Hearing the command, all 300 young boys and girls before him knelt without hesitation, their eyes burning with fervor as they bowed to Zhao Feng, shouting in unison, "We greet our master!"
Although their ages were young, they were all acutely aware of one thing:
Every one of them had been saved by Han Xi in their most desperate moments, rescued from the brink of death.
As Han Xi had put it, Zhao Feng had granted them a new lease on life.
"Stand up," Zhao Feng said, waving his hand.
"Thank you, Master," they responded in unison, rising to their feet and gazing at Zhao Feng with reverence.
"For all of you," Zhao Feng began, his voice calm but commanding, "I am the one who granted you life. In return, your purpose is to serve as my loyal death soldiers, directly under my command.
"In the days to come, you will lose your freedom. You will undergo the harshest of training, becoming the shadow walkers I require.
"During this process, some of you may not survive.
"But those who complete the training and emerge as elites, I assure you, will have a future beyond measure.
"Riches, glory, power these will all be yours.
"What I demand is your unwavering loyalty.
"In this world, nothing is more unpredictable than human hearts. The disloyal are unworthy of standing under my command, and the disloyal are unworthy of living under my rule."
Zhao Feng's voice grew cold, carrying an unmistakable warning.
With that, he opened the sub-panel of his affiliated forces:
Leader: Zhao Feng (With dual cultivation speed bonus)
Members: 515
Primary Cultivation Technique: Intermediate Inner Strength (By designating this technique as the primary, it can be transmitted directly through the panel, with restrictions on sharing and the leader's ability to revoke it at will.)
Level: Secondary (Recruitment of over 5,000 members required to advance to tertiary level.)
Force Trait: Enhanced cultivation speed for techniques fueled by burning spiritual energy.
Free Attribute Points Allocated: 200 points/month.
Scrolling down, Zhao Feng reviewed the loyalty statistics of his followers.
At a glance, several individuals stood out with significantly low loyalty scores some even teetering on the brink.
Scores below forty meant they were essentially harboring resentment.
"Wu Li, Cao Qiu, Hu Yi…"
Zhao Feng called out seven names in succession. "Step forward!"
The individuals whose names were called looked uneasy but stepped out nonetheless, bewildered.
Among them, four were from the group of young recruits, and three were former members of Han's elite guards.
Standing before Zhao Feng, they appeared unsure of themselves.
"Do you harbor resentment toward me?" Zhao Feng asked suddenly.
The question caused their faces to pale as they hastily knelt in fear.
"Master, we don't understand what you mean," they stammered in unison, their voices trembling.
"Today, I will make it clear," Zhao Feng said coldly.
"Human hearts are difficult to fathom. I can see through yours.
"I saved you, yet instead of gratitude, you harbor resentment." Zhao Feng's tone grew sharper, his gaze icy.
Without waiting for a response, his guards moved swiftly, pinning the seven individuals to the ground.
At this moment, the seven panicked even more, though their words remained outwardly defiant.
"Master, what do you mean? We don't understand. Please explain!"
"I've said it already I can see through hearts," Zhao Feng said coldly.
With a glance at his guard Zhang Han, Zhao Feng gestured silently.
Understanding immediately, Zhang Han drew his sword and beheaded one of the seven without hesitation.
The sound of the blade slicing through flesh was crisp and chilling. Blood sprayed as the man's head fell to the ground.
The remaining six individuals were terrified, their faces pale, especially the four young ones among them.
Zhang Han did not pause, swiftly executing another individual with a second stroke.
"You're right I do hate you!"
One of the young recruits finally snapped, his voice trembling with fury.
"If you saved me, why didn't you save my father too? Why him and not my family?"
His words shocked everyone present.
"And why should I save them?" Zhao Feng replied icily.
"At the end of the day, I saved you because you are useful to me. Your father was not.
"Saving you was a calculated choice, not an act of selflessness.
"I am no saint."
Zhao Feng's cold gaze swept over the group. Without further explanation, he gestured again.
Zhang Han continued his grim task, executing the remaining individuals, one after another, until all seven lay lifeless on the ground.
The earth beneath them turned crimson with blood.
This moment solidified a lesson for Zhao Feng: Gratitude is fleeting; resentment festers.
Zhao Feng was no saint and never claimed to be. His purpose in recruiting these individuals was to build his force and secure his future.
With the fall of Han at the hands of Qin, five kingdoms remained. History dictated their unification within a decade, and Zhao Feng was determined to use that time to establish his shadow force as a dominating presence across the land.
An army in the shadows to complement the one in the open.
A path to power toward the throne itself.
"Let this serve as a warning," Zhao Feng declared coldly, surveying the remaining recruits.
"I have said it before, and I will say it again: I can see through hearts. Those who are disloyal will face death.
"Not only you but your families will perish if you betray me."
The recruits trembled as one, their reverence and fear of Zhao Feng growing immeasurably.
"Swear loyalty to the master!"
One resolute young man stepped forward, his voice loud and firm.
Inspired by his boldness, the others quickly followed suit, shouting in unison, "We swear loyalty to the master!"
Zhao Feng's gaze settled on the young man, noting his determination and poise.
"What is your name?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Master, I am Ying Bu," the boy replied, his voice steady and eyes burning with resolve.
Hearing the name, Zhao Feng was momentarily taken aback.
Ying Bu!
This was no ordinary name.
In history, Ying Bu was a legendary general, second only to Xiang Yu in valor and strength.
However, according to historical records, Ying Bu was of Chu origin. How had he ended up in Han territory?
Zhao Feng studied the boy, who looked to be about eleven years old. The age-matched historical accounts.
"You are from Chu, aren't you?" Zhao Feng asked, testing his theory.
Ying Bu's eyes widened in shock.
"How does Master know this?"
His voice was filled with astonishment.
"I have my ways. Tell me, how did you come to Han territory?" Zhao Feng pressed.
"My parents were killed, and I avenged them by killing the culprits. To escape retribution, I fled to Han.
"While in New Zheng City, I nearly died in the chaos of Qin's invasion. Your men saved me," Ying Bu explained truthfully.
"Very well," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Inspecting Ying Bu's loyalty on the panel, he found it was already above 60 well past the threshold of initial allegiance.
"You are honest and show great potential.
"Serve me well, and I will grant you everything you desire."
Zhao Feng's smile widened as he continued, "From now on, you will lead this group of 300 shadow soldiers as their provisional head.
"If you prove yourself during training, I will make you their permanent leader."
Hearing this, Ying Bu's eyes glowed with determination.
"I will not let you down, Master," he declared, bowing deeply.
With this declaration, Ying Bu's loyalty quietly rose to 70.
The rest of the recruits looked on with envy and admiration, realizing that boldness and seizing opportunities earned favor.
The path forward was clear.
"There is also a prescription here. Purchase all the ingredients listed above, as much as you can." Zhao Feng handed over the materials needed for the Bone Refining Powder to Han Xi.
Han Xi committed everything to memory.
As nightfall approached.
Outside the forest.
Looking at the mountain forest that was gradually enveloped by darkness, Zhao Feng showed a hint of anticipation on his face: "My forces have been initially assembled, now it just needs time to yield results."
"Let's head back to camp!"
Zhao Feng mounted his horse and issued the order loudly.
His guards swiftly mounted their horses as well.
Surrounding Zhao Feng, they headed toward Wei City.
About an hour later.
Zhao Feng returned to the military camp.
The camp was organized, with fortifications in place, and everything orderly.
Of the 37,000 soldiers, except for those on patrol in Wei City or along the border, the rest were stationed in the camp.
Of course.
They were also responsible for guarding the gradually arriving defected soldiers from the Han.
"General Zhao."
"Within five days, all the defected soldiers from Han will be delivered to Wei City."
"When the time comes, the arrangement will be up to your orders."
Zhao Tuo and the other generals gathered around Zhao Feng, respectfully reporting.
"As for the reorganization of the defected soldiers, I already have a plan."
"This is the reorganization list, take a look." Zhao Feng smiled slightly, picking up a bamboo scroll and handing it to Zhao Tuo.
The other generals quickly gathered around and took a look.
"General, you intend to completely mix the defected soldiers into our ranks?" Zhao Tuo asked in surprise.
"That's right." Zhao Feng said solemnly.
"But General."
"In the past, the military has never reorganized defected soldiers in this way. Even when there was a reorganization, the defected soldiers were grouped into their army, not mixed with our elite soldiers."
"The morale of the defected soldiers is usually weak, which could affect our army's combat strength," Zhao Tuo added.
"If everything is done the same way, how can we convert the defected soldiers into our Qin's fighting force?" Zhao Feng glanced at him and said seriously.
"This matter will be handled as I said."
"From tomorrow, the defected soldiers will be reorganized into the army," Zhao Feng declared in an unquestionable tone.
Even though Zhao Tuo had reservations, he could only nod: "Understood."
Rank matters.
It has always been this way.
Since Zhao Feng was now tasked with guarding Wei City, he was the absolute superior in the camp.
Moreover, the reorganization order for the defected soldiers had already been approved by Li Teng, and Zhao Feng had also signed a military contract, taking full responsibility for any problems.
How could the subordinates dare to disobey?
"There's one more thing."
"It is the core of fully converting the defected soldiers into fighting strength."
"Send my order."
"After the defected soldiers are reorganized into the army, anyone who kills an enemy on the battlefield will be freed from their slave status. If they kill another, they will officially become a soldier of the Qin army, with military honors. After killing five enemies, they will be promoted by one rank, and thereafter, they will be treated with the same respect as our elite soldiers." Zhao Feng looked at the generals and announced another heavy order.
Upon hearing this, the five generals were once again stunned.
"Treat the defected soldiers with the same respect as our elite soldiers? Even granting military promotions?"
"General, this is quite unprecedented."
"This requires careful consideration. At the very least, it needs the King's approval before it can be implemented," Chen Tao spoke up.
"I also agree," Zhao Tuo immediately added.
"This might violate the military laws of our Qin," Zhang Han also looked at Zhao Feng with concern.
"As for this matter, I have already sent someone to inform General Li Teng. I believe General Li should have already sent someone to Xianyang," Zhao Feng said calmly.
Regarding the discussion, Zhao Feng was very confident. He believed the Qin King would agree. After all, Qin Shi Huang was a great and ambitious ruler who could surely see the benefits of utilizing defected soldiers, with no apparent drawbacks, other than spending a little more money and feeding more soldiers.
"Understood."
Hearing Zhao Feng's words, the generals nodded.
"Alright."
"Go back and rest, the reorganization will start tomorrow."
"Any issues, report them directly to me." Zhao Feng said to the generals.
"Understood."
"We take our leave, General." The five generals bowed and then left.
After they left, Zhao Feng silently thought to himself: "Qi Yun Officer Seal."
Before him, the Qi Yun Officer Seal was glowing faintly.
"Lead 50,000 troops, gain the fortune of a vice-general, would you like to upgrade the Qi Yun Officer Seal?" A prompt appeared.
"Upgrade."
Zhao Feng naturally didn't hesitate.
With a flash of golden light, the Qi Yun Officer Seal upgraded.
The words "Du Wei" on the seal changed to "Vice General."
The seal also turned into a tiger-shaped stamp.
"Equip the seal."
With the upgrade of the Qi Yun Officer Seal, Zhao Feng immediately equipped it.
The attributes of the Qi Yun Officer Seal were displayed before him.
[Vice General Seal]: Commands 50,000 troops. When the host leads a charge, it boosts the morale of the troops by 100% and increases their combat strength by 100%. If the host leads troops to bury the dead, the host will gain 30% of the attributes of the dead soldiers they buried.
Seeing these attributes, Zhao Feng felt a bit disappointed, even though the boost to morale and combat strength was significant.
"Morale and combat strength doubled, that's indeed powerful."
"But why must the attributes come from burying the dead soldiers? Why not gain them from the elite soldiers killing enemies?"
Zhao Feng thought helplessly.
If he could gain attributes from elite soldiers killing enemies, it would have been much more exciting, and he would gain more attributes.
"I hope when I upgrade to the main general, I can change the attributes of the Qi Yun Officer Seal," Zhao Feng thought.
After dealing with everything, Zhao Feng did not waste any precious time on cultivation.
He returned to his tent.
And began his daily necessary cultivation.
Now that Zhao Feng had become the leader of a secondary force, his cultivation speed had increased once again.
From now on, the attributes gained from nightly cultivation would be substantial, though, with the growth of his attributes, the amount he gained was no longer as high as before. Previously, he could gain about 40 points for attributes, but now it was less. Still, the increase in true energy was quite significant.
Zhao Capital, Handan!
"Idiot."
"Ying Zheng, damn Ying Zheng."
"He destroyed Han."
"How dare he?"
"Why?"
Inside the Dragon Terrace Palace.
King Zhao Yan was furious, roaring in anger.
"Your Majesty, calm down."
"This Ying Zheng is just a lucky fool."
"He is no match for Your Majesty," Prime Minister Guo Kai immediately flattered.
"He's a fool, but haven't I also failed to expand the kingdom?" Zhao Yan shouted angrily.
Guo Kai quickly kneeled: "Your Majesty, please don't be angry, I didn't mean it that way."
"Ying Zheng."
"He was once trampled under my feet when he was a hostage. Even though he's grown up, he is destined to remain beneath me."
"How can a fool like him be worthy of being a king?"
"One day, I will destroy the Qin State and conquer all the states. Only I, Your Majesty, am worthy to unite the world." Zhao Yan spoke arrogantly.
In his heart, from beginning to end, he never took Ying Zheng seriously.
When Ying Zheng was a hostage in Zhao, Zhao Yan and Guo Kai bullied him the most.
"Your Majesty is correct."
"Only you, Your Majesty, can unify the world," Guo Kai quickly complimented.
"Guo Kai."
"You must have heard the discussions in the court and among the people, haven't you?" Zhao Yan's face darkened as he looked at Guo Kai.
"Your Majesty... I dare not speak," Guo Kai's face changed.
Zhao Yan sneered: "They say my position is unearned, that I usurped Zhao Yi's throne. They say I lack virtue and talent and am not worthy to be king."
"Zhao Yi."
"Such schemes."
"He's the one who spread these rumors."
"Zhao Yi, even more detestable than Ying Zheng."
"No, it's Ying Zheng who's the most hateful. If it weren't for him sending Zhao Yi back, how would I have ended up in this situation?"
Guo Kai immediately said: "As long as Your Majesty issues an edict, I am willing to immediately have Zhao Yi killed, so the entire Zhao state will know that only Your Majesty is the true king."
"Kill Zhao Yi?"
"If I kill him, I will face the anger of the royal family and cause the people of Zhao to turn against me."
"If it were possible, I would have killed him long ago."
"How frustrating."
Zhao Yan cursed angrily, though there was also a sense of helplessness.
"If Your Majesty could expand the kingdom of Zhao, the discussions in the court and among the people would disappear."
"Everyone would praise Your Majesty as a wise ruler."
Guo Kai's eyes flashed, and he immediately said.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yan's eyes lit up.
A king known for expanding their territory, what a magnificent title that would be!
If he could destroy a state, wouldn't his reputation surpass Ying Zheng's?
"You're right."
"If I can expand the kingdom of Zhao, then I would be a wise ruler, and everyone would truly submit to me, no one would dare to speak against me."
"Zhao Yi will become nothing more than a dog beneath my feet."
"And Ying Zheng, if he can destroy Han, can't I do the same?" Zhao Yan sneered, full of pride.
"Your Majesty is right."
"Ying Zheng is not even worthy to be compared to a single toe of Your Majesty." Guo Kai was flattered.
The only reason Guo Kai had reached his position as Prime Minister was due to his sycophantic ways with Zhao Yan, who had made promises long ago to remove Mao Sui and allow Zhao Yi to return, granting Guo Kai the position of Prime Minister in return.
And the discussions within Zhao were not wrong.
Zhao Yan's throne had never been truly legitimate.
"Yan State has always been an enemy of Zhao."
"If I attack Yan, I can justify it and convince the court ministers." Zhao Yan spoke solemnly.
"Your Majesty."
"War is fine, but be cautious of the Qin state."
"If Zhao starts a war, and Qin attacks us, it would be disastrous."
"Perhaps we could force Qin to sign a non-aggression pact, so they wouldn't dare attack Zhao, and we would have enough time to destroy Yan." Guo Kai suggested.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yan's expression became serious. Indeed, this was a matter of concern.
"Ying Zheng hates me to the core. How could he agree to a pact with me?" Zhao Yan sneered, not believing Ying Zheng would ever sign such an agreement.
"Your Majesty can check if there's anything that can threaten Ying Zheng, forcing him to sign the pact," Guo Kai suggested cautiously.
Zhao Yan nodded and, after thinking for a moment, suddenly had an idea.
"Ying Zheng's mother, Zhao Ji, have you heard of her?" Zhao Yan sneered, as though a bad idea had crossed his mind.
"Of course."
"She is a shameless woman who gave birth to two half-brothers for Ying Zheng. She truly is a disgrace to the world. Moreover, she betrayed Ying Zheng and helped that wild man rebel."
"Only such a disgraceful woman would do something like that." Guo Kai sneered.
"If we capture Zhao Ji and bring her to Zhao, wouldn't Ying Zheng be completely under my control?" Zhao Yan sneered.
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