On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

The first snow in Yanjing came quietly, and the fine snowflakes fell like white feathers, covering the charred and bloody entrance of the Valley of Broken Souls, hiding the hideousness and tragedy of the Devil's Canyon, and covering this war-torn northern border city with a layer of simple and elegant silver.

However, beneath this apparent tranquility, undercurrents surged, and a murderous aura flowed silently like a cold current beneath the ice.

At the foot of Broken Dragon Cliff, the reconstruction of the Abyss Workshop is nearing completion.

The newly built stone walls are more solid and thicker, with ventilation ducts crisscrossing each other. The dim light of fluorite and whale oil torches interweave, reflecting the orderly and busy scene.

Reactor No. 3 has undergone a thorough overhaul and upgrade. The copper stirring paddle rotates smoothly under the ice-water interlayer, the liquid column of the dual redundant mercury thermometer is stable, and several complex copper pressure gauges and safety valves have been added to the surface of the reactor.

The craftsmen wore specially made cotton clothes and their movements were precise and steady. The air was filled with the smell of sulfur, saltpeter and a more stable chemical agent.

Chu Xiling stood in the control room on the high platform. Her indigo work clothes were spotless. There was a trace of barely perceptible fatigue on her cold face, but her eyes were unusually bright and sharp.

She held a lab report, still wet with ink, in her hands, and reported in a clear and steady voice, "Husband, the final ratio of the stabilizer 'diatomaceous earth-3' has been verified. After 10,000 impact tests, the explosion rate has dropped to 0.3%. Vibration simulation tests have reduced the explosion rate to 0.5%. High-temperature tests have shown no change in stability. Static electricity tests have returned the explosion rate to zero."

She paused and pointed to a specially made double-layer lead box below. Inside the box lay a palm-sized, dark metal cylinder with a mirror-smooth surface.

"The first batch of 'Burning Sky Bomb' prototypes have been trial-produced. The projectile is cast from refined wrought iron and filled with a nitroglycerin mixture stabilized by 'Diatomaceous Earth-No. 3'. It weighs three pounds and seven ounces. The trigger fuse uses a modified flintlock mechanism, with a three-breath delay for detonation."

Lin Zhen, wearing a black dragon-patterned uniform, stood at the edge of the platform with his hands behind his back. His deep gaze swept across the metal cylinder emitting a cold luster, calm and unperturbed.

"Test the power and let me see."

"Yes." Chu Xiling indicated.

A craftsman carefully carried the lead box to the testing site.

The testing ground is located in the deepest part of the workshop. It is carved out of a single piece of granite and is surrounded by thick lead plate barriers.

In the distance, there stands a three-foot-thick rammed earth and brick wall.

The craftsman placed the prototype projectile on a custom-made stand, adjusted the angle, and aimed it at the earthen wall. He retreated to a safe area and pulled the fuse.

"Swish..." The fuse ignited a faint spark.

After three breaths.

"boom--!!!"

There was a dull but penetrating bang, and the entire test site shook slightly. A scorching flame mixed with thick smoke and rubble shot up into the sky. When the smoke and dust cleared, it was seen that the three-foot-thick rammed earth and brick wall had a huge gap with a diameter of about ten feet in the center. The bricks and stones were shattered and charred.

"Pierced through a three-foot rammed earth brick wall!" The scar on Mao Mengji's skinny face twitched, and a trace of horror flashed in his eyes.

"The effective killing radius is fifteen steps." Chu Xiling added, "The fragments can penetrate leather armor."

Lin Zhen nodded slightly, a gleam in his eyes.

I thought to myself, this is even more awesome than a grenade.

"How about mass production?"

"With sufficient raw materials and a stable process, we can produce up to ten per day," Chu Xiling said. "However, transportation and storage still require specially made shock-absorbing lead boxes, kept away from fire sources, and supervised by designated personnel."

"That's enough," Lin Zhen said in a low voice. "Order the Ministry of Works to fully guarantee the needs of the Thunder Burning Division. Recruit more craftsmen, build more furnaces, and produce thirty per day within the month."

"Yes!" The official from the Ministry of Works bowed and accepted the order.

"Ling'er," Lin Zhen turned his gaze to Chu Xiling, "How is the development of new firearms going?"

A glimmer flashed in Chu Xiling's eyes. "Based on the principles of the flintlock rifle, the design drawings for the grenade launcher have been completed. The barrel is three feet long, with an inner diameter of three inches, cast from fine iron, and equipped with a simple bracket and angle adjuster. It uses black powder as propellant, and can launch the prototype 'Burning Sky Thunder' projectile at a range of 150 to 200 steps. The accuracy is yet to be tested."

"Produce trial samples as soon as possible!" Lin Zhen said.

"Yes."

Inside the Zichen Hall, the charcoal brazier dispels the chill of deep winter, but it cannot dispel the solemn atmosphere inside the hall.

A huge map of Northern Yan was hung on the wall, with mountains, rivers, passes and cities clearly marked.

Lin Zhen sat in the main seat, while Xiao Hanzhou, Mao Mengji, Chu Xiling, Cheng Xuan and generals from various departments stood solemnly.

"Where is Gu Beichen hiding?" Lin Zhen said calmly.

"Your Highness," Xiao Hanzhou said, holding the file, "Scouts from the 'Hunting Falcon Camp' have reported that the remnants of Gu Beichen's forces have fled to the Blackwater Dead Swamp in the far north of the Yin Mountains. This area is permeated with miasma year-round, swamps are everywhere, and poisonous insects are rampant, making it a rare place for humans. They have made their home in the abandoned Black Stone Castle, gathering the loyal remnants of the Vulture, Snow Wolf, and Wind Falcon factions, as well as the Black Scaled Death Soldiers, numbering approximately 500. However, the terrain is difficult to defend and difficult to attack. A forced attack would likely result in heavy casualties."

"Blackwater Dead Marsh..." Lin Zhen's eyes fell on the dark green area in the northwest corner of the map.

"According to the confessions of those who surrendered from the Snake Cave," Xiao Hanzhou continued, "there are indeed exposed sulfur veins and abundant saltpeter deposits deep within the Blackwater Dead Swamp. Gu Beichen may be attempting to rebuild the Burning Sky Thunder Workshop."

"Oh, a dying struggle." A fierce light flashed in Mao Mengji's eyes.

"A trapped beast will still fight." Lin Zhen said in a low voice, "Does he still have contact with foreign countries?"

"Yes!" Xiao Hanzhou said solemnly, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard intercepted a secret letter. Gu Beichen sent a trusted envoy with a large sum of money and fragments of the Burning Sky Thunder to the north of Rouran and west of Gaochang. He intends to collude with foreign invaders, lead an invasion, disrupt the northern border, and take advantage of the chaos to make a comeback!"

The hall was filled with dead silence, as if the air had frozen.

"Rouran... Gaochang..." Lin Zhen's eyes suddenly shone coldly, "This wolf's ambition is ruthless and deserves death!"

"Your Highness!" The military official stepped forward. "The Rouran cavalry are fierce, and the Gaochang are skilled in archery and horsemanship. If they were to be deceived by Gu Beichen and launch an attack while Northern Yan is still in its infancy and its foundation is unstable, the consequences would be disastrous!"

"We must never let foreign invaders set foot in Northern Yan!" Mao Mengji gripped the hilt of the knife tightly.

"Passive defense is not the best strategy." Lin Zhen said in a steady voice, his finger swiping across the map, "Take the initiative to strike and wipe out the enemy! Kill Gu Beichen, eliminate the root of his troubles, and deter the foreign invaders!"

"What about the Blackwater Dead Marsh..." Xiao Hanzhou looked worried.

"Even natural barriers can be broken." Lin Zhen's eyes were as sharp as a knife, "Ling'er!"

"exist!"

"Can 'Burning Sky Thunder' destroy a fortified city?"

A flash of enlightenment flashed across Chu Xiling's cold eyes: "If Black Stone Fort is built of stone, the 'Burning Sky Thunder' can break its door and destroy its walls!"

"Mao Mengji!"

"The general is here!"

"I order you to lead the elite troops of the Jingbian and Shenji Battalions, armed with thirty Burning Sky Bombs and five grenade launchers, to secretly attack the Blackwater Death Marsh. Target Blackstone Fort, destroy its lair, and kill Gu Beichen!"

"I obey your command!" Mao Mengji's skinny face was distorted with scars, and his eyes were full of murderous intent.

"Xiao Hanzhou!"

"exist!"

"Contact the officers of the Vulture, Snow Wolf, and Wind Falcon tribes and have them gather the young and strong men from the tribes under their command. Seal off all exits from the Blackwater Death Marsh and build a defense line. Anyone who escapes will be killed without mercy!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

"Cheng Xuan!"

"exist!"

"Lead the elite troops of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to infiltrate the royal courts of Rouran and Gaochang, and spread the news that Gu Beichen is desperate and intends to invite a wolf into the house to wreak havoc on the grasslands. If he dares to invade, the Daqian Heavenly Army will plow through the court and destroy his country!"

"understand!"

"This prince..." Lin Zhen slowly stood up, his black cloak fluttering in the wind. "I will personally lead the main force of the Jinwu Guard to the northern border to intimidate the Rouran and Gaochang, and to plunder the enemy for General Mao!"

Blackwater Dead Marsh, Blackstone Castle.

The decaying stone castle stands in the gray-green miasma that lingers all year round, like the skeleton of a giant beast.

The fort was damp and cold, filled with the pungent smell of mold, decay and sulfur.

In the ruined hall, the bonfire flickered, reflecting Gu Beichen's increasingly sinister face under the bronze mask and the desperate and numb expressions of the defeated soldiers around him.

"Prime Minister, the Rouran royal court has replied..." The black-robed old man (the Snake King) walked in hunched over, his voice hoarse, "saying that the Burning Sky Thunder is quite powerful, but there are too few samples to counter the Daqian border troops. More real objects and formulas are needed."

"Greed!" A cold light flashed in Gu Beichen's eyes, and his fingers were pinched until the knuckles turned white.

"The same is true for Gaochang..." the Snake King whispered, "Yan Linzhen is at the peak of his power. It's too risky to invade at this time."

"You're short-sighted!" Gu Beichen said coldly, "Lin Zhen's foundation is not stable, Beiyan is exhausted, this is a godsend opportunity!"

"Prime Minister, our food and fodder are running low," a guard whispered. "Game in the swamp is scarce, and the people are complaining."

"Waste!" Gu Beichen shouted. "Orders, send more assassins out of the marsh to plunder the surrounding villages and obtain food and fodder at all costs. Also, speed up the purification of the poisonous saliva. I will create another Burning Sky Thunder to show those barbarians what true power is!"

"Yes." The guard's voice trembled.

"Report!" A muddy scout stumbled in. "Prime Minister, this is bad! A large number of tribal cavalry have been spotted outside the marsh. They're under the banners of the Vulture, Snow Wolf, and Wind Falcon tribes. They're led by officials from the Liu clan. They've blocked all exits and built fortifications. Anyone leaving the marsh will be killed!"

"What?!" Gu Beichen stood up suddenly, his expression changing drastically under the bronze mask, "Three tribes rebelled?!"

"The officer has Lin Zhen's order, and all the young and strong men in the three divisions are at his disposal." The scout's voice sounded desperate.

"Lin Zhen's methods are so cruel!" Gu Beichen's eyes were filled with venomous hatred. "Want to trap me to death?!"

"What should we do, Prime Minister..." The leader of the remaining bandits looked terrified.

"What are you panicking about?" Gu Beichen said fiercely, "Black Stone Fort is a natural barrier, and the swamp is a barrier. Lin Zhen's army can't get in. Let's keep fighting and see who dies first!"

He walked to the window, gazing at the gray sky beyond the marsh, a glint of madness in his eyes. "Order! Gather all the poisonous saliva and assign them to the death squads. Form the Burning Thunder Death Squad. I will make them suffer the consequences of mutual destruction!"

At the foot of Broken Dragon Cliff, in the Abyss Workshop.

Five newly cast "grenade launchers" were arranged neatly, with black bodies and a cold metallic luster.

The craftsmen are carefully loading the prototype of the "Burning Sky Thunder" into a specially made shock-absorbing lead box, and then placing it into a rattan box padded with cotton wool.

Mao Mengji was wearing a specially made dark light armor and carrying a long sword on his back. The scars on his skinny face were wriggling hideously in the firelight. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle as he glanced at the elite troops of the "Jingbian Camp" and "Shenji Camp" who were ready to go.

Chu Xiling handed the last sealed scroll of craft drawings to Mao Mengji.

"General Mao, the key to using the Burning Sky Bomb is contained in this volume. Triggering the fuse requires a three-breath delay, and throwing requires strong arm strength and precise projection. Refer to this diagram for adjusting the firing angle of the grenade launcher. Remember, keep away from fire and handle with care."

"Don't worry, Madam Chu." Mao Mengji took the scroll and said in a hoarse voice, "I will make these iron watermelons bloom in Old Dog Gu's lair!"

"The Black Water Dead Swamp is filled with miasma and poisonous insects." A trace of worry flashed in Chu Xiling's cold eyes. "We have prepared enough special miasma-repelling pills and insect repellent powder. However, marching through the swamp is still extremely dangerous."

"I crawled out of a pile of corpses, so why should I be afraid of miasma and poisonous insects!" Mao Mengji's eyes flashed with a fierce light, "If I go this way, either Gu Beichen will die or I will die. There is no third way!"

He turned suddenly, his skinny arms raised high: "Boys! Let's go!"

"Yes!" A low and neat response echoed in the abyss.

Hundreds of elite soldiers, like a silent black torrent, silently sank into the corridor leading to the ground and disappeared in the wind and snow.

In the northern border of Yanjing, there is Fengxue Pass.

The pass is majestic and the flags are fluttering.

Lin Zhen, wearing a black armor with a coiled dragon pattern, stood on the city wall, his scarlet cloak fluttering in the cold wind.

His eyes were as sharp as lightning as he looked into the vast snowfields in the north.

Behind him, tens of thousands of Jinwu guards were wearing iron armor, with swords and spears like a forest, and the murderous aura reached the sky.

"Report!" The messenger rushed over. "Your Highness, there's unusual activity on the border between Rouran and Gaochang. The Rouran Left Wise King's forces have assembled 30,000 cavalry, and the Gaochang Eagle Division has 20,000 infantry and cavalry. Their whereabouts are unknown!"

"Explore again!" Lin Zhen's voice was calm.

"Yes."

"Your Highness, should we take the initiative to attack?" asked the deputy general.

"No." Lin Zhen's eyes were deep. "Deploying troops here is a deterrent. Mao Mengji needs time."

He looked toward the northwest Yinshan Mountains, a cold light flashing in his eyes.