"General,"
"Why is the current at Hongze Crossing not as swift as it used to be?"
As Zhang Han observed the once-raging waters of the Wei River at the Hongze Crossing calming down, he couldn't help but express his astonishment.
"I had already dispatched scouts to investigate the water conditions of the Wei River before arriving at Wei City," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Every year, as winter transitions into spring, around February or March, the water level of the Wei River drops. Now is the perfect time," he explained while gazing at the now-tranquil Hongze Crossing.
Zhang Han was filled with shock and admiration.
"I never expected the general to have already planned for Wei's downfall upon arriving at Wei City. Such foresight is truly admirable," Zhang Han said with heartfelt respect.
"There will inevitably be a war between Qin and Wei. This investigation was merely preparation for such a day. Now, the opportunity has arrived," Zhao Feng responded calmly.
With a wave of his hand, he gave his orders.
"Archers, be on alert."
"If Wei troops are spotted across the river, release arrows immediately."
"Build a floating bridge using boats and rafts. The army will cross in an orderly manner," Zhao Feng commanded loudly.
"Understood!"
The generals responded in unison.
Soon, brand-new small boats and rafts were brought forward by the elite soldiers. They placed them into the now-calm waters of the Wei River. Following Zhao Feng's prior instructions, the soldiers rowed across, one boat after another, in a lined formation.
Upon reaching the other side, hundreds of soldiers immediately disembarked. They didn't launch an attack but instead brought out sharp wooden stakes and hammers, securing the stakes into the ground.
"Chains!"
The military captain on the opposing bank called out.
Heavy chains were taken out, secured to the stakes, and tied to the rafts and boats.
More rafts and boats were launched, linked together in rows of five or six, forming a floating bridge anchored by chains something Zhao Feng had long prepared his military blacksmiths to craft.
After some time...
"General, the floating bridge is complete," Zhang Han reported excitedly.
With this bridge, they could strike across the river and launch a surprise attack on Wei.
Without speaking, Zhao Feng mounted his horse, wielding his yet-unused Xuan-rank weapon, the Overlord Spear.
Clad in black armor, astride his steed, with the Overlord Spear in hand, Zhao Feng radiated an aura of invincibility.
"Brothers,"
"Today is the day to make your mark and achieve eternal glory!"
"Unparalleled merit awaits us!"
"Follow me across the Wei River and achieve greatness!" Zhao Feng roared.
With a firm grip on his reins, he urged his warhorse forward, stepping onto the floating bridge toward the opposite bank.
"We swear to follow the general to the death!"
The soldiers roared with fervor, following Zhao Feng in orderly succession as they crossed the floating bridge into Wei territory.
On the Other Bank
At a Wei outpost established by Wei Wuji:
"Niu Da, weren't you supposed to patrol the Wei River? Why are you still in camp?"
The Wei captain inspecting the camp was startled to see Niu Da, a hundred-man commander, who was supposed to be on river patrol, lounging in the camp.
"Captain,"
"I've already patrolled the area. There's nothing to report," Niu Da replied with a grin.
"Headquarters ordered continuous patrols. Why are you back after just one round?" the captain asked with a frown, his tone reproachful.
"Captain,"
"All the hundred-man teams patrol the same way. The Hongze Crossing is notoriously treacherous. Even large ships struggle there. There's no need to worry," Niu Da replied dismissively.
Each outpost had ten hundred-man teams, and they all conducted similar patrol routines. Although Wei Wuji had ordered strict vigilance, the prolonged peace had led the soldiers to grow complacent.
The captain sighed, knowing this was common practice.
Suddenly...
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of deafening rumbles filled the air.
The ground trembled beneath their feet.
"What's that sound?"
The captain whipped his head toward the Wei River in alarm.
In the distance, countless black Qin banners fluttered in the wind. Beneath them, rows of Qin soldiers clad in black armor advanced.
"Not good!"
"The Qin army has crossed the river!"
"Prepare for battle!"
The captain shouted in panic.
But before he could react further
Whoosh!
An arrow pierced through the air and struck him square in the throat. Blood gushed as the captain fell, clutching his neck in agony.
The sudden assault stunned everyone, including Niu Da.
And then
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Arrows rained down from the skies like a deadly storm.
"Ahh!"
"Enemy attack!"
"The Qin army has crossed the river!"
"Retreat!"
The unexpected ambush threw the camp into chaos. Soldiers fled in all directions, leaderless and overwhelmed by the onslaught.
Leading the charge, Zhao Feng wielded his Overlord Spear with devastating power. With a single sweep, he sent several Wei soldiers flying, their bodies colliding and killing others upon impact.
In less than half an hour, the thousand-man Wei outpost was annihilated.
When the dust settled, Zhao Feng surveyed the aftermath.
"What are our casualties?" he asked Zhang Han.
"General," Zhang Han reported, "we suffered over seventy injuries but no fatalities."
The victory was swift and decisive due to their element of surprise and overwhelming force.
Zhao Feng nodded.
"Soldiers without armor, retrieve it from the fallen Wei troops," he ordered.
"Rest for a moment, and prepare for the next attack!"
"Yes, General!" the troops shouted in unison.
Back at Wei City
The battle raged on as Wei troops launched relentless assaults.
Without Zhao Feng personally commanding, and lacking the double strength boost from the Qi Luck Seal, the defending Qin forces fought valiantly but were gradually pushed to their limits.
From the city walls, Tu Sui and Wei Quan supervised the defense.
"For every soldier who falls, replace them immediately!"
"Fight to the death!" Tu Sui roared.
The air was thick with the stench of blood, the battlefield was enveloped in chaos.
In the Wei Army's Main Camp
"Three consecutive days of attacks, yet there's no sign of disorder within the city," a Wei general reported.
"Though the Qin forces seem weaker, their defenses remain impenetrable," another added.
"It seems..." Wei Wuji sighed, "We may have to deploy the Wei Elite Troops."
The Wei Elite Troops were the ultimate weapon in this campaign, reserved for critical moments.
"Zhao Feng's capabilities are remarkable. At just sixteen, he's earned such favor from the King of Qin. His command is indeed impressive," a general remarked.
"This young man..." Wei Wuji muttered, "If he cannot serve Wei, he must not be allowed to live."
Wei Wuji's eyes flashed with a murderous intent.
He immediately made a decisive command: "Relay my order deploy twenty thousand Wei Wu soldiers to attack the city. If twenty thousand cannot breach it, send the remaining thirty thousand Wei Wu soldiers into battle. Ordinary soldiers are to retreat in an orderly fashion."
"At once, my lord," the armored officers beside the war chariot responded in unison.
The next moment, the Wei Wu soldiers, who had remained in the rear without moving, finally advanced.
"The elite Wei Wu soldiers of Great Wei no retreat without victory!"
"Charge!"
From the rear of the Wei army, twenty thousand heavily armored soldiers wielding shields and long halberds began their advance. Compared to the other Wei troops, this force exuded a far greater sense of discipline and menace as they methodically pressed forward toward Wei City.
On the city wall.
Watching the deployment of the Wei Wu soldiers, Tu Sui furrowed his brows, a look of deep concern appearing on his face. "This is bad."
"What's wrong?" Wei Quan asked in confusion.
"The Wei Wu soldiers have entered the battle," Tu Sui replied solemnly.
"I suspected as much if the commander of the Wei army is none other than Wei Wuji himself, how could the Wei Wu soldiers not be present? Turns out they were held in reserve to deal with us Qin forces," Tu Sui said in a grave tone.
"Wei Wu soldiers?" Wei Quan still looked puzzled.
As a general who had risen through the ranks from a logistics background, Wei Quan naturally lacked the level of understanding Tu Sui, a former commander of the elite guards, possessed.
Seeing Wei Quan's confusion, Tu Sui explained without delay: "The Wei Wu soldiers are Wei's most elite force. Each one is a powerful warrior, carrying a shield in one hand and a halberd in the other. Their combat prowess is unmatched."
"Years ago, during Wei's peak, the Wei Wu soldiers inflicted significant losses on our Qin forces, even seizing the Hexi region. All of that was due to the Wei Wu soldiers."
"Now that the Wei Wu soldiers are deployed, we are facing a true battle to the death," Tu Sui said gravely.
Hearing this, Wei Quan nodded, but he couldn't help but sneer. "I see. So the Wei Wu soldiers were formidable once upon a time. But now, our Qin troops are not to be underestimated. Besides, we have the advantage of defending the city. Let them try and climb these walls if they dare."
Tu Sui shook his head with a sigh, explaining further, "Wei brother, you don't understand."
"The Wei Wu soldiers have one defining characteristic: no retreat without victory."
"When they engage, it's a fight to the death."
"They either die to the last man, or they breach our city."
"Now, do you see what I mean?"
Wei Quan was momentarily stunned. "Do you mean they will keep attacking without stopping?"
"Exactly."
"Unless they are annihilated, or they break through our walls," Tu Sui confirmed with a heavy nod.
This realization brought a solemn expression to Wei Quan's face as well.
"We must prepare for a fight to the death."
"At all costs, Wei City must not fall."
"We have only seventy thousand troops capable of battle left in the city. I don't believe these Wei Wu soldiers are truly invincible," Wei Quan said, gripping the sword at his waist with determination.
Before the city walls.
The Wei Wu soldiers advanced steadily.
Facing the rain of arrows from Qin's archers, they raised their shields and marched forward without faltering. Even if struck by arrows, as long as the wounds were not fatal, they continued their advance without hesitation.
Soon, they reached the base of the city wall.
Some soldiers immediately began battering the gates with a battering ram.
Boom, boom, boom!
The sound of impact echoed continuously.
The majority of the Wei Wu soldiers, however, dispersed and began climbing the walls using ladders, shields in one hand, and climbing tools in the other. Their movements were swift and practiced, clearly the result of extensive training.
Even as Qin defenders rained down boulders and arrows, the Wei Wu soldiers, while suffering casualties, pressed on without panic or hesitation, relentlessly scaling the walls.
"Truly, the elite of the Wei army," Wei Quan muttered, visibly shaken by their ferocity.
The disciplined assault made it clear that the Wei Wu soldiers were in a league far above the rest of the Wei army.
"No wonder they are hailed as the strongest force in Wei."
"We'll break Wei City within the day."
"The commander should've sent them in earlier!" Wei Bo, a middle-ranking Wei officer, exclaimed in excitement from the central Wei formation.
The battle raged on.
With the Wei Wu soldiers joining the fray, the assault became even more ferocious. Several Wei Wu soldiers had already made it onto the city walls.
"Brothers!"
"Kill and claim glory!"
"Great Qin will never forget the valor of its soldiers!"
"Kill!" Tu Sui shouted as he drew his sword and charged into the melee.
"We pledge loyalty to Great Qin!"
The defenders on the walls followed suit, charging into the battle to intercept every Wei Wu soldier who made it onto the walls, overwhelming them with superior numbers.
Meanwhile.
A hundred personal guards left behind by Zhao Feng also joined the fray.
"Brothers!"
"Fight with everything you've got!" Zhang Ming commanded.
He leaped into action, delivering a powerful sword strike. A Wei Wu soldier tried to block with his shield but was sent flying by sheer force, crashing heavily onto the ground below.
"Kill the enemy!" Zhao Feng's guards roared as they unleashed their internal energy and fought with unmatched ferocity.
As Zhao Feng's elite personal guards, each was a martial expert of the second or third tier of the postnatal stage, capable of holding their own against ten enemies. Their efforts, combined with those of the defenders, made a significant impact.
Elsewhere in the city.
Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo remained in the rear.
"General!"
"The Wei army has breached the walls. Generals Tu Sui and Wei Quan are leading the defense," a scout reported urgently to Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo.
For the past half-month, the two had stayed in the rear without engaging in combat, although they had kept close tabs on the situation.
"The Wei army has grown stronger?" Chen Tao asked in surprise.
"This time, it's not ordinary Wei troops but the elite Wei Wu soldiers," the scout replied.
"What?!"
"The Wei Wu soldiers?!"
Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo exchanged a glance, their faces marked with apprehension.
The name of the Wei Wu soldiers was infamous how could they not know of it?
"The Wei Wu soldiers have been deployed. A true bloodbath is upon us," Chen Tao muttered grimly. "We may soon have to take to the field as well."
Hearing this, Zhao Tuo shook his head and waved the scout away.
"Can't you see?"
"Zhao Feng has no intention of letting us join the fight," Zhao Tuo sneered.
"Of course, I see that."
"In this entire army defending Wei City, Zhao Feng's confidants have all been promoted to commanders. Even Wu Yue and Qi Sheng follow his orders. Only we two have been sidelined," Chen Tao said coldly.
"If Zhao Feng has no intention of letting us defend the city, then why should we force ourselves into it?"
"If the city falls, the blame lies squarely on Zhao Feng."
"If the city holds, the glory goes to Zhao Feng and his officers. It has nothing to do with us," Zhao Tuo said with a mocking smile.
"What do you mean by this?" Chen Tao asked, frowning.
"If Zhao Feng can't hold the city with his eighty thousand troops, why should we risk ourselves? We'll retreat with our forces and defend the next city. That will be our chance to shine," Zhao Tuo said.
Chen Tao fell silent.
To be honest, his heart was filled with envy and resentment toward Zhao Feng.
If not for Zhao Feng, he would have been promoted to deputy general. But Zhao Feng's rise had not only robbed him of that position but also made him one of Zhao Feng's subordinates, a source of ridicule among the troops.
"You must be joking."
"If the city truly faces imminent collapse and Zhao Feng orders us to defend it, refusing his orders would be treason," Chen Tao said after a moment.
"What if Zhao Feng isn't even in the city?" Zhao Tuo asked with a smirk.
Chen Tao was stunned. "What do you mean? Zhao Feng isn't in the city? Has he fled?"
"I don't know exactly what he's up to, but I can tell you for sure Zhao Feng hasn't been seen in the city for days. Currently, the defense is being led by Tu Sui and Wei Quan."
"I had people investigate this carefully," Zhao Tuo said confidently.
"He's not in the city? Then where did he go?"
"Is he seeking reinforcements, or did he desert us?" Chen Tao wondered aloud, secretly hoping for the latter desertion would be a grave crime.
"Whatever he's doing doesn't concern us. If the city falls, it's his failure. We'll retreat with our forces and regroup elsewhere, awaiting reinforcements. That will be our opportunity to earn great merit," Zhao Tuo said with a cold smile, already mapping out his post-defeat plans.
Hearing this, Chen Tao thought for a moment before nodding in agreement, evidently swayed by Zhao Tuo's plan.
"Alright."
"Chen General."
"If you and I join forces, we can seize the credit for ourselves."
"We won't let Zhao Feng have it," Zhao Tuo said with a grin.
...
On the walls of Wei City, the battle raged on.
The Wei Wu soldiers were indeed ferocious.
But under the command of Tu Sui and Wei Quan, and despite the absence of Zhao Feng's commanding aura and the blessing of his Qi-Sealing Official's Seal, the Qin defenders fought valiantly, repelling wave after wave of attacks from the Wei Wu soldiers.
The Qin soldiers fought with everything they had because they were elite Qin warriors. To them, retreat was never an option.
The convict soldiers of Qin fought desperately to defend the city, for killing the enemy was their path to a better future. Killing one enemy granted them freedom from convict status; killing five would earn them a rank as a sharp warrior. Even if they died in battle, the Qin state would show favor to their families and provide compensation, leaving them without worries for the future.
"Kill!"
"Slaughter the enemy!"
"Kill!"
The soldiers on the city walls roared as they fought fiercely against the Wei soldiers climbing onto the walls. The entire battlefield was consumed by chaotic combat.
"Soldiers of Great Qin!"
"Swear to hold your ground!"
"Drive back the enemy!"
Wei Quan shouted as he charged to the forefront. With a swing of his sword, a Wei soldier in front of him was instantly cut down. He followed with a powerful kick, sending another enemy flying and crushing them to death with sheer force.
The city walls of Weicheng were locked in a brutal struggle. Yet, despite the onslaught, Qin's forces stood firm, neither retreating nor being pushed back by the elite Wei soldiers.
"How has this Qin army been trained?"
"How are they holding their ground against my Wei Wu soldiers?"
"Could they be a mix of Qin troops and surrendered soldiers?"
"No, impossible!"
After an entire day of relentless assault approaching nightfall, Wei Wuji was in disbelief that the walls had not fallen. He was well aware of the strength of the Wei Wu soldiers. Trained rigorously following the brutal methods of Wu Qi, every Wei Wu soldier was capable of fighting several regular soldiers. Yet this supposedly ordinary Qin army had managed to hold them back.
"Send my orders," Wei Wuji commanded sternly.
"The entire army is to attack at full force. Do not retreat until the city is taken. This battle must end with the capture of Weicheng."
The orders were promptly relayed, and the Wei forces renewed their offensive with even greater ferocity.
Meanwhile, in the Wei State, at the city of Shangweicheng an essential supply hub for the Wei army grain and other supplies were temporarily stored here before being transported to Wei Wuji's forces at the front.
Under the cover of darkness, a small force of fewer than a thousand soldiers approached Shangweicheng. The city gates were already sealed.
Spotting the approaching force, a Wei officer on the walls called out, "Halt!"
"General, open the gates quickly! We bring urgent military news!" one of the "Wei officers" below shouted anxiously.
"All supply convoys have already returned, and I have received no orders for troop movements. Where have you come from?" the Wei officer on the wall questioned suspiciously.
"We were ambushed by Qin forces," the "Wei officer" below replied, his voice filled with panic.
"Ambushed? Have the Qin forces crossed the river?" the officer on the wall asked in alarm.
"They have! I am Li Cheng, a captain stationed along the Weishui River. My troops were attacked by Qin forces, and I managed to escape with only a few hundred men. We've come to report the situation," the "Wei officer" explained with a pained expression.
"Qin forces crossed the river? But patrols are stationed along the Weishui! How could they have crossed unnoticed?"
"They crossed at Hongzedu," the "Wei officer" explained helplessly. "The stationed troops were caught off guard, allowing the Qin army to cross."
"Hongzedu? That impossible crossing point?"
"Yes, General. The Qin forces are already within ten miles of this city. We've gone a day without food please, open the gates and let us in."
Believing the story, the officer on the wall ordered, "Open the gates!"
The gates of Shangweicheng creaked open, and the supposed survivors began entering the city.
"Thank you, General," said the leading "Wei officer" with a bow as he passed through the gates.
Behind him, the "Wei soldiers" revealed icy gazes filled with killing intent, unnoticed in the dim light. These were not Wei troops but Zhao Feng and his elite warriors, disguised in stolen Wei uniforms.
Once all the men were inside, Zhao Feng did not immediately act. Instead, he waited for the gates to close and for his men to be fully prepared.
The officer who had opened the gates descended from the wall and approached Zhao Feng.
"Li Cheng, was it? Tell me about the Qin forces. What are their numbers?"
Zhao Feng smirked coldly, raising his spear. "The situation is simple. I am the commanding general of those 'Qin forces,' and as for their numbers they're all here."
"Brothers, kill them all!"
With a fierce shout, Zhao Feng swung his spear, sending the Wei officer flying and killing him instantly.
A system notification appeared before Zhao Feng: "Killed a Wei officer. Gained 20 Constitution points."
The sudden attack left the Wei soldiers dumbfounded. Before they could react, Zhao Feng's troops roared and charged at them, slaughtering the guards at the gates.
Zhao Feng himself plunged into the fray, unstoppable as he cut down enemy soldiers. His strength was overwhelming, rendering the Wei troops powerless against him.
After securing the gates, Zhao Feng's men wasted no time. They stormed the walls, eliminating the remaining defenders. Outside the city, sounds of marching grew louder as Zhang Han led a force of nine thousand Qin troops to join the attack.
Charging into the city, Zhang Han's troops added to the chaos.
"Soldiers of Great Qin, hear my command!" Zhao Feng roared.
"Capture the city. Kill every Wei soldier!"
"No prisoners. Leave none alive!"
Deep within enemy territory, with only ten thousand troops under his command, Zhao Feng knew taking prisoners would only create potential threats. Unlike the surrendered Han soldiers, the Wei State was still intact, making their captives a liability. Thus, he chose to eradicate all resistance.
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