The night was deep and utterly silent, save for the mountain wind whistling through the precipitous cliffs. All the combat personnel participating in the operation assembled outside the camp. After a brief pre-battle mobilization by Xu Keming, they split up to carry out their operations according to plan.
Zheng Cheng led the Military Statistics Bureau's feint team, crouching low as they stealthily advanced toward the front where the rope ladder was located. When they were about fifty meters away from the rope ladder, they concealed themselves behind a massive boulder. Zheng Cheng raised his hand slightly to signal for silence. The team members stopped in tacit understanding, gripping their weapons tightly without daring to breathe a sound.
Meanwhile, Leitao led the climbing team, guided by Li Shuiniu, toward the hidden trail on the back side of the cliff with the ropes. After silently dispatching two overt bandit sentries and one covert Japanese agent sentry, Li Shuiniu stepped forward first to meticulously inspect the previously positioned ropes and grappling hooks. Confirming everything was in order, he nodded to Leitao. Leitao took a deep breath and gave a low command: "Move out!" Li Shuiniu gripped the ropes tightly with both hands, planted his feet against the cliff face, and climbed upward rapidly like an agile ape. The team members followed in sequence, their movements skillful and swift.
Chapter 347