Chapter 136 - Blood Steam Battle - 1 (1/2)
Blood Steam Battle. Thus was called the great battle that would decide the outcome of the conflict between the Four Pirate Generals. Only two left, the Steam Goddess, Ho Ri-Na, would challenge the Red Devil Jin-Sang in one last attempt to reverse the situation and dominate the pirate scene of the Forgotten Ocean.
Incredibly for everyone who was waiting for this confrontation with trepidation, Ho Ri-Na's chances of victory had shot up within a couple of days. First of all, it became known that one of Jin-Sang's spirit soldiers had died in the clash against the Storm Lightning, Kan Na-Kim. This news amazed everyone, but it wasn't enough to question the absolute advantage that the Red Devil possessed. However, the news of Mok Tong-Hyo's loss, third in command in Jin-Sang crew, caused a considerable sensation.
Mok Tong-Hyo had been taken down in public, in the middle of a city under the Red Devil's control. As if that wasn't enough, his opponents were just a couple of young martial artists and their two spirit beasts. Typically, it was unthinkable that two of the younger generation would have reached the rank of spirit soldier. But not only had they succeeded, but they had even killed a third stage spirit soldier.
Furthermore, from the reports of the people present that day, it seemed that Mok Tong-Hyo had explicitly come looking for them, attacking suddenly without warning. Consequently, the conjecture that these young martial artists had a severe conflict against the Red Devil became widespread; it was so severe that the latter had sent one of his best men to catch those young martial artists.
All this seemed very strange to those who listened without having a complete vision of the facts. By putting the various news together, it was easy to understand that that pair of young martial artists were none other than those responsible for blackmailing Ho Ri-Na. After all, that fact alone had previously created a great uproar. Yet, instead of the Steam Goddess' men, Mok Tong-Hyo had been sent. A crazy idea was therefore formulated - Ho Ri-Na had staged a fake blackmail attempt so as to bring one of Jin-Sang's best men into the open and thus reduce his power. And from the actions of the Steam Goddess, it seemed to be the case.
Ho Ri-Na had, in fact, summoned various pirate groups that weren't directly affiliated to the Four Pirate Generals. By promising them various rewards and part of the territories owned by the other Pirate Generals, Ho Ri-Na managed to convince them to join her crew against the battle against Jin-Sang, thereby increasing her strength.
If it had been before, these pirate groups would have said no without thinking about Ho Ri-Na's proposal. As tempting as it was, they weren't stupid enough to embark on a suicide war; the power of the Red Devil was too high after all. But now things were different - the number of spirit soldiers on both sides had become the same. No, on the contrary, the balance needle was hanging from the side of Ho Ri-Na thanks to the variable known as Hei and Lian.
Not wanting to waste the momentum she had unexpectedly gained, Ho Ri-Na immediately gave orders to prepare for battle. Although it was hasty as a maneuver, doing so would have denied the various groups to rethink with a clear mind about her proposal and withdraw their promise of support. Also, she wanted to prevent the Red Devil from gathering reinforcements, or otherwise, she would end up losing the advantage obtained.
So, Ho Ri-Na, in command of her crew and allies, sailed toward the base of Jin-Sang to end the conflict once and for all.
*
Red Skull Island, Pirate General Jin-Sang's Base
In the waters in front of the island that served as the main camp of the Red Devil, there were two fleets, each having dozens and dozens of ships in tow. They were the ships of the two Pirate Generals left alive - Ho Ri-Na and Jin-Sang. The Steam Goddess had a total of 500 men, while the Red Devil possessed 800 men instead. Numerically, the Red Devil was clearly ahead. However, victory wouldn't be determined so much by the battle between these pirates who were only at the level of spirit apprentice. Instead, the outcome would be decided by the eight spirit soldiers in play. The first who won their fight would get the advantage.
”Can't you see anything yet?” Asked a female voice.
It was Ho Yeon-Hong. She was leading the ship that was usually commanded by Ho Ri-Na. After Hei and Lian's betrayal, Ho Yeon-Hong had become more diligent in her training and became more determined. Ho Ri-Na herself witnessed the maturation of her little sister and therefore decided to let her participate in the battle, even if initially she had decided to exclude her.
At the moment, the young gray-haired woman was asking the lookout men if they could see movements in the waters around them. Even after what had happened, her thoughts were still fixed on Hei, although the meaning of her feelings had changed.
”Don't worry, Yeon. He'll definitely come.” Beside her, Ho Ri-Na said confidently.
The Steam Goddess, although she didn't like Hei, knew that he wouldn't give up such an opportunity. Without a doubt, he would soon show up and do everything he could to get the most out of the conflict between the two crews.
”Alright. Tell all ships to start moving forward. Let this conflict end. The victory will be ours!”
With the official order of Ho Ri-Na, all the ships under her command began to advance. Even the ships in the service of the Red Devil began to move, ready to intercept those of Ho Ri-Na. The eight spirit soldiers, including the two Pirate Generals, slowly began to rise high into the sky as their eyes locked on their respective opponents.
But as the battle was about to begin, the figure of a ship became increasingly clear from afar. All the fighters, in particular, the spirit soldiers on both sides, carefully watched the approach of the ship.