Chapter 005: The Pass

On both sides of Luoxi Mountain and Longyan Mountain, there are dense fortifications and artillery groups, with a dozen tanks deployed in front of the defense line, along with a large number of obstacles similar to an ancient device known as "Juma," except that the material of Juma has changed from wood to reinforced steel. Several armed helicopters continuously hover over the defense line, and occasionally, armed helicopters take off from a temporary airport behind the defense line, flying towards the west.

"It is said that the front line is tense, and personnel have all been transferred to the front. I will take full responsibility for everything that comes from the higher-ups' investigation." Zhang Chengchi said with a resolute expression, and after finishing, he turned to Yang Songyue and said, "Old Yang, you need to arrange things quickly; time is of the essence."

Zhang Chengchi found an empty desk to sit down at, tore open the seal, and carefully examined the documents. He unconsciously furrowed his brow, then placed the documents back into the sealed bag. Facing the window, he gazed into the distance towards the forbidden gate, with his hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought.

Li Lijia is located at the foot of Luoxi Mountain in the western part of Quancheng. Luoxi Mountain is named for the sunset that occurs behind it. Adjacent to this mountain is Longyan Mountain, and these two great mountains are interconnected. Both mountains are quite steep. At the junction of Luoxi Mountain and Dagang Mountain, a pass has been artificially carved out, known as Jinmen Pass. This pass is the only route from Quancheng to the highland Tibetan region, hence the name Jinmen. A road runs through Jinmen Pass, which is the famous Sichuan-Tibet line, an extremely important transportation route with significant strategic value. At the junction of Luoxi Mountain and Dagang Mountain, a pass has been artificially carved out, known as Jinmen Pass. This pass is the only route from Quancheng to the highland Tibetan region, hence the name Jinmen. A road runs through Jinmen Pass, which is the famous Sichuan-Tibet line, an extremely important transportation route with significant strategic value.

Yang Songyue took another puff of his cigarette and suddenly said: "Regarding the common people in the city, there are no instructions from the military department. How should we handle this on our side?"

"You can handle this matter as you see fit." Zhang Chengchi left the office without looking back

And along the road between the Forbidden Gate and Erlang Mountain, layers of defenses are established, on one hand to support the blocking troops, and on the other hand to restrain the monsters. Yang Songyue supplemented Zhang Chengchi's words

The three divisions had much more preparation time than us, and the order given to us by the superiors is to hold our position for three days. Staff Officer Yang Songyue lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, seemingly not optimistic about the defense of Spring City

I only hope that these monsters will arrive a little later Yang Songyue replied irritably

A young messenger walked up to the back of a middle-aged man at the central conference table, stood at attention, and saluted: "Report, Commander, urgent message from the military department"

"Let's do this, relax the inspection efforts at the city gates for the next few days." A hint of hesitation flashed across Zhang Chengchi's face, but after a moment, the hesitation disappeared, and his gaze became resolute, as if he had made a certain decision

"Commander Zhang, although the higher-ups have not given explicit instructions regarding the citizens in the city, they have instructed us to ensure a thorough blockade of Quanzhou." Song Tao's tone carried a hint of difficulty, as he was the political commissar, responsible for matters beyond military command. In a certain sense, his authority was even greater than that of the commander.

"There is actually 1 mechanized rapid response division..." Political Commissar Song Tao's face was filled with disbelief as he slowly set down the document

Inside the headquarters, there is a three-story building, exquisitely decorated, which was originally the office building for the school teachers. In one of the largest conference halls, a group of people is gathered around the largest desk at the center of the meeting. On the desk lies a large map, and this group is constantly busy, sometimes deep in thought, at other times sketching on the map. Surrounding them, several technicians are continuously communicating about something, while a few female soldiers in front of several rows of computers are tirelessly typing on their keyboards. A large map is placed on the desk, and this group is constantly busy, sometimes deep in thought, at other times sketching on the map, while several technicians around them are continuously communicating about something, and a few female soldiers in front of several rows of computers are tirelessly typing on their keyboards

Fortunately, we have not harbored any complacent attitudes these past few days and have been actively preparing. Song Tao took the cigarette, a hint of a lucky mindset appearing on his face

What exactly are these monsters? It took less than 5 hours from the monsters launching their attack to the army's defeat, and the troops of three divisions were completely wiped out. After a moment, Yang Songyue looked at Zhang Chengchi in confusion and then handed the document to Song Tao

After a moment of silence, Zhang Chengchi continued, "No matter what, we must hold our ground for three days. We will send armed helicopters and armored vehicles to establish a forward base fifteen kilometers outside of Jinmenguan in the mountainous area. Once we make contact with the monster, we will leverage our speed advantage to engage and retreat, maintaining a safe distance from the monster. During the retreat, we will destroy bridges and tunnels along the way to delay the monster as much as possible"

"During this special period, this is the only way." Song Tao said hurriedly, as if fearing that the two might do something that would contravene the orders from their superiors

"Based on the intelligence speculations, I estimate that we won't last even 3 hours after handing over the control." Zhang Chengchi shook off the ash from his cigarette, his gaze deep as he looked out the window. He was an officer who had risen from the ranks of a soldier, having carried out numerous peacekeeping missions in his youth, and he possessed a certain understanding of warfare.

The middle-aged man slowly turned around, revealing a standard square face, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, exuding an air of authority. He nodded in acknowledgment; this middle-aged man was none other than Zhang Chengchi, the commander of the reinforced regiment stationed in Quancheng.

500 meters behind the defense line originally stood Quancheng Second Primary School, but now approximately ten armed soldiers are seen standing at attention at the entrance. Sentinels are stationed at the high points surrounding the school, and several squads of soldiers are continuously patrolling both the perimeter and the interior. Li Li speculates that this should be the regiment headquarters at the front line.

"Yes, Captain," the soldier replied in a low voice, and then he jogged out of the conference room

The young messenger firmly handed over a sealed envelope marked with top secret to Zhang Chengchi, who received the document, and the messenger quickly exited the conference room

At this moment, Li Li stood in an inconspicuous corner of the sixth-floor balcony, quietly observing the forbidden gate with a telescope purchased online. The first thing that caught his eye was a defensive line approximately 20 meters high and 5 meters wide. This defensive line connected Luoxishan and Dagangshan, completely sealing off the forbidden gate. The structure was framed with thick steel bars and filled with earth, sandbags, and stones. At the center bottom of the defensive line, there was a passageway wide enough for only one truck to pass through, and a large number of heavy weapons were deployed along the defensive line.

I don't know. Zhang Chengchi's words are concise and to the point

Li Lijia lives on the top floor of a six-story old-style collective housing unit, which is situated by the roadside, not far from the restricted gate. A few days ago, the area near the restricted gate was designated as a military management zone, with approximately one reinforced regiment stationed here, and no one is allowed to approach at will

"Commander Zhang, do you need me to organize a pre-battle mobilization meeting?" As he saw Zhang Chengchi almost disappearing at the door, Song Tao hurriedly asked loudly. The pre-battle mobilization meeting is a tradition in the military, serving as a preventive measure for the soldiers about to engage in battle, instilling in them the belief to fight bravely without fear of death.

"Adapt to circumstances." Zhang Chengchi remained silent for a long time before slowly uttering these words, as if he was somewhat unsure of how to execute this command. However, his expression revealed his perspective on this directive

What should we do then? Song Tao's expression changed slightly, and his tone became tense.

Not long after, the office door was pushed open, and two individuals entered: one in his fifties and the other in his thirties. The older one was Advisor Yang Songyue, and the younger one was Political Commissar Song Tao. Upon seeing the two of them enter, Zhang Chengchi handed over the documents on the desk and said lightly, "Take a look and see if you have any suggestions"

According to satellite images, these monsters are advancing in several directions, one of which is towards us. It is expected that we will come into contact with these monsters within three days. Zhang Chengchi lit a cigarette and then handed it to the two of them. The pressure he is under is immense, as his superiors have ordered him to hold the city of Quancheng

Behind the defensive line, a large number of troops are stationed, along with a mountain of military supplies. Numerous excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and various engineering equipment are busy near the Forbidden Gate. Li Li cannot help but admire the efficiency of the military, which can transform this place into a military fortress in just a few days

After a long while, Zhang Chengchi turned around and waved to the soldier standing guard at the door. The soldier jogged over, stood at attention, and saluted. After the middle-aged man returned the salute, he said: "Xiao Gao, go and bring Chief of Staff Yang and Political Commissar Song to my office"

Yang Songyue first took the document and began to read it carefully, and the more she read, the more her brows furrowed

"Yes!" Yang Songyue replied loudly, immediately walking out of the office, while Zhang Chengchi followed closely behind with a gloomy expression, leaving Song Tao in a daze.