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Startled by Cheng Xi's expression, the messenger hurriedly said, "It is indeed a ship from the West, but the artillery is different from what I have seen before. I can't explain it clearly, but it is extremely difficult to deal with."

Cheng Xi's face darkened. After gaining her footing, she deliberately inquired about the situation in the West, but there was no useful information at all.

It is really because the sea has been too chaotic in recent years. Even large ocean-going fleets have been frequently robbed, let alone small merchant ships like those in the West.

Later, they encountered General Qiu's sea-sweeping campaign, which forced the Changjing Gang to retreat step by step, and not a single Western ship was seen.

Not to mention the era she lived in, she couldn't even tell how many countries there were in the West. All she knew were general terms like "red-haired barbarians" and "barbarians". She didn't even know the most common term "Falangji".

Cheng Xi had initially suspected that the West, like the East, had changed its history and national names. The so-called Age of Exploration was also different from what she remembered. Now, a fleet suddenly appeared, using a new type of ship. How could she not be terrified?

That is a new type of ship that can defeat the Qingfeng Gang and make them unable to fight back. Its firepower must be different from that of existing ships.

Even the wealthiest official armies had no more than ten guns on board, all of them on deck. Western ships, however, were different. Once the powerful weapon known as the "gun port" was developed, warships with multiple decks carrying guns quickly emerged. Even the most primitive ships could carry more than twenty guns, instantly propelling naval warfare from the era of cold weapons to the era of hot weapons.

Although Cheng Xi didn't know whether the Western world was still the same as it was in history, or what those maritime powers looked like now, she knew very well that in a world where the Age of Discovery had already begun, a dozen years was enough for a ship to be upgraded to a higher level, and they didn't have any useful information at hand.

Frowning, Yan Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Even if those barbarian boats are difficult to deal with, Gang Leader Shen wouldn't ask for reinforcements, right? Could it be that even with dozens of your boats, you can't defeat seven or eight of them?"

The messenger looked troubled. "Three of the pirate ships were sunk. The remaining ones are colluding with some gang leaders and want to take advantage of the boss's injury to seize power. That's why the boss sent me to your gang to ask for reinforcements."

Yan Yuan's heart skipped a beat and he looked at Cheng Xi: "Boss, I'm afraid this is the ghost scholar's plan."

This style was too obvious. Cheng Xi nodded slightly: "The appearance of that Western ship in Quanzhou must have been arranged by the Long Whale Gang, and they have been planning this for a long time."

This was obvious; ocean voyages required seasonal sailing. Even if they could pass through the strait, they would have to ride the monsoon to head north. In other words, the enemy army had probably already arrived near Ryukyu, seizing the opportunity to collude internally and externally, catching Shen Feng off guard.

With this ambush, are there a second and a third? The enemies they will face in the future may not just be the Long Whale Gang.

"I will lead the troops there myself." Cheng Xi said to the messenger without hesitation.

The other party showed a look of joy and was about to thank him when Yan Yuan said sternly, "No! This trip is too dangerous. The ghost scholar might have some other conspiracy. We must not act rashly!"

It's obviously a trap, how can we let the gang leader take the risk?

Cheng Xi shook his head: "I have to go. If anyone else does, they won't be able to immediately resolve the troubles caused by the Qingfeng Gang. That would be troublesome."

If it were the Suoyi Gang, they could sit idly by, but the Qingfeng Gang was different. They were a powerful ally and couldn't afford to lose them before the war. If they were focused on quelling the rebellion, they wouldn't just be facing the Western fleet, but also the internal conflicts within the Qingfeng Gang. Even if a leader like Yan Yuan rushed over, he wouldn't be able to intimidate the others and wouldn't be of much use. However, her personal presence had a different meaning. It would be seen as the full support of the Red Flag Gang, which would instantly consolidate Shen Feng's position.

Yan Yuan knew this, but he still shook his head: "If you go there in person, the rebels will only become more crazy. If you are in danger, the Red Flag Gang will be unable to take care of themselves."

Cheng Xi is the daughter of General Qiu. Who knows how many of those rebellious pirates have grudges against her. If she goes there, wouldn't she be using herself as bait?

"That's why I'm the only one who can go." Cheng Xi's tone remained unchanged, still firm. "The Red Flag Gang's reinforcements must not be delayed. We have to gather our forces and fight quickly. Once I show up, the enemy will be unable to sit still. Besides, if these new warships can appear on the battlefield of the Green Phoenix Gang, why can't they appear on the battlefield of the Red Flag Gang? I have to go and see it with my own eyes."

This was indeed using himself as bait, but compared to a protracted war of attrition, it was clearly much more cost-effective. Ning Fu's intention was quite clear: to clip the Red Flag Gang's wings, leaving them isolated and helpless against the Long Whale Gang's forces. If the Green Phoenix Gang fell, all would be lost.

She was also the only person in the world who knew Western sailing ships best. Only by seeing them firsthand could she accurately assess the enemy's strength and prepare in advance.

Yan Yuan said, "What if the Long Whale Gang launches a massive attack while you're away? Without a leader, how can people be at peace? I've been to the Qingfeng Gang before, so why not let me..."

Cheng Xi interrupted him, "It takes time to transmit news at sea. As long as we don't spread the word, the Longjing Gang won't know it was me who went there. Even if it does get out, we can still use it as a means of luring the enemy. Besides, with such a large-scale arrangement, Ning Fu may not take action. The only way they can gain the upper hand is to let us get deeper and deeper into the chaos of the Qingfeng Gang."

Holding still is also a psychological cue. The longer a fist is clenched, the greater the force it will unleash. It's impossible for a defender to maintain a tight grip. With all the chaos going on, Ning Fu would probably be eager to let things escalate, leaving the Red Flag Gang overwhelmed.

This statement almost silenced Yan Yuan's rebuttal, because Cheng Xi's words were indeed reasonable. If the risks were not considered, her coming forward to assist the Qingfeng Gang would be the best option. But the problem was that it was too dangerous! This was simply a risk to her life, and he couldn't even bring himself to follow. With the commander away, he, the deputy commander, would definitely have to stay home. So who would protect her safety?

Cheng Xi didn't give him time to argue and said to the messenger directly, "You go down first. We will set off in two days."

The messenger was overjoyed and bowed before retreating. Cheng Xi said to the guards beside him, "Go and call a few of the big bosses over. I have something to tell you."

Soon, Li Niu and his men returned. Upon hearing about the attack on the Qingfeng Gang and Shen Feng's injuries, their faces turned grim. Cheng Xi's orders were even more alarming: "Niu will accompany me to the Qingfeng Gang. Yuan will guard Luoling Island. Meng will lead the troops back to Dongning and work with Mr. Tian to look after the main camp."

Li Niu almost jumped up: "Boss, it's enough to go to Qingfeng to help me, why do you need to come?"

Lin Meng also nodded in agreement: "This is clearly the work of the Long Whale Gang. If we go there, won't we fall into their trap?"

"Precisely because it concerns the safety of the Red Flag Gang, I have to go there in person." Cheng Xi explained his previous analysis again. Yan Yuan might raise objections to this strategic conception, but these two people would not.

Li Niu immediately patted his chest loudly: "Since the gang leader trusts me, I will protect the gang leader even if it costs my life. Everyone, just rest assured!"

Lin Meng still frowned: "If it's all about force, why not take me with you? The elite of the Lin family are willing to obey the orders of the gang leader."

"You must stay. If the news really leaks out, let A'mo disguise himself as me and move around the camp. We must muddy the waters so that no one can guess where I am going." Cheng Xi comforted him.

She had her reasons for choosing Li Niu as her companion. Compared to Lin Meng and Yan Yuan, Li Niu looked rough and rude, but in reality he was cunning and shrewd, and he was a man who could make the Qingfeng Gang let down their guard. If it had been Lin Meng, Shen Feng might have been surprised.

Upon hearing this, Lin Meng immediately nodded: "Don't worry, boss, I will definitely live up to your trust."

His sister was also a martial artist, and her stature was similar to the leader's. If she were truly disguised, ordinary soldiers would probably have trouble telling her apart. As for the risks involved, since they were doing it for the leader and the Red Flag Gang, what was the big deal?

Cheng Xi turned his gaze and looked back at Yan Yuan. After a moment of silence, Yan Yuan whispered, "Regardless of what happens with the Qingfeng Gang, please prioritize your own safety."

There were more words that Yan Yuan didn't say.

Because he knew the woman before him was incredibly resolute. Once she made up her mind, nothing could stop her. Breaking through the impasse required a sword, and this unwavering determination was the only way to slash through the layers of traps. All he could do was protect her from behind.

Cheng Xi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I know the seriousness of the matter, and Shen Feng knows it too."

This was the biggest reason why she dared to get involved. Shen Feng was a smart man. When he sent someone to ask for help, he probably made a lot of follow-up arrangements. And if she went there in person, it would be like piling the weight to the top. Shen Sandao would not miss such an opportunity.

With a command, the entire Red Flag Gang was mobilized. They were already in a state of preparation for war, and it only took two days to prepare the fleet.

Cheng Xi did not show up in public, and even Li Niu did not swear an oath with great fanfare. Instead, he took his troops out to sea as usual.

This movement naturally attracted some attention, but not too much. After all, patrolling the coast and suppressing bandits had become a routine operation for the Red Flag Gang these days, and a simple troop movement was hardly arousing interest. And those who were well-informed and had guessed the truth were unlikely to leak the news.

It didn't take much time for the fleet to sail out of the waters under the jurisdiction of the Red Flag Gang and head towards the headquarters of the Green Phoenix Gang.

Wearing men's clothes, Cheng Xi stood at the bow of the ship, looking at the vast ocean in the distance.

Her mood was not as calm as she appeared on the surface. She was already familiar with everything in front of her, and now, the other side of the world was about to open up to her...