The wicked husband's expression changed as well.
Although this kerosene was not as advanced as that of later generations, once ignited, even the fire prevention mechanisms of the Mohist school would have difficulty dealing with it.
And the most critical thing is that the Qin fleet is now restricted by the cyclone and cannot evacuate in time!
A cold glint flashed in the Water King's eyes: "Since you wish to engage in a magical duel, then let's have a good one!"
On the sea, the oil drums emitted a pungent smell.
The wicked man stood at the bow, his brow furrowed. This grease was a specialty of the South China Sea, said to be extracted from the fat of some kind of deep-sea monster. Once ignited, it could not be extinguished even by a flood.
The most critical issue is that the Qin fleet is currently trapped by the vortex it created. Although those warships are tall and sturdy, they cannot break through for the time being.
"This Water King..." the wicked man sneered, "is indeed cunning and shrewd."
The enemy clearly anticipated his use of this tactic and had prepared a countermeasure long ago. Those seemingly hasty retreats and forced responses were likely feints and diversions.
"Pass down the order," he said in a deep voice, "Prepare for a fire attack. Activate all of Xianglihe's fire prevention mechanisms!"
Before the words were even finished, a rocket was launched from the Water King's ship. The rocket drew an arc in the air and landed precisely in the oil slick floating on the sea surface.
"boom!"
In an instant, the entire sea seemed to burst into flames. Raging fire spread across the surface, emitting a chilling roar. Thick smoke billowed, and flames soared into the sky, turning the once clear morning sky a fiery red.
"What a brilliant fire formation!" the wicked man exclaimed inwardly.
This water king truly lives up to his reputation as the overlord of the South China Sea; even his fire attack is meticulously planned. The placement of those oil drums was carefully calculated, using the power of the ocean currents to form a massive encirclement.
At this moment, the Qin fleet was like a trapped beast, surrounded by a sea of fire.
"Grand Commandant!" Zhang Erhe exclaimed urgently, "What should we do? The fire is too fierce; if it spreads to the ship..."
"No need to panic," the wicked man said calmly. "Why do you think I, the Grand Commandant, made the Mohist artisans work day and night? It was precisely to guard against this!"
He turned to look at the center of the fleet: "Zizhen, are we ready?"
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, everything is ready!"
On each of the Qin warships, a peculiar device was erected. It was a newly developed water-pumping mechanism by the Mohists, capable of jetting seawater high into the air, forming a water curtain.
"Attention, all troops!" the wicked man commanded. "Activate the protective mechanisms!"
Instantly, the pumping devices on all fifty warships activated simultaneously. Countless jets of water shot into the sky, weaving together into a massive water net. Seawater continuously sprayed down, covering each warship with a curtain of water.
The Water King's gaze sharpened upon seeing this. He never expected the Qin people to devise such a method to counter fire attacks. The ingenuity of this water-pumping mechanism was something even he had to admire.
But his methods went far beyond that.
"Order all ships," the Water King said in a deep voice, "Proceed according to plan!"
Suddenly, the Baiyue warships changed formation, splitting into three square formations. Each square formation maintained a certain distance, hurling oil at the Qin fleet while constantly shifting its position.
He intends to use fire to distract the Qin fleet, and then unleash his true killing move when the enemy's pumping mechanisms are exhausted!
The wicked man immediately saw through the other party's intentions. These pumping mechanisms, though powerful, required manpower to maintain. In the long run, they would inevitably become insufficient.
"The same old trick," he sneered inwardly, "but it's certainly ruthless. Too bad..."
He glanced at the mechanisms still spouting water, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. The design of these mechanisms was far more ingenious than it appeared. Each mechanism contained a specially made waterwheel that could operate on its own using wind power.
As long as the cyclone doesn't dissipate, these mechanisms can continue to function.
"Pass down the order!" the wicked man suddenly roared, "Prepare for a counterattack! Let the Baiyue see what a real fire attack looks like!"
The generals were stunned. Did they still intend to counterattack under these circumstances?
Then the wicked man took out a command flag and gave out a series of complex signals.
Immediately, the warships on the outer edge of the fleet began to adjust their course.
The water jets changed angle, no longer serving as simple protection, but transforming into massive water arrows aimed at the Baiyue warships!
The Water King's expression changed. He then realized that those water pumping mechanisms could actually be used as offensive weapons!
"flash!"
But it was too late.
Using the power of the cyclone, those water arrows were incredibly powerful.
Several Baiyue warships were hit on the spot, their hulls immediately splitting open. Even worse, the spilled seawater washed away the oil they had thrown out.
"Brilliant!" Zhang Erhe couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration. "The Grand Commandant is using their own methods against them!"
As expected, the Baiyue fleet's formation was immediately disrupted. They hadn't anticipated that the Qin people could not only neutralize the fire attack but also use these mechanisms to launch a counterattack.
"Continue!" the wicked husband commanded.
The Qin fleet's counterattack grew increasingly fierce. Water arrows roared forth, toppling the Baiyue warships. Several ships were struck in vital areas and sank on the spot.
The Water King watched this scene, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. He knew that continuing like this was not a solution. The Qin people's mechanical arts were simply too formidable; a direct confrontation would likely result in the annihilation of his entire army.
"Pass down the order," he gritted his teeth, "Prepare to break out!"
But the wicked man had anticipated this move. Suddenly, the Qin warships on the outer ring accelerated, using the force of the vortex to surge forward. They were planning to outflank the Baiyue fleet while it retreated!
"Hmph!" The Water King sneered, "Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being impolite!"
He suddenly produced a blood-red command flag. This was the first time in his life he had used such a signal, signifying that a bloody battle was about to begin.
On the sea, the wind and waves grew increasingly turbulent. The two fleets engaged in a fierce battle amidst the flames and spray. No one could have imagined that what should have been a swift encounter would turn into such a brutal contest.
This is the true way of naval warfare—planning before acting, combining offense and defense. Whether it was the Qin army's mechanical arts or the Baiyue's fire attack methods, they were both brought to their fullest potential.
"Prepare for the assault!" the wicked man ordered again. He knew it was time to settle things once and for all.
Just then, a horn sounded in the distance. The sound was deep and long, sounding particularly eerie on the sea, which was ablaze with flames.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant!" a scout rushed over. "A large number of merchant ships have been spotted heading this way!"
The wicked man frowned. Why would a merchant ship approach at this hour? Unless...
As expected, a sinister smile crept across the Water King's lips: "Do you think these are all the tricks I have up my sleeve?"
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