Chapter 1039: Luo Zheng's Strategy
A thousand armed men sounds like a lot, but when faced with the powerful forces like Bloodsucker and Guogaitou, they probably have no choice but to take a beating. Gun skills, tactics, speed, equipment, etc., are not something that tribal armed forces can compare with. In the dense forest, concentrated firepower is hard to be effective. Bloodsucker or Guogaitou can chase and attack the tribal forces, but the tribal forces can't keep up with Bloodsucker's speed; they can only watch helplessly as Bloodsucker retreats.
In other words, Bloodsucker or Guogaitou can pounce like a wolf, take a bite, and run, while the tribal forces are left helpless. When they find an opportunity, Bloodsucker or Guogaitou can pounce again for another bite until the tribal forces are wiped out. Bloodsucker can even shoot from a distance, gradually eliminating the tribal armed personnel.
In the world of Special Forces, victory isn't just about numbers; it's about single soldier combat power, information capability, and teamwork, which is something the tribally armed forces, lacking professional systematic training and equipped poorly, cannot achieve. Lan Xue understands these principles deeply and directly dismissed Ghost Hand's proposal.
Ghost Hand also understood, realizing his suggestion was merely a hasty one, and he said nothing further, contemplating instead.
"If we can seize back the startup device, retreating with their help might be possible," Luo Zheng suddenly proposed, his expression as resolute as iron. The latest information made Luo Zheng realize the situation was several times more serious than imagined; swift action was needed. Once reactions come from all sides, things will get incredibly troublesome.
"How so?" Lan Xue surprisedly asked.
"Hook and the others have two advantages: familiarity with the terrain and numbers. Attacking might not work, but defending or retreating should be possible. As long as we get the device, we can use their familiarity with the terrain to shake off pursuers, and we could even defend from strategic positions, launching counter-attacks; with numbers, this advantage shines. No matter who tries to seize it, they can't possibly bring a large force. In a positional battle, as long as it's well-commanded, numbers won't be a problem." Luo Zheng explained.
Everyone found the reasoning logical and smiled knowingly. Seeing no objections, Luo Zheng said, "I'll discuss it with Hook later, but the urgent matter is quickly finding the startup device. For now, it seems there's only one path: wait for Lang Sen's father to come and lead us through the secret path to infiltrate the rock cave."
"This plan carries risks too; the cave space is limited, crowds can't maneuver. I propose that only a few of us go in while the others attack Bloodsucker from outside, drawing their fire and luring the tiger away from its mountain, perhaps creating an opportunity," Lan Xue seriously proposed.
"Alright," Luo Zheng solemnly nodded in agreement. Ghost Hand and Mountain Eagle also nodded consent. With Zhou Gang and ten other snipers, plus Hook who knows the terrain, they could attack and retreat quickly; Bloodsucker could hardly manage instantly. Once gunfire echoes from the cave, pursuers will inevitably turn back to aid, ensuring Zhou Gang, Hook, and others' safety.
Having settled the main strategy, everyone returned to camp. Luo Zheng glanced at Cheng He who was deep in thought and without saying much directly approached Hook, pulling him aside to explain the situation in hushed tones. After a brief reflection, Hook said, "This isn't an issue, it's a great chance for us to practice; I'll arrange for troops to secretly return."
"Thank you very much," Luo Zheng gratefully said. Such support is risking personal stakes; this friendship is as tall as a mountain. Luo Zheng gazed deeply at Hook, continuing, "Old friend, I owe you for this favor and will repay it given the opportunity."
"No need for thanks; without you, our tribe would have been extinct and couldn't avenge our ancestors' great wrongs. This is nothing," Hook earnestly said.
"Alright, I won't be polite then, move the people and station them at a distant place, preferably a strategic location for defense, prepare more rations just in case," Luo Zheng instructed.
"Don't worry, I understand." Hook readily agreed, after contemplating briefly he added, "About a hundred kilometers from here is a mountain with a very high altitude, over two thousand meters I think, steep slopes filled with strange rocks and shrubs, commanding from above, it's tough to attack and easy to defend. More importantly, halfway up is a large natural cave, fitting a thousand men with no issue; not even armed helicopters could manage, it's more strategically critical than Bloodsucker's base."
"Great spot, what about water supply?" Luo Zheng inquired worriedly.
"It's hard to solve that but this area almost always sees some rain; prepare containers to catch water, daily supplies are no problem," Hook explained carefreely.
The indigenous advantage showed now; upon hearing this, Luo Zheng rejoiced and decisively confirmed the plan. Hook summoned two confidants and gave them detailed instructions, and the two nodded without hesitation, quickly disappearing into the woods.
With this major issue resolved, eliminating worries, Luo Zheng felt much more at ease. Returning to the base, he nodded at Lan Xue, Ghost Hand, and Mountain Eagle, who also smiled in relief. Luo Zheng thought for a moment, approached Cheng He, sat down, and softly asked, "What are you thinking?"
"I've been pondering a question; though we're all soldiers, why are there such disparities between people? Seeing your sincerity and unity contrasted with our past experiences, despite surviving together, why did things change later on? Based on what I knew of them, this shouldn't be," Cheng He said with some bitterness.
"Regardless of their reasons, treasonous acts against the country must be severely punished; you know this cannot change, so no need to dwell on it so much. Even if coerced, national interests take precedence and cannot be compromised. Have you forgotten the oath upon joining the Special Forces? To serve the country and people without regret." Luo Zheng calmly reminded, his gaze on Cheng He was complex.
"We've got a situation," suddenly, came Liu Xun's voice from the earpiece, on lookout duty.
"What situation?" Luo Zheng was startled, quickly asked, and everyone else woke up, Liu Xun used the public channel, ensuring all could hear. The soldiers just now sluggish from sleep became instantly alert, their eyes sharp like drawn swords, vigilantly watching surroundings, lifting their weapons.
"Spotted a team approaching, about ten people; too far and too dark to make out clearly," Liu Xun quickly relayed.
"Hmm?" Luo Zheng already knew Bloodsucker operates in squads of about thirty, deploying similarly each time; who could this ten-man team be? Could they be Bloodsucker's reconnaissance group? He immediately ordered, "Mountain Eagle, take a few to check it out, others prepare for combat." Saying this, he headed towards Hook, his expression as grave as ever.
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