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Cheng Xi turned to Sun Erlang and said, "Erlang, go with them to their respective ships and explain the prohibitions on joining the gang. If the crew members have no objection, swear a blood oath with the captains and they will obey your orders all the way back."
This was both delegation of power and deployment. Sun Erlang felt a surge of emotion in his chest, and he clasped his fists and said, "Don't worry, Chief. Just leave it to me!"
The problem in his heart was solved with just a few words by the gang leader.
By using both persuasion and beatings, and combining kindness and force, this group of people were soon willing to join the Red Flag Gang.
He had seen such feats before, at the Three Villages Pledge Ceremony, and now it was so easy for these captains to do the same. Some people are born to be leaders, even if they are just women!
After arranging the affairs on the four ships, Cheng Xi called Lin Meng and Li Niu and instructed them on other matters.
The 1,500 dan of grain and grass to be transported back this time can be loaded on the six returning ships. The load of each ship must be controlled and cannot be fully loaded to avoid slowing down the speed.
Lin Meng and Li Niu's two ships were not to be loaded with cargo, but each was to be crewed to twenty men, equipped with weapons and water. The remaining ten sets of weapons and armor were to be taken back by Sun Erlang, as they would be of great use in a defensive battle.
Throwing kerosene also requires manpower, which is not a big deal and can be done by the short spearmen.
When gunpowder and firearms become available in the future, additional training programs will be added to the crew. However, these are matters for the future; right now, capturing Luoling Island is more important.
The Lu family's goods were delivered very quickly. Perhaps because they were afraid that there might be enemy spies at the dock, all the equipment was sent onto the ship together with the food.
Not to mention the accompanying sword, the armor delivered was not rattan armor, but leather armor.
The Lu family member who delivered the goods explained, "The head of the family said that although rattan armor is waterproof, it is flammable, which might not be suitable for ship battles. This leather armor is made of rhinoceros hide, which is impervious to water and fire, and is not heavy. I think it is more suitable than rattan armor."
Cheng Xi raised her eyebrows. It didn't matter whether it was appropriate or not. She seemed to have heard that leather armor made of rhinoceros skin was more expensive than iron armor. Lu Jian was really willing to invest, and the power behind him must be quite strong, as he could easily get even such controlled items.
Since it was a gift, Cheng Xi accepted it generously and had everyone on the boat wear armor. Of course, these leather armors didn't actually come with helmets, only two pieces on the chest and back that could be worn like a gown, with an extra skirt armor in the front to protect the crotch. It was a simple version of the configuration.
However, having armor or not having armor can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield, so this is something you still need to understand.
It took two days to prepare the fleet, and Cheng Xi finally returned to Lu Mansion with Lin Meng and Li Niu.
Seeing Cheng Xi again, Lu Jian raised an eyebrow in surprise: "Why aren't you wearing armor, brother? But the leather armor doesn't fit well."
The two men following Cheng Xi were both wearing armor, the same gray-black clothes, and the dark leather armor made them look even more heroic. However, Cheng Xi was not wearing armor and was still dressed in his usual style.
Cheng Xi smiled and said, "Since Brother Mingde is going deep into danger, he naturally needs someone to protect him. Do you think I can do it?"
Before Lu Jian could answer, the man standing behind him frowned and stepped forward, "Master, it would be better for us to take care of the guards. This boy is young and weak, how can he handle such a heavy responsibility?"
Lin and Li were furious when they heard this. Lu Jian also scolded, "This is the leader of the Red Flag Gang. He should address us as brothers. Don't be rude!"
The man was obviously Lu Jian's confidant, but he was still unwilling to give in: "This is a matter of great importance, what's the use of identity? Master, don't be reckless!"
"Since you think it's inappropriate, would you like to compete with me?"
A clear voice came from beside him. The man turned to look at the speaker, a mocking expression on his face: "Boy, do you really want to compete with me?"
It's no wonder he said that. Of the people present, this young man was the shortest and thinnest. Even if there was a duel, shouldn't the strong man with the whiskers behind him take the lead?
Unexpectedly, the young man nodded: "Seriously."
Lu Sanding's anger immediately flared up, and he clenched his fists until they cracked loudly. "Then I'd like to learn a few moves from you!"
As the commander of the Lu Mansion's household soldiers, Lu Sanding had actually fought in battles and killed enemies.
If he hadn't dared to fight and kill, how could he have protected the food supply route to Jiaozhi? He had made every possible preparation for his trip to Luoling Island, but who would have expected a boat gang to suddenly appear? A group of fishmongers and smugglers. Even if they had a boat, they were just boatmen, making up a group.
Who would have thought that the patriarch would give away fifty sets of leather armor in one go! They were made of rhinoceros hide, each one costing at least twenty taels. They were all shipped from Jiaozhi, and even in the mansion, there weren't many people who could wear them, so they were just given away.
Add in the waist knife, kerosene, and other items, and the expenses are so high that it's enough to support a team of a hundred people! Even if it's to compete with the Qingfeng Gang, it doesn't have to be like this, right?
He was already holding back his anger, but since the head of the family had given the order, Lu Sanding obeyed.
Unexpectedly, this group of boatmen became even more demanding and wanted to protect the master personally. Even Lu Sanding couldn't help but stand up and persuade them.
After all, he was a master of tiger studies, so how could he be so self-righteous? This concerned the life of the patriarch, so how could he just watch these people act recklessly?
Now that the leader has come out to provoke him, he has found an opportunity. If he can beat him up, he should be able to suppress the arrogance of this group!
Seeing that something was wrong, Li Niu became anxious and said, "Boss, let me do it!"
This person from the Lu Mansion is obviously a martial artist, so how can the gang leader go there himself?
Cheng Xi waved his hand at him and said, "It's okay, just a few moves."
She'd seen this happen a lot. When two teams were forced together, there was always this kind of situation where neither side would give in. Especially with a female leader like her, not to mention the soldiers, even the armed police would dare to pick on them. The solution was simple: just give them a beating.
If she had just arrived, she might not have had the luxury of holding back. Now, after four months, her strength was still lacking, but she had gained speed, so she could finally practice some more.
This gesture instantly reminded Li Niu of his own provocation. A chill ran down his spine, and he looked at the Lu family guard with sympathy. Was the gang leader trying to make an example of him? If he did, would the whole thing fall apart?
Seeing that boy being so nonchalant, Lu Sanding became even more angry. He said with a stern face, "What weapon are you good at? Just tell me!"
Cheng Xi shook his head: "My hands are heavy, and it's hard to retract them when using weapons. I can just use a short stick."
This tone was simply too much to hold back! Lu Sanding gnashed his teeth and said hatefully, "Then I'll learn from you!"
Lu Jian, who was standing aside, raised his eyebrows, and there was a hint of curiosity in his expression.
The reason he sent such expensive armor was to win over people, not to appease his subordinates. Wasn't it also meant to test the Red Flag Gang? After all, it was a temporary gang. He trusted Cheng Xi's ability, but it was hard to say how strong his subordinates were.
Even if this hadn't happened, he would have found a way to get the two sides in contact, but even Lu Jian hadn't expected Cheng Xi to actually take action himself, and the two men didn't stop him. Was this a sign of exceptional skill, or was it simply too strict with his subordinates?
But now that things have come to this, seeing that Cheng Xi's skills are not bad, Lu Jian said with a smile: "Since my dear brother is so interested, there is no harm in sparring with him, but just keep it to a certain extent."
These words seemed to be spoken to Cheng Xi, but in fact they were a warning to Lu Sanding.
Hearing this, Lu Sanding felt even more frustrated. That guy was the master's guest, so he definitely couldn't hit him in the vitals. But during a sparring match, wouldn't it be normal for him to bump into someone? If he wasn't skilled enough and injured his arms or legs, it wouldn't be his fault, right?
Thinking of this, Lu Sanding became motivated to fight. After the field was cleared and he took over the short stick, he didn't feel cold at all. He pulled off his outer coat and only wore a short jacket. He danced with the stick in his hand vigorously, which made his muscular body look more powerful and fierce, revealing his fierceness!
However, the young man opposite him didn't take his behavior seriously at all. He just took the stick and moved his wrists and ankles. He didn't look like he was going to compete in martial arts, but more like a scholar having fun, preparing to play Cuju and Tou Hu.
What a guts this little thief has! Lu Sanding cursed in his heart, and without paying any attention to the master's instructions, he rushed forward with a stick in his hand!
The short stick swept across, creating a gust of wind as it smashed straight into the opponent's shoulder! If it had hit him hard, it might have broken bones and tendons, but Lu Sanding didn't care. Unfortunately, the stick fell and missed, and the boy easily dodged it. Lu Sanding didn't want to give up, so he backhanded it and hit the chest again... but it was dodged again. The stick continued to thrust forward... but it still missed!
Lu Sanding's eyes welled up. Was this kid a loach? He was so slippery and could only dodge. What kind of fight was this? It was also because the short stick was too short. If the weapon was even a centimeter longer or an inch shorter, how could he have escaped like this?
However, I have already said it, and I can't lose face.
Lu Sanding also had family skills and was very brave. He did not retreat at all, but pressed forward step by step, hoping to close the distance and strike hard.
With this idea in mind, it only took seven or eight moves for the two men to be less than an arm's length apart, and he could knock the man down with just a swing of the stick!
He raised the short stick high and swung it down with great force. With a lightning-fast blow, it still missed. But as the figure in front of him swayed, a sharp pain suddenly rose up and penetrated his ribs.
Lu Sanding secretly cried out in alarm, he was too defensive and was ambushed!
However, as soon as the thought came to his mind, he felt his leg trip, his neck tightened, and he fell to the ground with a thud.
His head was buzzing, his vision was black, and his neck was strangled, making it impossible to breathe. Only then did Lu Sanding realize that he was lying on the ground, with the short stick pressed against his throat. If that was not a stick, but a short knife, would he still be alive now?
Cold sweat broke out, and Lu Sanding's mouth fell open, unable to speak for a moment. The short stick that was strangling his neck withdrew, and the young man stood up swiftly, smiling slightly: "Thank you."
Was this a concession? Lu Sanding couldn't close his gaping mouth, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Yet the sharp pain in his side, the dull ache at the back of his head, the ache in his neck were all clear reminders that he had been defeated, completely defeated. What kind of body movement was this? And where was it used? Even a man of eight feet tall, who had fought in battles and killed people, felt a sense of panic at this moment.
Cheng Xi didn't think it was anything special.
Modern fighting techniques, especially those used by commandos, are killing techniques that are a combination of the strengths of various schools and have been refined through countless trials and tribulations.
As a woman, Cheng Xi has never relied on physical fitness, but on technology, how to use practical techniques more effectively and accurately.
In addition to technology, of course, some mental tactics are also needed. Deliberately irritating the opponent, making him lose his composure and despise you, then isn't it natural to win easily?
This was a sudden and swift move. The onlookers didn't even see what happened. The big man had been knocked to the ground and couldn't even get up.
Lu Jian was also stunned for a rare moment before he sighed, "My dear brother, you are really capable!"
Lu Sanding was the commander of his family soldiers, so his fighting ability was naturally good, but who would have thought that he was no match for the other party's strength. No wonder his subordinates didn't try to stop him.
Cheng Xi put down the short stick with a smile: "These are just some family skills. I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Brother Mingde." After that, she turned to Lu Sanding and asked, "My friend, are my skills good enough to be a personal bodyguard?"
Lu Sanding was grimacing at the moment and couldn't even get up after crawling on the ground.
The poke just now was like puncturing an internal organ. The pain made him sweat all over and even his breathing was irregular. Hearing the other party's question, he was completely embarrassed. He grunted for a long time before saying, "It was my recklessness. Please don't blame me, Gang Leader."
Yes, no matter how young he looked, he was the leader of a gang. How could he be just an ordinary person? If he really had such skills, they would feel more at ease protecting the master. After all, he was a member of the Lu family's family. At this moment, Lu Sanding didn't dare to get angry. He was not as skilled as the other one, so he just had to obey.
As long as he bows his head and submits, everything else will be easy. Cheng Xi nodded slightly: "In that case, I will pretend to be a servant and follow Brother Mingde. Once we get to the island, I can be your close guard."
Lu Jian smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble you, Dalang."
This title, "a servant," was quite appropriate, and Cheng Xi couldn't help laughing.
Now that we have shown our power and introduced ourselves, it is time to have a serious discussion on tactics.
After entering the house and sitting down, Lu Jianxian said, "I have already made an appointment with the bandit leader of Luoling Island to land on the island on the fifteenth of this month. Now the Qingfeng Gang has also received news. We will hold off the enemy ships for the next few days. When the full moon comes, Shen Feng will personally lead his troops to attack Luoling Island."
It seems the Qingfeng Gang has also split up their forces. No wonder Lu Jian dared to take such a risk alone. Cheng Xi pondered for a moment and asked, "Since the thieves agreed to meet on the 15th, they must have felt it would be safer when the moon is bright. Brother Mingde, do you want us to attack first to make it easier for the Qingfeng Gang to land?"
Lu Jian said, "That's exactly what I meant. The moonlight is too bright, and it's hard to hide from the ships sailing on the sea. We need to divert the thieves' sight first. I originally planned to bring some wine and meat to entertain the thieves at the dock, and then take advantage of the drunken night to start a riot. I wonder what your plan is, brother?"
"The idea of setting up a banquet is good, but it's not enough. Perhaps we can send a few people to sneak onto the island and set it on fire.
At that time, we should be not far from the bandit leader. We can use the fire as a signal to break out and disrupt the battle situation.
Without someone to lead them, the pirates would be thrown into chaos, and by then, we might be able to control the situation on the island without the Qingfeng Gang." Cheng Xi explained his plan.
This was too arrogant. Lu Sanding couldn't help but say, "I heard there are more than 500 people on the island, and we only have a few. Isn't this too dangerous? Not everyone can fight ten people at once!"
He believed that this boy could beat ten people, but could others do it? Wouldn't this be risking the life of the patriarch?
Cheng Xi raised an eyebrow. "Have you heard of 'camp roar'? Since they can land on the island to negotiate, the bandits on Luoling Island are probably no longer able to hold on. They are all pirates, and there are no rules. If they hear the killing shouts at night, half of them will be scared away. Once the chaos starts, even gods can't control it. At this time, killing people is like killing chickens. It's not a matter of the number of people at all."
Hearing this, Lu Sanding felt a chill down his spine. Could he fight like this? He had originally thought that setting an ambush was already a powerful tactic, and he had never considered fighting at night.
"The only question now is whether these thieves want to negotiate with you or trick you onto the island and use your head to exchange for wealth." Cheng Xi changed the subject and said to Lu Jian in a serious tone.
Lu Jian sneered, "They're only after money, so there's room for negotiation. I may not be good at other things, but I do have the advantage of talking."
This is just like the lobbyists of old, who dared to rely on their tongue to enter and exit the enemy camp and meet with the king. In terms of courage, he is really no less brave than others.
Cheng Xi smiled: "Then our lives depend on Brother Mingde."
Lu Jian laughed at this and said, "No, no, my life still needs Dalang's protection."
The matter was roughly settled during their conversation. The next morning, Lu Jian boarded the ship with fifteen of the Lu family's private soldiers, and the eight ships sailed out of the harbor in a mighty procession.
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