The news Gan Ning brought of the Flower Country authorities' impending large-scale cleansing operation was like a bucket of cold water, cooling the enthusiasm that had just risen among Peach Blossom Spring's core leadership after their first victory. The real test was about to arrive. And this time, their opponents would no longer be scattered bands of pirates, but the Flower Country's regular forces-the Happo Navy!
The atmosphere in the council hall was grave. In a rare departure from his languid manner, Guo Jia frowned slightly, tapping his fingers lightly against the table, clearly thinking at great speed.
"Did Gan Ning mention which 'Treasure' of the Happo Navy would be deployed for this operation? How many troops? Who is its Pillar?" Guo Jia asked gravely. This was crucial information.
Recalling his private conversation with Gan Ning, Chen Yu answered, "Gan Ning said that the Pro-Cleansing Faction, led by the Chancellor and several generals with real power, is pressing to deploy the Six Treasures Navy, with Deputy Pillar 'Water Buffalo' Atlas personally commanding. They expect around two thousand troops and more than twenty warships. Some elite troops from the Five Treasures Navy may also provide support."
"The Six Treasures Navy... Water Buffalo Atlas..." Guo Jia murmured, a sharp gleam flickering in his eyes. "Fengxiao, just how is this Happo Navy organized? How strong is it?" Zhang Fei asked impatiently.
Guo Jia took a deep breath and began analyzing this pillar of the Flower Country's power for everyone. "The Happo Navy does not refer to eight independent navies, but to eight principal combat formations and functional divisions within the Flower Country's royal navy. They represent its eight core fighting strengths or duties, collectively called the 'Eight Treasures.' Their leaders are called 'Pillars,' and their second-in-command, 'Deputy Pillars.' Each 'Treasure' not only has different duties, but also inherits a unique, immensely powerful fist art as its core combat technique."
He explained in detail:
The First Treasures Navy (Imperial Forest Navy): It served the royal family directly. Its Pillar's identity was mysterious, and the position was usually held by a powerful fighter whom the royal family trusted absolutely. Its signature fist art was [Dragon's Roar Fist], which was said to contain a kingly aura. Fierce and overbearing, it sounded like a dragon's roar and could intimidate the mind.
The Two Treasures Navy: This was the navy commanded by the family Qili belonged to-Qili being the fiancée of Sai, the Happo Navy's thirteenth-generation Pillar. Its current Pillar was Qili's father, a powerful fighter renowned for his steadiness and defense. Its signature fist art was [Iron Defense Fist], which emphasized defense, its punches as imposing as mountains. At high levels, it could form an invisible wall of energy to withstand powerful impacts. The Two Treasures Navy held relatively high standing and was responsible for assisting in the defense of important waters.
The Three Treasures Navy: It excelled at landing operations and storming beachheads. Its signature fist art was [Wave-Breaking Fist]. Its punches struck like towering waves crashing against the shore, its attacks unrelenting, making it particularly suited to fighting on unstable footing.
The Fourth Treasures Navy: It specialized in escort duties and securing trade routes. Its signature fist art was [Silk-Winding Fist], whose intricate moves excelled at entangling opponents and redirecting force, making it suitable for subduing enemies in confined spaces.
The Five Treasures Navy: An elite assault force. Its signature fist art was [Instant Shadow Fist], which pursued ultimate speed and explosive power, killing with a single blow. It excelled at infiltration and assassination.
The Six Treasures Navy: The main force in the coming attack, it was responsible for routine patrols and cleansing operations in the West Blue. Its signature fist art was [Savage Bull Fist], heavy, powerful, and straightforward. Combined with Deputy Pillar "Water Buffalo" Atlas's monstrous strength, its power was astonishing.
The Seven Treasures Navy: It handled logistics and recruit training. Its [Foundation-Building Fist] focused more on tempering muscles and bones and laying a solid foundation, making it somewhat weaker in actual combat.
The Happo Navy (Chinjao's clan): It was effectively led by the Chinjao family. Its signature fist art was none other than [Hasshoken], famed throughout the West Blue! The art's distinctive feature was its ability to release "Drill Dragon" power carrying mighty shock waves. Chinjao's "Drill Dragon Drill Nail" in his prime had been particularly terrifying. Though its prestige had declined with Chinjao's strength, its foundations remained.
"So the Six Treasures Navy coming this time not only has numbers on its side, but is also proficient in [Savage Bull Fist]. They will be no easy opponents." Guan Yu stroked his beard, his expression grave. Two thousand regular troops, twenty warships, and a unique fist art-the pressure was immense.
"And they may have support from the Five Treasures Navy, proficient in [Instant Shadow Fist]. Their attacks will be difficult to guard against," Zhao Yun added.
Huang Zhong said gravely, "The enemy is powerful, while our navy has only just been established. On land, we can rely on favorable terrain, but a prolonged siege would put us at a disadvantage."
Liu Bei looked worried. "I fear we would struggle to win a head-on confrontation. We must plan ahead."
Chen Yu looked at Guo Jia. "Fengxiao, how do you think we should respond?"
A calculating gleam flashed in Guo Jia's eyes as he said slowly, "The enemy is powerful, but has its weaknesses. First, they must undertake a distant expedition. Second, although the Six Treasures Navy is numerous, it must divide its forces among its garrisons. Even mustering two thousand troops is no easy task. Third, their commander, Atlas, has courage to spare but lacks strategy. Fourth, the Pro-Cleansing and Pro-Pacification Factions are competing at the Flower Country's court. Fifth, the Happo Navy is not a united front internally. In particular, Erbao—Qili's father—and the Eighth Treasure—Chinjao's clan—may not share the Pro-Cleansing Faction's aims."
He paused, then continued, "Therefore, our strategy must be to win through cunning, not force. We must make full use of favorable timing, terrain, and support."
"Let us hear the details!" Everyone perked up.
"This battle can be divided into three steps:
"Step one: 'Lure the enemy deep and foster their arrogance.' Show weakness and draw their main force ashore onto our chosen battlefield. General Zhao Yun will harass their supply lines and encourage their arrogance."
"Step two: 'Strike as they withdraw exhausted and disrupt their deployment.' Once the enemy has advanced deep and grown weary, concentrate our elite troops for a thunderous strike! General Huang Zhong will pick off their officers; General Zhang Fei will ambush their vanguard; General Guan Yu will cut off their retreat; our lord will coordinate from the center. At the same time, General Zhao Yun's main naval force will launch a surprise attack on their anchorage!"
"Step three: 'Capture the leader to defeat the bandits and force peace talks.' After dealing the enemy a heavy blow, signal our willingness to negotiate. Exploit the Pro-Pacification Faction at court and the internal conflicts within the Happo Navy to secure breathing room."
"Brilliant!" Zhang Fei slapped his thigh in approval.
A sharp gleam flashed in Guan Yu's phoenix eyes. "The key lies in luring the enemy deep and delivering a decisive blow."
Zhao Yun nodded. "A naval surprise attack carries great risks, but great rewards as well."
Huang Zhong stroked his bow and sneered. "This old man's arrows have long been thirsting for action."
Chen Yu made his decision. "We will follow Fengxiao's plan! Our survival hinges on this battle! Brothers, prepare with care!"
With their strategy settled, Peach Blossom Spring threw itself into preparations for war.
On the military front: Guan Yu and the others arranged defensive lines around the chosen battlefield and drilled their coordination. Zhao Yun's navy intensified its practice of surprise attacks and fire attacks. Chen Yu made slight alterations to the battlefield environment.
On the intelligence front: Guo Jia closely monitored enemy troop movements and, through Gan Ning, focused on investigating the attitudes of the Two Treasures Navy-Qili's father-and the Happo Navy-Chinjao's clan-toward the operation, seeking opportunities to divide them.
On the diplomatic front: Liu Bei and Guo Jia stepped up their publicity efforts to win public support.
At dusk ten days later, the Lookout Tower's alarm bell rang out!
"Report! A large force of Six Treasures Navy warships has been sighted in the western waters!"
They had come!
Chen Yu took a deep breath and said gravely, "Proceed according to plan! Let this 'Water Buffalo' Deputy Pillar taste our strength!"
"Yes, sir!" the commanders answered thunderously, then hurried to their battle stations.
War clouds gathered over Peach Blossom Spring. A hidden dragon lay in the depths; whether it could weather this storm and soar into the sky would be decided in this single battle! The outcome would also affect relations within the Happo Navy, particularly with the Two Treasures Navy, which possessed [Iron Defense Fist], and the Happo Navy, which wielded the legendary [Hasshoken].
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