You are ordered to support the War of Resistance against Japan; China enters Level 1 combat readines

"Commander Li, how does it taste?" Shen Wang asked with a smile.

With his mouth stuffed full, Li Yunlong mumbled incoherently, "Ugh... I... I didn't say anything!"

"This...this is the best meal I've ever had in my life! It's a hundred times better than the Japanese canned beef! No, a thousand times better!"

He was not exaggerating.

When they captured the stronghold, they also seized a lot of canned beef from the Japanese army, but that stuff was no longer the genuine pure beef it was at the beginning of the war.

Nowadays, the Japanese canned food is considered good if it's supposedly filled with cow blood mixed with offal and internal organs; often it's just cow blood soaked in coarse grains like beans and wheat bran.

It tasted fishy and had a strange texture; it was only good enough to barely fill my stomach.

The individual rations that Shen Wang took out were like heavenly delicacies for people of this era!

Upon hearing this, Monk Wei echoed in a deep voice, "Yeah! It's even better than the roast chicken I had with the regimental commander at the restaurant in the county town last time!"

"This meat is so flavorful! And this rice, why is it like this? And why is it still hot?"

Not only the two of them, but all the soldiers in the cavalry company were immersed in an ultimate sensory shock at this moment.

They had never seen such exquisite packaging.

Tear open the outer layer, and inside are neatly categorized packets: staple foods, canned meats, vegetables, and even energy-boosting chocolates, candies, and energizing instant beverage powders!

The rice wasn't the distinct grains they were used to; it was processed, reconstituted rice.

After heating, the food becomes soft and delicious, with bright colors and rich broth, making it very appetizing.

The heat generated when the self-heating pack comes into contact with water fully brings out the aroma of the food.

The various fragrances blend together to create a powerful allure.

This made the soldiers, who were usually content with just a full meal, salivate uncontrollably.

Some soldiers carefully used their spoons to scoop up a spoonful of braised pork with broth and put it in their mouths.

The perfect balance of lean and fatty meat, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a savory-sweet flavor is simply revolutionary!

There's really no need to talk about texture or taste.

When will the soldiers be able to eat meat in large chunks?

In the past, the troupe might only slaughter one pig during festivals.

It would be good if everyone got one or two pieces!

Unlike now, a whole piece of spiced beef weighs almost half a pound!

Some soldiers, following Sha Zhenjiang's instructions, poured a packet of powder into their water bottles and then shook them.

When they tasted the sweet and sour, fruity beverage, their eyes widened instantly, as if they had discovered a new continent!

People could occasionally get a slice or two of meat.

But this drink...

This was truly the first time the heavens and earth had split him apart!

For these soldiers who often went hungry, being able to enjoy such a hot, delicious, and nutritious meal after a battle was an unimaginable luxury.

Many veterans' eyes reddened as they ate.

This is not just about satisfying one's appetite, but also about feeling respected and cared for.

This is why many countries attach great importance to the rations of their soldiers.

Even today, some of the Nationalist army's individual rations would be considered luxurious.

The soldiers live on the edge every day; if they don't eat well, they'll mutini in no time!

Li Yunlong finished a portion in no time and licked his lips with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

"Mr. Shen, you really do...you really have everything!"

"Following you, not only is fighting the Japanese devils exhilarating, but even meals have become a pleasure! Old Li has truly seen something new today!"

Even now, Li Yunlong is still somewhat bewildered.

In just one afternoon today, they managed to capture eighteen strongholds!

If it weren't for the eventual shortage of ammunition, this number would likely have continued to rise!

Eighteen strongholds, two to three thousand Japanese and puppet troops—that's almost half a regiment's worth!

The cavalry company, meanwhile, suffered zero casualties!

"Haha, it's mainly because Commander Li commanded well, and the cavalry soldiers fought bravely!" Shen Wang said, putting on a show.

And what he said was the truth.

If it weren't for Li Yunlong and his cavalry company, even with Type 99A, Type 56 assault rifles, and Type 40 mortars, they might not have achieved such results.

After the meal, Li Yunlong arranged for men to keep watch and maintain order, which goes without saying.

Silent all night.

The next day.

After enjoying another breakfast of individual rations that amazed all the soldiers, the unit set off again.

After a night of rest and a hearty meal, the cavalry company was in high spirits.

Li Yunlong, mounted on his horse, said to Sun Desheng and Wei Heshang beside him, "Damn it, only eighteen yesterday, not enough! Let's go all out today and aim for thirty!"

"We absolutely have to wipe out all the turtle shells on this land, in one go!"

"Commander, just you wait and see!" Sun Desheng patted his chest, brimming with confidence.

Nothing boosts the morale of soldiers more than a resounding victory.

Monk Wei grinned widely, "That's right! I haven't had enough of my 40 firepower yet! I'm going to bomb a few more turtle dens today!"

The soldiers all looked relaxed.

Yesterday's battle showed them what a "crushing" victory truly means.

However, when the team arrived at their first target location, everyone realized something was wrong.

It's so quiet!

The barbed wire surrounding the stronghold was askew, and the few gray-black watchtowers were silent.

There was no one in sight behind the firing ports, and the stronghold gate was wide open, leaving the place completely empty.

"What's going on?" Li Yunlong raised his binoculars and looked closely, his brows furrowed.

"Where are those damn Japanese devils? Where did they run off to?"

"Commander, it seems... there's really no one here?" Sun Desheng also looked puzzled.

Just to be on the safe side, Shen Wang piloted the 99A and fired a shot at the ground floor of a pillbox.

"boom!"

The shells exploded, sending bricks and stones flying, but apart from the sound of the explosions, there were no screams or retaliations as expected.

Li Yunlong sent out scouts to cautiously investigate, and they quickly reported back:

The stronghold was completely deserted!

All the Japanese soldiers and puppet troops, along with the weapons, ammunition, and supplies inside, have disappeared!

"That's really strange!"

Both Li Yunlong and Shen Wang looked puzzled.

Something's not right!

"Let's go, next one!"

The team immediately turned to the second designated target.

In the end, it was still an empty camp!

The third one, the fourth one...

I visited four or five locations that were marked on the map, but they were all deserted!

Li Yunlong and Shen Wang both realized that something was wrong!

"Damn it, what are those Japanese devils up to?"

Li Yunlong walked over to 99A and began analyzing the situation with Shen Wang.

"Commander Li, we wiped out eighteen strongholds in one go yesterday. The Japanese high command must have received the news," Shen Wang said.

"So, Mr. Shen, what do you mean...?" Li Yunlong asked.

Shen Wang smiled and said, "I think the Japanese are probably scared and have given in!"

"Giving up?"

Li Yunlong was taken aback.

Will the Japanese back down?

How... is this possible!