The Mysterious Soldier of the Anti-Japanese War

Chapter 239: Road to the Secret Camp: Breaking out in the Dark Night with Dangers

Elsewhere, Lei Tao and Xu Guangrong led their team on a run of over ten kilometers, stopping to rest in a secluded valley until they were sure the Japanese hadn't caught up. The team members collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath. Lei Tao began to count the men, feeling somewhat relieved to find no one had fallen behind. He urged everyone to restock their water and food quickly, and he assigned two members to stand guard at the valley entrance to prevent a surprise attack by the Japanese.

After a short break, Lei Tao and Xu Guangrong gathered the team members together to discuss their next move. "Although we've temporarily repelled the Japanese cavalry using the minefield, they certainly won't give up. We must find a place to relocate these progressive young people before the Japanese discover our whereabouts and encircle us." The team members nodded in agreement.

At this time, a soldier from the Eighth Route Army task force suggested: "Captain Lei, why don't we go to the deep mountains in the west? The terrain there is complex, and it will be difficult for the Japanese cavalry to penetrate deep into it, and we can hide better." Lei Tao pondered for a moment and said: "The deep mountains in the west are indeed an option. Let's set up a secret camp in the mountains. I will help you improve your combat effectiveness... As for equipment and supplies? Lei Tao smiled mysteriously and said: I will be responsible for it, but you will be responsible for building the camp..."

Hearing Lei Tao's words, the team members' eyes lit up. Establishing a secret camp in the mountains would not only allow them to avoid the pursuit of the Japanese army, but also provide a chance to improve their own strength. This was undoubtedly an attractive plan.

"Captain Lei, when do we set off?" a team member asked anxiously.

Lei Tao looked up at the sky, thought for a moment and said, "It's still early. Let's rest for an hour and replenish our strength before setting off. Everyone should take the time to treat their wounds and ensure that there will be no accidents during the journey."

The team members sprang into action. Li Shuiniu and others pulled simple medical kits from their bags and helped each other clean and bandage wounds. Others pulled out rations and water bottles to quickly replenish their energy. A tense yet orderly atmosphere permeated the valley.

Meanwhile, Sato Shinoo had gathered the thirty or so surviving cavalrymen. He looked at these frightened soldiers, feeling both angry and helpless.

"You bunch of rubbish!" Sato Shinoo roared. "When have the iron cavalry warriors of the Great Japanese Empire ever been so embarrassed? This defeat is our shame!"

The soldiers lowered their heads, not daring to look Sato Shinoo in the eye, their faces full of shame.

"However, now is not the time to be discouraged." Sato Shinoo continued, "We must find those Chinese soldiers, eliminate them all, and avenge the fallen warriors!"

After that, he began carefully questioning the soldiers about the explosion, trying to find clues to the Eighth Route Army task force's whereabouts from their descriptions. One soldier recalled that before the explosion, he seemed to see dark shadows moving quickly in the distant mountains and forests, which must be the direction of the enemy's retreat. Sato Shinoo immediately concluded that the Eighth Route Army task force was most likely fleeing south, as the terrain in the south is complex and there are large areas of mountains and forests where they can hide.

So, Sato Shinoo led the surviving cavalry and chased in the direction he speculated. Along the way, they carefully searched for possible traces on the ground, and the sound of horse hooves was particularly loud in the silent mountain forest.

In a secluded valley, Lei Tao and his team rested and prepared to depart. Before departing, Lei Tao once again checked on the team to ensure everyone was in good condition. He approached the promising young people and encouraged them to maintain their confidence and bravely face the journey ahead.

"Don't be afraid, we will definitely take you away from here safely." Lei Tao said firmly.

The team headed west along the valley. The road was rough and difficult, but no one complained. They carefully crossed the dense woods, trying not to make any noise. Every once in a while, Lei Tao would have the team climb to a higher point to observe the surrounding situation in case the Japanese suddenly appeared.

As they were walking, the team ahead suddenly stopped and signaled to those behind them to be on the alert. Lei Tao quickly stepped forward to investigate and saw a narrow ravine filled with sharp rocks on the road ahead. This was clearly a natural obstacle; if they fell, they would likely be injured.

After a moment's deliberation, Lei Tao decided to have the team members gather some branches and vines to build a simple bridge. Everyone quickly set to work, some searching for suitable branches, others gathering sturdy vines. After some effort, a simple bridge was constructed. The team members carefully supported the progressive young man and crossed the ravine one by one.

By this time, the sun was setting and the sky was beginning to darken. Lei Tao knew they had to find a safe place to spend the night as soon as possible. Otherwise, moving at night would not only increase the danger but also make it easy to get lost. So he quickened his pace and led the team deeper into the mountains.

Sato Shinoo and his cavalry searched the mountains and forests for a long time but found no trace of the Eighth Route Army task force. As darkness fell and their horses grew exhausted, Sato Shinoo, helpless, decided to find a place to camp and rest, waiting for daybreak to resume his search.

As night fell, the forest fell silent. Lei Tao led his team to a secluded cave. He arranged for the team to set up some simple defenses around the cave, then let everyone in to rest. Though dark and damp, the cave provided a little warmth on this cold night.

Lei Tao and Xu Guangrong sat at the cave entrance, vigilantly watching their surroundings. They knew the danger wasn't over yet; the Japanese were likely still searching for them. This night was destined to be a long and tense one.

At midnight, several ninja scout teams sent by Takeshita Kuroko and a special agent team led by Uesugi Kazuya, totaling more than 30 people, shuttled through the mountains and forests, tracking the whereabouts of the Eighth Route Army task force and the "Ghost Assassin"...