"Reporting to the Master,"
"This subordinate is slightly stronger than my brothers and has already stepped into the Sixth Level of the Postnatal Stage," Zhang Han replied steadily, his face calm.
Compared to the others, despite having the same resources and training time, Zhang Han had surpassed them by one level. Perhaps this was due to his innate martial potential.
"The technique you've been learning focuses on cultivating internal energy. With internal energy, you can enhance your strength and unleash explosive power in an instant.
"But strength, in the end, is just strength. It needs to be used wisely, not recklessly," Zhao Feng said gravely. "The war is imminent. Today, I will teach you a martial skill."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng turned to face the five men.
He suddenly clenched his right hand into a fist, and invisible internal energy instantly enveloped it.
Then, with a single punch, he shattered a carved green stone sculpture into pieces.
The five men, including Zhang Han, were visibly awed.
This scene was also witnessed by someone hiding in the shadows.
"Who's there?"
Zhang Han immediately shouted towards the source of the sound.
A voice came from a corner of the military council hall. It was none other than Tu Sui, who quickly emerged with a shocked expression on his face.
He had witnessed the scene of Zhao Feng's punch shattering the stone sculpture.
Zhao Feng remained calm, the faint trace of a smile on his face. With his spiritual power exceeding 2,000 points, he could easily detect any presence in the vicinity.
"Tu Sui?" Zhao Feng said coolly, meeting the man's gaze. "I knew you would come."
Tu Sui's expression shifted, and after a brief hesitation, he strode forward and knelt on one knee before Zhao Feng.
"This subordinate is willing to pledge loyalty to General Zhao and serve under your command," Tu Sui said solemnly.
Zhao Feng's eyes flickered with satisfaction as he nodded. "Very well. I accept your submission. From now on, you shall be one of my men, equal to Zhang Han and the others."
Tu Sui's loyalty stat had already risen to 78 a level that could be considered genuine loyalty. The combination of gratitude and awe for Zhao Feng had left a deep impression on him.
"From this day forth, your life belongs to me," Zhao Feng continued. "Even before the authority of the king, I come first. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master. I swear my life to you," Tu Sui replied, bowing his head deeply.
Zhao Feng smiled faintly. "Good. Since you've joined me, I shall grant you the knowledge of martial arts."
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Feng transmitted a mid-level internal cultivation technique suitable for the Postnatal Stage into Tu Sui's mind.
As the new knowledge appeared in his consciousness without any physical interaction, Tu Sui's reverence for Zhao Feng deepened.
"This path of martial arts is a secret known only to my closest confidants. Without my permission, it must never be revealed to others," Zhao Feng instructed firmly.
"Yes, Master," Tu Sui replied earnestly, his heart racing with both excitement and fear.
"Zhang Han," Zhao Feng said, turning to another of his loyal generals.
"Your orders, Master?" Zhang Han responded immediately.
"Fifty miles north of Wei City lies a place called Hongze Ferry. Are you familiar with it?"
"I am," Zhang Han answered. "The ferry was abandoned long ago due to the rapid currents, which caused numerous merchant ships to sink. The crossing was relocated to Wei City and Northern Wei City within Wei's borders."
"Secretly construct boats and rafts there build as many as possible. Only you and those present are to know of this. Tell no one else," Zhao Feng ordered. "I will issue a transfer order for you to patrol the area around Wei City. That will be your opportunity."
Zhang Han's eyes widened slightly. "Master, are you planning to cross the river and attack Wei territory?"
"Why should we limit ourselves to defense? Defensive merits are too insignificant. If the opportunity arises, why shouldn't we strike boldly?" Zhao Feng replied with a confident smile, his ambition plain for all to see.
The loyal subordinates around him couldn't help but feel inspired.
Crossing the river to invade Wei? Greater battle honors awaited them.
"The king's edict grants me full command over the military in Wei City. As long as I defend the city successfully, the position of commander is mine. But if I achieve even greater accomplishments, why stop at just being a city commander?" Zhao Feng's smile deepened.
"Master, you are truly wise," the generals responded in unison, their voices filled with conviction.
"Brother Wei, and Zhuang Wei, now that you've been appointed acting division commanders, you must promote trustworthy individuals to positions of leadership under your command. Raise capable subordinates to provisional officers wherever possible," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Of course, all promotions should be based on merit. That way, even if Chen Tao and the others want to criticize us, they'll have no grounds to do so," Zhao Feng said with a knowing grin.
The group nodded in agreement. With the authority granted by the king's edict, Zhao Feng intended to restructure the military to his advantage.
"As for Tu Sui," Zhao Feng said, turning back to him. "Here's a pouch of Bone-Refining Powder. Use it with hot water in a bathing barrel. Immerse yourself fully to temper your bones and enhance your strength. The process will be painful, but enduring it will smooth your path in martial cultivation."
Tu Sui received the large pouch gratefully, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Master, for your generosity."
"Very well. You are dismissed for now," Zhao Feng said, gesturing for them to leave.
Qin Kingdom, Xianyang
In the imperial court, a figure appeared Yan Dan, who had left angrily some time ago. Now, over a month later, he returned with a much calmer demeanor. It was clear that his father, the King of Yan, had reprimanded him thoroughly upon his return.
Facing Ying Zheng, the King of Qin seated high on the throne, Yan Dan's eyes flashed with a deeply concealed resentment. However, he kept his composure.
"Zhao is rampaging, having seized over ten of my Yan Kingdom's cities. Tens of thousands of our citizens have been slaughtered by Zhao's forces. I plead with Your Majesty to consider the friendship between Qin and Yan and dispatch troops to aid us," Yan Dan said in a solemn tone.
"To support Qin's army's campaign, my Yan Kingdom is willing to provide 200,000 gold and 500,000 bushels of grain. If Zhao is successfully repelled, we are prepared to offer an additional 100,000 gold to Qin as tribute."
As he spoke, Yan Dan presented a royal decree sealed with the Yan King's mark, his voice heavy with sincerity.
If it weren't for the current dire situation in the State of Yan, King Yan would never make such painful concessions.
Upon hearing Prince Dan's plea, Ying Zheng remained composed, with hardly any visible emotion. He simply waved his hand.
Immediately, Zhao Gao, standing attentively by his side, strode forward, picked up the state letter from Prince Dan's hands, and presented it to Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng opened the document and read through it. As Prince Dan had stated, the terms of military provision and tribute after Zhao's withdrawal were written and sealed with the royal insignia, serving as irrefutable evidence.
With this, there was a binding agreement.
If Yan dared to breach it in the future, Qin could use the state letter as grounds for military action.
Naturally, these tributes were in line with what Ying Zheng had anticipated. They would bolster Qin's national strength without significant depletion of resources. If Yan reneged, Qin could delay action; if Yan delivered, Qin would be ready to act.
The timing to conquer Zhao was crucial, and Qin would not miss this opportunity.
"The tribute King Yan offers is indeed substantial, but Qin and Zhao have a treaty signed personally by me and the King of Zhao in Xianyang. If I break this treaty, how will I face the world?" Ying Zheng said, feigning a look of reluctance.
Hearing this, Prince Dan felt a surge of anger in his heart but was left with no choice. He could only suppress his resentment and say, "Zhao has raised an unjust war, and the nations of the world ought to unite in punishing them. As long as the King of Qin agrees to send troops, my State of Yan is willing to contribute an additional 5,000 warhorses. Furthermore, we will inform the nations of Zhao's injustice, proclaiming that Qin's military action is to rescue Yan. All blame shall fall on Zhao."
"I beseech the King of Qin to send troops to save Yan. Yan will forever be in your debt."
Prince Dan knelt, tears streaming as he pleaded sincerely. While he may have held resentment toward Ying Zheng's apparent indifference, for the sake of saving Yan, he completely abandoned any semblance of pride as the crown prince.
"What do the ministers think?"
Ying Zheng did not immediately agree but turned to the officials in the Qin court.
"Your Majesty, Zhao has raised an unjust war, and it is only right for the world to punish them. Though we have a treaty with Zhao, Qin should not be bound by an alliance that aligns us with injustice."
"Since Yan has made such earnest requests, how can Qin refuse?"
"I propose we send troops to attack Zhao and rescue Yan," Li Si stepped forward and declared loudly.
"I second the motion."
"Zhao's unrighteousness cannot be tolerated. Qin must strike," echoed Han Fei.
"I second the motion."
"The State of Yan is in peril. How can our Qin stand by and watch? We must send troops against Zhao," chimed one official after another.
The scene was in stark contrast to Prince Dan's initial arrival in Qin. Now, the court was seemingly filled with righteous indignation over Zhao's aggression toward Yan.
Though factions existed in the Qin court, none were foolish. They all understood Ying Zheng's intentions.
Yan's generous tributes aligned perfectly with Qin's plan to conquer Zhao. It provided Qin with both justification for war and resources for the campaign an ideal arrangement.
Amid the rising chorus of support, Prince Dan's face lit up with joy. Little did he know that he had already fallen into Qin's trap.
Had he been more perceptive, he might have noticed the absence of Qin's three senior generals from court.
If no major military operation was underway, why would all three generals be absent?
"The ministers speak wisely," Ying Zheng finally said, bringing the lively court to a halt.
Prince Dan looked at him with eager anticipation.
"Chancellor, draft a royal decree to announce to the world."
"Zhao has raised an unjust war against Yan. Now that Yan has sought aid from Qin, we cannot stand idle."
"Deliver a message to Zhao: order them to cease their aggression against Yan immediately. Should Zhao refuse, Qin will deploy troops to rescue Yan," Ying Zheng declared firmly.
Prince Dan's face lit up with emotion. "The King of Qin is wise and magnanimous."
"The great king is wise!" the Qin officials echoed loudly.
State of Zhao, Handan.
In the Dragon Terrace Palace, Zhao Yan furiously threw Qin's state letter onto the court floor.
"That insolent Ying Zheng! Who does he think he is to order me, the King of Zhao, to withdraw troops from Yan?"
"Outrageous!" Zhao Yan cursed in rage.
The ministers in the court lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
"Your Majesty," one minister ventured, "Ying Zheng's letter is a threat to Zhao. We should not cower. On the contrary, we must escalate our efforts to destroy Yan. Once Yan is annihilated, our Zhao will be even stronger under your wise leadership."
However, Zhao Yi stepped forward and countered, "Chancellor, your optimism is misplaced. Yan has already sought Qin's aid, and Ying Zheng's decree is a pretext for Qin to attack Zhao. If we continue our aggression, it will provide them with justification for war."
"I recommend mobilizing additional troops to fortify our borders and guard against Qin."
Zhao Yan gave Zhao Yi a cold glare. "Ying Zheng? Do you think I fear him?"
"With General Lian Po stationed at the border, there is nothing to worry about."
"Moreover, Zhao and Wei are allies. I have already reached out to Prince Xinling. Should Qin dare to move against Zhao, he will lead an army to attack Han. With Han embroiled in chaos, I would like to see how Qin handles us then," Zhao Yan sneered.
For him, Ying Zheng and Qin were no threat. After all, Zhao Yan still viewed Ying Zheng as the boy he had once bullied.
State of Wei
"Your Highness," a messenger reported eagerly, "Zhao has sent word. Qin has issued a decree threatening them to withdraw from Yan. Qin's troops are already showing signs of mobilization."
Prince Xinling sighed deeply. "So, the day has come."
"I anticipated this when Zhao moved against Yan. Qin would not miss such an opportunity; this is their best chance to destroy Zhao."
He looked at the messenger. "Prepare my forces. If Qin makes a move, we march on Han without hesitation."
He had lost too many opportunities and too many capable ministers for Wei. This was his last chance, a gamble that would stake the fate of the nation.
If Qin successfully attacked Zhao, Wei would stand alone, unable to withstand the tide, and its situation would become perilous.
Moreover, Qin had no prior military conflict with Wei. If Wei were to attack Qin now, it would give Qin a legitimate pretext for retaliation. Should Qin muster its forces to attack in the future, it would have justification, placing Wei in grave danger. Hence, this was truly a gamble with the nation's destiny.
Weicheng
A dozen Qin scouts galloped swiftly through the city from the outskirts, heading directly for the military camp.
Outside the council hall
"Report!"
"Large numbers of Wei troops have been sighted north of Weicheng. Their vanguard has already entered our Qin territory and is advancing toward Weicheng."
"Awaiting General Zhao's orders," the scout leader bowed deeply as he reported to Zhao Feng.
Hearing this, the expressions of the generals in the hall changed, and all eyes turned to Zhao Feng.
"As expected of Wei Wuji," Zhao Feng said calmly with a faint smile. "He detoured over ten li to avoid crossing the Wei River, fearing our ambush mid-way."
"However, I never intended to hold them at the Wei River."
The Wei River, surrounded by plains, offered no natural defense except its banks. Moreover, the river within Wei's territory could easily be circumvented by traveling ten li inland.
"How many Wei troops have been detected?" Zhao Feng asked the scout leader.
"General, the exact number is unclear, but their banners stretch endlessly. The formation suggests at least 100,000 troops."
"Additionally, the vanguard appears to be flying the ruler's banner," the scout leader replied immediately.
"The ruler's banner?"
Chen Tao's face darkened, and he quickly said, "Only one person in Wei can carry the ruler's banner into battle Wei Wuji. His command ability is exceptional, and he is regarded as the cornerstone of Wei's stability. If he leads the attack, our 50,000 elite soldiers and 50,000 penal battalion troops cannot hold the city."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng frowned. "Admitting defeat before the battle even begins? You're quite the general. If the supreme general were to hear this, you'd face immediate punishment."
Chen Tao's face turned pale, and he quickly bowed. "This subordinate misspoke."
"General!"
"What does it matter if it's Wei Wuji? With you here, what is there to fear?"
"I request to lead the defense at the city gates. I will not allow the Wei forces to breach the city," Zhang Han stepped forward and declared loudly.
"Requesting orders!"
Tu Sui, Wei Quan, and the other generals stepped forward as well, each showing unwavering determination.
"They underestimate Wei Wuji too much," Chen Tao muttered to Zhao Tuo, exchanging a knowing glance.
"Zhang Han, listen to my orders," Zhao Feng commanded.
"Here, General!" Zhang Han stepped forward immediately.
"When the Wei army arrives, I appoint you to lead the First Defense Regiment with 10,000 soldiers and hold the gates."
"Understood!"
"Tu Sui, Zhuang Wei, Liu Wang, Luo Hua you will remain stationed below the gates. In case of heavy casualties, rotate your units to the front lines."
"As for Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo, you will remain in the city with your troops, ready to follow my orders at any moment."
"Understood!"
"Good." Zhao Feng stood up, his voice resolute. "Prepare for battle. Seal the city. Until this battle is over, no one enters or leaves without my command."
"During the battle, all city affairs will be governed by military law."
"I will personally oversee the defense at the gates."
"Anyone disobeying orders will be executed."
"Those abandoning their posts will be executed."
"Traitors will face extermination of their entire clan."
Zhao Feng's commanding tone echoed through the hall.
"Yes, General!" The generals responded in unison.
"Dismissed."
Zhao Feng waved his hand, and the generals left to prepare.
At that moment, Weicheng entered a full state of lockdown.
Five days earlier, Zhao Feng had received a military report from the Lantian camp. The Qin King had decreed that Supreme General Wang Jian lead 200,000 troops eastward to attack Zhao, while Supreme General Meng Wu led 100,000 troops to strike Zhao's Dai region.
300,000 of Qin's finest soldiers were on the march.
After receiving this news, Zhao Feng began his preparations.
At the Wei River
Where the Qin forces once patrolled the borderlands, Wei Wuji's chariot had arrived.
"My Lord," Wei Bo said mockingly as he rode beside him, "this Zhao Feng is truly overrated. Our forces didn't even cross the Wei River, yet he made no defensive preparations. What incompetence!"
"What if he anticipated that we wouldn't cross the Wei River?" Wei Wuji replied steadily.
"That's impossible," Wei Bo said, astonished.
"If he truly foresaw that I wouldn't cross the Wei River, then Zhao Feng is more formidable than I imagined," Wei Wuji said gravely.
"My Lord, I believe you overestimate him," Wei Bo countered confidently. "Weicheng is small, and according to our scouts, although it houses 100,000 Qin troops, half of them are Han defectors. With defectors defending the city, morale will surely collapse."
"Give me ten days, and I will break Weicheng and present Zhao Feng's head to you."
"Very well," Wei Wuji nodded. "Speed is of the essence. Advance the army and prepare to attack Weicheng tomorrow."
"Yes, my Lord!"
The Next Day
The Wei army marched to the city gates.
150,000 Wei soldiers, claimed by Wei Wuji to be 300,000, formed an imposing military array before the city. The gathered might of their formation exuded a murderous aura that seemed to shroud the sky itself.
Before the Wei army stood hundreds of catapults and crossbows. Wei Wuji was prepared to gamble everything on this assault to reverse the fate of Wei.
"Soldiers of Great Wei!"
Wei Wuji stood atop his chariot and shouted.
"Hooah! Hooah! Hooah!" The Wei soldiers roared in unison.
"I, Wei Wuji, am old."
"In these times of great upheaval, why do I, in my advanced years, lead this army into battle?"
"First, for the stability of Great Wei's realm."
"Second, for the safety of Great Wei's people."
"The fate of Great Wei has waned, but now we have the chance to rewrite it. Take Weicheng, seize Han's lands, and Great Wei can prosper once more."
"If we succeed, history will never forget you."
"Transmit my orders!"
"Attack Weicheng! The first to breach the city will be promoted three ranks, titled general, and rewarded with 1,000 gold."
"Destroy Qin's banners and be promoted two ranks, titled general, and rewarded with 100 gold."
"Capture the enemy commander alive, be promoted three ranks, titled general, and rewarded with 10,000 gold."
"Charge!"
Wei Wuji unsheathed his sword, pointing it toward Weicheng.
At his command, messengers galloped to deliver orders to the various units.
The assault on Weicheng began.
On the walls of Weicheng
Zhao Feng, clad in full battle armor, stood surrounded by his guards.
The city walls were lined with Qin archers some in full armor, others in standard uniforms. The distinction was clear: elite troops and penal battalions.
"In siege warfare, the defending side has a significant natural advantage," Zhao Feng remarked coldly, his eyes fixed on the advancing Wei forces. "Wei Wuji, you may be a skilled commander, but I am defending the city, forcing you into a frontal assault."
"All troops, hear my orders!"
"Catapults, prepare!"
"Archers, prepare!"
At Zhao Feng's command, his guards relayed the orders.
"Soldiers of the penal battalions!"
"For you, this is the chance to change your fate. Kill one enemy, and you'll be freed from penal status. Kill five enemies, and you'll be promoted by one rank."
"Today, I give you another promise: should you die for Qin, your families will be compensated as if you were regular Qin soldiers."
His voice resounded across the battlefield.
This declaration, spreading quickly among the penal battalions, ignited their morale.
"Swear loyalty to Great Qin! Swear loyalty to Great Qin!"
The penal battalion soldiers roared with newfound vigor.
Zhao Feng had planned this from the beginning. While assembling the penal battalions, he had anticipated the need for such a proclamation to rally their spirits at a critical moment.
As he watched the Wei forces advancing, Zhao Feng issued his final order: attack first and seize the advantage.
When the Wei forces entered the range of the catapults, Zhao Feng struck decisively.
"Attack!"
At his command, dozens of catapults unleashed a torrent of massive stones, crashing down among the Wei troops and throwing their formations into disarray.
"Archers!"
With another loud command from Zhao Feng, the defenders of Wei City unleashed a hail of arrows.
The dense volley of Qin arrows rained down mercilessly, cutting through the Wei soldiers charging toward the city.
Under this barrage, the Wei soldiers fell in waves, their cries lost in the chaos of the battlefield.
"Qin forces were indeed well-prepared," Wei Wuji observed, his expression calm despite the carnage before him.
Yet, he felt no panic.
The city may have ten thousand defenders, but half of them were former Han soldiers who had surrendered. The possibility of mutiny among them loomed large, especially once the city walls were breached.
"Wei Bo," Wei Wuji called out.
"Present!"
Wei Bo's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"For the first assault on the city, you will personally oversee the troops," Wei Wuji instructed in a grave tone. "If the city is taken, I will personally report your achievements to the King."
"Rest assured, I will not disappoint you," Wei Bo replied enthusiastically before galloping toward the central army formation.
"Catapults, fire!"
"Archers, advance!"
"Vanguard forces, press the attack under cover of the catapults!"
"Anyone who retreats a single step will be executed without mercy!" Wei Bo unsheathed his sword and roared his orders.
What followed was a brutal and relentless siege.
In warfare, the bloodiest encounters occurred during direct clashes between armies or during sieges of fortified cities.
This was the latter, a harrowing display of destruction and sacrifice.
Standing atop the city wall, Zhao Feng remained composed, even as the Wei army began their assault in earnest.
As the enemy surged forward, Zhao Feng calmly drew his bow, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield for key targets among the enemy ranks.
With practiced precision, he loosed an arrow.
Whizz!
The arrow struck a Wei officer a military marquis who had been leading a charge. Caught entirely off-guard, the officer was pierced through the throat, falling lifelessly to the ground. Behind him, five or six soldiers were also struck and killed by the same arrow.
"Killed Wei military marquis. Gained 10 strength points."
"Killed Wei soldier. Gained 5 speed points."
"Killed Wei soldier. Gained 5 constitution points…"
A familiar and long-awaited system prompt appeared before Zhao Feng's eyes.
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng continued his deadly work, his hawk-like gaze swiftly identifying enemy officers amidst the chaos.
In ancient armies, officers were always distinguished by their armor and insignias, making them stand out even among their troops.
Qin officers wore distinct battle armor and were further identified by their noble ranks. Wei officers, too, were similarly marked by their armor, making them easy targets.
Zhao Feng's bowstring twanged repeatedly, each arrow claiming another life.
"Kill Wei military marquis. Gained 10 days of lifespan."
"Kill Wei commander. Gained 20 strength points."
"Kill Wei soldier. Gained 5 constitution points…"
His arrows fell like judgment, striking with unerring accuracy and taking the lives of one Wei officer after another.
The impact on the Wei army was immediate and devastating. The loss of their officers sowed confusion and disorder among the troops.
"The military marquis is dead!"
"Our commander is gone too there's no one left to give orders!"
"What do we do now? Do we keep charging or retreat?"
"Disaster! Even our centurion has fallen!"
As the chain of command within the Wei army crumbled under Zhao Feng's onslaught, panic began to spread.
In the central command post, Wei Bo's expression darkened. He couldn't comprehend why his forces were suddenly in such disarray.
-support me in Patreon for more chapter, 250+ chapters
patreon.com/LordoftheReader