Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 300: Flames of War Spread Across the Rivers, a Mysterious Situation Rises; The Steel Seven Cavalry Traverses the Plains!
Seongnam City, inside the UN Command Headquarters
"Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"Han River defense line... Urgent military situation at the Han River defense line! Highest alert level: Red!"

The communications officer practically stumbled in, yelling.

"Read quickly!"

Just as Ridgway picked up his coffee cup, his hand froze abruptly, the scalding brown liquid splashing onto the edge of the sand table. He frowned and urged them on.

"Urgent telegram from Commander Di'an of the 24th Division of the Han River Defense Line!"

The main force of the Chinese Air Force is launching a fierce attack on the core positions of our Han River defense line!

The bombing was extremely accurate!
It has now directly destroyed 20% of my forward heavy artillery positions and anti-aircraft artillery groups!
Napalm bombs have been deployed to cover the reserve assembly area deep within enemy territory!

The U.S. military staff officer quickly reported this.

"Nonsense!"
Shouldn't the Chinese planes have been shot down by us on their return flight south from Hengcheng?!

Where did they get the strength to attack from two directions simultaneously?!

VanVleet slammed his fist on the edge of the steel table, his knuckles instantly throbbing with blood as he spoke.

"Chief of Staff Van Fleet, please let me finish."
While the Chinese Air Force was conducting airstrikes, there was also a ground force wearing red steel armbands and waving red flags.

Their forces are estimated to be over 6,000. They have already broken through the flank junction of the 17th Regiment of my 24th Division and are advancing at full speed to launch a strong attack on the core high ground 102!

The enemy's battle cries were deafening... They... they were shouting, "Cross the Han River and join forces with the main force!"
This is not all!

On the north bank of the Han River, Li Yunlong's main force deployed artillery groups from more than four army units to simultaneously conduct indiscriminate coverage of our rear areas along the Han River!
Large-caliber howitzers! Field guns! Mountain guns! Continuous bombardment!
The density of incoming shells exceeded 200% of the amount of conventional artillery ammunition used by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!
Radio intercepts detected clear, large-scale, organized charge bugles!
All Chinese troops on the north bank shouted the same slogan!

"Cross the Han River and rescue the Seventh Steel Brigade! Join forces with the Seventh Steel Brigade!"

The U.S. military staff officer practically lunged at the sand table, forcefully planting several red arrows symbolizing Chinese attacking forces into key support points along the Han River defense line, and said.

As soon as the words were spoken, the phrase "meeting" was like a red-hot branding iron, burning the nerves of all the UN generals!
"A pincer attack from the north and south!"
This is the signal for the Chinese Steel Seventh Team to break through!

Their main force of Steel Seven is on the south bank of the Han River defense line!

They must fight their way through the enemy lines to join Li Yunlong and cross the river!

Look! Everything is connected!

The previous air raids on the southern front were just smoke and mirrors! They were decoys!
It's to pin our precious air power down in the south!

Now that they've deployed all their main forces, the air force suddenly turned back and attacked my Han River!
Infantry launch a frontal assault! A large army from the north bank is pressing in to provide support!
They risked their lives to carve out the Han River, the shortest route home!
These Chinese people are desperate!
It's the most desperate last pounce of a trapped beast!
The telegram clearly stated the presence of the Steel Seventh Army's red flag and armbands! The call to cross the river and provide support was heard! This scale cannot be faked!
Only the Seventh Steel Brigade possesses such terrifying mobilization and assault capabilities! And only they are worthy of Li Yunlong risking all his trump cards!
General Ridgway! Freeman's bombing south of Hoengseong was due to poor intelligence! It was a prelude to the main battlefield on the Han River!

The main force of Steel Seven is currently south of the Han River! Li Yunlong is providing support from the north!
This is a god-given opportunity for America to settle accounts with these two major threats once and for all!

Van Fleet thought for a moment, then immediately said excitedly.

At this moment, the US military intelligence chief, sweating profusely, handed over several freshly developed high-altitude reconnaissance photos.

Van Fleet practically snatched it; under the lights, dust billowed from several artillery positions on the north bank of the Han River, and the muzzle flashes were dense and intense.

On the south bank, amidst the billowing smoke, the blurry outlines of densely packed assault formations could be vaguely seen.

"The evidence is irrefutable! Look at this ground assault formation! Look at the density of the artillery! And... look at this!"
On a path leading to the river, countless North Korean laborers were running hard, carrying long planks and other equipment for crossing the river. The procession was as winding as an ant colony!

Did you see it?
Even the North Koreans have been mobilized!

They're determined to build a pontoon bridge and force their way across!
This is the starting gun for the full-scale crossing of the Yangtze River!

VanVleet clenched his fist and spoke as if beating a war drum.

Chu Yunfei's gaze was like two cold, bone-scraping knives, slowly sweeping over the area marked "Hengcheng-Suwon".

That area appeared unusually "calm" on the wildly spinning battle map, as calm as the eye of a storm.

At that moment, his index finger unconsciously tapped lightly on the warm cup.

This subtle movement was like a silent alarm bell, and only he himself understood what it meant.

Wu Wanli, your elaborate schemes and elaborate traps are too outrageous!
Ridgway and VanVleet are both convinced that you will fight a bloody battle on the Han River!
Even the timber that the common people carried to repair the bridge became 'ironclad evidence'...

What a brilliant move to turn a fake show into a real one, a clever and cunning strategy!

I admire you!

A sense of admiration rose in Chu Yunfei's heart, he thought to himself.

When it comes to military strategy and tactics, the Chinese are the ancestors of the whole world.

While Ridgway and Van Fleet couldn't see it, Chu Yunfei, a Chinese military elite, could guess some of it.

But that was all he could guess. He could never have guessed the secret agent Wu Wanli had planted in Suwon, the Han River Detachment.

"Latest aerial reconnaissance confirms that a large number of Chinese Air Force aircraft have disappeared northeastward after their air raid on the 1st Cavalry Division and cannot be located at present!"

Not long after, another U.S. military staff officer handed over a new cable stating that...

"Northeast?"

Ridgway's finger moved rapidly across the map, his gaze fixed on the airspace marked with a red shading above the Han River defense line.

"That's the shortest route back to reinforce the Han River battlefield! Still confused?"

Do not!
This is the Chinese Air Force preparing for its second deployment after a brief regrouping and replenishment!

Launch a deadly air assault on the Han River defense line!

He looked up abruptly, a battle-hardened decisiveness replacing his previous hesitation.

"I admit it, Van Fleet, you seized a fatal opportunity this time!"

Aerial intelligence, ground reconnaissance, radio decryption, firsthand eyewitness accounts from Dean… all the evidence chains are now closed!

There is only one objective: the main force of Steel Seven is south of the Han River, intending to cross the river!
Whether or not this is Wu Wanli's core focus, we have no other choice!

If the Han River breaks, our carefully constructed ironclad encirclement will collapse like a flood breaking through a dam!
The Korean War was a scene of utter upheaval!

Chief of Staff Van Fleet!

Ridgway slammed his hand on the table and shouted.

"Sir, I'm here!"

VanVleet straightened up abruptly, like a rocket that had been ignited, his face flushed with a feverish red.

"I command!"

Execute the final plan! Go all in! This battle will decide the entire situation!

First, all fighter jets at the front lines and reserve airfields, including escort aircraft and bomber squadrons that have been brought in to reinforce the airfield, are to be deployed immediately!

No regard for fuel consumption, maximum speed!
Throw yourself into that boiling pool of blood in the Han River war zone!
Tear those Chinese fighter jets overhead to shreds! Clear every inch of the sky covering the crossing of the river!

Second, immediately connect all ground reserve command channels!

Let them shed all their burdens! Carry only weapons and ammunition! Charge towards the Han River defense line at top speed!
Also tell Dean, hold on for the life of him!
Reserve forces and air force groups will arrive soon!
I want to crush the Seventh Steel Brigade and Li Yunlong's Chinese army into the icy waters of the Han River!

Did you understand?!

Ridgway took a deep breath and gave the order loudly.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet immediately agreed and turned to convey the message.

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

Before long, all the orders were issued.

Suddenly, countless beams of light pierced the night sky at various US airfields—the exhaust plumes of fighter jets that had scrambled into the air and activated their afterburners!
The engine roared like an ancient beast awakening, the sound even making the tempered glass vibrate!
One of the locations within Seongnam Airport

Inside the cockpit of a twin-engine heavy jet fighter that had just been loaded with missiles and painted with the F-86 "Sabre" insignia, Lieutenant Colonel Smith, the pilot, abruptly pulled on his oxygen mask.

The canopy slowly lowered, shutting out the noise, but he could feel the steel behemoth roaring and gathering power beneath him.

The control tower command boomed through the headset: "All units, full speed ahead! Repeat! Destination: Han River!"
Unrestricted attack! Napalm permitted! God bless America!

The accelerator was slammed to the floor, and the fiery blue exhaust flames instantly turned the ground into daylight!

A large number of identical fighter jets took off one after another, tearing through the clouds and roaring as they converged into a giant aerial spear pointing towards the Han River!

On the Class A strategic highway leading to the Han River defense line in Gyeonggi Province.

A massive steel column of over a hundred M26 Pershing heavy tanks and M39 armored personnel carriers from the U.S. reserve forces completely blocked all three lanes of traffic.

The ear-piercing screeching of tracks, the roar of diesel engines, and the shouts of the car in front urging others on with loudspeakers blended into a symphony of hell.

In an instant, all of the U.S. Air Force's fighter jets and reserve forces were drawn toward the Han River defense line.

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

Meanwhile, in an unnamed mountain valley outside Suwon City, inside the temporary command post of the Seventh Steel Brigade...
Suddenly, the telegraph operator's hand trembled as he tore off the newspaper; the ink was barely dry.

"Wanli, it's done!"

"Report from across the Han River: The main force and reserves of the US 1st Cavalry Division, along with 500 sorties of aerial swarms, have been firmly pinned down on the Han River defense line by Commander Li Yunlong and our Hengcheng Detachment!"

Liu Hanqing quickly took it, glanced at the words, and said excitedly.

The valley was deathly silent for a moment, then exploded with a deafening roar.

"Wow! It's so beautiful!"

Our captain's elaborate scheme has succeeded!
They feigned an attack from the south to lure the enemy away from their base, and then exposed the entire strength of the UN forces!
Now we have no problem actually taking Suwon from the west!

Yu Congrong also said excitedly.

"That's right!

"Old Yu, let's go first. We'll make sure the Seventh Steel Brigade flag is planted on the gate tower of Suwon before dark!"

Gao Daxing suddenly stood up from the ammunition box, his clothes still covered in gunpowder and fire, and said.

"You little idiots, calm down!"

The tiger has moved on, but the vicious guard dog is still here!

Mizuhara isn't toothless.

Lei Gong took a puff of his pipe and calmly offered his reminder.

"Lei Gong is right."

According to intelligence reports, the force inside Suwon Castle is a temporary regiment of 3,000 remnants of American troops who were recently transferred in and are stationed inside the castle, relying on the fortifications of the castle walls.

The defensive positions outside the city were the remaining main force of the Han Third Division, which had been decimated on the eastern front, totaling seven thousand men!
With tens of thousands of enemy troops stationed there, we cannot afford to make the slightest mistake!

This battle must be fought with utmost care!

Liu Hanqing nodded emphatically, pointing to the numerous blue circles and red crosses around Suwon on the map.

All eyes eventually turned to the silent figure deep within the command post.

Wu Wanli stood with his back to the crowd in front of a huge wall painting of the Korean Peninsula, his thin military uniform crisp and sharp.

The dim light outlined his young yet weathered profile, and his deep, pool-like eyes seemed to pierce through the curves of the map, lost in deep thought and deduction.

The entire command post fell silent as he remained so, the crackling of the furnace fire unusually clear.

After a while, he finished his deduction, turned around slowly, his gaze sharp, without the slightest hesitation.

"Having reached this point, there is a sheer cliff behind us and a mountain of knives in front of us. If we take one wrong step, we will fall into an abyss, leaving not even a bone fragment behind."

This battle is one of advance or retreat!

"Steel Seventh Brigade, we must win!"

Wu Wanli first looked at the crowd and began to encourage them.

"Yes!"

The resounding agreement from the crowd instantly intensified the murderous aura within the command center.

Wu Wanli walked straight to the map table and covered the outer area of ​​Suwon with his large hand.

Lei Gong, Yu Congrong, Gao Daxing, Pinghe and the others immediately surrounded them silently.

He seemed to unconsciously trace several key coordinates on the map with his index finger, making precise and rapid movements.

The location and orientation of these points perfectly matched the "Sky Eye Map" in his mind, which only he could see and marked all enemy movements, down to the smallest detail.

"Based on the information that our comrades in the intelligence and reconnaissance units risked their lives to obtain, we speculate that the 7th Division of the Han Army has deployed two regimental-level artillery groups in the Xishan'ao area."

The core artillery position area has been identified!
The error will absolutely not exceed this range!

Wu Wanli compared the map of the Heavenly Eye in his mind and drew a small circle with his hand.

Lei Gong's cloudy old eyes lit up instantly, and he then bent down to get closer to the map, looking at the area drawn by Wu Wanli.

The terrain within the area was slightly sunken and covered by dense forest, making it an ideal place to set up a concealed artillery position!

The location Wu Wanli pointed out vaguely matched his intuition honed over many years of firecracker use.

"Don't worry, Commander-in-Chief. With all my decades of experience, I've only ever used cannons to break open the shells of those who don't know what's good for them!"
Make sure the first salvo razes that entire artillery nest!
The remaining firepower can't cause any trouble!

Lei Gong nodded emphatically and said quickly.

"it is good!

As for the heads of Han Qishi's division, their command post...

Based on the scattered enemy communication bands intercepted by the southern blocking force, combined with the fragmented confessions of the captured South Korean communications officer.

It's very likely that it's deep within the dense forest within this coordinate range!

That old dog Park Jung-hee has learned his lesson; he knows how to hide his head in the mud!

Wu Wanli continued, referring to the location on the Tianyan map.

"The goal is clear!"
Commander, let me lead the artillery detachment to charge in!
I promise I'll dig out even the toughest mud pit, catch him again, and keep doing it until he's too scared to join the army again!

Yu Congrong looked at the battle map and said with high morale.

"Do not.

Park Jung-hee and I have a long-standing friendship.

This time, I'll have to lead the guard battalion and armored units to meet him in person!
As for your fire support detachment, reconnaissance detachment, and assault detachment, just coordinate with the artillery fire and launch a fierce attack from all sides!
Thunder God!

Once the battle begins, I don't care if you use armor-piercing shells to drill holes in him or high-explosive shells to open his cover!

Within ten minutes, the artillery of the 7th Division of the Korean Army must be silenced!

Ten minutes later, full firepower was unleashed, suppressing all South Korean positions according to the preset coordinates, leaving them unable to even raise their heads! This paved the way for the overall offensive!

Wu Wanli decisively gave the order.

"Old Lei stakes his head on this! If the cannons don't fire enough, he'll come back with his head!"

Lei Gong snapped to attention and responded with his chin raised.

"Gao Daxing! I'll lead your assault team to be the toughest vanguard!"
Once the artillery fire is in place, immediately tear open the South Korean army's pre-set frontal positions and stab in like an awl!

Remember, attack quickly and aggressively, don't get bogged down in close combat, breaking through their formation is victory!
Pinghe! You have arranged for some of the elite soldiers from the reconnaissance detachment to infiltrate the weak points at the junction of the South Korean army's flank defenses.

Make sure to infiltrate quietly before the cannons open fire!
Once the frontal assault begins, immediately breach the pre-designated anti-tank trenches from the inside out and eliminate the concealed firing positions!

Then cut off all communication between the various units of the 7th Division of the Korean Army! Make all their subordinate regimental commanders blind!
I'll join the army!
After you lead the fire support unit to break in, you will be in the center. Heavy weapons, suppress any American troops in Suwon Castle who dare to stick their heads out and try to support the troops outside the city!

Weave a net with concentrated artillery fire and heavy machine guns! Lock the gates of Suwon to the brink!

If any American soldiers inside the city dare to rush out and die, you're in charge of turning them into corpses!

Remember, time is of the essence! As soon as the artillery fire went silent, I immediately led the guard battalion and armored units to storm the command post of the ROK 7th Division!

In summary, Lei Gong's artillery bombarded the artillery positions of the 7th Division of the Han Army, Ping He's reconnaissance scouts infiltrated and attacked from the inside, and Gao Daxing launched a frontal assault.

After Yu Congrong broke through, he suppressed Suwon's support. I led the armored forces and the guard battalion to destroy Park Jung-hee's division command post!

One hour later, the entire army launched a general offensive as planned!

Wu Wanli waved his hand and gave the order with great pride.

"Yes!!!"

The battle cries of the people inside the command post burst out of the mountain valley, almost drowning out the howling north wind.

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

Outside Suwon City, the orders from the temporary command post of the Seventh Steel Corps were transmitted to each combat unit instantly, like an invisible current.

An hour later, the artillery positions were hidden deep in the valley, with rows of cold, steel behemoths lined up.

Lei Gong held the piece of paper with coordinates written on it that Wu Wanli had handed him, staring at the dark mountains in the distance, where Han Sanshi's artillery group was located in Xishan'ao.

The volunteer artillerymen held their breath, awaiting the final command from this thunder god.

It's time!
One shot, three shots, seven shots, target coordinates 'Wolf Den', four rapid-fire high-explosive shells!

Second and sixth artillery mortars fired three incendiary bombs in quick succession!

The remaining artillery pieces, covering a 200-meter radius around the predetermined target, fired five rounds simultaneously, a mixture of high-explosive and incendiary shells!
Reload! "

Lei Gong's deep, hoarse voice cut through the cold wind as he gave the order crisply and decisively.

The artillerymen of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army unleashed tremendous energy in an instant. The metallic clanging of the breechblocks opening and closing, the heavy thud of loading shells, and the urgent commands of the artillerymen blended into a symphony of the battlefield.

The creaking sound of the cannon adjusting its elevation was particularly jarring in this symphony.

"Prepare—release!"

"Dinner's ready!!!"

Lei Gong waved his command flag and roared.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

In an instant, the muffled thud of a shell leaving the barrel ripped through the silent night sky! One after another, streaks of orange-red flame shot fiercely from the muzzle!

Dozens of dazzling streaks of light, trailing long white contrails, pierced the darkness and sped toward Xishan'ao.

"call out------"

The sharp, piercing sound, like the howl of a vengeful ghost, instantly enveloped the entire outskirts of Suwon!

Xishan'ao, the core position of the artillery regiment of the 3rd Division of the ROK Army.

The battlefield was under strict blackout, with only a few faint starlight.

Those were South Korean artillery commanders inspecting their artillery by moonlight or flashlight.

The air was cold, and apart from the faint sounds of commands and the slight clanging of machinery being repaired, there was nothing unusual.

Colonel Li Chengfan, commander of the artillery regiment, wrapped himself tightly in his coat in a simple observation post on a higher elevation and whispered into the phone to confirm the readiness of each artillery company.

He wore a slightly relieved expression on his face, as if the main force at the front had been transferred away.

US intelligence indicated that China's elite troops were firmly pinned down on the Han River defense line, and the area around Suwon should be safe.

"Confirmed, all companies have taken their combat positions..."

Before he could finish speaking, an extremely ominous shriek, as if the gates of hell were being opened, came from afar and instantly filled his eardrums!

"Fire! Take cover!!!"

The piercing alarms blared almost simultaneously across the position, but it was too late.

“Boom, boom, boom, boom—!!!”

The artillery detachment's first volley of shells was so precise it seemed to have eyes, landing perfectly on the core area!

With Wu Wanli's incredible luck, a shell hit a pile of shells in the South Korean artillery position first!

The fireball generated at the moment of impact shot into the air, and the scorching flames engulfed everything within a hundred meters!
But this is just the beginning.

The mountain of shells and propellant was detonated instantly!

"BOOM—!!!!!!!!!"

This was a massive, utterly devastating explosion!
It was as if the entire valley had been slammed into the earth's core by an invisible giant hammer!
An unimaginable, enormous fireball, illuminating half the night sky, rolled and rose.

The shockwave swept everything away with overwhelming force, and the sturdy artillery fortifications were overturned and torn apart like paper!
Many South Korean soldiers who were nearby were killed instantly before they could even react!

Li Chengfan, the artillery regimental commander of the 3rd Division of the Korean Army, who was on the observation post, felt an extreme light before his eyes, and then the whole world collapsed completely amidst the crazy shaking and roaring.

He was like a fallen leaf, violently thrown over by the raging blast of air, his head slamming heavily against the cold stone wall.

The shattered telescope lens was deeply embedded in his cheek, and the warm blood instantly blurred his vision.

After the deafening roar came an eerie silence; the world seemed to consist only of intense tinnitus and the constant dripping of blood.

He struggled to lift his head, and through the billowing smoke and firelight, he saw a scene of hell.

His proud artillery regiment's position was now completely covered by rolling flames, twisted steel, and charred wreckage.

Some gunners who were lucky enough to survive in the artillery positions outside the core area stumbled and covered their bleeding ears, letting out silent howls, completely losing their will to fight.

His artillery regiment was completely rendered incapable of retaliating within just a dozen seconds of the cannon fire!

"Extend coverage!"
"Target: Positions A through G of the ROK 3rd Division! Suppressive fire! Do not raise your heads!"

Soon, Lei Gong's cold voice was transmitted to each artillery position via telephone line.

Having just vented its rage, the heavy artillery of the Seventh Steel Brigade raised its barrels once more, emitting a low, deadly gasp.

As a result, the artillery fire of the Seventh Steel Brigade began to extend to the broader enemy front lines and rear positions.

The earth continued to tremble violently, and bursts of fire erupted one after another.

A dense hail of bullets covered the trenches, foxholes, and machine gun positions that the South Korean infantry relied on.

Dirt mixed with broken wooden stakes and blown-out limbs kept flying up.

The South Korean soldiers hiding in the trenches were thrown about by the shockwave, bleeding from their ears and noses, and some even lost consciousness due to the violent tremors.

The soil and rocks kicked up by the high-explosive bombs blocked the trenches, and the incendiary bombs ignited the fortification materials and set fire to the cotton-padded clothes of the South Korean soldiers.

The once-solid defensive line was riddled with holes under the devastating artillery fire, like a tattered rag torn apart by a ferocious beast.

With only a second to peek out, the South Korean soldiers were firmly pinned down in their respective bunkers.

Just as the artillery barrage reached its peak, and the entire South Korean forward positions were groaning in agony amidst the flames of explosions.

"Assault team! All personnel, at your service—for victory! Charge!!!"

Gao Daxing's thunderous roar echoed throughout the assault zone! He abruptly raised his submachine gun and was the first to leap out of his concealed attack position.

"kill!!!"

Like a volcano that has been dormant for a long time finally erupting!
The main force of the 7th Steel Brigade, which could no longer contain themselves, charged down the hillside with overwhelming force and rushed toward the South Korean army's position, which was ravaged by artillery fire!
At this moment, the artillery fire had not completely ceased.

The shells continued to whistle sharply as they pounded into the depths of South Korean positions, clearing a path for the assault troops.

The charging volunteer soldiers nimbly leaped forward along the gaps plowed open by artillery fire.

The demolition expert, clutching a satchel charge, charged recklessly toward the fortified positions and barbed wire that the artillery fire had failed to completely destroy.

The heavy machine gunners quickly chose advantageous positions to establish firing points during the charge, and unleashed a barrage of fire on the remaining South Korean forces on both sides to suppress and cover the charging troops.

"Illumination flares! High vantage points! Fire them all!"

Almost simultaneously, Pyeongha, who was in charge of internal sabotage, issued an order from a hidden corner of the southern defense line of Suwon Castle.

Several sharp signal gun shots rang out, and several bright white flares shot straight into the sky, trailing plumes of smoke. They suddenly lit up as they reached their highest point, as if daylight had suddenly arrived!

The entire South Korean defense line was illuminated as brightly as day!
This not only illuminated the enemy's terrified faces, but also thoroughly revealed the positions of the firing points, machine gun nests, and command posts marked by the Pinghe Squad after their infiltration, providing the main force with the clearest target information!
Just then, an even more terrifying roar of steel joined the charging wave!

"Armored assault team! Charge towards the designated objective!"

Wu Wanli's cold and firm command rang out on the inter-vehicle radio!

He personally took command in the position of commander of the Sherman tank numbered one, with Liu Hanqing below him as the gunner.

The heavy tank, covered in gunpowder smoke and camouflage mud, was the first to emerge, its tracks grinding through the frozen mud and remnants of barbed wire.

Following closely behind was a steel column consisting of seven Sherman tanks and eight M8 armored vehicles.

This assault force, a mix of steel and flesh, escorted by an elite guard battalion of several hundred men, recklessly charged straight into the core of the South Korean Third Division's defenses!
The objective is clear: break through the defenses, strike at the heart of the enemy, and capture the command post of the 3rd Division of the Korean People's Army!
"Vehicle 001! Ahead, marked Z7, reinforced concrete firing position! Armor-piercing rounds! Short stop, rapid fire!"

Wu Wanli's voice came through the car intercom clearly and swiftly.

The tank turret rotated steadily, its thick cannon barrel pointing directly at a sturdy fortress in the darkness, spewing machine gun fire.

"Armor-piercing rounds! Loading complete!"

The loader's sweaty roar.

"Hold on!... Release!"

Liu Hanqing held his breath and fired with precision.

"boom!"

In an instant, the body of Tank Number One suddenly sank!
Huge fireballs and smoke spewed from the tank's cannon!

The specially designed armor-piercing round precisely penetrated the machine gun firing port, and the violent explosion instantly tore the South Korean machine gunners and their weapons to pieces!

The upper part of the entire fortress collapsed, and the machine gun fire stopped abruptly.

"Right side! Anti-tank team! Two o'clock! Behind the bushes! High-explosive shells! Rapid fire!"

Wu Wanli instantly detected the threat through the Sky Eye Map and shouted the order over the radio.

In an instant, the tank turret nimbly swung over!
Almost at the same time Liu Hanqing pointed the cannon, the loader had already loaded a high-explosive shell into the breech!
"boom!"

The explosion engulfed the bushes, and several South Korean soldiers who had just picked up bazookas were blown away with screams.

"Crush them! Guard battalion infantry, follow up and clear out the remaining enemy! Keep advancing! Maintain speed!"

Without pausing for a moment, Wu Wanli commanded the armored forces to advance rumblingly forward as if they were in an empty field.

A section of makeshift fortifications made of sandbags and wooden stakes was easily flattened and torn apart by the heavy steel tracks, as if it were made of paper!
Eight Sherman tanks, like moving iron walls, rolled over trenches, smashed bunkers, covered flesh and blood with their tracks, and destroyed any target that dared to show its face with precise firepower.

The eight M8 armored vehicles following closely behind used their mobility to continuously extend and sweep fire to both sides with the machine guns and coaxial heavy machine guns they carried.

The powerful firepower suppressed the scattered soldiers attempting to attack from the flanks and reaped the benefits of the rout of South Korean infantry.

The guard battalion soldiers advanced closely behind the tanks and armored vehicles using standard "three-three" group tactics.

Once a tank has rolled over or an area has been suppressed by artillery fire, infantry squads quickly rush in and use grenades, submachine guns, and bayonets to completely eliminate the remaining enemy forces.

The battle was short and intense. Faced with the overwhelming advantage of armored firepower, the hastily reinforced defenses melted away like ice and snow.

This armored assault force relentlessly breached the southern defenses of the South Korean 3rd Division.

Then, led by Wu Wanli, they charged toward the Han Third Division Command Post marked with a red circle on the Tianyan Map along the predetermined assault route!
The chaotic sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the rumble of tracks could be clearly heard at the temporary command post of the Third Division of the Han Army, located in a semi-underground warehouse.

Park Jung-hee's face was ashen, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

The staff and guards outside were like ants on a hot plate, receiving one bad news after another:
"Report!...Xishan'ao Artillery Regiment...lost contact! The position...the entire position is destroyed!"

"Report! The southern position has been breached! Chinese armored forces... armored forces are charging in!"

"Report! Multiple outer positions are under heavy infantry attack! Requesting reinforcements!"

"Report! Chinese tanks... are approaching the second line of defense! The guard company can't hold them off!..."

The voices of the South Korean military staff officers reporting were filled with desperate sobs.

"Useless! All of you are useless!"

Damn it, I don't want to be captured again!

Hold on! Everyone, hold on!

Contact the US military in Suwon! Have them send…

Park Jung-hee flew into a rage, waving his arms and roaring.

But before he could finish speaking, a dull, muffled sound, as if the sound of tracks crushing something right above his head, came from above.

Then came the deafening roar of machine gun fire! Dust rained down from the roof of the command post!

"Boom!"

“Crash——!!!”

In an instant, the heavy wooden door of the warehouse was blasted open by a cannon!

Amidst the wood chips and smoke, several beams of white flashlight light shone in.

"Surf the gun and don't kill!"

"lay down your weapon!"

"Put your hands up!"

A large number of volunteer soldiers rushed in, guns in hand, shouting.

"Protect the commander!"

Park Jung-hee's remaining dozen or so guards desperately tried to resist.

But what responded to them was a volley of precise bursts of fire and the rapid-fire of submachine guns.

A hail of bullets swept through the narrow space like a torrential downpour, and in the flashes of fire, several figures fell with screams of agony.

Armed with submachine guns, the soldiers of the 7th Steel Guard Battalion descended like divine warriors, quickly taking control of all exits, their dark gun barrels pointing at every corner.

As the smoke cleared slightly, Park Jung-hee was seen sitting blankly beside a tilted table.

He held a lit lighter in his hand, trying to burn the scattered documents on the table.

The firelight illuminated his face, which was etched with terror, resentment, and utter defeat.

Wu Wanli's tall figure appeared at the doorway, his cold gaze piercing through the dim ambient light like two sharp swords stabbing into Park Jung-hee.

He was covered in oil and gunpowder, but his face remained expressionless.

"Commander Park Jung-hee?"

It seems we're quite 'connected'.

Wu Wanli's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Park Jung-hee shuddered, and the lighter slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.

He looked at Wu Wanli's calm eyes, which held no joy of victory, only the calmness of someone who had simply completed a mission.

He glanced at the guards around him, then his gaze finally settled on the dark gun barrels pointing at his forehead, and all his struggles vanished.

"Are you convinced now?"

Are you interested in joining us?

Wu Wanli smiled and patted Park Jung-hee on the shoulder.

"I admit defeat, but I still can't find a place to rely on."

Ridgway brought my family to Chengnan City, and I can't... sigh...

I really like Chinese culture, especially the article called "Chen Qing Biao".

I would not be where I am today without my grandmother.

My grandmother has no ministers, so she has no way to live out her remaining years.

But you've spared me so many times, I don't know how to repay you. Just kill me, I don't want to leave this time."

Park Jung-hee wiped away his tears, cocked the pistol, handed it to Wu Wanli, and said resolutely.

“Go back and take good care of your family. Remember to move them to a place under your control if you have the chance.”

"Let's go. Your family certainly doesn't want you to die."

Wu Wanli glanced at the pistol that was handed to him, then put it back and said with a smile.

"you……

Wu Kaka, I...

Thanks! "

After hesitating for a long time, Park Jung-hee finally bowed to Wu Wanli, then gritted his teeth and turned away.

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

With the fall of the South Korean 3rd Division's command post, the remaining South Korean troops, now without unified command, scattered like headless flies.

Outside Suwon Castle, the situation on the entire battlefield was completely out of control.

South Korean officers on various positions were either killed or thrown into chaos as they fought their own battles.

The South Korean soldiers were leaderless and plunged into utter panic and despair.

Communication was cut off, command was paralyzed, the flanks were exposed, the rear was in dire need of help, and the front was under fierce attack by an extremely fierce enemy force.

When all this bad news piles up, even the most resilient army will break down.

"There's been no news of the division commander!"

"The command post is gone!"

"Run!"

"Surrender! We surrender!"

In an instant, shouts, screams, and the sounds of weapons being thrown away rose and fell.

In many positions, South Korean soldiers began to drop their weapons in groups, crawl out of the trenches with their hands covering their heads, and kneel on the cold ground to surrender.

Some diehards were still resisting, but they were quickly divided, surrounded, annihilated, or captured by the various detachments of the Seventh Steel Brigade, which swept in like a raging tide.

Gao Daxing's assault detachment was like a series of sharp razors, clearing out the main positions.

Pinghe led a reconnaissance squad that moved in and out of the area, clearing out remaining strongholds and destroying communication facilities.

Yu Congrong's fire support troops advanced steadily, using heavy machine guns and mortars to clear out those isolated strongholds that stubbornly resisted.

On the smoke-filled battlefield, there were abandoned weapons, the corpses of South Korean soldiers, and strings of prisoners being led away.

Half an hour later, the flag of the Seventh Steel Brigade was planted on the highest point of the last major position of the Third Division of the Han Army.

"Reporting to the Commander!"
All positions of the South Korean 3rd Division outside Suwon City have been cleared! Resistance has basically ceased!
All pre-set defensive positions have been captured by our forces! Battle results are being tallied!

A staff officer from the Seventh Steel Brigade rushed to the No. 1 tank where Wu Wanli was riding, straightened his chest, and reported loudly.

"knew.

Inform Lei Gong that all artillery should adjust their firing direction; the next target is the fortifications surrounding Suwon Castle.

Gao Daxing was put in charge of taking inventory of the battlefield, guarding prisoners, and rescuing the wounded.

Pinghe led his team to quickly advance to the south gate of Suwon City to scout the city's defensive firepower points and troop deployment.

And notify the Han River Detachment in Suwon City to prepare for action!

The entire army has twenty minutes to prepare.

Twenty minutes from now, I want to see the troops ready to be assembled for the next offensive!
Then, coordinating with the Han River detachment inside, they launched a coordinated attack from within and without, and captured Suwon in one fell swoop!!!

Wu Wanli waved his hand, giving the order with murderous intent.

(End of this chapter)