Chapter 204: The Sun Country Wants to Surrender

"Don't look down on them just because they look unassuming; this is yet another invention of Li Mingyuan. When this type of bomb explodes, it forms a burning cloud with temperatures reaching as high as 3000 degrees, enough to melt steel, and its coverage area is three times that of an ordinary bomb. Most importantly, it is lightweight and portable, and can be launched using our rocket launchers or mortars."

Jin Zhengzhe gasped: "This... this sounds like some kind of superweapon."

"It is a superweapon," Li Yunlong said proudly,

"The tanks the Di Guo pride themselves on are just a pile of scrap metal in front of this weapon. The best part is that this ammunition is extremely effective against the Di Guo's artillery positions; a few rounds down, and not even the ashes of their gunners will be left."

Li Yunlong's confidence infected the Long Country officers around him, and looks of anticipation appeared on all their faces.

But the Sun Country officers were pale, clearly still harboring fear regarding the coming artillery battle.

"General Li," Jin Zhengzhe finally gathered the courage to say,

"I must tell you frankly, even with these weapons, competing in firepower with the Di Guo is still extremely dangerous. Their artillery is experienced and their logistics are well-supplied; once the war starts, their firepower will be endless."

Li Yunlong patted Jin Zhengzhe on the shoulder:

"Lieutenant Colonel Jin, you underestimate our Long Country army too much. We have the 'Flying Dragon-1' and the Tianluo System to control the sky, and a three-dimensional fire net composed of Ultra-light Mortars and rocket launchers, plus the Cloud Bomb as a major killer weapon; the Di Guo's artillery is vulnerable before us."

He turned to his Chief of Staff: "Pass on my order: all fire points are to stand by and closely monitor the movements of the Di Guo artillery. Once a target is discovered, immediately implement a fire strike."

Jin Zhengzhe and his officers looked at each other, their faces paler than before.

They had been engaging with the Di Guo on the front lines for a long time and knew well the terror of the Di Guo's firepower; to them, Li Yunlong's confidence seemed almost arrogant.

"Lieutenant Colonel Jin, don't worry," Li Yunlong saw the concerns of the Sun Country officers and said with a smile, "You just need to watch the show from the sidelines. Our Long Country army will complete this artillery battle independently."

Jin Zhengzhe nodded reluctantly, but the worry in his eyes did not dissipate.

……

Night fell, and in the Sun Country military camp, soldiers gathered in groups of three or five, talking in low voices.

They had just learned the news that the Long Country army was preparing to engage in an artillery battle with the Di Guo, and their reactions varied, but most were filled with doubt and unease.

"Are they crazy? Preparing to compete in firepower with the Di Guo?" an older soldier said, shaking his head,

"I have seen how the Di Guo's artillery turned our positions into ruins. Their artillery observers are terrifyingly precise; the first shell can hit the target."

"Maybe the Long Country's weapons really are that powerful?" a young soldier said timidly, "They did indeed shoot down the Di Guo's aircraft..."

"Who knows if they actually shot them down?" another soldier scoffed, "Maybe it was just a performance to boost morale."

The veteran looked at him seriously: "I saw their weapons with my own eyes today, and they are indeed very special. That kind of rocket launcher and Ultra-light Mortar are well-designed and much more Advanced than our equipment. And the Cloud Bomb they mentioned..."

"Cloud Bomb? What is that thing?" several soldiers asked, leaning in closer.

"It is said to be a new type of high-temperature bomb that can produce an ultra-high-temperature burning cloud, with temperatures high enough to melt steel," the veteran explained, his voice mixed with fear and awe, "If it is true, it is indeed a terrifying weapon."

Elsewhere in the camp, more Sun Country soldiers gathered to discuss the upcoming artillery battle.

"The Long Country people are too arrogant," a Platoon Leader said indignantly, "They don't understand the strength of the Di Guo at all. Once the war starts, the Di Guo's Heavy Artillery will plow through this entire valley."

"Maybe we should retreat as soon as possible," another soldier whispered, "I don't want to die because of the Long Country people's arrogance."

"Shut up!" the Platoon Leader barked, "Without orders from superiors, no one is allowed to retreat without authorization!"

But his eyes were also filled with hesitation and fear. After experiencing weeks of hard fighting and retreat after retreat, the morale of the Sun Country soldiers was on the verge of collapse.

Now that the Long Country army had suddenly arrived and confidently claimed to be able to defeat the Di Guo's air force and artillery, it made them feel a glimmer of hope, yet they were also filled with suspicion and fear.

Inside Jin Zhengzhe's tent, the Sun Country Advanced officers were holding an emergency meeting.

"I think the Long Country people are too conceited," an Colonel said while rubbing his hands, "They might have a few new weapons, but the strength of the Di Guo is far beyond their imagination. Once the war starts, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Should we retreat in advance?" another Major asked in a low voice, "At least transfer some of the wounded and important supplies to a safer place."

Jin Zhengzhe was silent for a moment, his brows furrowed: "No need to rush to a conclusion. I saw the Long Country's equipment today, and it is indeed impressive. Their Anti-aircraft System and firepower configuration are carefully designed; it is clear they were arranged by experienced commanders."

"But can they really contend with the Di Guo's artillery?" the Colonel pressed, "The Di Guo has the M115 Heavy Howitzer, and its range and firepower are far beyond our imagination."

Jin Zhengzhe sighed: "To be honest, I am not sure either. But one thing is certain: the Long Country army's confidence is not faked. They truly believe they can win; where does this confidence come from? Is it because they really have the strength to defeat the enemy, or is it just because they have not seen the true power of the Di Guo?"

The conference room fell into silence, and everyone was lost in their own thoughts.

"I suggest we wait and see," Jin Zhengzhe finally said, "At the same time, prepare for both possibilities. Li Yunlong said they would complete this artillery battle independently, so we can watch from the sidelines. If the situation becomes critical, we can retreat at any time."

The officers nodded in agreement, but their eyes were still filled with doubt and unease.

"There is one more problem," the Colonel said worriedly, "If the Long Country army really angers the Di Guo, the Di Guo will likely send more troops, including their air force. By then, we will all become targets."

Jin Zhengzhe's face became even more solemn: "This is exactly what I am worried about. The Long Country people might have the means to deal with the Di Guo's air force, but if they fail, we will face total destruction."

The Major hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice: "Sir, if... if the situation worsens, should we consider negotiating with the Di Guo?"

The atmosphere inside the tent froze instantly.

This question almost touched the edge of treason, but everyone present had had such thoughts in their hearts.

In a war where no hope can be seen, surrender sometimes becomes the only way to survive.