The strait known as the Fangs of the Sea Beast, where pitch-black, jagged cliffs jutted out like the fangs of a ferocious beast, had now transformed into a veritable maritime graveyard. The pungent stench of blood mingled with the acrid smoke of gunpowder, lingering in the air and thoroughly overpowering the salty tang of the sea.
The carcasses of over twenty Black Water Island warships were sinking into the churning whirlpools. All that remained were shattered planks and tattered banners floating aimlessly upon the surface. The ambush had been executed with flawless perfection. Old Eccentric Black Water's fleet, lured into a death trap and suddenly assaulted from both flanks, had completely collapsed in less than a single watch (two hours).
Old Eccentric Black Water, an Island Master at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, fought like a madman to the very end. Ultimately, his life of piracy was extinguished when Tran Kien personally delivered a blade strike harboring the power of lightning and fire, piercing straight through his protective spiritual shield. Seeing their commander slain, the surviving pirates cast aside their weapons and leaped into the sea to surrender.
Aboard Tran Kien's black ship, there were no cheers of victory. There was only silence and ironclad discipline. The Sea Dragon Guards rapidly swept the battlefield, fishing out those who had surrendered and collecting the spoils of war. Every action was incredibly professional.
Tran Kien stood at the prow, his black cloak fluttering in the wind. He did not look at the battlefield. His gaze was directed toward the vast expanse of sea in the distance, where Ly Kinh Thien's fleet was still conducting its "military drill." He knew that this game of chess was not truly over.
A moment later, a small skiff detached from the Dai Viet imperial fleet and approached. Old Whale, having completed his mission as "envoy," stood upon it. As he returned, the old man's weathered face could not conceal his profound shock and admiration.
"Exalted Lord," he stepped onto the black ship and respectfully cupped his hands. "Your stratagems... are truly unfathomable, like the workings of gods and ghosts. Until the very moment of his death, Old Eccentric Black Water firmly believed this old man belonged to the Imperial Court."
"What did the Great General say?" Tran Kien asked.
"He said nothing at all," Old Whale replied. "He merely stood upon his flagship, observing the entire battle. This old man could sense that the shock in his heart was by no means small."
Tran Kien gave a faint nod. This was precisely the outcome he desired. He hadn't just wanted to annihilate Black Water Island. He wanted to show Ly Kinh Thien, and the Imperial Court, the true strength and value of Flood Dragon Island. He wanted to prove that he was no sacrificial pawn, but a Grandmaster capable of sitting at the same table.
Just then, Ly Kinh Thien's flagship slowly drew near. The white-haired, white-bearded veteran general stood at the prow, his tiger-like eyes locking onto Tran Kien. That gaze was no longer probing; it was a gaze of true recognition.
"Excellent!" Ly Kinh Thien's resonant voice boomed. "A brilliant use of 'Borrowing the current to push the boat'! A marvelous replication of the 'Ambush at Chi Lang'! The younger generation is formidable! Truly formidable!"
"The Great General praises me too highly," Tran Kien cupped his hands, his demeanor neither haughty nor humble. "This humble one was merely following the Great General's 'suggestion,' assisting you in sweeping away a few pests that harm the common people."
Once again, he smoothly shifted all "responsibility" onto Ly Kinh Thien, leaving the old general entirely unable to find fault, even if he wished to.
Ly Kinh Thien stared at him for a long moment before throwing his head back and bursting into hearty laughter. "Good! Very good! Not only do you possess strategy, but your way with words is impeccable. As for the matter of Black Water Island, this old man shall report it meticulously to the Imperial Court. Flood Dragon Island will undoubtedly be credited with the highest merit."
"From this day forth," he said, his tone completely shifting from command to negotiation, "these southern seas shall be considered under your jurisdiction. This old man has only one demand: you are forbidden from bullying the innocent, and you must not harm the interests of Dai Viet."
"That has always been the rule of our Flood Dragon Island," Tran Kien replied.
An unwritten pact was thus established. Flood Dragon Island, from a band of pirates, had formally and righteously transformed into a semi-official faction, tacitly acknowledged by the Imperial Court.
After exchanging a few more words, Ly Kinh Thien's fleet did not linger and swiftly departed.
Tran Kien stood there, watching their fading silhouettes, feeling not a shred of joy in his heart. He knew he had won this gamble, but in doing so, he had pushed himself into an even more perilous position. He had proven his value, but he had also bared his fangs.
The Marquis of Vinh An, and that unfathomably deep Emperor... he thought inwardly. They will certainly not allow a faction outside their control to develop in peace.
"Exalted Lord," Barbarian Bull stepped forward, holding an ancient, weathered beast-skin map—spoils seized from Old Eccentric Black Water's hidden chamber. "We found this."
Tran Kien unrolled it. It was no ordinary nautical chart. It depicted bizarre islands and mysterious ocean currents. And in the very center, the image of an erupting volcano was drawn. Beside it, two ancient Shamanic runes were inscribed:
"Ruin." (Di Tích)
Tran Kien's heart gave a fierce throb. The Shaman's Map hidden within his robes began to tremble in resonance.
"Old Uncle," he turned to Old Whale. "It seems... we will not be returning to Flood Dragon Island just yet."
"It," he pointed at the newly discovered map, "has come looking for us."