Chapter 974: First Phase Objectives
The atmosphere at the dock was heavy.
The sailors were still recalling the epic battle they had just witnessed. The Westerners' formidable strength and ferocity had left a profound impression on them.
A sailor couldn't help but nudge Shi Lang. "Young Shi, you're from Fujian, right? Are the Westerners' ships really that massive? They seemed almost as big as our Wanli Sunshine!"
Shi Lang nodded. "They really are that big. I've seen them with my own eyes when I used to play by the sea."
"Each of their ships carried over a dozen cannons."
"Though a bit fewer than the Wanli Sunshine, it's still a considerable number."
"Their ships were packed with soldiers, who fought from the towering superstructures."
"Their ship handling skills are also incredibly advanced."
The sailors chattered excitedly, a cacophony of voices.
Shi Lang actually quite enjoyed discussing the topic. The last time Li Daoxuan and Zhu Piaoling took notice of him was precisely because he'd been captivating a few young noblemen in a brothel with tales of the sea. Now, with so many people eager to hear him, his conversational fervor was ignited.
The group buzzed with chatter as Shi Lang vividly explained everything about the Western pirates.
Through Shi Lang's accounts, the sailors realized that the events depicted in the film weren't exaggerated in the slightest; the Western pirates were genuinely formidable.
Setting everything else aside, their sheer mastery of navigation alone would bring everyone present to their knees.
"What are we to do?"
"We're truly falling behind in navigation skills."
"If our navigation isn't up to par, we can only ever play defense. They'll always be the aggressors, and we'll never be able to strike back."
"Exactly! They can sail thousands of miles to our doorstep, but our ships can only hug the coast. We can't reach their homelands, which puts us at a huge disadvantage."
"This, then, is what it means to be 'in an unwinnable position,'" someone declared.
As their discussions grew heated...
The water-combat specialized Heavenly Lord suddenly appeared before the large screen.
The captions still scrolled across the tablet behind him: "Starring Lao Nanfeng, Supporting Actor Chen Qianhu, Supporting Actor Cai Lin, Supporting Actor Zheng Dazhuang," but no one was paying attention.
Li Daoxuan stood before the glowing screen, a backlit black silhouette.
He cleared his throat, aimed at the microphone on the tablet, and announced, "Listen to me, everyone."
His voice was captured by the tablet and then projected through its speakers, instantly reaching everyone with perfect clarity.
The chatter on the deck ceased abruptly. All the sailors turned to him, their faces solemn.
Li Daoxuan declared loudly, "I announce that from this moment forward, our forces will begin the assault on Zhoushan. Phase one objective: clear all pirates from the island!"
The sailors roared, "Oorah!"
Li Daoxuan continued, "Phase two objective: establish Zhoushan as our base and gain control of the entire southeastern coast!"
The sailors roared again, "Oorah!"
Li Daoxuan pressed on, "Phase three objective: advance into Southeast Asia and eliminate the Westerners' East India Company!"
A thunderous "Oorah, Oorah, Oorah!" erupted from the sailors.
Li Daoxuan's voice boomed, "Phase four objective: sail across vast oceans, strike directly at the Western nations!"
The sailors chanted, "Strike back! Strike back!"
Hearing these ambitious objectives, Shi Lang, too, felt his blood surge with excitement, and he shouted, "Strike back! Strike back!"
Li Daoxuan commanded, "What are you waiting for? Act!"
With a resounding cheer, all the sailors immediately sprang into action, preparing for their expedition.
Meanwhile, the ground forces watched with expressions of envy and resentment, only able to wave goodbye to the departing sailors.
Anqing Prefecture docks.
A vast fleet was assembling.
With the Huangmei River pirates largely pacified, the Gao Family Village navy could finally free up its forces and prepare to execute the Heavenly Lord's "Phase One Objective."
The Wanli Sunshine was, of course, the undisputed flagship.
Alongside it, ten more colossal ships, each around sixty meters, were docked.
Additionally, there were thirty medium and small vessels, ranging from twenty to fifty meters.
All of them were river-sea vessels.
Naturally, these particular river-sea vessels were only suitable for coastal navigation and not ideal for venturing into the deep ocean. True deep-sea voyages demanded ships with very deep drafts to withstand strong winds and turbulent waves without capsizing.
Another crucial point was that the sailors on these ships were, strictly speaking, "river sailors" rather than "ocean sailors." They possessed only coastal navigation skills. Sending this group of novices directly into the deep sea would likely result in few, if any, returning.
Everyone understood that their current capabilities were sufficient only for the first two phases. From the third phase onward, they would need to develop their deep-sea navigation skills.
Forty-three pirates, currently undergoing Labor Reform, were distributed among the various ships.
After being thoroughly intimidated by Li Daoxuan's "talking portrait" method, their re-education progressed rapidly. After all, if a portrait, whether of an immortal or a demon, constantly threatened you, you'd certainly learn quickly.
These forty-three individuals effectively served as forty-three guides.
With them, the Gao Family Village navy now had a chance to attack Zhoushan. Without them, the sailors would panic even when venturing slightly offshore.
Li Daoxuan stood at the bow of the Wanli Sunshine, turning to Tie Niaofei. "You won't be joining the attack on Zhoushan this time. You're a land merchant, after all, and you still get seasick. Take a boat back to Shanxi; the border army's supplies still need your logistical organization."
Tie Niaofei bowed respectfully, clasped his hands, and disembarked.
Li Daoxuan turned to look at Jiang Cheng, who quickly said, "Although I lack deep-sea navigation experience, I am the only one who can lead this."
Li Daoxuan nodded, then glanced at Shi Lang standing nearby.
Shi Lang, now fully aware that the person before him was the true authority—a fact evident from the embroidered image on everyone's chests—snapped to a military salute. "And what of me, sir?"
Li Daoxuan replied, "Though you are young, you grew up by the sea and possess a significant understanding of navigation. Do your utmost to assist Instructor Jiang."
Shi Lang was overjoyed, thinking, "Isn't this practically appointing me as Vice Admiral? Wonderful!"
Li Daoxuan sighed inwardly: *Such a lack of talent! When will I ever be able to bring Zheng Sen over? Though... would Zheng Sen and Shi Lang end up fighting?*
Li Daoxuan turned to the nearby pirate undergoing Labor Reform. The man was watching Li Daoxuan with a pitiable, cautious gaze. He was utterly terrified, shaking uncontrollably at the sight of the person from the portrait actually standing before him.
Li Daoxuan flashed a grin at him. The uncanny valley effect kicked in, scaring the labor-reformed pirate even more. He stammered, "G-g-great Immortal... what is your command?"
Li Daoxuan's voice was chilling. "Lead the way to Zhoushan. If you dare play any tricks, I won't hesitate to devour you, little by little."
The pirate shrieked, "Ahhh, I wouldn't dare! I absolutely wouldn't dare! This humble one is waiting to turn over a new leaf and become a proper human being again. Please, Great Immortal, grant me this opportunity!"
"Good! Depart!"
The integrated fleet of the Gao Family Village navy set sail for Zhoushan.
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