Chapter 20: The Rapid Rise of the New First Regiment-Guerra de Resistência: Li Yunlong! Você chama isso de um regimento?(Oficial Pioneiro da Resistência)

To better manage the new First Regiment, Li Yunlong compiled a roster. This was crucial for each soldier’s identity and would facilitate recording their future merits and achievements. In the unfortunate event of a soldier’s death, they would not be an anonymous anti-Japanese martyr but a named hero whose family and residence could be identified. This was Li Yunlong’s duty as a commander.

Taking the roster, Li Yunlong reviewed the entries before stepping outside. A number of men stood quietly, awaiting him. Scanning the crowd, he announced loudly, “Wang Dazhuang, from Fengtian in Northeast China, residing in Erdungou.” “Chen Tianfang, from Liaocheng in the Northeast...” The others listened, puzzled by the purpose of this recital.

Stopping, Li Yunlong said, “I won’t read out the rest.” He then asked, “Tell me, does your hometown still belong to you? Are your families still safe? How have those little devils—those Japanese—tormented them?” He urged them to think deeply. His words, sharp as bayonets, pierced their hearts, leaving their faces grim. Though some had thought about it, none dared return home. Now, faced with reality laid bare by Li Yunlong, guilt and rage welled up within them.

Seeing the moment ripe, Li Yunlong pressed on: “Think about what those devils have done. How do you think they treat your friends and family?” “Can you remain indifferent?” “They say a Northeastern man is passionate and responsible, yet here you all are, willing to hide in this mountain valley, even considering becoming dogs for the Japanese? Is that the spirit of a Northeastern man?” “Not a shred of it!” “Cowards all of you...” His words left no room for mercy, deeply wounding them.

Outraged, many retorted, “We are not cowards!” “Though branded as bandits, we would never serve those devils!” “Exactly!” “We are prisoners, but that does not give you the right to insult us!” In response, Li Yunlong merely smiled and beckoned Wang Dazhuang with a finger. “If you’re not scared, then show me some blood and guts. Let’s see if you’re truly a coward!” Wang glanced nervously at the soldiers around him.

Sensing his hesitation, Li Yunlong assured, “Nobody’s allowed to help during this.” Zhang Dabiao, worried, tried to intervene but relented upon meeting Li Yunlong’s gaze. “Come on, show me the fighting spirit still left in you!” Wang Dazhuang stepped forward. “Officer, if I accidentally hurt you, don’t blame me!” “Cut the nonsense!” Li Yunlong scoffed. “Who knows who’ll hurt who first?”

With that, Wang made no further protest, clasping his fists in warning, “Be careful!” Then, with a powerful backward kick, he charged, his fist aimed directly at Li Yunlong’s face. The wind from the punch was fierce! But Li Yunlong, a trained fighter with enhanced physical abilities, easily dodged by sidestepping. Using the momentum, he executed a shoulder throw, slamming the hundred-eighty-pound Wang onto the ground.

Before Wang could recover, Li Yunlong’s fist shot toward his throat like lightning—but stopped at the last moment, ending the fight with a single move. Wang swallowed hard, eyes wide with respect and awe. He knew well that had the punch landed, he would have been done for. Such was Li Yunlong’s strength—truly formidable. Among these men, Wang was known for his martial skill, yet he had been so easily defeated.

“I lost,” Wang admitted. At that moment, everyone was convinced. In the army, strength commands respect. Li Yunlong had won them over with power. His efforts to conquer them with words and fists stemmed from recognizing their remaining fighting spirit and ability. But to truly earn their loyalty, this was the quickest way.

Scanning the crowd, Li Yunlong bellowed, “Who else?” The men lowered their heads, unwilling to meet his gaze but now with a hint of newfound respect. Moments later, Wang stood again and said, “Commander Li, I want to join your unit. Lead us to fight the devils!” Others quickly echoed their desire to join the First Regiment.

Li Yunlong looked over them and pressed down his hand, voice resolute: “Good. You still have some fighting spirit left!” “I, Li Yunlong, promise you: one day we will reclaim this land and bring you all home!” “We will defeat the devils and make them pay!” Hearing the word “home” brought tears to many eyes and steeled their resolve. The Japanese invasion had displaced countless people—this pain was shared by all.

With eighty men recruited this time, adding to previous numbers, their strength now exceeded seven hundred. Then, the system’s alert sounded: [Ding! Congratulations, host, your army size has reached 220 soldiers. Reward: 110 Type 38 rifles, 6 Type 24 machine guns, 2 Type 92 heavy machine guns, 12 grenade launchers, ammunition, and supplies.] Li Yunlong’s smile deepened. Now, they lacked no equipment. It was time to expand the troops and build their base.

Next, Li Yunlong convened a regimental meeting. He praised the two battalions’ performance and allocated the seized weapons, arranging suitable firepower. After distribution, each battalion had twelve light machine guns, two heavy machine guns, and six grenade launchers. “The weapons have been issued. Each battalion must train quickly to make full use of them!” “If any battalion fails, I will take back the gear.” “Understood!” Shen Quan and Zhang Dabiao responded.

Li Yunlong then turned to Wang Chengzhu: “Chuzhi, to better face those artillery pieces, I’ve decided to form an artillery company.” “Do you know how to operate the mountain gun?” Wang hesitated, “After some practice, I think I can manage.” Hearing this, Li Yunlong sighed inwardly. Still lacking the skill! Wang’s mortar expertise came from experience and talent, but forming an artillery company required professionals.

“Good, then practice diligently!” “Also, you’ll be responsible for training the artillerymen in each battalion to use the grenade launchers.” “Yes!” Feeling Li’s disappointment, Wang silently vowed to study harder.

Li Yunlong next looked to logistics chief Zhang Quan and ordered, “Heifengling will be our base. I need you to gather manpower and organize its construction.” “I will guide you on the specifics.” Zhang responded promptly, “Understood!” With issues settled, the First Regiment began building their base and strengthening training.

Notably, after the First Regiment eliminated the Black Dragon Society’s threat, the locals’ support soared to unprecedented heights. Upon learning of the base construction, many took up their tools to help. This swiftly advanced the project. Watching this, Li Yunlong mused, “Indeed, strength lies in numbers; he who wins hearts wins the world!”

Meanwhile, the First Regiment’s reputation spread to nearby villages. Sensing opportunity, Li Yunlong promptly sent men to recruit from all villages.

At the Li family village recruitment station, a long line had formed. A soldier was registering new recruits. Li Yunlong, surveying the base’s perimeter, came upon the scene and, seeing so many volunteers, was slightly surprised. Among the crowd, a familiar figure caught his eye. Why was he here?

Why isn’t there even free ‘love-powered electricity’? How pitiful~