He paused and looked at Ying Yuan.

"Has Li Ran been sent out to investigate again?"

"Yes."

Ying Yuan replied,

"His ability is unquestionable. This time we need to confirm the enemy's gathering place before they can react."

During the conversation, Li Ran walked quickly into the command center. His face was slightly tired, but his determination could not be concealed.

He brought back worrying news.
"The enemy is gathering in considerable numbers in the north."

Ying Yuan frowned and quickly read the detailed information provided by Li Ran. After a moment, he looked up and said bluntly,

"We will move our troops into this valley to form a natural barrier."

Li Ran added:
"I found that the enemy's marching route is narrow, which can be used to advantage."

He used the map in his hand to help explain the tactics.

The discussion at the command center became clearer as Zhou Qiming's analysis progressed, and an effective defense plan was quietly formed.

Ying Yuan realized the urgency of time, so he made a decisive decision and quickly made arrangements.

At dusk, the camp was hidden in the shadow of the valley, and the vague atmosphere of solemnity in the air was breathtaking.

Sure enough, just as Li Ran predicted, the enemy troops began to appear on the narrow path.

Ying Yuan gestured to his troops to be on high alert and launch an attack at the right time.

With a low shout, the ambushing soldiers quickly rushed out from all corners, and the entire battlefield was drowned in the deafening shouts and sounds of gunfire.

Zhou Qiming led an elite team and accurately struck the enemy's important positions, catching the enemy off guard.

The battle situation changed rapidly again.

Ying Yuan remained calm amid the chaos.

Ying Yuan
He skillfully commanded the entire battle process, taking advantage of the terrain and the enemy's confusion to launch attacks.

After a brief stalemate, the enemy chose to retreat.

At the meeting after the battle, Ying Yuan praised the soldiers generously, especially Li Ran's reconnaissance, which once again became the key to overcoming difficulties.

"Every time we were in danger, we were able to escape by chance."

Ying Yuan turned around and said to everyone, his voice filled with joy and pride,
"It's Li Ran's hard work and the solidarity of each of you."

After the battle, Ying Yuan realized that although he won the battle, the enemy would definitely not give up.

Standing in the center of the tent,

Ying Yuan
His gaze was firm and deep.

"The enemy's retreat is only temporary; they will surely come back again,"

Ying Yuan said solemnly to Li Ran and Zhou Qiming.

Li Ran nodded.

"We really need to intensify our reconnaissance. I suggest that we first lock down the enemy's supply route and cut off that lifeline to delay their attack."

He used the small stick in his hand to carefully mark the key points on the map.

"good idea,"

Ying Yuan looked at Li Ran approvingly.

The young scout's abilities were fully demonstrated in the battle, not only his strategy but more importantly his courage.

Zhou Qiming also pondered:
"The camp's defenses also need to be strengthened. I suggest training soldiers to fight at night, as this is essential to preventing surprise attacks."

Ying Yuan nodded slightly, and changed his tone to a more soothing one:
"We need to remain constant in the face of change, but we also need to plan ahead. I will let you know the specific arrangements."

His tone was soft, but still very firm. In the open space in the camp, the soldiers formed a circle, with Ying Yuan standing in the center, inspiring these brave and tired warriors with his deep voice.

"Everyone should remember that we are not only stronger in strength, but also stronger in unity. Every dangerous situation is due to your concerted efforts. We must continue to carry forward this spirit of cooperation. Any mistake may make us lose all our previous efforts."

Every soldier stared at Ying Yuan intently. They saw an indescribable sense of peace and trust in his eyes.

After speaking, Ying Yuan walked to Li Ran and gave him an encouraging smile.

"You performed very well, Li Ran. I will let you take on greater responsibilities after the next battle."

He patted Li Ran on the shoulder, signaling him not to be afraid.

The next morning, the sky was covered with dark clouds, as if the entire sky was preparing for the upcoming war.

The camp seemed busier than usual. The soldiers were checking their weapons, encouraging each other, and preparing for the next challenge.

Ying Yuan stood on a high place and looked around the place.

Zhou Qiming was training new recruits, while Li Ran took the reconnaissance team to carry out a reconnaissance mission.

The clouds were lowering, almost touching the treetops, and gusts of cold wind were blowing, making people feel an invisible oppression.

Li Ran led his reconnaissance team carefully through the rain-soaked woodland.

The muddy ground squeaked slightly under their soles, and every step they took was like a careful test.

"The enemy's base is not far ahead,"

Li Ran whispered to the scout beside him,

"Everyone stay hidden and try not to make any noise."

They were sneaking in the woods, and the leaves on the ground made a crackling sound. Li Ran suddenly stopped and raised his hand to signal everyone to stay where they were.

The enemy camp in front of him was quiet, but Li Ran's heart was filled with alarm.

He sensed an unusual aura and gestured to warn his companions. It was an intuition of an ambush, similar to the instinctive reaction of a predator sensing the approaching claws of an enemy.

He immediately decided to return to the camp and bring back this information.

At the same time, in the camp, Ying Yuan and Zhou Qiming were concentrating on the battle map, discussing the next course of action in a low voice.

"Are there any new developments over there?"

Ying Yuan asked.

Just as Zhou Qiming was about to answer, he saw Li Ran running back, panting.
"General Ying, we discovered the enemy's ambush. It seems that they already know our plan!"

"It seems that we have to adjust our tactics,"

Ying Yuan thought for a moment, then looked at Zhou Qiming with lightning eyes.
"Now we have to change our plan to avoid being attacked passively."

Li Ran added:

"I think we can take advantage of the enemy's underestimation and relaxed mentality and attack them one step ahead. In this way, we may be able to catch them off guard."

Ying Yuan pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed.
"That plan works. I prefer the unexpected to the routine."

Ying Yuan
He glanced around and seemed to be fully prepared.

"Okay, Zhou Qiming, go organize a mobile force and be on standby at all times."

Ying Yuan said firmly,
"Li Ran, your reconnaissance team also needs to be ready to set out at any time to detect the enemy's movements. Everyone must be prepared for the next battle."

Night fell quickly and the depressing atmosphere became more solemn.

The soldiers took their positions, weapons in hand, with a look of determination on their faces.

Ying Yuan walked through the team, patted some young soldiers on the shoulders, and gave them confidence with encouraging eyes.

Ying Yuan
It is clear that this battle is not only a competition of strategies, but also a contest of minds.

The firelight around the camp illuminated everyone's face, and the wind seemed to carry a strong smell of gunpowder. (End of this chapter)