The arrival of the Six Treasures Navy fleet did not immediately unleash a storm. More than twenty warships anchored in formation a mile off Peach Blossom Spring's coast, banners fluttering and blades and spears gleaming in the sun, a murderous air spreading across the sea. At the flagship's bow stood a hulking figure nearly three meters tall, built like an iron tower, with a bushy beard and a horned helmet, arms folded and eyes sweeping fiercely over the seemingly tranquil coastline. This was the Six Treasures Navy's Deputy Pillar, "Water Buffalo" Atlas.
"Deputy Pillar, the coastline ahead is complicated, with reefs everywhere, thick woods, and dense grass. There may be an ambush," a deputy officer cautioned.
Atlas snorted, her voice booming like a bell. "An ambush? Hmph! What sort of decent ambush could a bunch of skulking peasants manage? Pass the order: send three scout teams ashore in small boats to investigate! Have the main force prepare. Once we confirm there's no large enemy force, storm the beach immediately and strike straight at their heart! I'll see for myself whether Peach Blossom Spring is really as uncanny as the rumors say!"
She had a violent temper and was already displeased that her superiors had mobilized such a force to wipe out a band of "mountain bandits," considering it overkill. Moreover, she had held the position of Deputy Pillar for years and desperately wanted to earn a major achievement and rise to Pillar, making her eager for battle.
Soon, three teams of elite scouts cautiously rowed toward shore in small boats. Yet the moment they approached the reefs, several arrows shot from hiding, precisely striking the arms or thighs of the scouts in front. The wounds were not fatal, but were enough to put them out of action. Shouts and hurried footsteps followed from behind the reefs. There seemed to be an ambush, but apparently not many men.
"There is an ambush! But there aren't many of them!" the scout captain hastily reported.
Rather than alarmed, Atlas was delighted. "A rabble, just as I thought! Even their ambush is pathetic! Pass the order! First and Second Squadrons, come ashore with me! Third Squadron, stay aboard and provide crossbow support! Crush them!"
"Deputy Pillar, should we investigate further..." The deputy officer still tried to dissuade her.
"Enough babbling!" Atlas interrupted impatiently. "Speed is everything in war! Strike before they can establish themselves and finish them in one push! Land!"
At her command, more than a dozen landing boats carrying over a thousand Six Treasures Navy soldiers rushed toward shore under Atlas's personal leadership. These soldiers were well trained, swiftly forming ranks after landing, with sword-and-shield troops in front, spearmen in the middle, and archers and crossbowmen behind, displaying the discipline of a regular army.
The landing went unexpectedly smoothly. Aside from sporadic harassment by arrows, they met no substantial resistance. The "ambushers" on shore seemed to break at first contact, fleeing in panic into the forested mountains.
"After them! Don't let them escape!" Atlas brandished her heavy spiked club and led the charge. The Savage Bull Fist she practiced gave her astonishing strength and endurance, and the ground trembled slightly as she ran. Seeing their commander's valor, the soldiers' morale soared, and they charged after her with wild cries.
They pursued into hilly terrain that gradually rose, the trees growing ever denser. Peach Blossom Spring's "routed troops" appeared and disappeared, always keeping them on the hook.
Meanwhile, at sea, the Six Treasures Navy's Third Squadron watched the coast vigilantly. Suddenly, several small black dots appeared on the distant water, rapidly approaching!
"Enemy attack! Fast boats!" a sailor on the Lookout Tower cried.
Five unusually shaped, extremely fast light warships darted toward the Six Treasures Navy's fleet like swordfish, using the reefs as cover! On the lead ship, Zhao Yun stood facing the wind in white robes, silver spear in hand, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. Reshiram's power made him acutely sensitive to air currents, allowing him to find the best routes and angles of attack with ease.
"It's Peach Blossom Spring's navy! They're trying to raid our ships! Archers and crossbowmen, ready! Stop them!" the commander left behind hurriedly ordered.
However, Zhao Yun's fast-boat flotilla was exceptionally agile, weaving through the rain of arrows. Rather than coming alongside to board, they continually fired flaming arrows at the Six Treasures Navy warships' sails and decks! Even more troublesome were the powerful arrows that occasionally flew from the coastal cliffs, precisely killing helmsmen, archers, and crossbowmen. Huang Zhong's sniping team was showing its might! With Dialga's power, Huang Zhong's arrows seemed able to anticipate trajectories, striking unpredictably.
Chaos immediately engulfed the sea. The fleet left behind was firmly pinned down, unable to provide effective support to the landing force.
Elsewhere, Atlas's landing force had already advanced several miles into the forested mountains. The terrain grew increasingly treacherous and the paths ever narrower. The prolonged pursuit had drained the soldiers' stamina considerably, and their formation was beginning to scatter.
"Deputy Pillar, these mountains are treacherous. This could be a trap! Why not withdraw for now and consider our next move?" a subordinate officer suggested breathlessly.
Although hot-tempered, Atlas was not entirely brainless, and she too sensed something amiss. Just as she was about to order a halt to the pursuit, a body of troops suddenly emerged from the valley ahead, blocking their path.
At their head was a general with a face the color of dark red dates, lips as though painted with rouge, Phoenix Eyes, and silkworm-shaped brows. He held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade-it was Guan Yu! Mounted with his blade held crosswise, he boomed, "Guan Yu stands before you! You have already fallen into our strategist's trap. Dismount and surrender at once, and your lives may be spared!"
Atlas looked closely. The enemy seemed few in number, but their presence was imposing. In her fury, she laughed. "What a show! You think these few hundred men can stop me? Take my club!" Confident in her strength, she swung her spiked club and activated Savage Bull Fist, her muscles bulging as she charged at Guan Yu like a savage bull! The force of her fists stirred the air, producing dull booms as it tore through the air.
Guan Yu narrowed his Phoenix Eyes and channeled Rayquaza's power, accelerating the air around him. Neither dodging nor retreating, he swung the Green Dragon Crescent Blade replica in an azure arc toward the spiked club, accompanied by a shrill scream as it ripped through the air!
Clang-!
A deafening crash rang out! Blade met club, and waves of air surged! Atlas felt an immense force mixed with an incomparably sharp energy rush toward her, numbing her arms and driving her back three steps! Guan Yu merely swayed slightly before standing as firm as a mountain!
Such strength! Atlas was horrified. Her opponent's blade work was not merely powerful and heavy; it carried the fierce sharpness and speed of soaring through the highest heavens, seemingly even countering her Savage Bull Fist!
Just then, a thunderous roar exploded from the woods on the left. "Zhang Fei of Yan is here! Who dares fight me!" Like a tiger released from its cage, Zhang Fei led a squad of elite troops charging out from the flank. His Eight-Foot Serpent Spear replica danced like the wind, and Groudon's power made him a human-shaped savage beast, instantly smashing the Six Treasures Navy's flank formation to pieces!
Battle cries also rose on the right as an ambush force stationed by Zhao Yun seized the opportunity to charge out!
The Six Treasures Navy was suddenly attacked on three sides! Worse still, officers at the rear kept being picked off by arrows from unknown hiding places, throwing their command structure into chaos!
"Hold! Hold the line!" Shocked and furious, Atlas swung her spiked club desperately against Guan Yu's storm of attacks, but could only defend, utterly unable to strike back. Guan Yu's blade work was too fast and too fierce, each stroke precisely targeting a point through which she channeled her strength, leaving her unbearably frustrated.
The battle became a one-sided affair. Taking advantage of the terrain, their ambush, and their generals' extraordinary martial prowess, Peach Blossom Spring's troops drove the numerically superior Six Treasures Navy back again and again, inflicting heavy casualties.
Seeing that the battle was lost, Atlas began to think of retreat. She feinted with her club, turned, and tried to flee.
"Where do you think you're going!" Guan Yu roared. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade became a phantom azure dragon-the first manifestation of Rayquaza's power-and thrust straight at Atlas's back!
Sensing a lethal threat, Atlas twisted around with all her strength and raised her spiked club to block.
Shhk! Though the blade's tip was blocked, its fierce energy still carved a bloody gash across her back, deep enough to expose bone!
"Argh!" Atlas screamed and collapsed, gravely wounded. Peach Blossom Spring's soldiers swarmed her and captured her alive.
With their commander captured, the remaining Six Treasures Navy troops collapsed completely, dropping to their knees in surrender.
Almost simultaneously, the battle at sea was drawing to a close. Zhao Yun directed his naval force to exploit its speed and agility, continually harassing the enemy with missile fire, while Huang Zhong delivered precise long-range shots. Together, they successfully set the mainsails of two Six Treasures Navy warships ablaze. Seeing the landing force's crushing defeat and their commander's capture, the commander left behind had no desire to keep fighting. He hurriedly ordered the remaining warships to raise white flags and retreat to seek reinforcements.
The first major battle between Peach Blossom Spring and the Six Treasures Navy ended in an overwhelming victory for Peach Blossom Spring! They killed several hundred enemy troops, captured nearly a thousand-including Deputy Pillar Atlas-damaged multiple enemy ships, and seized countless weapons and suits of armor!
When the news returned, thunderous cheers filled Peach Blossom Spring! This battle had firmly established its fearsome reputation! It also meant that Peach Blossom Spring, an emerging power, had truly secured its foothold in the West Blue!
Next came the task of consolidating their gains and dealing with the Flower Country court's inevitable fury and its next move. The captured Atlas and nearly a thousand Six Treasures Navy soldiers had also become important bargaining chips. The third step of Guo Jia's plan-"Force Them to Negotiate Peace"-was about to begin. Because of this battle, the situation in the West Blue had entered a new phase.
Before you continue