Chapter 8, Usurpation

"As the head of the family, as a man, I naturally should protect you!" Long Yufei said

"So many rifles? This is fantastic! If used properly, it could significantly enhance the strength of Flying Fish Island!" Long Yufei exclaimed excitedly. Although these rifles are all old flintlock models, if they can be modified, and after acquiring the necessary machinery to engrave rifling in the barrels and replacing the firing mechanism, they would undoubtedly become formidable breech-loading guns. The pirates of Flying Fish Island, while strong in close combat, will inevitably see their large blades become obsolete with the advancement of the times. The use of rifles and other firearms is the trend of development in this era. Although these rifles are all old flintlock models, if they can be modified, and after acquiring the necessary machinery to engrave rifling in the barrels and replacing the firing mechanism, they would undoubtedly become formidable breech-loading guns. The pirates of Flying Fish Island, while strong in close combat, will inevitably see their large blades become obsolete with the advancement of the times. The use of rifles and other firearms is the trend of development in this era.

"The head of the household, have those British people been executed?" Long Yufei promptly changed the subject

When Chen San returned to Flying Fish Island and informed the people on the island that Luo Sangu and the other pirates had all perished in battle, the entire Flying Fish Island was plunged into panic. It is important to note that this time, Luo Sangu led the main force of the pirates from Flying Fish Island into battle, taking away the island's primary strength. Their deaths would undoubtedly result in a significant loss of power for Flying Fish Island. Furthermore, a decline in the strength of a pirate group would inevitably make life even more difficult for the people on Flying Fish Island.

Ah! Luo Sangu exclaimed, and then quickly lowered her head, just like a frightened little rabbit

"Then why have you returned? The chief has not come back?" a rough voice said. A middle-aged man raised the question; he was also one of the pirate leaders of Flying Fish Island

Previously, when Long Yufei proposed a plan to lure and kill the British naval officers aboard the cruiser "Coventry," the pirate leader Chen San explicitly expressed his opposition, believing that Long Yufei's suggestion was essentially sending them to their deaths. However, Luo Sangu ultimately adopted Long Yufei's proposal, which greatly displeased Chen San, prompting him to lead those loyal to him away. Thanks to the pirates led by Luo Sangu holding off the British warship, Chen San was able to escape easily and returned safely to Flying Fish Island. Nevertheless, Luo Sangu's decision to follow Long Yufei's advice left Chen San very dissatisfied, leading him to depart with his loyal followers. Benefiting from the distraction caused by Luo Sangu's pirates, Chen San managed to escape effortlessly and returned to Flying Fish Island without incident.

"The big boss, that bearded man is of great use to us!" Long Yufei said. He then shared his ideas with Aunt Luo San, who nodded repeatedly, and her gaze towards Long Yufei became even gentler.

Luo Sangu raised her head and looked at Long Yufei, feeling a wave of warmth in her heart. She could no longer remember how long it had been since she felt this way, as if it were during the years when her father was still alive, when he sheltered her from the wind and rain. After her father's death, she had never experienced such feelings again

"Chen San. So, you did not witness the death of the leader with your own eyes?" Zhao Yi inquired. Yesterday, the person in charge of the firearms workshop on Flying Fish Island, as well as the procurement of supplies for the island, Zhao Yi held a high position on the island

Uncle Li, I originally intended to persuade the boss to leave with us! However, the boss chose to believe the slanderous words of that pretty boy Long Yufei and decided to confront the British warship head-on! Isn't that courting death?" Chen San said with a face full of resentment

Mr. Long, your method is excellent. Once we return to Flying Fish Island, you will be responsible for contacting that Spanish captain!" said Luo Sanggu. Life on Flying Fish Island is extremely difficult; they need to find someone to sell the goods they have plundered at sea, and they also need to purchase essential food and military supplies. The previous intermediaries have driven the prices very low, and the pirates of Flying Fish Island risk their lives but reap very little. If they could have an agent, especially a Westerner, their situation would undoubtedly improve significantly. Life on Flying Fish Island is extremely difficult; they need to find someone to sell the goods they have plundered at sea, and they also need to purchase essential food and military supplies. The previous intermediaries have driven the prices very low, and the pirates of Flying Fish Island risk their lives but reap very little. If they could have an agent, especially a Westerner, their situation would undoubtedly improve significantly

"My apologies, I have been reckless!" Long Yufei quickly apologized. Although at this moment, a ripple of emotion stirred within him, he did not wish to leave a negative impression in Luo Sanggu's mind

Ladies and gentlemen! Our operation this time was originally going very smoothly. We had successfully defeated those Spaniards and seized the treasures from their treasure ship. However, the sudden appearance of a British warship caused us to fail at the last moment!" said Chen San

On the afternoon of the day they returned to Flying Fish Island, Chen San was anxious to convene a meeting with the pirate leaders on the island. The main agenda was to decide who would succeed as the chief of Flying Fish Island. Chen San had long coveted this position. However, he had previously harbored delusions about Luo Sangu, which led him to acquiesce to her leadership. Now that Luo Sangu had died in battle—at least Chen San believed that she and her companions were doomed—this position of chief should rightfully be his.

"Dragon... Mr. Dragon, why are you risking your life to save me!" Luo Sangu lowered her head and said

Long Yufei was taken aback, then slowly turned his head with difficulty to look at Luo Sangu. At that moment, Luo Sangu seemed no longer the imposing pirate leader, but rather a delicate little woman. The light in the cabin was somewhat dim, with an oil lamp flickering on the wall. Under the soft glow of the oil lamp, Luo Sangu's shy demeanor left Long Yufei somewhat dazed.

The British Navy's cruiser "Coventry" was swiftly sailing eastward under favorable winds. The armed merchant ship "Black Pearl" followed closely behind the "Coventry." Meanwhile, several other pirate ships from Flying Fish Island were scattered around.

To speak frankly, Luo Sangu is very beautiful. Although she has spent many years making a living at sea, which has made her appear quite mature, she is ultimately just a twenty-year-old woman. In later generations, girls of this age would still be enjoying their wonderful university years in the ivory tower, where studying and falling in love are the lives they should lead. However, in this era, for the livelihood of the thousands of people on Feiyu Island, Luo Sangu has no choice but to bear this heavy burden on her delicate shoulders. Despite the fact that she is now the fearsome female pirate leader known throughout the Nanyang region, hidden behind her strong facade is still the mindset of a little woman.

"Alright, Chief!" Long Yufei nodded. He was already contemplating how to persuade the pirates of Feiyu Island to accept his proposal. Compared to surviving by plundering at sea, establishing a stronghold among the many islands of the Luzon archipelago, gradually developing military strength, and attracting more Chinese to join, thereby steadily increasing their power, was undoubtedly a more prudent approach. However, Long Yufei knew that convincing the pirates of Feiyu Island would be extremely difficult. Of course, if he could first persuade Luo Sangu, it would undoubtedly yield twice the result with half the effort.

They have already been thrown into the sea to feed the fish! A fierce glint flashed in Luo Sangu's eyes. The final assault by the British nearly cost Long Yufei his life; had it not been for Long Yufei stepping forward to block that shot, she would have long since met her demise. In her fury, the British naturally met a grim fate. All the British were executed, and their bodies were thrown into the sea, becoming a feast for the sharks. In her fury, the British naturally met a grim fate. All the British were executed, and their bodies were thrown into the sea, becoming a feast for the sharks.

Although the pirates of Flying Fish Island suffered heavy losses in this operation, with over 30 pirates killed in action and more than 20 injured, their gains were also astonishing. The capture of the "Coventry" cruiser and the "Black Pearl" armed merchant ship alone was enough to elevate the strength of Flying Fish Island to a new level. Compared to the pirate ships of Flying Fish Island, the firepower of the British Navy's standard warships is significantly greater. Not to mention the munitions on the warships and the 200 kilograms of gold on the "Black Pearl"!

Long Yufei suddenly came to his senses; he realized that his earlier actions seemed somewhat rash

That bearded man is fine; after all, you said you would spare his life!" said Luo Sangu.

As the victorious pirates led by Luo Sanggu returned to Flying Fish Island, a dramatic power struggle was already unfolding on the island at that moment

It’s alright! Luo Sangu said, her voice so soft it was almost like a mosquito's.

"Thank you, Mr. Long!" said Luo Sangu. At this moment, she had already adjusted her mood. Although her perception of Long Yufei had greatly changed, she seemed unsure of how to proceed and could only temporarily suppress the inexplicable feelings in her heart

Long Yufei did not respond for a long time, which puzzled Luo Sangu. She raised her head and glanced at Long Yufei, only to find him staring at her with intense eyes. That fiery gaze made her feel as if she were about to be melted. Even though Luo Sangu was accustomed to life and death and was a ruthless female pirate leader, at this moment, she still appeared somewhat unsure of how to face the situation.

"What about the Spanish captain?" Long Yufei asked. The Spanish captain with the big beard had indeed made a contribution, and Long Yufei had promised not to kill him. Moreover, this Spanish captain with the big beard had other uses as well. Flying Fish Island lacked many essential supplies, such as steel, machinery, food, and arms, all of which needed to be purchased from outside. If the people of Flying Fish Island were to approach others directly, it would clearly be unfeasible; they needed an agent. The big-bearded captain was precisely a very good agent, wasn't he? They had united to eliminate a British Navy cruiser, which made them people of the same ship. If the news were to leak, not only would Flying Fish Island face catastrophic consequences, but the big-bearded captain himself would also be doomed. Therefore, apart from cooperating with Flying Fish Island, the big-bearded captain had no other options left. If the news were to leak, not only would Flying Fish Island face catastrophic consequences, but the big-bearded captain himself would also be doomed. Therefore, apart from cooperating with Flying Fish Island, the big-bearded captain had no other options left

"Mr. Long, you should rest for now! We will be able to return to Flying Fish Island tomorrow afternoon!" said Aunt Luo San. After Long Yufei fell into a coma, she had been keeping watch here, and now that Long Yufei has awakened, she can finally set her mind at ease! There are still many matters that require her attention!

Which girl does not harbor youthful feelings? Luo Sangu, now in her twenties, is already considered an old maid in this era. The people she usually encounters are merely fierce pirates. Long Yufei, a person of knowledge, insight, and exceptional strategy, undoubtedly gives Luo Sangu a very unique impression

Indeed, Mr. Long, on this British warship, we have discovered a cache of arms. There are a total of 500 rifles, 2,000 pounds of gunpowder, and several tens of thousands of bullets