Cao Wenzhao let out a low chuckle and chose not to explain.
The fleet had not been arranged by him. But he certainly could not announce to everyone that it was Dao Xuan Tianzun's arrangement. So he quietly accepted the credit. For a man who preferred charging straight at the enemy rather than weaving through schemes and politics, this felt slightly uncomfortable.
Still, discomfort was a small price to pay for victory.
Shen Shikui offered heartfelt thanks to the young strategists and the two youths. Just then, Jin Riguan, Vice Commander of Laizhou, exclaimed from the side:
"Good thing this humble officer did not flee with Chen Hongfan. I stayed behind to defend the island, ready to die here. I thought I would meet my end, yet instead I survived from the very jaws of death. And Chen Hongfan actually perished. But tell me, are the Manchu navy truly that formidable? To intercept him at sea? He has been a naval officer for years, always swift as a fish when escaping across the waves."
Zheng Sen stepped forward and answered calmly, "Manchu General Gūsan Ejen Samushika led several hundred small boats around the far side of Pi Island. By sheer coincidence, they ran straight into Chen Hongfan's fleet. However fast Chen Hongfan could sail, once surrounded on all sides, there was no escape."
"So that was it." Jin Riguan shuddered. "Good thing I did not go along. But you wiped out Aobai and Zhun Ta's forces. Who destroyed Samushika's main fleet?"
Cao Wenzhao laughed. "Speak of him and he appears."
He pointed toward the sea.
The main fleet of Gao Family Village sailed into view, towering ships gliding toward Pi Island's main harbor. Their size dwarfed the port itself, as if mountains were drifting across the water.
Shen Shikui sucked in a sharp breath. "Those ships… they are that enormous?"
As the fleet drew close, the Pi Island garrison at the harbor panicked.
"Identify yourselves. Do not come any closer!"
The Guanning Iron Cavalry stepped forward at once. "Do not be alarmed. They are our allies."
Only then did the garrison relax. "So they are our own people. You nearly frightened us to death."
The massive ships docked with smooth precision. The water warfare specialized Dao Xuan Tianzun stepped ashore, accompanied by Jiang Cheng, the reformed pirate generals Bai Yang and Dao Ke, and a large company of sailors.
As he walked forward, he waved with a warm smile. "Comrades, you have all worked hard."
The Guanning Iron Cavalry were so moved that their eyes reddened.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun waved at me."
"He smiled at me."
"With one greeting from Dao Xuan Tianzun, all our hardships are worth it."
Shen Shikui stared, utterly baffled. "Who is that? Such presence. General Cao, even your Guanning Iron Cavalry show him such reverence?"
Cao Wenzhao coughed lightly. "He is a… great man."
He had nearly said immortal, but swallowed the word at the last moment. It was not easy.
Li Daoxuan walked directly toward Shen Shikui with a smile. "General Shen, I have long admired your name."
This was not empty courtesy.
While researching Pi Island days earlier, Li Daoxuan had learned much about Shen Shikui. Though his rise in officialdom was tied to family connections, his resistance against the Qing was unwavering. In history, even when escape was possible, he refused to abandon Pi Island. He fought until capture and, brought before Ajige and Ma Futa, was ordered to kneel.
"Why do you not kneel?" Ma Futa demanded.
"Why should I kneel?" Shen Shikui replied. "Kill me if you must."
Enraged, Ma Futa had him executed, his head displayed beneath the banner.
Such a man deserved respect.
Seeing Li Daoxuan's bearing and the deference others showed him, Shen Shikui dared not be careless. He cupped his hands respectfully. "May I ask your honored surname?"
"My surname is Li. Consider me a descendant of the Li clan of Longxi."
Shen Shikui was secretly startled. The Li clan of Longxi. The imperial lineage of the Tang Dynasty still lingering in the world?
Not impossible. Many great clans had faded into obscurity. Such families often possessed vast networks and hidden strength. Judging by the Cao uncle and nephew's attitude, Shen Shikui understood he should treat this man with utmost care.
"Today is a great victory," Li Daoxuan said brightly. "Everyone should celebrate. Gather all generals and soldiers. We will hold a grand feast."
Shen Shikui laughed. "Indeed. I had planned a banquet for the generals who came to aid us."
"I mean not only the generals," Li Daoxuan clarified. "The soldiers as well."
Shen Shikui hesitated, embarrassment flickering across his face. "Pi Island lies deep within Manchu territory, far from the Great Ming. We relied on King Li Zong of Joseon for provisions. But since Joseon was invaded, supplies have ceased. Food grows scarce. A banquet for several generals is manageable. But for over twenty thousand soldiers… our stores would vanish in days."
Li Daoxuan smiled faintly. "A trivial matter. I anticipated this before sailing here. The fleet carries abundant grain. If Joseon cannot supply you, I will."
Shen Shikui's eyes widened. "Is this true?"
This concerned not merely morale, but survival itself.
"Not only grain," Li Daoxuan continued. "Weapons, armor, gunpowder, winter clothing. I will provide what you lack."
Shen Shikui dropped to his knees in a deep bow. "Mister Li, you are Pi Island's reborn parent."
Li Daoxuan waved lightly. "Enough ceremony. Issue the order. Prepare the feast. Let every soldier eat well tonight."
The news spread like wildfire.
Since Joseon's aid had ceased, the garrison had not eaten a proper meal in months. Now, hearing of new supplies and a grand feast, the entire island erupted in cheers. Laughter and shouting filled the air like festival drums.
Li Daoxuan felt rather satisfied.
Suddenly, Cao Wenzhao rushed off like a gust of wind. Moments later he returned, cradling an enormous sea turtle.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun," he said earnestly, "I heard you enjoy seafood. Would you like this giant sea turtle?"
The turtle stared out with wide, innocent eyes, looking profoundly confused about how it had become part of military logistics.
Li Daoxuan fell silent.
Voices rose immediately around them.
"General Cao, we told you already, sea turtles are not delicious."
"They are spiritual creatures. Eating one brings misfortune."
"Release it at once."
The giant sea turtle blinked, as if silently agreeing with the crowd.