Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 172 The Star Duke Founds a Nation

On the winter solstice, the deepest darkness before dawn was torn apart by the blazing fire inside and outside Xinghuo Fortress. The area within several miles of Chengtian Altar had long been cleared and quieted down, with only the howling of the cold wind whipping the forest of banners and torches around the altar, making them flutter and crackle. The firelight danced erratically on the blue stone slabs, casting the huge shadow of the altar on the ground, eerily lifelike.

The altar was divided into three tiers. At this moment, along the edges of each tier stood the elite Starfire Army soldiers, clad in full armor and sharp weapons, their eyes fixed straight ahead. Their armor gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen in the firelight. From the base of the altar to the fortress gate, on both sides of the wide imperial road, civil and military officials, meritorious soldiers, representatives of those who had surrendered, and local elders knelt solemnly according to their rank. Further out, countless soldiers and civilians, allowed to observe the ceremony from a distance, stretched as far as the eye could see. Though the crowd was immense, it was deathly silent, save for the suppressed breathing and the sound of flags fluttering in the wind, creating a somber backdrop.

A solemn and austere atmosphere, almost solidified, permeated the world.

At the third quarter of the hour of Yin (3:45 AM), just as the first rays of dawn appeared on the eastern horizon, the faint light of day mingled with the blazing firelight on the ground, creating a strange and magnificent scene. Suddenly, three heavy, long horn calls pierced the silence from the direction of Starfire Fortress.

"Waaaaah—waaaah—"

Before the horn sound had faded, a deep and rhythmic drumbeat, rising slowly and then accelerating like the heartbeat of the earth, resounded from within the fortress. Immediately following, the clear and melodious sounds of chime bells and jade chimes joined in, and the solemn and elegant court music "The Chapter of Majesty" began to play. The music echoed across the vast plains, sounding even more desolate and sacred.

Guided by music and ceremonial guards, Chen Xing's carriage slowly emerged from the fortress gate. He did not ride in a luxurious palanquin, but stood atop a specially crafted, tall, sturdy war chariot, predominantly black and adorned with golden flame and star patterns. Today, he wore a black crown without tassels, a dark crimson ceremonial robe embroidered with the twelve symbols and the northern star and fire totem, and a heavy black cloak, standing with his hand on his sword. His face, illuminated by the morning light and firelight, was calm and undisturbed, except for his eyes, which shone with an astonishing brightness, as if containing the rising sun about to break through the dawn.

Ahead and behind the chariot were the elite elite soldiers of the Trapped Camp, personally led by Chen Wei and Dian Xiong, their steps resounding like a moving steel wall. Further back, civil officials such as Jia Wen, Zhao Tiezhu, and Su Xiaoxiao, as well as military generals such as Zhang Heng and Pang De, all dressed in brand-new court robes, walked solemnly behind.

The imperial carriage slowly made its way along the imperial road, under the watchful eyes of countless people, to the foot of the Chengtian Altar. The music stopped, all was silent, except for the stronger sound of the wind.

Chen Xing alighted from the car and stepped onto the red-carpeted path, beginning his ascent of the eighty-one white marble steps alone. His steps were steady and powerful, each one seemingly treading on the heartbeats of everyone present. His dark cloak billowed behind him like wings reaching to the sky.

As he finally stepped onto the top altar, the first rays of golden-red dawn broke through the clouds in the eastern sky, illuminating the center of the altar and his tall figure. At that moment, the celestial light and human effort seemed to resonate in some mysterious way.

"The auspicious time has arrived—!" Jia Wen, serving as the master of ceremonies, raised his voice, his aged yet clear tone resounding throughout the surrounding area, "The sacrifice to Heaven begins—!"

Chen Xing turned to face south, and the prepared priest began to chant the carefully crafted eulogy. The words were ancient and the tone was long and drawn out, drifting in the cold wind and morning light, proclaiming Chen Xing's achievements, aspirations, reverence for heaven and earth, comfort to his soldiers, declaration of unity between the Han and non-Han peoples, and promises to the well-being of the people to the glorious heavens.

"...Your subject, Xing, respectfully leads the civil and military officials and the people of the North, daring to offer this solemn proclamation to the Supreme Heaven: Heaven's mandate is not constant, but only virtue is its guide. Now, the dust of the barbarians rages, the Central Plains are in turmoil, and the people are suffering terribly. I, your subject, despite my humble origins, rose from the ranks of soldiers, and thanks to the soldiers' valiant efforts, the unity of the civil and military officials, and the people's submission, we have finally secured a small piece of land and temporary peace on the northern frontier… However, without proper titles and authority, commands cannot be enforced; without discipline, what will the people rely on? Now, in accordance with Heaven's will and the people's wishes, I, though trembling with fear, dare not refuse. Therefore, on this day, I offer this sacrifice to the heavens, ascend to the throne as King, and establish a nation and its institutions…"

After the sacrificial text was recited, Chen Xing stepped forward and personally offered the head of the sacrificial animal on the altar, along with jade discs and silk scrolls. Then, he walked towards the towering flagpole beside the altar.

Two strongmen solemnly carried up a huge banner with a black background and dark gold flame patterns embroidered around the edges—it was the "Military Soul Banner." In the center of the banner, instead of a design, were countless tiny names and unit codes embroidered in silver thread, densely packed, trembling slightly in the wind, as if whispering the souls of the dead.

With a solemn expression, Chen Xing received the flag with both hands and slowly tied it to the flagpole rope. Then, he personally pulled the rope, and amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd and the sudden, deep, and solemn sound of bugles, he raised the flag, which carried the souls of countless heroes, to the top of the pole!

The banners were suddenly unfurled in the cold winter solstice wind, fluttering wildly. The silver names on the banners shimmered with a breathtaking light under the rising sun and the still-burning flames. Below the altar, countless soldiers, especially the veterans who had experienced bloody battles, had tears welling up in their eyes, and their clenched fists trembled slightly.

"O soul, return! Protect my land!" Jia Wen shouted at the opportune moment.

"O soul, return! Protect our land!" The civil and military officials on the altar, and even the soldiers and civilians further away, spontaneously echoed the shouts, which resounded like a mountain roar and a tsunami, shaking the heavens and the earth!

The first half of the ceremony, consisting of offering sacrifices to Heaven, informing ancestors, and comforting spirits, was completed in an atmosphere interwoven with tragedy and sublimity.

Next came the "coronation".

Chen Xing returned to the center of the altar. The master of ceremonies called out the names, and Jia Wen, holding the "Golden Book and Golden Treasure" in a sandalwood box, and Chen Wei, holding the crown with twelve white jade beads hanging down, the two representing civil and military officials, respectfully stepped onto the top floor and came before Chen Xing.

Jia Wen unfurled the golden book and read the text aloud, formally bestowing upon Chen Xing the title of "King of Stars," establishing the kingdom's name as "Star," and explaining the king's powers, responsibilities, and expectations. After reading it, he and Chen Wei together raised the golden book, golden seal, and crown high above their heads, presenting them to Chen Xing.

Chen Xing first accepted the golden book and seal, symbolically glanced at them, and then handed them to the attendant beside him. Then, he bowed his head slightly.

Chen Wei and Jia Wen exchanged a glance, then stepped forward together and solemnly placed the twelve-tassel crown, symbolizing supreme royal power, on Chen Xing's head!

A string of white jade beads dangled down, swaying gently, partially obscuring Chen Xing's face, yet adding to his mysterious and majestic aura. Sunlight filtered through the beads, casting dappled patterns of light on his face.

"Your subjects pay homage to the Star King! May our King live a long life!" Jia Wen and Chen Wei were the first to kneel down and shout loudly.

"Greetings, Star King! May your reign last a thousand years!"

On and below the altar, civil and military officials, soldiers, representatives of allegiance, and the common people, like dominoes being toppled, knelt down in unison, one after another. The earth-shaking shouts rang out again, this time filled with absolute submission to the new king and boundless anticipation!

Chen Xing—no, now the Star King Chen Xing—slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping through the swaying jade tassels over the prostrate subjects at his feet, and then towards the vast land in the distance. An unprecedented, heavy sense of power and responsibility filled his chest. He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer merely the leader of a force, but the king who bore the fate of the entire "Star" Kingdom on his shoulders.

"Rise, my lords." His voice, carried clearly through a specially made bronze trumpet, resounded throughout the surrounding area, calm, dignified, and exuding the air of a king.

Everyone stood up. Chen Xing began the next step—"Proclaiming the Imperial Edict to Change the Era Name".

He took the edict that Su Xiaoxiao had prepared beforehand and which was now presented by an eunuch. He unfolded it himself and read it aloud to his subjects. The edict officially proclaimed the establishment of the "Star" Kingdom, with its capital at Starfire Fortress, and changed the era name to "Wuxing," meaning "to prosper the country through military force." It also announced a general amnesty, reduced some taxes, and a fresh start for the people.

"The first year of Wuxing! The first year of Wuxing!" Cheers rang out again.

Subsequently, Chen Xing announced the grand bestowal of titles upon his officials. He first bestowed the title of "Queen" upon Murong Mingyue and "Crown Prince" upon her son, thus establishing the foundation of the state. Next, based on their merits, he bestowed titles upon Chen Wei as General Who Guards the Army, Dian Xiong as General Who Conquers the Barbarians, Jia Wen as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Zhao Tiezhu as Minister of Works, Su Xiaoxiao as Minister of the Imperial Treasury, Zhang Heng as General Who Guards the West, Pang De as General Who Destroys the Enemy, Cheng Yin as Prefect of Jincheng and General Who Displays Might... Civil and military officials alike received rewards, and at the banquet for meritorious officials and those who had pledged allegiance, everyone was deeply moved and moved to tears.

The last item is the "military parade".

Chen Xing led the civil and military officials to the specially set-up viewing platform beside the altar. As the command flag was waved, the elite troops of the Xinghuo Army, who had been waiting in formation on the drill ground, began to march in neat formation across the wide flat ground in front of the altar.

First to pass was a heavy infantry formation, led by Dian Xiong's Trapped Camp, their heavy armor clanging, their longswords like a forest, exuding a chilling aura. Next came Chen Wei's mixed infantry formation, with swordsmen, spearmen, and crossbowmen of the Divine Arm Battalion clearly layered, their military bearing impeccable. Following them was Murong Mingyue's cavalry force, a torrent of cavalry, a mix of Han and non-Han, galloping past, their hooves thundering, showcasing the northern characteristics and powerful mobility. Finally, a formation displayed siege equipment and new weaponry, with towering siege towers, battering rams, and a specially displayed volley of Divine Arm crossbows, drawing gasps of amazement from the spectators, especially the invited envoys from surrounding powers.

After the military parade, it was nearly noon. Chen Xing then announced a grand banquet for the entire city, to celebrate with the people. Thus, the "Chen Xing's Founding of the Nation" ceremony, which lasted for nearly half a day, finally came to a successful conclusion.

As Chen Xing returned to Starfire Fortress—now known as the "Royal City"—surrounded by his courtiers, the long-awaited system notification sound, audible only to him, finally rang in his ears:

[Ding! The main quest "Domination of the North" for this phase has been completed.]

[Mission Evaluation: Excellent. Successfully unified the North, established a principality-level regime, perfected the military and political system, and recruited key talents and women.]

[Task rewards are being calculated...]

[Received: "The Military Manual of Yue Fei (Training Chapter)" x1, King's Luck Points +10, System Points +5000.]

[The "Wumu's Legacy (Training Chapter)" has been stored in the system space and can be retrieved for study at any time. King's Luck Points have been automatically added. Points have been credited to your account.]

[A new phase of the main quest has been triggered. Please check it yourself after the situation stabilizes.]

Chen Xing paused slightly, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. Dominating the North was just the beginning. In the first year of Wuxing, the Xing Kingdom was newly established, the road ahead long, and he had gained a few more cards to play.