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Although the strong wind and waves had passed, it still took a long time to return to the island. By the time a bunch of dilapidated boats entered the port, it was already dark.
As expected, the dock was brightly lit and crowded with people, many of whom were elderly and children.
The typhoon had just passed through, and the island should have been affected. However, these people were more concerned about their relatives on the boat. They were all fishermen, so they naturally understood the horror and ruthlessness of the sea.
At this time, whether or not the battle was won, or whether or not the spoils of victory were obtained, was not important. Therefore, Cheng Xi did not make a fuss when he got off the boat. It would be better to wait until everyone had vented their emotions before handling the subsequent situation.
However, no matter how low-key she was, someone still saw her. A figure hurried over and asked, "You're back! Are you hurt?"
Cheng Xi looked at the person in front of him with some surprise. His robes, which used to be meticulously made, were now a little wrinkled, as if stained by rain. Perhaps he had been standing on the beach for too long. The elegant fragrance of the fumigated clothes had been blown away by the sea breeze, leaving only a fishy smell. Even his hair was no longer in place. Where was the air of a calm and composed young man from aristocratic family?
However, such panic also seemed surprisingly sincere. Cheng Xi naturally did not use those clichés and said frankly: "I was slightly injured, but it's nothing serious. I'm sorry to have worried Brother Mingde."
She didn't look like she was just "slightly injured". Her forehead was bandaged, her clothes were stained with blood and stains, and her hands were wrapped in bandages, obviously she was also injured.
She had just experienced a fierce battle and escaped from a fierce storm. How could she be fine?
Some words rolled in his throat, but Lu Jian swallowed them back and whispered, "But that group of government troops is not easy to deal with? This time, it's me who has implicated you..."
How could someone so carefully selected by Lord Lu be underestimated? He should have found out more about this earlier, but unfortunately, leaving Panyu too early caused the situation to get out of control.
There is a lot of selfishness involved in this, and it would be a lie to say that there is no guilt.
This was even less like what Lu Jian would say. Cheng Xi sighed, "If the Red Flag Gang wants to grow stronger, they will naturally offend many people. It's just a matter of time. Brother Mingde, don't worry about it."
Her frankness made Lu Jian feel even more upset. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I have already sent people to Panyu to inquire about the situation. I will also try to find someone to counterbalance the leader of the army."
Cheng Xi didn't say who would win or lose, but the one who could drag her down to the point where she couldn't even dodge the typhoon and hurried back to Luoling Island was no ordinary person. Such an enemy must be eradicated.
Cheng Xi said, "There's no rush now. When the storm stops completely, I'll send someone to Wuyuan Island to check. The government troops must have suffered heavy losses this time. It's hard to say whether he can survive."
This made a lot of sense, but when Lu Jian heard it, he couldn't help but look around. Many people had already gotten off the boat, and there were even cries.
At least one-third of the fleet was gone, and not a single small boat was left. It was unknown how many men and horses were killed.
After a moment of silence, Lu Jian said, "If you have any difficulties, just come to me."
The Red Flag Gang is a new gang. Such a huge loss in one go will probably have a big impact on the gang leader. He doesn't have much else, but he still has money, so he doesn't mind spending some to buy people's hearts.
Cheng Xi followed his gaze and shook her head: "Not yet, they can handle it."
This is not a polite remark. The cries of those who have lost their loved ones and the fear of those who have survived the disaster will be wiped out and disappear completely.
Because this is their life, forced by the government, swept away by the waves, and eaten alive by all the high and mighty beings.
The Red Flag Gang offered them something different. Therefore, although death was terrifying, it could not crush their courage and faith. As long as the main camp existed, as long as she, the leader, was there, the Red Flag Gang would not disband.
These were not the words of someone who had just experienced a hurricane and suffered heavy losses. He was too confident and too tough, as if no difficulties or obstacles could crush him. The embarrassment on his body seemed to fade away, revealing a sharpness that was hard to look at.
At that moment, Lu Jian suddenly realized he'd been mistaken. Was hatred the only thing holding her together? Was the fire burning in her heart simply filled with resentment? How could someone so filled with deep hatred be so calm and composed, so invulnerable?
The foundation of their "resonance" seemed to waver, but unexpectedly, Lu Jian didn't reject it. Beyond confusion and bewilderment, there was even more curiosity, an involuntary concern. This wasn't a good thing...
He heaved a sigh of relief and put on a gentle smile again on his face: "Then I won't bother you anymore, brother."
Now he was too confused and had to take a step back.
…
It was not until the hurricane completely disappeared and there were no more rough waves on the sea that the boat people and merchants hiding on Wuyuan Island emerged hesitantly.
The hurricane came too quickly and left just as easily, much easier than they had expected. However, not many people were happy about it.
This hurricane was truly unexpected, sweeping across the land in just half a day. Yet, the Red Flag Gang's fleet never retreated to Wuyuan Island. Could it be that they were headed for Luoling Island? And did the government troops actually retreat? Why hadn't they appeared on Wuyuan Island?
This was a bit strange. Could it be that a hurricane arrived while the two sides were fighting? The thought of this possibility was really creepy.
After some discussion, both sides sent out several boats to explore the surroundings to see if there were any traces left.
As a result, the investigation actually found several shipwrecks. Some of them had crashed into the reefs near Wuyuan Island, and some had capsized and were not far from sinking to the bottom of the sea.
"Many of them are government army ships. Could it be that they really couldn't escape the storm?" Someone murmured as he looked at the dilapidated shipwrecks.
"Where is the Red Flag Gang's ship? Why can't we see it here?" Some maritime merchants have already started to back out. If the main force of the Red Flag Gang is destroyed, the entire gang will be finished. Is there any point in them staying?
"Maybe they have returned to Luoling Island?" a boatman shouted immediately.
Is it too late? Many people wondered. This was clearly a storm during the battle; otherwise, how could the government warships have been blown this way? The generals leading the army were quite powerful. Could the Red Flag Gang really escape safely?
However, before this group of people could make up their minds whether to slip away directly or go to Luoling Island to take a look, a ship with news came over.
"Boss Cheng led his men back to Luoling Island?"
Everyone was stunned when they heard the news. They were really withdrawing? Weren't they still fighting the government troops?
Boss Liang was the first to lose patience and coughed dryly, "Boss Cheng is truly wise and brave. He actually managed to evacuate before the hurricane hit..."
Unexpectedly, the messenger snorted, "With the government troops obstructing us in every way, how can we retreat so easily? The gang leader only led everyone to evacuate after the hurricane hit."
"What?!" Many people screamed in surprise. This was too outrageous. They could evacuate even when a hurricane was coming?
Boss Liang was incredulous. "This, this is too... Ahem, I wonder if your gang needs help. How about I go over and lend a hand..."
He really didn't believe that any fleet could remain safe and sound in a hurricane. Could it be that the other party was lying to deceive them?
The messenger glanced at him and smiled coldly, "The gang leader sent us here to investigate the situation of the government troops. Once we have counted the sunken ships and salvaged everything on board, you can naturally go to Luoling Island to pay your respects to the gang leader."
Boss Liang immediately shrank his neck and said with a forced smile, "Since Gang Leader Cheng has given the order, we are naturally willing to obey."
Since they dared to let them land, the fleet must be safe. This is incredibly lucky, and it fills one with fear. Outfighting the coalition forces and killing soldiers isn't surprising, but even surviving a hurricane isn't a problem. What kind of destiny is this? Forget about anything else and just hold on tight.
After this warning, everyone really became obedient and searched for traces of the shipwreck near Wuyuan Island.
However, what no one expected was that even though many ships sank, there were still a few official ships that withstood the wind and waves and stumbled towards Panyu.
The hulls were damaged, the sails were torn, and because there were too many people being rescued, by the time they returned to the navy camp, the few remaining ships were at the end of their rope.
Therefore, when getting off the boat, Xu Xianrong's face showed no joy at all, and his cracked lips were tightly pursed, as if he had already prepared himself for being dealt with by military law.
He'd been defeated miserably, not by the enemy, but by this wicked fate. Now, with only one tenth of his fleet left, and so many men and ships lost, there was truly no way to explain himself. Who could have imagined that such a grand plan would end in such a disaster? At this moment, Xu Xianrong was truly disheartened.
As expected, as soon as they reached the dock, a group of soldiers rushed up and tied up all the survivors. Xu Xianrong had no intention of arguing and surrendered, and was taken to the central military camp.
Each gaze was icy cold. Xu Xianrong lowered his eyes but kept his shoulders straight. He was defeated, but the only ones he felt guilty towards were his brothers who died. As for the others, he had a clear conscience.
However, a cold snort came from the leader: "Xu Xianrong, you dispatched troops without authorization and dared to collude with the remnants of Qiu Ni, resulting in the complete loss of the imperial army. Do you know your crime?!"
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