Chapter 1093: A Letter Seeking Credit

## Chapter 1082: A Letter Claiming Credit

On their way back from Storm Bay, the Lu siblings had drinks and chatted with him. Having fought alongside each other and owed him their lives, they grew much closer, becoming remarkably frank and discussing almost everything.

Lu Qingbang, having drunk too much, finally thumped his chest and declared to He Lingchuan that he would go through fire and water for him if he ever needed anything in the future.

As they disembarked, Lu Feiyan cheerfully added:

"This battle was exhilarating. I truly hope I can participate in your next operation."

He Lingchuan gave a wry smile: "I, on the other hand, hope there are as few such operations as possible."

Fewer operations would mean the Yangshan Archipelago is more peaceful and prosperous.

Ding Zuodong, who happened to be walking by, interjected, "Did Miss Lu also join the fight?"

As a non-combatant, he had stayed on the ship the entire time and had not personally experienced the battlefield.

But Lu Feiyan had been among the first to storm the beach.

Wanqi Feng chimed in: "Miss Lu killed only ten fewer enemies than I did."

"Really?" Lu Feiyan eyed him skeptically. "Do you want to recount?"

Lu Qingbang also bid farewell to He Lingchuan: "Brother He, your noble actions have greatly benefited my sister and me, and also Bailie. We will keep it in mind and repay you when the time comes!"

The Soul-Capturing Mirror grumbled in He Lingchuan's arms: "Those who constantly talk about favors and gratitude are usually the ones who don't truly remember them."

"What's between you and me? There's no need to be formal," He Lingchuan said earnestly. "I will write to Royal Grand Master Wang today, detailing your achievements and contributions in Storm Bay."

Lu Qingbang was overjoyed and bowed deeply to He Lingchuan: "Many thanks, Brother He!"

The entire Lu family knew that He Lingchuan had connections with Royal Grand Master Wang. Bailie's decision to open for trade and exchange with the Yangshan Archipelago was thanks to the power of a personal letter from Royal Grand Master Wang.

Now that He Lingchuan was willing to speak favorably of him to Royal Grand Master Wang, it was truly more useful than anything else!

The Battle of Storm Bay was a bloody and fierce one, but Lu Qingbang had constantly worried that Clan Leader Lu Zhensheng would downplay or gloss over his contributions when reporting the battle results.

Doing the hardest work, taking the greatest risks, and ultimately gaining nothing—Lu Qingbang had no desire to be such a self-sacrificing person.

But what could he do?

Now with He Lingchuan's letter acknowledging his merits, Lu Zhensheng could forget about covering up his contributions!

With his last bit of worry gone, Lu Qingbang felt the sky was bluer, the sea calmer, and his mood more at ease.

He Lingchuan patted his shoulder: "I hope everything goes well on Bailie's eastern front. If you have any shortages, just come to me."

Lu Qingbang nodded vigorously, while Lu Feiyan chuckled, "Alright, we'll come to you if we're short on clothes or food."

She then waved goodbye to Wanqi Feng, Qiu Hu, and the others, giving them a bright smile before following her brother to transfer to another ship.

Watching these ships sail towards Blade Port, He Lingchuan knew that once the Lu siblings returned to Bailie, they would truthfully recount the details of this battle.

This time, he had earned full favorability with the Lu siblings, and Lu Qingbang owed him a huge debt of gratitude.

However, Lu Qingbang's performance in Storm Bay had truly exceeded He Lingchuan's expectations.

His experience leading troops was insufficient, less than two years to date, yet he managed to withstand such immense pressure in Storm Bay, especially continuing to command the Bailong people to resist after Wanqi Tong was gravely wounded and unconscious.

Most importantly, the Bailong people were actually willing to listen to him, willing to obey the commands of this young general they had known for less than two days!

This composure, this charisma, and this ability to withstand pressure are extremely valuable qualities.

Fighting is a matter of great talent; some people are naturally gifted, born to it.

Others, no matter how much they learn or practice, just can't.

Therefore, it is said that a thousand soldiers are easy to find, but a single general is hard to come by.

He Lingchuan felt his luck was truly good; Bailie could also produce such native generals, and this one was just starting to emerge, his full potential not yet revealed.

As for Lu Zhensheng and his son, receiving this news, they would likely have mixed feelings again.

Afterwards, the Yangshan fleet returned to the archipelago.

The ships carrying the Yangshan Guard went directly to Suoding Island, a tradition after every drill or combat operation, as the soldiers would celebrate grandly.

Why did He Lingchuan take the Guard out to fight? Besides displaying strength to the Ya Kingdom, He Lingchuan also wanted this force to transition from drills to actual combat.

It was time.

An army's confidence comes from a history of constant victories.

A commander's prestige comes from one successful victory after another.

After defeating the Qinglong tribe and rescuing the Bailong people this time, the Guard's morale immediately transformed.

They were confident and swaggering.

Although the victory in Storm Bay wasn't because they were stronger than the Ya Kingdom's army, it was because He Lingchuan had taken down the enemy general Ulu.

But... a win is a win, so no need for further excuses.

Winners have the right to be smug.

What He Lingchuan needed to do next was to find suitable opponents for his Guard, to hone them through actual combat while building their confidence.

The opponents couldn't be too weak, but not too strong either.

He waved, and Qiu Hu came over.

"Gather intelligence on pirates between the Yangshan Archipelago and Platinum Island. We need to clear the sea lanes later to create a good environment for trade and transport for our business partners."

Qiu Hu was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly.

The Master's meaning was clear: the Yangshan Archipelago would actively seek out fights. He had been the head of the Guard for almost a year, stuck in the archipelago, doing nothing but drills every day, and had been itching for action. Now he could finally fight to his heart's content, by order!

Wang Fubao, still a bit dazed, asked, "What about the sea lanes west of the Yangshan Archipelago?"

"There are pirates in the west too."

He Lingchuan smiled without answering.

Lu Qiowei smacked the back of Wang Fubao's head: "You talk too much!"

"If the Master doesn't mention it, it means it's not a priority for now. Don't you understand that?"

"Alright, dismissed."

At He Lingchuan's command, everyone called their friends and made plans to meet at the tavern.

After just winning a great battle, who wouldn't want to drink and brag?

Meanwhile, the ships carrying the Bailong clan sailed towards other residential islands.

For the Bailong people, this place also offered clear sands and pristine waters, typical of island scenery. However, the Yangshan Archipelago had one significant difference from Storm Bay: it was bustling with people.

People were everywhere, but everyone was hurrying about their own business, and no one gave them a second glance—this was exactly what the Bailong people wanted.

Before, no matter where they went, others would cast wary and hostile glances at them.

After all, most of the residents here had also been newcomers to the island just a few months prior, and they understood the emotional journey the Bailong people were experiencing.

As per the Island Lord's instructions, Reine and Guan Ke arranged for the Bailong people to be temporarily settled across three islands. The largest of these was Centipede Island, conveniently making them neighbors with Wanqi Feng and others.

These were all residential areas of Yangshan, not open to merchants and outside visitors, but they had regular transport routes directly to the main island.

The Yangshan Archipelago had continuously recruited new inhabitants and worked to expand its capacity. The rules for towns, streets, and districts had become more reasonable, and there were even designated temporary residences for newcomers. The bamboo and palm houses there were relatively simple, with over a dozen people living under the same roof.