The first thing to do upon entering the stronghold was to seize control of every water gate, then take over all its arrow towers. Once that was done, Blackwater Stronghold would essentially be under their control.
Yu Tianxing and Li Yongfu personally led the troops into Blackwater Stronghold. Hu Xiaotian had intended to go himself, but Yu Tianxing asked him to remain outside and oversee operations.
After some consideration, Hu Xiaotian was happy to give Yu Tianxing this opportunity to bring Blackwater Stronghold to heel. Although Yu Tianxing's strategies had won several battles, his prestige in the army was still insufficient. In particular, the Yong River Navy of Wuxing Commandery had yet to place its faith in this young military strategist.
One hundred and twenty warships passed through the water gates and entered Blackwater Stronghold along its three main waterways. Ma Xingkong, the stronghold's chief, was aboard the same ship as Yu Tianxing and Li Yongfu. In truth, his position was little different from that of a hostage. Had he not come forward to surrender of his own accord, they would never have trusted him so easily.
As they passed through the stronghold's South Gate, Ma Xingkong suddenly sighed.
"Why the sigh, Chief Ma?" Yu Tianxing asked with a smile. He could guess how Ma Xingkong felt. Watching the enterprise he had built with his own hands pass to someone else would leave anyone heartsick.
Ma Xingkong shook his head. "I hope you can keep your promise!"
Li Yongfu's voice came from beside them. "Rest assured. My lord's promises have always been worth a thousand gold. Since he agreed to let you leave, he will never go back on his word."
Ma Xingkong surveyed Blackwater Stronghold. "Since coming here, I've spent seventeen years painstakingly building this place. Only then did