Chapter 37: Island Assault

On the sea, the fleet of fishermen slowly approached the island stronghold of the Wokou pirates. Li Chuan stood at the bow of the flagship, his gaze piercing, flanked by armed warriors and agitated villagers. Their goal was to completely crush the pirate forces and rescue their kidnapped families.

"Report! Enemy scout boat spotted, approximately one mile ahead," a crewman whispered.

Li Chuan turned to the young captain in charge of the lookout. "Maintain our current course. Do not alert them."

Princess Lanna stood nearby and nodded slightly. "Village Chief Li, the Wokou scout boats usually use signal rockets to raise the alarm. If they spot our fleet, they will immediately warn the island."

"Then we must act swiftly," Li Chuan said, gripping his binoculars tightly. "Order two small boats to quietly circle behind the scout boat for an ambush. The rest of the fleet will maintain formation and continue forward."

As the order was given, two light fishing boats silently detached from the fleet, skimming over the waves toward the scout boat. Before the pirates on the scout boat could react, the crew secured it with long hooks, and a sudden volley of arrows rained down upon the deck.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" a pirate soldier shouted in panic, but before he could finish, an arrow struck him down.

In less than a moment, the scout boat was successfully captured.

Lanna watched as the boat was towed back into the formation and said softly, "Village Chief Li, the enemy will not give up so easily. The defenses on the island are likely being reinforced as we speak."

"No matter how strong the defenses are, they cannot withstand our resolve," Li Chuan replied with a cold smile. "Full speed ahead. Prepare to land!"

As the fleet neared the stronghold island, hidden pirate archers began their assault. Flaming arrows streaked across the sky, raining down upon the ships.

"Shield formation! Protect the crew!" Li Chuan shouted.

The warriors quickly raised their makeshift wooden shields to deflect the arrow storm as the ships pressed on. Soon, the fishing fleet pulled into the shore. The warriors jumped from the boats and advanced rapidly into the island's forest.

"Split into two groups for the attack!" Li Chuan pointed at the map. "I will lead the eastern force to strike directly at the enemy camp and rescue the villagers. Princess Lanna will command the western force, responsible for cutting off enemy reinforcements!"

Lanna smiled slightly. "Very well. Rest assured, not a single enemy will pass through the western flank."

The eastern force moved quickly through the woods. As they neared the perimeter of the pirate camp, a scout returned to report: "Village Chief, I’ve found the main camp. There are over a hundred villagers held captive."

"Good," Li Chuan nodded. "Split into three teams. One will draw their fire, another will provide cover, and the rest will follow me into the main camp to save the people!"

As the orders were issued, the fishermen moved out. One team rushed the guard posts, shouting battle cries and successfully drawing the bulk of the pirates' fire, while Li Chuan and his elite unit circled to the back of the camp, prying open the cages where the villagers were held.

"Don't panic! We are here to rescue you!" Li Chuan soothed the terrified villagers while directing his men to escort them out of the camp.

An elderly woman with tear-stained cheeks knelt on the ground and grabbed Li Chuan’s hand. "Thank you, Village Chief! Thank you for saving us!"

"Please, stand up, ma'am," Li Chuan said, helping her to her feet. "Everyone, stay close to us. We will get you home safely!"

Just as the villagers reached the edge of the forest, pirate reinforcements suddenly surged forward, and a chaotic battle erupted.

"Protect the villagers! Hold your ground!" Li Chuan swung his blade to cut down an enemy while shouting commands. "Rear ranks, form up! Front ranks, charge!"

The villagers huddled together, clutching their children and the elderly, while the fishermen formed a living wall, holding back the pirates' frantic assault.

Finally, Lanna’s western force arrived, attacking from the enemy’s rear and successfully forcing the pirates back.

With the skirmish over, Li Chuan’s team took a moment to rest in the woods.

"Village Chief, the enemy retreated too quickly. I fear it's a trap," a team member said with a frown.

Li Chuan nodded, a cold glint in his eyes. "The pirate leader Xie Tonghai is cunning. He is likely waiting for us to lower our guard."

Lanna walked over, sword in hand, her tone calm. "Since they want to ambush us, we might as well turn the tables on them."

"Agreed." Li Chuan pondered for a moment before quickly formulating a counter-plan. He decided to use the villagers as bait to lure the pirates into their own ambush circle.

Sure enough, as Li Chuan’s team approached the coast with the villagers, the pirate ambush force suddenly burst from the woods on both sides.

"Hahaha! Li Chuan, you think you can take so many villagers with your small force?" Xie Tonghai, mounted on a thin horse, looked triumphant. "None of you are leaving here today!"

Li Chuan sneered. "Xie Tonghai, you are nothing but a lackey surviving off the pirates. Do you think you have the right to act so arrogant here?"

"Stubborn fool." Xie Tonghai drew his sword and waved his hand. "Kill them all!"

However, the pirates who had just rushed out of the forest suddenly found themselves surrounded. Li Chuan had already dispersed his men around the woods, forming a massive pincer movement.

"Fire!" At Li Chuan’s command, a rain of arrows poured down from all directions, throwing the pirate formation into total chaos.

Xie Tonghai’s face turned pale with shock. "It's a trap! Retreat!"

After a fierce battle, the pirate force was completely routed, and Xie Tonghai was killed by a volley of arrows. Afterward, Li Chuan led his team back to the main camp to burn the supply and weapon depots.

The roaring fire lit up the night sky, reflected in the eyes of every fisherman. They were filled with hope, for this victory had not only saved their loved ones but had also secured a long-awaited peace for their village.

Lanna looked at the distant fire and said slowly, "Village Chief Li, this is only the beginning. The enemy’s backers will surely act. We cannot let our guard down."

Li Chuan nodded. "You are right. This victory is only on the surface. The real war has just begun."

The aftermath of the battle left the pirate stronghold in ruins. The fire reddened half the night sky, and the air was heavy with the thick scent of smoke. Li Chuan cleaned the battlefield, his long sword still dripping with blood.

Lanna stood aside, quietly observing every move Li Chuan made, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes.

"Village Chief," a team member ran over, "we have collected Xie Tonghai’s personal belongings, including his nautical charts and some ledgers."

"Nautical charts?" Li Chuan took the yellowed parchment and spread it out on a flat stone to examine it closely. His brow furrowed deeper, his finger tracing several markings on the map.

Lanna leaned in. "Are these marks other strongholds of theirs, or trading ports?"

"Likely both," Li Chuan said coldly. "This map is worth a fortune. It is not just the commercial network of the Wokou; it reveals the true intentions of that merchant from the Central Plains."

"Village Chief!" Another scout hurried over, his face filled with anxiety. "We found several bodies near the edge of the forest. They are neither pirates nor our own men."

"What?" Li Chuan’s brow jumped, and he immediately led his men to the scene.

It was a clearing deep in the woods where several corpses lay scattered. Li Chuan knelt to inspect their clothing and weapons, and he quickly made a discovery.

"These are Central Plains weapons," Li Chuan said in a low voice. "It seems someone has been watching this conflict from the shadows."

"Could it be a spy for that merchant?" Lanna asked tentatively.

"Highly likely." Li Chuan stood up. "Even though Xie Tonghai is dead, the Wokou power chain still exists. Worse, these spies mean our every move may have been exposed."

Back at the camp, Li Chuan gathered his team and the village representatives for a brief post-battle summary.

"Everyone, tonight's victory is only the first step. We have rescued the villagers and destroyed the pirate stronghold, but the situation ahead will be even more dangerous."

"Village Chief!" An elderly villager stood up, his face filled with passion. "As long as you lead us, we aren't afraid! Whether it's the pirates or the merchants, we will fight them all!"

A roar of agreement erupted from the crowd, spirits high.

"Thank you for your trust," Li Chuan nodded. "Next, we must prepare to face even greater challenges."

Lanna stood up, her voice cool yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Village Chief Li’s concerns are correct. Although the pirate leader has been eliminated, the true enemy is the merchant who exploits them. He has both wealth and methods. To deal with him, brute force alone is not enough."

The crowd fell silent, the weight of Lanna’s analysis clearly adding to their pressure.

"Then what should we do?" a fisherman couldn't help but ask.

"First, we must rebuild our defense system as soon as possible and repair the facilities damaged in the fight," Li Chuan said, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Second, we must strengthen mutual defense cooperation with other villages and establish an intelligence network to ensure we can anticipate the enemy's moves."

Lanna added, "In addition, I suggest we interpret the nautical charts and ledgers left behind by Xie Tonghai. This may be the key to turning the tide."

"I agree," Li Chuan nodded. "From now on, everyone must be on high alert. We cannot let the enemy succeed so easily."

Late at night, Li Chuan and Lanna discussed their next steps in private.

"Princess Lanna, what do you think of that nautical chart?" Li Chuan asked first.

"It is not only a map of the Wokou’s distribution of power but a microcosm of that merchant’s control network." Lanna lightly tapped several key locations on the map. "These markers might be his trading points. If we can find his supply depot, we can cripple his power once and for all."

Li Chuan pondered for a moment. "You are right, but a rash move might alert him. Right now, he is in the shadows, and we are in the light."

"Therefore, we must design a trap," Lanna smiled slightly. "Lure him into showing himself."

"A trap?" Li Chuan looked at Lanna, confused.

"Yes." A touch of cunning flashed in Lanna’s eyes. "Using this map, we can pretend to have taken over Xie Tonghai’s influence and send a false offer of cooperation to the merchant."

Li Chuan stroked his chin, lost in thought. "You mean we disguise ourselves as a new faction and let him contact us?"

Lanna nodded. "Exactly. Once he reveals his whereabouts, we can seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

Li Chuan nodded slowly. "Very well. Let’s do it. But this will require a meticulous plan and strong intelligence support."

"I will arrange it," Lanna said with a faint smile. "You just focus on preparing the troops; leave the rest to me."

The next morning, the village began the tense work of repair. Young fishermen were gathered to learn basic defense techniques, while the older villagers were responsible for fixing the wooden walls and facilities damaged in the battle.

Li Chuan personally inspected each area, ensuring everything was in order.

"Village Chief, don't worry, we definitely won't let the Wokou succeed again this time!" a young warrior said confidently.

"Good," Li Chuan patted his shoulder. "But do not let your guard down. The real test is still to come."

Lanna watched from the side, a sense of admiration growing within her. This common fisherman leader was not only brave but could remain calm in a crisis; it was no wonder the villagers trusted him so much.

"Village Chief Li," Lanna spoke suddenly, "have you ever thought about what you would do if this battle were truly over?"

Li Chuan paused for a moment, then smiled. "I suppose I would return to my old life, taking everyone out to fish—working at sunrise and resting at sunset."

Lanna looked down in thought, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. "I hope that day comes soon."