The female prisoner was fierce

Xiao Jianyang, however, remained calm and composed, even showing some worry.

Because the power of this first batch of samples was less than he had expected.

Two ounces of gunpowder only blasted a rock away, leaving a shallow crater the size of a foot basin on the ground.

"Compared to modern explosives, it's far inferior!"

"But in this age of cold weapons where we fight hand-to-hand with swords, that's enough!!"

He was muttering to himself.

"Lord Xiao..."

Su Wanruo finally regained her voice, got up from the ground, and walked over shakily:

"What...what is this thing??"

Lin Qingxue also realized what was happening and asked curiously:

"Lord Xiao, is this... the divine punishment you spoke of? To be honest, Qingxue has never seen such a terrifyingly destructive divine object!"

Even Defang and Li Tiezhu, who were far away, came over.

They didn't say anything, just watched and waited for an answer.

Xiao Jianyang stood up, tossed aside the pebbles in his hand, and calmly spoke:

"This substance is called gunpowder, but you can also interpret it as divine punishment."

He paused, then added:

"You could also think of it as similar to the gunpowder used for setting off firecrackers during Chinese New Year, but I added something else to make it more powerful."

Upon hearing this, everyone present nearly had their eyes pop out.

Who hasn't seen the gunpowder in firecrackers?

But that thing only sparks!

But this thing in front of us can shatter rocks!

Could they be the same thing?

Xiao Jianyang handed the remaining paper package to Su Wanruo, then took out the written recipe and instructions from his pocket and gave them:

"Following the procedures and formulas recorded here, your logistics team should turn all the raw materials into black powder in the shortest possible time, making as much as you can."

"By the way, this stuff is afraid of moisture and fire. Once it's made, you must wrap it tightly in oil paper and put it in a dry place, where there should be no open flame within ten steps."

Su Wanruo quickly and carefully took the paper package with both hands, as if she were taking a newborn baby, afraid that it would fall to the ground.

"Rest assured, Lord Xiao! Our logistics team will keep a close eye on this; there will be absolutely no mistakes!"

Xiao Jianyang:

"Okay, go ahead and get busy."

Su Wanruo:

"Yes, sir!"

They immediately turned around and got busy.

Xiao Jianyang glanced at Lin Qingxue beside him, Defang and Li Tiezhu in the distance, and more than a hundred male and female soldiers of the Xiao family army, then gave the order:

"Training continues; the revenge for Dongshuang County will be taken sooner or later!"

"yes!"

"yes!"

The crowd responded loudly, their morale higher than ever before.

In Lin Qingxue's eyes, anger was replaced by intense anticipation.

She can already imagine it all.

Once enough divine punishment has been generated, Dongshuang County will face its fate!

……

The next three days were spent in a state of intense preparation throughout Xiaojia Village.

Because of the scarcity of raw materials, only about 200 kilograms of black powder were produced.

Based on the standard of 10 jin per pack, that's only 20 packs.

That's far too little!

But there's no other way; it's better than nothing!

It is worth mentioning that.

Xiao Jianyang further divided 10 of the packs into smaller 1-pound packs, placed them in an earthenware jar, and added iron nails and gravel to make a simple version of a defensive grenade.

A total of 100!

If used well, it can cause devastating damage that will leave your opponent in despair!

In addition, each oil paper package was wrapped like a rice dumpling, tied tightly with hemp rope, with a section of string left outside.

The lead wire is also specially made.

The cotton thread was soaked in tung oil, then coated with a layer of crushed black gunpowder powder, dried, and then wrapped in a thin bamboo tube to prevent moisture and fire.

Meanwhile, training didn't stop either.

With the great battle approaching, the Xiao family army was on high alert and making preparations.

Li Tiezhu's crossbows finally had a sufficient supply of bolts this time, with each soldier equipped with nearly a hundred bolts. Combined with pulley crossbows, each soldier could be considered a sniper using a simple rifle.

Then there were various military formations, also practicing.

Once everything was ready, Xiao Jianyang gave the order.

All the soldiers capable of fighting, except for those essential to guard the stronghold, stood on the training ground!

More than 150 people!

Around 15 men!

Eight female soldiers led the way, followed by seven male soldiers from the Xiao family army, while dozens of supply trainmen stood on either side.

Xiao Jianyang stood in front of everyone.

Beside him were Lin Qingxue, Chu Yiran, and Su Wanruo.

Below the stage, Defang, Zhao Tiechui, Xiaoxing, and Xiaotao stood on either side.

Xiaoxing and Xiaotao's injuries haven't fully healed yet.

Xiao Xing's left arm was in a sling across her chest, and Xiao Tao's face was still somewhat pale.

But both of them stood at the very front, their backs ramrod straight, their eyes filled with suppressed killing intent.

After scanning the area, Xiao Jianyang spoke loudly:

Three days ago, thirteen people from our Xiao Family Village went to Dongshuang County.

"When we went there, they were living, breathing people."

"But when they came back, there were only two left."

The breathing in the audience became heavy.

Although I already knew about it three days ago, hearing the scene again now still makes me incredibly angry!

Xiao Jianyang spoke again!

The voice wasn't loud, but everyone could hear it clearly:

"Qian Youde, the magistrate of Dongshuang County, not only surrendered to the Northern Di people, but also killed 11 of our brothers and sisters from Xiaojiazhai."

"Today, we won't talk about grand principles; I'll just stick to one rule: a life for a life!!"

As he spoke the last few words, Xiao Jianyang's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

The breathing from the audience turned into suppressed growls.

Many people gripped their knives tightly.

Lin Qingxue stood behind Xiao Jianyang, her eyes red-rimmed and her lips tightly clenched.

Xiao Jianyang paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across everyone's faces, before speaking loudly again:

"Take Dongshuang County, avenge our defeat, and feast on wine and meat."

"If we can't take it, not only will we be unable to avenge ourselves, but once the Northern Di people realize what's happening, this Xiao Family Village will be our death trap!"

"Therefore, we have no way back. Now, everyone, let's go!"

Splash splash~~

The team got excited, sprang into action, and set off fully equipped!

Besides hatred, everyone's face also showed a hint of determination to prepare for the future!

indeed.

If the Northern Di people realize the situation at Table Mountain, they will be besieged and killed sooner or later.

Therefore, this great battle was not only for the brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives, but also for ourselves!

Before leaving, Xiao Jianyang instructed Su Wanruo and Chu Yiran:

"Guard the mountain stronghold well, and I'll take you to the county town later."

To the two women, these words sounded like a confession. Although Xiao Jianyang didn't realize it, the two women didn't think much of it and nodded.

"Um."

"Don't worry, Lord Xiao, we'll be waiting for you at the mountain stronghold... to come back!"

The way he said "come back" sounded a bit strange.

Especially Chu Yiran.

The self-conscious girl lowered her head unconsciously again, which puzzled Xiao Jianyang, but he didn't say anything. He mounted his horse and led Lin Qingxue and 15 men away from the mountain stronghold!

Starting from the South Gate, a group of 150 people set off along the narrow mountain path, a stark contrast to when they first arrived at the mountain and when the female prisoner army first attacked Qinglong Mountain.

The number of people involved is not even in the same league!

Equipment.

Everyone was wearing the recommended cotton or leather armor.

He carried a long sword, a short sword, a bow and arrows, and three days' worth of dry rations.

but.

The most eye-catching thing was the twenty oil paper packages in bamboo baskets in the middle of the procession.

The basket was lined with dry straw and covered with an oilcloth.

The twenty baskets were being escorted by a team of twenty people personally led by Lin Qingxue.

Everyone had a tense expression, as if they were escorting some priceless treasure.

Lin Qingxue even arranged her position in the very center, with a specially made wooden box tied to each side of the saddle, containing four oil paper packages.

They were even more careful than when escorting their own mother.

Splash splash~~

Horses hooves flew, and more than a hundred people looked resolute.

Led by thirty riders, with four rangers at the front scouting and clearing the way, they marched eastward in a grand procession towards Dongshuang County.

……