Fortress Peach Blossom Island: how costly would it be for an army to penetrate?

[Ken Cheng]

During LOCH, Peach Blossom Island was the unviolable domain of East Heretic Wong Yerk See. Unwelcome intruders dared not set foot on Peach Blossom Island, lest they fall prey to the wrath of Wong Yerk See. Even if they didn't come face to face with the Lord of Peach Blossom Island himself, and didn't need to face his martial arts, intruders could not penetrate its many traps and mazes. That's why even Greats such as North Beggar Hung 7 Gung, West Poison Au Yeung Fung, and Chow Bak Tung tread on Peach Blossom Island with caution.

Wong Yung always believed that should the Central Plains fall under Juchen or Mongol control, she and her loved ones might have a safe haven on Peach Blossom Island. How strong a sanctuary would it be against a Juchen or Mongol siege, however? In the long run, the Juchen/Mongol army will definitely overrun the island (sheer attrition guarantees that), but how much time, manpower, and resources will the Juchen/Mongols need to expend to take Peach Blossom Island? If you were a Juchen or Mongol general, would you consider the island a worthwhile target (assuming that your spies have confirmed that anti-Juchen/Mongol wulin forces are using the island as a base for guerilla war against the Juchen/ Mongol regime)?

[Ardor]

Torches and one week. Systematically burn down all those pesky plants.

[Ken Cheng]

There's more to contend with than just the trees. First, there's the matter of location. The Juchen and the Mongols were not experts at naval sieges (although they both eventually learned how, neither was ever as good as the Sung in this particular area...mainly because their homelands were landlocked). Weather will play a factor as well (and who knows why Wong Yerk See picked Peach Blossom Island as his residence of choice; there might be something about the island's very location that is a Five Elements Octagon trap that could confuse invaders for days). Eventually, the invading army will also need to contend with the warriors on the island (which might include a Great or two). The army does win eventually, but I wonder how costly its victory will be.

[Fearless]

Well, if you are talking about the manchurians, kang xi could just sink the whole island down with his massive cannons.

[Ardor]

There's more to contend with than just the trees. First, there's the matter of location. The Juchen and the Mongols were not experts at naval sieges (although they both eventually learned how, neither was ever as good as the Sung in this particular area...mainly because their homelands were landlocked). Weather will play a factor as well (and who knows why Wong Yerk See picked Peach Blossom Island as his residence of choice; there might be something about the island's very location that is a Five Elements Octagon trap that could confuse invaders for days). Eventually, the invading army will also need to contend with the warriors on the island (which might include a Great or two). The army does win eventually, but I wonder how costly its victory will be.

If you count the Greats, then they would give up before acquiring the island. Not counting Huang Rong, there are 3 Greats hovering around the island. They would not be able to keep up with guerilla tactics and their supplies will be sabotaged immediately.