Chapter 132: The Calm Before the Storm!

As night fell, Jiang Bai returned to the command tent alone. He spent a long time in deep contemplation before the map, his expression shifting from grave to resolute. He understood that despite the myriad difficulties and challenges ahead, the Seventh Army still held the hope of ultimate victory. A steadfast belief in the future flickered in his eyes, even as he silently prayed for his soldiers.

Amidst the tense post-battle regrouping, Kamio strictly commanded his troops in the restoration and reconstruction of the frontline defenses. His face was solemn, his eyes gleaming with indomitable spirit. At the same time, he ordered transport ships to urgently evacuate the wounded to naval hospitals. Whenever he looked at the departing casualties, his heart was filled with heavy grief and a sense of responsibility, yet his resolve for future battles only hardened.

Upon learning of the enemy's movements, Jiang Bai immediately fell into deep thought, his brow furrowed and his expression exceptionally stern. As Chen Shan interpreted the telegrams, Jiang Bai listened intently, his expression transitioning from tension to profound reflection; he understood that this was a high-stakes game that would determine the course of the war. He knew well that this temporary calm was merely the stillness before the storm.

When Wang Muzhi, commander of the 211th Brigade, shared intelligence, a trace of calm determination appeared on Jiang Bai’s face. His gaze was steady, as if he had already foreseen the challenges of the future battlefield and determined his own response. Every victory in battle was bought at a heavy price. This immense pressure weighed upon his shoulders, yet his spirit grew stronger, his resolve to fight for the defense of his homeland never wavering.

Facing the prospect of a full-scale offensive by the Japanese, Jiang Bai was increasingly cautious and ingenious in his strategic layout. Though his heart was filled with anxiety, he maintained a sliver of hope, trusting that with his side’s wisdom and courage, they could find a way to defeat the enemy. For Jiang Bai, this impending battle was not merely a military confrontation, but a test of his own convictions and responsibilities.

When Jiang Bai turned his attention to Chen Shan to inquire about the progress of the fortifications on Blue Island, his face held a trace of tension and anticipation. Chen Shan quickly reported the good news: "Commander, the coastal defense guns are almost all deployed, and the ammunition and supplies have been delivered. We are ready to strike at any time."

Hearing that the coastal batteries on Blue Island were prepared, Jiang Bai struck the table, his voice resolute as he laid out the next phase of the plan, his gaze sharp:

"The enemy’s invasion of Blue Province is actually aimed at Blue Island. Why should we wait to be beaten? We might as well wait for them to come to us on Blue Island and see what they can do. I don't believe they can gain the upper hand against the defenses we’ve set up."

He looked around and asked, "What does everyone think of this plan?"

All the officers voiced their support in unison, saying without hesitation, "Commander, we fully support you and await your orders at any time!"

Seeing everyone’s high spirits, Jiang Bai nodded: "Since everyone agrees, that is what we shall do. This afternoon, have the 64th Division withdraw first, and the other units will follow tonight."

By noon, the 64th Division had begun its withdrawal toward the Blue Island fortress with its equipment. When night fell, the remaining units also retreated in waves under the cover of darkness.

The Japanese kept a predatory eye on Blue Island, having established a web of spies throughout Blue Province. Jiang Bai’s large-scale military maneuver was almost entirely exposed to the enemy.

Kamio, facing this situation, was filled with internal struggle and helplessness. Even though he was eager to launch an attack, looking at his battered and exhausted troops, he knew any reckless action could lead to catastrophic consequences. A flash of hesitation crossed his face, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

When the newly appointed commander of the 3rd Division, Taro Ueza, expressed dissatisfaction with Kamio’s conservative strategy and decided to issue an order to attack, Kamio’s mood grew heavier. He felt deeply unhappy about losing command, but more so, he was concerned for the safety of his troops. He adopted a perfunctory attitude toward Taro’s orders, advancing slowly.

The 3rd Division’s offensive was met with determined resistance from the New 2nd Division under Jiang Bai, and the fighting was exceptionally fierce. Despite the 3rd Division’s powerful artillery support, the New 2nd Division’s resistance remained tenacious. Although two days of continuous combat resulted in heavy losses, they held their positions, buying time for the main force to retreat.

Such sacrifice and courage left every soldier’s face etched with resolve and defiance.

With the 64th Division and the 1st New Division successfully withdrawn to Blue Island, and the 2nd New Division also retreating safely under air cover, Jiang Bai decided to abandon other parts of the peninsula to concentrate his forces on defending Blue Island. Standing atop the fortress of Blue Island and gazing into the distance, his expression was resolute, his eyes shining with determination for the coming battle and a longing for victory.

As more Japanese troops gathered around Blue Island, preparing for a full-scale assault on the fortress, they were convinced that once Blue Island fell, the entire peninsula would be firmly under their control.

Faced with hidden bunkers and terrifying war fortresses covering strategic points, even veterans who had survived bitter frontline fighting could not help but show expressions of worry and fear when confronted with these defensive works. Recalling the hardships and losses suffered in previous sieges of fortified positions, an indescribable sense of heaviness welled up within them. Now, as commanders returning to the battlefield, they looked upon the dense defensive facilities with a sense of helplessness and anxiety.

Contemplating the young lives sacrificed in past campaigns and questioning whether more warriors would have to pay the price, many new recruits wore expressions of terror and hesitation, their hearts filled with dread.

As the shadow of war deepened over Blue Island, the Japanese high command was busy with deployments. Their faces were tense, their eyes revealing a grim expectation of the coming battle and concern over the uncertainty of the future.

On the distant Chengyun battlefield, the 4th and 5th Mixed Brigades of the Seventh Army were forced to retreat to Anshan. This news left Jiang Bai feeling the weight of his responsibility, his face set in a firm and serious expression. He was acutely aware of the importance of the heavy industry in the Anshan region, and a flash of resolution crossed his eyes—he was determined to protect this land, which was vital to the development of the North.

Facing the declaration of war by the Japanese, Tang Lin acted decisively. A look of disdain appeared on his face, as he was unmoved by the threats from the Japanese. He firmly supported Jiang Bai, directly transferring these mining enterprises into Jiang Bai’s assets and supplying iron ore free of charge.