Chapter 69: Bloody Slaughter (Part 2)

　　The Japanese forces of the Potan Detachment's 1st Regiment, after their fierce assault on Tading Mountain, were once again repelled. An uneasy quiet settled over the battlefield, with only lingering gunpowder smoke drifting overhead. The ground was strewn with the heads of Japanese soldiers and severed limbs of the 19th Division's men, all soaked in dark, coagulated blood. Many Chinese soldiers had died locked in close combat with their enemies, perishing together in mutual destruction—the scene was one of utter carnage.　　The temporary Japanese withdrawal granted the 19th Division a brief respite.　　Inside the combined division and army headquarters, General Li Jue fixed a stern gaze on Dong Sanshao, Dong Yaoting, and Zhang Facai. His uniform remained stained with fresh blood from recent combat. "Dong Sanshao," he demanded sharply, "what possessed you to charge into the heart of the battle alone?"　　Dong Sanshao missed the general's underlying concern. "My young master was surrounded by Japs, sir—I had to reach him!"　　Li Jue let out a cold, humorless laugh. "You were on the verge of being killed yourself, yet you went to save him?"　　Dong Sanshao fell silent. He knew better than to argue with a general, so he simply stared at the ground.　　"Damn it, you cleared our path and did one hell of a job," Li Jue sa