Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1420: Chapter 1368: Luring the Enemy

Just as Guo Jia was scolding about where Gan Ning had gone, Gan Ning was already close to reaching the important passage between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean — the Strait of Malacca.

Of course, at this time, there was no such term as the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, but for now, these two major sea areas are referred to as such.

After organizing his troops, Gan Ning advanced toward the destination almost relentlessly day and night, completely different from what Jia Xu imagined. Gan Ning was very aware of the possible situations he might face and knew that the difficulty factor would increase as time passed after taking action.

However, none of this could stop Gan Ning’s determination to head to the Strait of Malacca. As far as Gan Ning was concerned, this battle was very necessary; even if it meant taking the greatest risks, it was necessary to proceed.

Along the way, Gan Ning was extremely fortunate not to encounter any large-scale disastrous weather, moving forward without surprises or dangers until he was just a few dozen miles from the Strait of Malacca. The land on both sides was clearly visible from this distance.

”Aside from the slight heat, everything else is quite all right.” Taishi Ci stood on the deck, gazing into the distance at the continent said.

”It is indeed quite nice.” Gan Ning rarely showed a serious expression, unlike Taishi Ci, who hadn’t thought deeply, Gan Ning clearly knew that it was very likely Kushan had left some ships here to guard.

”Xingba, you don’t seem as carefree as before.” Taishi Ci laughed and said.

”Let’s land first; it’s still dozens of miles away. Brother Guann, you take part of the bed crossbows and soldiers to shore first. Ziyi, you lead the majority of the ships into the river to ambush; I’ll go probe and see if there’s an ambush there.” Gan Ning said solemnly.

”Alright.” Taishi Ci nodded.

The earlier dispatched small boats had already traveled for a while along the coast. Fortunately, there was a river that allowed ship navigation pouring into the ocean. Even though they were unfamiliar with the river’s hydrology and underwater reefs as they had just arrived, Gan Ning decided to enter the river first.

”Landing now?” Guann Hai asked in confusion. They hadn’t encountered any enemies yet, and they were still dozens of miles away, why land now?

”Station yourselves onshore, ready to attack, and let’s see if I can lure the enemy out.” Gan Ning seemed to have already decided that there was a Kushan fleet stationed in that strait of Malacca.

”If that’s the case, then no problem.” Guann Hai said solemnly.

Gan Ning slowly maneuvered the troop-carrying ships as close to shore as possible, then launched the fast boats one by one, allowing Guann Hai and his men to successfully land with them.

Maybe Yanzhou people are indeed unsuited to act as a navy; although they trained for years, the long time spent on the ships made them involuntarily cheer upon landing.

”Ziyi, lead the main navy into the river, but be prepared to rush out and rescue me at any time. My intuition tells me that there are probably quite a number of Kushan navy hiding there.” Gan Ning smiled and said to Taishi Ci.

Gan Ning, who was under great psychological pressure before taking action, completely regained his calmness in that moment of action, smiling recklessly at Taishi Ci.

”If it’s so dangerous, why don’t I go instead? Your naval skills far surpass mine, perhaps you would execute it better, but luring the enemy, that’s something I can do.” Taishi Ci thought for a moment and suggested to Gan Ning.

”No way.” Gan Ning patted Taishi Ci’s shoulder, ”Among the lord’s subordinates, I am the only one who can be called a naval commander, and I believe you have the potential. If I don’t give you a chance, you will never turn that potential into substance.”

Taishi Ci suddenly realized, looking at Gan Ning with disbelief, ”You, you...”

”Rest assured, the one who will surely win is me, Gan Ning.” Gan Ning said with a smile, but this smile didn’t alleviate Taishi Ci’s worries in the slightest.

Gan Ning had no intention of hiding anything at this time. The Gan family is not some superficial family, and he, Gan Ning, is not an incompetent family head. Beneath his seemingly frivolous exterior was a meticulous mind; besides his astonishing courage, his wisdom is also enough to match his martial force.

”Ziyi, if you don’t want me to die, then try your best to exhibit command that matches your bravery, the Kushan used just a detachment to cost us hundreds of soldiers, and this time, the enemy will be stronger.” Gan Ning lightly laughed as he patted Taishi Ci on the shoulder.

After saying that, Gan Ning didn’t pay further heed to Taishi Ci and directly leaped onto Xu Sheng’s vehicle from the ship. This ship was a newly launched custom ship, meticulously crafted by the Lul Family for Xu Sheng, but now it was requisitioned by Gan Ning.

”Enter the river channel as a whole.” After Gan Ning left with two high-speed ships, Taishi Ci’s voice was somewhat dry when he spoke, but underneath this voice, his determined eyes shone through.

”Gan Xingba, this lord will accompany you to play, isn’t it just Kushan, command is also an art, and I’ve experienced many naval battles, what should I fear!” Taishi Ci resolved as he watched Gan Ning heading toward the Strait of Malacca.

”Wen Xiang, do not go too fast, pretend to be a merchant ship.” Gan Ning patted Xu Sheng’s shoulder saying, he could see Xu Sheng’s tension.

Xu Sheng took a deep breath and slowly issued the order to slow down. Contrary to Gan Ning’s speculation, Xu Sheng had a natural sensitivity to danger, and the closer they got to this place, the more dangerous Xu Sheng felt.

”Maintain this speed, your ship is heavily laden with military supplies, so it sits deep and looks like a fully loaded merchant ship. And I believe that an empire’s arrogance won’t let them doubt our intentions.” Gan Ning’s eyes were as calm as water, having already entered the state.

”Okay.” Xu Sheng tried to calm his emotions, but stiffness still occasionally appeared in his body.

”We are almost there, seems like the Kushans are more confident than we thought.” Gan Ning said as he saw a small spot appearing on the sea horizon, followed by masts and ships, and at last, the entire water village appeared in Gan Ning’s view, causing him to abruptly halt the ship.

”But indeed, for an empire reigning over all directions, why bother to cover up when arriving at a place.” Gan Ning suddenly grinned whispering to himself.

”Chief, are we just going to sail over like this?” Xu Sheng asked with his hair almost standing on end.

”No, as we have already discovered them, they must have discovered us as well, so turn around, make it seem difficult, do not turn too fast.” Gan Ning issued commands calmly.

”Full left rudder.” Xu Sheng instructed the helmsman, and the entire ship slowly turned more than thirty degrees, adjusting several times, and after consecutive adjustments, Xu Sheng’s large ship finally completed the turn.

However, just as Gan Ning had anticipated, within the Kushan navy, a large ship adorned with a bull’s head was already rushing towards them.