55: Chapter 55 Rewarding Meritorious Service

The night deepened.

The smell of blood inside the A Thread of Sky gorge lingered, mixing with the crackling sounds and charred scent of burning pine from the campfires, creating a palpitating odor unique to war.

The ecstasy of victory receded like a tide, leaving behind weary bodies and complex matters that urgently needed to be dealt with.

Gao Feng's orders were clearly transmitted through the night, driving this war machine that had just won a victory to begin post-battle cleanup in an orderly manner.

The remains of the fallen were gently collected by their comrades, the bloodstains on their faces wiped clean, and their broken armor smoothed out as much as possible.

Beside each body stood a wooden tablet inscribed with their name.

This was a rule set by Gao Feng—every sacrifice of Panshi Stockade must be remembered.

Luo Qin personally supervised the treatment of the wounded.

The heavily wounded Panshi Stockade elite soldiers and the dying Big Fool had miraculously kept their lives after consuming the "divine water" bestowed by Gao Feng, and were placed in the most comfortable spots to rest.

As for Du Wei, although he was also fed a few mouthfuls of spiritual water by Gao Feng and the toxins had stopped spreading, his injuries were simply too severe, and he still lay on the stretcher with his eyes closed, unconscious, being carefully looked after by two surrendered soldiers.

By the time the corpses in the gorge were cleared away and the captured weapons and armor were piled up like a mountain, it had become completely dark.

Over four hundred surrendered soldiers from Dushan Stronghold were gathered in an open space in the gorge, surrounded by Panshi Stockade soldiers holding long spears with vigilant expressions.

They knelt on the ground, like lambs in a pen, their faces filled with fear and bewilderment toward the unknown.

They knew that the moment deciding their life or death had arrived.

Gao Feng, surrounded by a squad of personal guards, walked in front of them.

The firelight stretched his figure long, and those deep eyes seemed to be able to see through everyone's heart in the night.

Inside the gorge, there was absolute silence, with only the heavy breathing and heartbeats of the surrendered soldiers to be heard.

Gao Feng did not speak, only quietly watching them.

But this silent gaze held more pressure than any sword.

The surrendered soldiers dared not look up, burying their heads even lower.

After a long while, Gao Feng slowly spoke, his voice plain but carrying across the entire field:

"Bear Overlord is dead."

These five simple words were like a giant rock thrown into a lake, stirring up a thousand waves in the hearts of the surrendered soldiers.

"Your Second-in-Command, Nie Kong, was the first to run away after stabbing his brother in the back."

This sentence was like a needle, piercing the last shred of fantasy in their hearts.

"The current Dushan Stronghold is finished."

Gao Feng's tone still had no emotional fluctuation, as if he were stating a fact unrelated to himself.

"You are also people with no home to return to."

Low sobs began to emerge from among the surrendered soldiers.

Many of them were not born villains, but merely refugees coerced into joining, or farmers who could not survive.

Now that their backing had fallen, no one knew where the future lay.

"But!"

Gao Feng's voice suddenly rose, like a thunderclap!

All the surrendered soldiers shuddered and suddenly raised their heads.

"I, Gao Feng, will give you a new path today!"

His gaze swept over the crowd like a hawk.

"Here with me, there is no betrayal and no suspicion! I don't care what you did before; from today on, you only have two choices!"

"First! Lay down your weapons, take three days' worth of dry rations, and leave Ghost Sees Sorrow! From now on, whether you live or die is up to fate! I will never pursue you!"

He paused for a moment to give everyone time to digest this information.

In the eyes of some surrendered soldiers, a look of temptation appeared; being able to leave alive was always good.

"Second!"

Gao Feng's voice became more penetrating and full of enticement.

"Stay! Join my Panshi Stockade!"

"I cannot guarantee that everyone will be promoted and get rich, but I can guarantee you three things!"

He held up his first finger: "First! Everyone will have food to eat and be full at every meal! Not only wheat cakes, but also meat soup!"

This sentence instantly struck everyone's weak spot; a full meal was a huge temptation for them.

He held up his second finger: "Second! As long as you are my brother, if you are bullied, I will stand up for you! If your family is wronged, the entire Panshi Stockade will be your backing!"

This promise made the eyes of many lonely and helpless surrendered soldiers instantly turn red.

He held up his third finger, his voice becoming sonorous and powerful: "Third! As long as you fight bravely and achieve merit, I dare to reward you! I will reward you with silver, women, land, and a future that brings honor to your ancestors!"

"I have already given you the path. Whether to go or stay, now, choose for yourselves!"

After speaking, Gao Feng said no more, standing with his hands behind his back, waiting quietly.

The scene fell into a deathly silence.

The surrendered soldiers looked at each other, their eyes flickering with struggle, hesitation, and a trace of ignited desire.

Finally, a young surrendered soldier who looked only sixteen or seventeen years old stood up tremblingly, knelt down on the ground with a thud, and kowtowed heavily to Gao Feng three times.

"I... my parents both starved to death, I have nowhere else to go! I am willing to join Panshi Stockade! I will be a beast of burden for the Stockade Master!"

His action was like knocking down the first domino.

"I am also willing! Stockade Master! Take me in!"

"I will also stay!"

"As long as I can eat until I'm full, this life of mine belongs to the Stockade Master!"

More and more people stood up, knelt on the ground, and swore allegiance.

Of course, there were also a few who still kept their heads down, their expressions hesitant.

Perhaps they still had family outside the mountains, or perhaps they were unwilling to live a life of licking blood off a blade anymore.

Gao Feng did not force them on this matter.

"Those who want to leave, go over there and collect your dry rations now. I, Gao Feng, keep my word and will never make things difficult for you."

In the end, more than thirty people chose to leave.

Under the surveillance of the Panshi Stockade soldiers, they collected their dry rations and a waterskin, and silently walked into the deep night.

And the remaining four hundred or so people all chose to surrender!

Looking at the dark mass of new members kneeling below, a smile finally appeared on Gao Feng's face.

The battle for people's hearts is far more important than the battle of swords.

After dealing with the surrendered soldiers, Gao Feng turned his gaze toward Liu Chengfeng.

This former military advisor of Dushan Stronghold had stood silently on the side from beginning to end, calmly observing everything, and the light of admiration in his eyes grew stronger and stronger.

"Mr. Liu," Gao Feng said.

"This sinner is here," Liu Chengfeng quickly stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully.

"You said before that you would take Dushan Stronghold for me?"

"Yes!" Liu Chengfeng perked up, knowing his opportunity had come. "Stockade Master, time waits for no one! I am willing to set out immediately! Taking advantage of the fact that Nie Kong has not yet escaped back to the stronghold, and that other mountain heads have not yet received the news, I will use thunderous force to control Dushan Stronghold! Otherwise, delays will lead to complications!"

Gao Feng nodded, expressing approval of his judgment.

But he did not agree immediately; instead, he changed the subject and asked, "You saw it just now, my Panshi Stockade's military strength has greatly increased, with over four hundred surrendered soldiers alone. These people's hearts have not yet been won over; how to manage them is a big problem. In your opinion, what should be done?"

This was a test. Liu Chengfeng felt a chill in his heart, knowing that Gao Feng was testing his ability in internal administration.

After a moment of thought, he spoke clearly and logically, "Replying to the Stockade Master, Chengfeng believes that three strategies should be implemented."

"First, 'break up the organization and govern them separately'. The surrendered soldiers must absolutely not be allowed to group together. They need to be broken up into units of ten and inserted into the various teams of Panshi Stockade, with veterans of Panshi Stockade serving as squad leaders and team leaders, thereby achieving the goal of control and assimilation."

"Second, 'differentiate treatment and set benchmarks'. Technical talents among the surrendered soldiers, such as craftsmen and physicians, should be given preferential treatment, allowing them to feel their own value. For those with families, they should be properly settled so they have no worries behind them. In this way, the hearts of most people can be settled."

"Third, and most importantly, 'strict military discipline and clear rewards and punishments'. We must immediately establish a military judge, promulgate strict military discipline, and anyone who violates it, whether a new recruit or a veteran, must be treated equally and punished severely! At the same time, we must establish a clear system of granting land and titles for military merit, so that everyone has a visible hope! With strict laws and harsh punishments to restrain their actions, and generous rewards and fame to move their hearts, why worry about not achieving great things?!"

His words were clear, logical, and hit the mark.

Even Luo Qin, who was on the side, listened and nodded repeatedly.

"Very good." A satisfied smile appeared on Gao Feng's face. "These three strategies you mentioned coincide with my own thoughts."

He looked at Liu Chengfeng and finally made a decision.

"Liu Chengfeng!"

"Here!"

"I appoint you as 'Military Assistance Commandant' of Panshi Stockade, temporarily holding the position of military advisor! Your rank is equivalent to a team leader!"

This was the first official appointment!

Liu Chengfeng shuddered, his eyes welling with huge surprise and disbelief!

He had thought that he would at least need to achieve great merit and undergo long-term testing before he could truly enter the core layer of Panshi Stockade.

But he didn't expect that Gao Feng would be so straightforward, giving him such an important position based solely on a conversation!

This trust, this boldness...

"Chengfeng... what virtue or ability do I have..." He was so excited that he was somewhat incoherent.

"When I employ people, I only look at ability, not background," Gao Feng interrupted him. "These three strategies you proposed are worth this position."

"Now, I ask you again, are you still going to Dushan Stronghold?"

Liu Chengfeng instantly understood Gao Feng's meaning; he was giving him a choice.

Whether to stay in the stronghold and assist him in handling internal affairs as a military advisor, or to continue to execute that risky mission of seizing the stronghold.

Liu Chengfeng did not hesitate in the slightest, suddenly kneeling on one knee, his voice determined:

"Thank you for the appointment, Stockade Master! But Chengfeng's letter of allegiance is not yet complete! Chengfeng still wants to personally take back Dushan Stronghold for the Stockade Master!"

"Good!" This was the determination Gao Feng wanted.

"I will give you three hundred newly surrendered soldiers; you go and select them yourself! In addition," Gao Feng pointed in the direction of Panshi Stockade, "I will give you fifty veterans of Panshi Stockade, led by scout team leader Li Four, to go with you! They are both your assistance and my eyes."

Bestowing favors and exercising power, the way of checks and balances.

There was no longer any fluke in Liu Chengfeng's heart, only complete admiration.

"This subordinate understands!"

"Cut off Bear Overlord's head and take it with you. Your few trusted personal guards will stay here for now; I will 'take good care' of them. Go, take your men, go eat something first, and fill your stomachs before setting off."

"Yes! This subordinate takes his leave!"

Liu Chengfeng said no more, kowtowed heavily, and turned to leave.

He first walked coldly toward Bear Overlord's corpse, raised his hand and brought down his blade, cut off the head, wrapped it in cloth, and then began to loudly select men from among the surrendered soldiers.

His actions were decisive and efficient, having completely entered the role of "Panshi Stockade Military Assistance Commandant."

Li Four also received the order, bringing fifty tough veterans, and followed silently behind him.

A team of over five hundred people was soon assembled.

In the night, they collected dry rations and torches, and marched on, heading rapidly in the direction of Dushan Stronghold.

Watching their receding figures, Gao Feng knew that another crucial piece had been placed in his path to hegemony.

And now, it was time to reward those brothers who had bled and risked their lives for him.

Gao Feng stood in the center of the gorge, on a temporarily erected high platform.

Behind him were dozens of personal guards holding torches, illuminating his blood-stained figure as if he were a god.

Below the platform, all the combat soldiers of Panshi Stockade, as well as those surrendered soldiers who had passed the initial screening and were allowed to watch, nearly a thousand people, stood together in a dark mass, silent as the grave.

Everyone's gaze, filled with fanaticism, awe, and expectation, focused on Gao Feng.

They knew that the most exciting moment was about to arrive.

Discussing merit and bestowing rewards!

Gao Feng's gaze, calm and sharp, slowly swept over every face below the platform.

Those swept by his gaze all straightened their chests, trembling slightly with excitement.

"In this battle, we won!"

Gao Feng spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Our three hundred brothers frontally defeated eight hundred elites of Dushan Stronghold! We killed the infamous Bear Overlord! From today on, in this Gui Jian Chou Mountain Range, no one will dare to underestimate our Panshi Stockade!"

"Ooh!!!"

Below the platform, thunderous cheers erupted instantly!

Gao Feng raised his hand and pressed it down, and the cheers stopped abruptly, returning to absolute silence once again.

"Victory does not come out of thin air!"

Gao Feng's voice became passionate.

"It is earned by every brother here, using your blood, your sweat, and your lives!"

"I, Gao Feng, am clear on rewards and punishments! Those with merit will be rewarded! Those with great merit will be heavily rewarded!"

He waved his hand sharply, and the personal guards behind him immediately carried up several heavy large chests.

The chests were opened, and in the reflection of the firelight, the white silver and golden gold inside instantly stung everyone's eyes!

Breathing became heavy.

"Luo Qin!"

"This subordinate is here!" Luo Qin, holding a booklet, stepped forward quickly.

"Read!"

"Yes!"

Luo Qin cleared her throat and began to read in a crisp and loud voice.

"Panshi Stockade's First Elite Squad, in this battle, undertook the frontal blocking mission, fought hard without retreating, suffered heavy casualties, and achieved the greatest merit! Team Leader King Tiger is awarded fifty taels of silver and promoted to First Battalion Commander!"

"All combat soldiers of the First Elite Squad are awarded five taels of silver each! For those who died in battle, the pension is increased to thirty taels!"