Soul Casting
The firelight illuminated the chaotic scene in the backyard of the general store. Hao Rende and the man with the gold-rimmed glasses were tightly bound with hemp rope by Geng Dashan, their mouths stuffed with rags, only able to whimper in resentment. The captured firearms and ammunition, along with the crucial maps and codebooks, were gathered together.
The commotion in the village gradually subsided, but many houses still had their lights on, and no one was asleep. Zhao Shouren ultimately did not dare to show himself, keeping his house gate tightly shut, as if everything outside was none of his concern.
"We can't stay here any longer." Shen Lanjun looked at Gu Tieshan's pale face and the wounds that were constantly bleeding, and said decisively, "The Japanese reinforcements may arrive at any time. Uncle Dashan, Xiaoshuan, please help us move these two scoundrels and their things to the wooden house on the mountain first."
"No problem!" Geng Dashan patted his chest, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Gu Tieshan. "Brother Gu, you're really tough!"
Zhao Xiaoshuan was extremely excited, feeling as if he had participated in something earth-shattering.
Everyone sprang into action. Supported by Shen Lanjun and Xiao Chen, Gu Tieshan, along with the still-shaken Xiu Niang and her daughter, and Shuanzi, followed Geng Dashan back to the familiar hunter's cabin in the back mountains.
A campfire was lit inside the cabin, dispelling the chill. Shen Lanjun cleaned Gu Tieshan's wounds again, applied medicine, and bandaged them. This time, although the wounds were still shocking, everyone's mood was completely different from when they were on the run.
Holding the captured rifle, Xiao Chen sat on guard at the door, his face beaming with the satisfaction of revenge and a hint of growing resolve. Xiu Niang, still shaken, hugged her daughter, but her eyes were filled with dependence and gratitude as she looked at Gu Tieshan and Shen Lanjun.
Geng Dashan and Zhao Xiaoshuan tossed Hao Rende and the other man, who were bundled up like rice dumplings, into a corner and began to count their spoils.
"Brother Gu, Sister Chen, you...you really are this?" Geng Dashan picked up the codebook. Although he couldn't understand it, he guessed a bit of what was going on. He lowered his voice and made an "eight" shape with his hand.
Now that things have come to this, there's no need to hide anything. Shen Lanjun and Gu Tieshan exchanged a glance and nodded: "Uncle Dashan, Xiaoshuan, thank you. Without you, we would have been in grave danger tonight."
A simple yet excited smile spread across Geng Dashan's dark face: "No need for thanks! Fighting the Japanese is the duty of every Chinese! Although I, Geng Dashan, am a rough man, I know what's good for me! If you ever need anything, just let me know!"
Zhao Xiaoshuan puffed out his chest and said, "Uncle Gu, Aunt Chen, I'm sticking with you!"
Gu Tieshan leaned against the earthen bed covered with animal hides, the firelight flickering on his face. The intense battle, the weakness from blood loss, and the mental relaxation after escaping from a desperate situation—all these factors combined to cause those long-forgotten fragments in his mind to resurface.
The battlefield was filled with the sounds of gunfire, the swords were being brandished, the shouts of battle were deafening, and... the cold moonlight over Xifengkou and the blurry yet resolute faces of his comrades... "Northwest Army... 29th Army... Big Sword Team..." he murmured unconsciously, a fine layer of cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Shen Lanjun held his cold hand tightly and whispered, "Tieshan?"
Gu Tieshan snapped back to reality. The jumbled fragments of memory receded like a tide, but certain imprints remained etched even deeper into his heart. He grasped Shen Lanjun's hand in return, shook his head to indicate he was alright, but his eyes were more profound and clear than ever before. His lost past was slowly returning.
“These things must be handed over to the organization as soon as possible.” Shen Lanjun looked at the documents and radio. “Hao Rende and the other two are also important people to capture. We can’t stay in Linjiangtun any longer.”
"I'll go find Political Commissar Yang!" Geng Dashan volunteered. "I know where they operate! They approached me before, wanting me to be a courier, but I didn't dare agree. Now, I, Old Geng, am sticking with you!"
“Okay!” Shen Lanjun nodded. “Uncle Dashan, then I’ll trouble you to make the trip and make sure you get in touch with Political Commissar Yang as soon as possible. Xiaoshuan, you’re familiar with the mountain roads, so guide your Uncle Dashan. Be careful on the road.”
"Don't worry, Aunt Chen!" Zhao Xiaoshuan nodded vigorously.
Without delay, Geng Dashan and Zhao Xiaoshuan set off overnight, carrying the secret letter written by Shen Lanjun, and disappeared into the vast forest.
Three days later, a well-trained anti-Japanese guerrilla detachment, personally led by Political Commissar Yang, arrived at the wooden house. Political Commissar Yang was a middle-aged man with a lean face and piercing eyes. He was extremely excited when he saw Gu Tieshan and Shen Lanjun, and especially when he saw the captured supplies and prisoners.
"Comrade Shen Lanjun! Comrade Gu Tieshan! You've worked hard! You've made a great contribution!" Political Commissar Yang grasped their hands tightly. "This map and codebook are crucial for us to understand the Japanese army's deployment on the border and their 'country swap plan'! These survivors will also yield a lot more information!"
He looked at Gu Tieshan, his gaze filled with admiration and a hint of inquiry: "Comrade Gu Tieshan, Comrade Lan Jun has already reported your situation to the organization. You are a hero of the country! Welcome back to the team!"
Although Gu Tieshan's memory had not fully returned, the sense of belonging to a soldier that was ingrained in his blood made him straighten his spine and give a somewhat awkward but extremely solemn military salute.
After discussion, although the blacksmith shop in Linjiang Village was destroyed, the wooden house on the back mountain, due to its secluded location and proximity to the border, was officially established as a secret communication station for the Anti-Japanese United Army, and was put in charge by Gu Tieshan and Shen Lanjun after their recovery from their injuries. Geng Dashan and Zhao Xiaoshuan were also officially recruited as the backbone of the communication station.
Political Commissar Yang led the captured supplies and prisoners away first. Before leaving, he solemnly said to Gu Tieshan and Shen Lanjun, "The struggle here has only just begun. The Japanese will never give up easily. You must take advantage of the conditions here, put down roots, and be like a nail, firmly driven into the heart of this enemy territory!"
The wind and snow continued, and the wooden hut was simple. But now, it was no longer just a place of refuge, but had become a fortress filled with faith and hope.
Gu Tieshan stood at the door of the wooden house, gazing at the vast, snow-covered forest in the distance, his hand unconsciously tightening around the pair of cold dragon scale bracelets. His lost memories were being retrieved, and the journey ahead was clear.
Shen Lanjun walked to his side and draped a thick coat over his shoulders.
“Our roots have been planted,” she said softly.
Gu Tieshan grasped her hand, his gaze resolute.
The flames of war have been lit, and the spirits have been forged. The winds and snows of this northern land are destined to witness many more moving and inspiring stories.
The first volume of "Integrity" (Forged in the Flames of War) is complete.
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