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Chapter 41 Pirates’ Showdown  Part 1

The eastern shore under the dim light of the night, soldiers are cleaning up and repairing the damaged ships. Moonlight is still like before, it was bright and sparkling and the ocean wave washes the beach’s fine sand ashore, but the atmosphere on the beach is somewhat the only thing extraordinary abnormal. 
Su Ling and Gu Yun glanced at each other, both of them have expressions of frustration , helplessness and uncertainty .
 Standing on their left hand side are hundreds of mountain thieves, led by Mu Cang.  Wu Ji and  Yan Ge were among them. These men and other bandits are all extremely afraid of her and for a discerning eye, it is plain to see that she is the bandit leader. Actually the imperial  government wants nothing but just  to get its gold back and since golds were back, no one cares who the genuine bandit leader is. Su military mission right now is to extinguish the pirates, so these robbers at present are not for them to manage.
Standing on the right hand side is Ao Tian, now  the leader of Spirit Island people,   and together with the assassins. They are all wearing  black clothes, besides their sinister cold eyes they  have  grim expressions and austere energy coming out of their body.
One side are robbers and the other side are killers, if we have to say there is enmity, both side also have hatred with Su military. If they want revenge they should also find Su Ling, right? But the current situation is not entirely the case.
The leaders of both parties are coldly watching  and eyeing each other, Ao Tian is fairly peaceful but the bandit leader looks like she is ready to jump on a fight while Gu Yun was continuously puzzled.
Standing continuously together with the bandits is Mu Yi. Now, at this moment to ducked-out of the way , he went to Su Ling’s side, ready  to watch excitedly with full enthusiasm, this man certainly know the inside story. Sensing the eyes of Gu Yun, Mu Yi fiercely glared towards her direction sideways with one eye. Gu Yun laughed in spite of trying to hold it back, this guy really hold grudges.
Yang Ge suddenly step forward, staring at the icy face of Ao Tian and shouted, “Come hand over the Lingshi ! “Lingshi to outsiders may be just an ordinary stone, but to Shui Mu tribe, it is sacred and precious.
Ao Tian would not even give him a glance, he have not one iota of interest  which Yang Ge find annoying, “Don’t think that just because we did not talk, we will give up! Hand over the stone. ” Yang Ge was waving his silver whip toward Ao Tian. When the silver whip was raised,  the two mean behind Ao Tian  swiftly jumped out, one sword fall on the a long whip and the other broadsword to cut the hand that hold the whip.
Gu Yun drew a breath, the hand of Yang Ge that is holding the whip will definitely get cut off !
Gu Yun was about to undertake the task of stopping it when a whip of green emerald snake pattern suddenly wrapped on the hand of man holding a broadsword, whip was also suffused with a faint green light  and  the whip is covered in razor sharp scales. Mu Cang bitterly pulled the long whip. The scales tore the skin of the man’s arm exposing the flesh and broadsword crash. The green whip’s  scales were soaked with dark red blood.
Ao Tian icy cold eyes move and the sinister Ci Ling sword left the scabbard, everyone see only the touch of shadow flashed, he approached Mu Cang simultaneously entangled the green whip  also wrapped the green snake whip, the sword edge and the friction of the whip scales gave out a spark and  making a sharp piercing sound that is painful to the ear.
Gu Yun wanted to go up to dissuade Ao Tian but Su Ling gently discourage her and hold her shoulders and Gu Yun quickly told him,“Her snake leather whip is very strong. “
Su Ling replied in a low voice,” Ao Tian’s Ci Ling is not a conventional weapon either, we talk about it later.”
The two martial arts’ skills were not weak, equally good, no one is better than the other in this soft-sword and snake whip duel showdown.  However, Gu Yun thought they should stop fighting and she came forward again.
“Whack!” Another whip strike and landed heavily on the solid wooden warship and instantly left a trail of deep slashes. Two people are entertaining themselves, the warship that stopped at the shore was suffering from the shoots, whip hits and a sword scar marks staggered down the ship’s hull. The ship had been badly damaged and now looks even more miserable.
Su Ling’s face grew dark. Gu Yun lightly cough and asked, “Are you sure you want to continue watching this? “
 Stop! “Su Ling low boom, pull out the Chixue sword to separate the two men, a strong hot internal force of the sword forced both of them to back away  a few steps.
Gu Yun also came and stopped in front of Ao Tian.  Ao Tian and Mu Cang and initially didn’t want to stop it themselves but Gu Yun come around to persuade them and she took advantage to restrain his sword. 
Mu Cang recovered her long whip, but the bright eyes is still full of murderous vibe. 
What’s the bitter hatred between them? Gu Yun sighed, “I don’t know what is the personal gratitude or grudge between you, I am grateful to the two of you that rescued us, however is there anything that can  be settled  by discussing about it. If you don’t want to talk about it, fight it out again but do it outside the Su military territory. “
What happened today was something like a written drama. They were besieged by the pirates at sea during the day, in the midst of crisis the people from Spirit Island unexpectedly came and saved them. Finally, after coming back to shore with some difficulty, the two squads is ready to beat it out.  Can someone explain to me what the hell is this about?!
Apparently Gu Yun’s act to reconcile the two parties has some effect.  Wu Ji continued to yell like what Yan Ge’s claim ,  he descended saying, “ We pursued from the rainforest to the sea for the sole purpose of getting back the  clan’s Lingshi, unless they surrender the Lingshi there is nothing to be discussed about. “
Lingshi, what is it? Gu Yun glared at Ao Tian and he cooly replied, “I don’t know what Lingshi. “
Mu Cang look has gradually relaxed  and in a whisper, “ Ten years ago, Ju Ling Island person stole our Lingshi personally from my father and three years ago you have killed my father. I knew that Ju Ling Island only  receives money to collect things, I don’t want to pursue the matter such has been long in the past, I did not want to investigate, I only wanted to know where is the Lingshi right now? Where is the man who hired you to kill my father?”
Low dark voice, doesn’t sound like a woman, especially with her beautiful ethereal face. But listening to her,  it let the hearers carry on the creepy feeling.
Ao Tian look behind, a 40-something man respectfully stepped forward to Ao Tian  and whispered a few words in his ear. Ao Tian’s face didn’t change while listening to him. He replied in a whisper, “Why would I tell you? “
Bright eyes are looking silently; standing on the right side next to Su Ling was Gu Yun. Mu Cang replied, “ If you tell me  where and who is it, I will helped her eradicate the pirates. “
Gu Yun surprised for a moment, when was the fight with pirates became hers? Qiao Lin Feng  with a hissing sound, says,  “This  girl is declaring something that is not small, how dare you wildly talk that your six boats  will eradicate piracy? ” Although she did help today so they have a chance to counter attack, but he cannot accept her boasting.
Mu Cang is not annoyed, gruff voice replied dismissively, “I know where the pirate’s nest, this woman also know how many ships and how many people they really have. If I do not share that information, you are looking for three or five years search and still may not find them. “
Su military did not find them in three-months. Qiao Lin still dubious and asked, 
” Pirate’s nests where is it? “
Mu Cang looked at Ao Tian. Her meaning was obvious. If Ao Tian did not answer her questions, she will not disclose the location of pirates’ den.
All eyes were now focused on the Ao Tian. Gu Yun felt funny inside. Why would Mu Cang think that in order to fight piracy she could ask Ao Tian this question and expect to get an answer to her question? Just when Gu Yun assumed that Ao Tian would not bother, Ao Tian suddenly put an explanation, “The Ju Ling people charge in their dealings and we never betray it. But … I can also pick up your business if you give me one or two silvers and  I will help you get back your Lingshi and  also help you kill the killers.”
 Mu Cang eyebrow slightly shifted, she wanted to personally murder the enemy, but it looks like the opposite for this icy man. It is absolutely impossible that he would tell her. In this situation, he is still willing to compromise to the point where it’s strictly only because of the young woman, Qing Mo. For a long time Mu Cang paused, then decided to take the deal, ” Good, ”  from her waist and she took out one or two pieces of silver and thrown it to Ao Tian.
Ao Tian slightly raised his hand and easily caught the silver. He declared, “After three months you will receive the Lingshi and the head of your father’s enemy. “
The tone is calm and cool , as if their deal was not a man’s life, but is a very common thing. Gu Yun was secretly scared, is that the Ao Tian she knew? 
They seemed to have reached a consensus, Qiao Lin excitedly asked,“You can now say where is the pirate’s nest,right? “Today , they destroyed five battle ships of the pirates, if they could find their lair then  they could soon totally eradicate piracy!
Today it’s too late, tomorrow, I will come back to you at noon. “Ignoring people’s watchful eye, Mu Cang turned away.   
“Hey!” Qiao Lin angrily yelled while staring at the figure that was walking away,” What do you mean by this! You played us! “
The shout made Mu Cang stopped, but she did not turn back,” Su Yu is in my boat, you’d better find someone to take him away. “After leaving the word, Mu Cang went away without looking back.
Su Yu with them?! Su Ling look to the side at Mu Yi and anxiously, ” Yu, how is he? “
Mu Yi put his hand on the shoulders of Su Ling, replied,” Rest assured, he is just unconscious. ” Su Yu that kid’s life was very hard, relying on a broken piece of wood from the old ship to float on the sea for so long. Originally he thought that Mu Cang will not save him but she eventually rescued him.
Just unconscious? This is comfort? Su Ling ruthlessly took Mu Yi’s hands and told Gu Yun, on the side, “I’ll go to see him, you rest early. “
“OK. “
After Su Ling left, Gu Yun went back and saw that  Ao Tian had already gone far. She hesitated for a moment then she called him loudly,” Ao Tian, I want to talk to you. ” 
From  afar, Ao Tian lag his steps and waved to the people following behind of his delay, a few people quickly leave, they left  so fast leaving Gu Yun feel amazed. .
The two walk side by side on the soft sandy beach. Ao Tian is always indifferent and focused his attention by looking at the front. The two were silent for a long time.
Thank you for saving us. ” Gu Yun took the lead trying to break the awkward silence. Unfortunately,  it took a long time for Ao Tian to answer. Gu Yun frowned,  what had happened to him and it felt he is a little weird.
Gu Yun thought he is going to be silent and will just  walk all the way when Ao Tian finally said, ” You got hurt, have you? “
” I have completely healed. “The last chest injury thing, she knew Ao Tian felt guilty and she wouldn’t talk about it.
 The Black Spirit Island ships were docked about three or four miles away from the Su military warships docking station.  The black ship during the night seems to be integrated into the boundless moon lit night’. If you don’t carefully look, you may not find its presence there.
Gu Yun stopped and asked in a low voice, ” Are you the spiritual Patriarch of the island? “
Ao Tian was reluctant to talk. He would just say ,” Ah ” then he will no longer say a word.
“Why?” 
Gu Yun was puzzled, was he not trying vigorously to get rid of the Spirit Island? Now at the moment how did he become a Patriarch?  She thought for a while, Gu Yun exclaimed, ” Was it because of Ye Mei? Ten years for election of chieftain, as long as you avoid these days, wait until there is a new Patriarch they won’t catch Ye Mei to push you. “
Ao Tian shook his head,” Only the silver-haired person is qualified to become a Patriarch, Ye Mei is my blood sister, she is most likely to give birth to a silver head descendant later and for that  they wouldn’t let her off. ” 
Gu Yun would also like to ask more but Ao Tian suddenly turned his back,  in a deep cold voice with a touch of helplessness, but with unusual firmness said,” I have someone I need to protect. “ His hand slowly clenched and his fingers deeply pierced the wounds in his palm, he has clear and keen eyes and  the pain will make him remember to be indifferent.
Protector, what  warm words, he’s such a good brother. Gu Yun remember the night with him  drinking wantonly, as the Qiong Yue first rate bounty hunter after they caught the culprits, this is how they passed the time. At that time, he made Jianghu somewhat pleased, free and unfettered. But at the moment he possessed authority,  he can no longer be free and carefree, now  the aloof and arrogant back even reveals a hint of sadness.
People living in this world there’s always frustrations and sorrows!  Drawing a deep breath, masking her own feelings of  grief and sorrow, Gu Yun asked in a whisper, “Is your shifu the Ghost doctor? “
Ao Tian turned back quickly,” Are you feeling unwell? “
She shook her head, pointing to the two scars on her cheek, GuYun said with smile,
” I would like to ask, whether he can heal this scar on my face? ”
Scars? Ao Tian’s expression suddenly look cold with dismay, Gu Yun was slightly stunned, why did he become like that?
AO Tian in an icy voice asked, “ What reason that you want to treat your face? “
GuYun suddenly realized, guessed that she may be misunderstood, and quickly explained,” I did not want a treatment!! It is for my sister, she lives in the palace and is not easy for her  and I want to help her find a doctor to cure her face. “
Why everyone is like this? Even if she wanted to fix her face there’s no need for such a surprise? Most pitiful is Su Ling, everyone first thought was because he repulsed her.
Ao Tian stared at Gu Yun for a long time, after he determined that she is not lying, no fake smile, his face slowly calmed and in a deep voice replied, “Let me talk to Shifu. ” 
” As long as you help me and do a referral, I will do everything afterwards. I will explain it to him. ” I heard that expert has its quirks, if he thinks she is allowed without sincerity, it is not good.  
He doesn’t like meeting strangers. ” Ao Tian apparently refused. Gu Yun did not pursue the matter and replied,
” All right, thank you. ” 
Su Ling’s tall figure was walking towards them. Covering the pain in his eyes, Ao Tian said in a whisper, ” Rest early. ” Without waiting for Gu Yun to respond, he already turned to leave, his footsteps was very fast and the aloof figure gradually fade into the night, only the silver hair can be seen bright in the dark.
He—what’s wrong with him?   
Gu Yun absently looking at the back of Ao Tian , suddenly behind her a warm, familiar atmosphere surrounded her. 
What are you thinking? ” His eyes followed her line of sight. Su Ling also saw the fading shadow.  Ao Tian as Spirit Island patriarch, the endless hunt should also be over right now. The man, if he does not take the initiative to give up, he is his biggest rival with Qing Mo.
Gu Yun did not answer and whispered, “How is Su Yu? “
Only since January he have not seen him, Su Yu was only skin and bones now. Su Ling exclaimed,” I ordered to send him back tonight to Su ancestral home. I hope the Patriarch can save him. ”
Gu Yun turned around , Gu Yun comforts him” Don’t worry, he’ll be all right. “
” Ok “
Su Ling held  Gu Yun’s hand and the couple walked  holding hands slowly towards the camp. However on the road further behind  them is another lonely shadow also disappearing gradually.
It was late at night, tireless waves chases the beach, a clear shadow sit alone on the white sand. The howling sea breeze blowing her black cloak, a woman caresses on her wrist a little green snake, and her eyes is  full of chill.
In his eyes there is only one woman, but not her, even in the ship after he picked up his brother, he did not look at her. Mu Cang let out a self-deprecating smile. Qing Mo is his only subject of affection.  
Her lower lip corner smiled, Mu Cang sense someone’s presence and in an icy voice, “Why are you following me? “
Hands folded at the chest, MuYi chuckled and with  smile,” It took onlyone or two pieces of silver and you can effortlessly find Lingshi , get anews for the death of your father . The leader really is clever. ” 
You get lost! “He has the nerve to say! She has spent more than 1200 silver on him to buy news about Lingshi and the enemy that caused his father’s death. He told her, he got only information that Lingshi and the murderers that caused his father’s death is at the Spirit Island. The hitman’s lethality is more than a murder weapon; she wants to know who was behind the scenes and this damned man dared to say he didn’t know! He pretended to be kind enough to  look for Spirit Island together with them but the result after drifting in the sea for a month they did not find the passage! She just wants him to get out of her sight!  
Mu Cang sets out.  Mu Yi instead of leaving, went around to her front to block her way, pretending to laugh pitifully, “Burning bridges so soon? In fact you want to help Su Ling to extinguish the pirates; after all the people have given graciousness to you! Hey, I know what  Su Ling knew in the serene mountains five years ago. I should have not only appreciate the beauty taking a bath and forgotten that a heroes should rescue the beauty too. “
“What did you say? “Mu Cang face became pale.  Her face has always been calm but now a wave is moving across her face, a wave of deep panic.
Her panicked look pleasing to Mu Yi. He was feeling good and continued to tease, “If I stepped ahead of Su Ling to give you a cloak, the person that you would be obsessed about right now would be me. ” That time his drink with Su Ling was arranged to a secluded hill; he was a half-day early.  He accidentally caught sight of a woman boldly naked in the hot springs alone taking a bath. He was just too happy to appreciate the sight. Subsequently there are young people coming for a walk and he got ready also, prepared for the  mayhem, but just like that, Su Ling came  to rescue and left behind her a cloak and gone is his good play.
He … … He was there! Mu Cang limbs turn cold and her blood rushes rapidly to her face, holding the whip  with her hand trembling, her eyes was set to kill, Mu Cang exclaimed, “You’re dead! “
The whip is aiming mercilessly towards Mu Yi’s neck, Mu Yi knew she would do it, he immediately took a leap  then a step to avoid the menacing whip, ” My leader, if your temper as good as your body, I will be more fascinated to you!” Leaving behind an insolent laughter, Mu Yi stature quickly ran fast towards the city.
Mu-Yi!!” Mu Cang chase out for ten miles, but finally let him run.  Her chest is tight and pained, she was clutching her chest, she step back and just too overwhelmed with humiliation and anger. Her memories came flooding back into her mind.
Mu Yi thought that her first meeting  with Su Ling’s was five years ago in a quiet mountain springs, but actually it’s not. She meet him the first time in Pei Cheng (or Pei City) ten years ago, when she was ten years old, she looks thin and short. The tribe’s Lingshi has just been stolen which angered his father and suffered a heart attack, they thought the deed was committed by Qiong Yue and that Qiong Yue was sending people against them, so they wage war against their garrison commander.  Since then any man who was dressed in Shui Mu Zu  (water tribe people) entering the Pei Cheng were arrested. She is still too small, do not understand anything and she snuck out of the rain forest thinking of playing in Pei City, but just  as she slipped for the city, she was discovered by soldiers of the city and made her escape. She escape to a roadway and was cornered in a tunnel, she only felt being carried and immediately fell into the embrace of a solid arms. She still hasn’t figured out what is going on, he sat her on the horse and tightly wrapped her in his cloak.
 Su Ling rescues her at that time he was a teenage general, bright and uninhibited and generally quiet. He took her to a rain forest,  rode away without saying a word and just leaving her a haunting silhouette. It seems like he doesn’t come for someone’s help only once, so when they met again at that secluded mountain at that time, she was excited  at the same time panicked and lost her senses when she saw it was him. She was so looking forward to seeing him again, but he did not recognize her and only to left his cloak again. Her mind at the time is preoccupied with the pleasing thought how to meet him again, only to find out that damn Mu Yi was also at the scene. Now, when she remembers the incident, she hates it, it became an unpleasant memory!
 *( TL note- the word used literally was tooth that itches, I guessed her fond memories of Su Ling become somewhat unpleasant now because of Mu YI)
Mu Yi! You’d better not show in front of me or I will tear you apart!
*****
The next day inside the main tent.
Su Ling was sitting on the main seat. Gu Yun was standing in front of a large table, looking at yesterday’s pirate formation drawings, in fact their formations does not changed a lot, mainly with good understanding and the handling of vessels was very strong. A group of large men, Han Shu and Qiao Lin Feng has begun to be impatient.
Gu Yun look up to the side and on the left by the door is the black figure of Ao Tian. He is here, because he is the only one who could contain Mu Cang, so thought Qiao Lin Feng, and invited him over. Gu Yun however thinks it is not necessary.  Although, she fought against Mu Cang number of times, Mu Cang’s grip isn’t so much and also she finds Mu Cang is not the type who is going to renegade on her words.
Just little after noon, from the outside the tent, a voice with little irritation, “General, the Shui Mu Zu chief, Mu Cang. “
Su Ling replied,” Ask her to come in. “
The light drapery opened welcoming Mu Cang inside the tent, Yan Ge is the only one who followed. Seeing Ao Tian at the door, Yan Ge’ s expression was immediately filled with a extreme anger. Fearing that they might broke out again into fight, Qiao Lin ask right away, “You can now say where is the pirate’s nest, right? ” 
Mu Cang went to the table looked at Gu Yun at the opposite side with her eyes displaying complex emotions. Gu Yun does not have a chance to see it. Mu Cang then covered her eyes with the piece of a leather case and opened it with one of her fingers and whispered, 
Here. “
Gu  Yun looked at the drawing of delicate reefs distribution. The map indicated above the size and the coverage location of the reef. She was secretly surprised because the drawn maps are of the submerged rocks. How long she has come to the East Sea?
Everyone was attracted to the reef maps Mu Cang placed at the table and was greatly surprised after seeing it.  Qiao Lin asked in surprise, “You–how did you do it?”.
Mu Cang still expressionless, hoarse voice coldly replied,” Everything is spiritual, the sea is the same. “
Spirituality? Everyone is doubting, a little green snake slipped right from her sleeve, lazily putting out the spit, languidly and slowly circling around the wrist of Mu Cang. Mu Cang stroked its head, the little green snake obediently stood motionless. Qiao Lin was secretly swallowed a mouthful of saliva and feeling an aura that he did not know, this woman is what kind of evil?  
“You went on to say? ” Gu Yun prompt Mu Cang, she already seen earlier that damn little green snake, her mind is only on the distribution maps.  Since, Mu Cang is already inside they can now find the pirate’s nest and to understand of the basic situation.
The pirates have a total of 15 main battle ships and five was sunk yesterday. The remaining ten have 36 skippers*, (smaller boats used to approach the shoreline) divided among the battleships. The main battle ships are distributed in this area because the hidden reefs covers are great here and have a natural barrier that makes it easy to escape your search. The boats are mostly concentrated on the ship and between the ships to escape the surge of the rising tide  and waves. Pirates like to exit from both sides and this is the one where you were besieged, another  outlet is here. “In the map she pointed out an area at the sea, Mu Cang continues,” So long as warships enter into this are of the sea, it is very easy for pirate to siege.
The pirate ships are even more than the Su navy, it’s incredible, Han Shu cries out,
” Just thinking of the pirates having so many ships! Fortunately, all boats much less useful. “
 You are wrong. “Gu Yun said with concern,” The boats are sometimes more powerful, these boats as long as hidden behind  the ship and slowly approaching an enemy ship, and then seizes the right opportunity to swarm out to the enemy’s ship.  Since it have small hull and very flexible, the canon cannot easily hit the boat and if they continue to get close within 20 feet and the cannon has not hit them, pirates can strike the ship with projectile explosives and then climbed directly on board. ”    
So seriously, restlessly pat on the back, Han Shu cry,” We now know the pirate’s lair now and the reef distribution, while they are unprepared,  rush to them and annihilate them in one fell swoop! “
” The hidden rock groups is far more complicated than you might think, the map is just on general distribution, under the rock bed no one fully knows completely. Su military ships are so big, and once it enter the rock group it can easily be discovered, you don’t forget that the pirates are already familiar with the terrain, it is not you who will annihilate them but you in turn will bring your own destruction and everyone’s  death. “Mu Cang solemn and calm rationalization has completely extinguished Han Shu’s imposing zealousness.
This way doesn’t work and like that is also out of the question, naval warfare is really in trouble! Han Shu angrily, ” Then what we are to do, we cannot enter the lair, pirates was badly injured yesterday after some venturing out, so they might not dare, even if they come out it maybe only three to five ships and that 35 boats cannot be wiped out in one swoop. They will be endless trouble.
“Then Su Ling who was silent like a tomb suddenly spoke,” As long as we send the bait, they will come out. “
” Bait? “
Gu Yun alarmed,” Who do you want to use as bait? “
Qiao Lin paled, quickly protested, “General no! no! You–“
Su Ling raised his hand , preventing Qiao Lin to say more and continued what he want to say,
” They have so many large warships, battle array transformations, these pirates are certainly not ordinary robbers and  bandits. Since this time I think they make so arrogant provocations, first want to try Su military ability; the second is they flushed me to come, as long as I work as the bait and they will  appear in the waters  and they think  they will win, and they’re  not only going to come out, but also come out in a full attack. “If they want his life, it is nearly impossible in the land, but it is much more likely  at sea, they will not want to miss this opportunity.
 Youyi cannot help but whisper, “Pirates what kind of people? Who is behind them?’”Otherwise, how could there be so many warships?
“This Mu Yi should know. “He is known as the ‘world of things’ as long as  you are willing to spend money on, nothing  he wouldn’t  know. Han Shu looked left and right but did not find out red figure, so he asked, “Mu Yi? “Yesterday, they had him, how in one night he disappeared?
“He’s dead! “
All the people were surprised at the moment and  pretended that they did not hear and bowed their head, looked at numerous reef distribution. Because after that toned down voice, everyone can hear her gnashing resentment; nobody wants to know how Mu Yi offended this beauty of ice.
“Well, this consultation intends to draw out a feasible and  practical solutions. Su Ling suggested.  Gu Yun replied,” What do you think about it? “Now that he comes up with the idea of using himself as a bait, he must have thought  of the battle plan.
Su Ling pointed to the area frequented by pirates in a deep voice said, “I led six warships and 10 boats into their ambush areas, in addition to six warships, 13 boats will encircle and ambush in two ways.” Pointing around the area frequented by the pirates where they normally form a battalion perimeter. “Wait until they’re entirely set out with a battle the array formation, then flanked  them left and right and take their siege. “
Han Shu is so excited and overjoyed, “This plan is good, there’s an inside and outside attack, the pirates have no escape.”
Gu Yun continued looking at the reef distribution map and her expression does not light up instead her brows becomes more and more tightly knit. Youyi asked, “Consigliere, what do you think? “
Gu Yun said in a low voice, “This converging attack inside and out is a very good one, just to make this sure this “mantis that stalks the cicada but unaware of the bird behind” works. We must make sure the cicada is not eaten before the bird arrives.  While escaping the sight of the pirates, another group of ships must be hiding behind the covers of ten li away from the war. ” Gu Yun looked up, looked to Youyi and  asked,”Recently , considering the gust of the Northwest wind, in the case of the wind from ten miles away to how long does it take to get into place it want? “
Mentally calculated it, Youyi replied, “ Half an hour. “
Gu Yun stared at Su Ling, the pair of black eyes saw a touch of helplessness and insistence that he also knows it is risky to do it, but he will still pull forward, he is too confident or he doesn’t take his life seriously! Glancing at Su Ling Gu Yun bluntly, ”  For such a long time, the oriole hasn’t arrived, cicadas have been eaten away by the praying mantis.”
Gu Yun has upset Han Shu and he retorts loudly,” Half an hour, you look down on people, too.”
Look down upon whom? Su Ling is in dangerous situation! Gu Yun has been irritated and angry, Han Shu also said now she is looking down on them, she is finally furious, “Pirates have 36 boats and ten large vessel, violent gunfire, familiar with the sea, is good at siege; Su military will deploy six ships and 10 boats to lure them, do you have a few lives! How much longer can you hang? “
Gu Yun is roaring, Han Shu not only froze in fear there, everyone was shocked by her sudden anger. Now, inside the big tent everyone is so quiet that even breathing is very clear.
Su Ling took a deep sigh, her temper is getting worse, he knew she would be so angry and that is entirely for fear of his safety,  but if the pirate is not eliminated , East Coast will not see peace for a day. Pirates are obviously directed at him, he can’t let the people continue to suffer.
 After she vent out, there are things still need to be resolve. Gu Yun took a deep breath, under dejected heart of restlessness and anxiety, said in a low voice, “If you have to lure him out, you have to take at least eight warships into the ambush circle, plus six of Mu Cang’s ships should be able to withstand it. “
He is sitting away impatiently, Yan Ge , when he hear the words that they would go, he stood up, came near and immediately yelled,
”  Why should we go? ”   
Gu Yun’s eyebrow gently rose,” Someone said they will help me destroy the pirates, now has reneged on the promise? “Gu Yun’s help me  the “two words was said very seriously, Mu Cang dare to take her to say things  and how can she not make the best use of it!
Beautiful ice beauty with a rare smile, Mu Cang simply said, “OK, I will be with Su Ling into  pirate ambush. “
Mu Cang so eagerly want to help, Gu Yun’s mood also improved a bit,”You throw the explosives although not a big power like the cannon, but against the boat it is very effective. “
Qiao Lin a cynical smile,” Su military currently has only a total 12 ships, and three are broken. Lure him with eight ships, ambush and siege with four, and but also soldiers have to be distributed in two, our firepower is not enough, I’m afraid. “
The master tent is quiet again, yes, the ship so much, it is easy to take this loss.
” I can help you ambushed the pirates. “
A deep male voice still cold, but very resonant,  everyone turned to look at Ao Tian sitting alone on a chair and they don’t understand why as a master  of Spirit Island  wanted to help the Su military?! Ao Tian’s face has very little facial expression and even the dark eyes did not reveal any emotion.
Others don’t understand but  for Su Ling, the reason was very clear, the eagle eye slightly met the eye of the woman on his side, Su Ling exclaimed, ” Good! Qing Mo, you will be directed with Ao Tian to ambush warships and siege. “
Gu Yun was stunned, so why not let her accompany him most and lure the enemy alongside by side with her? Gu Yun’s face become very unpleasant. Su Ling’s heart is not difficult to guess, even if he added a few more ships and added strength but with the pirates’ might there  still have some gaps. The battle is extremely dangerous, she and Ao Tian external support will be much more secure, besides… … Ao Tian would not let her have any trouble.
Gu Yun snorted, he wants the result to be really thorough!  Somebody has to calm down; Gu Yun will depart separately and although she will no longer be alongside with him to fight, but she said she must protect him and will do it! Gu Yun cold eyes slightly squint, in a whisper, “Now that we know where their main battle ships, before the battle can do some other things.”
What to do? They looked quizzically at GuYun. She also did not sell off and replied, “Piracy is the most powerful weapon is cannon, as long as we can destroy their artillery, even if only in part tampered, our chances for victory will be very big. “
Qiao Lin insistently,” How to destroy? “
Gu Yun didn’t answer his question but turned to see Mu Cang and asked,” if it is in the evening, your vessels to pirate ship battalion, how close you can camp without being noticed? “
There was a silence for a moment, Mu Cang replied,” Two li away.” Pirates are highly vigilant, even at night; there will always be people on boat patrol, once the vessel get close to within two li, even the small boat will be discovered immediately.
 She thought she wanted to row the boat near, Gu Yun chuckled and asked,
” If it is people? “
” Who do you want to swim over? “Mu Cang stare blankly for a moment, then shook her head,” now is the month of January where sea water is icy cold not to mention the sea is not river or streams, no one can swiftly swim in the mighty waves of the sea so far. “
” You don’t need to worry about, I just want to know if I can avoid the pirate eyes. “
” If people can live. ” She stared at Gu Yun calm and confident eyes for a long time, Mu Cang have doubts,” How do you want to do this? “
Mu Cang is not the only one curious; everyone wants to know ‘what kind of drugs or medicinal oil Gu Yun is peddling.’  
Yesterday I saw the soldiers repairing the ships and they used a special adhesive substance for the cracks. ” Gu Yun looking to Qiao Lin for explanation said,” Ahh? That is a characteristic of the East  Sea unique plant , the banana tree, if you open the fruit, mixed the stems and leaves  you can get a slimy sap or mucus. Local fishermen often use it to fill the small holes at bottom of their boats. This mixture after blending for two quarter of an hour became so hard and basically inseparable even with the spray of water.”
Gu Yun nodded and the elite’s eyes flashed with a sly, she whispered,”  As long as we pour the mucus mixture into the muzzle of the pirates, they cannot use the cannons. ”
Yes ah! Blocking pirate’s cannon and see how arrogant they are! Qiao Lin excitedly clap his thighs, but then after thinking for a moment that is unlikely to happen, “the idea is good, but who can do that? “
” Yu Shijun! “
Yu Shijun stepped forward. Gu Yun said in a low voice, “to the Gray Hawk select the best fifty for endurance battle, ready to fight for my command. “
” Yes. “Yu Shijun ordered to leave.
Qiao Lin confused, when did it happened in Su military the so called Gray Hawk team and not the Tiger camp is most severe? Youyi  resides in the city and  stays for a time and heard of the so-called “goshawk” and their prestige. Youyi whispered a few words to Qiao Lin and he looked surprised  and then Qiao Lin turned to look at  Gu Yun.  Gu Yun  at this moment was talking with the General  privately in whispers, the General turned a little dark, wrinkled his brows but finally nodded.
Su Ling in a low voice, “Youyi, send someone to prepare fruit and leaves and stems of the banana tree. “
 Yes. “
” Tonight at zishi (11-1 midnight) Mu Cang and I go to the sneak and play, tomorrow morning is the decisive battle against the pirates. “Gu Yun take one look at Mu Cang on her side , she still is has an icy face, but Gu Yun saw the spark  of anticipation in her eyes. She guessed right, Mu Cang is definitely the kind of person who is excited of meeting challenges.
This is what I draw yesterday of the pirate’s ships formation chart, open warfare on the battlefields neither you have experienced nor  not you arrange a specific combat plan. “
Gu Yun passed the blueprints on the table before Su Ling. Her tone was still not very good, but agreed to Su Ling ‘s transit arrangements to be with Ao Tian’s group. Only put the siege in timely manner to solve Su Ling’s trap, she wanted to help him win, even if she does not stand by his side, that is not important.”
 Su Ling can’t understand why she suddenly figured it out and readily accepted the arrangements. In this battle, his concern is for her not brave through hardship and dangers.
“Tonight at zishi, Han Shu and Qiao Lin accompany me to  tactic maneuver on the ships and boats of Mu Cang-“
In the huge main tent, a group of people revolve in the front of long narrow table where deployment of tomorrow’s combat action, even very far from Ao Tian and Yan Ge also sets out to be depended on.  
The setting of golden yellow sun in the western sky, captivating red sunset with its rays falling on the stillness of the sea; the water is coated with a layer of warm orange light and the waves dazzle some glare.  On the sea shore, soldiers are busy preparing for tomorrow’s battle , a touch of tall figure standing alone on the beach, black eyes is watching the distant sea level, watching the fiery red sun little bit engulfed and the chilled face actually flashed a trace of elusive sadness.
The ocean waves pursue the remote sand beach, waves after waves sprayed at his feet then scattered, he remains as focused ahead, the ocean waves carelessly playing wet the hem of his clothes.
Gu Yun sighed, she got up and grabbed Su Ling’s sleeve and he pulled back a few steps. She understand Su Ling’s pressure of being a leader, Gu Yun stood by his side and laughs heartily, “You have the leisure and carefree mood to enjoy the sunset? “
Gu Yun felt  a pair of large hands tightly enclosed around her, the next moment she had fallen into a familiar arms, there are a lot of soldiers in the distance ships and checking the cannons, from time to time there are people looking over towards their side. Gu Yun felt uneasy and struggled but the hands at binding her waist refused to release, deep voice and warm breath  suddenly fall in her ear, “Permit me to properly embrace you.”
Forceful heart beat can be felt through the vest and the  strong heartbeat is being transmitted to her. Gu Yun ceased the struggle though she couldn’t see his facial expression nevertheless she could feel through his suffocating embrace the waves in his heart. Gu Yun whispered, ” How are you? ” 
Su Ling did not answer, he just enclosed his hand on her waist tighter. Tomorrow, the big battle, he knew the odds, he had her “arrangement” with Ao Tian and…. is this advance farewell? She was being held tightly around her waist but she does not feel any pain, but the bouts of tightening she felt in her heart is even worse than the pain.
She let him hold her for a long time, GuYun with words hiding the emotion she declared, “Su Ling, I won’t let you die.  You cannot die, understand? “
Cold tone of voice is totally commanding,  masking the slight trembling. The chest behind her back stiffened and he held her deeper in his arms and a deep male voice firmly left a word.
 “ Hao. “*
*(TL : meaning  yes, good or ok but in Chinese this connotes an endearing answer)
The Sun has been completely set into the sea, leaving little rays of light, but this is enough to hold the shadow of the couple in a very long embrace.  

Notes: You might have figured it by now..Spirit Island is also called Pik Ling or Ju Ling Island which also part of Jianghua. My understanding of Jinghua is an underworld which is made of different sects that may not recognize the authority of the Imperial  Kingdom. The bandits are actually Shui Mu tribes displaced by expansion of territories and misunderstanding with Imperial Kingdom. 

*****

To be continued …part 2



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