Chapter 25｜Pursuit and Ambush: The High-Level Enemy Strikes Back

The squad advanced slowly along the forest path behind the mountain. The thick layer of fallen leaves crunched softly beneath their feet, while dappled sunlight filtered through the dense canopy.

Li Xing led the central axis, guiding the team steadily. Zhao Yun patrolled the left flank, Desert Eagle in hand, constantly scanning the shadows. Li Yu followed closely behind the central axis, her Type 56 semi-automatic rifle at the ready as her eyes darted forward and to the sides. Zhou Xiaoyu lay prone at an elevated vantage point, rifle poised, observing distant movements in the woods. Zhou Yan brought up the rear, moving in a low profile with a hunting knife in hand, securing the team's rear.

As the group rounded a patch of low shrubs, Li Xing gave a low signal to halt. The hunting dog stopped ahead, its nose twitching lightly.

“They've laid traces up ahead,” Li Xing whispered.

Zhao Yun crouched to examine them. “It's a decoy. They want us to walk into a trap.”

Li Yu tightened her grip on the rifle stock. “Go around it.”

Zhou Xiaoyu adjusted her elevated vantage point: “Three trails intersect ahead. Footprints follow one—likely the ambush route.”

Zhou Yan murmured: “Slow down. Don't disturb the tracks.”

Enemy Counterattack

The team cautiously bypassed the thicket and pressed forward. Suddenly, faint rustling erupted from the forest ahead—fallen leaves crunched, branches swayed lightly.

Zhao Yun's finger curled over the trigger, but he held fire. Li Xing signaled for everyone to halt in a hushed voice: “Observe first. Stay calm.”

Zhou Xiaoyu scanned from the vantage point: “The enemy seems to have spotted us, but hasn't moved yet. Probably waiting for an opening.”

Li Yu advanced cautiously along the central axis: “Their movements are synchronized. Professional. Not like improvised hunters.”

Zhou Yan brought up the rear, alert and vigilant, murmuring a warning: They might be setting ambushes on both flanks. Watch your rear."

Li Xing nodded: “Advance slowly. Prepare to respond.”

Team Defense and Reaction

The team continued moving slowly, maintaining low profiles and synchronized movements. Zhao Yun held the left flank, constantly scanning for potential threats. Li Yuzhong assisted with surveillance. Zhou Xiaoyu observed from the high ground, signaling any activity ahead. Zhou Yan brought up the rear, securing the rear.

Rustling leaves underfoot and shifting shadows ahead signaled the enemy's response—two figures slowly approached from ambush positions, maintaining silence.

Li Xing whispered, “Hold formation. Advance cautiously. Stay calm.”

Zhao Yun murmured, “They're testing us.”

Li Yu echoed, “We mustn't be provoked. Keep our composure.”

Zhou Xiaoyu signaled the team to bypass potential ambush points while maintaining formation. Zhou Yan crouched low, scanning the forest for movement.

Minor Skirmish

The enemies advanced slowly but didn't fire immediately. Instead, they shifted angles and positions, testing the team's reactions.

The hunting dog suddenly growled softly, tail tucked low, warning of a small obstacle or trap ahead.

Li Xing murmured, “Ignore the noise. Maintain formation.”

Zhao Yun whispered, “They're moving cautiously. Clearly familiar with the terrain.”

Li Yu gripped her rifle. “Stay ready for any sudden developments.”

Zhou Xiaoyu signaled from the high ground: “Keep low. Advance along the slope edge.”

Zhou Yan added from the rear: “Watch every step. Avoid being misled.”

The squad advanced steadily, each step carefully placed on solid ground to avoid unnecessary noise.

Pursuit and Retreat

The enemy attempted flanking maneuvers, but Li Xing promptly adjusted the squad's direction. By skirting bushes and low slopes, they skillfully avoided potential encirclement routes.

Zhao Yun crouched low, his rifle barrel pointed toward potential threats, ready to fire at any moment. Li Yu followed the central axis, monitoring movements ahead and to the center. Zhou Xiaoyu continued observing the high ground, reporting enemy position changes. Zhou Yan remained at the rear, ensuring the team wasn't ambushed from behind.

The entire process lasted about ten minutes. The enemy moved cautiously, avoiding direct contact. The team stabilized their formation, slowly advancing toward the ambush zone ahead while maintaining low profiles and vigilance.

Steady Advancement

The squad continued along the forest path. The enemy no longer attempted frontal engagement, instead maintaining concealment while quietly adjusting their positions.

Li Xing guided the center axis, Zhao Yun provided left flank protection, Li Yu maintained central vigilance, Zhou Xiaoyu observed from the high ground, and Zhou Yan brought up the rear for monitoring.

The five moved with uniform, steady rhythm—no impatience, no heightened or exaggerated tension. Only a subtle hint of the first high-level enemy counterattack permeated the air.