extend, engulfing the American reserves and instantly killing a large number of them.

Even Alex, the commander of the U.S. Airborne Regiment, was hit by a stray bullet during his escape and fell heavily to the ground.

"Damn it, if the airborne troops hadn't been unable to carry enough heavy weapons, they wouldn't have been able to be overwhelmed by these Chinese firepower!"

"Retreat! Run as many as you can!"

"Once we join up with the US Fifth Division, we can bombard them with artillery shells and bring down their city walls!"

"There's no natural barrier like the Han River or the Anshan Mountains here. Damn Chinese, just wait until we get back and wipe you all out!"

The U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, clutching half a charred regimental flag, led the remaining troops in a retreat.

"Keep chasing them! Don't let the American devils get away!"

Wu Wanli roared, his submachine gun spitting fire, the spent cartridges rattling and bouncing on the frozen ground, tearing a bloody gash in the retreating formation of the American paratroopers.

"Puff-"

Not long after they started charging, Pinghe, who was not far away, suddenly knelt down on one knee, and only managed to keep from falling by embedding his sniper rifle into a snowdrift.

The steely reconnaissance battalion commander's lips turned bluish-purple, and the beads of sweat rolling down his forehead instantly froze.

"I...I can't be a burden to the Seventh Steel Regiment..."

"Never mind me, keep up with the commander!"

He tried to sit up, but his arms trembled as if they were made of lead.

Pinghe!

Yu Congrong tried to help him up, but he stumbled and crashed into a crater.

He then realized that his legs had long been numb—after running more than a hundred miles and fighting for half a day, even his iron body had reached its limit.

Wu Wanli slammed on the brakes and turned around. The charging wave of the Seventh Steel Regiment was slowing down at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Some people were retching while holding their knees, some were slumped on the ground and desperately pounding their thighs, and many others, though still holding guns, had their pale faces and trembling gun barrels betraying the truth.

"Commander, the comrades can't keep up..."

Prehistoric, leaning on his rifle as a cane, his throat churning with a metallic taste, managed to squeeze out a sentence.

He saw American soldiers staggering in the distance, but they were clearly in much better physical condition than the American soldiers who had made the long march, and the distance between them was gradually widening.

"boom!"

The last mortar of the US military suddenly roared as if in a final burst of energy, and the shell landed in front of the pursuing troops.

Upon seeing this, Wu Wanli's pupils constricted sharply, and a sense of unease arose in his heart.

The shell went way off course, but it signaled an even more dangerous message.

If they continue to pursue, the US military will be able to regroup its routed troops and launch a counterattack, or the vanguard of their main force will be able to join them.

"Beep----"

"Halt! No pursuit!"

"Telegram to Lei Gong: Three final rounds of advancing barrage cover! Each battalion to retreat back into the city in alternating shifts!"

Wu Wanli suddenly blew the cormorant whistle and roared.

……

The order was quickly transmitted via radio, and new artillery fire immediately erupted amidst the smoke of battle.

The blasts from the 105mm howitzers acted like moving death fences, completely separating the retreating American troops from their pursuing forces.

On the way back to the city wall, Wu Wanli personally carried the exhausted Pinghe on his back and stepped towards the city gate.

"Commander, I'm sorry, I thought I could still charge..."

Pinghe was filled with guilt and said with slightly red eyes.

"It's not your fault, it was my oversight."

"We marched over a hundred miles of mountain roads, won the first few waves of the city defense battles, and finally routed the US airborne regiment."

"To accomplish such an almost impossible task, our Seventh Steel Regiment is truly commendable!"

Wu Wanli looked at Pinghe on his back and smiled reassuringly.

He has various enhancements from the system, but the Seventh Steel Regiment doesn't have many.

If it weren't for that bit of stamina and speed boost, a lot of people would probably have perished along the way.

But other ordinary volunteer soldiers didn't even receive this extra benefit; they didn't even have the same level of support as the 7th Steel Regiment, which guaranteed them enough to eat and wear.

A body of flesh and blood, yet standing shoulder to shoulder with gods—this perfectly describes such an iron will!
……

Soon, Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Regiment to successfully retreat back to Lizhou City.

On the city tower of Lizhou

"Send a message to the headquarters: The 7th Steel Regiment's blitzkrieg at Lizhou has been a resounding success!"

"1087 South Korean soldiers and 1386 US paratroopers were killed, and an airport and an armory were captured."

"We captured 3187 Garand rifles, 56 light machine guns, 33 heavy machine guns, 28 mortars, and 12 anti-aircraft guns."

"In addition, the Chinese Air Force lost 37 fighter jets, captured 41 fighter jets from the airport, and shot down 81 American fighter jets!"

He paused, then looked at the soldiers sprawled haphazardly at the foot of the city wall.

"The Seventh Steel Regiment only lost a few hundred soldiers, but the remaining main force was exhausted."

Wu Wanli took a deep breath and said.

"Commander Wu, get ready!"

"Calls from all over the country! The New Eighth Army has assembled over 10,000 men, including several thousand veterans and elite soldiers who followed you in the uprising in Seoul!"

"They participated in the Battle of Seoul and, together with the predecessor of the 7th Steel Regiment, annihilated the US 25th Division. Their combat strength is definitely worth using!"

Park Jung-hee walked over with his head down and said.

“Quan Kaka is very kind. I have captured a lot of American weapons. After this battle, I will give him a portion to help him grow his team as soon as possible.”

"If we win this battle, I will not keep all the glory to myself!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli felt a warmth in his heart and immediately made a promise.

He could sense that Quan Douguang was a loyal and affectionate person, and even somewhat devoted to him.

As the newly formed Eighth Army responsible for the battlefield behind enemy lines, they didn't need to come and participate in the meat grinder battlefield.

But Quan Douguang happened to arrive, bringing his most elite team to personally save the day.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Park Jung-hee immediately agreed.

"Wanli, have something to eat."

"To be honest, we have already achieved a great victory. Even if we were to withdraw immediately, it would still be a great achievement."

"But I don't need to ask, you're definitely not willing to leave like this."

Liu Hanqing walked over with a can of food in his hand and said with a smile.

"As expected of the political commissar who came up with me from the company, he really understands me."

"That's right. Even if we do nothing but stand here like a nail, we can still cut off some of their supplies and threaten their retreat!"

"What do you think the American devils will do?"

"If you don't listen to me, then I'm really willing to join forces with the New Eighth Army and wipe them out!"

"Before, it was the 1st Marine Division and the 25th Division. Now I have more troops and stronger firepower. How can I be satisfied without taking down the main force of the UN forces!"

"Hahahahahaha..."

Wu Wanli toyed with the M1919 in his hand and laughed confidently. The 7th Steel Regiment had 4,000 elite American-equipped soldiers, plus 10,000 combat-ready soldiers from the New 8th Army, and 20,000 support troops.

To be honest, he really dared to outflank the main force of the UN forces.

Although we are outmatched in strength, we still have a chance to buy some time and seize a major opportunity.

There are never 100% victories on the battlefield; there are only brave warriors who dare to take risks and honest people who fight a war of attrition.

"Wanli, I always had a premonition."

"When future generations think of you, they might say you were a gambler general, a mad general..."

"But in my opinion, Comrade Wu Wanli, who can keep winning, is the Huo Qubing of the modern army!"

Looking at Wu Wanli's resolute and bold eyes, Liu Hanqing couldn't help but praise him.

However, when he tilted his head to look, he couldn't help but smile.

Sunlight streamed through the bullet-riddled battlements. Wu Wanli leaned against a machine gun, a halo of light shimmering on his face, and fell into a deep sleep.

He was still holding an unopened can of food in his arms, and the charcoal brazier beside him illuminated a line of still-wet blood-stained words on the wall.

"A lone army can fight across three thousand miles, and a single regiment can hold off a million-strong army."

....................................

志司
The boss's fingers trembled slightly as he held the battle report. After a long while, he slammed it heavily on the table, making the teacup jump.

"That kid Wu Wanli is incredibly audacious, and he actually succeeded!"

"After a 146-mile mountain raid, we captured Lizhou City, defeated the US airborne troops, took Lizhou Airport, and seized dozens of warplanes!"

"This dagger plunged into the heart of the American forces on the Western Front has been successfully used!"

He turned sharply and pointed to the map; the red mark of Lizhou was glaringly obvious, highlighting its importance.

"Boss, this isn't just a dagger... it's a crowbar!"

"Wu Wanli's battle directly destroyed half of the US military's defense system south of the Han River!"

"Look—Tipyeong-ri, Icheon, and Wonju are all within the range of Yeoju Air Force!"

"We can allocate another 100 fighter jets to Comrade Wu Wanli, depending on the circumstances."

"If the US military does not divert troops to defend their western front, half of their logistical supply lines will be cut off, and their rear may even be cut off!"

Chief Chen adjusted his glasses, revealing slightly reddened eyes behind the lenses. He traced a line eastward along the path from Lizhou with his finger.
"How can this be considered a reckless advance by a lone army?"

"This is equivalent to blocking the American devils' cannons, making it difficult for them to attack, and letting them go would be a waste of troops and time."

"Immediately issue a commendation order to the 7th Steel Regiment! Send a copy of the battle report to Old Deng on the eastern front, let him see that the situation he dragged his feet on and failed to capture has been torn apart by a single regiment on the western front!"

The boss slammed his hand on the table in excitement, causing the beams in the command center to shed dust, and praised it.

"Boss, the situation on the western front has changed drastically. Should we make some adjustments as well?"

Commander Chen looked at the battle map, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and said.

"It's too early to make adjustments now."

"I didn't expect Wu Wanli to be such a capable fighter, so I only deployed three armies to the western front, totaling no more than tens of thousands of men."

"Moreover, they are not as well-funded as the 7th Steel Regiment. Their main artillery support consists of a small number of mountain guns and some mortars, and they have to conserve their ammunition."

"Compared to the overwhelming firepower and the hundreds of thousands of UN troops, they can only hold their ground, unless..."

The boss looked at the battle map and analyzed the situation.

"Unless Wu Wanli and the 7th Steel Regiment can withstand the counterattack of the US 5th Division, or even inflict heavy casualties on them."

"In this way, the 27th Army in the southeast of the Han River will be able to gain a local advantage over the US 5th Division, and the opportunity to launch a blitzkrieg to tear a large chunk of flesh will emerge."

"Once the US 5th Division collapses, the UN forces' two eastern fronts will be bulging out, as if they have been cut off."

"In this way, our strategic goal of mobilizing our main forces to painstakingly attack Hengcheng and then Dipingli can be achieved halfway ahead of schedule by the western front!"

Chief Chen excitedly chimed in.

"half?"

"Looks like you also think that this is the limit of what the fighting on the Western Front has reached, hahaha..."

Upon hearing this, the boss felt a glimmer of anticipation rise in his heart.

"This is more than the limit. If Wu Wanli doesn't get promoted, all the soldiers in the army will feel sorry for him!"

"Chief Chen said."

"You want to promote him to the staff system again?"

The boss seemed to be pondering something when he asked.

"The staff system is a stopgap measure. If he succeeds this time, why not promote him again and put him in charge of tens of thousands of elite troops?"

Chief Chen smiled.

"What if he not only reaches the limit you just mentioned, but also performs a miracle?"

After mentally considering the possibilities, the boss said somewhat uncertainly.

"Miracle?"

"Sir, do you mean that they might not only thwart the US 5th Division, but also draw the attention of the entire UN forces?"

"Impossible! Even bombarding it with cannons would have leveled Lizhou City to the ground!"

"The Seventh Steel Regiment cannot be sacrificed like this..."

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen's heart sank, and he quickly replied.

"Hahahaha... I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice them."

"Given Wu Wanli's fighting style, he won't just cower in the city and passively defend."

"As long as he stalls for time and disrupts the UN forces' strategic direction, our eastern front should be ready to attack by now..."

"With Wu Wanli in such a predicament, the Chipingli area can be handed over to Deng Xiaoping and his men for a breakthrough, allowing them to encircle the eastern and western fronts like dumplings..."

The boss looked at the battle map and muttered to himself.

"Achieving such conditions is too demanding, after all, our initial goal was only a defensive offensive."

"Let's see how long Wu Wanli can hold out with the Seventh Steel Regiment..."

"Damn it, why do we always have to rely on Wu Wanli and his men to break the deadlock in every battle!"

"Tell Li Yunlong and the others to do their part, ensure the mission is completed, and fight spectacularly. Don't just stand by and watch!"

As Chief Chen spoke, he couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.

"Don't blame them. If Wu Wanli had used this fighting style, anyone else would have been shot a hundred times over."

"Only he can keep winning!"

"I wonder if he can still manage this life-or-death situation."

"If we win this time too, the burden will be even heavier, and the Seventh Steel Regiment will need to be expanded again..."

The boss looked towards Lizhou City with a mixture of joy and worry, and said...

....................................

US 5th Division Command
"Snapped!"

Major General Edward smashed his coffee cup in the staff officer's face, and brown liquid mixed with blood dripped from the officer's chin.

"Sir, please calm down..."

The U.S. military staff officer quickly lowered his head and said.

"Two thousand paratroopers! An entire regiment! Defeated by those Chinese remnants who ran over a hundred miles?!"

How am I supposed to stay calm?!

"Where is that piece of trash Alex? I'm going to court-martial him!"

He flew into a rage and overturned the sand table, the model of Lizhou rolling into the corner.

"Sir... Colonel Alex's body was hung on the city wall of Lizhou by the Chinese army."

"They used 105mm howitzers... to flatten our artillery positions."

"No one could have imagined that the Chinese army could launch a lightning attack on Lizhou, covering more than 100 li, and even defeat an airborne regiment with an exhausted force..."

The staff officer handed over the telegram with trembling hands.

Edward's roar came to an abrupt halt.

He stared at the words "Seventh Steel Regiment" on the telegram, then suddenly grabbed the phone and roared, "Get General Ridgway! I need the entire mobile force of the rear reserve! And another two hundred bombers!"

"Tell the air force—if they can't flatten the walls of Lizhou, then ram them in!"

(End of this chapter)