13: Chapter 13 Rock Village

Thinking of this, Gao Feng's heart was filled with infinite passion and ambition.

He knew that this path would be filled with thorns and blood, but he was fearless.

He looked around at the faces below, filled with hope and reliance, and announced in a deep, unprecedentedly heroic tone:

"From today on, this place shall be named—"

"Panshi Stockade!"

"May we be as solid as a rock, and never fall!"

Panshi Stockade!

From today on, this name would resound throughout Ghost Sees Sorrow, and in the near future, it would resound throughout the entire world!

That night, everyone rested early; finally ending the days of wandering and being able to sleep soundly was a great happiness.

The next day, the first morning after the establishment of Panshi Stockade, was filled with unprecedented peace and tranquility.

Golden sunlight crossed the eastern ridge, gently spilling into the valley surrounded by mountains, dispelling the gloom of the past few days.

Inside the stone beacon tower, snores rose one after another.

Whether it was the rescued women, the recruited refugees, or even the former bandits, all slept an unprecedentedly peaceful sleep.

They no longer had to worry about being snatched away by hungry wolves in the middle of the night, no longer had to fear becoming a ghost under the blades of marauders upon waking the next day, and certainly no longer had to be on constant guard against betrayal from those around them as they did in Black Wind Stockade.

Here, for the first time, they felt the luxury known as "safety."

Gao Feng walked out of the cold beacon tower room and took a deep breath of air scented with soil and grass.

He saw that near the stream not far away, Su Yue and the Luo sisters were washing clothes; their faces bore the genuine smiles of survivors, a sense of relief and joy that came from the heart.

Two children taken in from the refugees were chasing and playing on the grass, their crisp laughter ringing out, not the least bit shy.

This warm and vibrant scene caused Gao Feng's heart, which had long been hardened like iron by blood and slaughter, to soften for a moment.

He thought of his past life, those days spent fighting for the sake of protection.

He asked himself, "Is this what I want?"

The answer appeared almost instantly.

"Yes."

Not just to survive.

But to let the people around him live like real human beings, with dignity and joy.

This thought had never been so clear and firm.

He strode toward the stream.

In the valley's morning, the stream water was bone-chillingly cold.

Gao Feng approached and saw Su Yue scrubbing a heavy garment; her small hands were red and purple from being soaked in the icy stream water for a long time.

She, however, was completely unaware, simply focusing on the work in her hands.

Gao Feng said nothing; he simply walked up silently and, amidst Su Yue's surprised gaze, took her hands.

His broad, warm hands, like a handful of glowing coals, completely enveloped her cold little hands.

A powerful surge of warmth instantly spread from her palms throughout Su Yue's entire body.

Su Yue's pretty face flushed bright red instantly; she was both shy and happy, lowering her head as her heart thumped wildly against her will.

This scene was clearly seen by Luo Qin not far away.

Her hand, which was hanging clothes, paused slightly; a complex and indescribable emotion flashed in her eyes—envy, relief, and perhaps a trace of bitterness she hadn't even realized herself.

Through this silent action, the care Gao Feng showed was more moving than any sweet words.

Breakfast time arrived.

In the large pot was meat porridge, boiled using the grain and dried meat seized from Black Wind Stockade.

The rich aroma of the meat made everyone who smelled it unable to help but swallow their saliva.

When Old Qiu distributed bowls of meat porridge, so thick that chopsticks could stand upright in them, to everyone, many refugees were moved to tears.

They couldn't remember the last time they had eaten such a filling meal.

After breakfast, Gao Feng gathered everyone in the open space in front of the beacon tower to conduct the first formal reorganization.

He stood on high ground, his gaze like lightning, sweeping across the faces of everyone below.

"From today on, Panshi Stockade is a single unit; we must all strive to survive."

"To live well, there must be rules."

His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"I announce the preliminary appointments for Panshi Stockade!"

"Old Qiu!"

"Here!" Old Qiu stepped out excitedly, standing straight.

"You are mature and meticulous; from today on, you are the 'Logistics Officer' of my Panshi Stockade! You will be responsible for the storage, inventory, and distribution of all supplies! Anyone who dares to hoard or steal supplies, you may execute first and report later!"

"Yes! Thank you, Stockade Master!" Old Qiu accepted the order, his face glowing.

"Skinny Monkey!"

"I'm here! Stockade Master!" Skinny Monkey scrambled out with a fawning smile.

"You are clever and know how to read people; from now on, you will be the 'Civil Affairs Officer' of my Panshi Stockade! You are responsible for registering all personnel, arranging daily work, and mediating internal disputes! I want you to know the situation of everyone clearly!"

"I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!" Skinny Monkey patted his chest in assurance.

"Uncle Sun!"

The old herb-gathering man, Uncle Sun, was stunned, then walked out shakily, supported by his grandson, Cow.

"Stockade Master... This old man is here."

"You know medicine; from now on, you are the 'Medical Officer' of my Panshi Stockade! You are in charge of the health and well-being of everyone in the stockade! If you need any medicinal materials, draw them directly from Old Qiu!"

"This old man... this old man will certainly not fail the Stockade Master's trust!" Uncle Sun said, moved to tears.

After the appointments were finished, Gao Feng proceeded to announce the divisions.

"Everyone will be divided into three teams!"

"First, the Construction Team! Composed of all farmers and some refugees, with Luo Qin, the eldest sister of the Luo family, acting as team leader, responsible for reclaiming farmland in the valley and repairing the beacon tower buildings!"

"Second, the Patrol Team! Composed of the brothers from the former Black Wind Stockade and strong refugees, led by me personally, responsible for the stockade's security and outside exploration!"

"Third, the Logistics Team! Composed of Su Yue and all the women, responsible for cooking, sewing, livestock raising, and other tasks, ensuring everyone is well-fed and clothed!"

The division of labor was clear, with everyone performing their respective duties.

Finally, Gao Feng's expression darkened, and his voice became bone-chillingly cold.

"Finally, I announce three iron rules!"

"First, no infighting! If there are conflicts, find Skinny Monkey to mediate; if that fails, come to me! Anyone who dares to take private action will be severely punished!"

"Second, no stealing! All supplies belong to the public and will be distributed; anyone who dares to reach out will have their hand chopped off!"

"Third, no disobeying orders! My command is the supreme order of this stockade; those who do not obey will die!"

"Those who violate these three iron rules will be whipped for minor offenses, and exiled or executed for major ones! Do you all understand?"

"Understood!"

More than seventy people shouted in unison, their voices shaking the valley.

The prototype of order was initially established amidst absolute authority and hope for the future.

However, as soon as the reorganization was announced, problems arose.