Strongest Soldier King

"Focus on a breakthrough," Luo Zheng said gravely. Seeing that Lan Xue hadn't fully grasped the idea, he explained, "Surrounding from all sides means the coalition forces will also be dispersed, diluting their combat power, which gives us an opportunity. The best strategy is to concentrate our forces to attack at one point, a focused breakthrough. Given the coalition's single soldier combat power, no matter which direction they attack, the hundred or so men we have defending won't be able to hold them off."

The mountain has four faces, and Luo Zheng divided Hook's men into three shifts to rotate, meaning each shift had over three hundred people, spread across four directions, leaving fewer than a hundred per direction. Further split across three defensive lines, each line had only a few dozen men, easily breached by the concentrated coalition forces.

"We can't be sure of the enemy's direction of attack, what do you propose?" Lan Xue asked worriedly.

Luo Zheng did not answer immediately, instead falling into deep thought. Knowing his character, Lan Xue did not disturb him. When she saw Ghost Hand and Mountain Eagle approaching, she quickly gestured for silence, and the two halted, waiting quietly. Moonlight fell softly on them, serene and peaceful.

After a while, Luo Zheng seemed to come to a major decision. When he saw Ghost Hand and Mountain Eagle, he beckoned them over, and they all gathered around. Luo Zheng spoke softly, "The enemy is expected to concentrate forces on a single point of attack, but we can't determine their direction of attack, which puts us at a disadvantage."

"Have you thought of a solution?" Lan Xue inquired quietly.

"Determining the coalition's attack direction isn't difficult. We just need to advance to the foot of the mountain and remain hidden to scout. As soon as the enemy makes a move, we'll know immediately. There's a considerable distance from the foot of the mountain to our defense line. Even at the coalition's speed, it would take them over ten minutes to reach us, giving us ample time to react," Luo Zheng spoke softly, eyes gleaming with insight.

Everyone, familiar with Luo Zheng, immediately understood he had another plan and listened patiently, not interrupting.

Luo Zheng continued, "Normally, the front is the preferred attack direction and the main defense point. Previously, when the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group pursued us, they hit a land mine, which also showed the coalition that we've prioritized defenses there. So the likelihood of a frontal attack is slim."

"Human cognitive biases and the exposed traps do indeed make a frontal attack less likely. The sides of the mountain are steeper, hard to climb, easier to defend and harder to attack from, the back of the mountain is relatively more accessible, and the coalition has attacked from the rear before. Are you suggesting the coalition is most likely to choose the back again?" Lan Xue analyzed calmly.

"Yes, military strategy emphasizes the combination of reality and deception. Normally, the same place isn't attacked twice, but Piero is a cunning, bold, and calm individual. Such a person doesn't take risks easily, but at his core, he's a risk-taker. His prudent nature means he'll likely attack from familiar ground, that is, the rear mountain. Yet, his adventurous spirit means he might break conventions and launch two attacks from the same place. What do you think?" Luo Zheng spoke earnestly.

"Piero did boldly invade Bloodsucker's lair, proving his courage, and his calm demeanor isn't easily provoked. Yet about risk-taking, as proven by his feigned three-pronged attack and heavy strike on the rear mountain, I feel he lacks the boldness for all-or-nothing moves. Back then, just holding a bit longer or suddenly increasing troops could've had them take the rear mountain," Ghost Hand analyzed coolly.

"No, it's not that he lacks courage, but he hasn't fully controlled the coalition. The coalition is unstable internally; no one wants excessive losses benefiting others. In other words, they're also guarding against each other internally. Without Sam Country's national machinery in the background, Piero wouldn't have command," Mountain Eagle suddenly proposed, looking firmly at Luo Zheng and continuing to ask, "Do you have a plan?"

"With internal coalition discord, attacking in the dark, and fearing underhanded tactics from others nearby, what if we infiltrate the coalition's ranks and take advantage of the dark to make underhanded moves, what do you think?" Luo Zheng suddenly suggested.

"Hiss?" Everyone was taken aback by Luo Zheng's audacious idea.

Lan Xue almost instinctively wanted to refuse. Seeing Luo Zheng's determined look, she paused, thinking it over and finding it not impossible. At this point, Luo Zheng continued, "Don't be too quick to refuse, look at the sky."

The group looked at the sky in puzzlement; the full moon was out with nothing peculiar. They looked back at Luo Zheng in confusion, to which Luo Zheng explained, "Look southeast, there's a mass of clouds drifting in, expected to block the moonlight around one or two in the morning, also the time people are most prone to drowsiness and ideal for a sneak attack."

"Once the clouds obscure the moonlight, visibility in the dense forest will be further reduced. Without getting close, it'll be hard to discern anything. Then we can blend into the crowd; everyone in similar camouflage suits or combat uniforms would be hard to distinguish, an opportunity to strike covertly, theoretically feasible," Ghost Hand said, a touch of admiration in his voice.

"Once the fight starts, we'll use pistols fitted with suppressors to ambush. If we're stealthy enough, undetected, the enemy won't know we're there. Additionally, we can pretend to fire empty shots towards the mountain top to mislead the enemy. Anyway, we've acquired some weapons, enough for our use," Luo Zheng continued analyzing.

The group pondered over Luo Zheng's plan, gradually becoming tempted. Lan Xue looked at them worriedly but did not oppose the idea. Seeing no objections, Luo Zheng went on, "This will be the plan; if the sneak attack succeeds, great. If not, we'll retreat to the mountain's base. The coalition is attacking and won't dispatch troops to pursue us before understanding the situation. Even if they chase, we'll lead them in circles."

The group laughed on hearing this; ready to fight if possible, or retreat without worry, confident they could evade coalition pursuit without injured burdens. Seeing the group's confidence strengthen, Luo Zheng said sternly, "Since there are no objections, this plan is settled. A sneak attack requires few; just Ghost Hand, Mountain Eagle, and me. Xue Er, you will stay and command."

"No, tactical command is your job, I'm going," Lan Xue refused without hesitation.

Luo Zheng looked at Lan Xue intently, saying earnestly, "Let's not argue about this, shall we?"

Lan Xue knew Luo Zheng was showing his care, felt warmed inside, and after pondering, said, "Alright then, be careful. Only, how should I coordinate with you? I've no experience commanding such a large force of near a thousand people."

Everyone present was adept in special operations but inexperienced in large-scale battle command. They all looked to Luo Zheng, who also lacked such experience, and he contemplated with a bitter smile.