Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 127 Completely Convinced

As the dust settled and the cheers subsided, the atmosphere in the open space in front of the Black Wind Ridge main stronghold remained heavy and subtle. Dian Xiong's earth-shattering kneeling and promise had certainly delighted the people of Starfire Fortress, but it had also drawn the attention of hundreds of eyes throughout Black Wind Ridge to the young fortress lord who had just defeated their "invincible" leader in an unbelievable way.

Shock, bewilderment, unease, hesitation… a complex mix of emotions clung to the faces of the disheveled but sharp-eyed bandits. They had followed Dian Xiong, perhaps out of loyalty, perhaps for survival, but more so because they were captivated by his unparalleled strength and rugged, chivalrous nature. Now, this monument of strength in their hearts had crumbled in direct combat, fallen to a seemingly unassuming “nobleman” who wasn’t known for his martial prowess. The collapse of their faith brought with it a profound sense of disorientation.

After being helped up by Chen Xing, Dian Xiong himself fell into a brief silence. The shame and resentment on his face hadn't completely faded, but more than that, there was an emptiness and shock at having his preconceived notions forcibly shattered. He looked down at his own hands—those once powerful, capable of drawing a bow, tearing through heavy armor, and striking fear into the hearts of his enemies—and now they felt strangely unfamiliar. He had lost, and lost so thoroughly, lost in terms of skill, speed, and timing; lost so badly that he couldn't even seriously injure a single hem of his opponent's clothing.

Chen Xing keenly sensed the complex emotions permeating the air. He released his grip on Dian Xiong's arm, took a half-step back, and glanced at the wary and uneasy bandits around him before finally settling his gaze on Dian Xiong's still somewhat dazed face.

"Ziwei," he began, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears, "today's sparring is not for humiliation, but for verification. To verify that my Starfire Fortress not only has strict laws and fair governance, but also the magnanimity and strength to embrace all corners of the world and subdue heroes."

He paused, then his tone became sincere: "I know you must be resentful. It's natural for a martial artist to feel resentful when suddenly defeated, especially in a way that seems to be outside their strengths. However, the way of martial arts is not just about brute force. Assessing the situation, finding weaknesses and exploiting vulnerabilities, using one's strengths to overcome the enemy's weaknesses, and even subduing the enemy without fighting—all these fall within the scope of 'martial arts.' Under the King of Xiliang, you were brave, but you were repeatedly framed. This is not due to a lack of skill, but rather to a lack of understanding of 'situation,' a lack of knowledge of 'reason,' and a lack of 'connections.'"

These words not only affirmed Norio's bravery but also pointed out the deeper reasons for his failure. Furthermore, they attributed his previous misfortune to his environment and "unlucky encounters with the wrong people," cleverly protecting Norio's self-esteem and guiding him to think about deeper issues.

Dian Xiong suddenly raised his head, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a sudden realization and contemplation. He recalled his experience in the Xiliang army; wasn't he just a man with strength but no understanding of the intrigues of officialdom, no grasp of his lord's intentions, ultimately forced into rebellion?

Chen Xing continued, "These brothers under your command follow you because of your extraordinary courage and strength, your ability to lead them to survival, and your capacity to provide them with justice. However, while Black Wind Ridge is treacherous, it is not a place of lasting peace; what is plundered is not a sustainable solution. The brothers who drink blood today may be left to rot in the wilderness tomorrow; those with elderly and young families at home are filled with worry day and night. As the leader of this stronghold, have you ever considered finding a more stable and promising future for them?"

These words struck a chord with many of the bandits in the area. Most had no choice but to become outlaws; who wouldn't want to live an upright life and put their family at ease? Many eyes began to flicker, their gazes towards Chen Xing less hostile and more inquisitive.

Dian Xiong's body trembled slightly. He looked around at his brothers who had followed him through thick and thin, and saw the weariness, confusion, and faint hope for the future in their eyes. His heart sank. Yes, he could drink and eat heartily, indulging in pleasure and revenge, but what about these brothers? What about their families? Were they to be forever burdened with the stigma of "bandits," living in constant fear?

Chen Xing's voice rang out again, carrying a convincing and steady strength: "My Xinghuo Fortress establishes its credibility with the 'Star Law,' ensuring that the law does not favor the noble and that merit is always rewarded; we select officials through the 'Xinghuo Trial,' regardless of background, valuing only talent; we cultivate the land to nourish the people, develop water conservancy, promote agriculture and trade, all in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous life for the people under our rule. Soldiers are awarded ranks based on military merit, promoted according to ability, the wounded receive compensation, and the dead receive honors. What I aim to build is a foundation of order, hope, where heroes can find their place, and where the people can enjoy peace!"

He stared intently at Dian Xiong: "Ziwei, you have such skill and passion, are you really willing to be buried in this desolate wilderness, leading your brothers as precarious 'mountain kings'? Don't you want to use your spear and your horse to earn a place in history, to secure a good future for your family and children, so that your brothers can also stand tall and proud, bringing honor to their ancestors?"

"I..." Dian Xiong's throat went dry. The scene Chen Xing described was precisely his simplest dream when he joined the army, a dream that had been crushed by cruel reality. Now, these words seemed to rekindle the embers of a flame that had not been completely extinguished deep within him. Looking at Chen Xing again, remembering his sincerity in visiting him three times, his unpredictable martial arts skills, and the undeniable light in his eyes when he mentioned the "Star Laws," fairness, and his future... an unprecedented surge of emotion welled up in his chest.

"Brothers!" Dian Xiong suddenly turned around, facing the bandits of Black Wind Ridge. His voice was loud, yet trembled slightly. "I, Dian Xiong, am a rough man! I don't understand any grand principles! But I know that following Chief Chen, we have food to eat, clothes to wear, rules to follow, and a future! We no longer have to worry about having our pay withheld, no longer have to fear being framed without cause, and no longer have to let our parents, wives, and children live in fear for us, bearing the name of bandits!"

He took a deep breath, knelt heavily on one knee again, this time facing all the bandits, clasped his hands and looked around: "I, Dian Xiong, today am willing to serve Lord Chen as my master! I will follow him and conquer a peaceful world! Those who are willing to come with me, Dian Xiong, may stay! Those who are unwilling, I, Dian Xiong, will not make things difficult for them, I will provide them with sufficient travel expenses, and they may leave on their own! But from this day forward, Black Wind Ridge will no longer have a 'Mountain King,' only Starfire Fortress, and Dian Xiong!"

His voice resounded across the land, his heroic spirit soared to the clouds, yet it also carried a resolute determination to sever ties with the past.

After a brief silence—

"We are willing to follow the chieftain! We are willing to follow Lord Chen!"

"Following Master Chen will lead to a bright future!"

"I've long heard of Xinghuo Fortress's benevolence and righteousness; I never wanted to be a damned bandit again!"

The shouts, initially chaotic, quickly coalesced into a powerful, resounding roar. The vast majority of the bandits chose to stay. They might not fully grasp the profound principles Chen Xing spoke of, but they trusted Dian Xiong and saw tangible hope—a powerful, orderly force that seemed to genuinely uphold rules and offer a way out was beckoning them.

Chen Xing stepped forward and helped Dian Xiong up again. This time, he felt a heavy, entrusting weight on Dian Xiong's arm, not stiff muscles.

"Ziwei, brothers!" Chen Xing raised his voice, "From this day forward, you are all men of Starfire Fortress! All past transgressions will be forgiven! But remember, the Star Laws are as firm as a mountain, and military orders are as ironclad as iron! Merit will be rewarded, and wrongdoing will be punished! I hope you will all strive forward and not fail to live up to your aspirations today!"

He immediately ordered Chen Wei to assist Dian Xiong in taking inventory of the personnel and supplies at Black Wind Ridge and making proper arrangements for them. Those willing to join the army were to be incorporated into the ranks; those with families or who did not wish to wield weapons again could return to Xinghuo Fort with the troops, where the Civil Administration would arrange land and accommodation for them. The Black Wind Ridge camp was to be temporarily retained as an outpost in the northwest.

Over the next two days, Black Wind Ridge was bustling with activity yet orderly. Personnel were registered and cataloged, and supplies were packed and organized. Dian Xiong acted swiftly and efficiently, quickly arranging everything. He himself stayed almost constantly by Chen Xing's side, the last trace of doubt in his eyes disappearing, replaced by a growing respect and loyalty. He began to eagerly learn from Chen Xing and Chen Wei about Starfire Fortress's military system, laws, and even some basic strategic and tactical ideas, like a giant who had just found his direction, eager to make up for past deficiencies.

As the large group left Blackwind Ridge and headed towards Starfire Fortress, Dian Xiong glanced back at the gray-black mountains where he had lived for months. He felt no lingering attachment, only determination and anticipation for the road ahead.

The knot in his heart has been untied, and he is now completely convinced. This fierce tiger from the north has finally found a wise master worthy of his loyalty and trust, and is willing to sheathe his claws and integrate into the new wolf pack, all so that in the future he can unleash a roar that can shake the entire wilderness.