Chapter 152: Venturing deep into the core territory of the enemy, getting ready to launch a fatal strike!

After carefully analyzing the nautical chart, a resolute look appeared on his face, and he swiftly issued orders for the submarine force to continue pursuing the enemy warships.

The light of a decisive battle flickered in his eyes, and his voice was firm and resolute, revealing an unyielding fighting spirit.

The primary reason Shen Honglie dared to risk launching a surprise attack was that, according to reconnaissance data, the enemy warships had not maintained combat readiness during their withdrawal; they seemed to believe that no force within this waters could pose any threat to them.

Furthermore, with night falling, the cover provided by the dark night made it easier for the Ghost-class submarines to initiate attacks, which boosted their confidence and enhanced the stealth of their offensive.

Meanwhile, within the fortress command post, the situation was equally tense. Major General Deng Fei furrowed his brow deeply, his tone tinged with disappointment and worry: "Corps Commander, Batteries Number One, Two, and Five have been destroyed by the enemy, and we have also lost hundreds of artillerymen."

A deep sense of regret was evident on his face: "Moreover, although we managed to damage four of the enemy's battleships during the engagement, we failed to sink them." Clearly, failing to completely annihilate the enemy warships left him feeling unreconciled.

Noticing Deng Fei's emotional state, Jiang Bai responded in a gentle and comforting tone: "There is no need to be too disappointed. Being able to damage four enemy battleships is already quite good, as it means they will be unable to pose an effective threat to our fortress in the short term."

His expression was calm and steadfast, attempting to boost Deng Fei's morale: "Besides, although the enemy possesses the advantage of high-speed mobility at sea, we could not stop them even if they wanted to retreat."

Although this was the first time Jiang Bai and his troops experienced actual combat, facing a battlefield environment far harsher than training, Jiang Bai still felt relatively satisfied with the current results.

He understood the difference between actual combat and the rigorous training administered by military instructors, recognizing the unpredictability of real warfare.

Amidst the tense battle updates, Deng Fei reported to Jiang Bai with deep concern: "Corps Commander, we now only have three sets of coastal defense batteries left, and our defensive capability has greatly diminished."

His voice carried palpable anxiety, and his eyes revealed apprehension about an uncertain future: "If the enemy continues their attack tomorrow, I'm afraid we will lack the strength to resist. Currently, the batteries are severely damaged and difficult to repair in the short term. Although we still have a large reserve of coastal defense guns, the facilities have been almost completely destroyed, making reconstruction nearly impossible, and restoration will take a considerable amount of time."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Bai frowned, deeply aware that the enemy would not grant them time to repair the batteries.

His expression grew solemn and pensive, as he deeply understood that these damaged batteries would be unable to play any role in future battles.

"Corps Commander, if the enemy continues to shell us tomorrow, we truly might not be able to hold out."

Deng Fei's apprehension was obvious, but Jiang Bai showed no trace of panic. He checked the time, maintaining a smile as he tried to stabilize the situation with a calm demeanor: "Don't worry. Calculated by the time, our secret weapon should already be on its way."

At this moment, deep in the sea, in the waters behind the enemy's Third Fleet, submarine after submarine of the Ghost-class began to silently reveal their threatening posture.

Among this fleet of submarines, Submarine Number One was personally commanded by Shen Honglie.

The sound of heavy hatch covers opening echoed shortly after. Major General Shen Honglie crawled out, stained with engine oil, closely followed by the executive officer, Major Zhou Hang.

Shen Honglie's face was filled with firmness and resolve. Although he could have abstained from front-line command, considering that the submarine force lacked actual combat experience, he decided to take the helm himself.

Even his superior, Jiang Bai, could not change his mind, which demonstrated his high regard for and determination regarding this mission.

With a worried expression, Zhou Hang reported to Shen Honglie: "Any new news? Have the enemy discovered us?" His voice was low and carried a hint of tension.

Zhou Hang, standing nearby, hurriedly replied: "Reporting to the General, there is currently no abnormal movement from the enemy; clearly, they have yet to detect us."

A trace of relief flashed in his eyes.

Then, continuing with a hint of doubt, he added: "Also, General, should we continue tracking? If things go on like this, the enemy might retreat back to Fengshun Port."

Shen Honglie nodded in response, his expression resolute and his gaze sharp: "Rest assured, they won't return to Fengshun. They haven't completely destroyed the coastal defense batteries of Landao yet."

His tone was brimming with confidence: "Therefore, they won't easily withdraw. We just need to wait patiently for them to reveal a flaw."

After an hour of waiting, at the stroke of midnight, Shen Honglie suddenly opened his eyes and issued an order, his voice firm and forceful: "Order the submarine force to begin surrounding the enemy's Third Fleet!"

"Once an opportunity is spotted, launch an attack immediately without hesitation!" Excitement and determination for battle showed on his face.

"Yes, General!" Zhou Hang replied, his voice laced with firmness and resolve.

Following Shen Honglie's command, twenty Ghost-class submarines waited in the dark like a pack of hungry wolves, silently surrounding the enemy's Third Fleet.

At this time, the enemy fleet had not implemented light control, likely because they believed these waters were entirely safe and carefree.

On one hand, this was because the navy of the new dynasty practically no longer existed, and the expeditionary fleets of various major powers had withdrawn to Europe due to the outbreak of war. Under such circumstances, the enemy fleet was undoubtedly the strongest force in this region.

Consequently, Vice Admiral Xiaoying did not issue orders for light control; instead, he allowed the soldiers to relax so they could enter battle with abundant fighting spirit the next day.

This made the enemy's Third Fleet stand out in the dark like fireflies.

Even without the aid of binoculars, Shen Honglie and his team could still clearly see the enemy warships.

"These fellows are truly arrogant!" Shen Honglie could not help sneering, a flash of irony crossing his eyes.

"To not even implement light control—isn't this marching to their own doom?"

Having confirmed the specific location of the enemy's Third Fleet,

Shen Honglie quickly lowered the periscope. With his face written with determination, he immediately began commanding the submarines to submerge in preparation.

His tone was firm as he gave orders to the submarine crew: "Notify all submarine formations to penetrate deep into the enemy's core area and prepare to launch a fatal strike."

Turning to Major Zhou Hang beside him, a sense of urgency showed in his gaze as he said solemnly: "Prepare to attack, and act the moment everything is ready!"

Seizing this rare opportunity, they certainly would not let the target slip away easily. The targets had to be higher-value armored cruisers or even larger vessels.

The submarine force led by Shen Honglie silently prepared to strike in the dark, while the enemy's Third Fleet remained completely oblivious. Under the cover of the deep sea, they were getting ready to catch the enemy off guard.

At this moment, the enemy armored cruiser Wunan was patrolling the outer perimeter. This giant vessel sailed with confidence, entirely unaware of the latent threat.

Inside Submarine Number One, Shen Honglie appeared somewhat dissatisfied. His brows were tightly knitted, and he felt frustrated by the failure to find an ideal attack target. Watching the enemy sailors happily diving into the water on the surface, anger and discontent showed on his face: "How unlucky! Why does it have to be an armored cruiser?"

He complained, "Where are the enemy's battleships? Not a single one is in sight!"