Though Han and Qin were not the same nation, their military systems during this era were largely similar, differing only in terminology.
Having personal guards meant the person being protected held the rank of a commanding general or higher, which indicated that Cao Yi held a significant position. This realization made Zhao Feng even more excited.
"Kill!"
With a low growl, Zhao Feng charged directly at Cao Yi with a clear goal in mind.
Behind him, the elite Qin soldiers fanned out without needing any further instructions, quickly engaging the surrounding enemy forces.
"Kill him now!"
Seeing Zhao Feng advancing in an unstoppable manner, Cao Yi shouted desperately.
At his command, the guards surrounding him brandished their weapons and surged toward Zhao Feng.
"Kill!"
The guards roared fiercely, their momentum impressive.
Zhao Feng didn't dodge. Instead, he charged head-on, swinging his sword.
In an instant, the blades of the guards in front of him shattered, blood welled on their necks, and they fell lifeless to the ground.
Effortlessly cutting down these guards, Zhao Feng pressed forward.
The well-trained Han guards posed no obstacle; anyone in his way was swiftly dispatched.
"Is he human or a ghost?"
Cao Yi was stunned, watching the ferocity of Zhao Feng. Though an experienced general of Han, having fought in numerous battles, he had never encountered anyone as ferocious as Zhao Feng.
Even with hundreds of personal guards attacking together, Zhao Feng had cut through them as if they weren't there unstoppable.
"Protect the general!"
The captain of the guards shouted, and the remaining guards quickly formed a shield wall, completely encircling Cao Yi.
"So, you're a Han general and a top-ranking one at that."
"That just makes your life all the more valuable."
Hearing the cries of the guards, Zhao Feng became even more exhilarated.
He charged directly at the dense shield formation.
As he approached, Zhao Feng hurled his bloodstained shield with all his strength.
Boom!
With a resounding crash, shields splintered, screams rang out, and the dozen or so soldiers forming the defensive wall were blasted apart. Some were flung into the air, while others bore the full brunt of the impact and died instantly.
"What... what kind of monster is this?"
The surrounding Han soldiers were overwhelmed with terror, looking at Zhao Feng with despair in their eyes as if he were a demon.
"Reform the formation! Quickly!"
Cao Yi screamed hoarsely.
But at that moment, as the shield formation broke, Zhao Feng gave them no time to regroup.
Zhao Feng surged forward at full speed, his movements surpassing those of ordinary men by an unimaginable margin. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Cao Yi, just as the shield wall began to reform.
His Dragon Spring Sword stabbed forward in an instant.
Pfft!
Cao Yi felt a sharp pain. He looked down, trembling. The demon-like Qin general had already pierced him through.
"M-monster…"
Cao Yi struggled to look at Zhao Feng, his voice shaking as he spat out his final words.
"Killed Han's commanding general. Gained +10 to all attributes. Obtained a Tier-1 treasure chest."
The interface displayed a notification.
The surrounding Han guards froze in shock, staring at Zhao Feng in disbelief.
Their general, protected by layers of elite soldiers, had been slain right before their eyes.
Without sparing them a glance, Zhao Feng pulled his sword free and swung it downward. Cao Yi's head flew through the air, landing in Zhao Feng's hand.
This was a symbol of military merit.
He wanted the treasure chest, but he also wanted the accolades that came with victory.
Having chosen this path of killing and achievement, Zhao Feng intended to see it through to the end.
"I have slain Han's commanding general!"
"Han's forces are in complete disarray!"
"Brothers!"
"Today is the day for us to gain glory and honor!"
"I will lead you to victory and renown!" Zhao Feng roared, lifting the severed head high.
At that moment, the enemy's morale completely collapsed.
Behind him, the elite Qin soldiers shouted in excitement and awe:
"Our commander is unstoppable!"
"Kill!"
"Slaughter them all!"
The Qin soldiers charged with renewed vigor, their fighting spirit surging.
"Run! Quickly, run!"
"Our general is dead!"
"We've lost!"
"Escape while you can…"
Seeing Cao Yi's death, the Han defensive line, which had held firm until now, crumbled entirely. One fleeing soldier caused ten others to panic, and ten led a hundred.
In an instant, Han's final defensive line in the outer city fell apart.
Zhao Feng, of course, led his troops in pursuit.
Inner City
"Report!"
"Chancellor, the outer city has completely fallen. Qin forces have broken into the inner city!"
A Han officer rushed into Zhang Ping's presence, shouting a report.
"What of General Cao Yi?" Zhang Ping frowned, his voice filled with anger.
"Chancellor, General Cao Yi has fallen in battle," the officer replied shakily.
Hearing this, Zhang Ping's expression changed. Sadness eventually overtook his face.
"General Cao, you were a loyal servant to Han. Go on ahead I will join you soon enough."
"Chancellor," the officer spoke bitterly, "the Qin forces have already stormed the city. Including the palace guards, we have fewer than twenty thousand soldiers left. We cannot hold them off."
"Even if we cannot hold, we must still fight!" Zhang Ping said coldly, his tone filled with determination.
"The Zhang family has served Han for generations. We will never surrender to Qin."
By now, Zhang Ping had sent his family to safety, leaving him with no more ties to the world.
At that moment, another figure rushed in.
"Chancellor!"
"The king urgently summons you!"
A palace guard commander bowed deeply.
"What is His Majesty's command?" Zhang Ping asked.
"The king decrees that the capital has fallen, and resistance is futile. He orders the chancellor to lead the troops back to the palace to protect the royal family and negotiate with the Qin army," the guard commander said.
Zhang Ping's face twisted in shock before giving a bitter smile.
"The king intends to surrender?"
"Chancellor, after the city fell, the court unanimously advised against continued resistance. They recommend fortifying the palace and negotiating terms with Qin," the guard commander explained.
Sigh.
Zhang Ping let out a long, mournful sigh before waving his hand.
"Generals, return to the palace and protect the royal family."
After saying this, Zhang Ping drew his sword but remained where he stood.
"Chancellor, what are you doing?" The guard commander's face turned pale.
"For generations, the Zhang family has served Han. We will never surrender."
"You may return to the palace to serve the king. I, however, will face the Qin army alone," Zhang Ping declared with passionate resolve.
Hearing this, the guard commander bowed deeply with reverence.
"Chancellor, your virtue is unparalleled!"
Many Han soldiers, moved by Zhang Ping's impassioned stand, knelt and saluted him.
"Chancellor, we will follow you and protect our nation with our lives!"
"Those willing to stay, stay. Those unwilling, go to the palace. Perhaps there, you will find a chance to survive," Zhang Ping said with a sigh.