One had to look down on the enemy strategically and pay attention to them tactically. Although this saying had yet to be born in this world, that was how Yan Nanfei carried it out.
After all, he had fought with Shen Lang over two years ago, and he had lost in an inexplicable manner. Therefore, he had to be extremely cautious this time.
Encircling and annihilating them was the most conservative strategy. Moreover, his navy was eight times that of Shen Lang's, and his fleet was ten times that of Shen Lang's. He could completely encircle and annihilate them.
It would take a long time for a super fleet of 150,000 people to gather. Even the docks in Raging Tide City could not accommodate so many warships at once. All the large docks within a thousand-mile radius were requisitioned.
To focus on this battle, all maritime trade in Raging Tide City was halted. All merchant ships had to retreat to the docks along the northern coast.
During this period of time, even though Yan Nanfei had sealed off the news, the news still flew out as if it had grown wings. It flew to Raging Tide City and Nujiang County.
… …
Zhu Wenhua returned to Xuanwu City with satisfaction. This time, the negotiation with Yan Nanfei was a great success. From now on, Zhu Wenhua would be able to get a share of the maritime trade in Raging Tide City.
Zhuo Zhaoyan's behavior was too unsightly. That was why Yan Nanfei was so hurt and was forced to support Zhu Wenhua.
Now that the negotiation was done, the next step was to deal with Xu Qianqian. This was the most cost-effective way to build the silk business from scratch in the shortest time possible.
Zhu Wenhua did not have to worry that Xu Qianqian would not agree because she was a realistic and smart woman. Even if the process was painful, she could only compromise in the end.
In order to protect her family, she could choose to rely on Zhuo Zhaoyan. Why couldn't she rely on him, Zhu Wenhua?
Of course, she did not need to be slept with by relying on Zhuo Zhaoyan, but Zhu Wenhua would not be killed either.
"Someone, get Xu Qianqian here," Zhu Wenhua ordered after returning to the Castellan Residence.
But soon, he changed his mind and said, "No, I'll go to the Xu family in person and ask the mother of the Xu family to marry me."
Then, Zhu Wenhua led hundreds of people to the Xu family. If the marriage proposal was unsuccessful, they would confiscate the family's property. After all, the crime was already there.
Shen Lang, your contribution is too great. You're clearly dead, but you can still be used, and so useful.
The Xu family's mansion had been burned down, and even if Xu Qianqian worked for Zhuo Zhaoyan, she couldn't afford to live in the mansion anymore.
The family lived in a courtyard of about two acres. Although it could be regarded as a big house, it was very shabby compared to the Xu family's manor.
After entering the Xu family, Zhu Wenhua greeted the mother of the Xu family and said, "Grandmother of the Xu family, I want to marry Xu Qianqian as a concubine. Please grant my wish."
This world was really broken. In the past, such a marriage proposal would never happen to nobles. Even if it was taking a concubine, they had to follow the rules. At the very least, they had to hire a matchmaker. Who would just rush to the door and force a marriage?
But ever since Ning Shao inherited the throne, the atmosphere in the State of Yue seemed to have changed.
The Xu family's mother was filled with grief and indignation. There was no justice in this world. The Xu family had already been forced into this situation, and all their property had been taken away, but there were still people who wouldn't let them go. This was forcing them to their deaths.
Old Madam Xu really wanted to bang her head against the wall to avoid dragging Xu Qianqian down. But when she thought of her grandson, who had just turned twelve, she immediately gave up the idea.
It didn't matter if she died at her age, but if her grandson died, the Xu family's roots would be cut.
… …
At this moment, Xu Qianqian sat in front of the mirror.
She knew that Zhu Wenhua had returned and rushed into the house to force the marriage. After all, the Xu family was so small now. They would definitely hear such a big commotion.
Zhu Wenhua's negotiation in Nu Tiao City was very successful. He had already obtained Yan Nanfei's support, so he seemed even more satisfied.
Could she, Xu Qianqian, reject him?
Unless she completely disregarded the life and death of her family, but she really couldn't do that. There were only a few people left in the Xu family now, and she was the pillar of support.
Zhu Wenhua, that bastard, if she didn't agree, he would really kill the entire Xu family.
Xu Qianqian picked up a sharp dagger and looked at her face in the mirror.
She looked so beautiful, like a blooming flower. Unfortunately, it was going to be destroyed soon.
Not only did she have to destroy her face, but she also had to destroy her body. That bastard, Zhu Wenhua, would probably lose his appetite.
She carefully placed the dagger on her face. The cold feeling was really frightening. It would definitely be very painful later.
Xu Qianqian's dagger lightly slid across her face. Instantly, a small wound appeared, and blood gushed out.
It actually didn't hurt, just a burning sensation.
However, such a small wound wasn't enough. If she wanted to completely disfigure her face, the skin and flesh must be torn, and the bone could be seen.
If that was the case, she would need even more courage.
Bang!
At this moment, the door was suddenly slammed open. A young man rushed in and snatched the dagger from her hand.
"Sister, what are you doing? What are you doing? "
"Don't be like this. At most, we will fight it out with them. At most, our whole family will die. In any case, living like this is too stifling and useless. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me like this."
This was Xu Qianqian's younger brother, Xu Yun. Although he was born into a wealthy family, he had never lived a good life since he was young. Before he could understand anything, the Xu family was already destroyed. After he became slightly more sensible, he had always lived in fear. As the only male in the Xu family, he wanted to protect his sister, but he was too weak and powerless.
"Sister, if you dare to cut your face again, I will stab myself to death." Xu Yun pointed the dagger at his neck and shouted.
Xu Qianqian looked at her younger brother and felt sorrow in her heart. If her younger brother was a bastard, it would be better. She wouldn't have to sacrifice herself like this. However, this younger brother was very sensible and had a promising future.
However, in this dark world, even if he had a promising future, what could he do? She didn't know how much torture and humiliation he would have to endure before he could stand out. At that time, his entire humanity would be completely destroyed.
Just like Zhu Wenhua, he was once a proud genius. Now that he had finally stood out, he had completely become a beast.
Therefore, some suffering, it was better for her, as his sister, to bear it!
The Xu family's house was too small. Soon, Zhu Wenhua heard the noise and rushed over. When he saw the scars and blood on Xu Qianqian's face, he suddenly became furious.
Xu Qianqian, what do you mean by this? You would rather disfigure yourself than marry me as a concubine?
I, Zhu Wenhua, am the dignified State of Yue's Jinshi, the son of Lanshan Viscount Mansion. Am I not worthy of you?
"Xu Qianqian, do you think you can stop me like this?" Zhu Wenhua sneered, "What I want is you, and your identity as Shen Lang's woman. Not to mention disfigurement, even if you destroy that part of you, I will still marry you as a concubine, and I will still sleep with you dozens of times. If you have the ability, commit suicide. You can die with your whole family. "
Xu Qianqian trembled all over. She had never felt so powerless before.
That day, Xu Guangyun died, and the Xu family was almost wiped out. The big house was also burned, but Xu Qianqian felt that she had become stronger.
However, that feeling of strength no longer existed, only endless weakness.
Because she had weaknesses, because she had a bottom line, and because she couldn't be absolutely shameless.
Zhu Wenhua sneered, "Anyway, at this point, I will ask you, do you agree to marry me as a concubine or not?"
"No!" Before Xu Qianqian could speak, Xu Yun directly shouted, "At worst, you can kill us. You can kill me, I'm not afraid of death. "
Zhu Wenhua sneered, "Little brother, you don't understand. There are things more terrifying than death in this world, hahaha."
Then he pulled out a sword and placed it on Xu Qianqian's eyelid, "Xu Qianqian, as long as I use a bit of force, your little brother will be blinded in one eye. Tell me, are you going to agree or not? "
Xu Yun was very afraid, and his whole body was trembling. However, he still didn't move, nor did he take a step back. Then the tip of the sword cut his eyelid, and blood flowed out, blurring his vision.
Zhu Wenhua said, "Xu Qianqian, I will count down from five. Five, four, three …"
At this time, a figure quickly rushed over and whispered something in Zhu Wenhua's ear.
"Latest news, from Raging Tide City. Shen Lang is killing his way back."
As soon as this was said, Zhu Wenhua's hand trembled, and the tip of the sword immediately drew a long wound on Xu Yun's eyelid and forehead. Blood gushed out.
"What? How is this possible? "Zhu Wenhua said in a shrill voice," Is this a rumor? Just like before? "
In these two years, there had been news of Shen Lang's return more than once or twice, but each time, it was just a rumor. The State of Yue even killed a few hundred people because of this. Only then did the rumor about Shen Lang's return gradually die down.
"It's not a rumor, it's news from Sir Yan Nanfei," the confidant said.
Zhu Wenhua's body stiffened and trembled. He couldn't believe his ears.
Shen Lang was still alive? How could this ominous being resist it? How could he not die?
Zhu Wenhua took a deep look at Xu Qianqian and couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Marrying Xu Qianqian as a concubine wasn't important anymore. Even the silk business wasn't important anymore.
Shen Lang's return would definitely cause a huge change. Raging Tidewater's sea trade would be cut off for a long time.
"Take down the entire Xu family," Zhu Wenhua ordered.
Immediately, a few hundred warriors swarmed in and began to arrest the people.
An hour later, the remaining ten or so members of the Xu family, including the servants, were all captured and locked in Xuanwu City's prison.
… …
"What? Shen Lang is back? How is this possible?! "
Zhuo Zhaoyan's reaction was even stronger than Zhu Wenhua's. After all, she was closer to Sky-sea Pavilion and knew how dangerous the Devil's Triangle was.
Shen Lang actually came back alive. How many lives did he have?
The world was going to change again!
"Let's go!" Zhuo Zhaoyan quickly rode her horse and led a group of knights out of the former Marquis Xuanwu Residence.
But where should they go? Zhuo Zhaoyan was in a dilemma. Should she report to Sky-sea Pavilion or to the capital?
After some hesitation, Zhuo Zhaoyan decided to head south to Sky-sea Pavilion first before heading to the capital of the State of Yue.
… …
Half a month later, Yan Nanfei's 150,000-strong fleet had assembled and was heading south towards Shen Lang's fleet.
Right now, he was no longer panicking. This was because the information regarding Shen Lang was getting clearer and clearer. Yan Nanfei had even sent scouts to monitor Shen Lang's fleet at all times.
It had been almost 20 days since they discovered Shen Lang's fleet. Shen Lang's fleet should have reached Raging Tidewater long ago.
However, ever since they were discovered, their speed had slowed down and they were circling around the same sea.
Yan Nanfei's scouts were getting bolder and bolder. They were getting closer and closer to monitor, and they kept sending back information.
Shen Lang's fleet was mainly made up of pirates, and they were a mix of races. There were Asians, Caucasians, and many brown people.
At first, Yan Nanfei thought they were mercenaries, but the Skeleton Party's flag was too eye-catching.
Most people knew nothing about the western world, but there were always exceptions. For example, the Hidden Elemental Association, some sea merchants and nobles who escaped to the eastern world from the western world, and the slave masters who were killed by Qiu Yao 'er.
They told Yan Nanfei an important signal. This was the Skeleton Party, the most powerful pirates in the western world, but they had disappeared for more than ten years.
Even though the western slave masters had exaggerated the Skeleton Party's fleet, Yan Nanfei was completely relieved.
Pirates loved to brag. Even if they were strong, how strong could they be?
The western world's civilization started with the Xilun Dynasty. It had only been a few hundred years, and they were the underlings of the eastern world. They could dominate the western world, but they could only be cowards in the eastern world.
Moreover, there were less than 20,000 pirates. They couldn't do anything.
… …
It was a beautiful day on the sea.
Yan Nanfei's fleet's formation was slowly taking shape.
He hadn't received an order from the State of Yue, but he didn't need it. The Great Yan Empire's order was clear. If they discovered Shen Lang's return, they didn't need to ask for anyone's permission. They were to destroy him with all their might.
Yan Nanfei couldn't sleep for the past few days because he was excited and nervous.
Shen Lang's return was shocking, but it was an opportunity and contribution.
Previously, in order to establish his might, His Majesty the Emperor had sent out half the world's army to encircle Shen Lang. In fact, there was no need at all. He had only done it to intimidate all the countries in the world, using the name of Jiang Li's son to sweep across the world.
This time around, if he was able to eliminate Shen Lang, he would have accomplished a great merit. By then, he would no longer be Count Wu An. He would be promoted to Marquis, or even Duke.
There was no enemy in the world that was more cost-effective than Shen Lang. He was powerful enough, but weak enough.
For the past few days, Yan Nanfei had been worried that Shen Lang would suddenly jump out of the encirclement and escape.
This was because it was too difficult and too slow to build an encirclement in the vast sea.
In order not to scare Shen Lang away, Yan Nanfei's encirclement was extremely accurate. He ensured that the encirclement was in progress, but he didn't enter Shen Lang's fleet's field of vision.
It took five days and five nights.
The encirclement was successful.
Yan Nanfei's 150,000-strong fleet had officially surrounded him.
He heaved a long sigh of relief.
He, Yan Nanfei, was about to make a great contribution.
"Shrink the encirclement, kill him!"
… …
As Yan Nanfei gave the order, the huge encirclement slowly shrank.
Looking down from the sky, it was a spectacular scene.
The diameter of the encirclement was more than 200 miles. Yan Nanfei's 150,000-strong fleet was spread out over 10,000 square kilometers of the sea. The encirclement kept shrinking.
There were no radios in this world, so it was impossible to command from afar.
It was not easy for Yan Nanfei. He had trained countless times to complete the encirclement in a few days.
"Has Shen Lang's fleet moved?" Yan Nanfei asked while holding his breath.
"No!"
After a while, Yan Nanfei asked again, "Has Shen Lang's fleet moved?"
"No!"
Yan Nanfei was in disbelief. What kind of trick was Shen Lang playing?
This was the vast deep sea. It was impossible for them to run aground.
However, there was a western slave master next to Yan Nanfei. He was introducing the Skeleton Party.
Yan Nanfei said, "In other words, the Skeleton Party's fleet is good at jumping off ships? Did you rely on your bravery and courage? "
"Yes."
Yan Nanfei said, "You said that the Skeleton Party's fleet disappeared more than 10 years ago. Does that mean that the average age of this fleet is at least 40 years old?"
"That should be the case, my lord," the western slave master said.
That was even better. Yan Nanfei felt that his fleet would not give the Skeleton Party a chance to jump off ships. They would shoot arrows from 200 meters away.
Even if they jumped off ships, how could they fight against 150,000 people with less than 20,000 people? It was impossible!
… …
The encirclement of Yan Nanfei's 150,000-strong fleet was getting smaller.
Finally, both fleets entered their field of vision.
Shen Lang's B Squadron could be considered huge to begin with. It consisted of a hundred warships and nearly twenty thousand people. However, compared to Yan Nanfei's fleet, it was insignificant.
However, what shocked Yan Nanfei was that Shen Lang's fleet did not move. They moved with the current and even retracted their sails.
What was Shen Lang trying to do?
However, no matter what he was trying to do, what could be better than a motionless enemy fleet?
In the previous naval battle, Shen Lang relied on his fleet's speed to escape and kite. Otherwise, his fleet would have been annihilated.
Now, he could not escape even if he wanted to.
Both fleets were getting closer and closer.
Yan Nanfei's 150,000-strong fleet was like a giant beast that wanted to swallow Shen Lang's fleet.
He could not suppress his excitement.
The situation was wonderful.
… …
The current situation was too wonderful. This was also what Shen Lang felt.
What was the most terrifying thing about naval battles? It was that the enemy's fleet was sparse. They would need to fire dozens of times before they could master their accuracy.
In order to achieve the wolf pack effect, Yan Nanfei's fleet was so crowded that it was almost less than a safe distance.
"Left and right wings, attack!"
Yan Nanfei ordered. The ships on the east and west quickly attacked the center.
"Raise the sails!" Jacktang ordered.
All 100 of Shen Lang's warships raised their sails.
Yan Nanfei's fleet was shocked. 'Raising the sails now? 'Isn't it too late? 'Even if your fleet has wings, you won't be able to escape now.'
Both fleets continued to get closer.
Jacktang ordered, "Remove the cannons!"
Instantly, all the cannons on the 100 warships were removed.
Yan Nanfei was stunned. 'W-What are these metal pipes? They're thick and black. '
"Ready!"
Jacktang shouted.
Every commander on the warships shouted. The flagbearers on the mast waved their flags in unison.
The cannoneers from the Skeleton Gang and the Eastern Knights started loading explosives and cannonballs. They also started aiming.
As the enemy ships got closer, they started to adjust the muzzles.
Shen Lang's cannons had already surpassed the primitive stage. There was no longer any black gunpowder in them. Instead, they were filled with shockingly powerful explosives. Although they were still iron balls, the cannons were forged from steel. Their sturdiness was astonishing.
Therefore, the maximum range of the cannons was more than 2,000 meters. The effective range was also more than 1,000 meters.
The sailors on the warships calculated the enemy's distance with great experience.
"1,800 meters."
"1,500 meters."
"1,000 meters!"
"900 meters!"
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
As the orders were given, more than 500 cannons fired.
Boom, boom, boom, boom …
Earth-shattering roars could be heard.
500 cannonballs shot out like lightning.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh … The cannonballs drew a beautiful arc in the air and smashed toward Yan Nanfei's fleet. Whistling sounds could be heard.
'Awesome!
Awesome! '
That was how the Skeleton Gang felt.
In order to conserve cannonballs, they didn't dare to open fire when they were on the sea.
With weapons on them, they were filled with killing intent. Now that they had these cannons, they couldn't fight a real battle. It was too stifling.
Now, all their desire to fight was pouring out.
… …
On the other hand, Yan Nanfei first saw the cannonball flying toward him before he heard the deafening sound.
Then, he was completely stunned.
'W-W-What kind of weapon is that? How can it hit so far? How can it be so earth-shattering? '
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh …
The sailors on Yan Nanfei's fleet were shocked.
Whistling sounds could be heard in the sky. Countless black dots flew over their heads. They were extremely fast and flew a few hundred meters in an instant.
At such a long distance, whether it was Shen Lang or Jack Tang, they didn't even think about hitting the target.
However, they were just that lucky.
Bang, bang, bang, bang …
More than 10 cannonballs hit the enemy ships.
Even at such a distance, this high-speed iron ball still displayed astonishing lethality.
When they hit the mast, it broke.
When they hit the deck, it pierced through.
When they hit the human body, it was smashed into pieces.
However, before Yan Nanfei could express his shock.
Boom, boom, boom, boom …
Another series of loud sounds could be heard.
Then, another few hundred black dots shot out from Shen Lang's fleet.
This was not only because of the high firing speed, but also because the left and right sides had to take turns to fire. That way, they could effectively offset the recoil.
A moment later!
Bang, bang, bang, bang …
More than 10 cannonballs smashed into Yan Nanfei's fleet. More bodies were smashed into pieces.
… …
"Marshal, what do we do? What do we do? "
Yan Nanfei's scalp went numb. He said to the slave master from the western world, "Is this also the Skeleton Gang's fighting style?"
The slave master was completely stunned. He had never seen such a weapon before.
"No, no, no. The Skeleton Gang doesn't have such a weapon. The western world doesn't have such a weapon either."
Yan Nanfei gritted his teeth. Without a doubt, this was created by Shen Lang again.
Even though it was shocking, the accuracy was too low. As long as they got close, his fleet would be able to kill Shen Lang's fleet with their advantage in numbers.
Yan Nanfei gritted his teeth and ordered, "Continue to advance, continue to advance!"
"Left and right armies, continue to advance. North and south armies, slowly approach and prepare to reinforce. "
Then, Yan Nanfei's left and right fleets sped up.
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
As the orders were given.
Shen Lang's fleet fired continuously.
Boom, boom, boom, boom …
The loud noises from the surface of the sea were deafening. The red-hot metal balls whizzed across the sky like countless meteors.
If they were primitive cannons, the firing speed would have been very slow. However, Shen Lang used smokeless gunpowder. Furthermore, it was wrapped in oiled silk. After the cannons were fired, they did not need to be cleaned. They were almost burned clean without much residue.
"Fire!"
"Fire!"
Over a thousand cannons fired crazily.
As the cannons fired, the cannoneers of Shen Lang's fleet gradually felt that their accuracy was getting better.
Moreover, Yan Nanfei's fleet was too densely packed.
At first, the accuracy was less than 30%. Later on, it increased to a shocking 10%.
More than 50 to 60 cannonballs hit the enemy ship every time.
Once hit, a huge hole would be torn open and seawater would surge in.
Bang, bang, bang …
One of the cannonballs was extremely lucky and hit the fish oil cabin directly. It instantly penetrated a few protective layers, and the red-hot metal ball smashed directly into the fish oil.
Boom, boom, boom …
An earth-shattering explosion was heard, and flames rose into the sky.
The deck of Yan Nanfei's battleship was instantly shattered and burned.
The battleship was completely destroyed.
Bang, bang, bang, bang …
The destruction of the battleship was like the beginning of some kind of prelude.
Next, more than ten cannonballs hit a ship at the same time. In an instant, everything in the path of the metal ball was shattered.
The battleship seemed to have been cut in half. Most importantly, the keel was cut in half.
Creak …
After a series of ear-piercing sounds, the entire battleship broke in half.
Yan Nanfei's second battleship was destroyed.
Then, the third, the fourth, the fifth …
It was a one-sided massacre on the surface of the sea!
… …
Note: I've finally finished writing. I'm so exhausted that I'm going to sleep. I'll continue updating at 15,000 tomorrow. Brothers, give me your monthly votes! Revive me with full health!
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