After the merchants left, Zhang Erhe asked in confusion, "Why did the Grand Commandant let them go? These people are clearly related to the Water King."

"That's precisely why we let them go," the wicked man said meaningfully. "Since these people dared to come, it means the Water King hasn't given up. Letting them stay is fine; we can use them..."

He gazed towards the southern sea: "Although we won this battle, a figure like the Water King won't accept defeat. He will surely return with a vengeance. Therefore..."

"So what?"

"Therefore, we must plan ahead," the wicked man said, pacing back and forth. "On the one hand, we need to quickly grasp the secrets of the shipping route; on the other hand, we must guard against the Water King's counterattack. These merchants are the best pawns."

At this moment, another soldier reported: "Grand Commandant, the carriages are ready, and we can depart for Xianyang at any time."

"Very well." The wicked man nodded, taking one last look at the sea. "Send word to Xiangli He and Zizhen to stay here and continue overseeing the construction of warships and training the sailors. When I return, it will be time to set out again!"

The carriage slowly drove away from the port.

The wicked man sat in the car, reflecting on everything that had happened during this time.

From the initial planning five months ago to this resounding victory, how many twists and turns were encountered along the way?

It was all worth it.

The Qin Dynasty's maritime hegemony has only just begun!

He knew that there were still many unknowns waiting for them on this ocean.

Whether it's the mysterious Xianglin route or the potential resurgence of the Water King, both will present new challenges.

But that's exactly what he wanted.

His military career taught him a valuable lesson: the more arduous the journey, the more exhilarating it becomes!

He muttered to himself, "This empire, in the end, must be conquered inch by inch!"

The carriage sped westward.

On the distant sea, the fifty Qin warships stood majestically, like fifty mobile fortresses.

They will wait here for their next expedition, waiting to conquer even more distant seas.

And this is just the beginning!