The sun had just risen, its gentle light bathing the sea as though draping it in a rippling cloak of gold.
Thunderous, rapid drumbeats echoed across the waters. Well rested and well fed, the China Navy formed up and sailed north, surging like a mighty tide.
Listening to the navy cleave through wind and waves, gazing quietly over the boundless, rolling ocean, Jian Shang, Xiang Ta, Zhi Ji, and the others gathered in the upper cabin of the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark.
Watching the China Navy break through the waves toward the north, Xiang Ta pondered for a moment, then turned hesitantly toward Jian Shang with a reminder.
"Your Majesty! Though the interception battles on the Huai River and Yangtze River were called such, both sides were really probing each other's capabilities. They were both a warm-up for the decisive Sino-Canadian War and preparations made before the rain!"
"Hmm?" Mildly intrigued, Jian Shang turned toward Xiang Ta.
Given Xiang Ta's ability and intelligence, his previous unassuming, seemingly ineffectual behavior had merely been a way of hiding his talents. A man whose name endured in history naturally had his own exceptional qualities.
"For example, since the Huan Kingdom's Jingyang Water Estate and Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark have already displayed their power, the Canada Faction must have countermeasures. Otherwise, they would never dare accept battle!"
Having decided to offer a warning, Xiang Ta stopped beating around the bush or speaking in veiled terms and stated his thoughts plainly.
After a pause, he added, "Other examples include Your Majesty's secret technique that can suppress Canada's God Warriors, China's exceptionally high average individual combat strength, and our many Loose Immortal Great Adepts. If the Canada Faction dares fight, they must have ways to counter these things. Your Majesty should devise other methods rather than rely on