Empire Conquest
Chapter 234 - 230 Other Possibilities

Chapter 234: Chapter 230 Other Possibilities

The bombing lasted for about fifteen minutes, with over a hundred ship-borne aircraft dropping their bombs, and only one fighter crashed on its return to the fleet.

It wasn’t because it was damaged, but because the pilot got too excited during the fight and forgot to monitor the remaining fuel.

The sea area for the emergency landing was only a few tens of kilometers from the fleet, and the pilot who fell into the water was quickly picked up by a destroyer that rushed over. Aside from soaking his clothes, he was perfectly fine.

About an hour and a half later, the second attack aircraft group arrived.

Although based on the results of the first strike, it was clear that a second strike was unnecessary, the ship-borne aircraft designated for the second attack mission had already taken off before the first battle report was received, and they were not allowed to land on the carrier with bombs still on board.

Furthermore, there was no imminent threat nearby.

The greatest threat was the Saiyi Navy’s shore-based air force, especially those capable of carrying air torpedoes or bombs and attacking from thousands of kilometers away, notably the Type 96 land attack bombers.

However, they were not really a concern.

Previously, the battles commanded by Bai Zhizhan had proven that without fighter cover, twin-engine bombers like the Type 96 land attack aircraft simply couldn’t break through the fleet’s anti-aircraft system centered around air defense fighters, posing little threat to the fleet and making a solo attack tantamount to suicide.

Liu Xiangzhen had also left enough air defense fighters to handle any large-scale attacks.

That was why the second round of strikes wasn’t canceled.

After the second bombing, there were no more worthwhile fixed targets left on Liuhuang Island.

Although there were still many Saiyi soldiers on the island, along with numerous defensive fortifications such as bunkers and trenches, these targets were left to the battleships.

After receiving the battle report sent by the leader of the first attack aircraft group, Liu Xiangzhen broke the silence and reported the assault situation to the Navy headquarter, then followed up with the results of the second assault. However, afterwards, Liu Xiangzhen ordered a radio silence state.

At that time, Bai Zhizhan had received the first battle report.

Although it would be around two hours before receiving the second battle report forwarded by the Navy headquarter, upon receiving the first report, Bai Zhizhan realized that Liu Xiangzhen had not connected those events from the day before, or in other words, had not become alert because of them.

Fortunately, no accidents occurred, and the situation was under control.

According to what Liu Xiangzhen mentioned in the battle report, the Special Mixed Group was actually to the southwest of Liuhuang Island, not to the west.

This meant that the Special Mixed Group was more than a thousand kilometers from the Saiyi mainland, definitely beyond the operational radius of the Zero Fighter even if within the attack range of the Type 96 land attack aircraft.

Moreover, there was no intelligence proving that the Saiyi Navy had acquired more Zero Fighters.

Simply put, as long as Liu Xiangzhen reserved enough air defense fighters, even if they were attacked, the losses wouldn’t be substantial.

Bai Zhizhan stood in front of the naval chart in silence until the telecommunications officer delivered the second telegram.

Zhou Yongtao took the telegram without letting the telecommunications officer disturb Bai Zhizhan.

It should be noted that Zhou Yongtao was now the Chief of Staff of the First Special Mixed Fleet.

Because it was a temporary setup and had to be kept secret, aside from Liu Changxun orally appointing Bai Zhizhan as the Fleet Commander of the First Special Mixed Fleet, the Navy headquarter had not issued any other personnel assignments. According to past precedents, the commander temporarily appointed other command personnel for positions.

However, Bai Zhizhan did not make such arrangements.

Nor was it necessary because many from the fleet headquarter staff came from the First Aviation Mixed Fleet, and some were staff members who had returned to duty after recovering from injuries at the Second Aviation Mixed Fleet headquarter—all veterans who knew their place and simply followed the commander’s orders.

Speaking of which, Zhou Yongtao did not have an official position in the Mixed Fleet headquarter.

Fortunately, everyone knew Zhou Yongtao was Bai Zhizhan’s close aide.

"I have a question to ask you."

After speaking, Bai Zhizhan realized the staff in the command bridge was all looking at him.

"What is it?"

"Nothing much. This is the latest battle report we just received. The second round of bombing is over, and the Special Mixed Group has entered a controlled state."

"So, Liu Xiangzhen will launch the landing operation according to the plan," Zhou Yongtao nodded but said little.

According to the plan, after the successful strike, the operation would move into the landing phase, precisely the preliminary preparations, the duration of which would depend on the situation.

It seemed now, however, that it wouldn’t take long.

The reasoning was simple: originally, the plan was to use at least three bombing runs to break down the defenses of Liuhuang Island and seize control of the airspace and the sea. In reality, after the first bombing, they had already achieved air superiority, and the second bombing was essentially a waste of bombs.

With such poor defense deployment on Liuhuang Island, how long would the artillery preparation before landing need to continue?

The plan was to use at least five days, extendable to ten, and preparations had been made accordingly.

Now it looked like three days might be enough.

"You started to ask me a question?" Zhou Yongtao reminded Bai Zhizhan.

"Oh, right," Bai Zhizhan put down the telegram in his hand. "I know Liu Xiangzhen too well, so it’s hard for me to make an accurate prediction of his actions without being influenced by my own perceptions. If possible, could you stand in the position of the commander of the Special Mixed Group and deduce the next move?"

"Me?"

Bai Zhizhan nodded and stepped aside.

Zhou Yongtao clenched his fist, as if psyching himself up, and stepped in front of the naval chart, then immersed himself in deep thought.

Though he often fantasized about someday taking the position of the Fleet Commander and leading the fleet to victory against formidable enemies, when it came to putting himself in someone else’s shoes, Zhou Yongtao felt somewhat nervous.

He was only in his twenties, lacking not just experience but also the ability that comes with it!

In modern warfare, unlike in ancient times, there were no young generals who could command large armies and sweep across battlefields.

Those existed only in novels.

Bai Zhizhan didn’t rush him, as there was plenty of time.

While Zhou Yongtao was still deep in thought, Shen Pu and Zhu Huasheng arrived at the Command Bridge. Seeing Zhou Yongtao’s serious expression, neither of them said a word.

"If I were him, I would definitely launch the attack earlier."

As he spoke, Zhou Yongtao looked up and noticed Shen Pu and Zhu Huasheng had also arrived.

"Don’t mind us, just pretend we’re not here," Shen Pu chuckled, pulling Zhu Huasheng aside and moving behind Bai Zhizhan.

"Is it necessary to be faster?" Bai Zhizhan asked.

Zhou Yongtao nodded and said, "The Army has already achieved a complete victory on the Ice Storm Peninsula, and it’s not far from the landing on Saiyi mainland. Whether it’s a blockade, a flank attack from the south, or even a feint, we need to capture Liuhuang Island quickly. General Liu Xiangzhen surely understands this."

Bai Zhizhan nodded thoughtfully but made no comment.

The assessment from Zhou Yongtao was fair and devoid of personal bias.

"Why can’t it be bombing?" Shen Pu suddenly blurted out.

At this, not only Bai Zhizhan but also Zhou Yongtao looked surprised, turning to him to see if he was joking.

Bombing? Effective?

Even if it were effective, Liuhuang Island was too far from the Saiyi mainland.

At that moment, Zhu Huasheng spoke, "Aren’t you guys hungry? I’m starving. Maybe I should go..."

"Let’s go for lunch, everyone is hungry."

After Zhu Huasheng spoke, Bai Zhizhan realized it was already noon.

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