Chapter 1620: Gaze Like a Torch

Zhao Yun pondered for a moment, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, and spoke slowly: "Li Yu's cautious strategy is indeed the best choice. However, caution does not mean stagnation. I propose that we adopt a 'two-pronged' strategy: on one hand, strengthen defenses, consolidate positions, and send scouts deep behind enemy lines to ascertain the truth; on the other hand, select an elite vanguard force, led by me personally, to conduct mobile harassment, giving the enemy no peace. This way, we can maintain the initiative while avoiding falling into enemy traps."

Hearing this, a flash of approval crossed Gu Yi's eyes: "General Zhao's plan is excellent; it is neither lacking in steadiness nor in enterprise. Let us act according to the General's words immediately. Li Yu, the arrangements for defense and reconnaissance are left to you; General Zhao, the preparation and sortie of the vanguard force are entirely up to you."

"Understood!" Zhao Yun and Li Yu replied in unison, each receiving their orders and leaving.

In the following days, the camp was a scene of busy yet orderly activity. Li Yu not only strengthened the defensive works of the camp but also sent out multiple batches of scouts, spreading out like a net to gather intelligence. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun carefully selected five hundred elite soldiers, conducting rigorous training every day, preparing to strike at any time.

A few days later, a scout hurried back to the camp with important intelligence: "Report, General, the enemy army is massing in a valley thirty miles away, seemingly preparing for a large-scale counterattack."

Gu Yi immediately summoned Zhao Yun, Li Yu, and other core generals to urgently discuss countermeasures. Facing the map, Gu Yi's brows were locked in a frown: "The enemy chose to mass in a valley; the terrain is perilous, easy to defend and hard to attack, which is a challenge for us."

Li Yu tapped his finger on the table and analyzed: "The valley terrain limits our mobility, but it is also the enemy's Achilles' heel. If we can use the cover of night to launch a sneak attack from the mountain ridges on both sides, we might be able to break their deployment."

Zhao Yun nodded in agreement, but a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "This plan is good, but the risks are not small. While the night can cover our actions, it will also give the enemy a chance to set an ambush. We must ensure the suddenness and accuracy of the operation."

Gu Yi took a deep breath and made a decision: "Risk and opportunity coexist. General Zhao, you lead the vanguard force to execute this night raid; you must be swift and decisive, minimizing casualties as much as possible. Li Yu, you are responsible for rear support and coordination; once there is a change in the front, organize rescue immediately."

"Yes!" Zhao Yun and Li Yu received their orders and acted swiftly.

Night fell, and the wind was high. Zhao Yun led five hundred elite soldiers, borrowing the faint starlight, and quietly advanced toward the valley. They followed the rugged mountain road, approaching the enemy camp without a sound.

Just as they were about to approach the target, suddenly, a burst of rapid hoofbeats broke the silence of the night. A scout galloped over, his expression tense as he reported: "General Zhao, an enemy ambush has been discovered ahead!"

Zhao Yun's heart tightened, but years of battlefield experience allowed him to calm down quickly. He analyzed the situation swiftly and decisively ordered: "Everyone, disperse and hide immediately, prepare for battle!"

As soon as his voice fell, countless torches suddenly lit up in the surrounding darkness, and the enemy army appeared from their hiding places, attempting to surround Zhao Yun and his men. But Zhao Yun had long been prepared; his troops quickly scattered, utilizing the terrain advantage to engage the enemy in a struggle.

During the battle, Zhao Yun took the lead, his long spear like a dragon, invincible. Under his leadership, the soldiers' morale soared, fighting ten men each, and gradually stabilized their footing. However, the enemy army was numerous, and reinforcements kept arriving; the situation remained grim.

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, the sound of war drums shook the heavens outside the valley. The support force led by Li Yu arrived in time, launching a fierce attack from the enemy's rear. The enemy army was caught between two fires, their formation in chaos.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun seized the opportunity to launch a general offensive, personally leading the elite to strike directly at the enemy's heart. After a fierce battle, the enemy army finally collapsed and fled in all directions.

At dawn, the smoke on the battlefield dissipated once more. Gu Yi, Zhao Yun, and Li Yu stood at the entrance of the valley, looking at the fleeing enemy in the distance, their hearts all feeling a sense of relief.

Gu Yi patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder and exclaimed: "General Zhao, your bravery and wisdom are truly admirable. Today's battle is all thanks to you!"

Zhao Yun smiled modestly: "General Gu, you overpraise me. Victory belongs to every one of us; it is everyone's joint effort that achieved today's result."

Li Yu also smiled and said: "General Zhao's bravery and General Li's wisdom complement each other perfectly; it is truly a match made in heaven. I believe that under the leadership of the two generals, we will certainly be able to achieve ultimate victory."

Gu Yi nodded, his gaze firm: "That is correct. But this is just the beginning; the road ahead is still long. We must remain vigilant and continue to work hard until we completely defeat the enemy."

The three looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with confidence and anticipation for the future. They knew that as long as they were united as one and pressed forward, there were no difficulties they could not overcome.

In the days that followed, Gu Yi, Zhao Yun, and Li Yu led the army to continue their campaigns. They experienced countless battles and tests, but every time they were able to turn danger into safety by relying on wisdom and courage.

As the front line advanced, the enemy became increasingly cunning and tenacious. They began to adopt more hidden and flexible tactics, attempting to disrupt the deployment of Gu Yi and his men.

Once, the enemy army dispatched an elite force, taking advantage of the cover of night to bypass the side and rear of Gu Yi's main army, preparing to launch a surprise attack. Fortunately, Zhao Yun discovered it in time and led his troops to meet them, successfully resolving the crisis.

After the battle, Gu Yi summoned the generals to summarize their experience. He said solemnly: "The enemy is becoming more cunning; we must remain vigilant at all times and cannot have the slightest slackening. At the same time, we must also learn to draw experience from the enemy's tactics and constantly improve our own combat capabilities."

Zhao Yun nodded in agreement: "General Gu is right. We cannot just be satisfied with the status quo; we must constantly innovate and progress to remain invincible on the battlefield."

Li Yu also added: "Moreover, we must strengthen our intelligence work to ensure we have a thorough grasp of the enemy's movements. Only in this way can we make correct decisions and avoid unnecessary losses."

Gu Yi listened to everyone's opinions and decided to further strengthen the army's training and intelligence work. He personally supervised the formulation and execution of the training plan, ensuring that every soldier could be fully exercised and improved. At the same time, he sent more scouts deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence, providing a basis for the next operational plan.

In the subsequent battles, Gu Yi's army demonstrated even better combat effectiveness and adaptability. They not only successfully repelled the enemy's multiple attacks but also took the initiative to strike, occupying several important strategic locations.

However, just as Gu Yi and his men were preparing to press their advantage, unexpected news arrived: the enemy's main force was massing, preparing to launch a large-scale counterattack. ===== CHAPTER 1621 =====