CHAPTER 173: CHAPTER 151: RETURN IN FORCE

[Thunder Cannon Fire lv.3 → lv.4]

Effect 1: Flight speed 5 → 6 times, firing frequency 2 → 2.5 times

Effect 2: 40% → 45% chance of subsequent thunder fire damage, subsequent damage value: 60% → 70% energy level, duration: 7 → 8 seconds.

The output capability of the Thunderfire Cannon had already been witnessed when it previously annihilated a ship.

At that time, it only took one Thunderfire Cannon shot to trigger the subsequent thunder fire damage, ripping the shield of a ship to shreds within 7 seconds.

The power was terrifying to an unnatural degree.

Of course, any attack with immense power also comes with significant flaws.

While the Thunderfire Cannon possesses formidable power, it is very susceptible to being countered by negative effect elimination-type extraordinary abilities or scrolls.

During the first attack, the ship was unprepared and caught off guard, which is why it was instantly destroyed.

But as Li Yuansheng reacted and ordered the use of elimination-type scrolls, the second Thunderfire Bomb attack only resulted in basic bombardment damage.

However, this particular weakness was something Fang Yu could accept.

After all, with each bombardment, the opponent loses a scroll for eliminating negative effects, which is similar to using repair scrolls to restore shield durability.

Essentially, it’s a consumption of scrolls.

As a standard Navy ship, this kind of scroll is rarely equipped.

Once they run out, the Thunderfire Cannon can unleash its intimidating power once again.

Which ability isn’t susceptible to being countered?

It’s not possible to avoid upgrading due to fear of being countered, is it?

That’s not happening...

Moreover, Fang Yu is currently only at level 17, with still 3 levels to go before attaining additional enchantment slots for a level 20 ship.

Within these 3 levels, Fang Yu has already planned to maximize the enchantment investments for the two ship cannons.

...

After distributing the lord points gained from the upgrade, Fang Yu got up, pushed open the door, and walked out of the captain’s room.

At this moment, Tang Yuan’s ship was sailing beside Fang Yu’s ship.

The two had agreed earlier to form a group and patrol together.

Now, as Fang Yu looked at Tang Yuan, he noticed Tang Yuan was staring worriedly at the ocean ahead, lost in thought.

"Yuan!"

Fang Yu called out loudly to Tang Yuan, bringing Tang Yuan back to his senses, his eyes meeting Fang Yu’s: "What’s up, bro?"

"Are you worried about the opposing army making a comeback?"

Fang Yu couldn’t help but speak out loudly.

The two exchanged glances across the ships, and surprisingly, their thoughts aligned at that moment.

"You’re thinking about this too?!"

Tang Yuan, a bit surprised, asked in a solemn voice.

"Yes! After letting Li Yuansheng go, he might be afraid of being punished and not dare to return to the camp."

"He will likely try to borrow troops from elsewhere or persuade other commanders to attack Lvchun Island."

"Only by capturing Lvchun Island can Li Yuansheng evade punishment from the marine warlords."

Fang Yu and others had already gleaned some information about the marine warlords from captured prisoners.

They also learned that the person attacking Lvchun Island was named Li Yuansheng and got insights into his current situation from his personal guards among the prisoners.

With a bit of reasoning, it became clear that Li Yuansheng, to avoid punishment, would surely find a way to make a comeback and do whatever it takes to capture Lvchun Island.

The previous confrontations gave Li Yuansheng some understanding of Fang Yu and the others’ capabilities.

For example, the Thunderfire Cannon on the Salted Fish—by then, Li Yuansheng would definitely have his ships prepare many scrolls for clearing negative effects.

Including the ships of Shi Jun, Tang Yuan, and Guan Xinxue, Li Yuansheng had a rough idea of their characteristics and abilities.

Once they make a comeback, Li Yuansheng is bound to focus on overcoming everyone’s strengths.

The current situation, actually, isn’t optimistic.

Li Yuansheng already has a baseline understanding of everyone’s forces.

But as for the strength Li Yuansheng would bring when coming back, everyone is unaware.

The only thing known is...

Either Li Yuansheng doesn’t come.

If he does, he will bring an army far larger than the previous fleet of 42 ships to attack.

Then, how should everyone respond?

Gazing at Fang Yu, Tang Yuan hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Why don’t we... request reinforcements? Have the military dispatch troops to support us."

"With the current defense force at Lvchun Island, it’s no longer adequate to deal with Li Yuansheng’s comeback..."

Fang Yu remained silent.

Tang Yuan’s words were undoubtedly correct.

But this issue involved two very awkward points.

On one hand, military power is primarily concentrated on the few most important Sea Ore Islands, and the forces that can be mobilized around Qiyun Port are actually limited.

Otherwise, the military wouldn’t be summoning Blue Star Captains to join the war through mission postings.

On the other hand, Li Yuansheng’s comeback is merely preventive on Fang Yu and Tang Yuan’s part.

What if?

What if Li Yuansheng doesn’t manage to borrow troops, but Fang Yu and the others call for help?

Wouldn’t that be a futile effort?

At worst, it’s a misjudgment; at best, it’s a false military report...

That would lead to a military tribunal.

"If only we could gather intelligence on Li Yuansheng. Once we know his actions, we could roughly estimate the size of the forces he commands."

"That way, whether to fight or retreat, we could respond better..."

Tang Yuan muttered.

Listening to Tang Yuan, Fang Yu solemnly nodded.

Indeed... If Li Yuansheng doesn’t dare return to the camp, where would he gather his forces?

If they could find that out, perhaps they could prepare in advance.

Hmm?

Suddenly, Fang Yu’s eyes lit up.

Intelligence?

Speaking of intelligence... the Blue Star Captains practically possess full visibility of the explored map.

Because aside from fighting on their own, there’s also one crucial place for communication that the natives cannot comprehend no matter what:

Forum!

"Right! Seek help from the forum!"

Fang Yu murmured...