Watching the Sichuan Army disappear into the distance, the passionate battle songs gradually faded into the wind, yet the fiery fervor continued to burn fiercely in the hearts of Leitao and his companions.
"Let’s go, it’s time we entered the city," Leitao said. He took a deep breath to steady his surging emotions and took the lead, walking toward Chongqing. His companions followed closely behind, their steps steady and forceful.
The road was bustling. Shops lined the streets, and crowds surged to and fro; the cries of vendors and the chatter of passersby blended together. But a closer look revealed the tension and frantic pace beneath the city's veneer of prosperity. Anti-Japanese slogans were posted on the doors of many shops: "National resistance for the sake of the country," "Down with Japanese imperialism." The bright red characters were striking, stinging the heart of everyone who saw them while simultaneously emboldening their spirits.
Chapter 288