Chapter 21: Elite Military Training, Surge in Troop Strength, and the Arrival of the Japanese Special Envoy
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It was him? The artillery master Yang Zhihua!
His appearance took Li Yunlong by surprise.
If it was indeed him, then forming an artillery company would finally be within reach.
Li Yunlong immediately approached.
Several soldiers stood up to greet him as he came near.
The people of Lijia Village were visibly excited as well.
If it weren’t for Li Yunlong having eradicated the Black Dragon Society, they would still be under its oppression.
Especially the family of the girl targeted by the Black Dragon Society; upon hearing of Li Yunlong’s arrival, the girl knelt to express her gratitude and earnestly requested to join the anti-Japanese forces.
“Commander Li, although I am a girl, I want to contribute to the resistance.”
“I can join the medical corps or even help mend the soldiers’ clothes.”
Li Yunlong looked at the girl who requested again and quickly helped her to her feet.
“Since you have such determination, go to the logistics department and report to Comrade Ding Ling.”
“Thank you, Commander Li!” The girl repeatedly expressed her thanks and then eagerly lined up to register.
Yang Zhihua quietly observed this scene, feeling deeply moved. He had come to see the New First Regiment after hearing of its deeds.
This only piqued his interest further.
He then stepped forward to register.
When asked for relevant information, Yang Zhihua did not conceal anything and answered truthfully.
Upon hearing that Yang Zhihua was an artilleryman, the soldiers at the registration desk were momentarily stunned, their gazes showing newfound respect.
Li Yunlong stepped forward to check the details and asked Yang Zhihua, “Can you operate artillery?”
“Are you a soldier?”
“Yes, sir!” Yang Zhihua replied. “I have previously learned some artillery skills.”
Li Yunlong nodded slightly. “Good. Come with me to the mountains.”
Yang Zhihua was taken aback for a moment, then responded, “Yes, sir!”
Afterward, Li Yunlong and his group led the way back to the base.
For the security of the base, after inspection, Li Yunlong decided to establish observation posts at the village points.
After all, the regiment headquarters had an arsenal, so the guard force naturally needed strengthening.
Upon returning to the base, Li Yunlong immediately took Yang Zhihua to the artillery company’s quarters and said, “Do you recognize this artillery piece? Can you operate it?”
Yang Zhihua was not surprised to see the mountain gun before him. He hadn’t expected the New First Regiment to possess such artillery. He stepped forward to inspect it and then began to explain.
“This should be a Liao-made 75mm mountain gun.”
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“The Liao-made 75mm mountain gun has a caliber of 75mm, a barrel length of 1650mm, a bore length of 1300mm, and the barrel weighs 1001 kilograms. Its firing line height is 790mm, with an elevation range of -8° to 25°, and a traverse range of 25° to the left and 35° to the right.”
“The overall length is 3380mm, and the total weight is 539.5 kilograms.”
“The muzzle velocity ranges from 335 to 343 meters per second, with a firing rate of 20 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 6,450 meters.”
“It can fire high-explosive shells, incendiary shells, armor-piercing shells...”
“Ordinary pillboxes can’t withstand a single shot from this; it’s quite an excellent mountain gun.”
After listening, Li Yunlong gave a thumbs-up and said, “Very professional explanation, but no matter how well you speak, what matters is whether you can operate it.”
“Show me your skills.”
“Yes!” Yang Zhihua nodded. “Please arrange for a few men to assist me.”
Li Yunlong then called Wang Chengzhu and the others to help.
Under Yang Zhihua’s guidance, the mountain gun was deployed and prepared for firing.
His eagerness stemmed from his desire to demonstrate his expertise; otherwise, being assigned to be just a foot soldier would go against his wishes.
“Report, Commander, preparations are complete. Ready to fire at your command.”
Li Yunlong admired Yang Zhihua’s command and praised, “Well done!”
“It seems you truly understand artillery. From now on, you’ll be the deputy commander of the artillery company. This is Wang Chengzhu, the company commander.”
“I need you to organize the artillery company within a month. You may select personnel from the entire regiment. If you have any questions, ask him directly.”
“I don’t care about the process, only the results!”
Yang Zhihua and Wang Chengzhu were both taken aback.
Yang Zhihua never expected Li Yunlong to appoint him deputy commander outright, which made him feel valued.
So when he said on the way that if you have the ability, you will be given important roles, it was no empty promise.
Though surprised, Wang Chengzhu understood Li Yunlong.
Yang Zhihua’s performance moments ago had already impressed them.
This was a talent who truly understood artillery!
Their skills paled in comparison.
“Yes!” Wang Chengzhu promptly replied. “We will complete the task.”
By now, the basic framework of the artillery company had been established, requiring only personnel reinforcement and training.
Li Yunlong said no more and left the artillery company quarters.
In the following days,
Li Yunlong inspected each battalion, using a loyalty detection skill to ensure no enemy spies had infiltrated.
He also issued instructions for a month-long intensive military training.
After the recent recruitment wave, the New First Regiment’s total strength reached 1,200 soldiers, reaching the scale of a full regiment.
However, fewer than 300 had achieved the system’s advanced military training level.
This was why Li Yunlong insisted on the intensive training.
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Thus, over the next month, Li Yunlong focused rigorously on training and guided the construction of the base.
A month passed quietly amid everyone’s hard work.
Li Yunlong observed the training progress in each battalion; the soldiers now bore the look of regular troops.
After preliminary assessments, over 600 had reached regular soldier standards.
This reflected the intensity of the month’s training.
It was time for real combat evaluation.
Li Yunlong’s target was the local bandits.
First, many civilians had requested help.
Second, these bandits were a good source of recruits and occupied strategically advantageous strongholds.
Third, for the new soldiers’ combat training, these bandits made excellent practice.
In the conference room,
All battalion commanders gathered in the hall.
The base had transformed from its former bandit-like atmosphere; the entire mountain stronghold was much cleaner.
Under the soldiers’ watchful guard, it carried a more solemn image.
Li Yunlong scanned the crowd and said, “After a month of training, I’ve seen the progress in each battalion.”
“This deserves praise!”
“However, whether a colt or a horse, both must be taken out to exercise.”
“Considering the civilians’ appeals and the overall situation, I have decided to clear out the bandit strongholds in this area.”
“Any stubborn strongholds will be attacked without mercy. Bandits who have committed many crimes must face judgment, but those with a conscience may be considered for integration.”
“...”
“Now, each battalion and company will receive their mission objectives!”
Li Yunlong unfolded a prepared map and began distributing tasks.
At the same time, relevant intelligence on the mountain strongholds was handed to the battalion commanders.
Li Yunlong looked around and asked, “Is everyone clear on their missions?”
“Clear!”
Everyone stood and responded in unison.
“Go prepare. Meeting adjourned.”
“Yes, sir!”
Afterward, everyone left to make preparations.
Just as the New First Regiment was about to set out,
A guard soldier saluted and reported to Li Yunlong, “Commander, someone is here to see you. He claims to be an emissary of the Imperial Army.”