Naval Warfare

The sun had fully risen, casting its light upon the banks of the Biro River, where Xuan Yue stood, gazing at Xuanyuan Hao through the dissipating mist. He was a man of equal merit to Lan Yi Xuan, equally noble, yet while Xuanyuan Hao exuded an imposing aura, Lan Yi Xuan radiated an elegant serenity. It was perhaps this fervor for the world and his unwavering commitment to his original goals that drove Xuanyuan Hao's ambitions.

"Is that so?" Xuan Yue laughed softly, her clear eyes revealing no turbulence, betraying no excess emotion—calm and composed, she exuded a power strong enough to reassure others.

Turning away, a faint smile gracing her lips, she leaned in to whisper something into Bai Zhanfeng's ear. Moments later, he quietly departed.

"Xuanyuan Hao, are you not concerned that I might consign you to the depths of the Biro River?" Her casual tone carried over the crisp morning breeze, reaching Xuanyuan Hao's ears. The soldiers flanking them stood rigidly, moving closer together. Despite the distance that separated them, Xuan Yue could still sense the cautious and wary gazes fixed upon her.

"Only if you possess the capability!" Xuanyuan Hao responded with equal bravado. Such boldness from anyone else might seem arrogant, yet coming from him, it inspired an undeniable respect and admiration.

Cheng Qiang and other generals surveyed the river's surface, where the wind whipped the air, causing their dark silk robes to flutter dramatically.

"Moreover, I know that Feng Xuan Yue is an utterly principled woman, not one to resort to underhanded tactics."

Xuan Yue offered a faint smile, choosing not to respond. She had never realized that, in Xuanyuan Hao's eyes, she was perceived as virtuous. She had never considered herself above reproach; to achieve her ends, she would employ any means necessary—whether against Xuanyuan Hao or Bai Zhanfeng. To claim this world, she would not hesitate to stain the land with blood, yet she would never hide her intentions.

Gazing at the tranquil river surface, her fingers curled slightly, as if awaiting something.

Xuanyuan Hao did not retreat; he believed Xuan Yue to be indeed straightforward, yet he also understood that she would never adhere strictly to the rules of engagement. His reasoning for facing her in this manner hinged on his conviction that she would refrain from action at this moment—the risks were too great, with his army of three hundred thousand positioned across the river. If she chose to act now, she would gain nothing, and perhaps even mar her own reputation as a wise leader. She was not one to undertake such folly.

Bai Zhanfeng left for a brief moment, soon returning to Xuan Yue's side. She stared at the river, laughing joyously. "Is that so?" Her laughter was wild and untamed, yet held an air of ease and spontaneity, "You simply do not know me."

Xuan Yue's voice carried, and she waved her hand. A group of archers surged forward, their arrows aimed squarely at Xuanyuan Hao. Bai Zhanfeng stepped in front of her and shouted, "Fire!"

Hundreds of arrows flew, yet the chaos did not engulf the river's inhabitants; instead, they drew closer, forming a protective barrier around Xuanyuan Hao.

He stared at Xuan Yue, disbelief etched upon his features. Shock and a flicker of panic glimmered in his eyes as arrows rained down. He had never anticipated Xuan Yue would act in such a manner.

With arrows soaring toward him, many around him had already fallen, yet he remained unblinking, dodging the sharp tips. The wind swept in, carrying the sound of the arrows slicing through the air, tousling his hair as he focused on Xuan Yue. On the riverbank, her white attire billowed like a celestial being.

Never in his life had he felt such disarray, not even when Xuan Yue fell into the Valley of Death. He had assured himself he would have no regrets for the kingdom, but at this moment, despite his unwillingness, he was compelled to acknowledge a vague, unnameable emotion within him—a fear perhaps, or something else entirely. No woman had ever instilled in him such wariness.

He suddenly recalled the words Jun Pin Yu had shared with him before departing. Had he not felt a similar melancholy then? Was this the wisdom of the Feng woman? Because he could not possess her, did it mean the world was destined to slip from his grasp as well?

"Retreat!" Xuanyuan's forces turned to respond. Many soldiers fell into the water, yet Xuanyuan Hao remained unscathed. Xuan Yue watched those who surrounded him—those who were willing to lay down their lives for Xuanyuan Hao. A flicker of admiration stirred within her for the man who inspired such unwavering loyalty.

In the river, the fallen soldiers began to swim toward the boats, only to be met by a throng of warriors blocking their path. The battle commenced.

"Stop!" Xuan Yue commanded sharply. The archers instantly ceased their actions and began to withdraw in an orderly manner, but the river had yet to regain its tranquility.

"Xuanyuan Hao!" Xuan Yue shouted, pointing to the river, where Xuanyuan's soldiers clashed with Bai Chu's in a fierce struggle.

The Xuanyuan warriors were fierce in land combat, capable of defeating three foes at once. Under Xuanyuan Hao's command, they were formidable, yet in the water, they transformed from dragons to mere insects. Encumbered by their heavy armor, they could scarcely move, whereas Bai Chu's forces were nimble, gliding through the water like fish, using their environment to vanquish the Xuanyuan soldiers.

One after another, the Xuanyuan soldiers found themselves overpowered by their Bai Chu counterparts. The river was strewn with bodies; the glimmering silver armor reflected cold light under the sun, yet in that moment, it was stained a vivid red by blood, turning the azure waters crimson.

Xuanyuan Hao observed the scene, his expression frozen in a tight mask of severity. He had anticipated such a situation before engaging with Bai Chu. Encircled by mountains, land warfare posed no issues, but in the water, it was undeniably Bai Chu's domain. The Bai army included a skilled force of over a thousand trained for combat in aquatic environments, accustomed to the sea, and now he was witnessing their prowess firsthand.

"Xuanyuan Hao, do you believe the Biro River is so easily navigable?" Bai Zhanfeng stepped forward, his voice booming, his internal strength resonating clearly for all to hear.

Surveying the battlefield, Xuan Yue's forces appeared confident, especially the Bai Chu generals, who reveled in their apparent advantage, bolstered by an exhilarating sense of invincibility, eager to use this as a means to deter Xuanyuan's army from crossing the river.

Xuanyuan Hao regarded the beaming Xuan Yue, his brow furrowing. This battle would undoubtedly dampen troop morale. Feng Xuan Yue had never intended to eliminate him; she would not undertake such thankless tasks. Her aim was to assert a show of strength to the Bai Chu soldiers.

Cen San stood beside Xuanyuan Hao, tugging at his sleeve. Despite his simmering frustration, there was little they could do. Xuanyuan had long harbored the ambition to unify the realm and had trained a battalion of naval soldiers over the years, yet they paled in comparison to Bai Chu's skilled forces. Such thoughts only deepened his dissatisfaction with the Chu King, who allowed a mere minister to command the finest troops of the nation. How could such a king reign effectively? Had these soldiers belonged to Chu, and if they had their own elite naval warriors, the situation would surely be different. And what of the Feng King—

Cen San's thoughts grew increasingly dismal, lamenting Xuanyuan Hao's plight. The Zhou princess was gentle and gracious, embodying the virtues of a queen, yet her wisdom and strategy could not hold a candle to that of Feng Xuan Yue.

"Xuanyuan Hao, if you have the prowess, come forth. I await your challenge." 

This skirmish was but a minor test, hardly a true battle. Xuan Yue's intent was to assert her authority, and the effect was evident. Most would choose to withdraw at such a moment, the best course of action; however, she was certain Xuanyuan Hao would not do so. She would not allow him that option. If he retreated to Xuanyuan, her dream of unifying the world would remain an elusive fantasy. It was precisely because of this confidence that she dared to provoke him.

"Very well!"

Xuan Yuanhao glanced at the fallen soldiers of his army below and replied loudly, "I cannot have such a companion by my side for a lifetime, but having an opponent like this makes the journey worthwhile." 

"Return to the camp." 

Although Xuan Yue's sudden strike had caught them off guard, the casualties were not as severe due to the considerable distance. The hasty change of direction had caused many soldiers to lose their balance and tumble overboard, with most sustaining injuries from the troops of Bai Chu. This reality made Bai Zhanfeng furrow his brow in concern. 

The soldiers of Bai Chu moved through the water as effortlessly as fish, and he had no idea when they had crossed over. To reach Bai Chu from the State of Chu, they had to navigate the Biro River; however, it was impossible for them to cross under the watchful eyes of the combined forces of Fenglan and Bai Chu, totaling two hundred thousand troops. Even if they possessed boats, any unforeseen circumstances leading to soldiers falling into the water would spell disaster, as more than half of his three hundred thousand soldiers were unable to swim. Most of the remainder could do little more than keep themselves afloat in such deep waters, leaving them vulnerable to external attacks without any means of retaliation. 

Standing upon the river, Xuan Yue watched as Xuan Yuan's troops gradually receded on their boats. Turning around, she caught sight of the figure in green approaching her, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, and her bright gaze radiated with newfound confidence.