Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 273 Masterful Micro-Management Across Thousands of Miles!
Outside Incheon, the headquarters of the 5th U.S. Brigade.
"Sir, our forces have been divided into three major assault teams!"

"The assault forces are ready to attack, each with 1,200 elite troops, equipped with armored vehicles and tanks for cover, and can launch a series of wave attacks!"

"That's what the chief of staff of the U.S. Fifth Brigade said."

"More than a thousand elite troops in each regiment?"

"Even if the losses are huge, there can't be so few people, right?"

"Brigade Commander Carter frowned and said."

"Sir, Lieutenant General Thomas has ordered more than a thousand of our troops to be withdrawn to guard the rear."

"After all, Chinese troops from the direction of Seoul might attack, and we need to deploy troops to block them."

"That's what the chief of staff of the U.S. Fifth Brigade said."

"That means they'll only pick our brigade, and not Harrison's brigade."

"Damn it, so my attack on Incheon's outer defenses was just to support Harrison's main attack?"

"Fine, now is the time to retake Incheon and open up a new path to survival. I won't hold a grudge!"

"First assault team, launch an attack on the outer defenses of Incheon! Make sure you show some fighting spirit!"

"The artillery units must fully cooperate with the offensive; we cannot be hesitant or timid because of ammunition shortages!"

"If the first assault team is repelled, immediately switch to the second assault team. If that is also repelled, switch to the third assault team. Continue this rotating attack!"

"The Chinese army doesn't have any reserves left to replace them; I'll wear them down no matter what!"

Carter snorted and gave the order.

"Yes, sir!"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Fifth Brigade immediately agreed.

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

On Songyue Mountain, the Shubao Command Post
"Commander, you're still as calculating as ever!"

"We know that Pinghe has no geographical advantage and that it might be difficult to fight against the US armored forces in a coordinated attack."

"So we had them set up three major lines of defense in advance!"

"A large number of anti-tank mines have been laid in front of the first line of defense, and they are very well concealed!"

"With a large number of machine guns on the position, the American devils simply cannot clear the mines properly."

"A large number of anti-tank pit traps were set up in front of the second line of defense, and they were well camouflaged, looking just like normal ground."

"Once the American tanks get stuck, we can just smash them with incendiary bombs!"

"As for this third line of defense, it was the most unexpected. There were countless hidden pits concealing soldiers within the trenches!"

"Once part of the reconnaissance battalion pretends to withdraw, the American tanks will pass by, and the American infantry will come in."

"The main force of the reconnaissance battalion then emerged, quickly bombarded the rear of the tanks, and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the American troops!"

"No wonder Political Commissar Liu always praises the regimental commander as a modern-day Han Xin, he's absolutely right!"

Gao Daxing exclaimed in amazement.

"Now I think he might not be like Han Xin, but rather like Zhuge Liang."

"We meticulously planned and arranged everything, down to the smallest detail, to ensure that even the smallest battles on the battlefield were under our control."

"It's a pity that Zhuge Liang worked too hard for too long, which is why he eventually fell ill at Wuzhang Plains."

"But our commander is only 19 years old, he's in his prime!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing smiled and praised him as well.

"No need for further praise. How is the US attack on Songyue Mountain progressing? And are the preparations complete at Pinghe?"

Wu Wanli looked at the map hanging on the wall and asked with piercing eyes.

"Everything is arranged in Pinghe, don't worry!"

"Unfortunately, they only have a little over six hundred soldiers left, and they only have machine guns, bazookas, and mortars, but no heavy artillery."

"Otherwise, with your tactics, Wanli, you could wipe out all these American troops in one fell swoop!"

"As for the American troops attacking Songyue Mountain, that's rather strange."

"Yu Congrong, who was directing the defense below, reported that the US military was fighting at a leisurely pace, as if they were brewing some kind of conspiracy."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately spoke up.

"Whatever their conspiracy, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. Let the US military drag it out if they want; it's not us who's in a hurry."

"I'm a little worried about Pinghe, after all, they have few troops and no natural defenses."

"Tell Pinghe to keep the radio on and report any situation immediately. I will take command personally."

Wu Wanli thought for a moment, then waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes!"

Liu Hanqing immediately agreed.

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

Incheon's first line of defense

"call out------"

A deafening shriek instantly tore through the sky as American artillery shells rained down on the first line of defense of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army outside Incheon.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

With a series of explosions, dirt, gravel, smoke, and flames shot into the sky, and the simple fortifications were shattered into pieces by the fierce bombardment.

The artillery fire practically plowed through the entire front line, seemingly attempting to completely destroy the defenders' will to resist before the charge even began.

"Stay hidden! Don't show yourselves!"

On the battlefield, Pinghe's roar was drowned out by the continuous explosions.

The soldiers huddled tightly at the bottom of the reinforced trenches and in the artillery shelters, enduring the violent tremors of the earth and the scorching shockwaves.

The violent explosion made the air feel thick and suffocating.

The shelling lasted for nearly ten minutes before it subsided slightly and turned into suppressive fire on specific areas.

Immediately following, accompanied by the roar of engines and the heavy thud of tracks grinding against the ground, the American offensive began.

"They're coming up! Armored vehicles and tanks!"

The volunteer soldier, disregarding the danger, poked his head out and shouted a report.

At this moment, the first assault echelon of the US military rushed aggressively toward the first line of defense.

Several Sherman medium tanks led the way, followed by several M3 armored personnel carriers, with some US infantrymen providing vigilant protection behind the tanks and armored vehicles.

The tank turret slowly rotated, and the machine guns sprayed bullets wildly at suspicious locations where Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers might be hiding, attempting to suppress the remaining firing points.

The armored vehicle hatches opened, and rows of American soldiers followed behind or to the sides of the armored vehicles, crouching low, carrying Garand rifles and automatic rifles, cautiously advancing forward.

Following previous orders, Pinghe reported the situation to Wu Wanli via radio at an extremely fast pace.

"Pinghe! Everyone hold your ground! No firing without orders!"

"Let their tanks cross the minefield, and let the infantry get within 300 meters!"

"Machine guns, prepare to fire on the infantry; tanks, hand them over to the mines!"

Just then, Wu Wanli's voice came through the radio.

Wu Wanli possessed a celestial map that allowed him to directly observe the situation in various locations, so he had already devised a response plan and instructions.

Although the order was given directly, it was delivered in a remote local dialect, so the US military intercepted it and couldn't understand it.

"The commander-in-chief reacted very quickly; he issued orders immediately after the situation was just explained."

Pinghe listened to the order and admired it in his heart. At the same time, he quickly used hand gestures to convey the battalion commander's order to each firing point.

On the battlefield, in the trenches that had seemed deathly silent moments before, countless gun barrels silently adjusted their angles, aiming at the approaching American infantry.

The American tanks at the forefront were completely unaware of the unusual soil beneath their feet.

Relying on their armor, they only wanted to crush this area as quickly as possible and reach a position where they could unleash their firepower.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

In an instant, a series of muffled and loud explosions rang out from under the tank!

The enormous impact instantly lifted and tore apart the heavy tank chassis!
The left track of a Sherman tank was completely blown off, twisted metal parts flew everywhere, and the entire tank tilted violently to the side, paralyzed on the ground and unable to move.

The fuel tank of the other vehicle exploded, and flames instantly engulfed the vehicle. A huge fireball, accompanied by thick smoke, rose up, and the occupants inside didn't even have time to escape.

Another vehicle had its tracks blown off, and the vehicle spun around in place, becoming a conspicuous target.

"Anti-tank mines! They have anti-tank minefields!"

Terrified cries could be heard over the U.S. military communications channel.

"Fuck! These damn Chinese!"

"We can't give up halfway! Keep the attack going!"

Brigade Commander Carter, who was in command at the rear, cursed and then gave the order.

The order was quickly issued, and the American infantry, who had been following behind the armored vehicles, launched an infantry charge under the officers' orders.

Using the disabled tanks and shell craters as cover, they fired fiercely at the position while trying to approach or bypass the minefield, gradually closing the distance...

After patiently listening to the situation report, Wu Wanli once again issued a concise and forceful order: "300 meters! Light and heavy machine guns, cover fire! Fire!"

In an instant, intense firepower erupted from the Volunteer Army's position!

"Thump thump thump thump thump..."

"Da da da da da..."

Light and heavy machine guns intertwined to form a deadly barrage of fire, fiercely showering the charging American infantry.

Accurate mortar shells also whistled and crashed into the American troops.

The carefully constructed crossfire points instantly proved their power, and the American soldiers at the front fell like wheat being harvested.

The US troops were in disarray, but some still resisted under cover.

Songyueshan Tree Fort Command Post

"Pinghe! The time has come!"

"Immediately lead the elite troops in a counter-charge!"

"Suppress their momentum! Finish the fight with bayonets! But be quick!"

"After repelling them, don't linger! Move directly to the second line of defense according to plan!"

"Remember, don't linger in the fight! After we repel them, the American artillery will probably start firing right away!"

Wu Wanli, with his eyes fixed on the front line of the position through the Sky Eye Map, spoke into the radio again.

"Yes!"

"Follow me! Charge back and break through—!"

Pinghe shouted into the microphone, then grabbed a rifle with a fixed bayonet and yelled at the soldiers around him.

The reconnaissance battalion soldiers followed closely behind Pinghe, leaping out of the trenches like tigers descending a mountain, and launched a swift counter-offensive against the American infantry who had not yet established a firm foothold!
Bayonets gleamed coldly, and grenades were hurled precisely at the densest concentration of enemy troops.

With their fierce close-combat skills and skillful coordination, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army ruthlessly wedged into the American assault ranks, launching bayonet charges and short, sharp assaults.

Caught off guard by this sudden and fierce counterattack, the US forces completely collapsed, suffering heavy casualties. After a brief exchange of fire, the remaining soldiers retreated in panic.

"Let's not fight here!"

"Retreat immediately! Retreat to the second line of defense!"

Upon seeing this, Pinghe remembered Wu Wanli's orders and immediately ordered the abandonment of the position.

The soldiers of the reconnaissance battalion retreated swiftly and systematically along the trenches to the second, fortified defensive line behind them.

Just as the main force of the reconnaissance battalion had withdrawn from the first line of defense, the US military's retaliatory heavy artillery fire once again covered that position!
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

Shells rained down like hail, turning the already devastated position upside down again and again.

The flames flickered continuously, and smoke filled the entire area.

Brigade Commander Carter thought the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was still holding out in the ruins, so he ordered the artillery to smash them.

Large quantities of ammunition were dumped on the empty ground, and smoke and dust filled the scorched earth of the first line of defense.

This temporarily blocked the road to the second line of defense and also obscured the US military's view of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's movements.

Inside the second line of defense trenches

"Take a quick breath, reorganize your equipment, and reinforce your cover!"

Pinghe stared intently ahead through the smoke and shouted the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers readily agreed.

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

After an unknown period of bombardment, the first line of defense finally ceased its shelling.

Thick smoke mixed with the smell of scorched earth permeated the open area in front of the second line of defense on the outskirts of Incheon.

Brigadier General Carter looked through his binoculars at the scorched earth, repeatedly battered by artillery fire, and a cruel smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"The first assault team has suffered heavy losses and its morale is low. Second assault team, move out!"

"Be careful to detect landmines this time!"

"Infantry advances must be more cautious!"

"Tanks and armored vehicles, keep a close watch on the infantry ahead and provide cover. Don't give the Chinese another chance to split up!"

"Defeat these Chinese troops, and you'll be richly rewarded!"

Carter put down his binoculars and gave the order to the commander of the Second Assault Team beside him.

"Yes, Sir!"

The commander of the second assault team saluted solemnly, accepted the order, and walked outside.

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

The dull roar of engines resumed, and the American tank guns pointed directly at the second line of defense, their tracks crushing the ground loosened by artillery fire as they advanced towards the second line of defense as the vanguard of the attack.

Large numbers of U.S. infantrymen crouched low, closely following the sides and rear of armored vehicles and tanks, their rifles and automatic weapons scanning the trenches and shell craters ahead with vigilance.

They learned from their mistakes and proceeded at a slower pace, taking each step with extreme caution.

Songyueshan Tree Fort Command Post

Wu Wanli closed his eyes, and the real-time battle situation projected by the "Sky Eye Map" in his mind changed constantly.

After switching to the overhead tactical mode, you can see that the red arrow representing the US military armor is slowly and steadily approaching the blue horizontal line representing the second line of defense of the reconnaissance battalion.

At the same time, the communications officer also reported to Wu Wanli on the situation that the reconnaissance battalion could currently observe.

However, this was insignificant compared to the information Wu Wanli possessed; it was merely a means to avoid arousing suspicion.

"coming!"

"I reckon they're going to be fast, probably planning to use infantry and tanks to crush us."

Wu Wanli's eyes were sharp as he stared intently at the area on the map that the American vanguard had traversed.

Gao Daxing and Liu Hanqing stood nervously to the side, barely daring to breathe.

They couldn't see what was happening in Wu Wanli's mind, but they could sense Wu Wanli's deep thought from the commander's furrowed brow.

"As planned, everyone hold your ground! No firing!"

"Once the American armored vehicles and tanks enter the trap zone, use the incendiary bombs I gave them to bombard them!"

Wu Wanli suddenly opened his eyes and gave the order.

Pinghe, on the other end of the radio, was lying in a bunker at the very front of the second line of defense. His face was blackened by gunpowder smoke, but his eyes remained sharp.

"understand!"

"Hold your ground! Watch out! Gunnery and bombardment teams, prepare yourselves! On my command!"

Pinghe responded quickly in dialect as well, then turned around, lowered his voice, and used gestures and brief orders to quickly convey the combat intentions to the officers around him.

A deathly silence fell over the position, broken only by the howling wind through the scorched earth and the roar of American tank engines growing ever closer.

The reconnaissance battalion soldiers held their breath, gripped their weapons tightly, their fingers on the triggers or fuses, and stared intently ahead.

Incendiary bombs and cluster grenades were passed to the frontline bombardiers.

The bazooka team, carrying rocket launchers, stood taut, waiting for their target to fall completely into the trap of death.

The first Sherman tank, the fastest charging one, with its short, thick gun barrel raised, thundered across the seemingly flat ground ahead.

The tank commander cautiously scanned the quiet Volunteer Army position through the observation window. Just as a hint of doubt arose in his mind, he felt a hollowness under the tracks...

"Boom!"

Crashed!

The tracks of the Sherman suddenly crushed the carefully camouflaged ground, and the entire front of the vehicle plunged downwards in an instant, emitting a huge, teeth-grinding metallic tearing sound!
The thick camouflage netting and support frames were completely crushed by the heavy vehicle body, sending dust flying everywhere!
The massive steel behemoth was thus stuck in an extremely awkward position, with most of its body sunk into a pit several meters deep, its cannons pointing futilely at the sky, becoming a live target for slaughter.

Almost simultaneously, several muffled thuds rang out in succession: "Bang! Bang! Bang!"
It turned out that it wasn't just this one; a whole row of American tanks and armored vehicles that were charging ahead fell into the tank traps.

"Shit!"

"The tank is stuck! It's a trap!"

Upon seeing this, the American infantrymen shouted in terror.

"Incendiary bombs! Throw them!"

The roar of Pinghe was like a thunderclap!
Dozens of volunteer soldiers suddenly stood up from the trench!
Countless incendiary grenades, fueled by the soldiers' fury, traced fiery arcs and struck the trapped tank and the armored personnel carriers following closely behind with the precision of a meteor shower!

Not only that, the mortars behind also unleashed their power, blasting out incendiary bombs.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..." In an instant, the orange-red fireball exploded and rose into the air!

The viscous incendiary agent, which was covered in the tank armor, burst into flames, the flames like countless writhing venomous snakes, frantically licking the steel body.

Flames and thick smoke quickly shot out from the gaps in the tank's turret, the observation ports, and the engine cover!

The American crew inside let out piercing screams as they futilely pounded on the hatch they were trying to open.

However, the hatch was twisted and deformed due to the high temperature and could not be opened at all.

The US armored personnel carrier next to it was also engulfed in flames.

American soldiers, engulfed in flames, poured out of the hastily opened rear hatch, writhing and howling like human torches, quickly spreading panic!
This situation was also immediately reported to the headquarters of the 7th Steel Regiment by the Volunteer Army's communications officer via radio.

Songyue Mountain, inside the Shubao Command Post
"Good! Well played!"

"It seems that micro-management also has levels. It's not that he's really bad at it, it's just that old Jiang doesn't understand it."

"Wanli, you were able to grasp the overall situation of the battle based on only a limited amount of frontline reports and quickly issue command orders!"

"Your micro-management skills are truly top-notch!"

After hearing the report on the situation at the front, Liu Hanqing slammed his fist on the table in excitement.

"Old Chiang?"

"At best, he's at the level of an infantry platoon leader. How could his micro-management skills possibly compare to our regimental commander's!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing immediately echoed the praise.

"The heat has arrived!"

"Reconnaissance battalion's light and heavy machine guns, mow down their infantry! Mortars, smash them!"

"Drive these American devils off!"

Ignoring the praise, Wu Wanli decisively continued issuing orders to the radio station.

"beat!"

Upon hearing this, Pinghe on the other end of the radio immediately roared!

In an instant, the second line of defense, which had been as silent as death, came back to life!
"Da da da da da da-!"

"Thump thump thump thump thump—!"

The deadly barrage of light and heavy machine guns, like a metal storm, violently swept towards the chaotic American infantry!

The U.S. military was utterly terrified by the sudden and intense gunfire and the horrific state of the armored forces before them!
Mortar shells also whistled down, exploding where they were hiding from the armor wreckage, forcing them to leave their only cover.

Screams, explosions, crackling flames, and the sizzling of metal intertwined to create a symphony of hell.

After losing effective armored cover, the infantry of the U.S. 2nd Commando Unit were mercilessly mowed down by the crossfire of the reconnaissance battalion.

Countless American soldiers fell like mowing grass, the offensive collapsed instantly, and the remaining troops retreated in panic like a tide.

"report!"

"The second line of defense has been repelled, and troops are withdrawing as planned!"

Pinghe picked up the radio and reported with a breathless and excited voice after the battle.

"Alright! Proceed to the third line of defense as planned!"

"When the third line of defense breaks down and we retreat, it's best to make the American troops think we can't hold on and are in a rout!"

"Comrades in the trenches along the defensive line, get ready! Charge out just as the American tanks have passed and before the infantry have fully caught up. Be quick!"

Wu Wanli nodded and immediately gave the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Pinghe on the other end of the radio station quickly responded.

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

US 4th Brigade Forward Observation and Command Post
Through his binoculars, Brigade Commander Carter saw the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers hastily abandoning their second position and retreating towards their last trench. A sinister smile, as if victory was in sight, spread across his face.

"They can't hold on any longer!"

"Third Assault Team! Attack immediately!"

"Charge forward and hold them off! Don't let them gain a foothold!"

"Tanks first, use firepower to suppress the trenches! Infantry charge in and wipe them out!"

Carter waved his fist and roared, his voice distorted with excitement.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 4th Brigade of the United States immediately went down to relay the message.

……

Soon, the third U.S. commando team, with a desperate frenzy, launched a fierce attack on the third line of defense!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Several Pershing tanks, spearheading the attack, used their heavy frontal armor to force their way to within 100 meters of the trench and opened fire on the seemingly empty ditch!
The high-explosive bombs kicked up clouds of dirt, which then fell back down.

The American infantrymen, thinking victory was assured, followed closely behind the tanks, shouting as they charged forward!

After Pinghe and the soldiers of the reconnaissance battalion resisted for a period of time as planned, they immediately crawled into the hidden pit of the fortification.

Another small force pretended to be outmatched and fled in panic.

"The trench is empty!"

"The Chinese have run away!"

Upon seeing this, excited voices quickly spread across the US military communications channel.

However, just as the American tanks broke through the defensive line and the American soldiers poured into the trenches, the situation changed drastically!

"Kill them all!!!"

A thunderous roar erupted from beneath the mud walls of the trench, from behind the collapsed bunkers, and from under the perfectly disguised "hidden pit" covers!

Mud splashes!

The disguise was overturned!
Countless Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers suddenly appeared within arm's reach, much to the astonishment of the American soldiers!
"Pfft!"

"Da da da!"

"boom--!"

The muffled thud of a blade piercing flesh, the explosive roar of a submachine gun pointed at the face, and the deafening roar of a bazooka rocket launcher fired at near-zero distance all blended together in an instant!
What was a peaceful battlefield just a few seconds ago has instantly turned into the most primitive and bloody Shura field!
The Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers carrying bazookas seized the opportunity and fired at the still bewildered American tanks, targeting their thin rear armor and side tracks!

"Tom!"

"Boom!"

The massive armor-piercing high-explosive shell pierced the rear engine compartment of the Pershing tank at extremely close range, and flames suddenly erupted from the gaps in the turret!

Faced with this sudden, close-quarters bayonet fighting and close-range fire assault, the American infantry who rushed into the trenches lost all their numerical advantage!
The elite reconnaissance battalion soldiers risked their lives to fight the unprepared!

The bayonet gleamed coldly as it precisely pierced the American soldier's chest; the rifle butt smashed the helmet with a heavy thud.

An entrenching tool cleaved through the throat; fists and teeth became the last weapons!

There was no fear in the eyes of the volunteer soldiers, only a burning will to fight to the death and the flames of revenge!

The American soldiers were terrified by the hellish sight. They screamed, trampled, and frantically rushed out of the trench!
Discipline and goals were cast aside; all they wanted was to escape this deathly grinder! The formation completely collapsed!

……

Songyue Mountain, inside the Shubao Command Post
On the Sky Eye map, Wu Wanli could clearly see the American vanguard collapsing and retreating like an avalanche, with corpses and burning steel debris scattered all over the ground in front of the third line of defense.

"Don't chase!"

"These three rounds wiped out at most 1,500 US troops, leaving them with about 2,000 troops!"

"The reconnaissance battalion will also lose around two hundred men, bringing the total to about four hundred. We can't afford to fight a direct battle in the field!"

"Immediately retreat to Incheon city and engage in urban warfare with the US forces, gradually chipping away at their strength!"

Wu Wanli's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he roared into the radio.

Upon receiving the order, Pinghe and his soldiers acted without hesitation, like the most precise machines, swiftly killing or forcing back the enemies around them.

After defeating the American troops, they did not linger in battle. Instead, they quickly and orderly retreated into Incheon City through multiple concealed exits pre-planned in the trenches.

Burning tanks and wailing American soldiers remained, still filling the third line of defense.

Brigadier General Carter watched helplessly as the Chinese People's Volunteer Army retreated calmly from the last line of defense, and then saw the miserable state of his own Third Assault Team, which was losing all its armor and weapons in the trenches. His face was contorted with extreme anger and frustration.

"Fuck—!!!"

"Damn yellow monkey! Sharp mudskipper!"

"Bombard! Indiscriminately bombard the edge of the city!"

"Listen up, everyone! Charge into Incheon! Street fighting!"

"I'm going to crush all these rats in Incheon! Leave not a single one alive!"

Carter clenched his fists, his roar filled with madness.

"Sir! The city is a complex environment, and street fighting is difficult for us..."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 4th Brigade of the United States felt a pang of unease and quickly offered some words of advice.

"Shut up! Follow orders!!"

Brigadier General Carter slammed his fist on the table and roared.

"Yes... Sir!"

Upon hearing this, the brigade commander of the 4th US Brigade responded with a hint of unease and helplessness.

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

Songyue Mountain, inside the Shubao Command Post
Wu Wanli gazed at the billowing smoke on the Tianyan map, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Reporting to the commander, Pinghe has led his troops to withdraw into the pre-designated street fighting area within the city."

“All streets, high points, and sniping positions within the ruins, along with explosives, are ready.”

"If the enemy wants to come in, let them bleed to their last drop in this city!"

Liu Hanqing reported with intense fighting spirit in his eyes.

"very good."

"The reconnaissance battalion has perfectly accomplished a major part of the Incheon battle plan. The US forces there have been significantly weakened, and urban warfare is enough to wear them down."

"However, I won't micromanage the street fighting in Incheon; let Hirakawa handle it himself."

"The main event is about to begin at Songyue Mountain."

"Have Yu Congrong prepare for the big battle. I have a feeling that the US military's general offensive on Songyue Mountain is about to begin."

"Gao Daxing, you should also lead the assault battalion to prepare and get into the best combat positions in advance."

Wu Wanli nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes, and said.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing and Gao Daxing quickly agreed.

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

U.S. Army 1st Division Command

"Sir, the operation in the outer city of Incheon has suffered a bit of a setback."

"Carter's side not only failed to annihilate the Chinese army outside the city's defenses as originally planned, but instead..."

"Instead, they lost more than 1,500 troops, allowing the main force of the Chinese army to retreat into Incheon city to fight street battles."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division sighed and said.

"What!?"

"According to intelligence, there are only about six or seven hundred Chinese troops defending the outer defense line of Incheon."

"How could six or seven hundred Chinese troops wipe out Carter's force of over 1,500 and escape unscathed?"

"More than a thousand elite troops were able to fight on equal terms with several thousand ordinary volunteer soldiers in a head-on field battle, and yet they were annihilated just like that?"

"That idiot, how could he possibly give orders like that!"

Lieutenant General Thomas clenched his fists and cursed angrily.

"Sir, the problem is that the Chinese army is not engaged in direct field battles. Their commanders utilize everything to the fullest extent, and their tactical command level is extremely high!"

"They used three lines of defense to fight back step by step, and also set up clever fortifications to hide their troops."

"This is the detailed battle report from the front lines; you can take a look."

The U.S. Chief of Staff handed the battle report to Lieutenant General Thomas and sighed.

"hiss------"

"Damn it, I have to admit this tactical plan is brilliant, but it will be very difficult to implement."

"Putting everything else aside, just look at the timing of the counterattacks and retreats between these three lines of defense—the Chinese army grasped it so well!"

"It's as if China's command can predict everything on the front lines, which is terrifying!"

After carefully reading the battle report and command, Lieutenant General Thomas gasped and said.

"It's not just the Chinese commanders who are formidable; their troops are also extremely elite."

"Although 'orders must be obeyed' sounds simple, it is extremely difficult to actually implement it!"

"The timing of their attack from the last trench, where they secretly deployed troops, was extremely difficult to grasp!"

"Even if just one volunteer soldier fails to maintain his composure or misjudges the situation and leaves prematurely, the fate of all the volunteer soldiers guarding the area inside will be complete annihilation!"

"But they attacked right when the tanks had just passed and the infantry hadn't fully followed up!"

"They attacked the weak rear armor of the tanks with rockets and then stunned our infantry with decisive hand-to-hand combat."

"Sir, the Chinese are even harder to fight than the Germans we encountered on the European battlefield!"

"Their strength isn't just on paper; it's the combined strength of their soldiers and commanders!"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division analyzed the situation.

"At a time like this, don't say anything that's detrimental to morale!"

"No matter how strong this Chinese army is, their troop strength and firepower are at an absolute disadvantage!"

"Under absolute power, all schemes and tricks are just a delaying tactic and cannot affect the final outcome!"

Lieutenant General Thomas snorted and said.

"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"The 12th Army from the Seoul direction launched a fierce attack on our rear, seemingly attempting to break through and support the Chinese army!"

"Our remaining thousand-plus elite troops are doing their utmost to hold them off, but they are under immense pressure and cannot hold out indefinitely!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed in with a telegram and said this.

"Sir, the Chinese troops in Seoul, coupled with our existing ammunition problems, will drag us down."

"We can't keep wasting time like this. It's time to launch a final offensive against Songaksan."

The chief of staff of the 1st Marine Division said.

"What did Harrison say? Has the reconnaissance of the Chinese army's tunnel entrances been completed?"

Lieutenant General Thomas nodded slightly in agreement, and then asked a question.

"Detection complete!"

"Moreover, during the reconnaissance process, there were continuous attacks on Songaksan Mountain, which were very covert and should not have aroused the vigilance of the Chinese army."

"Not only that, all the elite assault teams are ready!"

"Once the main force launches its general offensive, the main force of the Chinese army will definitely be tied down under pressure."

"At this point, our assault team can climb up the tunnel and head straight for the Chinese tree fort command post!"

"Just kill that Chinese commander named Wu Wanli and destroy the command center of the Chinese army!"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army's 1st Division said with a hint of excitement in his eyes.

"Eh……"

"It's a pity that Carter couldn't eliminate the other defensive force of the Chinese 7th Steel Regiment outside Incheon, otherwise the battle of Songaksan would have completely annihilated the Chinese 7th Steel Regiment."

"But it doesn't matter. As long as we capture Songaksan, we can bombard the entire Incheon city area with artillery fire."

"It's only a matter of time before we wipe out those remnants!"

Lieutenant General Thomas's eyes flashed with a hint of murderous intent as he spoke.

"Sir, should the air force group still launch a full-scale attack on the artillery positions at Songaksan as planned?"

"I actually feel that these two are enough. There is no need to risk losing so many fighter jets to create unnecessary pressure."

The chief of staff of the U.S. Army 1st Division advised.

"No!"

"The fighting strength of the Chinese Seventh Steel Regiment should not be underestimated. We cannot be complacent at this final moment!"

"When the general offensive begins, the fighter squadron must take out the Chinese artillery positions immediately!"

"This time, we will launch a simultaneous encirclement and suppression campaign against the 7th Steel Regiment of China from three directions: the sky, the ground, and the tunnels!"

"I refuse to believe that the Chinese army can win!"

"Pass on my order: launch the general offensive against Songyue Mountain as planned one hour from now!"

"We will use the blood of these Chinese people to wash away the shame they brought us before!"

Lieutenant General Thomas took a deep breath and gave the order with a hint of hostility.

(End of this chapter)