As Wei Bo frowned deeply,
"Report, General!"
"The Qin army has a divine archer. Any of our vanguard officers who enter their range are killed by this marksman!"
A subordinate quickly reported to Wei Bo.
"Impossible!"
"In the chaos of battle, how could anyone distinguish so precisely?"
"Pass down my orders!"
"If any officer falls in battle, those beneath them must immediately step up. Anyone who dares to retreat will be executed on the spot by the enforcement squad!" Wei Bo commanded coldly.
"Understood!"
The nearby officer swiftly carried out the order.
Within the city, arrows rained down incessantly, and boulders from siege engines crashed endlessly.
"The harvest is bountiful." Zhao Feng thought with excitement.
Outside the city, the Wei forces had turned into a scene of carnage. Corpses littered the ground, wails of pain echoed everywhere, and bodies crushed by stones or pierced by arrows piled up.
"The vanguard has reached the base of Weicheng. Why order a retreat?"
Looking at the chaotic, demoralized army charging toward Weicheng, the situation appeared hopeless.
"The vanguard's formation has broken, and their momentum is lost."
Every soldier seemed to be imbued with an unusual strength and spirit, fighting with exceptional bravery.
"Kill a Wei captain, gain 10 strength points."
This opportunity to collect attributes was too good for Zhao Feng to miss. From the moment the Wei forces began their assault, Zhao Feng continuously shot arrows, targeting not only the officers but also ordinary soldiers.
With each notification of killing a Wei officer or soldier, the Wei army's casualties grew heavier.
"The advance would only lead to more losses."
"This time, I might be able to push all my attributes past four thousand."
Zhao Feng's heart raced with excitement.
As the Wei forces neared Weicheng, they retreated like a tide rolling back.
"Kill a Wei soldier, gain 5 strength points…"
Within the city, arrows rained down like a storm.
For Zhao Feng,
"General's orders!"
Wei Wuji furrowed his brow but ultimately sighed. "Pass my command: Retreat!"
In just the prelude to the Wei assault, Zhao Feng had already accumulated over 500 attribute points an amount that would take a long time to gain through regular training.
The Wei forces attacked with ferocity.
"Retreat."
Wei Bo remained silent, but his expression betrayed his unwillingness.
"As a commander, do you not understand even this?" Wei Wuji's voice carried a note of disappointment.
For Zhao Feng, firing arrows consumed no significant energy. In no time, the hundred arrows around him were depleted. Yet, with a single thought, he summoned more arrows from his personal storage space. Surrounded by loyal guards, Zhao Feng had no concerns about being seen.
Zhao Feng kept shooting.
In the Wei rear army,
Numerous heralds shouted.
At this moment, only four words could describe the situation:
"Kill a Wei captain, gain 20 constitution points."
Amid the call for retreat,
"Attributes."
After extensive preparations, the city was stocked with ample arrows and provisions.
Enough to sustain an army of 100,000 for three months, the Qin King had provided Zhao Feng with the means for prolonged defense.
As the pace of Zhao Feng's shooting increased,
With the aid of the Qi Luck Seal, the combat power of Zhao Feng's troops doubled. This surge in morale and strength was evident on the battlefield.
Under Zhao Feng's direct oversight,
Despite the Wei siege engines wreaking havoc, crushing many Qin soldiers under massive stones, the defenders' superior range and skill inflicted even greater losses on the Wei army.
Returning to the rear, Wei Bo was visibly frustrated.
The Qin archers atop the city walls showed no mercy, seizing the opportunity to rain down arrows and kill as many enemies as possible.
For Wei Bo,
Having grown up under the guidance of Wei Wuji, he was a well-known figure in Wei, seen as a future leader and entrusted with high expectations. His burning desire to prove himself was evident.
"What are our losses?" Wei Wuji asked a nearby general.
"Your Excellency,"
"This was a probing attack. Our losses exceeded 5,000, but the exact number will require a thorough count. The Qin arrows and siege engines are far more formidable than expected," the general replied.
"Qin arrows, truly fearsome." Wei Wuji nodded.
Thinking about the earlier chaos in the ranks, Wei Wuji asked, "Why did the formations collapse into disarray?"
"The Qin army has a divine archer who specifically targets our officers. At least three captains and seven lieutenants were killed by this marksman, causing the vanguard to descend into chaos," the general reported.
"A divine archer?"
Wei Wuji nodded thoughtfully, his expression pensive.
"Pass down my orders."
"Tonight, we'll return to camp and rest. Replace the fallen officers. Furthermore, all officers must wear standard armor, indistinguishable from regular soldiers."
As an experienced commander, Wei Wuji quickly devised a strategy to counter the marksmen by concealing their officers.
"Understood!"
"Also,"
"Keep me updated on the reports from Zhao and Qin. This campaign is a gamble on the nation's fate. If we fail, Wei will be in grave danger."
Wei Wuji's tone was heavy, underscoring the stakes.
"Your Excellency,"
"Tomorrow, I request permission to lead the assault once more," Wei Bo bowed deeply.
"Bo'er,"
"You are new to commanding. Do not rush to achieve success."
"Siege warfare is a battle of resilience and morale. Only by staying calm can you seize the opportunity to break through. If you act rashly, you will only bring ruin," Wei Wuji advised patiently.
"I understand," Wei Bo replied, though whether he truly absorbed the lesson was another matter.
"Zhao Feng,"
"Defending the city with such composure what a capable general."
"Why isn't he a Wei man?" Wei Wuji gazed at the distant Weicheng with a touch of regret.
If given the choice,
He would gladly exchange Wei Bo for Zhao Feng.
Meanwhile, in Zhao territory.
Wang Jian personally led his troops, crushing the border defenses with ease. The Qin banners now flew atop Zhao's border cities.
With 200,000 elite troops from Lantian, Wang Jian divided his forces.
"General,"
"The border city has fallen, and General Wang Ben has reported success in taking the western city."
The speaker was Yang Duanhe, one of the three main commanders of Lantian.
"The border is weak, but ahead lies Lian Po himself. To break through will take time," Wang Jian said gravely.
"Lian Po is indeed a formidable opponent. He once matched wits with Bai Qi at Changping and did not lose. His presence makes Zhao's defenses all the more challenging," Yang Duanhe agreed.
If a ranking of living generals were made, Lian Po would undoubtedly sit at the top, having once stood against Bai Qi and survived.
Wang Jian rose and approached the map inside the command tent.
"Quyang City,"
"The strongest fortress on Zhao's border. Lian Po has deliberately abandoned weaker cities to consolidate his defenses at Quyang. As long as Quyang holds, Zhao's defensive line remains intact," Wang Jian said.
"Quyang is only fifty li from here. With forced marches, we can reach it in a day."
"By the day after tomorrow, we'll be at its gates," Yang Duanhe added.
After studying the map, Wang Jian gave his order.
"Dispatch Wang Ben to advance on Lower Quyang."
"You plan to sever Lian Po's supply and reinforcements?" Yang Duanhe quickly grasped the strategy.
"With only 100,000 troops, Lian Po is outnumbered. Zhao's only reinforcements are the 200,000 border troops in Dai and the 300,000 soldiers invading Yan."
"The Dai troops are tied down by Meng Wu and cannot move south. As for the Yan campaign, whether the Zhao king decides to withdraw is another matter. Even if he does, Yan will not let them leave easily."
"To defeat Lian Po, confrontation is unwise. We must exploit our strengths," Wang Jian said firmly.
"Brilliant strategy, General," Yang Duanhe praised.
"Additionally,"
"When you relay my orders to Wang Ben, caution him to proceed carefully. Lian Po is extremely meticulous. If I can devise a two-pronged assault on Lower Quyang, Lian Po will surely anticipate it."
"Breaking Lian Po will be a true test of strength."
Wang Jian spoke sternly.
"I understand, General." Yang Duanhe immediately nodded and then sent his guard to deliver the order.
"Lian Po."
"In the past, the great general Wu An never defeated you head-on. He relied on cunning strategies to sow discord between you and the King of Zhao, leading to your dismissal, which paved the way for his victory at Changping."
"But this time, I will defeat you outright."
"If I succeed, I will prove to the world that Great Qin still has generals no less capable than Wu An."
Gazing at the map before him, a glint of ambition flashed in Wang Jian's eyes.
To Wang Jian, this was personal.
In his youth, he had studied the art of war under Bai Qi and held the legendary general in deep reverence. He was also aware of Bai Qi's one great regret: never defeating Lian Po in a confrontation.
Now, however, Wang Jian had the opportunity to do what Bai Qi could not.
If he could defeat Lian Po in an open battle, not only would he fulfill Bai Qi's unrealized wish, but he would also cement his name in history. Wang Jian yearned for this with every fiber of his being.
"Report!"
"Urgent news from Yingchuan Commandery!"
A messenger burst into the command tent, holding a sealed dispatch, and reported loudly.
Wang Jian snapped out of his reverie and turned toward the messenger, motioning for him to speak. Yang Duanhe stepped forward, took the report, and opened it.
"Read it aloud," Wang Jian commanded.
"This is an urgent report from General Li Teng," Yang Duanhe began.
"Xinling Jun of Wei, Wei Wuji, has personally led an army southward to invade Yingchuan and lay siege to Weicheng with a force of no less than 200,000 troops."
"Additionally, remnants of Han nobility in Yingchuan have raised private militias and incited widespread unrest across the region, plunging the entire commandery into chaos."
Upon hearing this, Yang Duanhe's expression darkened.
"Just as I predicted," Wang Jian said calmly. "Wei Wuji has made his move."
"But General," Yang Duanhe interjected angrily, "how dare Wei Wuji invade Qin? Does he not fear the repercussions?"
Wang Jian turned his gaze to the map, a faint smile on his lips. "Why would he not fear Qin?"
"But for him for Wei this is their last chance."
Yang Duanhe looked puzzled. He bowed respectfully and asked, "Please enlighten me, General."
"In the past, the Seven Warring States coexisted in a delicate balance."
"But ever since Qin annihilated Han, that balance was shattered."
"The Kingdom of Zhao attacked Yan, driven by Qin's pressure, and Wei's assault on Yingchuan is no different."
"Wei Wuji knows that if Wei does not strike while Zhao is entangled, they will lose their final opportunity. Afterward, they will only be able to await Qin's inevitable invasion."
"This is a battle for Wei's very survival. Wei Wuji will spare no effort."
Wang Jian spoke of Wei Wuji's predicament as though he were an intimate confidant. He understood the Wei general's thoughts and Wei's desperate situation completely.
"In that case," Yang Duanhe said gravely, "Yingchuan is in grave danger."
"General Li Teng's forces were heavily depleted during the campaign against Han. Even with reinforcements, most of his troops are fresh recruits who have never seen combat. Against Wei Wuji, who personally commands his army, can Yingchuan hold?"
"As far as I know, General, you appointed Zhao Feng as deputy general in Weicheng, giving him 50,000 elite soldiers and 50,000 reorganized conscripts. Can such a force truly hold out?"
"Has Zhao Feng requested reinforcements in the report?" Wang Jian asked calmly.
Yang Duanhe carefully rechecked the report and shook his head. "No."
"That means Zhao Feng is confident he can hold Weicheng," Wang Jian replied, his voice filled with trust. "I believe in him."
"General, you may trust him, but if Weicheng falls, all of Yingchuan will be lost."
"Furthermore, with Wei Wuji personally leading his forces, it would be a feat in itself if Zhao Feng could prevent the conscripts from defecting, let alone defend the city to the death. It seems almost impossible."
Yang Duanhe's face was full of doubt.
Indeed, few believed that Zhao Feng could defend Weicheng. Even on the royal court, only Wang Jian vouched for him. Qin King Ying Zheng had only agreed to Zhao Feng's appointment because of Wang Jian's fervent plea, granting him full command of the forces in Weicheng.
"If Zhao Feng truly cannot hold, then, as a last resort, Grand General Huan Yi will act," Wang Jian assured.
Of Qin's three major armies, two were already deployed. The third, stationed at Hangu Pass, had not moved. This was partially to conserve resources, but also because the 200,000 elite soldiers at Hangu could reinforce any front in the event of a crisis.
"I understand, General," Yang Duanhe replied.
"Make the necessary arrangements. Leave a garrison to defend the border cities and prepare the army to march to Quyang," Wang Jian ordered.
"Yes, General," Yang Duanhe saluted and departed.
Wang Jian stood alone before the map, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze lingered on Weicheng.
"Zhao Feng."
"This position was hard-won. If you can hold Weicheng, it will be a great merit. The King has already promised to promote you to full general."
"But if you fail, then I will share your disgrace."
Wang Jian sighed inwardly. Outwardly, he projected unwavering confidence in Zhao Feng. Yet deep down, even he harbored doubts.
Weicheng.
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
"Warriors of Wei!"
"Take Weicheng, and glory will be yours!"
"Attack! Any man who retreats will be executed!"
Wei Bo, standing at the center of Wei's formation, roared his commands.
The scene beneath Weicheng was a grisly one, littered with corpses. Hundreds of ladders leaned against the walls as countless Wei soldiers braved the rain of arrows to climb.
"Go! Get up there!"
"Ahhh!"
"The Qin archers are too many!"
"Break down the gates!"
"Aargh!"
Cries of anguish and despair filled the air.
The soldiers scaling the ladders were either shot down or fell to their deaths. Those at the gates hammered with battering rams, but Zhao Feng had long since reinforced them with cast iron. Even without defenders, it would take immense effort to break through. With archers raining arrows and pouring fire oil from above, the Wei forces stood little chance.
"Archers, suppress the Qin troops!"
"Loose arrows!"
Wei Bo waved his sword and bellowed.
Thousands of Wei soldiers loosed arrows in unison, but they were at a disadvantage. Without defenses, they fell in droves under the Qin archers' counterfire.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng personally commanded from the walls, overseeing his troops. Enhanced by the mysterious power of the State Seal, his soldiers fought with unwavering morale.
Despite days of relentless assault, the defenders showed no signs of faltering. Injured or slain soldiers were swiftly replaced, maintaining the defense seamlessly.
Even against Wei Wuji's meticulously planned offensive, Weicheng stood like an impenetrable fortress. In seven days of siege, Wei had suffered tens of thousands of casualties.
On the city walls, Zhao Feng drew his black iron bow, firing arrow after arrow with precision. Each shot tore through multiple enemies.
"Slain Wei soldier. Gained 5 points of Strength."
"Slain Wei soldier. Gained 5 points of Constitution."
…
Notifications flashed before Zhao Feng's eyes.
"I'm close. Soon, all my attributes will surpass 3,000."
Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed with excitement.
For seven days, he had defended the walls without rest. His unwavering presence bolstered his men's morale. A general who stood with his soldiers inspired them to fight with unyielding courage.
Zhao Feng continued firing, the sound of his bowstring echoing into the chaos below. Time passed, and his resolve never wavered.
"Kill a Wei soldier, gain 5 days of lifespan."
"Kill a Wei soldier, gain 5 points of spirit."
"Kill a Wei soldier, gain 5 points of strength."
"Kill a Wei soldier..."
"Congratulations, host, on breaking through 3,000 in all attributes. A first-tier treasure chest is awarded." The system panel displayed a notification.
As his overall attributes surpassed 3,000, a sense of unparalleled comfort coursed through Zhao Feng's body, an uplifting sensation that only he could truly perceive.
Every time his attributes broke through, it felt like advancing in a cultivation realm. However, this was different from cultivating inner energy this was a full-body enhancement, elevating him on every level.
"Seven days of defense... it should be about time," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Arrow volleys continued to rain down. For the Wei army, this had become a nightmare.
In the central Wei camp, General Wei Bo roared furiously, his voice filled with frustration and unwillingness:
"Charge! Everyone, charge! Do not retreat unless the city is breached!"
But anyone could see that the morale of the Wei soldiers was severely depleted. Seven consecutive days of brutal assaults had resulted in staggering casualties. This seemingly small city, Wei City, was like the gates of hell itself once entered, death was all but certain.
In the command tent, Wei Wuji (Prince Xinling) frowned deeply as he observed the battlefield.
It was clear to him that Wei City was incredibly difficult to breach. Yet, as the gateway to Yingchuan, bypassing it was not an option. Even if the main army could circumvent it, their supply lines would be cut, leading to inevitable disaster.
"My lord," a Wei general said with a worried expression, "this isn't sustainable. We've been assaulting for seven days, and our forces haven't even reached the city walls for hand-to-hand combat. This Qin army is far too formidable. Could the reports have been wrong? Were there truly any Korean conscripts among their ranks?"
The general's voice was laced with confusion.
"Could the intelligence have been mistaken? Perhaps the city is defended entirely by elite Qin troops," Wei Wuji muttered, his brows furrowing even further.
Conscripts, especially those who were once enemies, were expected to rebel or flee when the battle came. But the defense of Wei City had been unnervingly steadfast.
From afar, Wei Wuji could see that some defenders on the walls lacked armor, likely marking them as former Korean conscripts. Yet they fought valiantly, showing no signs of disloyalty.
"It seems the Qin have used some special methods to control their conscripts. Their discipline is unnervingly strong," Wei Wuji surmised. "Furthermore, the city must be stocked with abundant supplies. Their archers have been firing nonstop for seven days without running out of arrows."
After a moment of contemplation, Wei Wuji made his decision:
"Sound the retreat."
The order was given.
Though unable to breach the city, the Wei troops withdrew in an orderly manner, their discipline reflecting their elite status.
"The Wei army... is retreating."
Seeing the enemy pull back, Zhao Feng raised his voice, "Victory!"
"Long live Great Qin! Long live Great Qin!"
The defenders on the city walls erupted into cheers, their morale soaring.
Standing amidst them, Zhao Feng, who had personally overseen the defense, became a figure of reverence in their eyes. The soldiers raised their weapons and chanted in unison:
"General Zhao is mighty! General Zhao is mighty!"
"Brothers who defended the city," Zhao Feng addressed them, his voice firm and steady, "your courage has not gone unnoticed by this general."
Turning to his middle commander, Zhao Feng continued, "Middle Commander Kuai Pu, step forward."
Kuai Pu approached and saluted, "General Zhao."
"Compile a list of all soldiers who fought on the city walls during this battle," Zhao Feng instructed. "Every Qin soldier will be credited with a merit. As for the conscripted soldiers, they shall have their penal status revoked and be formally recognized as Qin troops without rank."
Hearing this, the Qin soldiers were pleased, though they remained composed. However, the conscripted soldiers were overwhelmed with emotion.
"General Zhao is mighty! General Zhao is mighty!"
One after another, the conscripts knelt in gratitude, their voices filled with respect and relief.
Freeing them from their penal status meant they would gain the rights of ordinary citizens, no longer treated as expendable. They could live with dignity, enjoy military leave, and fully integrate into Qin's merit-based system.
"Middle Commander Kuai Pu, do you understand?" Zhao Feng asked.
"I understand," Kuai Pu replied immediately. "I will have the list compiled."
"Good. Thank you for your efforts," Zhao Feng said with a salute.
"It is my duty, General Zhao," Kuai Pu replied with a smile before leaving to carry out the task.
"Tu Sui," Zhao Feng called out.
"At your command!" Tu Sui hurried over.
"Instruct the cooking units to prepare food immediately. Deliver it to the walls and ensure every soldier gets a chance to rest. The Wei army's tactics are limited; as long as we hold the walls, they can do nothing to us. Reassure the soldiers there is no need to worry," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Understood!" Tu Sui acknowledged and left to carry out the order.
After ensuring everything was in place, Zhao Feng found a spot on the wall and sat down, leaning against the battlements like any ordinary soldier.
His actions deeply resonated with the troops. A general willing to share in their hardships inspired loyalty and admiration.
"Zhang Ming," Zhao Feng called.
Zhang Ming quickly approached, "My lord?"
"Inform Zhang Han: we move tonight."
"I will personally lead the operation," Zhao Feng said in a low voice.
"Understood," Zhang Ming nodded, immediately grasping Zhao Feng's intentions.
From the very beginning, defense had never been Zhao Feng's ultimate goal.
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