Chapter 146 - Chapter 146: Black Skeleton Pirates, Night Attack (2)
Chapter 146: Black Skeleton Pirates, Night Attack (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Go in and show us the way to the Black Skeleton Pirate Crew.”
The pirates nodded without hesitation. They immediately plunged into the water bubble.
Ji Chen shifted his gaze toward the New Moon, specifically the Tidal Sea Spirit tethered to it, and spoke, “Once we depart, take command of the ship to explore this archipelago freely. When I call upon you, respond promptly to offer assistance.”
In response to his words, the sails of the New Moon lowered abruptly and then swiftly rose again, signifying their comprehension.
Without further delay, Ji Chen firmly pressed his hand, causing the water bubble enclosing the pirates to sink into the sea. Following suit, he and the rest of the troops descended into the water as well.
Following the guidance of the pirates, they headed towards the island where the Black Skeleton Pirate Crew’s main stronghold was located.
Unbeknownst to the peripheral Black Skeleton Pirates responsible for monitoring, more than 200 troops were swiftly advancing towards their stronghold under the calm surface of the sea, carrying a sense of killing intent and destruction.
The group maneuvered through the waters between the islands, occasionally resurfacing to allow the pirates to identify the direction.
At long last, after navigating through tumultuous waters and resurfacing, the pirates indicated an island ahead.
“That island, My Lord, is the main stronghold of the Black Skeleton Pirate Crew. Most of the pirate ships are anchored at the port here,” one of the pirates explained.
Ji Chen floated on the water surface, gazing ahead.
The island boasted a crescent shape, with a majestic mountain commanding its entire expanse. Yet, nestled within the concave portion of the crescent, a natural sheltered bay unfolded, housing a port spacious enough to berth a dozen imposing warships.
But at the moment, only seven pirate ships were docked there, leaving the rest of the berths empty.
Ji Chen also noticed something else.
Embedded in the cliff facing the sea, on the mountain, were several artillery platforms that covered the nearby waters and the port within their firing range.
It could be imagined that if an enemy ship rashly approached this area, these artillery platforms would unleash a fierce barrage of attacks.
It seemed that he made the right decision to leave the ship outside cautiously and choose to infiltrate underwater.
As dusk approached and the sun gradually descended, darkness slowly spread across the horizon.
Strangely, except for the port and the artillery platforms, the entire island seemed devoid of any signs of fire.
This piqued Ji Chen’s curiosity, and he inquired with the pirate guiding them.
“The Black Skeleton Pirate Crew utilized natural caves in the mountains to establish their stronghold. Most of the pirates live inside these caves. The only way to enter is through the port, and there are passages connecting the artillery platforms and the stronghold within the mountains. If we don’t capture the port quickly and enter the caves, they can use these artillery platforms to attack us at the port!” the pirate explained.
Listening to the pirates, Ji Chen’s expression became slightly serious.
He was not worried about breaking into the mountain caves; rather, he was concerned that once they seized the port, the pirates might use the artillery to destroy all the pirate ships, which would greatly affect his gains from this operation.
It seemed he needed to find a way to disable these artillery platforms…
Ji Chen observed the cliff and the artillery platforms within the mountain. Due to the angle, there were four platforms capable of attacking the port.
If it were broad daylight, he would have had no way to deal with them, but now it was already night, and darkness enveloped everything. This tight network of firepower and surveillance would have vulnerabilities and blind spots.
Since these four platforms were causing trouble, he would start by dealing with them.
With his plan in mind, he submerged into the water once again, accompanied by his troops.
When they resurfaced again, they were positioned beneath one of the cliffs.
Above the cliff, an artillery platform was embedded, and dim light spread out through the gunports. It seemed that pirates were stationed inside…
After glancing a few times, Ji Chen raised his hands.
Powerful magic energy shot out from within him, swiftly swirling into the sea.
A large amount of seawater was drawn up and slowly condensed into a giant palm facing upward.
“The Dragonblood Warriors, Naga Warriors, and Pure Water Sea Pixies divide into five groups,” he commanded.
He wasn’t worried about being heard by the pirates in the platform because the sound of the waves masked any noise.
With the command given, the three types of troops quickly split into five groups, with each group consisting of around 16 Dragon Blood Murlocs, 15 Naga Warriors, and 19 Pure Water Sea Pixies.
Seeing this, Ji Chen nodded and continued, “One group will climb up.”
“When the giant hand reaches the same height as the platform, launch the surprise attack immediately.”
“After killing the pirates in the platform, hold your position and wait for my signal to advance through the passage towards their stronghold!”
This was Ji Chen’s plan. Each group would seize one artillery platform. After capturing control of all four platforms, he would lead the final group to launch a frontal assault through the port.
At that time, the other four groups would attack simultaneously from the inside, breaking through and completely defeating the Black Skeleton Pirates in their caves, achieving a great victory.
This was the only way to avoid damaging the pirate ships and minimize casualties.
Upon hearing this plan, the troops nodded in agreement.
One group, consisting of 50 troops, began climbing or flying up the water-formed giant hand.
When they all reached the platform, Ji Chen raised his hands, and the giant hand rose up, reaching the same height as the gunports.
From this point on, he didn’t need to worry.
The pirates stationed in the platform had no idea that enemies had appeared out of thin air beneath the dozens of meters high cliff.
One by one, they were caught off guard and their heads exploded from the tridents of the Dragon Blood Murlocs, unable to utter a scream.
The group that completed their mission surfaced from the gunports.
Seeing this scene, Ji Chen immediately understood.
Without hesitation, he led the remaining troops to the next platform and easily seized the second one.
They continued in the same manner, capturing the last two platforms.
An unexpected incident occurred while they were taking the last platform. One trident of a Dragon Blood Murloc slightly missed its target and struck the chest, not instantly killing the pirate but causing him to emit a miserable scream.
This sudden noise disrupted the tranquil night, alerting the pirates at the port and inside the caves.
Upon witnessing this, Ji Chen decided to reveal his presence and confront them directly.
He led the final group and rushed towards the port.
A group of mere second-tier pirates couldn’t pose a threat to him!
Seeing Ji Chen leading dozens of troops emerging from the water onto the port, the pirates stationed there immediately shouted in despair.
“Enemy attack!!!”
“We have enemies!!”
Pirates ran out of the caves, their torches forming a fiery dragon. In the illuminating glow, they witnessed the fierce and terrifying alien warriors wielding dreadful weapons.
Though their numbers were only a few dozen, the ruthless and cold gaze of these warriors chilled them to the bone, as if they had entered a freezer.
However, bolstered by their numerous companions, they gathered their courage, wielding their weapons and charging forward.
The Naga Warriors, who were still at the forefront, cast a disdainful glance. They raised their bone blades high.
With a swift strike, the sound of tearing fabric echoed as the pirates were cleaved in half.
With a horizontal swing of another bone blade, another pirate was cut in half at the waist.
The group of Naga Warriors, consisting of only a dozen individuals, prevented the pirates from advancing and forced them to retreat.
When it came to melee combat, they were the true kings!
But the Dragon Blood Murlocs, at the fifth tier and five stars, were even more formidable. One trident thrown, and whether it was an armored pirate or a crossbow-wielding one, they were all easily dispatched.
The output of the Pure Water Sea Pixies was also remarkable, each arrow capable of sending several pirates flying with blood and flesh splattering.
Some pirates attempted to sneakily climb aboard their ships from the sides, intending to use the cannons to attack.
However, under Ji Chen’s omniscient map, each of them was singled out and killed.
Realizing that they couldn’t win, the belated pirate leader roared in frustration.
“Are all the people at the artillery platforms dead? Use the cannons to blow them up!”
But soon, bad news reached his ears.
The four platforms capable of targeting the port had already been taken over at some point, and enemies were advancing through the passage towards the interior of the caves!