Chapter 137: Steel Storm

Inside the Fourth Bureau's Command Center, Lin Yu stood before the massive sand table, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield situation in each district of Shen City. On the sand table, markers were being updated in real time as the battle progressed.

"North sector, Tiger King armored group has broken through the enemy's first defensive line," the communications soldier's report kept coming, "Enemy casualties about two hundred, over thirty light and heavy machine guns captured, six mortars seized."

"East sector, Leopard combat group has encountered the main force of the Garrison Brigade, engaged in firefight," another voice sounded, "Enemy fire support points have been located, requesting Marshal's Staff artillery support."

Lin Yu nodded, "Permission granted. Tell Huo Fuman to concentrate fire to eliminate the enemy artillery positions in the east sector."

Shiteyin stood on the opposite side of the sand table, his finger tracing the map, "The Garrison Brigade's tactics are very old-fashioned, still using a street‑fight manual from thirty years ago. But their 'Shadow Guard' units are indeed well‑trained."

"Unfortunately their equipment is too outdated," Lin Yu said calmly, "Modern warfare cannot be won by individual bravery alone."

A staff officer at the communications console suddenly raised his hand, "Report! The armored mortar troops in the south sector have secured the entire defensive line from the sugar factory to the dock. The enemy is in retreat, casualties unknown. Over two hundred rifles captured, ammunition in various quantities."

"Very good," Lin Yu moved a few markers on the sand table, "Order the armored mortar troops to construct a defensive line on site, do not pursue. Have the Leopard combat group accelerate its thrust and rendezvous with the south sector forces as soon as possible."

Shiteyin frowned, "Why not press the advantage and pursue?"

"The court's reinforcements are already on the way," Lin Yu pointed to the outer edge of the sand table, "We must achieve a swift victory and hold the key areas before the reinforcements arrive."

"Speaking of the court..." Shiteyin lowered his voice, "What do you think why they suddenly intervened in Shen City's affairs?"

A cold glint flashed in Lin Yu's eyes, "Obviously, they can't stay idle. The existence of this Ghost Division has already threatened the interests of certain people."

"Report!" the communications soldier interrupted again, "North sector Tiger King armored group has encountered the main force of the Security Army, enemy about two divisions, with heavy artillery cover."

"Order the armored group to deploy, Tactic No. 3," Lin Yu said almost without hesitation, "Prepare Huo Fuman's artillery battery; I will fire a coordinated barrage at the Garrison Brigade's command post."

The Chief of Staff handed over the latest battle report, "To date, our forces have eliminated over eight hundred enemies and captured more than three hundred. We have seized over twenty artillery pieces of various types, more than eighty machine guns, and over a thousand rifles. Our casualties: eleven killed, twenty‑seven lightly wounded, and one Half-Track Armored Vehicle's tracks damaged."

Lin Yu skimmed the report, then refocused on the sand table, "Order the logistics units to follow up and promptly resupply ammunition to all combat groups. Especially the Marshal's Staff artillery group, its shells are being consumed heavily."

"Already arranged, sir," Shiteyin replied, "The logistics convoy is transporting supplies along the predetermined route."

Lin Yu was silent for a moment, then asked abruptly, "How are the Jiangnan Four Young Masters' troops performing?"

"Except that the Sun Family's troops have slightly better equipment, the others are no match," Shiteyin shook his head, "But they also don't seem to be giving their all."

"Of course," Lin Yu sneered, "They are watching and waiting for an opening. These local powers have always been fence‑sitters."

"Then should we..."

"Ignore them," Lin Yu cut in, "Concentrate forces against the Security Army and the Garrison Brigade. As long as we hold Shen City's strategic military points, these people will naturally side with us."

The communications soldier raised his hand again, "Report! The Leopard combat group in the east sector has broken through the Garrison Brigade's line and is advancing toward the designated area. The enemy is in disarray."

"Order all combat groups to maintain communications and support each other," Lin Yu said, glancing at the sand table one last time, "By the end of today, I want to see the Ghost Division's banners planted on every high point of Shen City."

At the Security Army headquarters, the hand of Zhou Special Envoy trembled. He had written three telegrams in succession, yet could not accurately describe the battlefield's horrors.

"We must report to the court immediately," he gritted his teeth and picked up the telegram paper again.

【Urgent Report: Shen City's battle situation is critical. Lin Yu's unit's equipment far exceeds expectations, firepower is fierce, tactics are advanced. The Security Army's main force—one division and one regiment—has been completely annihilated, the second division heavily damaged with over half casualties. The Garrison Brigade's elite 'Shadow Guard' units are almost wiped out, the artillery battalion was totally destroyed. The Lu Family's naval infantry was defeated, and the Qin Security Corps suffered heavy losses.】

The enemy armored forces advanced in three columns, equipped with giant tanks, assault guns, armored vehicles and other modern gear. Their artillery batteries delivered precise fire, suppressing all of our counterattacks. The armored mortar troops are well‑trained and coordinate tactics seamlessly. Our conventional weapons find it difficult to contend.

We earnestly request immediate reinforcement. The situation is urgent. Shen City is on the brink of collapse.

"Sir!" the communications officer rushed in, "We have fresh battle report! The enemy has broken through the east sector line, and the Garrison Brigade's main force is retreating!"

Zhou Special Envoy's face turned ashen, "Casualty figures?"

"Still tallying. Rough estimate, today's casualties have already exceeded three thousand. Among them, the Security Army lost over eight hundred, the Garrison Brigade suffered nearly a thousand losses, and casualties among other units are incalculable..."

"Impossible!" Zhou Special Envoy slammed a fist on the table, "What about Yang Chengdong?"

"Yang Commander has already led the remnants of the Security Division to withdraw to the western suburb stronghold."

Zhou Special Envoy immediately added a line: 【Enemy forces are advancing rapidly; they are expected to fully control Shen City within 24 hours. Dispatch reinforcements southward without delay.】

In Yanjing City, the military headquarters building was brightly lit. The emergency military conference had been ongoing for two hours.

"The situation is worse than we anticipated," the Deputy Minister of War said gravely, "We must immediately mobilize the Lu Province garrison!"

"Lu Province is the closest to Shen City, indeed the best choice," the Chief of Staff pointed at the map, "The 3rd and 5th Field Armies are elite and can move south to reinforce immediately."

The Deputy Minister of War promptly drafted an order: 【Lu Province Military District shall immediately activate the emergency plan; the 3rd and 5th Field Armies rush south to reinforce Shen City. All regions along the route must fully cooperate to ensure logistical supply.】

The telegram was swiftly transmitted to the Lu Province Military District. The two Field Armies, totaling thirty thousand troops, including heavy artillery regiments, armored battalions, engineer companies and other elite units, began to mobilize at once.

Meanwhile, Shen City had already descended into chaos.

"Retreat! Full retreat!" panic‑filled shouts echoed through the Security Army's communication channel.

"Ammunition depleted! Requesting resupply!"

"Communications down! Where is the Command Center?"

"Don't run! Stop right there!" officers tried to halt the fleeing soldiers, but it was already too late.

Within the Garrison Office, Liu Xu's face was ashen. His most prized 'Shadow Guard' unit was no match against the armored forces.

"Sir, the logistics warehouse has already been seized by the enemy," Xu Zhiyuan reported, "Our supply line has been cut."

"Order all units to withdraw to the pre‑designated positions," Liu Xu's hoarse voice said, "Withdraw as many as possible."

Sun Lingyun's troops suffered relatively light losses, yet they still had to fight while retreating. Their anti‑tank guns could handle ordinary armored vehicles, but were of little effect against the giant tanks.

The Lu Family's naval infantry suffered even heavier blows. Their accustomed amphibious tactics appeared utterly feeble before modernized equipment.

"When will the court's reinforcements arrive?" this question kept echoing through every command center.

But everyone knew that even if reinforcements arrived in time, it would probably not change the outcome. They had already witnessed what true modernized armored forces are.

The places trampled by those steel behemoths not only shattered their defenses but also crushed their morale.