Chapter 1609: Formulating the Plan

The plan was divided into three stages.

In the first stage, they would dispatch small elite units to harass and scout the enemy, figuring out the enemy's defensive deployment and movements. These small units would be like peregrine falcons, striking quickly and then withdrawing rapidly, leaving the enemy unable to grasp their true strength.

Next, the main force would be divided into two routes. One route, led personally by Gu Yi, would attack the enemy's main position from the front, attracting the enemy's main firepower; the other route, commanded by Zhao Zhao Zilong, would circle to the enemy's rear to implement a surprise attack, cutting off the enemy's supply line and forming a pincer movement. The third stage would be the all-out attack, with both armies exerting force simultaneously to rout the enemy in one stroke.

With the battle plan set, Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong began to prepare intensively. They knew the success of the plan lay not only in the strategy itself but also in every detail of execution. Therefore, they personally supervised the battle and trained the soldiers, ensuring that everyone was familiar with their tasks and every link could be tightly connected.

At the same time, they also strengthened contact with allies, striving for more support and resources. They knew that in this long war, uniting all forces that could be united was the key to achieving final victory.

A few days later, the small elite units began their operations. They moved like ghosts, wandering through the enemy's defensive lines, appearing and disappearing, making the enemy exhausted but unable to capture their tracks. These actions not only effectively interfered with the enemy's deployment but also bought precious time and space for Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong's main force.

With the smooth progress of the first stage, Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong began to implement the second stage of the plan. On the front battlefield, Gu Yi led the main army, launching a fierce attack on the enemy with the force of a thunderbolt. Artillery fire filled the sky, smoke was everywhere, and the warriors shouted and charged, building an indestructible line of defense with their flesh and blood.

In the enemy's rear, Zhao Zhao Zilong led an elite unit, silently crossing the enemy's defensive line and appearing behind the enemy. They were like a sharp dagger, stabbing straight into the enemy's heart. Zhao Zhao Zilong personally charged at the front, brave and unstoppable; wherever he went, the enemy fled at the sight of him.

Soon, Zhao Zhao Zilong's unit cut off the enemy's supply line, putting the enemy in a predicament. At the same time, Gu Yi's frontal attack also made significant progress; the enemy's main position was compressed step by step, morale was low, and defeat was certain.

By the third stage, Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong's two armies launched an all-out attack simultaneously. On the front battlefield, Gu Yi's army surged toward the enemy like a tide, completely submerging them. In the enemy's rear, Zhao Zhao Zilong led his unit to conduct the final mopping-up of the enemy. The enemy fled in all directions, falling into chaos, and ultimately collapsed completely.

The horn of victory sounded again, and the soldiers cheered and celebrated the hard-won victory. Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong stood in the center of the battlefield, looking at all this, their hearts full of pride and relief. They knew this victory was not only an affirmation of their personal abilities but also the best interpretation of their unity, cooperation, and joint struggle.

However, the joy of victory did not dizzy them. They knew this war was far from over, and more challenges were waiting for them. Therefore, they dared not have the slightest slack and immediately began to prepare for the next battle.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong led the troops to continue their southern and northern expeditions, repeatedly achieving great merit. Their reputation spread on the battlefield, becoming an existence that made the enemy tremble with fear. And their army, in battle after battle, gradually grew into an invincible iron army.

As time passed, the situation of the war gradually became clear. Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong's army, relying on outstanding command and brave fighting, gradually gained the upper hand. The enemy retreated steadily, morale was low, and they were no longer able to launch an effective counterattack.

One day, Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong met in a quiet park. The park was shaded by green trees, with birds singing and flowers fragrant—a peaceful scene. They sat on a bench, looking at the scenery in the distance, and fell into deep thought.

"Old Zhao, do you remember when we first stepped onto the battlefield?" Gu Yi broke the silence and asked with a smile.

Zhao Zhao Zilong smiled slightly, as if he had returned to those tumultuous years: "Of course I remember. Back then we were still young, full of hot blood, and single-mindedly wanted to protect our home and defend our country. Thinking back on it now, that period of time is truly unforgettable."

"Yes, back then, although we were young, the responsibility on our shoulders was very heavy," Gu Yi sighed. "Every battle concerned the fate of the country and the people. We dared not have the slightest slack, and even more, dared not have the slightest retreat."

"You are right," Zhao Zhao Zilong nodded. "Every battle was a life-and-death test. But we never feared, because we knew we were fighting for justice, fighting for the country and the people. This belief supported us through those difficult years."

The two fell into a brief silence, as if returning to those smoke-filled battlefields. After a while, Gu Yi continued: "Old Zhao, do you think our choice back then was correct? For the country and the people, we paid with our youth and blood, and even almost paid with our lives. Was all this worth it?"

Zhao Zhao Zilong answered firmly: "Of course it was worth it! As soldiers, we have the responsibility to defend our home and country. Our choice was not only for the country and the people but also for the belief and pursuit in our hearts. That feeling of striving for a noble goal is something no material thing can replace."

"You are right," Gu Yi nodded in agreement. "Although we are old now, our spirit will never grow old. As long as the country and the people need us, we will still stand out without hesitation and fight for them to the end."

Just then, a gust of wind blew, bringing the fragrance of flowers and the rustling of leaves. Gu Yi and Zhao Zhao Zilong closed their eyes, feeling this moment of tranquility and beauty. They knew such times were rare, so they cherished them especially.

"Old Gu, what do you think we should do after we retire?" Zhao Zhao Zilong suddenly asked.

Gu Yi thought for a while and answered with a smile: "I think, we can go be teachers and pass on our experience and wisdom to the next generation. Let them know what true soldier spirit is, and what true patriotism is."

"Good idea!" Zhao Zhao Zilong's eyes lit up. "This way, not only can we continue to contribute to society, but our spirit can also be passed on. I believe those young people will definitely learn a lot from us." ===== CHAPTER 1610 =====