"A range exceeding five hundred meters—that's more than enough for a war crossbow. Furthermore, we can infuse the bolts with true qi, increasing their destructive power. If we can win this war, then Master Lu shall claim the greatest merit."
Yi Tianxing nodded again in agreement.
"My lord, the Divine Mechanism Crossbow has proven to be an overwhelming asset in battle," Yang Ye said eagerly. "I request that we begin equipping the army with it immediately and form a dedicated Divine Mechanism Battalion. Its power is too great to be ignored—it could easily become our army's ultimate trump card."
Yang Ye's military insight was among the best. With just one look, he understood that if these Divine Mechanism Crossbows could be deployed in a structured unit—firing in unison, ten bolts at a time—they could dominate the battlefield and utterly suppress the enemy.
It was no exaggeration to say that the formation of a Divine Mechanism Battalion would exponentially increase the town's overall military power.
"Hmm. The materials needed to produce these crossbows are not especially rare. We already have abundant supplies in town. With the printer, we can mass-produce uniform models quickly. Once this meeting ends, begin selecting qualified soldiers to form the battalion—ten thousand men. Yang Yanping shall lead them. The specifics can be finalized after this battle."
Yi Tianxing decisively accepted Yang Ye's proposal and laid out the initial deployment.
After this war, he planned to implement sweeping reforms across Xuanhuang Town's military structure. Unless something drastic occurred, the new system would remain in place for a long time.
"Yes, my lord. Yanping shall not betray your trust. I will train a battalion so fearsome, the enemy shall tremble at their name!"
Yang Yanping's face lit up with excitement. Being entrusted with the Divine Mechanism Battalion was not only a mark of immense trust—it meant he would command his own elite force. Ten thousand strong, destined to shine brilliantly on the battlefield.
He felt a renewed loyalty and awe toward Yi Tianxing. This trust ignited within him a willingness to lay down his life.
"Since war is imminent," said Huang Chengyan after a moment's thought, "I believe we should temporarily halt all town expansion and construction. Redirect all efforts toward completing defensive structures—especially the city walls. Also, the grain in the fields must be harvested early to ensure we don't suffer severe losses during the battle."
As the head of internal affairs, Huang Chengyan's words carried great weight. No one knew exactly when the alien forces would arrive. If they attacked while construction was underway, much of it could be destroyed. Defense came first.
"Agreed. The old man is right. Put all construction projects on hold. Focus entirely on building the fortifications. Outside the town, dig traps and ditches as defensive measures."
Yi Tianxing nodded firmly.
"My lord," said Zhang Yue, stepping forward, "should we shut down the marketplace now that war is approaching?"
If people from the surrounding villages continued coming to the marketplace, it would put them at serious risk. The alien armies wouldn't care who was from Xuanhuang Town and who wasn't. To them, all humans were prey.
"After the meeting ends, publish an announcement. Notify everyone that Xuanhuang Town is about to face a full-scale invasion by alien armies. Inform the nearby villages that anyone planning to leave or enter the town is risking their life. It's best not to travel. Those who want to leave should do so now. Otherwise, stay in the marketplace until the war ends. Whether they heed the warning or not is up to them. Live or die—it's their choice."
Yi Tianxing's words were sharp and decisive.
While he was willing to protect any human, he wouldn't force them to accept his protection. If they chose not to listen, and died because of it, that was their own responsibility.
His protection was not free.
Everyone had the right to control their own fate. But every decision came with consequences—good or bad.
"What preparations do you have in mind for receiving the alien armies?" Huang Chengyan asked.
Yi Tianxing then laid out his entire strategy and deployment plan.
The war council lasted the entire afternoon, only ending at sunset. Afterward, Huang Chengyan and the others dispersed.
Orders swiftly spread from the One Gate, Two Halls, and Six Palaces. The announcement regarding the coming alien invasion was posted throughout the town, especially in the marketplace. Villagers from the surrounding regions were warned not to travel, as the alien army would soon arrive to attack Xuanhuang Town.
Whether they took it seriously was up to them.
Upon seeing the announcement, townspeople reacted with a mix of shock and anger.
"They dare attack us? Do they think Xuanhuang Town is easy prey? We're not weak anymore. I've even killed a feral beast before—though it was a rat," one scholar said with a cold smile.
"This is an outrage! These alien scum are too arrogant! Every monster, every beast that came before them has died outside our walls. We are not afraid of them."
"We shouldn't underestimate them either," someone else said grimly. "The notice mentioned Scorpionmen—a true alien army. These are not mere beasts driven mad by bloodlust. They have intelligence, military formations, and terrifying strength."
"No matter who they are—beasts or aliens—if they dare disturb our peace, they'll have to step over my corpse first!" an old man declared, eyes fierce.
"Right! Xuanhuang Town is our home. We built it with our own hands. We won't let it fall. If we die, we die fighting! We don't have cowards here!"
From the very beginning, the people of Xuanhuang Town had cultivated a spirit of defiance. They were unafraid of death, fearless in battle. This culture was passed down through every resident—old or new. Even the refugees who joined later found themselves changed by the town's blood-soaked traditions.
Tales of past battles spread like wildfire. The stories of pioneers who fought tooth and nail against monstrous beasts, who built the town upon piles of bones and rivers of blood—these inspired everyone. And those who had suffered through the outside world now appreciated the sanctuary they'd found.
Their courage grew. Their spirits burned. They were eager to take up arms.
The marketplace, however, painted a different picture.
When the announcement went up, those from the outer villages were the first to see it.
"Look at this notice! It says a massive alien army is coming to destroy the town! They're advising us to either leave now or stay put until it's over!"
"Aliens… I've seen one before. A man-eating ogre. I barely escaped. These monsters are terrifying. Some of them can crush humans with their bare hands. And each has unique, terrifying abilities."
"What do we do? If the town is breached, we'll all die! But if we leave, we might run into the aliens on the way and die faster!"
Panic spread among the outsiders. Fear consumed them. Unlike the townspeople, they had no confidence in victory. They didn't understand Xuanhuang Town's strength. Despair clouded their judgment.
They were caught in a dilemma: to flee or to stay.
In contrast to the proud citizens of Xuanhuang Town, their fear was stark and overwhelming.
"Hah… interesting. Looks like I arrived just in time for some excitement," said a pale-faced man with bright eyes. "I was planning to return to the mountain villa after getting lost on the way to some legendary treasure. But now… an alien invasion? Perfect. This is the moment for me, Lord Hollow, to rise to fame. Slaying aliens? How could such a glorious stage exist without me?"