Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

The afterglow of the grand wedding lingered like fine wine within and around Starfire Fortress, but the lights in the Fortress Lord's study remained lit even in the dead of night, before the red silk ribbons were removed. Chen Xing saw off the last group of core members who came to offer their congratulations and returned to his study alone. With the noise subsided, he finally had a chance to calm down and confront the call that he had vaguely sensed since the wedding preparations but which had become exceptionally clear after the ceremony.

Consciousness sank into that familiar system space, which felt like being in an endless starry sky. The cold and majestic notification sounded as expected, but this time the tone seemed to carry a hint of... evaluation?

[Detection indicates that the host faction 'Starfire Fortress' has reached a milestone in its development.]

[Judgment criteria: Effective control of territory exceeding a radius of thirty miles, stable control of a population exceeding ten thousand, establishment of a complete military and political structure with widespread recognition, defeat of the vanguard of the Black Mountain Army, one of the main threats in the region, and successful execution of an important political marriage.]

[Overall Assessment: The faction's development has moved beyond the 'struggling for survival' stage and officially entered the 'establishing a foothold in the region' stage. Corresponding system permissions have been unlocked, and rewards are being calculated...]

Chen Xing's spirits lifted. Sure enough, the wedding was not only a union of the individual and politics, but also marked a new stage for Xinghuo Fortress as a whole, triggering a phased evaluation of the system.

The settlement of phased development rewards is as follows:

1. System Points: +10000 points. (Note: This point reward is the largest ever awarded, based on a multi-dimensional assessment including territory, population, military, and politics.)

2. Special architectural drawings (choose one):

[Basic Military Academy Blueprint]: Allows the construction of facilities that slightly improve troop training efficiency and officer development speed. (Requirements: 2000 System Points, 300 cubic meters of stone, 500 cubic meters of wood, and a dedicated instructor.)

[Hydraulic Workshop Cluster Blueprint]: A basic hydraulic workshop area can be established in a suitable river section to improve the efficiency of wood processing, grain hulling, and some forging processes. (Requirements: 2500 system points, proximity to a stable water flow, and overseen by a senior craftsman.)

[Epidemic Prevention Medical Center Blueprint]: This blueprint allows the establishment of medical points with functions including isolation, basic medical treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine processing, significantly reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and spread in densely populated areas. (Requirements: 1800 system points, physicians and apprentices.)

3. Unlock new technology category: [Basic Chemical Applications]. (Related technologies: "Basic Gunpowder Preparation", "Simple Acid and Alkali Identification and Preparation", "Basic Mineral Pigment Extraction", etc. Warning: These technologies involve hazardous substances and reactions. Extreme caution is required when acquiring and using them. It is recommended that the host have the corresponding basic knowledge or that the operation be carried out by absolutely reliable professionals.)

4. Enhanced Access: The system shop's item refresh frequency has been increased to once a month. The list of redeemable items has been expanded, adding knowledge-related redemption options such as [Seed Breeding], [Basic Mechanical Principles], and [Military Engineering]. The [Resource Point Scan (50-mile radius)] function has been enabled (limited to once a month), which can roughly detect areas rich in specific resources such as metals, coal, and sulfur within a certain range.

Even though Chen Xing was mentally prepared, he was still slightly shaken by the generous reward. Ten thousand points were enough to support crucial exchanges for a long time to come. The three special building blueprints corresponded to military, production, and civilian medical care, respectively, all of which were areas urgently needing strengthening at this stage. The unlocking of [Basic Chemical Applications], especially [Basic Gunpowder Preparation], was a double-edged sword that could potentially change the regional balance of power, and its significance was self-evident.

He didn't rush to make a choice, but first pulled up the newly unlocked "Basic Chemistry Applications" redemption list. Sure enough, "Basic Gunpowder Preparation" was listed, requiring 3500 points. The material requirements clearly listed the purity and proportion requirements of sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal, and included extremely detailed, hazardous-avoidance extraction, mixing, granulation, and storage procedures. Others, such as "Simple Acid-Base Identification," required several hundred to a thousand points.

"Chemistry..." Chen Xing muttered to himself. The advent of gunpowder would inevitably bring about changes at the tactical and even strategic levels. But as the system warned, this substance was extremely dangerous; any mistake in its production, storage, or use could lead to catastrophic consequences. Moreover, once it began to be used, secrecy would be difficult to maintain, inevitably altering the enemy's assessment of him, and potentially even triggering stronger hostility and targeting. Was exchanging for it now a blessing or a curse?

He temporarily closed the chemistry list and turned his attention to three architectural blueprints. The [Junior Military Academy] could accelerate the regularization of the army, but with Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue already in place at Starfire Fortress, the training system was already largely established, so it wasn't the most urgent need. The [Hydraulic Workshop] could improve production efficiency, which was beneficial for long-term development, but it required a suitable location and skilled craftsmen, and its direct benefit to the impending major war was limited. The [Epidemic Prevention Center]... Chen Xing thought of the inevitable casualties in war, and the potential outbreaks of epidemics after population gatherings; the value of these blueprints instantly became apparent. In chaotic times, human life was the most precious resource; reducing non-combat casualties was fundamental to maintaining combat effectiveness and productivity.

After careful consideration, Chen Xing made his first choice: "Exchange for the [Epidemic Prevention Medical Center Blueprint]". 1800 points were deducted, and a blueprint with a detailed architectural structure, functional zoning, list of medicinal materials, and even ventilation and drainage design appeared in his mind. At the same time, a "Summary of Common Epidemic Prevention and Control" was also included.

Immediately afterward, he spent 3500 points to exchange for the "Basic Gunpowder Preparation" technology. A massive influx of information flooded his mind, encompassing not only the classic "one part sulfur, two parts saltpeter, three parts charcoal" ratio for black powder, but also a complete set of knowledge including saltpeter purification, sulfur refining, charcoal selection and firing, granulation processing, moisture-proof storage, the construction of simple ignition devices, and even the most basic ideas for gunpowder applications. The level of detail far exceeded his vague understanding from his previous life, but it also clearly pointed out its instability, failure due to moisture, and high requirements for metal tubing, among many other limitations. This was indeed a powerful tool that required utmost care to use.

"It seems we need to find a stable source of sulfur and saltpeter as soon as possible, and we also need absolutely reliable and meticulous craftsmen," Chen Xing thought to himself. The newly added [Resource Point Scan] function of the system can be used to find these key minerals.

He didn't use the remaining 4700 points immediately. He needed to reserve some to deal with unexpected exchange demands, and also consider other technologies that might be needed later, such as [Breeding] or more advanced military knowledge.

Exiting the system space, Chen Xing rubbed his temples, his gaze falling on the pile of documents on his desk and the maps on the wall. The system's reward was a timely help, but the key was how to effectively channel these "raindrops" onto the land of Starfire Fortress.

He summoned the guards on night duty: "Go and invite Wu Xuejiu, Chen Wei, Madam Murong, Zhao Tiezhu, and Zhou Dashan to the study for a meeting. Tell them that there are important matters to discuss regarding the next steps in the construction of the fortress."

A summons late at night must mean something urgent. Soon, several people arrived one after another, their faces still showing some weariness from the wedding banquet, but their eyes had already regained their clarity.

Chen Xing did not mention the system. Instead, he began by saying, "Now that the wedding is over, we should think about the future." He then threw out some ideas under the guise of "recent thoughts" or "found in ancient books and fragments."

"Firstly, I observe that the population within the fort is increasing daily. While it is easier to manage if people live together in one place, the consequences would be unimaginable if an epidemic were to break out. I propose to build a 'medical and epidemic prevention station' in a secluded location within the fort, as well as in the South Outpost and East Village, specifically for epidemic prevention, treatment, and isolation of patients. This matter requires Mr. Wu and Wang Jian to take the lead in site selection, planning, and training medical personnel. I have a simplified diagram of the medical station construction and an epidemic prevention summary left by predecessors, which you can refer to." Chen Xing conveyed some information from the [epidemic prevention medical station drawings] to Wu Xuejiu through hand-drawn simplified diagrams and oral explanations of key points.

Upon hearing this, Wu Xuejiu was overjoyed: "The Fortress Master has great foresight! This is truly the foundation of benevolent governance; I will begin immediately!"

"Secondly," Chen Xing looked at Zhou Dashan, "the crafts team has recently achieved remarkable results. However, human and water power have their limits. I have heard that there are water-powered mills and water-powered bellows in the south. If we could build a water-powered workshop in a suitable location on the river outside the fortress, it might greatly improve the efficiency of carpentry and iron forging. Dashan, you can lead a team to survey and select a site first, and I will share more detailed ideas with you later."

Zhou Dashan's eyes lit up: "Using water power? Brilliant! If this can be achieved, the efficiency of forging blades and armor plates will more than double! I will go and find a place with both rapid and calm water tomorrow!"

"Thirdly," Chen Xing's tone became slightly serious, "the Black Mountain Commander has suffered a defeat and must be unwilling to accept it. Although we have won, we must not underestimate our enemy. In addition to conventional military equipment, I have thought of something that may be used to achieve a surprise victory when defending a city or breaking through enemy lines. However, the production of this substance is extremely risky, and we must be very careful." He paused briefly, and seeing that everyone's eyes were focused on him, he slowly said, "This substance is called 'gunpowder.' It is made from saltpeter, sulfur, charcoal, and other substances according to a specific secret method. It explodes when it comes into contact with fire, making a sound like thunder, and the smoke and flames are scorching. It can be used for fire attacks, breaking through obstacles, and startling the enemy."

"Gunpowder?" The crowd looked at each other, clearly having never heard of it before.

Chen Xing briefly described its effects and dangers, then said, "Although I know a little about the secret method for making this, it is extremely dangerous. The slightest mistake could lead to the destruction of houses and the loss of lives. We also need to find sources of saltpeter and sulfur. Chen Wei, you must select absolutely loyal, reliable, bold, and meticulous veterans, preferably without family burdens, to form a 'Firearms Research and Development Team.' Set aside a separate, open area far from the fortress to handle this matter. All operations must strictly follow the procedures I will provide later; violators will be severely punished! Mingyue, your cavalry will be responsible for perimeter security, and any unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from approaching."

Chen Wei solemnly replied, "This subordinate understands! We must select warriors willing to die for this task!" Murong Mingyue also nodded solemnly.

Chen Xing then said to Li Shu, "Li Shu, secretly purchase saltpeter and sulfur at high prices through the border markets and all trade routes. The more the better, regardless of the quality. But you must do it discreetly and not make a big fuss to arouse suspicion."

Zhao Tiezhu gasped in astonishment: "Good heavens, something that can explode... If the Black Mountain Army encountered it, wouldn't they be terrified?"

"This is a surprise attack, not to be used lightly, much less relied upon," Chen Xing instructed. "Peace and stability should be the priority. The current priorities are still building walls, stockpiling grain, and training troops. Mr. Wu, begin drafting a proclamation tomorrow, conveying the nine characters 'Build high walls, stockpile grain, and delay declaring yourself king' to the entire fortress as the fundamental strategy for the coming period."

"We will obey the Lord's command!" the crowd responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with anticipation and determination for the future. The Lord always managed to come up with something unexpected, but they were already used to it and regarded it as the divine blessing and secret behind Starfire Fortress's continuous rise.

The meeting was held in the study, and night deepened. Chen Xing and Murong Mingyue returned to the backyard together. His newlywed wife seemed to sense his deep thoughts and said softly, "Is it the matter of 'gunpowder' that's worrying you?"

Chen Xing held her hand, feeling her reassuring strength: "There are some risks, but it's worth a try. In chaotic times, we can't always rely on conventional methods to survive. It will just be hard on you, adding another layer of responsibility for protection."

Murong Mingyue shook her head: "We are husband and wife, why talk of hardship? You have the ambition to expand, and I will naturally guard the rear for you." She paused, her eyes reflecting the candlelight, "Today's meeting, all the arrangements you made—building walls, stockpiling grain, establishing a clinic, a waterworks, and that strange object… the future of Starfire Fortress seems clearer now. I believe in you."

A warm feeling welled up in Chen Xing's heart, easing the hidden pressures surrounding the system and the exchange system. At least for this moment, in this time and space, he wasn't entirely alone. He had people he needed to protect, and people willing to believe in him and follow him.