jdhmnovel Chapter 256: Aftermath of the Explosion
Chapter 256: Aftermath of the Explosion
While Lei Tao and Hu Hansi were still rushing through the valley jungle to reunite with their team, all forces were shaken by the noise made by the thermobaric bomb's nighttime detonation. The blast, like a thunderclap, exploded in the silent night sky, its rumbling waves spreading outward, startling the birds and animals in the forest and scattering in all directions.
The Japanese barracks, stationed over thirty kilometers from the thermobaric bomb's detonation point, erupted in chaos. The sharp explosion echoed through the silent night sky, like an invisible giant hand suddenly shaking the slumbering barracks awake. The soldiers, startled from their slumbers, bleary-eyed yet terrified, frantically fumbled with their uniforms in the darkness, often buttoning the wrong button or putting their shoes on the wrong way. They hastily grabbed their rifles and stumbled to assemble at the commanding officer's call. The dim lights flickered in the wind, stretching the soldiers' frantic figures into a long shadow.
The officers were terrified and cursed loudly, their voices filled with anxiety and uneasiness. A Japanese lieutenant, his eyes wide open as if spitting fire, veins popping out of his face, rushed to the signalman and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Quick, contact the search team and see what's going on!" The signalman was frightened by the shouting, and his fingers trembled uncontrollably. His forehead was covered with dense beads of sweat, which rolled down and dripped onto the radio console. He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself, and quickly turned the radio knob to adjust the frequency, trying to get in touch with the search team. However, there was only the rustling sound of electricity on the radio, and no response came, which made the already tense atmosphere even more depressing.
At the same time, over 20 kilometers from the explosion, soldiers at the National Security Army's temporary camp were also awakened by the loud blast. Regimental Commander Chu Yunfei leaped from his bed, quickly donned his coat, and strode out of the tent. He looked up in the direction of the explosion, his thick brows furrowed, his eyes revealing a mixture of alarm and confusion. "Everyone, assemble!" Chu Yunfei shouted the command in a booming voice, echoing throughout the camp.
Soon, the soldiers gathered neatly in the open space. Chu Yunfei scanned the crowd with a sharp gaze and said seriously, "Everyone heard the explosion just now. It could have been our action, or it could have been an enemy tactic. We can't let our guard down. Immediately increase our vigilance and send out a reconnaissance team to investigate the situation. Move quickly and stay hidden!"
The reconnaissance team quickly set off, cautiously advancing towards the explosion site in the darkness. Chu Yunfei paced back and forth in the camp, hands behind his back, occasionally looking up into the distance, awaiting news from the reconnaissance team. He knew that in this complex situation, any disturbance could trigger a new battle, and the National Security Forces must remain vigilant and prepared for anything.
The sudden bang also shattered the tranquility of the New 1st Regiment, 386th Brigade, 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army. Li Yunlong sat up from the kang, quickly donned his uniform, buttoned it, and rushed out of the cave.
"Everyone, hurry up!" Li Yunlong yelled at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing throughout the camp. The soldiers, startled awake by the explosion, scrambled from their slumbers and quickly gathered their equipment. Their movements were quick and efficient. Soon, the yard was filled with spirited Eighth Route Army soldiers.
Li Yunlong stood in front of the team with his hands on his hips, his eyes piercing as he scanned everyone. "Did you hear that explosion? There must be a big commotion! The Japs might be up to something again. We in the New 1st Regiment can't just sit there and watch." He turned to look at Zhang Peng, the commander of the special forces battalion, and barked an order: "Zhang Peng, take a company from the special forces battalion to investigate. Remember, you must be cautious and find out the situation thoroughly. Report back immediately if there is any sign of trouble!"
Zhang Peng stood at attention with his chest puffed out and responded loudly: "Yes, Commander! I guarantee to complete the mission!" Then he quickly turned around and began to select soldiers to carry out the reconnaissance mission.
Li Yunlong looked at the other battalion commanders and said sternly, "All of you battalions, immediately take up your respective defensive positions and stand by. Reinforce your fortifications, load your guns, and be ready to respond to the Japanese attack on our base at any time!
The battalion commanders all responded in unison, quickly leading their troops to their respective defensive positions. For a moment, the entire New 1st Regiment's base was filled with a tense atmosphere of battle, with soldiers moving busily and orderly.