Two ships were directly hit, exploding into blazing infernos before sinking to the seabed.
The remaining three ships, sensing trouble, immediately throttled their engines and fled in disarray.
The escort fleet's primary mission was protection, thus they did not pursue the fleeing vessels.
This oversight allowed a few of the patrol boats to escape.
Otherwise, the Empire's patrol team would have been utterly annihilated today.
The situation in the Mannia Sea was originally trending towards stability.
However, Liu Kai Xuan's armed action in the gulf area today descended like a meteor.
In one fell swoop, it had plunged the gulf's situation into utter chaos.
Thunder Empire.
Numerous intelligence operatives rushed into the royal palace to report the situation to Reiton.
The grand hall of the palace was filled with an incredibly oppressive atmosphere.
Almost all the officials present unanimously pleaded for Reiton to immediately dispatch troops and launch a military strike against Kai Xuan City.
If this menacing force led by Liu Kai Xuan was not eradicated this time,
The Mannia Sea would no longer have a foothold for the Thunder Empire.
However, Reiton's considerations were entirely different from those of the officials below.
While the Thunder Empire's authority was paramount, a serious issue had to be addressed:
The Kai Xuan City faction, led by Liu Kai Xuan, had now fully risen!
If it were before the rise of the Kai Xuan City faction, the Thunder Empire, with some investment, would still have had the confidence to suppress them.
Now that Kai Xuan City had gained considerable power, how easy would it be to suppress them?
The Empire's intelligence department had been closely monitoring the development of Kai Xuan City.
Reiton was fully aware of the new type of warships and combat drones that Liu Kai Xuan had developed.
If a complete breakdown in relations were to occur and all-out war ensued, the Imperial Navy was not confident of defeating Kai Xuan City.
The army was even less of a prospect. Kai Xuan City was located in the border region between the Kaiyadun Empire and the Senluo Kingdom.
It did not border the Thunder Empire. For the Thunder Empire to send ground troops to attack Kai Xuan City, they would need to pass through the Kaiya Kingdom.
Launching a military operation across borders was an extremely complex undertaking.
The Kaiya Kingdom was currently in a state of war. For the Thunder Empire's army to enter, it would necessitate a full-scale war.
Considering these factors, the current situation did not support Reiton engaging in an all-out war.
Therefore, despite the fervent calls from his ministers, Reiton did not wish to initiate conflict.
Yet, this matter had become a widely discussed issue.
If Reiton remained inactive, the authority of his emperorship would be severely questioned.
On this occasion, Reiton had to provide an explanation to the public.
The crowd below erupted in a cacophony of discussion and impassioned cries.
After a long period of silence from Reiton, a different voice finally emerged from the throng.
"Your Majesty, I believe this is a diplomatic incident!"
"We should resolve this dispute through diplomatic means, rather than launching a direct war!"
The official speaking was named Fei Tuo.
Fei Tuo was a rotating chief advisor in the Royal Advisory Council and a trusted minister of Reiton.
A figure like Fei Tuo, in essence, was adept at gauging the Emperor's thoughts and performing tasks aimed at ingratiating himself.
In the grand hall of the palace, the assembled ministers were passionately demanding that Reiton immediately send troops to attack Kai Xuan City.
But Reiton remained silent, not uttering a word for a considerable time.
Based on Fei Tuo's experience, he deduced that Reiton was currently unwilling to engage in war.
Therefore, Fei Tuo proposed the idea of "seeking peace" at this juncture, offering Reiton a way to step down gracefully.
As expected, Fei Tuo, being a professional flatterer, was highly skilled in his sycophantic endeavors.
Reiton immediately responded: "Lord Fei Tuo speaks wisely!"
"It would indeed be best to resolve this matter through diplomatic channels as the superior strategy!"
"Liu Kai Xuan must be made to apologize for his reckless actions, otherwise, what becomes of the Empire's might?"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Fei Tuo immediately bowed his hands in salute to Reiton, offering praise.
Simultaneously, the other officials in the grand hall, at the same moment, began to lavish praise upon the wise and sagacious Emperor.
Ultimately, Reiton decided to dispatch a communication and coordination team to negotiate a resolution to this dispute with Liu Kai Xuan.
In reality, Reiton's action could be considered a "display of weakness."
Many officials in the hall disagreed with Reiton's perceived timid approach.
However, Reiton held absolute power in the Thunder Empire.
Since Reiton had already spoken, who would dare defy his will?
...
Kai Xuan City.
Ouyang Yu briefly reported the situation regarding the Thunder Empire's coordination team to Liu Kai Xuan.
The Thunder Empire demanded that Liu Kai Xuan publicly apologize for the conflict and provide certain compensation to the deceased.
If Liu Kai Xuan was willing to cooperate according to the terms set by the Thunder Empire, future collaborations could continue.
Otherwise, the Thunder Empire would implement necessary countermeasures against Kai Xuan City.
After listening to Ouyang Yu's report, Liu Kai Xuan inquired: "Xiao Yu, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
Ouyang Yu chuckled and replied: "What other thoughts could I have?"
"Judging by the Thunder Empire's posture, it seems they haven't had enough of a beating!"
"They initiated the incident themselves, so why should we apologize to them?"
"If they want war, we'll fight them to the end, what is there to fear?"
"No!"
Liu Kai Xuan repeatedly shook his head and waved his hands: "I believe we cannot appear too aggressive in this matter!"
"It's good that you go and negotiate with them. My bottom line is: a verbal apology can be offered!"
"Demands for monetary compensation are absolutely out of the question!"
"Ah?"
Ouyang Yu's eyes widened in surprise: "Boss, are you kidding me?"
"You're actually agreeing to apologize to them?"
"Heh heh..."
Liu Kai Xuan replied with a smile: "As they say, after a slap, offer a sweet date."
"We have already delivered a resounding slap to the Thunder Empire!"
"Our warning has been served, and the Thunder Empire's patrol team has been completely crippled."
"From now on, other countries in the gulf will not dare to intercept our transport fleets again!"
"Since our objective has been achieved, there's no need to continue creating enemies for ourselves!"
"Giving Reiton a way to save face will benefit everyone."
Ouyang Yu stood dumbfounded, frozen in place for a long time, unable to utter a coherent word.
Liu Kai Xuan's actions today truly seemed as if he had transformed into a different person.