The golden rays of dawn cast their light over the village, illuminating a hive of activity. Soldiers moved purposefully through the streets, overseeing the integration of Wu Wei's surrendered forces while workers labored to fortify the palisade. Hammers struck nails with rhythmic precision, and carts laden with timber and iron rumbled toward construction sites. The air carried the mingled scents of freshly cut wood and smelted metal, signaling the transformation of the settlement into a stronghold worthy of Lü Bu's name.
From his vantage point atop a makeshift watchtower, Lü Bu surveyed the scene. His sharp gaze swept across the bustling village square, where Zhao Yong was drilling the newly integrated recruits, their formation uneven but improving. Beyond the village, Gao Fang supervised the delivery of iron from his nearby production facilities. The once-chaotic remnants of Wu Wei's rule were being reshaped into the foundations of Lü Bu's growing empire.
Chen Gong climbed the tower to join his lord, carrying a rolled map under one arm. He unfolded it across a sturdy wooden table and gestured to the surrounding territories. "The fortifications are progressing well, my lord. At this rate, the village will be fully defensible within ten days. Once secured, this position will serve as the linchpin of your eastern holdings."
Lü Bu nodded, his expression firm. "Good. We cannot afford weakness in this region. With Wu Wei's lands under control, we'll have the grain and timber needed to sustain larger campaigns. But I do not intend to stop here."
Chen Gong smiled faintly. "Of course not. Expansion is the key to solidifying your dominance. I've identified several potential targets for your next campaign."
He tapped the map, indicating a cluster of villages to the south. "These territories are controlled by Song Xian. His forces are modest but disciplined. Bringing him under your banner would bolster our grain supplies significantly."
"And the northern territories?" Lü Bu asked, his eyes narrowing as they scanned the map.
"To the north lies a collection of loosely allied villages," Chen Gong explained. "Their leaders lack unity and military strength. A swift campaign could bring them into your fold with minimal resistance. However, this move might draw the attention of a larger faction, one that views this region as part of their sphere of influence."
Lü Bu's smirk returned. "Then we strike where our enemies least expect. For now, focus on fortifying this village. When the defenses are complete, we'll decide our next move."
Down in the square, Zhao Yong paced before a line of recruits, his sharp eyes scrutinizing their every movement. These men, once loyal to Wu Wei, now stood under Lü Bu's banner, their fates tied to the fortunes of their new master. Some stood tall and resolute, eager to prove their worth, while others shuffled nervously, their loyalty uncertain.
"You call yourselves soldiers?" Zhao Yong barked, his voice cutting through the morning air. "A real soldier stands firm in the face of death. A real soldier serves their lord without question. You fought for Wu Wei and failed. Now you have the chance to redeem yourselves. Prove your loyalty to Lü Bu, or you'll find yourselves discarded like the cowards you once were."
One man stepped forward from the line, his fists clenched. His face bore the marks of a man who had fought hard for his former lord and now struggled to reconcile his defeat. "We fought for Wu Wei because we believed in him. Now you ask us to abandon that loyalty and serve the man who destroyed him. What kind of men does that make us?"
A heavy silence fell over the square as all eyes turned to Zhao Yong. The veteran vassal approached the man slowly, his expression unreadable.
"You think loyalty means dying for a leader who failed you?" Zhao Yong's voice was low, almost a growl. "Loyalty is survival. It's about serving the strongest, the one who can protect your family and your future. That leader is Lü Bu. Now, get back in line before I show you what happens to those who defy him."
The man hesitated, his jaw tightening, but eventually stepped back into formation. Zhao Yong nodded curtly and resumed the drills, his voice echoing once more. "Form up! Stand tall! You fight for the greatest general this land has ever known!"
At the edge of the village, Gao Fang stood by a roaring forge, the rhythmic clanging of hammers filling the air. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly, shaping iron into blades and armor. Workers carried materials to and from the site, their movements efficient under Gao Fang's watchful eye.
"My lord," Gao Fang said as Lü Bu approached, bowing deeply. "Weapon production is progressing smoothly. We've outfitted two full contingents of infantry, and the next batch of swords will be ready by the end of the week."
"Focus on equipping the cavalry next," Lü Bu replied, inspecting a freshly forged blade. The weapon gleamed in the sunlight, its edge razor-sharp. "Their speed and power will be critical in our next campaign."
"As you command," Gao Fang said, his tone respectful. "There is one other matter. A group of workers from the iron-producing village has requested an audience. They claim to have skills that could aid your future conquests."
"Bring them to me," Lü Bu ordered.
A few minutes later, a group of five stood before him: four men and one woman. Their plain but well-maintained clothing suggested they were skilled artisans rather than common laborers.
"My lord," the eldest among them began, bowing deeply, "we are trained in the crafting of siege equipment. With your permission, we could construct battering rams, catapults, and other tools of war to aid your campaigns."
Lü Bu's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You'll have the resources you need. Begin with a battering ram that surpasses the one we used against Wu Wei's gate. Prove your worth to me."
The group bowed again, gratitude evident in their expressions. "Thank you, my lord. We will not disappoint you."
As the day wore on, the sounds of progress continued to echo through the village. Workers reinforced the palisade, soldiers trained in the fields, and blacksmiths prepared the tools of war. The settlement was no longer just a village; it was becoming a fortress, a symbol of Lü Bu's unyielding ambition.
As the sun began its descent, Lü Bu felt the familiar hum of the system activating. The translucent screen materialized before him, its glowing text updating to reflect his progress.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled:
1 Stronghold
5 Villages
1 Trading Town
Troops:
Infantry: 950 (+100 from Integration)
Archers: 450
Cavalry: 450
Resources:
Food: Abundant (30 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Surplus (Due to Increased Iron Production)
Gold: Stable (Tax Revenue and Trade)
Vassals:
1. Zhao Yong: Oversees integration of new troops into Lü Bu's army. Handles discipline and training.
2. Gao Fang: Manages the iron-producing village and weapon production. Responsible for logistics.
3. Wu Wei: Supervises grain and timber supply from his former holdings.
Generals:
1. Zhang Liao: Oversees infantry and battlefield tactics. Known for loyalty and precision.
2. Chen Gong: Strategist. Provides insights, logistical plans, and handles diplomacy.
Skills:
1. Sky Piercer Slash (Active): A devastating halberd strike that deals 150% damage to enemies in range.
2. Command Presence (Passive): Increases troop morale by 20% in battle.
3. Iron Resolve (Passive): Reduces resource consumption by 10% during shortages.
4. Strategic Insight (Passive): Enhances decision-making in large-scale engagements.
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective: Fortify Wu Wei's Village (Progress: 50%).
Bonus Objective: Establish a Regional Capital.
---
Lü Bu dismissed the screen, his eyes glinting with determination. Turning to Chen Gong, he said, "Once the fortifications are complete, I want plans for a campaign against Song Xian. His territory will strengthen our southern hold."
Chen Gong nodded. "A wise choice, my lord. However, we must remain vigilant. Expanding further may provoke larger factions into action."
"Let them try," Lü Bu said, his voice resolute. "No one can stand against me."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lü Bu's gaze turned to the distant fields, his mind already on the battles to come.