Chapter 269: 269, Hero Battalion volunteers for battle!

Ren Xiaosu had deployed both Li Qingzheng and Chen Wudi to set up defenses, and the Qing forces, upon arriving here, would first construct makeshift fortifications rather than launch an immediate assault.

The attacking side likewise needed to establish defensive positions, for their retreating soldiers required places to tend wounds and rest.

He had been observing the three suspicious tents, even having Li Qingzheng fetch him a telescope—this device, issued during the new equipment distribution, proved quite useful in Ren Xiaosu’s estimation.

After all, the supernatural beings’ hearing and vision had not undergone drastic changes; their visual acuity primarily enhanced dynamic tracking rather than distance.

Yet the commander insisting on bestowing a title upon Ren Xiaosu likely never imagined that Ren’s use of the telescope was not to observe the Qing forces, but to scrutinize their own Li clan’s…

Suddenly, Ren Xiaosu spotted a small contingent emerging from one of the tents, but these individuals kept a low profile, clad in standard infantry uniforms and avoiding interaction with others.

However, Ren Xiaosu was astonished to recognize a soldier among them—wasn’t that Lin Qi, the nano-warrior who had once installed the surveillance system at their outpost?

Wait, were all three military tents concealing Divine Machine Camp nano-warriors?!

Previously, Ren Xiaosu had lamented that his outer-armored exoskeleton was missing a leg, yet now, like a man who had searched the ends of the earth only to find treasure at his doorstep, he stumbled upon them effortlessly.

After glancing around to ensure no one noticed him, he ventured alone into the mountains. The soldiers at the 313 position avoided them as if they were plague, but this proved convenient for Ren’s solo excursion—perfect timing.

He had walked a kilometer westward when a voice whispered from behind a large tree ahead: “A lama arrived from the north.”

Ren replied, “A mute came from the south; come out.”

With that, Tang Zhou emerged from behind the tree.

Tang Zhou asked, “Have you settled into the 313 position? I can only operate independently now—the reconnaissance patrols in the vicinity would expose a larger force.”

“Mhm,” Ren said, “Are you planning to assault the 313 position?”

Tang Zhou spoke candidly, “Though we appear formidable, we merely aim to draw the Li clan’s main forces from Shuanglong Mountain and Fengyi Mountain here. We have no intention of dying needlessly.”

Ren frowned, sensing that the Li and Qing factions would likely remain locked in stalemate here, engaging in combat without genuine resolve.

But what purpose did luring the Li clan’s main forces serve? It eluded him.

Qing Zhen must have other plans.

Tang Zhou continued, “However, we will launch simultaneous attacks on both the 313 and 319 positions at dawn. Only by striking fiercely can we compel the Li clan’s rear forces to advance. Naturally, our assault on your 313 position will be a feint, and we’ll send some of Qing Yun’s remnants—unequipped soldiers posing no real threat to your defenses.”

Tang Zhou’s words were meant to allay Ren’s concerns, for cooperation remained a possibility.

Yet at that moment, Ren spoke earnestly, “Attack the 313 position. Don’t hold back for my sake—go all out. I’ll sketch a simple defensive layout; just let our Hero Camp here ease up a bit!”

The defensive plan was crucial; without it, the Qing forces would struggle to discern the heavy firepower distribution at the 313 position, potentially costing them a brigade.

But Tang Zhou’s mind reeled—was Ren Xiaosu out of his mind? Why seek battle so eagerly?

…

“Has it succeeded?” Ma Kai rubbed his temples at the command center.

A staff officer replied, “We attempted to destroy their temporary bridge, but were detected before nearing it. The Qing’s internal purges are thorough; we can only hold our position. Reconnaissance reports the Qing have split their forces.”

“Split their forces?” Ma Kai inquired, “Where have they gone?”

“One contingent is heading toward our 313 position, the other toward the 319 position,” the officer said. “However, we cannot determine their troop allocation.”

The 313 and 319 positions formed the linchpin of the entire frontline defense, mutually supporting each other. As long as these two strongholds held, the entire battle line remained secure.

Thus, to breach the Shuanglong Mountain line, the Qing could not circumvent these positions.

The staff officer added, “Qing Zhen has one weakness: he bears grudges and highly values morale. That’s why the Hero Camp was assigned to the 313 position. Therefore, I believe his main force will target our 313 position.”

“No,” Ma Kai, a major, shook his head, “you’re mistaken. I’ve studied Qing Zhen’s past operational records. His battlefield tactics seem erratic, making it hard to discern truth from illusion, but he never takes risks or acts rashly. Years ago, during Qing Zhen’s early days at Taifu Mountain against Huozhong Company, he could have pursued a retreating enemy yet abruptly withdrew. A man barely twenty to make such a decision required immense courage and wisdom. Indeed, Huozhong Company had contingency plans, leaving the retreating Qing forces helpless.”

The world perceived Qing Zhen as unpredictable, cunning, favoring unorthodox strategies, but Ma Kai believed this was merely a facade.

The staff officer paused, “What do you mean?”

“I suspect they’ll feint at the 313 position and strike the 319 position instead,” Ma Kai analyzed. “Qing Zhen isn’t one to let hatred cloud his judgment. Losing a special operations camp hardly constitutes a grievance.”

The staff officer concurred, “Major Ma Kai truly discerns the battlefield’s nuances. I agree with your assessment.”

Ma Kai said, “Prepare the subordinate combat units. If the Qing’s assault on our 313 position proves a feint, we must be ready to reinforce the 319 position at any moment.”

The staff officer nodded, “Any further instructions?”

Ma Kai suddenly declared, “The Hero Camp’s position is inconsequential. If the Qing feints, other combat units shall not provide support.”

The staff officer gaped—was this a betrayal of the Hero Camp?!

Rumble!

Rumble!

Rumble!

A series of thunderous explosions shook the ground, and everyone in the command center froze. This was artillery fire!

Immediately, fierce gunfire erupted in the night sky, and battle erupted in an instant!

What in the world—why had the Qing launched an attack?! Had they lost their minds?!

A soldier suddenly burst in, shouting, “The Qing’s main force is approaching our 313 position! Our SAM vehicles intercepted their artillery shells, but they seem to have obtained our defensive layout, concentrating fire on our heavy weapon positions!”

Ma Kai’s face darkened like water—his humiliation came swiftly!