Black Mountain Army

Biodata

Background / History

The Black Mountain Army originated around the Qifeng Mountain Range in Changfeng County. It expanded by absorbing mountain strongholds, bandit groups, and drifters across Qingyun, Changfeng, and Canghe Counties, eventually becoming a force that occupied and terrorized all three counties for nearly a decade. Wang Hongliang was identified as its Heavenly King during its earlier growth, while Wang Xuantian later commanded the army as the Black Mountain Heavenly King. 78 143 210 222

Its early soldiers treated civilians and enemy combatants alike as sources of silver and military merit. Four soldiers ambushed Qingyun Army Squad Leader Shi Feng and attempted to murder Su Mu simply because he had witnessed the encounter; they openly stated that commoners' heads could be exchanged for rewards from their Heavenly Generals. 23 24

The army raided Qingshui Town, burning, killing, and looting. Its iron-armored commander tortured and murdered Zhou Shan and several blacksmith masters to coerce the remaining craftsmen into serving the rebels. 37 The attack drove Su Mu into direct conflict with the organization; he killed the four ambushers, later slew commander Hong Shan during the Qingyun Army's pursuit, and continued pursuing those connected to the Qingshui massacre. 24 38 40

The Black Mountain Army developed specialized units and clandestine infrastructure as it grew. It fielded firearms through the Blazing Fire Banner Army, maintained the Sharp Gold Banner to forge contraband armor and crossbows, and operated hidden camps containing thousands of training soldiers. Captured craftsmen were forced to produce weapons, armor, and Cold Iron for the army. 67 100 170 177 189

After the Purple Robe Snake King abducted three masters of the Weapon Forging Workshop, Su Mu infiltrated a Black Mountain camp during Wu Lie's rescue attempt. He killed Purple Robe and several centurions, triggering the camp's collapse and allowing the abducted artisans to escape. 193 194 195 196

The army subsequently captured Changfeng City in a single night under Wang Xuantian's command. Its final stand ended when Wang Xuantian was killed by Su Mu, causing rebel morale to collapse into defeat and surrender. 206 207 221 227

Organization

Military Assets & Methods

• Padded, leather, iron, and black iron armor — Soldiers wore armor ranging from padded cotton armor to black iron armor; some commanders relied on heavy armor in combat. 23 24 38
• Blades, sabers, spears, axes, and chains — Standard troops carried sabers and blades, while elite figures used specialized weapons such as Blood Axe's chained giant axe. 23 193 209
• Firearms and explosives — The Blazing Fire Banner Army launched ambushes with firearms, gunpowder, and Thunder Fire. 67 153
• Horse-tripping ropes — Rebels used concealed ropes in forest terrain to break the Qingyun cavalry's charge before engaging the dismounted troops. 38
• Contraband workshops — The Sharp Gold Banner forged fine iron armor and crossbows, while later camps forced abducted masters and over a hundred blacksmiths to manufacture arms and armor. 100 170 177
• Cold Iron — The Four Protectors oversaw the forging of a strange pitch-black metal for the army's military production. 189
• Recruitment through rewards and promises — Soldiers sought military merit, silver, martial advancement, and rewards from their commanders; the Green Faced Bat King also recruited outside experts with pills and promises of advancement. 23 78

Notable Operations

Raids around Qingyun

The army attacked several towns in rapid succession, including Qingshui Town. Its soldiers burned, looted, murdered civilians, and targeted blacksmiths for forced labor. 36 37

Qingshui Pursuit

After raiding Qingshui Town, the army attempted to escape through a forest but trapped the pursuing Qingyun cavalry with horse-tripping ropes. The battle shifted only after Su Mu entered in disguise, killed rebel soldiers, and joined Qian Wu against Hong Shan. 38 39 40

Black Mountain Town Ambush

The Blazing Fire Banner Army ambushed an escort mission with explosives and firearms while attempting to free Zhou Heng. Su Mu killed a rebel leader during the clash. 67

Changfeng Execution-Ground Raid

Rebels attacked Yuan Dong's execution to rescue him. Yuan Wuming, the Fourth Protector and a Sixth-Rank martial artist, led the assault before being killed by Su Mu; the remaining rebels surrendered after their leaders fell. 153 154 156

Weapon Forging Workshop Abductions

Purple Robe Snake King abducted Chen Yuntian, Zhao Ju, and Lin Ruoshui, then compelled them to forge weapons and armor at a hidden camp. The three masters managed over one hundred captive blacksmiths while planning an escape. 170 177

Capture and Defense of Changfeng City

Wang Xuantian's forces seized Changfeng City overnight, then defended it against the Qingyun Army. The rebels displayed the heads of Changfeng County Governor Gong Ming and County Lieutenant Liu Qing on the city walls to bolster morale. 206 213

Relationships

• Wang Xuantian — Black Mountain Heavenly King and later supreme commander; his death caused the army's final collapse. 210 221
• Purple Robe Snake King — Chief of the Four Protectors and camp commander; abducted master blacksmiths and oversaw weapons production before Su Mu killed her. 170 193 195
• Green Faced Bat King Wei Ming — One of the Four Protectors; recruited the Black Worm Elder and ordered the killing of Li Feiyu. 78 152
• Yuan Wuming — Fourth Protector and Sixth-Rank martial artist; led the raid on Changfeng's execution ground before his death. 154 170
• Gao Feng — New Fourth Protector appointed after Yuan Wuming's death. 178 191
• Zhou Tiande — Blazing Fire Banner Lord; fought Su Mu while relying on the army's Crimson Fire Shield martial art. 69
• Su Mu / Li Feiyu — Persistent enemy responsible for killing multiple commanders, destroying a hidden camp, and slaying Wang Xuantian. 40 156 196 221
• Qingyun Army — Principal opposing government force; pursued the rebels after the Qingshui raid and joined the decisive campaign at Changfeng City. 38 213
• Weapon Forging Workshop — Targeted for its master craftsmen, who were abducted to supply the army with weapons and armor. 170 193