Chapter 11: Clash on the Sea

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The sea churned with rising winds and swirling clouds; the distant horizon brimmed with dark currents. An unprecedented battle was about to unfold. The Black Flag Trading Company launched a fierce counterattack, yet Li Chuan had long prepared an intricate net of traps and strategies. He understood deeply that brute force alone would not secure victory; cunning was essential to divide and conquer the enemy fleet.

“They have assembled over fifty warships, splitting into three fleets targeting all our allied strongholds,” Duan Tianxing said grimly, staring at the intelligence map. “At this rate, our defenses will soon crumble one by one.”

“Therefore, we cannot simply defend passively,” Li Chuan’s gaze was resolute as his fingers traced routes on the map. “Though their forces are formidable, they harbor a fatal flaw: dispersion.”

“Dispersion?” Lana furrowed her brow.

“Exactly,” Li Chuan nodded. “Splitting into three fleets seems methodical, but they overlook one thing: the vastness of the ocean prevents their fleets from providing rapid mutual support. This is our chance to strike them down piece by piece.”

“But we have fewer than thirty warships; we cannot guarantee victory against even one fleet alone,” Duan Tianxing challenged. “Not to mention the other two fleets could reinforce at any moment.”

“That’s why we must lure the tiger from its mountain,” Li Chuan smiled coldly. “We’ll feed false intelligence to one fleet, forcing them to divert into isolated reef waters, severing their link to the other two. Then we concentrate our firepower on the remaining enemy.”

Lana’s eyes gleamed with approval. “A clever plan. But how can we ensure the false message reaches them?”

“Leave that to Duan Tianxing’s network,” Li Chuan said as he turned. “We’ll pass the information to small merchant ships that traverse between factions, and let the Black Flag’s own greed and suspicion do the rest.”

Duan Tianxing nodded. “Understood. I’ll take care of it.”

Two days later, the Black Flag fleet split into three routes. As predicted, one fleet was lured by the false intelligence into the remote reef area. Meanwhile, Li Chuan personally led the allied main fleet to intercept the enemy’s second supply line.

On the sea, enemy and allied warships faced off at a distance. Li Chuan stood on the flagship’s observation deck, calmly tracking enemy movements.

“The enemy’s numbers are twice ours; a frontal clash would be unwise,” Duan Tianxing warned softly.

“Clash head-on? Certainly not,” Li Chuan smiled faintly, pointing at the nautical chart. “This is a treacherous reef zone. If we can draw them in, victory will be ours.”

“But our men are unfamiliar with the terrain...” Lana expressed concern.

“Don’t forget, this sea belongs to the Serpent’s Tail,” Li Chuan said confidently. “I have already negotiated with their leader. They provided detailed maps and will secretly assist us.”

Lana was taken aback, admiration shining in her eyes. “When did you make this deal?”

“Just the day after our retreat,” Li Chuan replied casually. “Though sly, the Serpent’s Tail knows the Black Flag’s monopoly harms their interests.”

With Li Chuan’s command, the allied fleet feigned a retreat, gradually drawing the enemy into the reef zone.

“These fools break so easily!” laughed Rayne, captain of the Black Flag fleet. “Pursue them!”

Yet, as their fleet ventured deeper into the reefs, the Serpent’s Tail fleet ambushed from both flanks.

“Ambush! It’s the Serpent’s Tail!” Rayne shouted in alarm, ordering his fleet to turn—only to find the main channel blocked by reefs.

At the same time, Li Chuan’s main fleet struck fiercely from the front. Trapped in the reef zone and attacked from both sides, the Black Flag fleet quickly descended into chaos.

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“Open fire!” Li Chuan ordered decisively. Dense artillery fire rained down like a storm, shattering enemy ships.

After three hours of intense combat, the enemy’s second fleet was nearly annihilated. Though the allied fleet suffered losses, their overall strength remained intact.

Facing the captured Rayne, Li Chuan’s tone was calm yet commanding: “Go back and tell Reck that his era is over.”

Rayne glared furiously but was powerless to reply. He knew this defeat would devastate the Black Flag Trading Company.

After the battle, Lana approached Li Chuan with a complex expression. “Your plan succeeded, but I remain concerned. The Black Flag won’t give up easily; they will retaliate fiercely.”

“I know,” Li Chuan nodded. “But this victory alone will shake the other factions. Next, we must leverage this momentum to strengthen the alliance and seek new allies.”

Lana smiled faintly. “It seems you already have the next move planned.”

Li Chuan turned his gaze toward the distant horizon, eyes shining with wisdom and resolve. “The war has only just begun.”

Night fell, and the restless sea seemed to herald the coming storm. After weeks of planning, Li Chuan had finally cornered Reck of the Black Flag on the naval battlefield. Standing at the bow of the flagship, he watched the enemy fleet glittering afar, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

“All warships are in position. The outer guerrilla squads lie in ambush,” Duan Tianxing reported. “Now we wait for Reck to take the bait.”

“Excellent,” Li Chuan nodded. “Remember, our goal is to dismantle the Black Flag’s main forces, not risk annihilation. Reck hasn’t revealed all his cards; we must remain cautious.”

Lana stood nearby, her expression steady but tinged with worry. “Reck commands at least thirty ships, twice our number. Even with terrain advantage, we can’t afford complacency.”

“Don’t worry,” Li Chuan smiled confidently. “This battle will rely not just on strength, but intelligence.”

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight shimmered on the sea. Li Chuan’s fleet lay hidden within the reef-enclosed narrow waters as Reck’s fleet advanced aggressively.

“Report! Enemy fleet has entered our alert range!” a scout hurriedly announced.

Li Chuan narrowed his eyes. “Let the outer guerrilla ships strike first to sow chaos, then retreat to lure them into our inner line.”

Following orders, the allied light warships emerged like ghosts from behind the reefs, launching swift surprise attacks.

“Damn it! These pests only hide and run!” Reck roared, pounding the table. “All ships, accelerate pursuit! Don’t let them escape!”

Reck’s fleet was soon drawn into the confined reef waters by the guerrilla tactics. Here, the large Black Flag ships were hampered, their firepower advantage greatly diminished.

Just as Reck realized the danger, Li Chuan’s main fleet circled from behind, forming a vast encirclement.

“All ships, prepare to attack!” Li Chuan drew his command saber and shouted, “Suppress their front lines with firepower and cut off their retreat!”

The roar of cannons plunged the sea into chaos. The Black Flag fleet was trapped in the narrow zone, blocked by reefs ahead and assailed by the allied fleet from behind, caught in a deadly vice.

“Damn it! It’s a trap!” Reck gritted his teeth. “But don’t think this will win! All ships, regroup and focus fire—break through at any cost!”

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The Black Flag warships fought back fiercely, their artillery precise and deadly, momentarily putting the allied fleet under considerable pressure.

“Their counterattack is stronger than expected!” Duan Tianxing said anxiously. “Our outer defenses are starting to falter!”

“Stay calm,” Li Chuan commanded coolly. “Send the second wave’s heavy ships forward; focus on their flagship!”

At that moment, Lana joined the command platform, taking over part of the coordination. “Light warships, flank the enemy and fire flaming arrows at their sails! Their maneuverability is worse than ours; we must weaken it swiftly!”

Through Li Chuan and Lana’s cooperation, the allied fleet stabilized and gradually compressed the enemy’s operational space.

Amid the fierce battle, Li Chuan’s flagship closed in on Reck’s warship. The two massive vessels collided, sending towering waves crashing.

“Li Chuan, you just won’t quit!” Reck sneered from the deck. “But today, even if you come personally, you won’t beat me!”

“Reck, you must pay for your greed!” Li Chuan replied coldly. “Today, it’s either you or me!”

A brutal boarding fight erupted as soldiers clashed on the narrow decks, blood staining the sea red.

Li Chuan wielded his curved blade, engaging Reck in direct combat. Reck’s strength was immense, each strike powerful and relentless, yet Li Chuan’s agile footwork and sharp instincts allowed him to dodge fatal blows.

“Is that all you’ve got? Dare to show off before me?” Reck laughed loudly, launching a fierce assault.

Li Chuan avoided direct confrontation, using obstacles on deck to create distance while seeking an opening.

Suddenly, Li Chuan seized a gap after Reck’s swing, darted sideways, and slashed sharply. Blood spattered from Reck’s arm.

“Ah!” Reck howled in pain, stepping back with fury and resentment blazing in his eyes. “Li Chuan, just you wait!”

Taking advantage of the distraction, Reck fled with his shattered forces, abandoning ship. His warship was utterly sunk.

After the battle, the sea hung heavy with smoke and blood. Though the alliance had defeated a significant portion of the Black Flag’s main fleet, the cost was severe.

“We lost nearly a third of our warships,” Duan Tianxing said quietly. “Many soldiers are wounded; we won’t be able to fight again soon.”

“Victory always demands sacrifice,” Li Chuan said, gazing over the ravaged battlefield, his expression complex. “But this is only the beginning.”

“Reck escaped; he will return,” Lana stepped forward, worry flickering in her eyes. “And this victory will likely make him more ruthless.”

“Then let him come,” Li Chuan turned to the far horizon, determination shining in his gaze. “We will be ready. Next time, we will make sure he vanishes from these seas forever.”