Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

The influx of refugees into Baishi'ao was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. Before the ripples had fully spread, a second and a third wave followed.

Just three days after Zhou Dashan and his group of over twenty people were settled, several small groups of refugees appeared on the western mountain path, ranging from a dozen to three or five people. They had all heard rumors that "there is a village on Black Wind Ridge where people can survive," and had come here with their families. At the newly attached camp on the north slope, which was under Zhao Tiezhu's command, the number of shacks increased at a visible rate, and soon more than fifty newcomers had gathered. Li Shu's register was filled with more and more names, filling the originally spacious pages to the brim.

The newcomers brought a more diverse workforce: in addition to farmers and craftsmen, there was even a mountain dweller who knew a little about herbs, two cooks who had worked in restaurants in the county town, and even an old scholar who claimed to have studied in a private school for a few years and could write and calculate. Some skills that were originally scarce in the fortress were unexpectedly replenished.

However, the pressure from the surge in population was becoming increasingly apparent. Food was being consumed daily, flowing out of the warehouses like water, and Li Shu's brow furrowed deeper and deeper. Although the newly attached camp's shack area was strictly isolated, sanitation and security problems were beginning to emerge. Despite Zhou Dashan's best efforts to control the situation, his prestige was insufficient; yesterday, two groups of newly attached refugees nearly escalated into a brawl over water, only to be quelled in time by patrolling Wei Wu soldiers.

What alarmed Chen Xing and Chen Wei even more was the change in troop composition. While the Wei Wu soldiers were fierce and loyal, they ultimately numbered only ninety-seven. The fortress, however, now housed over one hundred and twenty able-bodied men, including about fifty displaced people (including newly arrived), twenty-seven prisoners converted into laborers, and over ten former bandit prisoners who, after observation and deemed acceptable, had been transferred to ordinary labor service. If this force could not be effectively integrated and strictly controlled, the consequences of any unrest would be unimaginable.

Reform of the military organization is now urgently needed.

That evening, the council hall was brightly lit. Chen Xing sat in the main seat, with Chen Wei, Zhao Tiezhu, Wang Jian, Li Shu, and the newly summoned Zhou Dashan and the old scholar (named Wu Xuejiu) seated on either side. The atmosphere was solemn.

"I have summoned you all here today to discuss one matter: reorganize the troops to strengthen the fortress's defenses." Chen Xing cut to the chase, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Currently, our fortress has over a hundred able-bodied men, from diverse backgrounds and with varying intentions. While the Wei Wu soldiers are formidable, their numbers are limited. Among the refugees and prisoners, there is no shortage of capable men. If this disorganization continues, with each acting independently, not only will we struggle to defend against external threats, but we fear internal strife may also arise."

Chen Wei clasped his hands in greeting first: "What you say, my lord, is exactly what I have been worrying about day and night. Currently, the armed personnel in the fortress, besides our Wei elite soldiers, are also able-bodied men under Manager Zhao's command assisting in patrols, and the conscripted laborers and newly attached soldiers also need supervision. With inconsistent orders and unclear responsibilities, it will be difficult to coordinate effectively in case of trouble. I believe that we should unify the organization as soon as possible, clarify the affiliations, and train formations to ensure smooth communication between the top and bottom, so that we can truly be considered a force capable of both defense and combat."

Zhao Tiezhu nodded in agreement, but there was also a worry on his face: "Commander Chen is right. But... our young men are good at farming and hard work, but when it comes to wielding swords and spears and forming battle formations... I'm afraid they are far from capable. Can they manage to mix with the Wei Wu soldiers? What if they don't help with the formation and instead disrupt our own?"

Wang Jian also said, "Although the labor camps have selected some honest men to work, their backgrounds are not clean. If they are incorporated into the army and given weapons... I am worried..."

As the representative of the newly joined followers, Zhou Dashan was even more cautious, simply listening with his head down, not daring to interrupt. Wu Xuejiu, on the other hand, stroked a few sparse whiskers, seemingly lost in thought.

Chen Xing took in everyone's reactions and slowly said, "Your concerns are all reasonable. Therefore, this reorganization of the troops is not a simple merger, but rather 'mixed training and tiered promotion'."

He gestured to Li Shu to distribute the several scrolls of bamboo slips that had been prepared beforehand to everyone. The scrolls were decorated with simple organizational diagrams drawn in charcoal and accompanied by explanatory text.

"A new battalion has been established, named 'Spark'," Chen Xing explained. "Under the Spark Battalion, there will be three divisions for the time being. The first division is the 'Elite Division,' composed of ninety-seven former Wei infantrymen, with Chen Wei concurrently serving as its commander. This division is the vanguard of the entire battalion, specializing in attacking fortified positions, conducting surprise attacks, and core defenses. It has the best armor and weapons, the best treatment, and the most rigorous training."

Chen Wei solemnly accepted the order: "This subordinate obeys the command and will ensure that the elite troops are invincible!"

"The second capital is the 'Defense Capital'," Chen Xing continued. "It is composed of able-bodied men under Zhao Tiezhu, reliable young men selected from the newly attached camps, and outstanding performers converted from the hard labor camps, with a provisional strength of 120 men. Zhao Tiezhu will concurrently serve as the head of the capital, and Zhou Dashan will serve as the deputy head, assisting in the command."

Zhao Tiezhu and Zhou Dashan were both startled. Zhao Tiezhu hurriedly said, "My lord, I... I'm just a farmer, leading troops into battle..."

"The duties of the garrison commander are not about assaults or field battles," Chen Xing interrupted him. "The main responsibilities are for guarding the fortress walls, daily patrols, maintaining order within the fortress, assisting the elite troops in their defense, and... prioritizing participation in farming during busy seasons. Their training emphasizes commands, formations, and discipline, followed by individual combat. Tie Zhu, you are familiar with the fortress residents and are fair-minded, while Zhou Dashan has experience managing new recruits. You two are well-suited to discipline these newly recruited soldiers, ensuring they understand the rules and know when to advance and retreat. Are you two capable of handling this?"

Zhao Tiezhu and Zhou Dashan exchanged a glance, took a deep breath, and clasped their hands in unison: "Your subordinates will certainly do their utmost!"

"The third capital is the 'Auxiliary Military Capital'," Chen Xing said, looking at Wang Jian and Wu Xuejiu. "It consists of the remaining new recruits, those who performed reasonably well in the hard labor camps but were not selected for the garrison, as well as some skilled craftsmen and tutors. The number of personnel is not fixed, and Wang Jian will temporarily be in charge, with Wu Xuejiu assisting with clerkship and record-keeping. This capital is not dedicated to combat, but mainly responsible for logistical support such as transporting grain, repairing weapons, building walls, providing medical care, and cooking. However, they must also receive basic military training, understand commands, and know how to defend themselves."

Wang Jian, never expecting to be able to take charge on his own, excitedly said, "This humble servant accepts the order! I will certainly manage the auxiliary troops well and not let the battle be delayed!" Wu Xuejiu also cupped his hands, saying, "This old man is willing to do his best to record merits and demerits and organize documents."

Chen Xing nodded and said, "These three capitals are not fixed. Those who perform exceptionally well and make outstanding contributions in the Garrison Capital can be promoted to the Elite Capital after assessment. Those who are brave and capable in the Auxiliary Capital can also be promoted to the Garrison Capital. Conversely, those who are negligent or violate the rules in the Elite Capital and the Garrison Capital will be demoted. In this way, there are channels for advancement and everyone has something to strive for."

"Furthermore," Chen Xing looked at Chen Wei, "although the three capitals are separate, they need to be under unified command. I will serve as the commander of the Xinghuo Battalion, and Chen Wei will be the deputy commander and the head of the elite troops, in charge of all training and combat readiness matters of the entire battalion. Zhao Tiezhu, Zhou Dashan, and Wang Jian are all lieutenants in the battalion and must obey Chen Wei's orders. In peacetime, each will perform their duties, and in wartime, they will be as close as arms and legs."

Chen Wei said in a deep voice, "This subordinate obeys! I will work together with you all to train the troops!"

Chen Xing concluded, "The reorganization will be overseen by Chen Wei, with Zhao Tiezhu, Zhou Dashan, Wang Jian, Wu Xuejiu, and Li Shu assisting. Within three days, personnel screening, organization, and registration must be completed. Each squad leader and platoon leader will be nominated by the captain and submitted to Chen Wei and me for approval. Five days later, the Xinghuo Battalion will be officially formed, holding a swearing-in ceremony at the drill ground and commencing unified drills!"

"Yes, sir!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

For the next three days, the fortress was a hive of activity. Chen Wei, Zhao Tiezhu, Zhou Dashan, and others worked day and night, meticulously reviewing the list of all able-bodied men, selecting and categorizing them according to age, physical strength, skill, performance, and merit records. The elite soldiers remained unchanged. The 120 positions in the garrison became highly sought after, with displaced young men pleading with Zhao Tiezhu to be selected, even if it meant only a more stable situation and more opportunities for merit. In the hard labor camp, Shi Zhuang and several others who had accumulated merit quickly and demonstrated diligence were also included in the candidates, drawing both envy and jealousy from the other prisoners.

Wang Jian then began to sort out the candidates for the auxiliary troops, including those who were older and weaker but had their own skills, as well as some honest and hardworking prisoners who lacked courage and strength. Wu Xuejiu was busy assisting Li Shu in re-registering and making new identity tags and military credentials.

By evening of the third day, the preliminary list was finalized. The garrison consisted of 120 men, including 50 able-bodied former refugees, 30 newly recruited men, 20 converted from labor camps, and the remainder from other sources. Ten men formed a squad, headed by a squad leader; five squads formed a company, headed by a company commander; and three companies formed a unit. Squad leaders and company commanders were mostly selected from veterans of the original Wei Wu soldiers, with a few outstanding refugee leaders also included, such as two brave young men from Zhao Family Village and two former hunters from Baishi'ao recommended by Zhou Dashan.

Shi Zhuang was assigned to the second squad of the third detachment of the garrison, becoming an ordinary soldier. When he received his new gray uniform and wooden identification tag, this silent man vigorously wiped his hands before respectfully accepting them, a glint of indescribable light flashing in his eyes.

On the morning of the fifth day, at the Xinghuobao training ground.

The newly compacted land was flat and open, with a simple wooden platform erected at the northern end. Below the platform, nearly three hundred people stood in orderly ranks. To the left, ninety-seven elite soldiers, clad in black armor and wielding long halberds, stood silently, their killing intent palpable. In the center, one hundred and twenty garrison soldiers, dressed in grey uniforms and carrying temporary wooden spears, though their ranks were not as orderly as the elite soldiers, stood tall and solemn. To the right, about eighty auxiliary soldiers, their clothing disheveled, also tried to stand upright, watching the platform with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.

Almost everyone in the fortress, including women, children, the elderly, newly arrived refugees, and even prisoners from the labor camp, gathered at the edge of the drill ground to watch. The crowd was completely silent.

Chen Xing stepped onto the stage, today he was specially dressed in light leather armor, with a dark cloak over it, and a long sword hanging at his waist. Chen Wei stood to his side and behind him, his hand on his sword.

"Soldiers of the Spark Camp!" Chen Xing's clear voice echoed across the training ground, "Today, the Spark Camp is established!"

His gaze swept across the three hundred faces below the stage, faces displaying determination, tension, and anticipation: "Among you are battle-hardened veterans, diligent and honest farmers, men who have found their way back from the wrong path, and newcomers just arriving. Regardless of your past, from this day forward, you all share a common name—the Spark Battalion!"

"The duty of Starfire is to guard this fortress and protect everyone within! It is to train diligently so that wolves dare not approach! It is to, if necessary, fight for Starfire Fortress and carve out a new world for this chaotic era!"

"However, to shoulder this responsibility requires more than just brute force," Chen Xing said, changing the subject. "It requires strict orders, orderly formations, and perfect coordination! From this day forward, all elite troops, garrison troops, and auxiliary troops must obey unified commands and strictly adhere to camp rules and discipline! The hardships of training must be endured with gritted teeth! Orders must be obeyed with unwavering responsiveness! Is this achievable?"

"Yes!" The elite soldiers roared in unison from below the stage, their voices like muffled thunder. The garrison commanders and auxiliary soldiers followed closely behind, their voices, though uneven, still quite imposing.

"Chen Wei!" Chen Xing shouted.

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Deputy Commander of the Spark Battalion, take overall command of the drills! From today onwards, the entire battalion will begin training according to the newly revised drill manual!"

"Yes, sir!" Chen Wei strode forward, facing the crowd below, his voice booming like a bell, "Soldiers of the Starfire Battalion, listen to my command! Today's drill emphasizes command, formation, and discipline above all else! Those who disobey will be punished according to battalion regulations! All captains, platoon leaders, and squad leaders, take your positions!"

"The elite troops, led by Commander Chen Wei, will practice basic formation variations!"

"Commander Zhao Tiezhu and Deputy Commander Zhou Dashan, lead this unit in a drill to practice advancing upon hearing the drumbeats, halting upon hearing the gong, and marching in formation!"

"Auxiliary troops, under the command of Wang Jian, will lead this unit in drills of supply transport, wounded evacuation, and positional construction!"

At the command, the drill ground erupted in a frenzy. Drums thundered, flags fluttered. The elite soldiers swiftly changed formation, their long spears forming a forest, their advances and retreats precise and methodical. Though it was only a basic drill, their imposing killing intent and disciplined ranks already stirred the hearts of the onlookers. The garrison, under the shouts of Zhao Tiezhu and Zhou Dashan, began to practice lining up, marching, and turning with difficulty. Occasionally, someone would make a mistake, drawing reprimands and corrections from the squad leader and platoon leader, but no one dared complain, all gritting their teeth and persevering. The auxiliary soldiers, under the command of Wang Jian and Wu Xuejiu, practiced carrying "wounded" soldiers on makeshift stretchers and building low walls with sandbags. The scene was somewhat chaotic, but also incredibly energetic.

Standing on the platform, Chen Xing looked down at the team below, sweating profusely but gradually taking shape, and felt little relief. He knew this was only the first step in a long journey. To truly forge this diverse team into a unified force would require time, rigorous training, and perhaps... even a baptism of blood and fire.

But at least, the framework has been established, and the direction is clear. The armed forces of Starfire Fortress are finally beginning to transform from scattered individuals into a unified whole.

The shouts, footsteps, and drumbeats on the drill ground intertwined to form a raw yet powerful prelude that stubbornly echoed in the valley of this chaotic world.