Chapter 142: Guerilla warfare

The battlefield-

The situation was in favor of the Jiao troops. The first day came to an end, and the morale was quite high. The commanders were discussing battle plans and regrouping their forces. 

"Are there any orders from Tamar."

" We are instructed to halt our proceeding for now. Vice-general Long requested the stay. According to the report, he has some surprise for us." An awkward atmosphere was built in there—a surprise in time of war.

" The situation is in our favor. We can't let this opportunity slide. We should rush into the forest regions with full force."

The man who spoke before gave a stern gaze: " are you going to disobey a direct order from the general. If we are instructed to stay, we will halt our progress."

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Tamar-

The general's office was proceeding with its daily routine when a figure showed up at their doorstep. The arrival was marked with a huge commotion. It was none other than Long Tao. 

" I would like to request a meeting with the general." The receptionist left immediately to inform the head-office. Long tao had to wait for some time before his request was processed.

" The general will see you now." Long tao was directed towards the general's office.

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" Congratulations on the success of your plan." The general's voice had a hint of admiration for Long Tao. The feat achieved was no big deal.

" The progress was achieved because you allowed me to see through my plan and act independently. The help provided by General Su was note-worthy too."

The general's belief towards Long tao's capability increased a lot after the incident. " As requested by you, the troops have been ordered to halt at the borders of the forest regions. The situation is in our favor. I honestly have some doubts regarding your request."

" the forest region is being inspected all the time by my spies. According to the reports, general Unrivalled seems to have arrived at the location and taken charge of the troops."

The general was surprised to hear this. General Unrivalled was the most celebrated military commander of the Chu country. His battle strategies were impeccable and effective within forest regions. 

"Your request is adequate in that case. We would be foolish to rush blindly into the forest regions."

" The situation will get worse if he decides to play defensive. We won't be able to outlast his troops in a battle of perseverance. The terrain is favorable to him. I suppose you have a battle plan to tackle the situation."

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" according to my prediction, he has already switched to the defensive. The spies have spotted multiple strongholds within the region."

Long Tao marked various spots on the map. " these are the regions where the camps were sighted. He seems to have retreated into the Chu borders."

"The enemy will notice any movements we make into these regions. They are currently stationed in a higher terrain then us, giving them a geographical advantage. We need to proceed through these paths." The path s were marked. 

Long Tao had his spies analyse the whole area. He then identified the best paths for the troop to follow. The only problem was the small area.

" the marked path is not suitable for the commutation of a large number of people at the same time."

" We can send troops one after another."

" The terrain advantage would increase in that case. They need to take care of a small number of soldiers at a time. In a battle of stamina, we will lose."

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The argument was logical. Given the area of the path, only a small number f troops would be able to move forward. The enemy was already stationed at a higher land. 

" What do you suggest?"

" I suggest we proceed at a steady speed. We will slowly assimilate the troops within the forests." Long Tao brought out another map marked with various regions.

" We will be setting up camps within the forest regions as we proceed into it. If we follow this path," Long tao pointed at one of the pathways," we can surround them form three sides. the attack would be more effective in that case."

After an initial briefing was done, Long Tao's plan made sense. " How do you wish to tackle the terrain advantage possed by our enemy."

Long Tao smiled on hearing that. " it is where my gift comes into play.". He requested the general to follow him to one of the training grounds.

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"I suppose the general is aware of the ambush I set up.���

" The reports stated the use of some explosives. The blast was destructive enough to wipe out anyone within its radius. I have to commend your ability."

Long Tao took out a spherical ball. It was a grenade. 

"This is a miniature model of that." He threw it far away. It exploded on hitting the group. The blast was quite destructive. The audience was shocked by the view.

" What if I could arm the troops with these. Although the number is limited, we could use them to cancel out the terrain advantage and gain footing on the higher grounds. I would be a fair fight after that."

The general was shocked to his core. How did Long Tao get his hands on such devices? These could change the course of war?

" leave for the battel filed immediately. You are to take charge of all the troops until we gain footholds within the Chu borders."

Long Tao nodded and left for the battlefield.

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The Battlefield-

Long Tao's arrival surprised all the commanders. The tribunal was assembled within the main tent. Long Tao held out the military decree from the general.

" I am about to take charge of all the troops. The Staus will remain valid until we gain a foothold with the Chu country. My task as of now is to tackle the geographical advantage the Chu military possesses."

" We will be switching to guerrilla warfare until the matter ends for better. The path is already marked on the map. Instruct your troops to follow it."

" We will be making a move tonight itself. We can't let Chu country regroup with their back-up troops."

" The commanders can have their position back as soon as we arrive at the Chu country.'

The troops were made aware of the battle-plan. The expedition into the forest regions began.