Chapter 8: Seeking Allies

The oppression exerted by the Black Flag Consortium was tightening the situation across the maritime regions, and Li Chuan and Lana realized that with their current strength alone, they could not shake this colossal organization. The only way forward was to unite all available forces to jointly resist the expansion of the Black Flag Consortium.

“Lana, you know the powers surrounding the South Seas better than I do. We must start with the most promising targets,” Li Chuan said, studying the map intently.

Lana nodded. “The Sea Scale pirates are the most reputable faction among the pirates. If we can persuade them, it will lay a solid foundation. Additionally, the Golden Reef Consortium to the west remains neutral but has long resented Black Flag’s monopoly. With sufficient incentives, they might be persuaded to join our side.”

“Good. Then we start with the Sea Scale,” Li Chuan decided decisively. “This time, you handle the negotiations while I work behind the scenes on the details.”

“Leave it to me,” Lana replied confidently with a smile.

The leader of the Sea Scale, Sea Hawk, was a composed and prudent middle-aged man. He was low-profile and thorough, rarely influenced by external intelligence. However, when Lana faced him directly, she found his so-called calmness to be like an impenetrable wall.

“The Black Flag Consortium is eroding the entire South Seas. Their ambitions go far beyond controlling trade routes,” Lana argued earnestly. “If you don’t join our alliance, next they will encroach upon your territory.”

Sea Hawk pondered for a moment, his tone even. “Princess, your words sound reasonable, but only ‘sound’ so. The Sea Scale values its reputation above all, but we won’t be drawn into pointless wars lightly. What can you offer us to convince us?”

Lana was prepared. She raised her hand to indicate a file Li Chuan handed over. “This lists the Black Flag Consortium’s trade network and their next expansion plans. If you stand by, within six months your sphere of influence will be gradually squeezed.”

Sea Hawk took the documents and studied them carefully, his expression growing grave. He looked up at Lana. “Are these sources reliable?”

“I guarantee it in the name of the South Seas Kingdom,” Lana said firmly. “If you join us, we will share war supplies and help maintain stability along your trade routes.”

Sea Hawk thought long and hard and finally nodded slowly. “Very well, I agree to join. But there is one condition — if the alliance fails, I want you to bear the primary responsibility.”

“Agreed,” Lana answered without hesitation.

Next, Li Chuan and Lana turned to the Golden Reef Consortium. Although not as powerful as the Black Flag, they held vast gold reserves and a formidable private militia. Convincing them would be a key step for the alliance.

However, its leader, Duan Tianxing, was a cunning merchant, shrewd as a fox, always able to sniff out any unease in negotiations.

“Li Chuan, Princess, so you want me to join your so-called ‘alliance’ just to take the bullets for you?” Duan Tianxing teased. “I see no benefit in that.”

“Of course not,” Li Chuan replied calmly. “On the contrary, joining the alliance is your best chance to rid yourselves of the Black Flag threat. If the Consortium continues growing, your trading profits will be severely cut.”

“We can handle that,” Duan Tianxing smiled nonchalantly.

“You might, but others may not,” Li Chuan’s tone shifted. “Once Black Flag controls the entire South Seas, they will manipulate the market at will. All your gold will become worthless.”

Duan Tianxing’s eyes sharpened, though his voice remained even. “And what guarantees can you offer us?”

“Once the alliance forms, we will prioritize protecting your trade routes and commit to allocating the best resources in every operation,” Li Chuan said deliberately. “Besides, I can help design a new trade route plan that will secure you a dominant position in future markets.”

Duan Tianxing pondered for a long time before finally smiling faintly. “Alright, since you put it so eloquently, I’ll reluctantly join. But if things don’t go as expected, I won’t hesitate to quit.”

“That will suffice,” Li Chuan nodded, though he knew the Golden Reef Consortium was still motivated by short-term gains and their loyalty required further strengthening.

Meanwhile, frequent collaboration between Lana and Li Chuan stirred subtle tensions. Especially with Yue Shan’s frequent interference, Lana’s dissatisfaction grew quietly.

“You seem quite interested in the Golden Reef leader?” Yue Shan asked deliberately.

“I’m only interested in whether the alliance succeeds,” Lana replied coldly.

“Well, you and Li Chuan work so ‘harmoniously,’ it’s enviable,” Yue Shan sneered. “But if I were you, I’d be careful. Some people are too clever and may not truly have your interests at heart.”

Lana’s expression flickered briefly before regaining composure. “At least he’s more reliable than some.”

The tension between them thickened until Li Chuan had to intervene. “This is a critical moment. What we need is unity, not internal strife.”

Though outwardly reconciled, Lana felt a complex swirl of emotions inside, while Yue Shan increasingly regarded Lana as a formidable rival.

After successful negotiations with Sea Scale and Golden Reef, Li Chuan and Lana arranged a secret meeting to gather the allied forces and discuss detailed strategies against the Black Flag Consortium.

They chose a remote bay for the meeting. To avoid Black Flag’s spies, Li Chuan deployed several swift vessels to patrol nearby and planted false intelligence to mislead the enemy.

At night, the flickering campfire illuminated the solemn gathering of faction leaders. Lana stood at the center, plainly announcing the alliance’s purpose:

“The Black Flag Consortium has become the greatest threat to the South Seas. Their expansion endangers not only our interests but the entire maritime order. This is a moment of life and death; we must unite to confront this evil force.”

Sea Hawk was the first to speak. “We support the alliance, but I want to see concrete action plans, not empty talk.”

Duan Tianxing chimed in at the right moment. “Exactly. I need to see the alliance’s strength before deciding resource allocation priorities.”

Li Chuan smiled slightly and presented a prepared sea chart. “These are the three core trade routes of the Black Flag Consortium. These routes are their lifeline. If we sever them, we can shake the Consortium’s foundation.”

He spoke persuasively, and the others nodded in agreement. Yet some raised concerns: “If the Consortium counterattacks, can we withstand it?”

“This is a gamble,” Li Chuan’s gaze was resolute. “But if we do nothing, when they become unshakable, our fate will be far worse.”

Under his analysis and persuasion, all parties ultimately agreed to join the alliance. The meeting concluded amid tense determination.

At dawn the next day, the alliance launched its first operation. They decided to strike at the Black Flag’s outer stronghold, capturing a strategic port called Flamewater Dock. It was a vital transit point with ample supplies but relatively weak defenses.

Li Chuan devised a detailed battle plan:

1. The Sea Scale would blockade the sea to prevent enemy reinforcements from entering the port.

2. The Golden Reef Consortium would provide resources such as gunpowder and ship repair materials.

3. Lana would lead the South Seas fleet in the main assault, using the cover of darkness to surprise the enemy garrison.

4. Li Chuan would personally lead a small team to infiltrate and sever the enemy’s internal communications.

Before the attack, Lana briefed everyone on the tactics, but Li Chuan noticed Yue Shan’s expression was peculiar. “Yue Shan, what do you think of this mission?” he asked.

Yue Shan shrugged, feigning ease. “I just feel some people are overconfident, as if everything is under their control. Pride comes before a fall.”

Lana sneered. “At least we won’t miss opportunities because of fear.”

Their verbal clash made Li Chuan rub his forehead. “Enough arguing. This mission is critical; no mistakes are allowed.”

That night, the allied fleet stealthily approached Flamewater Dock. Lana and Li Chuan stood on the flagship, observing enemy defenses.

“There are only two guards at the watchtower — defenses are indeed lax,” Li Chuan pointed out. “But the warehouse is heavily guarded; speed is key for the assault.”

Lana nodded. “You handle infiltration at the watchtower. Our fleet will draw the frontline fire.”

Li Chuan led his team into the watchtower, quickly taking control of the high ground by exploiting the sentries’ negligence. He lit a signal flare to signal the fleet to attack.

Lana’s fleet opened fire, cannon blasts thundered, fully capturing the enemy’s attention on the sea. Meanwhile, the Sea Scale fleet cut off the port’s entrances, blocking reinforcements.

After two hours of fierce fighting, the alliance successfully seized Flamewater Dock, capturing abundant supplies. This victory greatly boosted morale, and allied factions began to recognize the alliance’s strength.

Yet amid the joy, Lana sensed unease. She noticed Yue Shan seemed unusually attentive to Li Chuan, both during and after battle, often casually drawing close and engaging him in lively conversation.

“Looks like some are eager to claim credit already,” Lana said coldly.

“Lana, aren’t you overthinking it?” Li Chuan explained helplessly. “Yue Shan just talks a lot, that’s all.”

“Is that so?” Lana’s jealousy was unmistakable. “I think every word she says to you is a bid for credit. Li Chuan, can you really tell what her intentions are?”

Li Chuan was momentarily speechless, clearly unprepared for Lana’s bluntness.

At that moment, unexpected news interrupted their quarrel: the Black Flag Consortium was mobilizing its main fleet to launch a counterattack on Flamewater Dock.

Lana quickly adjusted her mindset and ordered strengthened defenses. Li Chuan fell into deep thought. “This counterstrike came too swiftly. Black Flag clearly anticipated this. Our victory hasn’t truly shaken them.”