Chapter 129: The Cracks of the Empire-to-Be
Section I: Undercurrents in the Rift and the Seeds of Empire
The dawn over Iron Valley always arrived late, as if the city, battered by countless wars, had lost the will to welcome a new day. A thick fog hung like solidified lead over the ruins, casting everything in a dim, gray shadow. In the distance, the chimneys of Lianyuan Commune stubbornly spewed white-gray steam, blending into the gloomy skyline like a painting drowned in muted tones.
Jason stood alone on the rooftop of the command post, gazing down at the city still reeling from recent battles. Cold wind whipped sand and dust across his face, tugging at his tactical jacket with every gust. His eyes were deep and calm, like the surface of a bottomless lake—still, but hiding endless thoughts beneath.
Yet inside, he was far from calm.
"Fuxi," he murmured inwardly, his voice low, carrying a barely perceptible weight.
[Fuxi System Initializing…]
A moment later, the familiar cold voice echoed in his mind, precise and efficient.
[Current Time: 04:37 AM]
[Situation Analysis]
External Threat: Blackvine remnants are regrouping; a new attack is expected within 48 hours.
Internal Issues: Faith-reconstruction among Lianyuan defectors has seen some success, but approximately 12% still harbor doubts about the Xinhuo ideology. Of these, about 35% are technical personnel.
Potential Risks: Reliance on the numbering system persists. Some members accept Xinhuo faith not out of ideological understanding, but due to reverence for technological power.
Fuxi's report sent a ripple through Jason's nerves. He could almost see the faces of those who once lived by numbers—now caught between belief and reality.
He pressed the comm link: "Maria, what's your status?"
Her voice came back, tired yet firm: "Most logic viruses have been cleared. Technicians are mostly checked, but some… remain unstable."
"Who specifically?" Jason asked.
"Mainly tech staff heavily dependent on the numbering system," Maria hesitated. "They're used to speaking in code and data. Suddenly accepting a whole new belief structure—it doesn't come easy."
Jason nodded. He knew these were the hardest nuts to crack in the faith-rebuilding campaign.
"Keep monitoring," he said. "And step up psychological counseling. Help them rebuild their beliefs."
"Understood."
Standing at the edge of the rooftop, Jason stared at the war-torn land below, his mind racing with strategies. He knew that belief couldn't be patched like a wound—it had to be guided, reshaped, rebuilt.
"Fuxi," he called again. "Help me analyze why faith wavers."
Fuxi responded instantly:
[Main Causes of Belief Instability]
- Dependence on the Numbering System
- Misunderstanding of Xinhuo Ideology
- External Influence
- Personal Interest Considerations
Jason closed his eyes, letting the information settle. This wasn't just a battle—it was a war of minds.
"Initiate the 'Faith Reinforcement Plan,'" he ordered.
Fuxi executed immediately. Within Lianyuan, a silent war for belief began to unfold…
---
Section II: Shadows Beneath the Surface and the Battle for Belief
Night fell like ink, making the ruins of Iron Valley seem even more eerie under the fog. The lights of Lianyuan flickered in and out, as if they might die at any moment. Yet beneath this deceptively calm surface, a more insidious struggle was already underway.
In a hidden chamber deep beneath the commune, several Blackvine agents in gray uniforms sat in tense silence. Their expressions were cold and resolute—fanatics driven by an unyielding conviction.
"We must accelerate our plan," the leader muttered, his voice low and rasping, carrying undeniable authority.
"Their defenses have strengthened," another agent replied, frowning. "Our infiltrators have been exposed. Penetration is getting harder."
"But we can't give up," the commander insisted. "Their belief system isn't stable—we can exploit that."
Another nodded. "We can create more chaos. Make their faith collapse completely."
Silence filled the room, broken only by the distant hum of ventilation ducts.
"Proceed," the commander finally ordered. "Let Xinhuo know—we won't fall easily."
Blackvine's Infiltration Strategy
They launched a new infiltration campaign, targeting individuals with lingering doubts—especially technical and managerial staff.
They gathered personal information—backgrounds, experiences, belief statuses—each move made in silence.
Over the next few days, anonymous letters appeared at certain members' dorm doors—vague yet highly provocative. Forged internal documents circulated online, hinting at dark secrets within Xinhuo leadership. And disguised agents approached vulnerable targets, whispering words meant to pry open cracks in belief.
At the same time, logic viruses were embedded into Lianyuan's computer systems—capable of stealing intelligence, altering data, and triggering system failures when needed.
More dangerously, they began attempting to turn wavering members, offering money, power, and status—in exchange for betrayal.
Xinhuo's Counterattack
Jason stood in the command center, eyes locked onto the tactical screen. Fuxi projected real-time updates—every abnormal signal, every deviation in behavior, all precisely tracked.
He took a deep breath and pressed the comm: "Fuxi, activate counter-infiltration protocols."
[Counter-Infiltration Protocol Activated]
[Scan Range: Entire Lianyuan Area]
[Targets: Abnormal Communication Signals, Behavioral Deviations, Potential Internal Threats]
Almost simultaneously, Maria led an elite squad to investigate key individuals—reviewing logs, analyzing social networks, tracking behavioral patterns. No clue was too small.
In the tech core of Lianyuan, Li Ming sat before a terminal, eyes unfocused, fingers tapping aimlessly on the keyboard. A low voice kept echoing in his mind:
"Do you really believe in Xinhuo?"
"Don't you think it's too idealistic? Do you really think it can change the world?"
Li Ming frowned, trying to push the thoughts away, but they only grew louder, rising from the deepest corners of his mind.
"I shouldn't doubt…" he whispered, though now there was hesitation in his tone.
At that moment, Fuxi detected his abnormal brainwave activity and initiated a psychological intervention program.
[Psychological Intervention Initiated]
[Target: All Members Affected by Mental Manipulation]
[Methods: Cognitive Reconstruction + Emotional Comforting + Belief Reinforcement]
For Li Ming, Fuxi employed a three-step strategy:
1. Cognitive Reconstruction: Guided him to re-examine Xinhuo's ideals, showing that belief was not empty rhetoric but rooted in real-world problems.
2. Emotional Comforting: Arranged one-on-one counseling sessions to release anxiety and confusion.
3. Belief Reinforcement: Invited him to faith-sharing events, where he engaged with others and participated in community rebuilding efforts, experiencing the practical value of Xinhuo firsthand.
Under the system's guidance, Li Ming gradually regained clarity—and his choice.
Jason's Resolve
That night, Jason returned to the rooftop, looking down at Lianyuan's lights. He knew this war of belief was far from over.
"Fuxi," he called inwardly. "How effective has the Faith Reinforcement Plan been?"
Fuxi answered promptly:
[The Faith Reinforcement Plan has achieved moderate success, but approximately 8% of members still harbor doubts about the Xinhuo faith.]
Jason nodded slightly, his gaze hardening.
"Continue strengthening faith education," he said. "Focus on those still uncertain. Identify their specific concerns and engage them directly."
Fuxi complied instantly, initiating deeper analysis of the skeptical group.
---
Section III: The War of Belief and the Dawn of Empire
Night fell again, heavier than before. The ruins of Iron Valley seemed even darker under the fog, and the flickering lights of Lianyuan looked fragile—like candles struggling against the wind.
In a secret chamber beneath Lianyuan, elite operatives from Shadow Nest plotted their next move. They realized infiltration and logic viruses weren't enough to break Xinhuo—they needed a stronger weapon: *belief itself.*
"Our goal is clear," the masked leader said, voice cold and sharp. "We must make Xinhuo's faith collapse from within."
"How?" another operative asked.
"We'll use their weakness," the leader continued. "Xinhuo emphasizes collectivism and sacrifice—but that can be twisted into suppression of individual freedom. We'll use that to create belief conflict."
1. Manufacturing Belief Conflict
Shadow Nest acted swiftly, employing three main methods to shake the foundation of Xinhuo's ideology:
a) Information Distortion
False narratives twisted the core tenets of Xinhuo:
> "Xinhuo demands total surrender of self for the collective."
> "What they call 'freedom' is just another form of enslavement."
These messages spread via anonymous posts, forged documents, and fake video testimonials—planting seeds of doubt in many hearts.
b) Psychological Manipulation
Targeting those still uncertain, they implanted subconscious suggestions and manufactured anxiety:
> "Are you willing to sacrifice your future for an unseen ideal?"
> "What if all of this is just a lie?"
Some tech personnel became withdrawn, eyes clouded with uncertainty.
c) Sowing Distrust
Rumors claimed core members were wavering—some even planning to defect. These whispers slithered through the ranks, tearing open cracks in trust.
Jason quickly noticed the anomalies. Standing in the command center, reviewing Fuxi's reports, his brow furrowed.
"Fuxi," he said quietly, "analyze Shadow Nest's tactics. Find their weaknesses."
[Analysis In Progress…]
Moments later, Fuxi responded:
[Shadow Nest relies on information asymmetry and psychological manipulation. Recommended Countermeasures]
- Information Transparency: Expose enemy plots and clarify misunderstandings.
- Psychological Support: Strengthen belief education and individual mental health.
- Internal Unity: Reinforce trust and cohesion among members.
"Initiate countermeasures," Jason ordered.
Xinhuo swiftly responded. Maria led her team into affected zones, providing psychological support and rebuilding belief.
Meanwhile, Fuxi activated its mental intervention protocols, offering personalized assistance to impacted members.
Li Ming was one of them. He had fallen into confusion, even doubting his original decision to join Xinhuo. But under Fuxi's guidance, he revisited the ideology and joined a discussion led by staunch believers.
There, a former engineer named Li Hua shared his story:
"I once doubted Xinhuo like you. But when I truly understood—when I saw that Xinhuo isn't control, but liberation; not suppression, but awakening—I realized—we don't fight for a leader. We fight for ourselves. For the future."
Those words struck like lightning inside Li Ming. He began to rethink his stance—and started helping others find their way back.
At the same time, Xinhuo encouraged members to live the belief. Young volunteers organized repairs, transported supplies, and told residents about Xinhuo's ideals.
"This isn't a command," one said during a town hall. "It's a choice. You can reject it—but first, understand it."
These actions gave people a tangible sense of Xinhuo's values—and strengthened their belief.
Thanks to Xinhuo's swift response, Shadow Nest's plot unraveled. The crisis passed, trust rebuilt, unity restored.
Jason stood atop the command post, watching Lianyuan's lights. Though the battle of belief had been tough, it laid the ideological groundwork for a greater alliance.
"Fuxi," he called softly. "If we want to build something stronger, what should we do?"
Fuxi responded instantly:
[Recommend forming the Xinhuo Alliance—uniting all rebel forces in Iron Valley and surrounding regions under a unified command structure.]
A sharp glint crossed Jason's eyes. He realized that to establish a foothold in Iron Valley—and ultimately reshape the world—he needed a stronger union.
He pressed the comm: "Zhao Mingxuan, draft the initial proposal for the Xinhuo Alliance—including organizational structure, command system, resource allocation."
"Understood," Zhao replied, his voice tinged with excitement.
Jason didn't speak further. He simply gazed into the distance, a bold vision taking shape in his mind.
The flame of Xinhuo would burn through the cracks, forging a new order—and lighting the path forward.
---
Section IV: A New Order After the Rift and the Eternal Light of Belief
1. The Dawn of a New Order: The Birth of the Xinhuo Alliance
After successfully resolving the faith crisis, the Xinhuo Organization entered a new phase of development. Jason decided to elevate the organization into the ''Xinhuo Alliance'', uniting all rebel forces across Iron Valley and beyond into a single, powerful force.
Morning sunlight pierced the morning mist, casting warmth over the war-scarred city. On the square of Lianyuan Commune, the Xinhuo flag fluttered in the breeze—a symbol of a new beginning.
Jason stood at the center of the raised platform, overlooking the crowd of Xinhuo members and Lianyuan residents. His gaze was steady and profound, as if seeing beyond the present into a distant future.
"Today, we gather here not just to celebrate victory," Jason said, his voice firm and strong through the amplifier. "But to witness the birth of a new era."
1.1 The Alliance Declaration
Jason read aloud the declaration of the Xinhuo Alliance, outlining its goals and principles:
Goal: To unite all rebel forces across Iron Valley and surrounding areas, resist imperial rule, and ultimately build a free, equal, and just world.
Principles: Centered around Xinhuo ideology, promoting collectivism, mutual aid, and the pursuit of truth and justice.
1.2 Organizational Structure
- Core Decision-Making Council: Composed of high-ranking Xinhuo leaders and representatives from major resistance groups, responsible for strategic decisions.
- Executive Committee: Responsible for executing orders and coordinating work among member organizations.
- Functional Departments: Including intelligence, logistics, combat, and faith propagation, each handling specific tasks.
1.3 Alliance Agreement
All member organizations signed the alliance agreement, pledging adherence to its rules and working together toward shared goals. The agreement clearly defined rights, responsibilities, resource distribution, command systems, and decision-making mechanisms.
1.4 Oath Ceremony
Representatives of the Xinhuo members and Lianyuan residents stepped onto the platform one by one, solemnly swearing before Jason and the alliance flag:
"I swear loyalty to the Xinhuo ideology, abide by the alliance charter, and strive tirelessly for a free, equal, and just world."
1.5 Building the New Order
With the alliance formed, Jason focused on building a sustainable operational mechanism:
- Decision-making Mechanism: Collective decision-making through regular meetings of the core council.
- Execution Mechanism: Clear responsibilities assigned to departments; progress reported regularly.
- Resource Allocation: Unified management and fair distribution based on needs and contributions.
- Information Sharing & Security: Secure platforms for sharing intelligence, with strict confidentiality measures.
- Conflict Resolution: Regular coordination meetings and mediation procedures ensured disputes were resolved peacefully.
1.6 Spreading the Flame of Belief
Belief was the soul of the alliance. Jason knew that to truly unify diverse forces, Xinhuo's ideology had to be deeply understood and embraced.
- Faith Education Centers: Established across regions to teach the philosophy of Xinhuo.
- Faith Practice: Encouraging members to apply belief in daily life—through volunteering, community service, etc.
- Faith Propagation: Using multimedia tools, including videos, broadcasts, and interactive programs developed by Fuxi.
- Faith Recognition: Instituting awards and honors for outstanding contributors, inspiring others.
1.7 Looking Toward the Future
As the ceremony concluded, Jason stood on the platform, gazing at the crowd. He knew this was only the beginning.
"Fuxi," he called inwardly. "We've come far, but we still have a long way to go."
Fuxi responded calmly:
[The spread and practice of the Xinhuo ideology is a long and arduous task. But as long as we stand united, we shall overcome all obstacles and achieve our goal.]
Jason smiled faintly, determination burning in his eyes. He believed that the flame of Xinhuo would illuminate Iron Valley—and perhaps, the entire world.
"Xinhuo's fire will never be extinguished," he thought silently.
---
Section V: The Legacy of Belief and the Path Forward
Morning light filtered through the mist, bringing warmth to the ruined city. On Lianyuan's central square, the Xinhuo Alliance flag fluttered in the breeze, echoing the long-awaited hope in people's hearts.
The crowd had gathered—engineers, soldiers, wanderers, scholars, even deserters from the Empire. Now, they all stood under the same banner.
Jason stood at the center of the stage, scanning the sea of faces. He saw Maria in the front row, resolute; Zhao Mingxuan fine-tuning the communications gear; Wei Ran guarding the perimeter, eyes sharp as hawks. Among the crowd were newly converted technicians—once confused, now no longer resisting.
He knew—these were no longer scattered individuals. They were a true, unified force.
### 1. The Oath Ceremony: A Testament of Faith
"Today, we stand here," Jason said firmly, his amplified voice reaching every corner of the square. "Not merely to celebrate victory."
He paused, eyes drifting to the horizon—where Blackvine remnants still lurked, and the shadows of Shadow Nest hadn't fully receded.
"But to witness the birth of a new age."
The declaration was formally announced:
> "The Xinhuo Alliance is voluntarily formed by various resistance groups, centered around the Xinhuo ideology. It advocates freedom, equality, mutual aid, and justice. With collective decision-making, shared resources, and transparent communication, it builds a unified strategic framework to resist imperial oppression and pursue true liberation."
Signatures followed—one by one, representing trust, commitment, and shared destiny.
Then came the oath ceremony:
"I swear loyalty to the Xinhuo ideology, abide by the alliance charter, and strive tirelessly for a free, equal, and just world."
The vow echoed across the square like thunder, stirring ripples in every heart.
2. The Foundation of the New Order
After the ceremony, the alliance officially entered operation mode.
2-1 Decision-Making Mechanism
The core council, composed of regional representatives, held regular discussions on major issues.
"We must learn to listen," Jason said at the first meeting. "Not who speaks loudest, but who speaks truth."
2-2 Execution Mechanism
Each department had clear roles—intelligence, logistics, combat, faith promotion—all coordinated by the executive committee.
2-3 Resource Integration
A unified resource system replaced fragmented management. Energy, weapons, technology flowed freely under one framework.
"We are no longer isolated islands," Zhao summarized. "But one continent."
2-4 Internal Coordination
A dedicated mediation team was established to resolve conflicts and prevent divisions.
3. Carrying the Torch of Belief
In the first week after formation, the Faith Propagation Group launched the "Wildfire Initiative."
Faith centers were established nationwide, where believers shared stories—real experiences that moved others.
One former imperial officer, Lin Yu, spoke at a forum:
"I once thought the Empire was order incarnate—until I saw it was only control. Xinhuo showed me that true order comes from individual awakening."
His words were engraved on a wall at headquarters—becoming part of the faith.
Simultaneously, the alliance explored using technology to spread belief—short videos, audio broadcasts, even a Fuxi-powered simulation experience showing a Xinhuo-governed society.
"Faith cannot be forced," Maria said at a meeting. "But it can be understood. Seen."
4. The Road Ahead: Shadows Remain
Still, Jason knew—the alliance was only the first step.
After the ceremony, he returned to the rooftop at night, gazing over the city.
Fuxi whispered in his mind:
[Blackvine remnants are retreating westward, possibly linking up with imperial border units. Some Shadow Nest agents remain active near Lianyuan.]
Jason was silent for a moment, then asked softly, "Do you think we'll win?"
Fuxi's answer was cool and unwavering:
[Victory depends on whether we can hold onto our Purity of heart. As long as belief remains, Xinhuo burns on.]
He looked toward the horizon, a thought rising in his mind:
This is not the end.
It is only the beginning.