An hour later, a scout stumbled into the camp, his military cap askew, panting heavily as he reported, "Intelligence just received from the Menglong County Underground Party: the Japanese Army's Matsui Battalion and Yamamoto Cavalry Battalion are advancing toward Qingyan Canyon! There are at least two thousand of them, carrying Type 92 infantry guns and supply trucks!"
Leitao knelt on one knee, his bayonet pointing at the map’s depiction of the canyon, his tone calm. "If the Japanese take the main road, Qingyan Canyon is the only terrain where they can deploy their forces. This is our only chance to hit them head-on!" He tapped the map with his rifle butt. "Taking the mountain path might avoid an ambush, but their artillery would be delayed by at least twelve hours. We are betting that Sano Yamamitsu won't dare abandon his heavy equipment."
Tang Zhangshan crushed his pipe. "Wang Huming, take the scout company to seize the north slope and prioritize the construction of machine gun positions. Zhao Fugui, take the cavalry company to ambush the west slope pine forest and look for an opportunity to pin down the Japanese cavalry battalion. Scarface Li and Sun Jinhua are responsible for the canyon exit to cut off the Japanese retreat. Leitao—"
Chapter 418