Chapter 117: The Opportunity for Battle Will Come Sooner or Later!

"My Fifth Division is ready. We await only your order to launch a full-scale offensive and break through the Chengyun Army's defensive lines!"

He spoke with nervousness and anticipation, the flames of vengeance flickering in his eyes.

Facing the enthusiasm of the Fifth Division commander, Ando Ze offered a calm smile and cautioned, "Do not be hasty. Stay calm."

His tone was steady, as if he already held a clear view of the entire battlefield situation.

"The opportunity for battle will come soon enough."

He explained, his voice conveying unquestionable confidence, as if he had already foreseen every move on the board.

"The railway garrison battalion is expected to tie down at least six of their brigades, which buys us precious time."

Ando Ze’s face revealed the wisdom of a strategist. He laid out the battle plan in detail, with every aspect considered flawless.

"Therefore, our objective is to break through the Chengyun Army's lines within three days, laying the foundation for our subsequent operations."

As he mentioned this goal, his gaze sharpened, as if he could already see the moment the lines were breached.

Under his leadership, every Japanese officer felt unprecedented pressure and motivation. They knew this was not merely a standard engagement, but a decisive battle that would determine the future.

"According to reconnaissance reports, the Chengyun Army has deployed heavy forces on the west bank of the river. Furthermore, the river is currently flooding; if they blow up the railway bridge, it will significantly increase the difficulty of our crossing. Under these circumstances, our troops will serve as the core force of the main assault."

Following Ando Ze’s exhaustive battlefield analysis, the senior officers in attendance expressed their agreement.

Turning to the commander of the Second Division, Ando Ze said, "Although headquarters originally intended for your Second Division to serve as reinforcements, I expect you to play a critical role in the coming battle."

The Second Division commander was thrilled upon hearing this and replied, "Hai, Your Excellency! Just give the order, and leave the rest to us!"

He felt both surprised and excited to be directly involved in the fighting.

Upon learning that his Second Division was initially viewed merely as a reserve force, he had felt conflicted. He was dissatisfied with the arrangement, as it meant limited opportunities to earn significant glory in actual combat. This was undoubtedly a major obstacle to his professional advancement, making his path to promotion increasingly difficult.

On the other hand, he understood the reasoning behind the decision, which aimed to preserve the reputation of the Second Division as one of the Army's most formidable fighting forces. However, such caution limited the number of campaigns in which the division participated, affecting the promotion speed of its officers and men.

Whenever he saw colleagues who had enlisted at the same time rising through the ranks, Lieutenant General Nanlou felt an urgent desire to prove his abilities in the upcoming battle and get his career back on track.

Just then, a staff officer rushed into the room, breathless, reporting that the forces led by Lieutenant General Kamio had successfully landed at Hukou and were pushing deep into the interior.

Upon hearing the news, a fanatic smile spread across Ando Ze’s face: "Gentlemen, our hunting feast is about to begin!"

His voice was resolute and full of power: "Fifth Division, launch a full-scale attack immediately! You must break through the northern defenses within three days and strike directly at Chengyun!" These words were filled with the fanaticism and anticipation inherent in his orders.

***

Lieutenant General Xiaoyuan received the order, his face immediately reflecting a serious and determined expression. He rendered a salute and took swift action, every step appearing exceptionally firm.

At the same time, Ando Ze issued instructions to his communications officer. His eyes revealed the deep deliberation of a strategist; even knowing that the two Korean divisions would struggle to break through the lines in the short term, his decision was intended to pin down the enemy and create opportunities for the main assault force.

The entire Fifth Division, after a grueling march, finally reached the front lines. They stood in confrontation with the forces under Jiang Bai’s command along the Biliu River and Sha River line.

Facing the open terrain, the soldiers' faces showed a complex mix of anticipation and tension, aware that this would be a decisive, large-scale military operation.

When Lieutenant General Xiaoyuan arrived at the front-line command post and saw that the preparations were nearly complete, a relaxed smile appeared on his face, though it quickly turned stern.

Although the Sha River was a narrow stream—even with the rising water levels, it was no more than twenty or thirty meters wide and only waist-deep—it did not pose a significant obstacle to the infantry, who could easily wade across.

Despite the stone bridge over the river being rigged with explosives, it did not hinder the unit’s crossing plans.

As the artillery was prepared, various types of guns were deployed on the field, including 105mm howitzers and 75mm Type 41 mountain guns. Once in position, the commander gave the order: "Fire at will!"

The artillery units immediately unleashed a fierce bombardment on the enemy positions across the river.

Shells fell like rain, the thunderous sound of explosions echoing across the battlefield, with fire and smoke swirling at the muzzles.

This was the overwhelming firepower the Japanese Fifth Division displayed in this operation, determined to shatter the enemy lines with superior force and ignite a full-scale offensive.

Thick smoke blotted out the sun, hanging endlessly over the artillery positions.

The shells struck like thunder, hitting the area where the 19th Division was stationed.

As the shells landed one after another on the 19th Division’s positions, thick smoke rose from the ground. The shockwaves from the explosions sent mud and debris flying in all directions.

Instantly, the front lines were riddled with massive craters.

However, thanks to the numerous bunkers dug beforehand, most of the soldiers of the 19th Infantry Division safely avoided the Japanese bombardment.

"Damn it, the enemy's firepower is too fierce!" The Chengyun Army battalion commander clenched his fists, his facial muscles taut, his eyes flashing with a firm and resolute light.

His voice sounded particularly heavy amidst the roar of the explosions. "Where is our artillery? Why haven't they opened fire yet after all this time!?"

The battalion commander wiped the dust from his cap, spat out the grit from his mouth, and stared fixedly into the distance: "If we don't counterattack now, we'll be crippled before we even leave our nests!"

In the tense atmosphere of the battlefield, the deputy battalion commander remained exceptionally calm. He replied steadily, "Don't be anxious, Commander. The artillery boys are moving shells so fast they haven't even had time to pull up their pants!"

"Moving the divisional artillery regiment, the brigade artillery battalion, and the regimental artillery companies—it really takes time to coordinate so many guns."

"Damn it, the enemy's offensive is fierce; they are clearly out for revenge!" The commander’s voice carried a deep understanding and disdain for the enemy.

"Do these people really think our Seventh Army is like the armies of the old dynasty?"

***

The battalion commander’s facial muscles tightened, and his brows furrowed, showing his internal rage and defiance.

"This time, we must show them our true strength!"

He waved his arm and called for two more communications soldiers to urge the artillery units forward.

"Artillery, ready—fire!"

Following the order from the artillery commander, the 19th Division of the Seventh Army quickly launched a barrage of covering fire against the enemy's gun positions!

With dozens of guns firing in unison, the battlefield was instantly filled with a deafening roar!

Under the barrage of the Chengyun Army, which possessed twice the firepower of the enemy, the shells flew through the air at high speed, the extreme friction creating a sharp, piercing whistle!

The sound was almost enough to shatter the enemy's eardrums.

Facing the rapidly approaching shells, the enemy artillery units fell into a panic, shouting desperately:

"Artillery strike! Find cover, quickly!"

"105mm howitzers! The Chengyun Army is actually equipped with such advanced weapons? It's unbelievable!"

Under the bombardment of the 75mm rapid-fire mountain guns, the enemy troops attempted to find shelter but were forced to abandon their guns as they scrambled for cover.

They had never expected the 19th Division's artillery to be so accurate.

Each shell landed exactly where it was needed, pouring down like a torrential rain.

Successive explosions, rolling clouds of earth and smoke, and the smell of gunpowder filled the air.

The power of the explosions instantly destroyed the enemy's artillery positions; some of the barrels were even bent into strange, distorted shapes.

Facing the intense shelling, the enemy scattered and fled, desperately trying to escape the kill zone.