Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 117 Awe-inspiring Prestige in the North

Murong Mingyue's cavalry, escorting a small number of prisoners, leading captured warhorses, and carrying a wooden box containing Zhang Kuang's head, returned to Xinghuo Fortress as dusk fell. Although the men and horses were exhausted and their armor covered in dust, their triumphant and imposing aura inspired cheers from the soldiers and civilians they encountered along the way.

Outside the city gate, Chen Xing, along with Chen Wei, Zhao Tiezhu, and other core subordinates, were already waiting. Torches illuminated the returning cavalry, and also the head in the wooden box—a man with bristling hair and wide-open eyes.

"I have fulfilled my mission." Murong Mingyue dismounted and presented the wooden box with both hands. Her voice was hoarse from the long march, but clear and firm. "Zhang Kuang, the leader of the Black Mountain bandits, has been beheaded at the southern pass of Black Mountain. All his personal guards have perished. This bandit's head is here!"

Chen Xing took the wooden box, glanced at the head inside, frozen in terror and resentment, his expression calm and unwavering, as if he were merely confirming something he had expected. He handed the box to Zhao Tiezhu beside him, stepped forward, and supported Murong Mingyue's swaying shoulders, his gaze sweeping over the weary yet piercing knights behind her.

"You've worked hard." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a heavy weight. "In this battle, all of you soldiers deserve the greatest credit! Starfire Fortress's current status is all thanks to your bravery! I've ordered hot food and soup to be prepared, and the barracks to be cleaned. All the soldiers who participated in the attack will be recognized for their outstanding contributions! Tomorrow, rewards will be distributed according to merit, and the entire army will be rewarded!"

"Thank you, my lord!" Upon hearing this, the cavalrymen's spirits lifted, and they responded in unison. Although their voices were not as powerful as when they set out on the campaign, they conveyed a sense of heartfelt satisfaction and honor.

That night, Xinghuo Fortress was brightly lit, with wisps of smoke rising from its chimneys. The weary soldiers could finally lay down their heavy armor, enjoy a peaceful hot meal, and fall into a deep sleep in the safety of their barracks. Meanwhile, the clerks, militia, women, and children inside the fortress excitedly discussed the day's glorious victory and relayed the news of the Black Mountain commander's execution. The air was filled with a celebratory atmosphere, a blend of relief and immense glory.

However, Chen Xing did not rest immediately. Inside the main castle's council hall, the lights were still bright. Chen Xing, Chen Wei, Murong Mingyue, Zhao Tiezhu, and Wu Xuejiu, Li Shu, and others who had rushed over upon hearing the news were all gathered together.

"Although Zhang Kuang is dead and his troops have scattered, the threat of the Black Mountain Army has not been completely eliminated," Chen Xing stated bluntly. "His stronghold, the Black Mountain Camp, still has remnants and stockpiled supplies. The surrounding fortified villages and towns that were previously under his control are undoubtedly filled with fear. Furthermore, after this battle, our Xinghuo Fortress has revealed its true strength; what will the other forces in the North think?"

He glanced at the crowd: "Tonight, we need to discuss three things. First, how to completely eliminate the remnants of Black Mountain and take over their territory and population. Second, how to stabilize the newly annexed lands and consolidate the spoils of war. Third, how to deal with the changes in the northern landscape after this battle."

Chen Wei began by saying, "Black Mountain's stronghold is vulnerable. We can send a detachment with Zhang Kuang's head to either persuade them to surrender or to attack. I expect the resistance won't be strong. The key is to take over their stockpiled grain, weapons, and... any civilians they might have abducted."

Wu Xuejiu stroked his beard and pondered: "Taking over territory is easy, but assimilating it is difficult. Under the rule of the Black Mountain Army, most people are forcibly conscripted and coerced, the law is lax, and the people are impoverished. Our Xinghuo Fortress has strict laws and clear decrees. If we take over suddenly, there may be people who cannot adapt to the new environment, or even cause unrest. We should prioritize stability and first send officers to investigate the situation, explain our 'Star Law' and policies to benefit the people, temporarily govern those who are compliant, and gradually replace them."

Li Shu whispered, "According to reports from various spies, the other forces in the north, such as the 'White Sheep Tribe' Hu people in the north, 'Rock Fortress' in the east, several small fortified villages in the west, and the powerful local lords further south, have all learned of our army's great victory over Black Mountain. Their reactions vary; some are terrified, some are observing, and some have already sent envoys with gifts on their way, their intentions unclear."

Murong Mingyue took a sip of hot tea to calm herself down and replied, "After this battle, our army's prestige has been established. Those who dare to invade will meet the same fate as those from Black Mountain! The most urgent task is to restore our army's fighting strength as soon as possible, reorganize the surrendered soldiers, digest the spoils, and consolidate our foundation. As long as we are strong, no matter what others say, we will remain unmoved."

Zhao Tiezhu, however, was more concerned with practical matters: "We have captured a great deal of armor, provisions, and valuables, which need to be inventoried and stored as soon as possible for proper distribution. The number of captured rout soldiers is enormous, nearly four thousand, and how to deal with them is also a problem. If we incorporate them all, there is a risk of unrest; if we do the same... we risk losing popular support and wasting manpower."

Everyone shared their thoughts, laying bare the numerous challenges behind the victory. There was no blind optimism, only calm and pragmatic approach. This is the style that the core of Starfire Fortress has developed through repeated trials.

Chen Xing listened quietly, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously. Only after everyone had finished speaking did he slowly begin to speak, his voice steady and clear:

"Chen Wei is absolutely right. Tomorrow, you will personally lead a thousand infantrymen, carrying Zhang Kuang's head and the captured mid-level leaders, to the Black Mountain stronghold. The main objective is to persuade them to surrender, and to annihilate any who resist. You must completely take control of the area, inventory all supplies, and screen the personnel. Uncle Zhao, you will select a group of capable clerks and guards to accompany the army. They will be responsible for taking over civil administration, pacifying the people, and proclaiming the laws and benevolent policies of Xinghuo Fortress."

"Mr. Wu's considerations are thorough. In newly annexed territories, we cannot be hasty for quick results. Stability must be the priority. It is acceptable to retain some of the original grassroots leaders, but the fundamental laws of the Star Law, tax quotas, and judicial power must be firmly in my hands. Establish a 'Temporary Civil Administration Office' directly under Uncle Zhao's jurisdiction to gradually implement my policies."

"The surrendered soldiers will be dealt with," Chen Xing paused, "dispersed and reorganized. The old, weak, wounded, and sick will be removed, and they will be given travel expenses to return home. The rest will be mixed with the original auxiliary troops and outstanding militia members, and given rigorous training. They will be disciplined by the 'Military Regulations,' motivated by the merit system, and stabilized by generous pay. Tell them that in Xinghuo Fortress, only military performance matters, regardless of past actions. Anyone who shows any dissent will be severely punished. Chen Wei will be in charge of this matter, with Mingyue assisting."

"As for external reactions..." A sharp glint flashed in Chen Xing's eyes. "Li Shu, send more men to closely monitor the movements of all parties, especially Rock Fortress and the Aries Tribe. Treat envoys with goodwill with courtesy, and appropriately display our military might and wealth, but do not make promises lightly. Be equally lenient with those who harbor ulterior motives. Our message is simple: Starfire Fortress is not warlike, but it is absolutely not afraid of war; it wishes to befriend its neighbors and maintain peace together; but if it offends us, it will be met with thunderous retribution!"

He concluded, "In the coming month, and even several months, our military strategy will shift its focus from external to internal affairs. We will consolidate newly acquired territories, digest our gains, reorganize our troops, deepen our internal affairs, and accumulate strength. Let the word 'Spark' represent not only the blade of victory, but also order, abundance, and hope. Only with a solid foundation can we flourish and withstand any storm."

Hearing this, everyone felt reassured and readily accepted the order. Their lord's clear thinking and well-defined goals, demonstrating both strategic vision and attention to practical details, filled them with confidence for the work ahead.

In the following days, Starfire Fortress and the areas it had newly controlled operated like a wound-up machine, running at high efficiency.

Chen Wei led his army north, and without bloodshed, forced the surrender of the remnants of the Black Mountain stronghold, seizing a large amount of grain, weapons, and more than five thousand captives. Zhao Tiezhu's team of civil officials quickly followed up, establishing a temporary civil administration office, surveying the land, registering the population, distributing relief grain, punishing local bullies, and preaching the "Star Laws"... The Xinghuo Fort's ruling model began to extend to this new territory.

More than 4,000 surrendered soldiers were dispersed and reorganized. Under strict military discipline, with tangible benefits such as pay and food, and propaganda promising "meritorious service and promotion," most chose to comply or even began to actively perform in order to survive and have a better life. The size of the Spark Army was effectively expanded under the premise of prioritizing quality.

The news of "Starfire Fortress's great victory over the Black Mountain Army and the slaying of Black Mountain's commander Zhang Kuang" spread like wildfire throughout the north. Details were embellished and exaggerated, becoming increasingly fantastical—some said Starfire Fortress was aided by divine beings who could summon wind and rain, and command heavenly thunder and earthly fire; others said the Starfire soldiers were invulnerable to swords and spears, as brave as gods; still others said that Starfire Fortress's lord, Chen Xing, was a reincarnation of the Purple Star, sent specifically to quell the chaos…

No matter how outlandish the rumors, one undeniable fact stood before all the forces in the North: the arrogant Black Mountain Commander, who had held sway for years and commanded tens of thousands of troops, along with his massive army, was utterly defeated and annihilated within just a few days by Starfire Fortress, which had risen to prominence less than two years prior. The fighting strength, equipment, and unwavering discipline and relentless fighting spirit displayed by Starfire Fortress sent chills down the spines of everyone who heard the news.

Suddenly, the wind direction in the north changed.

Those forces that had previously colluded with or had ambiguous relationships with the Black Mountain Army quickly distanced themselves, some even proactively binding and sending over defeated Black Mountain soldiers as a sign of "submission." From surrounding fortified villages and hamlets of all sizes, messengers poured in to offer congratulations, and gifts piled up in Xinghuo Fort's storerooms. Even powerful figures from more distant counties and some individuals in the prefectural capital began to pay attention.

The envoy from Panshibao arrived the fastest, speaking with utmost respect, presenting generous gifts, and expressing a strong desire for "good neighborliness and friendship." The Baiyang tribe of the north also sent a noble son as an envoy, presenting a hundred fine horses and a quantity of furs, praising "Lord Xinghuo's" military achievements in the most lavish manner, and subtly revealing their desire for trade and exchange.

Xinghuobao, Chen Xing.

After the battle of Black Mountain, he was no longer the fledgling power that had to cautiously survive in a corner of the land. His name, like a thunderclap, resounded in the northern sky, making him a newly crowned overlord that no one in this land could ignore, truly "shaking the northern lands"!

Standing atop the reinforced and heightened north wall of Xinghuo Fortress, Chen Xing gazed at the vast northern territory, feeling the solidity of the fortress beneath his feet and the vibrant life emanating from the land behind him. He knew that the real challenge might have only just begun. But with the tempering and reputation gained from this battle, and with a more solid foundation and team, his gaze could now reach far beyond.