Chapter 504: with translation of chapter title

The atmosphere in the valley suddenly grew tense because of Chen Wen's judgment.

Orders were swiftly relayed, and the entire secret base, like a wound-up machine, sprang into high-speed operation.

The training intensity suddenly surged, the battle cries and weapon clashes grew more frequent, imbued with a pre-combat killing chill.

Logistics personnel began checking and organizing the stored grain and arms, especially those special equipment such as the "God‑Slaughter Shield" and "Soul‑Calming Bell" secretly transported from the Chen dynasty, which were examined and distributed with extra care.

Chen Wen stood on a high point in the valley, looking down at the busy yet orderly scene below.

His Shi Yong remained locked on the north; the surging blood‑red killing intent hung over him like a sword, bringing immense pressure and making his plans ever clearer and firmer.

Qian Gui appeared beside him like a ghost, reporting in a low voice:

"My lord, the orders have been issued through all channels."

"The Jing'an Secret Service's hidden posts in the False Song's northern borders have all been activated, with their priority raised to the highest level."

"Our people will spare no expense to ascertain the exact movements, troop composition, and march routes of the Jin army's main force."

"At the same time, warnings of the Jin army's southern invasion are spreading through greenwood routes, border caravans, and even the private channels of local strongmen to Hebei and Shandong."

He paused, then added.

"Initial effects are showing; some villages and towns near the border have begun spontaneously forming militia, and small rebel units with blood feuds against the Jin are actively gathering information, showing intent to align with us."

"Not enough; we need to be faster and broader."

Chen Wen's gaze remained fixed on the north, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"The Jin cavalry comes and goes like the wind; we have little time left."

"We must let as many people as possible know that this is not a minor skirmish but a looming catastrophe of national extermination and ethnic annihilation!"

"Guide them; if they feel unable to stand alone, they may seek the fire of Northward Aspiration."

He especially emphasized the two words "Northward Aspiration", which is not only a military alliance but also a convergence of ideals.

"Understood!"

Qian Gui solemnly accepted the order, then spoke again.

"Furthermore, according to news from Li Yuan, the False Song court's internal response to the northern border warnings is slow, with endless debate."

"The pro‑peace faction's voice dominates, often citing 'exaggerating enemy situation' and 'startling the emperor's ears' to suppress war‑preparation discussions."

"Only a few pragmatic officials like Li Yuan are running about shouting, but their low status and weak influence render them ineffective."

When he mentioned Li Yuan, his tone carried a barely perceptible regret.

Chen Wen heard this, his face showing no surprise.

The corruption of the False Song court was already clear to him.

"Notify our people in Bianjing to strengthen covert protection of Li Yuan and others."

"If necessary, we can provide some 'solid' evidence of the border troubles to help them speak out in court."

"Although it may not overturn the overall situation, even if it only lets the False Song court prepare a little more and delay the Jin forces for a moment, it would still benefit the larger picture."

He knew well that before the False Song's massive corrupt machine grinds to a halt, any tiny resistance could buy precious time.

"Yes."

Qian Gui noted it down, then asked.

"My lord, should we proactively contact the False Song local officials or garrison? If we could gain their cooperation……"

"No need."

Chen Wen shook his head decisively.

"Officialdom cannot be trusted, and the garrison is largely corrupt."

"Rash contact would not only be ineffective but would also easily expose us, inviting a double blow from the Iron Crow Army and the False Song court."

"Our foundation lies in the ideal of Northward Aspiration, among the countless people and aspirants who refuse to become slaves of a fallen nation."

"Relying on Shandong's terrain, uniting rebel forces from all quarters to form a self‑contained system is the proper path."

Qian Gui deeply agreed, nodding.

"Then I will immediately make arrangements, increase infiltration and guidance efforts, and ensure the warning information continues to spread."

After Qian Gui left, Chao Gai strode over, having just finished arranging the base's war preparations; his tiger eyes held both gravity and a soaring fighting spirit.

"Sir, the brothers have all been mobilized!"

"Our gear is polished; we're just waiting for the Jin dogs to come so we can hack them to pieces!"

His words were coarse, yet full of resolve.

Chen Wen looked at him and spoke in a deep voice.

"Brother Chao Gai, determination alone is not enough."

"The Jin troops differ from any foe we have faced before; their cavalry is sharp, they are fierce and bloodthirsty, and behind them may be Iron Crow Army members strengthened by dark energy."

He pointed to the troops training below.

"The upcoming training must be more targeted."

"Set up more anti‑cavalry obstacles and pits, and drill infantry formations to counter cavalry."

"Select agile and bold individuals to intensify night raids, harassment, and cutting supply lines tactics."

"The special equipment sent by the Ministry of Works must be quickly familiarized to the core personnel, especially the means to resist dark‑energy corrosion, which can save lives at critical moments and also defeat the enemy."

Chao Gai nodded solemnly.

"Sir, rest assured! We've noted all this; we'll arrange it right away and drill it to the bone!"

"We'll make sure the brothers know how to fight when they meet the Jin dogs and dare to strike them down!"

Chen Wen pondered for a moment, then spoke again.

"There is one more matter."

"The base's scale needs to be further expanded, but it must be more concealed."

He scouted several backup strongholds nearby, positioning them to support each other, and stored some provisions and weapons.

If this place is exposed or the battle turns against us, we will still have room to maneuver.

This matter is entrusted to you to handle personally; make sure it's steady and secure.

"Understood!"

I'll take a few trusted old brothers right away to scout the terrain.

Chao Gai received the order and turned and left swiftly and decisively.

The valley wind swept over, bringing the chill of early spring, yet it could not dispel the tension and agitation lingering in the air.

Chen Wen stood alone in place, slowly closing his eyes.

Not to rest, but to sink his mind into his body, more clearly sensing his own condition and the looming threat from the north.

The Level 4 system ran smoothly, and the Growth Progress Bar, after experiencing the Liangshan events and recent scheming, had shown slow but solid growth.

"Ability Granting" was indeed effortless to use, almost consuming no noticeable cost.

His thought stirred slightly; a faint power quietly enveloped him, providing a low‑level continuous boost—both familiar, like moving a limb at will, and continually refining his condition to keep him at peak.

In the "Shi Yong" sensation, the blood‑red hue in the north remained heavy, and its spread seemed to be accelerating.

Within the False Song realm, the light flow of Fortune Momentum representing its national fate appeared dim and chaotic, like a candle in the wind, flickering unsteadily under the impact of that blood‑red killing aura.

And in Shandong, Hebei and surrounding areas, faint specks of Fortune Momentum symbolizing the will to resist were sporadically lighting up; though tiny, they carried a tenacious vitality.

These are precisely the forces he is trying to guide and gather with his "prepare for a rainy day" effort.

"Everything that can be done has already been done."

Chen Wen opened his eyes, his gaze regaining clarity and resolve.

"The warning has been issued, the idea is spreading, and power is being accumulated."

"Next, we wait for the storm to break fully, then… strike a decisive blow!"

He turned and walked toward the lecture hall deep in the valley.

There, some grassroots cadres were studying culture, learning the history of frontier threats, and deepening the "Northward Aspiration" concept.

Before clashing with weapons, mental armament is equally important.

"Prepare for a rainy day, feed the horses and sharpen the weapons."

Although the road ahead is perilous, under the banner of "Northward Aspiration" a formidable force has already coalesced, ready to cleave waves and surges in the impending tumultuous age, safeguarding that spark of civilization.