You were tasked with guarding the Sihang Warehouse, and you brought out a Tiger tank?

"Brigadier General, the brothers also want to work with Commander Lin."

The chief of staff spoke softly from the side, voicing what the entire brigade had been holding in their hearts.

Liu Yongnian closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The image of Old Tang's arrogant face flashed through my mind, as did the image of Battalion Commander Qi Liang's composure.

He suddenly opened his eyes and slammed his fist into the wooden pillar.

"Damn it!"

Liu Yongnian launched into a tirade of curses.

"Only a fool would associate with Old Tang from the Central Army."

We risked our lives to fill the pit, but they used us like chamber pots, and then complained about how disgusting we were.

A good bird chooses its tree to perch on.

"Let's go, let's go to Lin Feng's place."

Ten minutes later.

An open area at the foot of Black Mountain.

The remaining 1,000-plus officers and soldiers of the Independent 45th Brigade were urgently assembled.

The ranks were scattered, their uniforms were tattered, and many of them had blood-soaked bandages wrapped around their heads and arms.

But everyone stood straight, looking at the brigade commander standing on the earthen slope.

Liu Yongnian didn't use a megaphone; he just shouted with all his might at the group of brothers who had risked their lives for him.

"Brothers!"

Liu Yongnian's voice echoed through the valley.

"Our Independent 45th Brigade fought a cowardly battle at Niujiaoling today."

We have lived up to the expectations of our country and our ancestors!

However, the higher-ups didn't treat us like human beings; they made us use our flesh and blood to crash into the Japanese cannons.

Our brothers died unjustly.

A few suppressed sobs came from the group.

Liu Yongnian wiped his face and raised his voice.

"From now on, we will no longer work with the man surnamed Tang."

I, Liu Yongnian, have decided to lead everyone to surrender to Commander Lin Feng.

Go to the 33rd Army Corps, fight the Japanese, eat canned food, and get your guns ready.

"Are you in or not?!"

A brief silence fell over the open space.

The soldiers looked at each other, seemingly still reeling from this dramatic turn of events.

But only two seconds passed.

Someone in the crowd shouted out.

"Dry!"

Then, it was like a spark falling into a powder keg.

A deafening cheer erupted across the open space.

"Let's do it!"

"Follow Commander Lin to fight the Japanese devils."

"I've wanted to leave for a long time. I've had enough of those lousy Central Army soldiers."

The emotions that had been suppressed for so long were completely released at this moment.

These past few days, seeing the equipment and food of the First Guerrilla Division, these men from Northwest China have been envious.

Now that our local leaders are leading everyone towards a better life, why wouldn't we be happy?

Someone excitedly threw their worn-out military cap high into the air.

Some people patted each other on the shoulder, laughing and crying at the same time.

From this moment on, the designation of the Independent 45th Brigade in the National Revolutionary Army became history.

These weathered men from Northwest China will begin a new fighting career under Lin Feng's command.

Looking at the cheering soldiers, Liu Yongnian turned and nodded to his chief of staff.

The two walked quickly toward the communications vehicle of the First Guerrilla Division.

Qi Liang was already waiting there and handed the microphone of the high-powered radio to Liu Yongnian.

The radio waves crossed the battlefield and directly connected to the front-line command post of the 33rd Army Corps.

"Commander Lin, this is Liu Yongnian."

Liu Yongnian held the microphone, stood ramrod straight, and spoke with utmost solemnity.

"The remaining officers and soldiers of the Independent 45th Brigade request to be reorganized into the 33rd Army Corps."

From now on, I will obey Commander Lin's orders.

"I would go through fire and water without hesitation."

After a brief period of static on the radio, Lin Feng's voice came through.

"Brigade Commander Liu, the 33rd Army Corps welcomes all the men from Northwest China to join us."

Lin Feng's tone was very straightforward, without the slightest hesitation or evasion.

"Your wounded soldiers will continue to receive the best possible treatment at the rear hospitals."

As for weapons and equipment, once you withdraw from the front lines, they will all be redistributed according to the standards of the 33rd Army Corps.

The organizational structure will be retained for you, and the unit designation will be changed to the 7th Independent Brigade of the Su-Lu War Zone.

You, Liu Yongnian, will continue to be the brigade commander.

Upon hearing these promises, Liu Yongnian nodded repeatedly with excitement.

But Lin Feng suddenly changed his tone and became stern.

"But let's be clear from the start."

If you are Lin Feng's soldier, you must obey Lin Feng's orders.

Although our 33rd Army Corps has high logistical standards and good weaponry, its military discipline is also extremely strict.

Orders must be obeyed without question, and rewards and punishments must be clearly defined.

"If anyone dares to violate military discipline, don't blame me, Lin Feng, for turning my back on them without hesitation."

"Please rest assured, Commander."

Liu Yongnian loudly assured him.

"If any brat dares to tarnish the reputation of the 33rd Army Corps, I will personally kill him without the commander even lifting a finger."

At this moment, Lin Feng, who was far away on the other side, put down the microphone and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

This is truly like a pillow appearing just when you're about to doze off.

As his territory in Jiaodong expands, his next step is to take over the mining areas of Zhibo and Boshan.

The number of troops he needs to station and defend has also increased exponentially.

The system's elite troops must be used wisely.

Although Liu Yongnian's brigade was not particularly strong on the main battlefield, it was composed of veterans who had fought in tough battles.

Equipped with good gear, well-fed, and with a little training, they can be placed on the flanks of the battlefield to guard the front lines, as well as to eliminate local bandits and traitorous forces.

As for whether Old Tang will cause trouble for him after he swallows up this brigade.

Lin Feng sneered.

joke.

The feud between him, Lao Tang, and Jiang Cheng had long since become incredibly deep.

It doesn't matter if we have one more brigade.

If you're so capable, let Old Tang bring his Central Army to Jiaodong and demand people back.

Montenegro frontline.

Liu Yongnian put down the microphone and let out a long sigh of relief.

He turned around and looked at the group of officers and soldiers gathered around the radio.

Looking into those expectant eyes.

Liu Yongnian grinned, revealing his chapped lips.

"Brothers, it is finished."

The simple four words caused an uncontrollable burst of cheers from the surrounding crowd once again.

Liu Yongnian stepped out of the communications vehicle and looked up toward the direction of the main peak of Black Mountain.

The fighting there continues.

The booming sound of 88mm anti-aircraft guns firing horizontally and the whistling sound of 105mm mountain guns echoed continuously in the valley.

Several huge, billowing plumes of black smoke rose from the distant mountain peaks.

Those were phosphorus-incendiary bombs dropped by Stuka bombers, relentlessly burning the Japanese soldiers' reverse-slope tunnels.

The highly toxic phosphates and scorching flames are turning Shigeharu Suematsu's proud defenses into a living hell.

Liu Yongnian let out a long breath.

The stone that had been weighing on my heart for so many years finally shattered completely at this moment.

From now on, I will follow Commander Lin.

Finally, we don't have to put up with the attitudes of those stinking officials in the Central Army anymore.

Finally, I can eat my fill and have a good gun.

Stand tall and fight the Japanese devils to your heart's content!