Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 317 The Chinese Navy is advancing at full speed, heading for Hong Kong Island!

Following Wu Wanli's suggestion, after Commander Xiao Zhenhua issued the order to engage in a decisive battle with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, all ships and aircraft immediately sprang into action.

On the massive flight deck of the aircraft carrier Wanli, ground crew were working diligently, while the roar of fighter jet engines warming up continued.

Parallel to it is the Dongfanghong battleship, its massive sixteen-inch main gun barrels raised high.

The flight deck of the Wanli aircraft carrier immediately entered a high-speed operation state.

Before long, MiG fighter jets painted with red stars took off one after another and soared into the sky.

At the same time, land-based Chinese Air Force fighter jet formations quickly approached and joined the battle.

On the sea, the battle was initiated by the Dongfanghong.

The main gun commander's loud command rang out from the fire control room: "Bearing 027! Distance 25000 yards! Target locked, enemy inner torpedo attack formation!"

"Armor-piercing shells loaded!"

"Target acquired! Open fire!"

A tremendous roar echoed across the sea!

The massive hull of the Dongfanghong battleship shuddered violently from the recoil, and its 406mm guns simultaneously spewed out blinding flames and thick smoke.

The heavy shells tore through the air and flew toward their distant targets.

Before the shells even arrived, the destroyers providing cover on the perimeter began firing rapidly.

The dense barrage of 130mm main guns was the first to strike the two US destroyers that were interfering.

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

Violent explosions erupted in the target area, engulfing the two US ships in massive jets of water and shrapnel.

One of the US destroyers was directly hit on the bridge, and a huge flame instantly rose up, with alarms sounding throughout the ship.

"Report! Both the A and B turrets on the bow of our ship are completely destroyed!"

Numerous compartments destroyed! Jamming system malfunctioned!
Flagship! We've lost our fighting capacity!

Repeat, we've lost our fighting capacity!

The ship's captain reported this over the radio in a hoarse and desperate voice.

The fighting wasn't just taking place at sea; the aerial dogfights were equally intense.

"Thump thump thump thump thump..."

On the aircraft carrier Wanli and the cruiser, a dense barrage of anti-aircraft guns fired continuously, and the shells exploded in the air like countless black spots.

The US fighter jets tried to find gaps in the fire network, hoping to break through.

"Comrade Peter, one o'clock!"

Four US warplanes are attempting to approach an area where anti-aircraft guns are blind spots. Intercept them immediately!

Wang Wei, inside the Wanli-1 fighter jet, calmly gave instructions over the radio.

Upon hearing this, Peter, aboard the No. 1 MiG fighter jet, immediately led his squadron to make a rapid left roll, gaining altitude advantage before diving down.

The American aircraft attempted to climb and retaliate, but the MiG-15's jet engines gave it an absolute advantage in climb rate.

"Damn it! Their fighter jets have caught up!"

Instantly, terrified screams came through the US Air Force radio.

Peter locked onto the tail of an American fighter jet, his sights firmly locked onto the enemy aircraft.

"Lock the target and fire!"

Seeing that the time was right, Peter decisively pressed the machine gun button.

The cannon of the Korean War No. 1 fighter jet instantly fired two streams of fire, accurately hitting the tail of the American fighter jet in front.

The aircraft's tail section shattered, and it tumbled into the sea, billowing thick smoke.

Meanwhile, the other US warplanes were also successfully engaged by other Chinese warplanes.

"The enemy's first wave of attack aircraft has been suppressed!"

Attention, all squadrons!
The enemy's main torpedo bomber group is approaching from low altitude!

Five hundred meters high!
Extremely fast! Heading straight for the Wanli and Dongfanghong!
We must resolutely prevent their breakthrough!
Engage the enemy freely and destroy their attack aircraft with all your might!

Wang Wei pulled the control lever while giving commands over the radio.

The next second, the Wanli-1 fighter jet transformed into a streak of silver light, hurtling down at an extremely high speed towards the massive group of American torpedo bombers below.

Other Chinese Air Force fighter jets followed closely behind, diving at full speed.

These bulky torpedo bombers maneuvered at low altitudes to evade enemy fire, attempting to break through the air defense network.

Dives, climbs, and intense gunfights unfolded in the sky, with hit planes crashing into the sea, trailing flames.

On the sea, deadly white torpedo tracks have begun to appear!
The two US ships on the periphery, which were being suppressed by Soviet destroyers and were carrying out jamming missions, failed to effectively release a smoke barrier.

One of the ships was hit directly amidships by a 130mm shell, tearing a huge gash. Thick smoke and flames instantly engulfed half of the hull, and the ship lost power and floated on the sea.

This left the two US destroyers carrying out the main attack mission on the inner flank completely exposed to the barrage of fire!

"Heading straight ahead! Distance 18,000 yards!"

Full speed ahead! Release all torpedoes!

The captain of the USS Caul destroyer gave the order in a hoarse voice.

With their engines running at overload, the two American ships stirred up huge white waves at their bows as they recklessly charged toward the Dongfanghong's ideal torpedo attack position on its broadside.

"Boom!!!"

The main gun of the Dongfanghong roared once again!
A 406mm armor-piercing shell hit the bow of the USS Caul at an astonishing distance!
A dazzling, enormous fireball instantly engulfed the bow of the ship!

The destroyer seemed to be slammed into the water by an invisible force, accompanied by the ear-piercing sound of metal twisting and breaking, and the ammunition depot and fuel tanks were violently detonated!
In an instant, flames shot into the sky.

The USS Caul destroyer was sunk as if it had been hit by a gun.

The USS Johnston, which followed closely behind, was also hit on the bridge by accurate artillery fire.

In an instant, the command system was paralyzed!

At the same time, the submarine's deadly attack arrived as expected!

In an instant, the dull sounds of torpedoes hitting each other and exploding rang out one after another!

The two US Navy ships shook violently, and surging seawater rushed in through the breaches, causing the ships to list rapidly.

The US Navy personnel on board continued to repair the ship, and although it hadn't sunk yet, it was as if a large portion of its "health bar" had been damaged.

While Chinese naval fleets were suppressing US naval vessels, fierce air combat continued.

Wang Wei, piloting the Wanli-1 MiG fighter jet, had just used his machine gun to shoot down a low-flying US fighter jet, causing it to explode in mid-air.

Immediately, he pulled the control stick sharply to climb, and out of the corner of his eye he noticed that two enemy planes had broken through the blockade of the MiG group and were diving toward the starboard side of the Wanli aircraft carrier, ignoring the anti-aircraft fire!

One of the US military aircraft's aerial torpedoes had been launched into the water and was beginning its journey toward its target!
"Captain Wang! Two planes have slipped through! They're going to attack the Wanli!"

Upon seeing this, the wingman pilot called out in alarm over the radio.

"Roger that!"

After Wang Wei finished responding, his heart tightened, and without hesitation, he pushed the throttle valve all the way to the bottom, and the engine of the Wanli-1 fighter jet roared at its limit!
He abandoned the tactic of gaining altitude advantage, and his fighter jet fiercely pursued the two American fighter jets that were trying to escape at a near-vertical dive angle!

Intense vibrations filled the cockpit, and the wings were subjected to enormous structural stress!
Under intense G-forces, he relied on his exceptional skills and calm judgment to painstakingly lock onto one of the U.S. military aircraft with his sights.

"It's time, fire!"

Wang Wei roared and slammed the trigger.

In an instant, a stream of scorching bullets poured out, accurately hitting the tail fin and right engine of the target enemy aircraft.

The hit U.S. warplane went out of control and tumbled toward the sea.

However, at the very moment Wang Wei attacked the enemy aircraft, a US warplane took advantage of the brief opening to complete a dive and turn, and was about to escape the last edge of the air defense fire!
"Don't worry, Comrade, I'm here for you!"

Peter laughed as he spoke into the radio, pulling the joystick and charging forward.

The next second, the Korean War No. 1 fighter jet appeared like a ghost above and to the side of the American aircraft and fired a precise short burst!
"Thump thump thump thump thump thump..."

The shell accurately hit the junction of the enemy aircraft's left engine and fuselage, and the last American torpedo bomber that tried to escape was blown to pieces in mid-air.

"Comrade Peter, well done!"

Wang Wei let out a long breath, overcoming the immense G-forces and brief blackouts he was experiencing, and struggled to maintain control of the aircraft. He then whispered his praise over the radio.

"For the victory of the proletariat!"

Peter's voice was also heavy with the labored breathing of battle, but he still responded with a smile.

Just then, a sharp radar warning sounded in Wang Wei's cockpit!

The "drip-drip-drip" sound was extremely piercing!
Peter looked up sharply and saw that several American fighter jets that he had just driven away had returned.

They were swooping down from high altitude at high speed, their nose guns flashing, their target being the Wanli-1 fighter jet, which was at low altitude and low speed!
"Your Majesty, be careful!"
Enemy planes are at six o'clock behind you!!!

Upon seeing this, Peter quickly reminded them via radio.

At the critical moment!
Relying on his fighting instincts, Wang Wei suddenly slammed on the rudder pedal and pulled the lever back with all his might!

The Wanli-1 fighter jet trembled violently, and its fuselage emitted an unsettling metallic groan.

A string of scorching enemy shells whizzed past, almost grazing the top of the cockpit canopy!

Immediately afterwards, the fuselage of the Wanli-1 fighter jet suddenly shuddered, and a piercing metallic tearing sound came from the rear fuselage. The feedback from the control stick became heavy and sluggish.

Multiple warning lights inside the cockpit are flashing red!

"Wanli-1 has been hit! Its tail has been damaged! It is temporarily under control!"

Wang Wei hurriedly reported the situation and tried his best to maintain the flight attitude.

"Aid Korea No. 1, provide cover! Wang, you immediately disengage at low altitude!"

Peter gritted his teeth, maneuvered his fighter jet fiercely towards the American aircraft, and opened fire to drive it away.

Seizing this brief window of opportunity, Wang Wei lowered the flight altitude, braving the smoke billowing from the sea, and painstakingly maneuvered the damaged fighter jet toward the Wanli aircraft carrier.

In this situation, the distance to return to land is too far, so the only option is to force a landing on the aircraft carrier for repairs.

Meanwhile, naval warfare has reached a fever pitch.

"Bearing 027! Locked onto the attacking enemy warship!"

Inside the fire control room of the Dongfanghong battleship, the main gun commander's voice was hoarse yet incredibly penetrating.

The massive turret gears made a dull "clunk" sound, and the thick 406mm gun barrel rose again.

"boom--!!!"

A deafening roar shook the world, accompanied by violent tremors of the ship, as the cannons spewed out massive plumes of orange-red flames and thick smoke, some tens of meters long.

Three heavy armor-piercing shells tore through the air and flew at high speed toward the two American destroyers that were desperately charging at 37 knots in the distance.

Almost simultaneously, the artillery battle on the perimeter intensified.

The 152mm main guns of the Chinese cruiser, which was carrying out fire suppression, roared fiercely along with the 130mm naval guns of the two destroyers that were providing outer cover.

The dense barrage of shells, like a storm of steel, bombarded the area around and the hulls of two other US destroyers tasked with containment.

"Boom!"

A 152mm high-explosive shell directly hit the depth charge launcher on the aft deck of one of the US destroyers.

The violent explosion instantly tore the entire stern apart, sending burning wreckage and twisted steel fragments flying into the air.

An orange-red fireball, mixed with thick black smoke, shot into the sky, the ship tilted sharply and took on water, and the stern sank at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"The nearest warship, suppress the other enemy vessel it's harassing! Prevent it from releasing a smokescreen!"

Commander Xiao Zhenhua gave the order sternly.

The Lushun's three 130mm guns fired continuously and fiercely, and the precise firepower forced the enemy ship to frantically perform "S"-shaped evasive maneuvers, making it completely unable to carry out its intended mission.

The water jets generated by several near misses repeatedly pounded the port side of the US destroyer, causing multiple rivets to break and seawater to seep in.

Just as the intense fighting broke out on the periphery, the second salvo from the Dongfanghong main guns roared into the target area!
"boom!!!"

A deafening roar was followed by a massive fireball and water column shooting straight into the sky.

The USS Caul destroyer was unable to completely avoid the fatal blow while maneuvering at high speed.

A 406mm armor-piercing shell, accompanied by a sharp whistle, pierced the engine room located aft of the ship!

The hard warhead instantly tore through the thin armor above the waterline and exploded violently as it entered the compartment!

More than a ton of armor-piercing high explosive charge released unimaginable destructive power.

The scorching expanding gas and high-speed fragments, like countless red-hot blades, instantly swept through the entire engine room.

The massive steam pipe was torn apart, and scorching, high-pressure steam gushed out wildly.

The heavy turbine unit was blown to pieces, and the underlying keel structure was severely twisted and deformed.

The entire destroyer USS Caul jumped upwards, only to be slammed back to the surface by the powerful shockwave from the explosion, and the center of the ship collapsed instantly!

Thick smoke, carrying hot metal fragments and screams, spewed out from the huge rift that had been blown open.

Immediately afterwards, a deadly chain of explosions occurred, detonating the ammunition storage area and fuel tanks at the rear of the ship!
"Boom! Rumble—!!!"

More violent explosions followed one after another.

The flames of the explosion repeatedly raged on the aft deck and hull of the Kaul, engulfing steel and lives.

Its stern broke off rapidly, and the unsupported rear of the ship slowly sank into the cold sea with a desperate sound of metal twisting and tearing.

Soon only the broken bow section remained, standing upright on the sea like a charred lump of coal, as the entire ship slowly sank.

The USS Johnston, a destroyer that was following closely behind the Kaul less than a kilometer away, narrowly escaped the main gun's bombardment area, but was violently shaken by the shockwave from the destruction of the Kaul.

The American commander on the bridge witnessed the sinking of the USS Caul, and his face drained of color.

"Torpedoes! Prepare to fire! Full speed ahead! Disrupt their firing lines!"

Captain Johnston roared, trying to seize the last chance.

The five-tube 533mm torpedo launcher on the bow was aimed at the side of the Dongfanghong, which was spewing flames.

However, a Chinese destroyer had already spotted it, and its radar was firmly locked onto the moving target.

"17,000 yards away! Enemy destroyer USS Johnston, course stable! High-explosive shells! Fire!"

The Chinese destroyer's three 130mm main guns roared and slammed accurately into the radio antenna mast behind the bridge of the USS Johnston!
The violent explosion instantly destroyed the rear structure of the bridge and vital communication equipment.

Broken tempered glass, twisted electronic components, and human remains were scattered everywhere.

Smoke quickly filled the bridge, paralyzing the command system.

Just as the USS Johnston lost effective command and began to drift aimlessly on the sea, the threat quietly loomed.

The two US destroyers tasked with the inner circle assault were shocked by the main guns of the Chinese battleships and the sinking of their outer friendly ships, and their commanders were in a state of psychological shock and hesitation.

Meanwhile, the two friendly ships that were still struggling attracted most of the ship's gun fire and aerial strafing.

This subtle confusion and distraction created an excellent window of opportunity for the Chinese submarine fleet lurking near the battlefield.

Distance: 3,000 meters!
Torpedo tubes one through four, launch!

A submarine captain clenched his fists and gave a loud order.

"Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!!!"

Four 533mm heavy torpedo tubes were launched in sequence by high-pressure gas, propelling the heavy torpedoes.

After the torpedo enters the water, the tail propeller starts at high speed, emitting a deep hum.

They then left four clearly visible straight white trails in the cold, deep water as they hurtled toward their target at speeds exceeding 50 knots!

Almost simultaneously, four Chinese submarines, concealed on the other side, also detected signals from other exposed US ships.

"Enemy ship's heading: 150! Speed: 31 knots!"
Tubes one through six, prepare! Depth set at 3.5 meters! Launch!

"Launch! Launch!"

Within seconds of the order being given, the torpedo's deadly white death line once again ripped through the deep sea!
Ten heavy torpedoes were launched covertly from three different directions at the chaotic US destroyer group in less than two minutes!

The USS Cox was the first to detect the anomaly; several rapidly approaching bright spots on the radar screen alerted the officer on duty.

"Torpedo! Port side! Underwater! High-speed approach! 800 meters away!"

The U.S. lookout's heart-wrenching screams echoed throughout the ship through the megaphone.

"Full speed to starboard! Emergency acceleration! Deploy jammers! All port secondary guns fire at full power at the surface!"

The captain of the USS Cox had veins bulging on his forehead as he grabbed the radio and tried to warn the other ships.

The ship began to tilt and turn violently under the immense rudder effect.

The port side's 20mm and 40mm rapid-fire guns fired massive amounts of ammunition at the torpedo's trajectory, attempting to detonate it prematurely or interfere with its guidance.

The sea surface was splashed with large sprays of water by the dense bombardment.

However, there were too many torpedoes and they were too fast!

Just as the Cox was halfway through its turn, the accident happened!

"Thump! Boom!!"

The first torpedo struck the port side of the stern below the waterline, and the shockwave and flooding instantly destroyed the stern's steering system.

"Thump! Boom!"

The second shell followed immediately, striking hard below the main gun magazine on the port side of the bow!

A massive, orange-red fireball erupted from the bow deck of the ship in an instant!
The entire bow was completely torn apart and lifted up in the violent explosion, then slammed back onto the sea!
The chain reaction shockwave triggered by the ammunition depot explosion swept across the foredeck gun emplacements, instantly vaporizing the personnel!
"Pfft!!"

The third torpedo hit near the engine room amidships, causing seawater to rush in.

The USS Cox lost power completely, and the ship quickly listed to port and sank.

It disappeared from the sea within minutes, carrying flames and thick smoke that had not yet been completely extinguished, leaving behind only a huge whirlpool and a few survivors calling for help.

The destroyer HMS Evans was slightly luckier; its captain reacted more quickly after hearing the warning.

"Full speed! Hard to port! Quickly!" The order was given with extreme decisiveness, and the ship drew a bright white trail of sharp turns on the sea surface.

Two of the three torpedoes that rushed toward it passed by at high speed less than ten meters from the bow and stern before detonating on their own, sending up high columns of water.

"Starboard! There's one more! Emergency reverse!"

The voice of the U.S. military lookout was filled with despair.

The third torpedo was not completely avoided and struck the outside of the starboard rudder compartment of the Evans at its maximum range.

The explosion tore the hull apart, causing the steering gear to jam and a large amount of water to enter the ship.

The Evans lost its ability to turn effectively and could only spin in place, floating erratically with its hull tilting backward. The upper structure of the deck was riddled with holes by shrapnel from shells fired by friendly ships that followed.

Although it is still floating on the water, it has completely lost its fighting ability.

Subsequently, the USS Simpson became the focus of submarine torpedo fire.

Its attempt to follow the Cox's order to turn and evade was too late, and at the same time, four torpedoes from two sectors were rapidly approaching!

"Evade! Evade! Turn left! Accelerate!"

The captain of the USS Simpson roared at the top of his lungs amidst the deafening background noise of the explosions.

A dense barrage of bullets splashed water around it, a scene of intense bombardment from naval guns.

Unfortunately, torpedoes came faster and were more deadly.

"BOOM!!! BOOM!!"

Two muffled, thunderous booms followed in quick succession!
The two torpedoes hit the fuel tanks in the middle of the ship almost simultaneously!

Thousands of tons of aviation fuel were ignited instantly!

An unimaginably huge orange-red fireball instantly lifted the Simpson from the middle!

The entire destroyer broke in two during the earth-shattering explosion!

The forward section of the ship tumbled backward and crashed into the sea amidst flames and thick smoke, while the stern stood upright like charred charcoal before quickly sinking as well.

All that remained on the sea surface were raging oil slicks, leaping flames, and scattered charred debris.

The shockwave from the explosion even made the windows of a Chinese destroyer on the nearby sea vibrate, making its chances of survival almost zero.

The destroyer USS James witnessed the destruction of the USS Simpson and was utterly devastated.

In its panic, it attempted to escape the deadly waters at full speed, making a rapid retreat.

"Target number three is on course stable! Full speed ahead, evacuate! Tubes one through four! Depth set at three meters! Launch!"

A Chinese submarine captain coldly gave the order.

With four torpedoes in hot pursuit, the desperate USS James put up a final, highly destructive act of resistance.

Under the captain's command, "Fire on the surface! Fire everything!" all the main guns, secondary guns, and anti-aircraft guns on board that had not been destroyed were fired wildly at the pursuing torpedo trails and the surrounding sea surface, forming a large-scale barrage.

It even released its last remaining depth charges while sailing at high speed to disrupt the enemy.

The barrage of bullets and water splashes interfered with the torpedo's guidance to some extent.

The two torpedoes detonated prematurely.

However, the ship, hurtling at high speed, still could not avoid all of them.

"Boom!"

A torpedo struck the James amidships on its starboard side, and the explosion tore the hull apart, flooding two watertight compartments.

Just as the James was miraculously still afloat and struggling to control the damage, an aerial attack struck.

Wang Wei's squad, having completed their airspace sweep mission, discovered this isolated ship that had lost its cover.

Two MiG fighter jets swooped down with a sharp whistle, their cannons roaring as they fired a long string of 20mm shells!

"Thump thump thump thump...!"

Shells rained down on the already damaged superstructure and main deck of the James.

The command room was completely razed, the forward main gun shield was riddled with holes, and fires broke out everywhere on the deck.

The destroyer was completely crippled on the churning sea. Its engine room was flooded, the ship was listing severely, and it had lost its last fighting capability. It would soon sink.

By this time, the entire high-speed assault group of US destroyers had been essentially annihilated.

The destroyer USS Caul was directly hit by the main gun of the Dongfanghong, destroying the engine room and causing ammunition and fuel to explode and sink.

The USS Johnston was severely damaged by Chinese warships' gunfire, which damaged its bridge and superstructure, rendering it incapable of command and control.

The USS Simpson was hit by multiple submarine torpedoes in its midsection fuel tanks, triggering a devastating explosion that caused it to break in two and sink.

The destroyer USS James was severely damaged on its starboard side by a submarine torpedo and then paralyzed by strafing fire from Wang Wei's fighter squadron.

The destroyer HMS Evans was hit by a submarine torpedo on the outside of the starboard rudder compartment, lost its ability to turn, and was severely damaged, flooded and sank.

Only the USS Cox, thanks to its evasive maneuvers and robust construction, miraculously managed to remain afloat after being hit by two torpedoes.

At this point, the battle on the sea was coming to an end.

Inside the USS Cox

Lieutenant Commander Hogg, leaning against the broken bridge window, hoarsely ordered into the intercom: "Max speed! Head southeast!"

Head towards the main fleet at full speed to lure their navy into pursuit!
"Their main fleet is very close now. Once their naval fleet catches up, we'll be able to have a real battle with them!"

The heavily damaged destroyer pushed its remaining power to the limit for acceleration.

Disregarding the ship's structural integrity, it frantically fled towards the area where the main force of the U.S. Pacific Fleet was expected to appear.

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

Meanwhile, the combat center of the Wanli flagship was filled with excitement and fervor.

"OK!
The Americans can't hold on any longer! They've got just one wrecked ship left!

"A young operations staff officer said excitedly."

"This battle was indeed well fought!"

This time, the Chinese Navy sank five US warships, a resounding victory!

Another officer excitedly waved his fist and said with a smile.

"Order the pursuit! Annihilate it completely! Let it go down and reunite with its accomplices!"

"The head of the naval operations department said excitedly."

At this moment, the urge to volunteer for the mission is high.

Even the cruiser captain spoke through communications, requesting that the gains be expanded.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were eagerly focused on Xiao Zhenhua.

As Xiao Zhenhua thought of the last American destroyer that was fleeing frantically, the burning fighting spirit in his chest had not yet subsided, and an impulse to completely annihilate this enemy surged into his heart.

His hand was already raised, almost ready to give the order to "pursue," but his strong self-control made him suddenly stop.

"Comrade Wu Wanli, what's your opinion? Should we pursue them?"

Commander Xiao Zhenhua quickly turned his gaze to Wu Wanli, who was staring intently ahead with a solemn expression, and asked.

Wu Wanli frowned, his mental map rapidly analyzing the scene.

He clearly saw the fleeing destroyer USS James hurtling toward a pre-set sea coordinate at near-suicidal speed.

More importantly, he saw a massive, breathtaking naval fleet in the distant southeastern sea beyond those coordinates.

It was the main force of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, commanded by Nimitz, that was pressing forward at full speed!
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy's new main carrier-based aircraft group also took off from the huge aircraft carrier marker on the sea surface, preparing to approach for battle.

The massive red threatening arrow was crystal clear, while the USS James destroyer was emitting highly regular and high-frequency radio pulse signals, like a precise navigational cable, its intentions blatantly obvious.

"Don't chase! I suspect this is a premeditated decoy tactic!"

After all, think about it, the US fleet can't possibly only have a few destroyers; their main fleet must be arriving soon.

But it deliberately fled southeast, which was exactly the direction of the US Pacific Fleet's support that we had predicted in our intelligence!

This was not a rout following a tactical defeat, but rather a retreat with a clear tactical intent.

I anticipate that they intend to lure our entire fleet into a pre-arranged rendezvous point!
Its core objective is to use itself as bait to lure our main fleet into its firepower trap, thus completing the encirclement of us!
Commander Xiao, the fundamental purpose of our mobilization is to repel the enemy's advance fleet that is blocking our army's withdrawal and ensure the safe withdrawal of all comrades!
It's not about endlessly pursuing and annihilating every enemy ship.

The strategic goals have now been achieved!

At this moment, turning to a safe route to evacuate is the best choice to preserve our strength and live up to the expectations of our comrades who fought so hard!

We launched a counterattack because the US military blocked our retreat.

In order to uphold the spirit of never abandoning or giving up, we will never abandon the warships and comrades responsible for covering the rear, which is why we are willing to fight.

But it is absolutely not about recklessly stepping into the enemy's ambush just out of a desire for war and personal glory!

After looking at the map of the Heavenly Eye, Wu Wanli suddenly looked up and said in a steady and powerful voice.

"The purpose of this battle is to never abandon or give up, not to be warlike or greedy for glory..."

These words struck the hearts of every officer like a heavy hammer, instantly freezing the atmosphere of the pursuit that had just been there.

They suddenly remembered that the original purpose of this naval battle was to cover the safe withdrawal of the Steel Seventh Brigade, which had broken through the bloody battle at Pingze Port!

It was to allow those army comrades who had accomplished the feat of "crossing the Han River four times" on land and fought bloody battles in the port warehouse area to board the ship smoothly!
The root of Wu Wanli's insistence on "drawing the sword" was that he was unwilling to remain indifferent to the sacrifice of his comrades responsible for covering the rear and blocking the enemy fleet.

Commander Xiao Zhenhua looked at Wu Wanli's resolute face, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

"Comrade Wu Wanli's judgment is accurate, and we have achieved our goal!"
I now order an immediate change to a safe course and a full-speed withdrawal from the combat zone!

"Chief Xiao Zhenhua said."

"Yes!!"

Everyone responded in unison.

The massive naval fleet traced a huge arc on the water, ignoring the lone American destroyer fleeing into the trap, and resolutely sailed towards its safe return.

…………

Shortly after, inside the US military flagship command center.

"Sir, five of the destroyers that went out to attack were sunk. The last one was supposed to lure the Chinese navy into retreating, but the Chinese navy fleet didn't fall for it at all."

Furthermore, three batches of carrier-based aircraft were intercepted by the Chinese Air Force, with over 60% of them suffering losses…

A U.S. Navy communications officer reported.

"Damn it, the Chinese navy capsized five of our destroyers so quickly?!"

Have their battleships achieved such high levels of accuracy in gunfire, submarine ambush tactics, and aerial interception?!

"Five-star general Nimitz asked angrily."

"Intercepted battlefield communications revealed that the last report from the USS Kaul before its sinking stated that the Chinese destroyer group's firepower deployment was as precise as a scalpel."

The Simpson's sonar last detected seven to nine underwater targets 'tail-biting attacks,' with extremely dense coordinate coverage..."

"The intelligence chief, Colonel Davis, said, his face pale."

"Admiral! The Chinese fleet is beginning to turn!!"

Heading northeast! Speeding over 20 knots, they're withdrawing from the battlefield!!

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

"

"General, we should send our main fleet at full speed; we'll definitely have enough time to catch them off guard!"

The U.S. Navy Chief of Operations said excitedly.

"The Chinese Navy is not the Beiyang Fleet."

When we anticipated they would break out and escape, they turned around and attacked our six destroyers.

The Cox is now dragging itself to the southeast like a bloody piece of meat, and our planned encirclement point is in that direction.

However, they were not tempted and instead chose to leave the battlefield in the opposite direction from our main force.

That's impressive...

Five-star general Nimitz shook his head and sighed.

"General, if the entire fleet turns to pursue now and corrects its course to 45 degrees, it will take at least one hour and fifty minutes to reach the maximum range of our ship's guns."

However, a longer voyage is needed to achieve effective fire coverage. The Chinese fleet's speed is higher than expected, and the time window for pursuit is very tight.

Therefore, it's best not to pursue it.

After all, judging from this naval battle, we underestimated the strength of the Chinese navy. Now we are not confident of a complete victory, and it is more likely that both sides will suffer heavy losses.

Our warships also carry a large number of American soldiers.

Another U.S. Navy officer stared at the chart and calculated for a moment before looking up and speaking.

"Don't chase?
Let the Chinese Navy destroy five of our destroyers for nothing!

Do you want the world to laugh at our Pacific Fleet?!
They were just lucky; they took advantage of an intelligence gap in our advance fleet…

Captain Black's neck veins bulged as he spoke angrily.

It wasn't luck!
Latest battle situation on the north bank of the Han River!
Commander Ridgway confirmed that the main force of the Chinese Air Force secretly transferred here an hour in advance.

The timing was precise—takeoff just ten minutes before my formation entered the attack route!
This is tactical coordination, this is intelligence!

The Chinese had calculated that Ridgway's land-based aircraft would be pinned down on the Han River!
He knew that all we could spare were carrier-based aircraft!

At this moment, the head of the intelligence department stepped forward, sighed, and said...

In an instant, the command room fell into dead silence, with only the indicator lights on the instrument panels flashing dimly.

Nimitz walked to the large bulletproof porthole, gazed at the faintly rising and falling waves in the darkness, and said:

"We are not facing an army that fights by bravery and luck."

They infiltrated the UN forces' land defenses like mercury, and smashed our fortifications at the port with minimal cost.

Now, they have woven a net with naval guns, submarines, and land-based air force, and devoured five destroyers in such a short time.

We did underestimate their fighting strength, and rushing in to fight could indeed have resulted in mutual destruction.

Order the USS Cox to abandon its luring mission and regroup with the main fleet, with the escort group prioritizing the rescue of those who have fallen overboard.

"Order the fleet to maintain its current course and speed—"

"General, but..."

Upon hearing this, Captain Black wanted to continue arguing.

Nimitz's gaze suddenly pierced Captain Black and the several officers with resentful faces, and he said sternly, "Execute the order!"
What is the core mission of our fleet?
The goal is to send support troops to the shore of Pyeongtaek Port!
The main fleet's course remains unchanged; it will arrive at **Ze Port anchorage by the original timeframe!

"Yes, sir!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone had no choice but to stand at attention and loudly respond.

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

Meanwhile, in the command center of the aircraft carrier Wanli...

"Commander Xiao, the US fleet hasn't pursued us. It seems they're planning to swallow this bitter pill!"
Now our navy not only successfully completed the mission of taking over the Seventh Steel Squadron, but also gave their navy a good beating and achieved a great victory!

Captain Li Hongbo said.

"We have to thank Comrade Wu Wanli for this. Without the warships he seized, our navy wouldn't be so strong!"

Moreover, his suggestion to engage in battle and his advice to withdraw in time were both perfectly timed, maximizing our gains and minimizing our risks.

Commander Xiao Zhenhua looked at Wu Wanli and said with a smile.

"It's all thanks to the comrades' hard work and the leaders' excellent command; my contribution was just a minor one."

Wu Wanli smiled modestly and said.

"Reporting to the commander, an urgent telegram has been received!"

Dr. Qian Xuesen of the California Institute of Technology secretly sent his student Zhao Qingyang back to China after he completed his studies!

However, when they were preparing to return to the mainland from Hong Kong Island, they were found and detained by the British Governor's men!
Our superiors have ordered our navy to immediately depart for Hong Kong Island and make every effort to bring back Qian Xuesen's student, Zhao Qingyang!

The higher authorities emphasized that this matter concerns the nation's military industry and must not be delayed!

At that moment, a naval officer rushed over and said.

"A student that Qian Xuesen specifically sent back to China?! That must be a top talent in the military industry..."

It just so happens that the British occupied Hong Kong Island for so many years, riding on the backs of the Chinese and acting like tyrants.

I wonder how these British will react to seeing such a powerful Chinese navy approaching?

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli murmured to himself.

"Comrade Wu Wanli, what do you think about this matter..."

If you'd like, we can go together; if not, I'll go first…

Chief Xiao Zhenhua looked at Wu Wanli with a troubled expression.

"Since it's an order from above, of course we can't disobey."

I, Wu Wanli, was trained by Commander Li Yunlong, so naturally I obey orders from my superiors the most.

I went with the navy, because it concerns the future of the country's military industry, so we had to be careful.

Qian Xuesen is a military industry genius, and his students may have brought back some advanced American technology. No wonder they were detained.

We must do everything in our power to bring these military-industrial talents back!

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli quickly replied.

"You're right, let's go together then!"
"Order the entire army to proceed at full speed, target Hong Kong Island!!!"

Upon hearing this, Commander Xiao Zhenhua nodded emphatically and gave the order.

(End of this chapter)