In the blink of an eye, several large ships were filled with people. These women immediately began to fight. They were highly skilled in martial arts and agile, and the soldiers on the ships were no match for them. Fortunately, there were not many women, and the battle gradually became even.
Shi Cong and the Thirteenth Master stood on the ship watching the battle, thinking that victory was assured, but unexpectedly the soldiers on the ship were retreating one after another.
Piteous cries and screams for help echoed from the ships at the front, the sound of swords slicing through flesh seemingly audible even from afar. Soldiers were stabbed and thrown into the sea, turning a distant expanse of water crimson with blood.
The women who participated in the battle seemed to have no regard for their lives, coming with the mindset of certain death to stop Shi Cong and his men's ships from getting close. The Thirteenth and Seventeenth Masters were shocked by the scene before them, and even as men, they felt inferior to them.
The Seventeenth Prince couldn't stand it any longer. The battle had been going on for over an hour without a clear winner. His attendant came to report that they had lost over a thousand men.
Shi Cong couldn't believe his ears, utterly shocked and at a loss for words. Seventeenth Master cried out, "Thirteenth Brother... we can't fight anymore! We've suffered too many casualties. If we continue like this, the losses will only worsen..."
Shi Cong stared blankly at the battlefield before him. The Thirteenth Prince roared, "Lord Shi, give the order immediately..."
Shi Cong glanced hurriedly at the Thirteenth Master, who said urgently, "We should retreat to Wusong Wharf first, otherwise the wounded will not be able to be treated, and the food supplies will be exhausted..."
As soon as Shi Cong gave the order, all the ships immediately retreated. The White Lotus Sect members did not pursue them, but stood guard in front of the island and watched Shi Cong's men retreat. The Thirteenth Prince always remembered the women covered in blood and their firm and fearless eyes, and he would tremble every time he thought of them.
News of the Qing army's retreat quickly spread throughout the island, and everyone began to cheer for the initial victory.
Zhu Wanqing stayed inside until the Fourteenth Prince came to announce the good news, at which point her worried expression slowly relaxed.
Zhu Wanqing tried to stand up, but suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded, and almost fainted. The Fourteenth Prince rushed forward and caught her, asking with concern, "Wanqing, are you alright...?"
Zhu Wanqing, rubbing her forehead and supporting her back, managed a weak smile and said, "Master, that's wonderful... the Qing army has finally retreated..." The Fourteenth Prince helped Zhu Wanqing sit down in a chair, took her hand, and forced a smile, "Yes..." His relief quickly turned to worry, and he sighed, "This time, Fourth Brother sent people to besiege us; he must be determined to leave us no way out. The Qing army was probably just testing the waters; they haven't given up on attacking the island... A second war will surely come soon..."
Zhu Wanqing, clutching her belly, said anxiously, "Master, what should we do? Although our island is easy to defend and difficult to attack, our forces are limited. If the Qing army persists, we won't be able to hold out on the island for long..."
The Fourteenth Prince frowned and remained silent. Zhu Wanqing hurriedly stood up and pulled at him, saying, "Quick... while the Qing army is retreating, we still have a chance and time. Your Highness, let's escape from the other side of the island quickly..."
The Fourteenth Prince exclaimed in surprise, "And what about you?"
Zhu Wanqing paused, glanced at the cheering crowd outside, and laughed, "I am the leader of the White Lotus Sect. I brought these women here myself. How could I abandon them and leave them to their fates..."
The Fourteenth Prince grabbed Zhu Wanqing tightly and said urgently, "If you don't leave, I won't leave either. You've sacrificed so much for me, how can I abandon you and the child now..."
Zhu Wanqing was moved to tears: "Master...you..."
"I will stay and die with you..."
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