Near the Bell Tower, the squad of the Japanese Army that had been closing in abruptly halted as a thunderous explosion erupted from the direction of their headquarters. The squad leader’s face darkened; he gripped his saber tightly and bellowed, attempting to steady his men and reform the ranks. But between the roar of the explosion and the surrounding shouts, his voice was swallowed up, and the soldiers remained in a state of panic.
After a moment of hesitation, the squad leader weighed the situation, waved his hand, and split off half his men. "You lot, get back to headquarters immediately and see what’s happened! You must protect the headquarters at all costs!" Though the chosen soldiers looked fearful, they obeyed the command and ran headlong toward the base.
Meanwhile, Liu Zishan, hidden outside the Bell Tower, saw the Japanese Army fall into disarray. He quickly snatched up his whistle and blew three sharp, urgent notes to signal the people inside. Hearing the whistle, Leitao said to Hu Hansi, "Hansi, take everyone through the Underground Passage. Ensure everyone stays safe."
Chapter 232