Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Inside the council hall, the echoes of the enemy situation analysis and battle strategies still lingered in the rafters, but the heavy pressure of a nearly tenfold numerical advantage weighed on everyone's hearts like an invisible boulder, not lessened much by the impassioned deployment just now. Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue's eyes remained sharp, but they both understood that no matter how ingenious the tactics or how high the morale, when faced with overwhelming numerical superiority, especially when the enemy possessed well-organized elite cavalry and infantry specializing in siege warfare, how long Xinghuo Fortress's newly built earthen and stone walls could hold out remained an unknown.

Zhao Tiezhu, Zhou Dashan, and others could hardly hide their worry. They trusted Chen Xing's strategy, Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue's bravery, and the determination of the soldiers and civilians in the fortress to fight to the death, but five thousand or even nearly ten thousand enemy troops... the number itself was enough to send chills down their spines.

Chen Xing took in everyone's expressions. He knew that verbal encouragement and conventional defensive tactics might severely damage the enemy and slow their advance, but to truly repel or even defeat such a large army and protect Xinghuo Fortress, he would need some extraordinary and decisive forces.

He needs a trump card that can enable him to win against overwhelming odds and turn the tide of battle in open warfare.

He had been searching for this trump card for a long time in the vast but expensive exchange list of the "Imperial Overlord System." Previously, he lacked the points and could only sigh in vain. But over the past year, with the establishment, expansion, and consolidation of Starfire Fortress, its influence gradually increased, and the system's resource points also slowly but steadily grew. Especially after issuing the "Meritorious Service Order" and "Military Regulations," successfully merging the Murong tribe, defeating the Balut tribe, and even recently killing the Black Mountain envoy and completely unifying internal will, the resource points experienced a significant boost.

it's time.

"Everyone, please proceed with your preparations as we just discussed," Chen Xing said to the group. "Chen Wei and General Murong, please wait a moment. Mr. Wu, please wait a moment as well."

Although everyone had some doubts, seeing Chen Xing's solemn expression, they all dispersed as instructed. Before leaving, Zhao Tiezhu patted Chen Wei on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Old Chen, the fortress master must have a brilliant plan. You and General Murong must protect each other well!" Chen Wei nodded slightly.

Only Chen Xing, Chen Wei, Murong Mingyue, and Wu Xuejiu remained in the council hall, making the atmosphere even more solemn.

Chen Xing didn't speak immediately. Instead, he walked to the window, gazing at the scorching summer afternoon sun and the faintly visible figures of soldiers reinforcing the fortifications in the distance. He remained silent for a moment. Then, he turned around and scanned the three men in turn.

"Chen Wei, General Murong, Mr. Wu, the defensive counter-attack strategy you just mentioned is the only viable path for our fortress. However, relying solely on the fortress walls and harassment by the cavalry archers can at most delay and wear down the enemy, but it is difficult to truly defeat them. If the Black Mountain Army disregards casualties and launches a relentless attack, the fortress walls will eventually be breached. Even if we hold out, it will be a protracted battle, and once our fortress runs out of food and arrows, we will be defeated and destroyed." Chen Xing spoke slowly, calmly stating the worst-case scenario.

Chen Wei said in a deep voice, "This subordinate understands. However, the enemy is far superior to us, and there is no chance of victory in open battle. The only way is to rely on fortified cities, wear down their morale, and wait until they are unable to take the city after a long siege. Their troops will be exhausted, or they may suffer internal strife or run out of supplies. Only then can we find a sliver of hope for victory. But... this chance is slim."

Murong Mingyue also said, "The cavalry archers can harass and demoralize our troops, but if Shi Biao's iron cavalry disregards losses and forcibly disperses our scouts, then they can rush straight to the fortress walls. In the end, the defense of the fortress walls will depend on the infantry."

Wu Xuejiu stroked his beard and sighed, "Military strategy says, 'If ten times our strength, surround them; if five times, attack them.' Now the enemy outnumbers us ten to one, our situation is like a pile of eggs. If we could devise a unique formation, we could leverage our army's strengths in training and coordination in open battle to offset their numerical superiority, and perhaps turn the tide. However, such a formation is hard to find, and it requires time to practice..."

"A strange formation..." A strange light flashed in Chen Xing's eyes. "I happen to have one here."

Upon hearing this, all three were startled and looked at Chen Xing.

Chen Xing didn't explain the origin of this formation—nor could he. He simply returned to the main seat and took out a scroll from his robes—neither silk nor paper, of a strange texture, warm to the touch. The scroll was dark gold throughout, with ancient and intricate cloud patterns along its edges. In the center, several large, flowing characters were written in a black, seemingly liquid ink:

Detailed Explanation of the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation

"This formation is called the 'Eight Gates Golden Lock'." Chen Xing gently placed the scroll on the table, his voice carrying a strange rhythm. "It is said to be an ancient military formation, ever-changing and infinitely mysterious. The formation is divided into eight gates: Rest, Life, Wound, Block, View, Death, Shock, and Open. The eight gates rotate, and life and death change. If the enemy enters the formation without knowing the method, they will be like being lost in a fog, unable to distinguish directions, trampling each other. Even with thousands of troops, they will be like turtles in a jar, at my mercy."

Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue, both commanders, though unfamiliar with the formation, knew from Chen Xing's description that it was extraordinary. Wu Xuejiu, even more knowledgeable, vaguely remembered the name "Eight Gates Golden Lock" in ancient texts, a legendary, extremely profound formation long lost. He exclaimed in surprise, "Lord...where did you get this formation? The principles of formations are profound and difficult; only those who have practiced for years and deeply understand their principles can set them up. In battle, the commander must be able to command with perfect precision, and the soldiers must obey orders without question..."

"The formation diagram and training methods are all contained in this scroll." Chen Xing pointed to the dark gold scroll. "I have already studied it roughly. Although the principles are profound, the explanations are extremely detailed. There are also specific operational manuals for the flags, drum commands, footwork, and troop coordination that are used in conjunction with this formation. It can be said to be broken down step by step, like a craftsman's blueprint. As long as you practice according to the instructions, given time, you may not be unable to master its form."

He looked at Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue, his gaze intense: "I intend to bestow this formation upon the two of you. Chen Wei will oversee its operation, while General Murong will lead the cavalry archers to maneuver within the formation, waiting for an opportunity to defeat the enemy. This formation is the 'grand gift' I have prepared for the main force of the Black Mountain Army!"

Chen Wei took a deep breath, suppressing the shock and excitement in his heart. Although he was utterly loyal, he had witnessed too many incredible things since following Chen Xing, so perhaps one more was... acceptable? He said in a deep voice, "Since my lord has such a wondrous formation, I will do my utmost to study and train it! However... time is of the essence, the Black Mountain Army will arrive soon, I fear..."

"I know time is tight," Chen Xing interrupted him. "Therefore, starting today, the infantry battalion, crossbow unit, and main force of the cavalry archers will suspend all other training and focus entirely on practicing this formation! Day and night! The required training ground is the open hilly area outside the fortress, the site of our predetermined decisive battle—between Woniugang and Tuweizi! We will practice and familiarize ourselves with the terrain simultaneously!"

He then looked at Wu Xuejiu: "Mr. Wu, please work with Li Shu to assist General Chen Wei and General Murong in deciphering the battle formation diagrams and refining the drill manuals. Make sure every squad leader, platoon leader, and even ordinary soldier understands their position and responsibilities within the formation, and how to coordinate with their comrades! The battle formation diagrams must be translated into the simplest commands and actions!"

Wu Xuejiu solemnly accepted the order, looking at the dark gold scroll with both awe and a strong thirst for knowledge in his eyes.

Murong Mingyue spoke at this moment, her voice carrying a hint of doubt, but more so a wariness and curiosity about the unknown power: "Fortress Master, can this formation truly withstand an enemy force several times, or even ten times, larger? And it needs to be set up in the open. What if the enemy forces a cavalry charge into the formation, or rains down arrows?"

"Good question." Chen Xing nodded. "This formation is not static. Its eight gates rotate, and the formation can change according to the enemy's situation. If the enemy cavalry charges, we can change the 'life gate' to the 'death gate' to lure them deeper, then use infantry spears in conjunction with crossbows to fire a barrage from both sides. When the enemy rains down arrows, our formation is filled with shields, and there are even formation changes specifically designed to deal with ranged attacks. The key is that the formation must operate smoothly and seamlessly, with each unit coordinating perfectly without the slightest error. This requires the most rigorous training and absolute discipline!"

He paused, his tone extremely solemn: "Chen Wei, General Murong, practicing this formation will undoubtedly be difficult and fraught with errors in the initial stages. But we must master it! This is not only for winning this battle, but also for the future! If this formation is perfected, the Starfire Battalion will have a decisive advantage in field battles! We will no longer need to be trapped in an isolated city!"

Chen Wei and Murong Mingyue exchanged a glance, both seeing a resolute determination in each other's eyes. Chen Wei clasped his hands in a fist salute: "This subordinate obeys! Even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, we must master this formation!" Murong Mingyue added: "Mingyue will do her utmost to cooperate with Commander Chen, discipline the troops, and practice this formation together!"

"Alright!" Chen Xing solemnly handed the dark gold scroll to Chen Wei. "The formation diagram is here. The three of you study it immediately. In one hour, I need to see the preliminary training plan and personnel organization! Remember, this is top secret. It must not be leaked except to the four people present and necessary officers! To the outside world, only announce that it is a new joint training tactic!"

"promise!"

Chen Wei's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the heavy scroll, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it. A surge of pride and pressure rose within him. Wu Xuejiu and Murong Mingyue also gathered around, their eyes fixed on the slowly unfolding scroll, filled with profound diagrams and annotations.

Chen Xing watched their focused expressions as they immersed themselves in the task, silently calculating the remaining resource points in his mind. Exchanging for the "Detailed Explanation of the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation" had cost him a full 250 points, almost exhausting most of his recent savings. But if this formation could help him survive this impending catastrophe, the price would be well worth it.

He didn't tell them that this formation came from the system and contained some concepts and optimizations that transcended this era. He only hoped that, with Chen Wei's rigor, Murong Mingyue's agility, and Wu Xuejiu's erudition working together, combined with the discipline and teamwork foundation built by the Starfire Camp over the past year, they could truly transform this legendary formation into a real steel barrier and killing machine.

Outside the window, the sun blazed on. But a new, deeper, and more powerful force was quietly brewing within the core of Starfire Fortress. It was not outwardly apparent, yet it would soon determine the life, death, honor, and disgrace on that predetermined battlefield, and the future destiny of Starfire Fortress.