Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Fifteen minutes later.

The five islands of Nagasaki in the East, along with the three major fleets of the East and the merchant ships they had seized, appeared in Chen Jie's line of sight almost simultaneously.

Next,
At Chen Jie's command, all the soldiers on the 'Taishan' began to prepare for battle.

The flag bearer, responsible for ship adjustments and command, relayed the orders from the 'Taishan' to all other ships in the first squadron.

Then,

The flag bearer waved his command flag, relaying instructions to the Second Fleet several kilometers away.

All the ship commanders took out high-powered binoculars to observe the defenses of the five islands and the formations of the three major fleets of the East Sea.

The 'Storm' fast attack ship is beginning to assemble.

The Eastern Fleet deployed in a triangular pyramid formation, with the flagship of the three major fleets, the "Toyo," bearing the brunt of the attack!
The other ships followed behind the "Dongying", spreading out to both sides in a cone shape.

This is the most commonly used cone formation when sailing at sea, not a battle formation.

With the appearance of the Ximentang fleet, the Eastern Fleet quickly became alert and clearly felt the threat posed by the Ximentang fleet.

then,

The Eastern Fleet quickly began to adjust its formation, making the three fleets form a closed loop and a "川" (river) shaped battle formation.

Chen Jie put down the high-definition binoculars in his hand, thinking about how to quickly cut through and completely disrupt the battle formation of the enemy's three major fleets.

At this time,

General Zhang Wenbo of the Second Fleet of the Ximen Hall, wearing a Ximen Hall general's uniform, came out of the cabin and came to Chen Jie's side.

He stood half a meter behind Chen Jie, observing the three major fleets of the Eastern Ocean not far away through binoculars.

Chen Jie said calmly:

"Zhang Wenbo, your time to be tested has come!"

"As the Chief of Staff of the Navy of the Great Qian Dynasty, Vice Admiral Ximen Tang, how exactly should this battle be fought? You will be in overall command."

Zhang Wenbo nodded, put down the binoculars, and said confidently:

"Don't worry, my lord! We've got the three major fleets of the East in our grasp this time."

"My lord, you should go to the cabin and rest. We've been practicing this tactic for several months, and you'll soon see the results of our training."

Chen Jie nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

Before this, all the key generals of Ximen Hall called him 'Young Master'!
but,

After he became the imperial son-in-law and then the 'Prince Qian'.

All the core members and elites of Ximen Hall, including the leaders of the Caobang and Tongbeimen, called him "Lord"!
Chen Jie did not object to the title.

Wow——!
After Zhang Wenbo ordered the attack to begin.

The soldiers and sailors on the 'Storm' fast attack ship began to tear off the canvas covering the ship's guns.

Then,

The naval guns began aiming, positioning, and adjusting their direction, while simultaneously pushing the shells into the gun barrels.

As long as they enter the range of the ship's guns, they can launch an attack instantly.

In the training courses of the Ximentang Navy, there were many simulations of various operations of the Eastern Fleet.

Therefore,
When the real war came, everyone in the Simond Fleet remained calm and composed, just like during regular training, without the slightest panic.

Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—!
next moment,
The 'Storm' fast attack ship sped forward, heading towards the rear of the Eastern Fleet.

at the same time,

The torpedo bay doors of the cruiser Ximentang opened, and the torpedoes were aimed at the gunboats surrounding the Eastern Fleet.

Upon discovering the Ximentang fleet, the three major fleets of the East Seas hurriedly began to change formation.

Although they did not know why enemy warships suddenly appeared after they entered the waters around the five islands.

but,

The Eastern Fleet was well-trained and did not panic.

They changed their battle formation to engage the Ximentang fleet, but they failed to realize that the Ximentang's 'armored frigates' were merely drawing fire.

The four squadrons of the Ximentang, a total of twenty-four 'Storm' fast attack ships, have begun to flank and pursue the rear of the Eastern Fleet.

The distance between the two ships began to gradually close.

Zhang Wenbo held up binoculars, observing the enemy's warship formation.

A moment later, he ordered the standard-bearer:

"Ironclad frigate, turn 15 degrees to the right, increase speed to 18 knots, and raise your side armor!"

"Full speed through the gaps in the enemy ships, begin cutting!"

The battle formation of the Eastern Fleet was in the shape of the Chinese character "川" (river), which was exactly the formation of the three major fleets.

In the very center is the flagship 'Toyo', flanked by the armored cruisers 'Izumo' and 'Yoshida'!

Flanking the three main cruisers were gunboats and other escort cruisers.

Following closely behind were transport ships and troop transports, and finally, the stolen merchant ships.

On the entire sea, the three major fleets of the Eastern Ocean numbered over a hundred warships, giving one the feeling of being unmatched.

have to say,

The Eastern Fleet has extremely rich combat experience, and the three fleets can coordinate with each other at any time.

at this time,

Commander-in-Chief Sato Kijiro, the commander of the three major fleets of the East, stood in the command cabin of the "Toyo" and stared at the ironclad frigates approaching the fleet.

Upon entering the waters off the five islands of Nagasaki, they were unexpectedly blocked by an enemy fleet.

To be honest, all of this was indeed beyond Sato Kijigo's expectations.

At this point, Sato Yoshigo was certain that this enemy force was the Ximentang Fleet of the Daqian Dynasty.

However, he remained calm and quickly adjusted the fleet's battle formation to engage in battle.

Because the first fleet to be targeted by Ximentang was the First Squadron, led by ironclad frigates.

After the 'Storm' fast attack ship left from the side, it had already circled around to the rear of the Eastern Fleet.

Therefore,
Sato Kichigo did not find the fast attack ships or the other several squadrons.

He only saw a few ironclad frigates and two cruisers, assuming that Simon's fleet consisted of only these few warships.

therefore,

A hint of disdain appeared on his face.

but,

The formation of the 'Taishan' First Squadron still puzzled Sato Kijigo.

What are they trying to do?

Sending a few ironclad frigates to weave through the middle of the Eastern Fleet—aren't they afraid of being sunk?
Is this the tactic of the Ximentang fleet of the Great Qian Dynasty?
Soon, Yoshigo Sato noticed something amiss.

The attack cruisers of the Ximentang fleet actually began to move from the front of the Dongyang fleet to the sides, constantly adjusting their course.

For a moment, Sato Kichigo was taken aback.

Next,
He saw the 'Storm' fast attack ship suddenly appear from four directions.

The '川'-shaped naval battle formation was quickly divided into three parts.

As the distance closed, Sato Kijigo could clearly see that the 'Storm' fast attack ship of the Nishindo was incredibly fast and equipped with 240mm rapid-fire cannons.

On the side of the Eastern Fleet, a huge attack cruiser with three large characters fluttering on its flag—Taishan.

Sato Kichigo was horrified when he saw this.

"Baka! How come so many fast attack craft have appeared all of a sudden?"

"Not good—four warships in a separate fleet, eight cruisers, twenty-four fast attack ships, and thirty-two gunboats!"

"hiss--!"

A strong sense of crisis arose in Sato Kichigo's heart.

at this time,

The two warships had already entered close combat range, and it was too late to change course; they had no choice but to engage in battle immediately.

Let's sink the armored frigate first.

Without a second thought, Sato Kichigo immediately ordered the guns of the Eastern Fleet to open fire on the ironclad corvettes. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The secondary guns of the cruisers in the Eastern Fleet began to fire fiercely.

The main guns had a large caliber and were more powerful, but the ironclad frigates had already maneuvered between the three fleets and avoided a direct confrontation.

Therefore,
Only secondary guns can be used for attacks.

The First Squadron is the strongest of the four squadrons that split off from the Second Fleet of the Ximentang.

Two cruisers, eight gunboats, and six 'Storm' fast attack ships.

Simultaneously,

The twelve ironclad frigates were specifically there to protect the two cruisers.

Before the battle, almost all the transport ships were incorporated into the First Fleet.

This brought the total number of warships in the First Fleet to over fifty.

Among them, there were as many as twenty-eight offensive warships.

Apart from lacking battleships, the First Squadron of the Second Fleet of Ximentang alone was comparable to the Beiyang Fleet of the former Daqian Dynasty.

In addition to the twelve ironclad frigates, troop transport ships were also incorporated into the First Fleet as auxiliary warships.

The largest troop transport ship is similar in tonnage to the cruiser "Taishan," both being large warships exceeding 6,000 tons.

Although it was not named after a famous mountain in Daqian, it was still named "Shark" by Chen Jie.

Troop transport ships are not combat-ready and are not equipped with naval guns.

However, it has a large tonnage and can be quite intimidating when it sails on the sea.

The other troop transport ships, as well as other transport ships, each have their own names.

At least in terms of tonnage, these transport ships are cruisers.

therefore,

The auxiliary ships of the First Squadron were the most complete in the Second Fleet.

Although, according to Chen Jie's plan, the 'Shark' was used as a transport ship.

This includes diesel fuel needed by the Storm, as well as supplies for transporting soldiers.

To date, transport ships have been multi-purpose, capable of carrying supplies, soldiers, and more.

Therefore, from a wartime perspective, transport ships have unlimited potential.

The 'Storm' fast attack ship was converted from a transport ship.

Large transport ships have been given heavy decks and equipped with 'Vulcan cannons' as well as 120mm caliber light naval guns.

Compared to attack ships, it has fewer firepower.

but,

Compared to older transport ships, this is a breakthrough for multi-functional transport vessels.

The twelve multi-purpose transport ships have been modified and upgraded, and can be converted into attack ships at any time, making them quite powerful.

in fact,

The First Squadron's warships, in terms of tonnage, number, and firepower, were comparable to those of one of the fleets in the Eastern Fleet.

In terms of firepower alone, they could easily crush their opponents!
This is why Zhang Wenbo decided to send the First Fleet to lead the charge, allowing the other three fleets to encircle and strangle the enemy from several directions.

Next,
Chen Jie discovered that the formation of the Eastern Fleet had changed, becoming a 'turtle formation'.

The three major fleets of the Eastern Ocean changed from a "川" (river) shape to a "回" (return) shape.

Chen Jie, seeing the Japanese fleet change formation through his binoculars, exclaimed in surprise:
"The commander of the Eastern Fleet is quite capable; he changed tactics so quickly?"

"They seem to have realized that we want to divide the three fleets and have begun to retreat."

Zhang Wenbo nodded and said:

"The Japanese fought many battles at sea. They clashed with the fleets of the Dutch, French, Spanish, and the British Empire many times."

"Therefore, the Japanese are very skilled at changing the battle formations of their ships."

"However, based on my observations over the years, the Japanese prefer the '回' shaped tortoise formation."

"If they had adopted a '回' defensive formation at the beginning, it might have been difficult for us to cut off their three fleets."

"But now, it's too late—!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jie laughed.

The greatest strength of the Ximentang fleet lies in its maneuverability and speed.

This battle was prepared well in advance, while the Eastern Fleet was hastily preparing for it.

Once the two sides make contact, the outcome is already decided.

not to mention,
The First Fleet has now broken up, using its armored frigates to draw enemy fire.

At this time, the central area of ​​the waterway had been occupied by the ironclad frigates of the First Squadron of the Ximentang.

No matter how the three major fleets of the East began to change their battle formations, they could not prevent themselves from being cut into three parts.

of course,

The Eastern Fleet did not panic. After failing to turn into a '回' shape, it simply changed direction and adopted a '川' shaped pincer attack, attempting to sink the ironclad frigates of the First Squadron.

In fact,
It took about fifteen minutes for the two fleets to see each other and for them to break apart.

at this time,

The Simon's 'Storm' fast attack ship is in position and has reached the optimal attack range.

The Eastern Fleet continued its fierce bombardment of the ironclad frigates.

at this time,

Zhang Wenbo decisively gave the order, and the 'Storm' fast attack ship and gunboat began their attack.

At that moment, torpedoes were launched simultaneously from the cruiser.

Gunships, fast attack ships, cruisers—all firing at full power!

In particular, the 'Storm' fast attack ship attacked the Eastern Fleet piecemeal from the rear, with its target being the Eastern Fleet's main flagship.

Although the Second Fleet of Ximentang was led by Chen Jie, who personally led the expedition.

However, Chen Jie was clearly inferior to Zhang Wenbo, who had long been engaged in naval warfare, in the application of naval tactics.

therefore,

In the final stage of the operation, all orders were issued by Zhang Wenbo.

Chen Jie was not a stubborn person; he originally intended for Zhang Wenbo to command this naval battle.

Therefore,
As the naval battle began, Zhang Wenbo gave the order, and cannons, torpedoes, Vulcan cannons, and other weapons launched a fierce attack on the enemy ships.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
The armor-piercing shell fired first!

Before the three major fleets of the Eastern Ocean could adjust their battle formation, the fast attack ship "Storm" launched an attack from the stern of the Eastern Ocean fleet.

at this time,

The two warships were less than a kilometer apart.

The power of the 'Storm' fast attack ship was on full display at this moment.

Although the cannons of the Eastern Fleet were firing simultaneously.

However, the target was the ironclad frigate that Simond was using as a target.

However, the cannons of the Ximentang ship accurately hit the main warships in the East China Sea.

Boom boom——!
A series of huge explosions echoed across the entire ocean.

In less than five minutes, two cruisers and six gunboats of the Eastern Fleet were hit and burst into flames.

The Japanese soldiers on the ship hurriedly jumped into the sea.

The four squadrons, totaling twenty-four 'Storm' fast attack ships, combined their firepower and instantly destroyed one of the warships.

After the attack, quickly retreat and change direction.

After the formation of the Eastern Fleet was completely disrupted, the Second Fleet of Ximentang began to sink the Eastern ships one by one.

This was the first time the Ximentang fleet had clashed with the Eastern Fleet.

A naval battle that will go down in history has officially begun! (End of Chapter)