Chapter 0361: Deliberation

If it's done well, it can be carried on indefinitely, becoming a solid method for building a strong military. If done poorly, it could cause all sorts of hidden dangers. After all, this is the army—not something to be taken lightly. Once issues arise in the military, the consequences can be catastrophic and far-reaching. That's exactly why Yi Tianxing had refrained from making large-scale reforms to the military system until now.

First, there hadn't been a need—after all, the number of soldiers wasn't huge. Second, by relying on the former established system, it was easier to maintain control.

But now things had changed. The number of troops was growing rapidly. In the past few days alone, tens of thousands of young men had signed up to enlist. The most conservative estimates suggested that the military force in Xuanhuang Town might soon exceed 100,000 soldiers.

With that, military reform became a necessity.

This was the best time to make changes—during the early stages of nation-building. It was also the time with the least resistance. If reforms weren't implemented now, then in the future, soldiers who had grown used to the old system might resist change or find it difficult to adapt.

"Lord, the population registration in Xuanhuang Town is nearly complete. According to the current data, the registered population has reached 334,721. Of these, military households number 63,800, and civilian households make up 270,921. Both numbers are steadily increasing. Each day, hundreds or even thousands of refugees join our town. At this rate, the population will soon surpass 400,000, possibly even more."

Jia Yucun was the first to step forward and report. He stood at the center, speaking with confidence.

He had long memorized these numbers. It wasn't talent—it was the result of tireless effort. As the Head of the Tianji Hall, he couldn't afford to fall short of expectations or responsibilities.

"Mm. Very good. Is there anything else to report?"Yi Tianxing nodded quietly. This was a remarkable figure—within thousands of miles, it was unlikely any other force could match such numbers. If growth continued at this pace, 400,000, 500,000, even a million would eventually be within reach.

"No major issues from Tianji Hall," Jia Yucun replied respectfully before stepping back.

"In the Wanbao Hall, due to increased trade with various villages, a significant portion of our stored grain has been consumed. What remains must support the daily needs of nearly 400,000 people. The pressure is considerable. I propose that we resume land clearing and begin large-scale planting of food crops and vegetables to stabilize our grain supply," Xue Jin reported as he stepped forward.

"Grain is the foundation in times of chaos. We just emerged from a major battle against foreign races. That victory has likely deterred them for now. As for ferocious beasts and birds, as long as their rank isn't too high, our forces can handle them. Reclaiming land and planting crops is indeed imperative. Elder Huang, please take charge and begin as soon as possible. The weather on the Eternal Continent is unpredictable. The sooner we plant, the safer we'll be."

Yi Tianxing agreed without hesitation.

Feeding hundreds of thousands daily was a monumental task. If not for the fact that crops on the Eternal Continent grew fast and yielded well, their stockpile would have long since run dry.

Grain was the bedrock of stability—an area where no mistakes could be afforded.

"Once this meeting is over, I'll mobilize the people to begin land clearing and planting. I recommend we greatly expand the scale this time and prioritize high-yield crops. Besides the usual grains, I recall we also have seeds for potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and other such crops. These will ensure reliable harvests. Based on current stores, we should be able to hold out until the first harvest."

Huang Chengyan nodded in agreement.

Previously, Yi Tianxing had collected a wide variety of seeds—not just vegetables, but also high-yield staples like corn and sweet potatoes. Some had already been planted in the Dantian Life Orifice, steadily increasing in quantity. Now, they had enough for large-scale cultivation. This was the advantage of preparation before the Cataclysm.

In terms of supplies, Xuanhuang Town was second to none.

They could grow almost all food and vegetables on their own—unlike other villages, which struggled to find even seeds. That was the value of deep foundations.

"Lord, Brother Wang and I have been studying basic alchemy scriptures recently. Coupled with our own understanding of medicine and herbs, we're ready to begin refining pills. But first, we need alchemical furnaces and sufficient herbal materials."

Qiu Weiming also stepped forward to report.

Naturally, the furnace was the most essential tool for alchemy.

"Master Lu, can the Tiangong Pavilion forge alchemical furnaces?" Yi Tianxing asked, turning to Lu Master.

"Previously, we discovered a deposit of red copper ore underground. We can use it to forge furnaces. With the help of your Heavenly Flame Furnace, refining red copper and crafting the necessary tools will be no trouble at all."

Master Lu responded after a moment of thought.

"Good. The Tiangong Pavilion will handle the furnace forging. You may use the Heavenly Flame Furnace as needed. Craft several furnaces. Meanwhile, the Merit Hall will issue herb collection missions—those who take them will earn merit points."

Yi Tianxing nodded decisively.

Alchemy would be a great boon for the entire town. Once pills could be produced, cultivation across the population would accelerate, and many other aspects would improve as well.

"Thank you, Lord!"

Qiu Weiming and Wang Fengshan both beamed with joy and bowed deeply. They were clearly filled with anticipation.

"Lord, with the population surging and the number of external villages growing, public sentiment is becoming more complex. I suggest we expand the Six Doors Division and recruit more constables," Zhang Yue suggested. While no major incidents had occurred yet, increased numbers meant more interpersonal complexities. The marketplace had become especially tricky as more outsiders interacted.

"Permission granted. Recruit experienced constables whenever possible—they'll adapt faster."

Yi Tianxing approved with a nod.

…

Other matters were brought up one after another, each needing Yi Tianxing's decision. Fortunately, most daily affairs had already been well-managed by Elder Huang and others. What was presented now were only those requiring direct rulings.

Before long, everything was resolved.

Yi Tianxing scanned the hall and said, "Now that all affairs are handled, let's discuss military reform. Do any of you have ideas or proposals? Feel free to speak openly—any adopted suggestions will be rewarded with merit."

Military reform was a serious matter—not something to be taken lightly.

A wide range of ideas was needed.

Yi Tianxing had previously discussed the topic briefly with Huang Chengyan, Master Lu, and even Yang Ye, but those were informal talks—nothing concrete had been decided.

"In the past, every dynasty had its own military system. For example, during the Han dynasty, ranks were structured by army, division, company, platoon, squad, etc. Later, in the Ming dynasty, ranks like commanders, centurions, lieutenants, banners, and soldiers were used. But these are outdated. We need to innovate and start fresh. These systems are only reference points, not templates."

Jia Xu offered his insights.

As a military advisor, he had already studied the military systems of past dynasties in the Scripture Pavilion and knew that none of them truly suited Xuanhuang Town—especially given that its army consisted of cultivators. A distinctive system was needed.

"Agreed. Since the army is made up of cultivators, there's no need for excessive complexity. The simpler, the better. In military affairs, directness is key," Yang Ye concurred.

Complexity could be a burden. A clear, streamlined system allowed soldiers to see their path to advancement, to grasp it with their own eyes.

"The trial ranks like military commander, brigade commander, regiment commander, etc., feel too modern and don't mesh with a cultivator-based army. They should be abolished," Master Lu suggested.

"Previous military structures separated rank from position, which caused unnecessary bureaucracy. I suggest we merge military ranks and roles—a single title represents both rank and command responsibility," said Wu Yong, fanning himself lightly.

…

One after another, suggestions filled the air. It was a lively, thoughtful discussion, and everyone agreed that a new military system must be established. But as for the specific framework, no consensus had been reached yet.

Yi Tianxing said nothing. He simply listened quietly, letting their words and ideas flow into his mind. He already had a basic framework in mind, and now he was refining it with their input.

The military systems of past dynasties couldn't be copied wholesale. For example, in the later Han dynasty, there were so many types of generals that no one even knew what rank any of them held. Just looking at the names could give you a headache.

It was chaos. And when the military system falls into disorder, the entire nation inevitably follows.

Stability in the army was the foundation of everything.

"A military system must be as simple as possible. Merge military ranks and positions. In that case… this is how it can be done."

A flash of inspiration glinted in Yi Tianxing's eyes as he quietly made his decision.