Becoming the murderer of the future tactician Zhang Liang's father this was undeniably becoming a part of history.
A murderer of one's father.
In the future, Zhang Liang would surely see Zhao Feng as his mortal enemy.
However, Zhao Feng wasn't concerned.
Lifting the Longquan Sword, he severed Zhang Ping's head.
In the Qin army, this was standard protocol. The heads of high-ranking enemies served as the most definitive proof of one's accomplishments.
Without such evidence, how could anyone verify one's contributions amidst the chaos of battle?
Moreover, on the battlefield, the animosity between enemies ran deep. Unless someone possessed overwhelming prestige or received explicit orders from high-ranking generals, few would concern themselves with proper burials for the slain.
"For this campaign, I've secured the glory of breaching the city, slaying generals, and killing the chancellor. Now, I just need to capture the king."
"According to historical records, the King of Han surrendered under pressure. With the inner city nearly devoid of defensive forces, it seems history will repeat itself, and the King of Han will capitulate." Zhao Feng pondered.
This was the way of the world.
Kings who truly stood with their nations to the end were a rare breed.
Zhao Feng harbored no illusions that the King of Han would be any different a man who feared death above all else.
Historical accounts described Han's last king, King An, as far from a formidable ruler.
Outside the City
"Report!"
"General, the outer city has been completely breached. Our forces have entered the inner city and are advancing toward the royal palace."
A personal guard commander, his face alight with excitement, relayed the news to Li Teng.
Upon hearing this, Li Teng's expression shifted, his excitement barely concealed.
"Good!"
This was a monumental achievement one that was now within his grasp.
"Have you confirmed who breached the city and claimed the first merit?" Li Teng pressed.
"General, the credit for breaching the city gate goes to Zhao Feng, the captain of the First Company under General Chen Tao. He singlehandedly broke through the gate, leading his troops to rout the Han forces and slay countless enemies," the guard commander reported with evident respect.
"Singlehandedly broke through the city gate?" Li Teng's expression froze, astonishment flashing in his eyes.
The battle report seemed almost too incredible.
"How did he manage that?"
"Even with countless sharp weapons and battering rams, our elite forces failed to breach it." Li Teng questioned, incredulous.
"You'll have to see for yourself, General," the guard commander replied. "All I can say is that Zhao Feng is a man of extraordinary strength."
At the City Gate
"Let's go."
Li Teng immediately issued the order.
The soldiers steering his war chariot spurred the horses forward, heading toward the city gate.
When they arrived, the sight that greeted them left Li Teng stunned.
The shattered city gate bore signs of immense force, with cracks spreading across the connected walls, evidence of the tremendous power used to destroy it.
"Such strength... could this truly be human?" Li Teng muttered, a mix of awe and disbelief in his voice.
After regaining his composure, he issued further orders:
"Record this in the military logs: the merit for breaching the city belongs to Captain Zhao Feng. The command merit goes to General Chen Tao."
"Yes, General!" the guard commander replied.
In the Qin military, while personal merit was recognized, overarching credit often extended to the commanding officer. Zhao Feng's feats ensured Chen Tao would share in the accolades.
For Zhao Feng, this arrangement was neither surprising nor unjust. If he had been stationed under a different commander, it would be they who reaped the benefits of his efforts.
Outside the Royal Palace
The royal palace was now surrounded.
More than half of the Qin soldiers bore bloodstains on their armor, their weapons still dripping with the blood of their enemies.
Yet, no assault had been launched.
The Qin soldiers stood poised, their bows and crossbows aimed squarely at the palace. If an attack were ordered, the first salvo would be a deadly rain of arrows, capable of turning the palace into a blood-soaked graveyard.
"Captain," a voice called out.
Zhao Feng stood near the palace gates, with Zhang Han at his side, his voice filled with frustration.
"Why have we stopped? Wouldn't it be better to storm the palace directly? There must be a wealth of treasures inside."
Looking at the palace gates, Zhang Han was eager for the order to attack.
It wasn't just him; the soldiers behind him felt the same.
For now, they had been ordered to halt, which dampened their fervor for battle.
"The current situation suggests that the King of Han is seeking to surrender. He will likely send someone to negotiate soon," Zhao Feng explained.
"For our army, capturing the palace without bloodshed would be the best outcome."
Zhang Han sighed, clearly disappointed. "What a pity. I was just getting into the rhythm of battle."
"Honestly, following the captain into battle has been the most exhilarating experience," another officer chimed in with a grin.
"I took down at least twenty Han soldiers myself!"
Other soldiers joined in:
"The captain is truly the war god of our unit an unparalleled warrior."
"Serving under him is our greatest fortune."
After this battle, Zhao Feng's reputation among his men had reached unparalleled heights.
In the Qin military, strength was revered above all else, and the battlefield was the ultimate test of such prowess.
The two severed heads at Zhao Feng's waist one of Han's newly appointed Grand General and the other of the Chancellor stood as undeniable proof of his accomplishments.
Combined with the feat of breaching the city, Zhao Feng's merits were undeniable.
It was certain his future would be limitless.