Just as they finished speaking, the sudden sound of rapid hoofbeats broke the brief silence. Everyone’s expression changed instantly; instinctively, they tightened their grips on their weapons and stared toward the source of the noise as if facing a formidable enemy.
As they looked in the direction of the sound, they saw Tang Zhangshan riding a panting warhorse, galloping toward them like a whirlwind. Before the horse had even come to a complete stop, Tang Zhangshan nimbly dismounted and strode over to Leitao. With a look of urgency, he said, "Leitao, it’s time to go. We’ve stayed in Liuye County far too long. The telegrams from headquarters have been coming in one after another—they’re practically breathing down our necks!"
A flash of realization crossed Leitao’s face, and he replied with a playful tone, "Hey, don't blame me! You’re always nagging in my ear about 'uniting all forces that can be united.' Look, I’ve already consolidated the two bandit factions in Liuye County for you; they’ve all been reorganized into the 'Liuye County Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Independent Regiment.' I did a pretty good job, didn't I? Pretty impressive, right?"
Chapter 423