Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

The news that the Black Mountain Army's vanguard of 5,000 elite troops was almost completely wiped out at Wild Wolf Slope, and that its commander, "Panshan Wolf" Han Meng, had been beheaded, spread like wildfire, fueled by the cries of the fleeing soldiers, the whispers of the merchants, and the word-of-mouth of the refugees, burning across the scorched land for hundreds of miles around with an almost brutal speed.

The initial horror came from the Black Mountain routs who had managed to escape and scatter in all directions. They were utterly disoriented, their armor and weapons discarded, and they told everyone they met about the carnage: the wall of swords and shields advancing like a wall, the arrows appearing and disappearing unpredictably, and especially the bizarre "demon formation" that could ensnare thousands, causing them to trample each other. Descriptions of Chen Xing, the lord of Starfire Fortress, quickly transformed from "an arrogant and ignorant lord" to "a cold-faced, ruthless, and demonically skilled military commander." The exploits of his subordinate, the "Red-Clad Rakshasa" Murong Mingyue, who shot down Han Meng with a single arrow and single-handedly captured a general's flag, were embellished and exaggerated to the point of being almost mythical.

Fear is the most penetrating emotion in chaotic times. The scattered bandits entrenched in the mountain passes and mountain strongholds were terrified, and overnight, an eerie "peace" appeared within a thirty-mile radius of Xinghuo Fortress. Travelers on the main trade routes were surprised to find that sections that used to require tolls or be filled with anxiety were now much smoother. Well-informed caravan leaders began to inquire among themselves, wondering if they should try their luck at the newly emerging "Xinghuo Fortress"—a new power capable of fighting tough battles and seemingly intent on establishing order, which often meant new business opportunities and a relatively safe trading environment for merchants.

However, the fame and prestige extended far beyond merely deterring petty criminals and drawing the attention of merchants. For those established powers with their own armies and influence, this news was nothing short of a thunderclap, exploding on their supposedly secure chessboard.

Iron Rock Fortress, main hall.

Lord Sun Han's face was ashen, his fingers unconsciously tapping the iron-clad wooden table, producing a dull "thump-thump" sound. Below him, several trusted generals and representatives of the local elders held their breath, the atmosphere heavy with tension.

"Two thousand defeated five thousand, Han Meng was slain in battle..." Sun Han's voice was rough, carrying an afterglow of disbelief. "The spoils were like mountains, hundreds were captured... Gentlemen, tell me, who exactly is this 'Starfire Fortress,' this 'Chen Xing'?"

A general with a full beard said in a deep voice, "Lord, the words of the defeated soldiers are mostly exaggerated. Although Han Meng is brave, he is still young and impetuous. It is possible that he fell into an ambush or a trap. Chen Xing has only risen to power in the past year and his foundation is shallow. This victory is likely a Pyrrhic one, and his own losses must be considerable. We only need to strengthen the city's defenses and guard the gates. I doubt he will be able to attack us."

Another man, a shrewd-looking scholar, shook his head and said, "Commander Wang, you must not underestimate the enemy. While the rout may be an exaggeration, multiple sources confirm that Xinghuo Fortress's troops are well-equipped, disciplined, and well-supplied. Especially their 'potato' ration and the unknown iron-smelting method—these are not things obtained by chance. Chen Xing, with the full support of the Hu woman Murong Mingyue and his men fighting to the death, possesses a level of management skill and strategic depth that likely far exceeds our initial assessment. This is not a minor ailment, but a serious threat!"

The village elder representative said tremblingly, "Lord Sun, I have also heard of the 'Merit Order' of Xinghuo Fortress. It does not consider background, but only merit... If this order is widely circulated, I'm afraid... I'm afraid it will shake our foundation!" He was worried about the poor people in Tieyan Fortress who had difficulty getting promoted because of their background, as well as the restless hearts of the villagers who depended on them.

A fierce glint flashed in Sun Han's eyes. The village elder's words had struck a nerve. The rule of Tieyan Fort relied heavily on the old clan and village ties and the strict hierarchical order. Xinghuo Fort's merit-based system, which disregarded Han and non-Han peoples and their origins, was like a pebble thrown into stagnant water; its ripples could spread far and wide.

"What's going on at Grey Valley Fortress?" Sun Han asked.

The trusted confidant in charge of external liaison immediately replied: "The lord of Grey Valley Fortress sent a message saying that 'the rising power in the north is great, and if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold,' implying that he wants to 'discuss countermeasures' with our fortress."

"Old fox," Sun Han sneered. The Gray Valley Fortress Lord was always cunning; this attempt to curry favor was nothing more than trying to get him to stand in the front against Starfire Fortress so he could reap the benefits. But... the threat from Starfire Fortress was indeed very real.

"Pass down the order," Sun Han finally commanded, "double the vigilance at all passes and outposts, and send more scouts to scout all movements in the vicinity of Xinghuo Fortress. Re-inspect the fortress's provisions and weaponry, and ensure the soldiers' training continues without a break. Furthermore..." He paused, "select a few clever and reliable newcomers and have them infiltrate the refugees seeking refuge at Xinghuo Fortress. I need to know their true character within the fortress, especially Chen Xing's personality, preferences, subordinate relationships, and strengths and weaknesses!"

"yes!"

Huiyubao.

Compared to the somber atmosphere at Iron Rock Fortress, Hu Yong, the lord of Gray Valley Fortress, responded with greater "flexibility." In his warm chamber, holding a wine cup, he smiled at a few close advisors and said, "That brute Sun Han is probably jumping up and down right now. Good, let him test the mettle of Starfire Fortress first."

"The Lord's insight is profound. But how should we conduct ourselves?" the advisor asked.

"How should we proceed?" Hu Yong squinted. "Hedge your bets and observe the situation. Send someone to prepare a gift list that is neither too thin nor too thick, under the pretext of 'Congratulations on our neighbor's great victory, and our joint defense against Black Mountain,' to Xinghuo Fortress. Be humble and subservient in your words. At the same time, keep sending replies to Sun Han, saying that our fortress is weak and only follows Lord Sun's lead, but we need to plan carefully. Understand?"

The advisor understood immediately: "The lord is wise. Showing goodwill to Starfire Fortress leaves room for maneuver; maintaining a superficial relationship with Ironrock Fortress ensures our immediate safety. Regardless of which side ultimately prevails, Gray Valley Fortress will always have room to maneuver."

"That's exactly right." Hu Yong downed his wine in one gulp. "In this chaotic world, the ability to survive is the real skill. Chen Xingrui is too arrogant and easily broken. The Black Mountain Commander has lost his adopted son and his troops; how can he let this go? The real show is yet to come."

Starfire Fortress.

Compared to the undercurrents and discussions outside, Starfire Fortress, after a brief period of celebration, quickly returned to a more tense and orderly rhythm. The joy of victory settled into a more solid confidence, while the great achievements also brought corresponding responsibilities and pressures.

Chen Xing stood on the north city wall, which was being heightened and thickened, followed by Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue. Below the wall, prisoners of the "re-education camp," under the shouts of overseers and the shadow of whips, were carrying huge stone blocks and rammed earth, their chants deep and powerful. Further away, the foundations for the newly planned residential area were being cleared, and the cultivated fields stretched to the distant hillsides, dotted with busy figures.

"According to Li Shu's statistics, in the past seven days, we have taken in 943 new refugees, about 60% of whom are young and middle-aged, far exceeding previous numbers. Among them, there are even small groups of scattered people who originally relied on the outskirts of Iron Rock Fortress and Gray Valley Fortress who have come to join us on their own initiative." Murong Mingyue reported, her tone calm, but there was a glint in her eyes. "Our reputation is very useful now."

Chen Wei added: "Scouts report that the number of cavalry in the direction of Iron Rock Fortress has increased and their activities are frequent, but they have not crossed the border. In the direction of Gray Valley Fortress... this morning, their border outposts voluntarily withdrew five miles. In addition, according to information from informants mixed in with the caravans, the Black Mountain Commander's headquarters was greatly shocked after learning of the destruction of the vanguard and has ordered the withdrawal of some outer outposts, seemingly reassessing our army's strength."

Chen Xing nodded, his gaze drifting towards Tieyan Fortress in the northeast and Huiyu Fortress in the west. Reputation is a double-edged sword; it brings population and prestige, but also deeper fear and more complex power struggles.

"Sun Han of Tieyan Fortress is fierce and suspicious, holding onto his troops for himself. He sees us as a threat and will certainly not sit idly by. Hu Yong of Huiyu Fortress is indecisive, intending to observe from the sidelines. Commander Heishan has lost his beloved general and suffered heavy losses in troops and prestige; a full-scale retaliation is only a matter of time," Chen Xing said slowly. "Our time is tighter than we imagined."

"What does the Lord of the Fortress mean?" Chen Wei asked.

"Our reputation is established; we should make good use of it." Chen Xing turned to face the two men. "It's not enough to just make people fear us; we need to make them want something, be wary of something, and rely on something. The diplomatic mission suggested by Wu Xuejiu can be prepared. Our targets are Iron Rock Fortress, Gray Valley Fortress, and those small fortresses in the south that have maintained neutrality."

Murong Mingyue frowned slightly: "Sun Han is wary of us. Would sending an envoy at this time backfire? Hu Yong might be playing along to find out the truth."

"That's the effect we want," Chen Xing said. "What we're sending to Sun Han isn't a request for an alliance, but a declaration of our existence. The wording should be polite, the gift list should be in accordance with the rules, but we must make sure he understands three things: First, Starfire Fortress has no intention of provoking us and is willing to be friendly with its neighbors; second, Starfire Fortress has sufficient strength to defend itself and is not afraid of any threats; third, Starfire Fortress's 'Merit Order' and 'Fortress Rules' are open to all who are willing to abide by the rules, including those who are frustrated within Ironrock Fortress."

He paused, then continued, "As for Hu Yong, since he wants to sit on the fence, let's give him a 'fence' that looks more solid and promising. The envoy can be more enthusiastic towards him, talk more about mutually beneficial trade, and even hint that if the Black Mountain Commander attacks, Xinghuo Fortress is willing to provide certain protection to its 'friendly neighbor'—of course, with conditions. We need to make him feel that siding with us is more profitable than following Sun Han, or at least safer."

A look of realization dawned on Chen Wei's eyes: "This is an open strategy. Even if they don't immediately turn to us, we can create divisions within them, delay their potential alliance, and buy us more time to consolidate our gains and prepare our forces. At the same time, it also demonstrates our fortress's magnanimity and vision to more distant powers."

"Exactly," Chen Xing affirmed. "Furthermore, the newly released mission, 'Dominating the Region,' requires at least three medium-sized powers to clearly express their respect or willingness to befriend them. This dispatch of envoys is a crucial step in advancing this mission. Sun Han's vigilance, Hu Yong's wavering overtures, and even the potential for dependence from those small fortresses in the south, can all be considered different manifestations of 'respect' or 'willingness to befriend.'"

Looking at Chen Xing's composed profile as he laid out his plans, Murong Mingyue's admiration deepened. He was not only skilled in battle, but also adept at strategy, knowing how to transform military victories into political and strategic advantages.

"The choice of envoy must be made carefully," Murong Mingyue reminded.

"Wu Xuejiu personally drafted the list; he knows his limits and knows when to advance and retreat. Chen Wei, select a team of elite soldiers from the elite troops to serve as guards. They must be able to demonstrate military might, but not be too aggressive," Chen Xing instructed. "This matter should be handled swiftly."

"Yes, sir!" Chen Wei accepted the order.

A cold wind swept across the newly built wall, causing the "Spark" banner to flutter loudly. This banner, which had earned its reputation in blood and fire, would now carry an even more complex mission, drifting towards its neighbors with differing intentions. On the chessboard of chaos, a new piece had been placed, no longer content with a secluded corner; it began to stir up the winds and clouds, redrawing the surrounding landscape according to the will of the player.