After repelling the Luo Heaven Gate's Patrol Team, Divine Wind Island's fleet did not linger long. Chen Ming ordered a quick cleanup of the battlefield, had the fallen disciples' bodies properly gathered, and moved the wounded into the cabins for treatment. In less than an hour, they set sail again.
After that brief encounter, the atmosphere aboard the fleet had grown noticeably heavier. Before, many disciples had taken this expedition somewhat lightly, believing that with their Island Master, a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, overseeing the operation and Tianxing City as their ally, victory would be theirs for the taking. But that sudden rain of arrows had taught them through blood and death that war was never child's play.
Chen Ming stood at the flagship's bow, gazing expressionlessly at the horizon ahead as it gradually came into sharper focus. He held a Jade Slip containing the latest intelligence Wan Yao'er had just sent through a special channel.
According to the intelligence, the Luo Heaven Gate had gone on full alert upon learning that its Patrol Team had been repelled. Luo Shen Island's Island-Guarding Grand Array had been fully activated, and Gate Master Luo Qingxuan personally held the main hall. The three Nascent Soul Stage elders had also taken their positions, guarding critical points to the east, south, and north respectively. In addition, the Luo Heaven Gate had urgently mobilized every available force from the surrounding Affiliated Islands. Its total strength was estimated to have exceeded three thousand.
Three thousand.
The number made Chen Ming's heart sink slightly.
Divine Wind Island's fleet had only a little over a hundred and thirty people. Even with Tianxing City's main fleet, their combined strength would probably be around fifteen hundred. Sending fifteen hundred people to attack Luo Shen Island, defended by three thousand, with their