Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 101 Crisis Returns

The news of the Black Mountain General's arrogant and all-out attack was like a leaden-gray cloud suddenly pressing in from the north, carrying a heavy and suffocating pressure. Within just a few days, it was spread to all directions by the "eyes" and "ears" of Xinghuo Fortress, constantly being pieced together, verified, and amplified, eventually turning into a series of shocking and urgent intelligence reports that piled up on Chen Xing's desk in his study.

Li Shu's face was pale from days of sleeplessness, but his eyes were unusually bright from intense tension and focus. He stood in the center of the study, holding a newly compiled and transcribed summary of the latest enemy intelligence, his voice slightly hoarse, yet striving to remain clear:

"Lord, gentlemen. Based on reports from all sides, the movements of the main force of the Black Mountain Army are now basically clear."

His finger traced the newly annotated situation map spread out on the huge table: "The Black Mountain Commander is arrogant and has personally led the main force of about 8,000 men, including 6,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, from the Black Mountain camp southward along the main road. His vanguard of 3,000 infantry and cavalry, led by his fierce general 'One-Eyed Leopard' Liu Han, set off three days ago, clearing out small groups of bandits and collecting provisions along the way. They are expected to arrive at the 'Eagle's Beak' pass, 80 li north of our fortress, in five days to establish an advance camp."

"At the same time," Li Shu's finger moved to the west side of the map, "their left flank army, numbering about three thousand men, mainly infantry supplemented by a small number of cavalry, led by their leader 'Over the Mountain Wind' Wang Mazi, has left their western annex camp 'Wolf Fang Village,' intending to bypass the hilly area west of our fortress, with their target being our southern outpost and the newly reclaimed settlements behind it, attempting to cut off our north-south connection, burn and plunder our grain fields, and force us to divide our forces."

"The Eastern Route Army, numbering approximately 2,500 men, with a higher proportion of cavalry, is led by his adopted son, 'Grasshopper' Han Chong. They have departed from their eastern stronghold, 'Shilazi,' and their movements are erratic. It is suspected that they are preparing to outflank our fort to the east, to coordinate with the direction of Tieyan Fort, or to seek an opportunity to harass our Dongtun and the border trade route."

Li Shu took a deep breath and stated the most crucial figure: "The three routes mentioned above, plus the troops remaining at the Black Mountain camp and controlling other key points, bring the total strength of the Black Mountain army to over 15,000, though they claim to have 30,000. Their main force carries a large number of newly manufactured siege weapons. According to eyewitness accounts, these include heightened ladders, simple battering rams, and no fewer than thirty light catapults pulled by manpower. The supply convoy stretches for several miles, containing at least three months' worth of provisions, clearly indicating a plan for a long-term siege."

Inside the study, key figures such as Chen Xing, Wu Xuejiu, Chen Wei, Murong Mingyue, Zhao Tiezhu, and Zhou Dashan were gathered, the atmosphere so heavy it was almost palpable. Although they had been mentally prepared, when this enormous and specific threat was clearly laid bare before them, the oppressive feeling of an impending storm still made everyone feel as if a huge boulder was pressing down on their hearts.

"Fifteen thousand..." Zhao Tiezhu swallowed, his voice hoarse. "At most, we only have a little over five thousand men capable of fighting on the city walls... and we still need to leave men to guard the outposts, watch the granaries, and prevent internal strife... This... this is far too little!"

Zhou Dashan frowned deeply: "Their catapults, though rudimentary, are numerous and pose a great threat to our city walls, especially the newly built, still-wet sections. Our... our 'firearms' are too few in number and unstable; they can only be used as a surprise attack and cannot influence the overall situation."

Chen Wei's expression was grim as he scanned the enemy's three routes of advance on the map: "Zhang Kuang's tactics this time are far more composed and experienced than Han Meng's. He's advancing on three fronts simultaneously, combining feints and real attacks. The main force in the center is pressing forward with heavy weapons, while the left and right flanks are flanking and containing us. If we attack, we'll have to come to our aid, forcing us to divide our forces. If we concentrate our forces to defend the fortress, our granaries and grain fields will be destroyed, our supply lines will be cut off, and we'll eventually collapse. If we divide our forces to come to our aid, it will play right into their hands. They can use their superior forces to defeat us piecemeal, or take advantage of the weakness in our fortress to launch a fierce attack on a single point."

Murong Mingyue continued, "Their left wing army, 'Over the Mountain Wind' Wang Mazi, is brutal and skilled at harassing and raiding in the mountains, posing the greatest threat to our southern outpost and rear. The right wing army, 'Grasshopper' Han Chong, is young and impetuous, eager to avenge his brother Han Meng, and has more cavalry, making them highly mobile. If they are in league with Tieyan Fort, the situation in the east will be worrying."

Wu Xuejiu stroked his beard and pondered, "Is there any new news from Sun Han's place at Tieyan Fortress?"

Li Shu replied, "Our men risked getting close to observe, and the gates of Iron Rock Fortress were tightly closed, heavily guarded, and there was no sign of troops being dispatched, but they also did not expel the Black Mountain army envoys. Their scouts are frequently active on the border, seemingly observing. As for Hu Yong of Gray Valley Fortress... yesterday, a small caravan from their territory attempted to enter our border market but was stopped by our checkpoints on the grounds of 'wartime control.' The leader of the caravan was very tough, and his words implied that 'Black Mountain is powerful, and those who know when to yield are the wise ones.' His arrogance is quite different from before, and I fear things have changed."

"You opportunist!" Zhao Tiezhu cursed angrily.

"Given the current situation, it's only natural for people's hearts to waver," Wu Xuejiu sighed. "Sun Han is wary of our fortress and even more afraid of Black Mountain, so it's not surprising that he's sitting on the fence and watching. Hu Yong is a coward; seeing Black Mountain's strength, he may have already secretly pledged allegiance, and might even have become Black Mountain's inside man. We must keep a close eye on the movements of these two fortresses."

All eyes eventually turned to Chen Xing, who had been silently staring at the map ever since Li Shu began his report. He had his back to everyone, and his shadow stretched long in the candlelight.

"Fifteen thousand against five thousand, a three-pronged attack, superior weaponry, and potential internal threats." Chen Xing slowly turned around, his face showing no panic, only an extreme calm and coldness. "Zhang Kuang intends to wipe us out in one fell swoop, leaving no room for retreat."

He walked to the table and pointed to the location of Xinghuo Fortress on the map: "But we are not the Xinghuo Fortress of a year ago. We have high walls, which are not completely closed, but the main structure is solid; we have enough food to last for more than a year; we have strict rules, and the people's hearts are beginning to be won over; we have veterans who have been tempered by blood and fire, a newly formed army, and... a trump card that they did not expect."

His gaze swept over everyone: "Zhang Kuang wants to advance on three fronts simultaneously, forcing us to divide our forces and fight a war of attrition and siege. Then we'll do as he wishes—we won't divide our forces, we won't waste time fighting, we'll rely on fortified cities, and wear him down!"

"Chen Wei," Chen Xing ordered, "From this day forward, all forces of the Xinghuo Battalion shall be concentrated in the main fortress and key sections of the northern and western walls. The Southern Outpost Battalion shall retain only essential garrison troops; all other personnel, supplies, and especially grain reserves shall be transferred to the fortress or the core area of ​​Dongtun. Dongtun shall also be consolidated; the elderly and weak shall be moved into the fortress, and the able-bodied shall be incorporated into the garrison, relying on the fortress walls and newly built watchtowers for joint defense. Abandon all scattered outposts that are difficult to defend, and implement a complete scorched-earth policy! Fill in the wells, burn down any simple huts that cannot be taken, and leave him not a single grain of food!"

"Mingyue," Chen Xing looked at Murong Mingyue, "your cavalry are the eyes and fists of the entire army. You will personally command the Arrowhead Battalion and half of the Winged Cavalry Battalion. They do not need to hold one place. Instead, they will patrol within a 30-mile radius outside the fortress in small squads. Their tasks are: First, to closely monitor the movements of the three armies of Black Mountain, especially their supply convoys, artisan camps, and those dozens of catapults, and report back daily; Second, to harass their small reconnaissance and supply convoys, slowing their advance and damaging their morale; Third, if they divide their forces to harass our outposts, to strike them quickly as appropriate, but remember not to linger in battle. Hit and run, focusing on harassment to preserve strength. The remaining half of the Winged Cavalry Battalion and the Sharpening Edge Battalion will be commanded by a capable deputy you appoint, serving as the mobile reserve force within the fortress, ready to launch a counterattack or support critical areas at any time."

Murong Mingyue nodded emphatically: "Understood. Cavalry's advantage lies in mobility; I will turn them into poisonous thorns piercing the flesh of the Black Mountain Army."

"Zhao Tiezhu, Zhou Dashan!" Chen Xing continued, "The city construction cannot stop! Concentrate all craftsmen and laborers to prioritize the completion of the closure of the north and west city walls and the final reinforcement of the crenellations, ramparts, and corner towers. On the inner side of the city walls, build temporary troop shelters and supply storage points every hundred paces. The crafts teams are working at full speed to produce defensive equipment: logs, boulders, kerosene, barbed wire, reinforced city gates, and drawbridge components! The firearms research and development team is on high alert, and all finished products are under strict guard, awaiting orders."

"Mr. Wu, Li Shu," Chen Xing concluded, "Internal stability and intelligence are of paramount importance. Issue the 'Wartime Special Control Order': implement a curfew, strictly control the movement of people, and ration food and supplies. Increase propaganda efforts so that all residents of the fortress know the brutality of the Black Mountain Army and why we are fighting. At the same time, keep the intelligence network running at full capacity, not only monitoring the Black Mountain Army, but also keeping a close watch on the fortress itself, especially the newly attached densely populated areas, and... all suspicious persons connected with Iron Rock Fortress and Gray Valley Fortress. Better to arrest the innocent than let the guilty go free! Wang Jian's medical station must be prepared to receive a large number of wounded soldiers; ensure sufficient supplies of epidemic prevention medicines, bandages, and surgical instruments."

The orders were clear and decisive, breaking down the immense crisis into specific countermeasures. The team received their orders, and their initially panicked emotions gradually calmed down under Chen Xing's calm and collected command.

"Gentlemen," Chen Xing said, his voice heavy and resolute as he surveyed everyone, "this is the greatest calamity our Starfire Fortress has faced since its founding. It is a life-or-death test that will determine whether we can truly establish ourselves in this chaotic world, and even whether our sparks will ignite a prairie fire in the future! The Zhang madmen's all-out attack is both a crisis and an opportunity! If we can defeat or even severely cripple the main force of the Black Mountain Army in this battle, then for hundreds of miles around, no enemy will dare to easily invade us! The name of Starfire Fortress will truly resound throughout the North!"

He took a deep breath: "In this battle, there is no turning back! Only by fighting to the death can we survive! I urge you all to join me in defending our homeland, protecting our wives and children, and upholding the glory of our army!"

"We swear to follow the Lord to the death! We will live and die with Starfire Fortress!" The crowd roared in unison, their eyes burning with resolute fighting spirit.

The meeting adjourned, and everyone hurriedly departed to carry out their respective orders. Starfire Fortress, this massive machine, instantly switched to its highest-speed war mode. The sentries on the fortress walls became even more numerous, the patrols on the streets moved with greater urgency, the furnaces in the workshops illuminated the night sky, and carts carrying supplies flowed ceaselessly. An atmosphere, a mixture of tension, grim determination, and unwavering resolve, enveloped the entire fortress.

Chen Xing walked alone to the highest point of the newly built northern city wall, with Murong Mingyue silently following behind him. In the distance, the night was deep and the starlight was dim, as if foreshadowing the coming bloodshed.

"Are you scared?" Chen Xing suddenly asked softly.

Murong Mingyue gazed at the boundless darkness to the north and shook her head: "As a daughter of the grasslands, I've known since childhood that survival is a battle. But... this time, the enemy is too strong, and we have no way out."

"Yes, there's no turning back," Chen Xing whispered. "So we must win. Not only win, but win spectacularly, win in a way that terrifies all our enemies."

He reached out and grasped Murong Mingyue's slightly cold hand. "Remember what I said? Our flame has been ignited. Now, the storm is coming. This storm will either extinguish our flame completely, or... let it ride the wind and burn across the entire wasteland."

Murong Mingyue gripped his hand tightly in return, feeling the warmth of his strength emanating from her palm. "I believe in you. I believe in everything we've built with our own hands. Let the blood of the Black Mountain Army nourish the foundations of Starfire Fortress."

The two stood side by side, like two silent statues, gazing in the direction of the impending crisis. Behind them, Starfire Fortress was gradually being shrouded in the shadow of war, yet this very shadow had also ignited its full potential and courage. Ahead, a surging black torrent rolled in, intent on devouring everything.