The local fishermen scattered, hurrying home to prepare their boats. They had never seen so many warships in their lives, which filled them with confidence. If this many weapons were arrayed before the Vietnamese, anyone who didn't yield the way would be a complete fool. Their future fishing hauls would be better, and life would improve.

The four natural villages launched a total of thirty-five fishing boats, forming a long line as they headed toward their usual fishing grounds. We were still aboard the Shunfeng with Shen Langhua, leading the procession.

Shen Langhua looked back, puzzled. "Why is only one warship following? Where are the others? Although it's much larger than a Vietnamese warship, one ship alone might not be enough. It makes everyone feel a bit uneasy."

I chuckled. "Don't worry. One is more than enough to give those Vietnamese a run for their money. If we brought out all our surface vessels, the Vietnamese wouldn't dare show their faces to make trouble."

Shen Langhua guessed, "You're trying to lure the snake out of its hole?"

"Exactly. Relax. There are plenty of submarines below. They guarantee not a single fishing boat will come to harm. We must win this first engagement soundly, otherwise, it will hinder future operations. If we scare the Vietnamese off immediately, the impact of this battle will be diminished."

"Understood."

The Central Provisional Committee of the Vietnamese Communist Party convened an emergency meeting again. General Secretary De Mengnong's face was grim. "Comrades, the situation is increasingly unfavorable for us. Today, we lost two more missile boats—one damaged, one sunk. And the ones attacking us were just unarmed civilian fishermen. Can someone tell me what on earth is going on? Can people actually smash through the steel hull of a warship and change the trajectory of cannon shells out of thin air? I cannot believe the data reported by the Navy."

Naval Commander Ruan Feng stated, "General Secretary Comrade, the data I reported has been thoroughly reviewed. What the sailors reported is true. None of this seems possible, yet over a hundred people witnessed it with their own eyes."

Chief of General Staff Li Mao suggested, "It's not impossible that the fishing fleet includes armed forces from the Great Dragon Country, but their capabilities are terrifyingly immense. If every person in the Great Dragon Country were like that, how could we fight this war? Even ten thousand warships wouldn't be enough for them to ram."

Deputy Secretary of the Military Commission Wu Chi countered, "It's impossible for everyone to be like that, or the Great Dragon Country would have already opened fire on us. It's likely a group of people with special abilities. I suggest we immediately strengthen coastal defense, deploy fighter jets to increase air patrol strength. If we detect an enemy presence, we must not rashly launch surface attacks. We should follow our pre-arranged operational concept: first, launch missile strikes using Su-22 or Su-27 aircraft, followed by bombing runs with An-25 planes, and finally, supplementary strikes with Su-22s. Our fleet cannot sustain any more losses; we all understand this principle."

De Mengnong agreed with Deputy Secretary Wu. "Our local and naval shipyards total only about twenty, and our capacity for building and repairing vessels is extremely limited. Currently, we can only manufacture small to medium-sized ships under 2,000 tons. Among our Navy, only some armed fishing boats and a few small gunboats were built domestically. Since our country lacks the ability to produce heavy equipment like artillery, or technical gear such as radar and sonar, and our Navy's fleet has complex models with severe shortages of spare parts, repairs are difficult. Therefore, in future incidents like this, naval vessels are strictly forbidden from casually attacking Great Dragon Country fishing boats. If operational necessity demands it, we must request fighter-bomber support. Only after the secondary strike is complete should we send warships to sweep the area."

Minister of Defense Ruan Lao'er interjected, "General Secretary Comrade, our Su-22 and Su-27 fighter-bombers also suffer from difficult maintenance and spare part shortages."

De Mengnong asked, "Hasn't Country N been providing us with spare parts support for our fighter-bombers? Has something gone wrong?"

Ruan Lao'er replied, "Since Country N suffered setbacks in the West Jin conflict zone, defense funding has been urgently cut back, coupled with immense domestic public pressure. They have once again delayed the supply of spare parts for our fighter-bombers."

De Mengnong slammed the table. "Negotiate with them immediately! This cannot be delayed. Air superiority is our greatest current advantage. If we lose it, our ability to control the western waters of the Great Dragon Country's South Sea will be greatly weakened, especially during this period of instability. The fighter-bombers must be ready at all times!"

Minister of Defense Ruan Lao'er stood up and saluted. "Yes! I will negotiate with Country N as soon as possible to ensure they fulfill the contract as scheduled!"

De Mengnong continued, "If that proves impossible, you can try purchasing parts from the 'Arms Maniacs.' Didn't you say they can manufacture parts for any model? The most pressing task right now is ensuring the normal operation of the Air Force. I believe this matter should also be handled by Minister Ruan."

Ruan Lao'er snapped to attention and saluted. "I guarantee this task in the name of the Party!"

"Very well," De Mengnong concluded. "Deploy the armed fishing vessels of the East Sea Marine Development General Company to conduct combat readiness reconnaissance, patrols, and maritime operational support in the western South Sea. Simultaneously, order all fighter-bombers at Da Nang Airport to be ready for immediate action, prepared to scramble at any moment to coordinate combat missions with the Navy's Third Area Command. We must eliminate this covert force spying on us in the near future!"

Naval Commander Ruan Feng asked cautiously, "General Secretary Comrade, what if the enemy continues to use the disguise of Great Dragon Country fishermen? Opening fire on them could easily trigger international disputes."

This was the concern weighing on everyone's minds. Although Vietnam held the advantage of timing, terrain, and local support in the South Sea, the Great Dragon Country was undeniably a powerful nation. If they truly decided to confront Vietnam, Vietnam would face immense headaches.

After considering the situation, Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary De Mengnong made his decision. "At a time like this, we can't afford to worry too much. If we let this situation develop further, our Navy will be finished. The Navy won't be able to support our island garrisons, and the islands we occupy in the Great Dragon Country will not be easily held. Without those islands, where will our abundant oil and gas resources come from? Therefore, for our highest interests, if necessary, we will not spare even ordinary fishing boats—annihilate them all!"

On his way out, De Mengnong reminded them one last time, "Notify the international petroleum companies. Tell them certain sea areas are currently unsafe and advise them to strengthen their vigilance. It would be best if they could contact their respective nations' forces to join the oil protection efforts. This is a force we cannot ignore. With the prestige of those nations, even the Great Dragon Country won't dare to act recklessly."

Everyone nodded and received their orders. At this moment, they did not know who their opponents were. However, by the time they realized the strength of their foe, it would be too late.

There is no antidote for regret in this world, only poison. Once swallowed, it is impossible to spit out safely. Vietnam has embarked on a road of no return; only annihilation awaits them. This is the inevitable trend of world development!

...Shen Langhua suddenly exclaimed, "Look over there! Vietnamese fishing boats!"

I replied, "I spotted them long ago. Those are armed fishing vessels from the Vietnamese East Sea Marine Development General Company. Signal everyone to be on high alert. They are equipped with machine guns, but they shouldn't be able to penetrate our hull."

Shen Langhua asked, "Doesn't Red Dragon plan to eliminate them?"

"Of course, we plan to eliminate them. But what's the use of sinking two ordinary armed fishing boats? The Vietnamese won't feel the pinch over that small cost. We need to draw out the big fish hiding behind them."

Shen Langhua was displeased. "You're using us as bait and not prioritizing the safety of the fishermen."

"Look, Miss Shen, aren't the three of us on this boat too? There are dozens of submarines underwater targeting those two armed fishing boats right now. The moment they make a move, we'll turn them to dust. I asked everyone to be careful because they might suddenly attack. I said earlier that to ensure everyone's long-term safety, the first fight must be decisive. Do you think sinking just two armed fishing boats is enough?"

Shen Langhua smiled. "You are always right. Zhu Er, send the signal quickly."

Since the Shunfeng had been leading the formation, as fishing operations began, the formation spread out, distancing us from the rear vessels. The few fishing boats behind and a deliberately lagging Xiyu-class destroyer, hull number 036, were currently out of sight.

The two groups of fishing boats drew closer, and the voices from the other side became clearly audible. Suddenly, a shout came from the Vietnamese armed fishing boat: "Fishing boats opposite! You have illegally intruded into our fishing zone! You must withdraw from this area immediately, or we will drive you out!"

Zhu Da muttered, "Damn it, 'drive you out' again? Can't they change their vocabulary?"

Cai Bao'er stood on the deck and yelled back, "Hey! You sons of bitches opposite, state your names! I'll take a second to mourn you before feeding you to the fish later!"

Since the other side could shout in Chinese, they could naturally understand it. "Who are you, yelling like that! If you don't leave our waters, we'll open fire!"

Saying that, the opposing fishing boat flipped over a net, revealing a machine gun mounted on the deck. Zhu Da rushed forward to relieve Old Man Shen, urging him and Shen Langhua to lie low in the cabin. The subsequent boats were far enough away and had received the warning signal from Cai Bao'er, so they were not in immediate danger.

Zhu Da jumped out of the cockpit and cursed, "To the eighteenth generation of your ancestors! You think you're tough because you have a gun? I'm not afraid of you even barehanded!"

On the Vietnamese armed fishing boat, one person suddenly grabbed the leader at the bow and spoke a few words that others didn't hear, but I faintly caught fragments—references to yesterday's two missile boats. It seemed someone recognized the figures of Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er, especially since Zhu Da had caused a ruckus aboard before, and many sailors had seen him.

The leader on the Vietnamese boat made a gesture, and someone slipped into the cabin. They were likely making a radio call to the warships or aircraft behind them—precisely the effect we wanted. We would let them feed the fish after they finished their transmission.

The Vietnamese likely wanted to stall for time, laughing heartily at us. "Great Dragon Country people overestimate themselves. You still don't know what you're up against. You think because your warships are more advanced and numerous than ours, and your fighters are superior, that it satisfies your ignorant Great Dragon psychology, right?"

"Compared to the Great Dragon Country Navy, our Vietnamese Navy is very insignificant, even called 'the most backward navy in Southeast Asia' by the Americans. But the Americans didn't expect that this 'most backward navy in Southeast Asia,' composed of missile boats and ships that can barely be called frigates, along with an Air Force with only a sparse number of SU-27 fighters, controls 28 reefs occupied in the Great Dragon Country's South Sea and a large portion of the oil and gas resources in the South China Sea! It was under the escort of this 'most backward navy in Southeast Asia,' comprising just a few dozen small boats, that Vietnam began massive exploitation of oil and gas resources on the occupied islands in the South China Sea in the 1980s. It was under our escort that the oil and gas from the occupied South China Sea islands were continuously shipped back to the mainland, allowing Vietnam to leap from being a net importer of oil and natural gas before the 1980s to becoming one of the world's exporters of oil and natural gas. And now, your Great Dragon Country imports large amounts of oil and gas from Vietnam every year! This is truly gratifying, hahaha..."

"Now, Vietnam has become a major tourist destination. Besides the 'Sea Guilin,' the occupied islands in the South China Sea have been developed by us and are being selectively opened up. Tourists from various countries visiting the Nansha Islands every year bring substantial foreign exchange to our government. It is also under our escort that the Great Dragon Country cannot completely control the Beibu Gulf area; half the resources there are extracted by us. Although we are no match for the Great Dragon Country Navy, we conduct comprehensive tri-service exercises in the Beibu Gulf area every year, and comprehensive air and naval exercises on the occupied South China Sea islands multiple times a year. Currently, our Navy's elite 'Naval Assault Teams' are stationed on the occupied South China Sea islands. They are the finest elements of our Vietnamese Navy, and under the clear directives of the Vietnamese Communist Party Central Committee, they ensure the security and 'prosperity' of the Beibu Gulf and the occupied South China Sea islands, ensuring that in the event of 'unsafe incidents' or 'territorial disputes' in these areas and waters, they can swiftly strike and eliminate the enemy. We have achieved this now—what can you do to us? Hahaha... Ah!"

The arrogant Vietnamese, skilled in political indoctrination, never expected to be pierced through the throat by a tuna! With a splash, he tumbled into the sea.

Zhu Da clapped the saltwater from his hands. "Damn it, I was generous enough to give you a tuna to eat before you died. Next time you talk such nonsense, weigh your own worth first. Stop embarrassing yourselves; dying is just what you deserve!"

Shen Langhua peeked out. "Wow, it's true! Any object, if moving fast enough, can be used as a weapon!"

I immediately pushed Shen Langhua back into the cabin because the Vietnamese, angered by the killing of their leader, raised the muzzle of their machine gun and fired a burst toward us.

Zhu Da faced the bullets, shouting, "Commander Zhao, they fired first! Now we have the moral high ground, let's fight!"

There was no need for Zhu Da's command. As the machine gun on the Vietnamese armed fishing boat opened fire, four submarine-launched missiles suddenly emerged from beneath the water, two aimed at each armed fishing boat, obliterating them and their occupants!

Shen Langhua looked up at the loud explosion. "Red Dragon truly dares to act! We are completely convinced now."

I replied, "Just wait. Vietnamese fighter jets will be here soon. The real show is just beginning."

Upon receiving the signal, the fishing boats in the rear gradually moved closer. The trailing 036 Xiyu-class destroyer also caught up and positioned itself ahead of the fishing fleet, feigning escort duty, although the main force was hidden underwater.

Half an hour later, satellite signals confirmed that six MiG-21bis, three Su-27s, and three Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters had taken off from a medium-sized airfield codenamed MARBLE MOUNTAIN near Da Nang City. Their target was locked onto the area where the incident occurred. Simultaneously, the 161st Ship Brigade of the South Sea Navy's Third Area Command—consisting of three missile boats, one minesweeper, and two torpedo boats—also set course for the incident area.

I told Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er, "The fish have taken the bait. This time, we'll ensure none of them return. We’ll score a stunning opening victory, and everything after that will go smoothly."

Shortly after, the Vietnamese Air Force arrived first at the scene. Before they even entered effective attack range, the 036 destroyer issued a warning over the public channel: "We, Red Dragon, are escorting these fishermen at their request to ensure their normal fishing activities. Any foreign aircraft or vessel entering our operational area must withdraw immediately, or we will destroy you!"

The 036 also transmitted to the flight leader of the Vietnamese combat group the satellite footage, edited to show the armed fishing boats firing first on the Shunfeng, followed by the 036 destroying the enemy with two shells. Since the victims were dead, there was no one to contest the account, as long as the Vietnamese didn't discover the underwater forces for the time being.

The news immediately reached the Vietnamese Naval Command. Red Dragon's involvement meant this was no small matter. Naval Commander Ruan Feng quickly reported the situation to Minister of Defense Ruan Lao'er and General Secretary De Mengnong, leading to an emergency telephone conference.

The Vietnamese high command knew exactly who the Red Dragon organization was—an entity that dared to challenge the US and Country N. Although the US had not publicized the outcome of the Mui Ne naval battle, all countries suspected the US had suffered a heavy loss there.

What baffled the Vietnamese leadership was why the Red Dragon organization, famous for demanding exorbitant prices, would escort a group of poor fishermen. A single sea voyage likely wouldn't earn them enough to cover the operating costs of even one warship, let alone afford the expenses of hiring a destroyer for escort.

After a tense, intense, yet lively discussion, the Vietnamese Communist Party leadership concluded that they absolutely could not retreat at this juncture, as doing so would surrender a vast swath of sea territory to the Great Dragon Country. Furthermore, reconnaissance from their aircraft and anti-submarine helicopters indicated the enemy only had one large destroyer. They surmised the fishermen couldn't afford more comprehensive protection, so they hired only a single destroyer. Although the Vietnamese Communist Party was loath to pit an egg against a stone, they felt compelled to act now that the arrow was loosed. The enemy had already sunk two of their armed fishing boats; regardless of who fired first, retreating the aircraft and fleet back to Da Nang would put them in a passive position from now on.

Ultimately, the Vietnamese high command decided: Attack first, issue an international statement later, and try to avoid any extreme conflict with the Red Dragon organization. Trading two armed fishing boats for one large destroyer was considered a worthwhile bargain.

Receiving the order to attack, the Vietnamese fighter jets issued a final warning to the 036 destroyer: "This is within our Vietnamese territorial waters. Any unauthorized fishing is a shameful act of infringing upon our sovereignty. If you do not withdraw within one minute, we will launch a devastating strike against your fishing boats and warship!"

The 036 destroyer responded as instructed: "Any fighter jet or warship that enters our attack range will be met with a preemptive strike!"

However, adhering to the principle of striking and then consolidating gains before negotiating, the Vietnamese high command ordered the fighter jets to launch a missile attack against the 036 destroyer!

Before the nine Vietnamese fighters could enter effective attack range, and before the three Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters could issue any warning, countless submarine-launched missiles suddenly erupted from beneath the water, showering down upon the twelve aircraft!

It was too late for the Vietnamese fighters to report back to headquarters. Their communication link with the command center had been severed the moment they received the attack order. Now, even if they screamed themselves hoarse, no one would know the situation on the battlefield.

Because they had not entered effective range, the anti-submarine helicopters had not given any warning, and the enemy's submarine-launched missiles were extremely fast, the nine fighters and three anti-submarine helicopters were pulverized by the dense missile swarm before they could mount any resistance, turning the sky into a dazzling explosion of fire.

Shen Langhua watched the aircraft debris falling from the sky, utterly disbelieving. "That simple? That fast? Ten-plus planes gone just like that?"

Zhu Da retorted, "What else did you expect? A day-long battle? If we didn't have absolute power, we wouldn't boast.

At this moment, the Vietnamese Naval Command received false intelligence: The combat report claimed glorious success, sinking Red Dragon's 036 destroyer in one go. Red Dragon's other destroyer was entering their attack range, and they were preparing for a second wave while requesting the fleet rush to the combat zone for surface control!

Hearing the news, De Mengnong, Ruan Lao'er, Wu Chi, and the others were ecstatic. They never imagined that Red Dragon, so formidable in the West Jin and Mui Ne conflicts, could be so careless, daring to enter the South Sea for fishing protection without air support. This was a chance to demonstrate the strength of the Vietnamese Air and Naval Forces and show the US and the Great Dragon Country that even the small nation of Vietnam had a hard edge.

After conferring, De Mengnong and Ruan Lao'er issued the fleet attack order. With air support secured, even if two more Red Dragon destroyers arrived, the outcome of the battle wouldn't change. After winning this fight, they would issue an international statement, pinning the entire incident on the Great Dragon Country fishermen, ensuring Red Dragon suffered a loss without being able to retaliate.

Under the shadow of faulty intelligence and misguided command, the six warships of the Moon South Naval Sector Three were walking a tightrope toward oblivion. As they drifted into the established ambush zone for the submarines, the same warning reached them—and when they tried desperately to contact their supporting aerial fighters, the twelve aircraft offered nothing but dead air in return.

The six vessels swung around, attempting to raise Naval Headquarters, only to find the communication lines utterly unresponsive. A profound panic finally seized them, and under the commander’s strained orders, the convoy wheeled about, aiming for the desperate safety of the Da Nang base. Then, the sky itself erupted. A swarm of fighter jets materialized, not with the roar of approach, but in absolute silence, diving instantly into a concentrated barrage of air-to-ship missiles.

The Moon South warships were too small, their tonnage insufficient to mount any meaningful anti-air defense; they could only absorb the punishment. Even if they had possessed the means to fight back, there was no time, for the attacking force above numbered no less than sixty aircraft. Their first, dense wave of missiles reduced the six ships to slag, leaving not even recognizable wreckage floating in the waves.

Zhu Da watched the spectacle, shaking his head slowly. "Fighting a nation like this is tiresome. At least the M-Nation has some heft; what they field is worth looking at. But these little tubs under ten thousand tons—what's the point of sinking them? Moon South should just drive themselves onto the rocks rather than put such things forward."

Cai Bao'er nudged him sharply. "Enough of the boasting. We despise the enemy strategically, but we must take them seriously tactically. There are no undefeated generals in this world. Don't let one small victory inflate your ego so high that you stumble later."

Shen Langhua spared one last glance at the distant demise of the fleet, a slight smile playing on her lips as she began preparing the nets. "You two are actually quite endearing. Alright, let's get to work!"

The fighters circled once overhead before returning to the Jinxing-class submersible carrier, which then slipped beneath the waves. Soon, the sea surface regained its calm, and cheerful work songs rose and fell with the tide, filling everyone’s hearts with a buoyant joy.

The first naval engagement in the Nansha Islands sounded the overture for the Red Dragon's advance into the South China Sea. This battle sent shockwaves across the globe. Setting aside the P-South’s material losses, the primary consequence was the severe infringement upon the interests of other world powers due to the Red Dragon’s sudden presence in the South China Sea. Thus, the geopolitical landscape shifted abruptly, and the pressure bearing down upon the Red Dragon intensified exponentially!