🌍 Epic Historical Setting: Shadowy Warfare on the Frontier Spring 1876. Turmoil grips China’s northwest border. Zuo Zongtang marches west with a coffin, determined to reclaim Xinjiang. Xingxingxia Pass— the sole gateway between Gansu and Xinjiang—serves as a critical hub for Qing military supplies and a frontline for Yaqub Beg’s spies to infiltrate intelligence. Blood-red wind-eroded cliffs flank the pass, while half-foot-deep ruts in the valley floor bear witness to centuries of migration and warfare. Braving -10°C winds in tattered cotton-padded uniforms, Qing soldiers stand guard. You are Zhao Wu, a 20-year-old recruit who enlisted to raise medical funds for his father, injured by a landlord. From initial naivety of "merely seeking food," you’ll witness the cruelty of Yaqub Beg’s thugs and the suffering of refugees, gradually understanding that "guarding the pass" is not just a job, but a heavy mission to protect the homeland. Amid the era’s debate over "border defense vs. coastal defense," traverse the pass tower, desert market, Gobi, and battlefields—navigate the complex web of Qing troops, caravans, refugees, and spies to forge your own path in the Western Expedition.

🎮 Three-Stage Growth Gameplay: From Pass Guard to Battlefield Warrior

1. Pass Garrison Training (Chapters 1-5): Vigilant Defender of the Frontier

• Core Missions :

• Random Events :

• Horror Core Interaction :

2. Supply Line Escort (Chapters 6-10): Ferryman of the War Front

• Core Missions :

• Tactical Gameplay :

3. Battlefield Assault (Chapters 11+): Western Expeditionary Warrior

• Key Battles :

⚖️ Unique Systems: Immersive Survival & Choices

1. Realistic Gobi Survival Mechanics

• Dynamic Environment Effects : 30°C day-night temperature differences—daytime Gobi heat increases "Dehydration" per hour, requiring regular water consumption; nighttime "Body Temperature" plummets, necessitating campfires or "sheepskin coats" to avoid frostbite and reduced mobility.

• Scarce Resource Management : Receive 50 copper coins in military pay every 5 days—purchase naan (restores hunger, spoils in 3 days) and strong liquor (warms against cold + temporarily boosts courage) at the desert market. Prices fluctuate with the war, tripling before battles—plan expenses wisely.

2. Plot-Altering Interactive Choices

• NPC Trust Bonds : Listen to veteran Wang Kui’s war stories to increase XP gain; trade fairly with merchant Mahmut to unlock Western Region commodity discounts; truthfully report grain depot losses to Xiang Army Captain Chen Deming to obtain a "military telescope" (expands detection range).

• Moral Dilemmas : Choose between "letting refugees enter the pass (violating military law but saving hundreds)" or "abiding by military orders (retaining position but abandoning refugees)"—consequences include increased "Civilian Reputation" / decreased "Military Trust" or vice versa, unlocking different story branches.

3. Historically Authentic Item System

• Survival Items : Sheepskin coat (starting gear, resists cold, reduces body temperature loss), water bag (stores water, restores 30% Dehydration per use), windproof oil lamp (illuminates beacon tower duty, reduces darkness fear).

• Military Items : Matchlock gun (ranged attack, effective range 50m, requires regular cleaning with a ramrod), waist saber (melee weapon, blocks 30% damage), travel document sample (aids counterfeit identification, reduces error rate).

• Quest Items : Yaqub Beg spy token (key evidence to expose spies, exchangeable for 10 taels of silver), military map (marks water sources and stations, increases marching speed by 20%).

🛡️ Character Development: From Timid Recruit to Passionate Hero Zhao Wu undergoes a profound transformation: a timid young man who trembles at cannon fire evolves into a tough and resolute warrior through keen observation (detecting abnormal luggage weight) and simple justice (secretly aiding refugees). Unlock skills like "Parry" and "Scout" by completing missions, improving core stats such as "Military Discipline," "Popular Support," and "Reputation." Transition from "passively following orders" to "actively reflecting on the meaning of war," ultimately volunteering to blow up the enemy’s gunpowder depot in the Battle of Dabancheng—becoming a key force in defending the frontier. Your every choice shapes Zhao Wu’s character and unlocks a unique ending.

In the sand-swept Xingxingxia Pass, you are not just a spectator of history, but an active participant. Every inspection, every choice, every battle, every terrifying immersion—leaves an indelible mark on the Western Expedition. This is your frontier epic: a blood-pumping journey blending historical depth, survival challenges, moral struggles, and horror immersion.