May has ended, on the shores of the South China Sea.
As dawn broke, a massive fleet was arrayed in the harbor.
Fifty brand-new warships were lined up in a neat array, each five stories high, with their enormous dragon heads pointing straight to the sky.
The wicked man stood on the flagship's deck, looking at the magnificent scene before him, feeling an indescribable excitement.
Five months of preparation, five months of tireless work day and night, and finally this moment has arrived.
Xiangli He and Zizhen's Mohist disciples worked day and night, finally completing the fifty warships within the agreed timeframe. Each ship was equipped with the latest technology, and every detail reflected the Mohist school's dedication and hard work.
The sea breeze at dawn, carrying a salty, damp scent, gently fluttered the battle flag.
The soldiers on deck all had solemn expressions.
They all knew that this would be the first time the Great Qin would engage in combat at sea.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant!" Zhang Erhe strode over. "All fifty warships are in position, and the sailors are all at their posts."
The wicked man nodded. These sailors were all old fishermen recruited from the South China Sea Commandery. After special training by the disciples of the Mohist school, they were now skilled in operating these new warships.
"Pass down the order," he said in a deep voice, "Form ranks according to plan!"
The bugle sounded.
The fifty warships moved slowly and quickly formed a peculiar formation. This was a tactic devised by the evil man after many days of research, specifically designed to counter the guerrilla tactics of the Baiyue navy.
Ten large ships were lined up in a wedge formation, each with a specially designed ram at its bow. This was a vanguard specifically designed to break through enemy lines.
Fifteen warships were arranged in a fan shape on each flank. Each ship was equipped with a catapult specially made by the Mohists, which could form a crossfire once the battle started.
The last ten ships were the reserve force, ready to support the front at any time.
"What a brilliant wedge formation!" Xianglihe exclaimed, standing beside the wicked man. "This formation is not only excellent in both offense and defense, but it is also particularly suitable for naval warfare."
"Of course," the wicked man said with a faint smile. "This is the result of five months of research by this Grand Commandant."
He turned to his generals and asked, "Do you all know why we are using this formation?"
The generals exchanged bewildered glances. It was Zizhen who laughed and said, "In my opinion, the Grand Commandant is aiming to strike at the heart of the Baiyue navy with a swift and decisive blow!"
"Excellent!" the wicked man nodded. "While the Baiyue navy is agile, it is precisely because they are too agile that they are not suited for head-on confrontations. Once our wedge formation is established, their small boats will have no chance of getting close!"
As they were talking, the time to set off arrived.
The wicked man walked to the bow of the ship and surveyed the fleet. The combination of the Mohist mechanical arts and the Qin's battle tactics, along with these seasoned sailors, made them a force to be reckoned with.
"Gentlemen!" he turned to his generals and said, "Our Great Qin has swept across the six kingdoms, invincible in its path. Now we wish to expand our territory at sea. Do you all have confidence?"
"Yes!" the generals responded in unison.
"Good!" the wicked man laughed. "Then let the Baiyue see what the Qin's methods are like! Raise the sails!"
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The war drums thundered and the bugles sounded in unison.
Fifty enormous sails rose simultaneously, gleaming in the morning sun. The Mo family's specially designed mechanism made a crisp sound as the heavy anchor was slowly retracted.
The entire fleet began to move slowly.
The wicked man stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the shimmering sea, his eyes reaching beyond the horizon. In the distant south, the Baiyue navy awaited them.
The mysterious water king was also there.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant!" a scout suddenly reported, "A Baiyue sentry ship has been spotted ahead!"
"Oh?" The wicked man narrowed his eyes. Sure enough, several small boats were hovering in the distance. They were clearly sent by the Baiyue people to scout.
"Ignore them," he said calmly. "Let them watch to their heart's content. It's a good opportunity to tell Yi Yusong that the warships of Great Qin have arrived!"
The sentry ships didn't dare approach, only following at a distance. Presumably, the Baiyue had already received the news and were urgently mobilizing their navy.
"Grand Commandant," Zhang Erhe leaned closer and said, "Should we send a few ships to probe first...?"
"No need," the wicked man waved his hand. "Since we're going to fight, let's show the world what the might of Qin is! Issue the order: full speed ahead!"
Fifty warships cut through the waves, their momentum as powerful as a rainbow.
The wicked man stood at the bow of the ship, feeling the sea breeze rushing towards him. It was a feeling he had never experienced before.
He was already familiar with battles on land, but this naval confrontation was a completely new experience. But it was precisely because of this that his blood was pumping even faster.
"This sea will eventually belong to the Qin family!" He murmured to himself, gazing at the distant horizon.
The fleet continued its advance. Each warship resembled a mobile fortress, casting enormous shadows in the sunlight.
The once calm sea was now churned with waves. It was as if even the ocean was intimidated by the fleet's imposing presence.
The wicked man knew that, in a more distant place, the Baiyue navy was also gathering. That water king must already be planning a countermeasure.
But this time, he was confident.
This fleet represents the culmination of countless efforts, and these warships embody immense wisdom. Let the Baiyue witness the true power of the Qin Dynasty!
At this moment, Zizhen walked up to the wicked man and said, "Grand Commandant, I have something to say."
"speak."
"The wind direction at sea has been unusual these past few days. According to the astronomical calculations of the Mohist school, a strong wind is very likely approaching. Should we...?"
"No need," the wicked man said decisively. "This celestial phenomenon is actually auspicious. The Baiyue people pride themselves on their familiarity with water and will certainly not retreat because of the wind and waves. In this way, we can truly have a showdown!"
"The Grand Commandant is right," Xiangli He added. "Besides, our ships are taller and have a deeper draft than theirs. Even in stormy weather, we'll actually have the advantage."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
