Han Xi said helplessly, "Raising a faction requires money a lot of money."
The funds Zhao Feng left for Han Xi were almost everything in his personal space: over 7,000 gold coins and tens of thousands of smaller denominations.
Now, nearly 40% of it had been used up in just three months. The daily expenses were staggering.
Building a faction was essentially burning money.
Everything, from the food, drink, and necessities of all members to Zhao Feng's ongoing recruitment and the procurement of ores and medicinal herbs, costs money.
However, Zhao Feng remained calm.
"How are the medicinal herbs I instructed you to purchase?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Master, we've procured a significant amount; they're all stored in the warehouse now," Han Xi replied promptly.
"And the wine production?" Zhao Feng continued.
This wine was the key to Zhao Feng's strategy of using the faction to sustain itself.
"We've been waiting for you to unveil it, Master."
"According to the brewers, your brewing method far surpasses any in the kingdom. If sold, it would undoubtedly become the best in the land," Han Xi said respectfully.
Among the brewers Han Xi recruited, apart from a few from the civilian population, the rest were royal court brewers from the Han palace. During the chaotic fall of the Han capital, Zhao Feng's men secretly intercepted them before they could be executed in the aftermath. Officially, these brewers were reported as dead.
During the sacking of the Han capital, while the Qin army maintained order, many rioters were executed. Some of Zhao Feng's subordinates had mingled among those rioters.
"Take me to see," Zhao Feng ordered.
Han Xi immediately led the way.
Upon entering a large brewery, they saw rows of barrels containing wine mash. The air was thick with the intoxicating aroma of alcohol, which was so fragrant that just a whiff felt refreshing.
"Master," Han Xi said, "we've used the grain we collected to brew a hundred large barrels. Each barrel's purity far exceeds that of the royal brew. Even after dilution, it'll still be far superior to any strong liquor on the market."
Zhao Feng walked over to a barrel, opened it, and was greeted by an even richer fragrance.
"Just the smell is captivating."
"Indeed, the brewing methods of the future are extraordinary. Even without advanced modern equipment, they surpass the wine of this era," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
He picked up a ladle, scooped out some wine, and drank it in one gulp.
After drinking, Zhao Feng smiled. "Good wine. This is what wine should taste like. What I drank before was just water."
Hearing Zhao Feng's praise, the brewers let out sighs of relief and smiled. Their lives depended on Zhao Feng's approval, and failure would have cost them dearly.
"All brewers shall be rewarded," Zhao Feng announced.
He turned to Han Xi. "Find out where their families are and secretly give each family 5,000 coins."
"Yes, Master," Han Xi responded immediately.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Master."
All twenty brewers knelt before Zhao Feng, their faces filled with gratitude.
"You now belong to me and have contributed to the creation of this secret wine. Its importance needs no further explanation," Zhao Feng said.
"Our faction is still in its infancy, so you cannot leave. However, your contributions will not be forgotten. All rewards and blessings will be granted to your families," he added.
"Master's kindness will be repaid with our unwavering loyalty," the brewers declared earnestly.
"How many locations have you secured for taverns?" Zhao Feng asked Han Xi.
"Master, in ten cities Weicheng, Xinzhen, Yangcheng, and seven others I've purchased properties suitable for taverns," Han Xi replied promptly.
"Dilute this wine and prepare for the taverns to open. Without profits, the gold and silver I left will eventually run out," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Master, as long as we have the wine, the taverns can open at any time," Han Xi assured him. "But as for the taverns' name, I humbly ask for your decision."
"A name for the taverns?" Zhao Feng pondered for a moment.
"Let's call them Immortal Wine Pavilion," Zhao Feng decided with a smile.
"An excellent name!" Han Xi praised. "Master truly has divine wisdom. The name alone will leave a lasting impression."
Zhao Feng then glanced at the barrels of wine in the brewery.
"As for this strong liquor, let's call it Immortal Drunk. When selling it, don't just target wealthy nobles and merchants make it accessible to commoners as well," Zhao Feng said.
"I don't quite understand, Master. Please elaborate," Han Xi asked.
"In short," Zhao Feng explained, "divide the wine into different grades. The higher the grade, the purer and more fragrant it is."
"The highest grade will be priced at one gold coin per bottle," he continued.
"Subsequent grades will be priced accordingly, ensuring even commoners can afford the lowest grade. However, even the lowest grade must surpass any strong liquor currently on the market. This will ensure a steady stream of income."
"Furthermore, the highest grade of Immortal Drunk will not be available for purchase with money alone. Customers must spend at least ten gold coins in the tavern to qualify to buy it," Zhao Feng added with a smile.
Hearing this, Han Xi nodded in understanding. "This way, the highest grade of Immortal Drunk becomes our tavern's signature item, attracting countless patrons eager to try it."
"Exactly," Zhao Feng said. "Set the specific prices based on your observations. The goal is profit. Once the taverns are firmly established, we'll implement a true membership system to make Immortal Wine Pavilion the premier tavern chain in the land."
"Master is truly a genius. With this fine wine, I am confident I can develop Immortal Wine Pavilion into the greatest tavern chain in the land, providing you with endless wealth," Han Xi said as he knelt and bowed deeply.
"Where are the medicinal herbs stored?" Zhao Feng asked, helping Han Xi up.
"Please follow me, Master," Han Xi said, leading the way.
In another wooden building, piles of various medicinal herbs Zhao Feng had requested were neatly stacked.
"Have you prepared the large pool and cauldron I instructed you to?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Everything is ready," Han Xi replied. "Master, are you planning to make medicine?"
"Assign some men to take out one-tenth of these herbs and boil them in the large cauldron. Pour the concoction into the large pool," Zhao Feng ordered.
"I will see to it immediately," Han Xi said.
After some time, at a large pool capable of holding forty or fifty people, soldiers began pouring ice-cold water into it. In no time, the pool was filled to about 30%.
Next to the pool, a large cauldron boiled a concoction of herbs for a recipe called Bone-Refining Powder. The pungent smell of the brew filled the air.
Standing before the pool were nearly three hundred death warriors, their expressions stoic.
After three months of rigorous training, these men were no longer inexperienced and naive. They were now on the path to becoming elite soldiers, and only they could understand the severity of their training.
At their forefront stood Ying Bu, standing straight and tall.
"Master," Han Xi reported loudly, "the herbs have been fully boiled into a medicinal decoction."
"Pour it into the pool," Zhao Feng instructed, pointing at the large basin.
"Yes, Master," Han Xi responded.
Several guards stepped forward, lifting the cauldron with wooden poles and pouring its steaming contents into the pool.
The once-clear water turned a dark, reddish-black color, giving off an eerie appearance.
"This concoction is called Bone-Refining Powder," Zhao Feng declared. "The herbs used cost me a fortune."
"It is a miraculous remedy bestowed upon me by an immortal. Fully immersing yourselves in this Bone-Refining Powder will refine your muscles and bones, enhance your physique, and increase your strength."
"The longer you endure in the pool, the greater the benefits. However, push yourselves only as far as your limits allow," Zhao Feng said firmly, addressing the death warriors.
Having finished, Zhao Feng waved his hand.
"With absolute loyalty to Master!" Ying Bu responded loudly.
Without hesitation, he removed his clothing and stepped into the pool.
As he submerged himself, the medicinal properties of the concoction surged through his body, entering his pores.
"Ah!"
Even someone as resilient as Ying Bu couldn't help but cry out in pain as searing agony coursed through him as if his entire body were being torn apart. Yet, recalling Zhao Feng's words, he gritted his teeth and endured.
One after another, the warriors followed suit...
Rows of death soldiers also removed their clothes and jumped into the large pool, sitting within it.
There were men and women.
However, after three months of training, these death soldiers no longer recognized the distinction between genders.
When dozens of people filled the pool:
"Ah... ah..."
The Bone Refinement Powder tempered their bodies, and the agonized cries reverberating through the pool made the spectators' scalps tingle with discomfort.
Nearby, personal guards and the former imperial guards training the death soldiers were also visibly unnerved.
"What are you screaming for?"
"This is a tremendous blessing bestowed upon us by the master."
"The master said that the longer you endure, the greater the benefit you will gain. If you can't hold on, get out and make way for the next person."
Hearing the anguished cries around him, Ying Bu shouted.
This declaration compelled the death soldiers to grit their teeth and endure the pain with all their might.
"No wonder he's a renowned general in history this mental fortitude is beyond the reach of ordinary people."
"The historical Ying Bu was already extraordinary, but now that he has joined my ranks, he won't meet the same tragic end of being discarded when no longer needed."
Watching Ying Bu's performance, Zhao Feng felt gratified.
Compared to the hundreds or thousands of death soldiers, having a capable general like Ying Bu was far more satisfying for Zhao Feng.
In this era, manpower was abundant.
Otherwise, the saying "A thousand pieces of gold can be acquired, but a great general is rare" would not exist.
Time passed.
Ying Bu remained seated in the pool, enduring the increasing pain, while the death soldiers around him had been replaced multiple times.
The medicinal liquid in the pool gradually became clear, indicating that its potency had been fully absorbed.
"The medicinal power of the Bone Refinement Powder has been entirely absorbed," Zhao Feng stated calmly.
Only then did Ying Bu come back to his senses and slowly stand up.
At this moment, his expression was filled with excitement. Looking at his own hands, he murmured, "I feel my entire body brimming with strength an endless amount of strength."
"Feel the power within yourselves," Zhao Feng said steadily.
Responding to his words, Ying Bu couldn't wait to leap out of the pool. The other death soldiers also began testing their abilities.
Ying Bu walked directly to a massive stone weighing over 200 pounds. Wrapping his arms around it, he lifted it with ease.
"Have I gained the strength to lift a cauldron?" Ying Bu was deeply shocked, and his gaze toward Zhao Feng grew even more reverent.
"Thank you, Master, for your great favor."
Ying Bu knelt before Zhao Feng.
The other death soldiers, too, were overcome by the transformation in their bodies. Filled with fervent devotion, they knelt in unison, loudly proclaiming, "Thank you, Master, for your great favor."
"After the baptism of the Bone Refinement Powder, your strength and physiques have greatly improved."
"In the coming days, you must learn to control this strength and master more combat techniques."
"And now," Zhao Feng declared, "I shall grant you a name."
"My faction shall be known as Yan Court."
"You shall have no names only code numbers."
"All death soldiers under my command shall henceforth be called Wuchang." Zhao Feng's voice resonated with authority as he addressed the soldiers.
"Yan Court Wuchang, at your service, Master!"
The death soldiers gazed at Zhao Feng with fanatical devotion and respect.
"I have been blessed by celestial fate and can perceive the hearts of men. Your loyalty has already been confirmed by me. Today, you will receive the cultivation technique that I bestow upon my trusted subordinates."
"With this technique, you can enhance yourselves and gain even greater strength."
Zhao Feng activated the Faction Interface, bestowing the Intermediate Inner Strength Technique.
With the ability to see loyalty levels through the Faction Interface, Zhao Feng had no concern about betrayal. If anyone dared to betray him, he would annihilate their entire family before the act could be carried out.
"Han Shuang."
"Prepare another batch of Bone Refinement Powder. You and your subordinates will also undergo this baptism."
"Zhang Ming, lead the personal guards to do the same and enhance their strength."
Turning to Han Shuang and Zhang Ming, Zhao Feng gave his orders.
"Thank you for your great favor, Master!"
Han Shuang and Zhang Ming expressed their gratitude and set off immediately.
The effects of the Bone Refinement Powder were evident from Ying Bu's transformation. Following the death of soldiers, it was now the turn of Zhao Feng's hundred personal guards and subordinates in Ghost Swamp Forest.
"Where is the other hidden training ground?" Zhao Feng asked Han Xi.
"Master," Han Xi replied, "the location is even more secluded than Ghost Swamp Forest. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides and water on the fourth, it is a place rarely visited by humans. To access it, one must cross the Wei River by boat."
"Once they complete their baptism, we'll head there," Zhao Feng ordered. "Have Han Shuang arrange for some people to commence training."
"As you command, Master." Han Xi bowed respectfully.
...
On the Wei River, at the border between Qin and Wei.
A boat drifted downstream toward Wei territory.
"Prime Minister," a captain reported, "our boat is moving downstream, and we'll cross into Wei territory in the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. Once there, we'll escape Qin's pursuit."
"Hahaha!"
"Good."
"The king entrusted us with a vital mission, and I didn't expect it to be completed so easily," Guo Kai said with an excited laugh.
On his journey here, Guo Kai had even considered the possibility of dying nine times out of ten, doubting his chances of escaping Qin.
"This is all thanks to your meticulous planning, Prime Minister," the captain flattered.
"It's also because Ying Zheng didn't care enough about Zhao Ji. If he had valued her even a little more, we wouldn't have succeeded so easily," Guo Kai said smugly, glancing at Zhao Ji, who was gagged and bound in the cabin. Her expression remained indifferent. Perhaps, as some in the Yong Palace claimed, she had long succumbed to madness.
"What a pity, though. Those 400 soldiers will never return," Guo Kai sighed.
"Prime Minister, you have a compassionate heart. Those men will find solace in the afterlife knowing they carried out your will."
"They were loyal soldiers of Zhao, sacrificing themselves for the kingdom. To die for their cause is an honor," the captain said with reverence.
Guo Kai only nodded indifferently. Compassion? It was nothing more than empty words. Beyond his own life and wealth, Guo Kai cared for little else.
"Have you contacted Wei yet?" Guo Kai asked.
"Please rest assured, Prime Minister. I sent word long ago. As soon as we enter Wei territory, Wei's forces will meet us," the captain replied.
"Good."
"Once we return to Handan, I'll personally petition the king to reward you," Guo Kai said with a laugh.
Meanwhile, on the rear of Guo Kai's boat, several Qin ships were in pursuit, their banners fluttering in the wind.
"Full speed ahead!"
"Hurry!"
Tu Sui shouted urgently, his expression anxious.
Although Guo Kai's boat was visible in the distance, catching up seemed an insurmountable challenge.
If Guo Kai escaped with the Qin empress dowager, even Hua Yang's protection wouldn't spare Tu Sui from dire consequences.
For Tu Sui and the palace guards present that fateful night, the stakes were life and death.
The scandal was monumental.
"Prime Minister," the captain alerted, "the Qin forces are in pursuit."
The captain glanced behind him and sneered.
"Let them chase. We'll soon cross into Wei territory."
"Once we land in Wei, Qin will have no chance," Guo Kai laughed, completely at ease.
Their sails raised high, Guo Kai's three boats glided downstream, leaving Qin's ships further behind.
Further downstream on the Wei River.
Several smaller boats were rowing upstream, each manned by black-armored guards pulling at the oars.
"We've been rowing for so long. It feels like we're about to enter Wei territory," Zhao Feng remarked, glancing at Han Xi.
"Master," Han Xi replied, "we're almost there. It's not on the main river but a tributary. The location is extremely secluded, situated at the former border of three kingdoms."
Zhao Feng nodded.
Han Xi's confidence in the site spoke volumes about its suitability as a hidden training ground. The effectiveness of Ghost Swamp Forest had already proven Han Xi's capabilities.
Rescuing her from the Han palace back then was undoubtedly a wise decision.
"Master," Zhang Ming suddenly pointed ahead, "a few boats are coming downstream."
"Merchant ships, perhaps?"
Zhao Feng responded casually.
Trade was common on the Wei River, which flowed through several kingdoms.
Zhao Feng cast a glance ahead.
And with that glance...
Zhao Feng furrowed his brow. Although the distance was quite far, with his extraordinary attributes, he could see the situation on the downstream boats at a glance.
"Something's not right," he said, his tone sharp. "The people on those boats aren't merchants. Every one of them is armed, and they don't look ordinary. Plus, they're coming from the direction of our Qin territory."
The guards on the surrounding boats turned their attention to Zhao Feng.
Having recently undergone the Bone Refining Powder's transformation, their physical strength and endurance had significantly improved. These elite soldiers were eager to test their newfound combat prowess in a real battle.
"Master," Zhang Ming asked respectfully, "do you think they've entered our Qin territory to stir up trouble?"
"It's possible," Zhao Feng nodded before giving his orders. "Regardless of their intentions, stop them and find out. Line up in formation and block their way. Prepare the crossbows."
"If they're enemies, await my command to engage."
He spoke calmly, but his tone carried an edge of excitement. It had been too long since he had a chance to face enemies, and if they turned out to be troublemakers, Zhao Feng would not let them go.
After all, even a small contribution was still a contribution. If these people were spies from Zhao attempting to cause chaos in Qin, it would be a significant stroke of luck.
On Guo Kai's boats, the situation ahead was also quickly noticed.
"Chancellor," said the leader of the royal guards with a serious expression, "there's something unusual up ahead. Three boats are blocking our path."
Guo Kai stood up, peering ahead. His previously relaxed demeanor now turned cautious.
"How much longer until we're in Wei's territory?" Guo Kai asked immediately.
"Once we pass the fork in the river up ahead and follow the tributary, we'll enter Wei. That fork is just beyond those three boats," replied the guard leader grimly.
"What do we do now?"
"Full speed ahead. Push through them," Guo Kai commanded firmly. "If they're enemies, there are only three boats. I have a hundred elite royal guards. We'll crush them."
At this moment, retreat was not an option. With dozens of Qin ships in pursuit behind them, stopping would be disastrous. The pursuing Qin forces would tear them apart.
"Raise the sails! Full speed ahead!" the guard leader shouted.
At his command, Guo Kai's three boats picked up speed, racing downstream.
"Master," Zhang Ming said with a grave expression, "they're attempting to break through by force."
"It seems they're enemies," Zhao Feng said coldly, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light.
This was exactly what he had hoped for: enemies delivering themselves right to his doorstep, along with an opportunity for merit and attribute points.
"Prepare the crossbows," Zhao Feng ordered. "When they enter range, fire."
"Yes, sir!"
The hundred guards answered in unison, each one pulling out their crossbows. As Zhao Feng's guards, their loyalty had been verified, and Zhao Feng had ensured they were fully armed.
In addition to their swords, each soldier carried a bow or crossbow, as well as several dozen arrows essentially making them the special forces of ancient times.
As the guards raised their crossbows, Zhao Feng also drew his black iron bow, nocking three arrows simultaneously onto the string.
Guo Kai's boats drew closer and closer.
When they were within six or seven zhang (about 20-25 meters), Guo Kai finally noticed the black-armored guards on Zhao Feng's boats.
His face paled instantly.
"This is bad. It's Qin's army," he muttered in shock. "Why would Qin soldiers be here?"
The guard leader quickly responded, "Chancellor, do not panic. This seems to be a coincidence. With only three boats and about a hundred men, they're not here specifically to intercept us."
Hearing this, Guo Kai calmed down slightly. He scanned the situation again, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes.
"You're right," he said slowly. "Those Qin soldiers are too few to stop us. Prepare to engage. You'll lead the royal guards to hold them off while I escort the Empress Dowager into Wei."
"Understood!" The guard leader saluted. "Rest assured, Chancellor. Each of us is worth several men in battle. Against an equal number of enemies, we will triumph and ensure your safe passage into Wei."
Guo Kai nodded, reassured. "With that assurance, I can trust you. Once we return to Handan, I will personally request a reward for you from His Majesty."
"Thank you, Chancellor!" The guard leader was visibly excited.
Just then, three streaks of light suddenly shot through the air.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The sound rang out almost simultaneously.
Crack!
The main masts of Guo Kai's three ships shattered one after another, collapsing along with their sails.
"How is this possible?"
Guo Kai and the guard leader stared in stunned disbelief.
Even from such a distance, their masts had been taken out with pinpoint accuracy.
What kind of archery was this? What kind of strength did this require?
"Chancellor, our boats are slowing down," someone reported urgently. "At this rate, we won't be able to break through!"
"Grab the oars! Quickly!" Guo Kai shouted in panic.
The guards scrambled to their oars and began rowing furiously to regain speed.
At this moment, Guo Kai's boats entered Zhao Feng's firing range.
"Fire!" Zhao Feng commanded.
On his order, the hundred black-armored guards unleashed a volley of crossbow bolts.
The air was filled with the sound of bolts whistling through the air.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
One by one, Guo Kai's unarmored guards fell under the rain of arrows.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng's troops maintained perfect discipline, reloading their crossbows in rotation.
Unbeknownst to Zhao Feng, his actions had brought him dangerously close to killing the Qin Empress Dowager, Zhao Ji. Had he known she was aboard the enemy ships, he might not have ordered such a reckless attack. Killing Zhao Ji would have dire consequences for his plans.
"Protect the Chancellor!"
The guard leader shouted, hurriedly forming a defensive line around Guo Kai.
"These Qin soldiers are insane! They know the Empress Dowager is on board, yet they dare to fire on us?" Guo Kai roared in disbelief.
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