"How is the selection of the personal guards coming along?" Zhao Feng returned to his senses and looked at Zhang Ming.
"Here is the roster. Please review it, my lord." Zhang Ming respectfully handed over a bamboo scroll.
Zhao Feng accepted it, opened the scroll, and examined the list of names recorded on it. As the names of potential personal guards appeared, their loyalty values were also displayed before his eyes.
Taking out a carving knife, Zhao Feng marked several names on the bamboo scroll as he reviewed the list.
"Remove all the names I've marked."
"Find replacements," Zhao Feng ordered calmly, tossing the scroll back to Zhang Ming.
"Understood," Zhang Ming replied respectfully and immediately retreated to carry out the order.
"Claim the buried corpse attribute points," Zhao Feng commanded as soon as Zhang Ming left.
"Your subordinates buried 45,650 corpses, generating a total of 13,695 attribute points," the system interface prompted.
"So, over 45,000 corpses were buried. It seems the logistics troops have arrived to assist," Zhao Feng thought, his expression remaining calm.
This time, the attribute points surpassed ten thousand, an unprecedented amount, leaving Zhao Feng quite satisfied.
At that moment, a new notification appeared on the interface.
"Total collected attribute points exceed 10,000 for the first time. Would you like to use 10,000 attribute points to transform the attributes of the Qi Fortune Seal?"
"Attribute points can now be collected through subordinates killing enemies!"
Upon seeing this, Zhao Feng's eyes lit up with joy.
"So that's how it works," Zhao Feng murmured with realization. "It turns out attribute point conversion is required. No wonder I've always needed to focus on burying corpses instead of directly collecting from kills."
On the battlefield, the burial of corpses was traditionally a task for logistics troops. Although Zhao Feng, as a general, had command over 50,000 logistics personnel, these soldiers were technically under the control of the Central Army's Ministry of Revenue.
In other words, the attribute points from the corpses buried by logistics troops could not be credited to Zhao Feng.
However, ever since obtaining the Qi Fortune Seal, Zhao Feng had deliberately ordered his elite soldiers to take on burial duties during every campaign. This unconventional directive had puzzled many officers why should elite combat troops handle tasks meant for the logistics corps?
Nevertheless, Zhao Feng's immense prestige in the army ensured that his orders were followed without question. Yet, this approach inevitably slowed the pace of the campaigns, creating a trade-off: it was a disadvantage for the army but advantageous for Zhao Feng.
Now that there was a choice to collect attribute points through kills instead of burials, Zhao Feng knew exactly what he had to do.
Although 10,000 attribute points was a hefty sum, the long-term benefits of the transformation were immeasurable.
"Convert it," Zhao Feng said decisively.
"Command acknowledged. Deducting 10,000 unallocated attribute points to transform Qi Fortune Seal attributes," the system interface responded.
The next moment, the Qi Fortune Seal floated out from Zhao Feng's body, visible only to him. It radiated a brilliant glow, pulsing rhythmically for a while.
"Transformation successful. You may now view the updated attributes of the Qi Fortune Seal upon equipping it," the interface prompted.
Zhao Feng immediately equipped the seal and checked its properties.
[Qi Fortune Seal: General's Seal]
Effect: Increases morale and combat effectiveness of subordinate troops by 2x when the general leads a charge.
Additional Effect: Subordinates' kills generate attribute points at a rate of 30% (10% less compared to the burial method).
"It's changed," Zhao Feng noted. "Although the conversion rate dropped by 10%, it's worth it since my troops no longer need to waste time burying corpses."
Satisfied with the transformation, Zhao Feng smiled.
"Extract all remaining attribute points," he instructed.
"Congratulations! All attributes have surpassed 4,000 points. Reward: One Tier-1 Treasure Chest."
"Congratulations! All attributes have surpassed 5,000 points. Reward: One Tier-1 Treasure Chest."
"Congratulations! All attributes have surpassed 5,000 points, unlocking a new attribute collection method: True Qi."
As the notifications echoed, Zhao Feng felt his entire body enveloped in a radiant glow. A surge of energy coursed through him, signaling another powerful transformation.
Each time his total attributes surpassed a milestone, Zhao Feng experienced a profound sense of evolution, his strength skyrocketing to a new peak.
Through relentless battle and constant leadership, Zhao Feng accumulated an extraordinary amount of attribute points, culminating in this breakthrough.
"My total attributes now exceed 5,000. With just my raw physical strength, I can unleash over 5,000 jin (2,500 kilograms) of force. Who in the world could withstand a single punch from me?" Zhao Feng mused, his excitement growing.
"Historical figures like Xiang Yu were said to possess incredible strength, such as lifting a cauldron. Perhaps Xiang Yu was naturally gifted with superhuman strength, but even he pales in comparison to my current power."
Zhao Feng's confidence soared. He firmly believed that his unique ability to collect attributes and grow stronger would enable him to carve out a lasting legacy. Even after unifying the Central Plains, he envisioned leading campaigns beyond China to conquer foreign lands.
"Immortality is within reach," Zhao Feng thought, his determination solidifying.
Finally, Zhao Feng summoned his attribute panel.
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 17
True Qi: 786 points (The greater the True Qi, the more potent the energy within the dantian.)
Strength: 5,543 points (Directly correlates to physical power.)
Speed: 5,123 points (Higher values mean faster movement.)
Constitution: 5,012 points (Determines recovery speed, stamina, and True Qi regeneration.)
Spirit: 5,031 points (Spiritual power can now extend 21 zhang (70 meters) and absorb corresponding levels of heaven and earth energy.)
Lifespan: 155 years + 876 days
Merit: 563 points (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 39 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Art
Martial Skills: Dragon Subduing Palm, Explosive Fist...
"My stats are fully digitized now. I've even transcended the need for cultivation stages it's all laid out as pure True Qi." Zhao Feng chuckled.
Previously, he had to cultivate diligently to improve his True Qi, but now, with the system's attribute collection ability, growth would become even more efficient.
Next, Zhao Feng focused on his treasure chests.
"Four treasure chests in total three Tier-1 and one Tier-2. Let's hope for something valuable," Zhao Feng thought.
After opening the chests, the rewards were as follows:
1,000 taels of gold (A somewhat disappointing prize given Zhao Feng's current wealth.)
High-grade Tier-1 Pill Recipe: Strength-Enhancing Pill
200 catties of top-quality refined iron (Excellent for forging weapons.)
High-grade Profound Martial Skill: True Qi Fire Manipulation (from the Tier-2 chest.)
The gold felt unnecessary, as Zhao Feng's booming brewery business was already generating immense profits. The refined iron, however, could be used to forge high-quality weapons.
But it was the Tier-2 martial skill that truly caught his attention.
"A Profound-grade martial skill... This alone makes the chest worthwhile," Zhao Feng remarked.
After extracting and learning the skill, he raised his hand and activated the technique. True Qi condensed in his palm, transforming into a vivid red flame.
"To think True Qi can be manipulated into fire. This is the power of a true cultivator," Zhao Feng said with a satisfied grin.
He tested the flame's power on a nearby wooden table. With a wave of his hand, the fire engulfed the table, reducing it to ashes in seconds.
The Next Day:
Zhao Feng and his troops prepared for the decisive battle at Lincheng.
Sixty thousand Qin soldiers had gathered.
Zhao Feng stood at the front of the formation, not on horseback but atop a chariot. In one hand, he held a shield, and in the other, the Longquan Sword.
"Elite warriors of Qin!" Zhao Feng raised his sword high.
"Wind! Wind! Wind!"
The sixty thousand soldiers all raised their weapons and shouted in unison.
Under Zhao Feng's direct command and with the power of the Fortune Seal amplifying their strength, every soldier was filled with unstoppable morale. Despite their relatively small number, their combined military might was comparable to an army of several hundred thousand.
Beyond the enhancement from the Fortune Seal, these sixty thousand soldiers were seasoned veterans who had followed Zhao Feng through countless bloody battles. They were the elite of the battlefield.
"Catapults!"
"Archers!"
Zhao Feng's commanding voice echoed.
The heralds stationed on both sides of the chariot immediately dispersed.
"Orders from the general!"
"Deploy the catapults!"
"Archers, prepare positions!"
The heralds shouted.
Soon, the well-ordered formation began to advance steadily toward Lin City.
Zhao Feng's army did not have many catapults only twenty but their presence alone was enough to intimidate the enemy. Behind the catapults, twenty thousand archers followed closely, maintaining a steady pace.
On the walls of Lin City, many Wei soldiers showed fear on their faces as they observed the approaching Qin army.
"General Gongsun," one Wei officer asked, "is the Qin army planning to launch a direct assault with this formation?"
"They wouldn't dare," Gongsun Xin replied coldly. "Our forces number over seventy thousand, and we have fortified defenses in Lin City. No matter how brave the Qin soldiers are, they simply don't have enough manpower. If they attempt a direct assault, it will only lead to their destruction."
"But the man leading them is Zhao Feng," another Wei officer said, his tone laced with fear. "Even Lord Xinling fell to his hands."
The Battle of Wei City had taken place some time ago, and news of Wei Wuji's defeat had spread throughout the land. Alongside it, Zhao Feng's reputation had grown.
To the Wei people, Wei Wuji was akin to the Qin general Bai Qi of old a god of war, a symbol of invincibility. Many Wei citizens revered him as the cornerstone of their nation's strength.
But after the Battle of Wei City, despite Wei's efforts to suppress the news, the Qin Kingdom's intelligence agency, the Black Ice Platform, ensured it spread far and wide. When the Wei people learned that their god of war had been defeated by a young Qin general despite having an overwhelming numerical advantage it dealt a severe blow to their morale.
It was no surprise, then, that the Wei generals defending Lin City harbored such fear.
"Zhao Feng?" Gongsun Xin sneered. "He's nothing more than a man blessed by luck. If he dares to attack, Lin City will become his grave. I will personally wash away my father's disgrace and avenge him."
Gongsun Xin's eyes burned with hatred as he gazed at the distant Qin army. His father, Gongsun Xi, had fallen at Zhao Feng's hands. With Wei struggling in its decline and lacking capable generals, Lord Xinling had entrusted Lin City's defense to the Gongsun family. Knowing Gongsun Xin's vendetta, Lord Xinling was confident that he would fight to the death rather than surrender to Zhao Feng, his father's killer.
"Kill!" Zhao Feng raised his sword and gave the order.
The twenty catapults launched their massive stones with deafening thuds, striking the city walls and buildings within. Although the number of catapults was limited, their destructive power sent a clear message.
As the stones rained down, they crushed Wei soldiers and demolished several structures in the city.
"Kill!!"
The twenty thousand Qin archers advanced steadily, bows drawn. Then, in unison, they released a rain of arrows into the sky.
The sky darkened as tens of thousands of arrows filled the air, descending upon the city in a merciless wave.
Under this rain of death, the Wei soldiers in the city though prepared were struck down by the hundreds. Even those who weren't immediately killed risked succumbing later to infections caused by the filthy, bloodstained arrows.
By day's end, over 300,000 arrows would be fired into Lin City.
The Qin archers, relentless and precise, pushed forward, ensuring the arrow barrage covered most of the city's perimeter.
Time passed.
"General," reported Zhang Ming, "we've expended nearly half of our arrows."
"General, fewer than 100,000 arrows remain."
"General, we now have fewer than 80,000 arrows left."
As Zhang Ming provided updates, Zhao Feng's eyes sharpened. The time had come.
"Heralds, hear my command," Zhao Feng ordered.
"At your service," the heralds replied in unison.
"Relay my words to the entire army," Zhao Feng continued.
"Understood!" the heralds responded.
"Since the day I took command, I have always led from the front," Zhao Feng declared.
"When I was a captain, I led from the front.
"When I was a commander of 10,000, I led from the front.
"When I was a deputy general, I led from the front.
"Today, as the commander-in-chief, that has not changed.
"Brave warriors, hear this:
"I shall lead the charge, and you shall follow.
"My six hundred personal guards will act as enforcers. Should anyone retreat even me they will be executed.
"There is only one order: attack. Should I fall, you must not stop. If we cannot breach the city, then fight until the last man stands!"
"Soldiers! Follow me to battle!" Zhao Feng shouted.
Riding his chariot, Zhao Feng charged forward, leaving the main force behind by a distance of ten paces.
"Follow the general!"
"Kill!"
The entire Qin army roared in unison, charging toward Lin City under the leadership of their sub-commanders.
The Wei soldiers manning the walls were stunned.
"General!" one cried out. "The Qin soldiers must be mad! They're attacking without siege equipment, no ladders or rams!"
Watching the Qin army's charge, a Wei officer under the shield wall exclaimed, "They're insane!"
Gongsun Xin sneered. "Zhao Feng is nothing but an overrated fool. Lin City is a military stronghold, with high walls and thick defenses. Without proper siege equipment, even an army of hundreds of thousands cannot breach these gates. Zhao Feng is reckless, plain and simple."
Hearing this, the Wei officers nodded in agreement. The absence of siege equipment left them feeling secure behind their fortifications.
Zhao Feng stood atop his chariot, Longquan Sword in hand, leading the charge.
Behind him, the elite Qin soldiers followed, shields raised high to block the incoming arrows.
"Zhao Feng!" Gongsun Xin sneered as he recognized the figure in the distance. "You're courting death."
"Archers, ready! When the Qin army comes within range, fire at will! This battle is ours; without siege equipment, they cannot win!" he commanded.
The Wei archers took their positions, bows drawn, awaiting the approaching Qin army. But as they emerged to fire, a dense rain of arrows from the Qin archers descended upon them, striking down rows of Wei soldiers.
Despite suffering casualties, the Qin soldiers pressed forward, shields raised, determined to breach Lin City's defenses.
"Without siege equipment, I want to see how you'll take this city," Gongsun Xin sneered, his confidence unwavering as the battle raged on.
Unless the city gates were flung wide open.
Watching the Qin army approach without even preparing a battering ram, Gongsun Xi sneered inwardly, convinced that the Qin soldiers were courting death. He wasn't the only one; every Wei soldier believed the same.
Such an offensive.
None had ever seen any army fight like this.
Yet
As Zhao Feng approached the city gates, he raised his Longquan Sword, channeling his abundant inner energy from his dantian.
With a slash of his sword in midair, a sharp blade light split the air.
Boom!
The sturdy city gates instantly shattered under that single strike. Cracks spread across the gates like a spiderweb before they collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Shards of iron from the gates flew in all directions.
Countless Wei soldiers within the gates were killed outright.
"Ahhh…"
The soldiers stationed at the gates were decimated in an instant.
But more horrifying than the deaths was the sight of Zhao Feng himself. To the Wei soldiers, he seemed like a monster as he broke through the gates with his sword.
"Charge!"
Zhao Feng's expression remained impassive as he waved his sword.
Driving the chariot, Zhang Ming remained equally calm. The three horses pulling the chariot surged forward, storming into the city.
The spiked wheels of the chariot rotated, shredding any Wei soldiers nearby.
After entering the city, Zhao Feng showed no restraint, slashing out waves of sword energy with his Longquan Sword.
A swath of Wei soldiers fell wherever he passed.
"Defeated Wei soldier gained 1 point of Strength."
"Defeated Wei soldier gained 1 point of Speed."
"Defeated Wei soldier gained 1 point of Inner Energy."
"Defeated Wei soldier…"
As Zhao Feng slaughtered his foes, the notifications echoed in his mind.
But after his total attributes surpassed 5,000, the points gained from killing ordinary soldiers were reduced to just one per kill.
"For someone like me now, killing these common soldiers is no different from farming low-level mobs barely any experience points."
Zhao Feng frowned slightly at the notifications but quickly understood.
Since his total attributes had crossed the 5,000 threshold, along with unlocking new attribute pick-ups, he had transcended to a new tier of power.
Unbothered, Zhang Ming continued to charge forward with the chariot, cutting down enemies as they went.
Zhao Feng kept slashing relentlessly.
Once the city gates had been breached, the elite Qin soldiers surged in behind, shields raised as they stormed into the city like a flood.
To them, the Wei soldiers inside were nothing but prey.
"Kill!"
"Kill them all!"
The Qin soldiers roared as they poured into the city, mercilessly slaughtering the Wei troops.
On the city walls, Gongsun Xin stood frozen, watching in disbelief as the Qin soldiers streamed in.
"What's happening?"
"How did the gates get breached by the Qin army?"
"This is impossible!"
Gongsun Xin shouted in panic.
But for the city of Lin, it was already too late.
Countless Qin troops had entered the city.
Led by their generals and commanders, they swept through the city like a tide, slaughtering everything in their path.
Empowered by the aura of the imperial seal.
With doubled strength and morale.
Every Qin elite soldier could take on multiple fully armored foes.
Even Wei's most elite troops, under Wei Wuji's banner, had been utterly defeated by Zhao Feng's men.
"Abandon the chariot!"
Zhao Feng shouted as he leaped off.
He headed straight for the city walls.
Zhang Ming quickly followed closely behind.
This time, Zhao Feng had not brought any siege equipment because his strength was more than enough to breach the gates. Even without activating his inner energy, a single punch would have been sufficient to shatter them.
Zhao Feng alone was as formidable as an entire army.
"Hold the line!"
"Defend the city!"
"Retreaters will be executed!"
Watching the panicked Wei soldiers on the city walls,
Perhaps it was the sudden breach, or perhaps it was the terror instilled by Zhao Feng's defeat of Wei Wuji, but with the Qin soldiers storming in, the Wei troops' morale crumbled.
They had never imagined the Qin army would breach their defenses so easily.
This swift and unexpected assault left them unprepared. Most of the troops stationed at the gates were archers.
Zhao Feng cut through the enemy ranks, advancing with unstoppable momentum.
Wherever he went, corpses of Wei soldiers littered the ground.
In the blink of an eye
Zhao Feng had reached the city walls.
"Zhao Feng…"
Seeing the blood-soaked Zhao Feng charge toward them, with fierce Qin troops following behind,
Gongsun Xin and the Wei soldiers on the city walls were stricken with terror.
"Kill!"
With a single wave of Zhao Feng's sword,
The Qin soldiers behind him surged forward, spears thrusting and swords slashing.
They charged madly into the fray.
The battle for Lin City was all but decided.
As time passed,
The killing in Lin City continued.
An entire day and night went by.
By the next morning,
Corpses were strewn throughout the city, alongside countless kneeling, terrified Wei soldiers who had surrendered.
"General!"
"Lin City has been taken."
"Our forces achieved a great victory in this battle."
"Preliminary estimates show our casualties at just 10,000, while over 20,000 enemy soldiers were slain and 30,000 captured."
"The main commander of Lin City's Wei forces has been killed."
"The path to Zhao has been opened by you, General."
Tu Sui and Zhang Han hurried over to Zhao Feng, reporting excitedly.
"Excellent."
Zhao Feng let out a hearty laugh, the sharp light in his eyes gradually fading.
"Send my orders," he said firmly.
"Have the rear supply troops hasten their march to clean up the battlefield."
"Tu Sui."
"Take your men and sweep through the city. Kill any Wei soldiers feigning death or refusing to surrender."
"Also, execute any severely wounded Wei soldiers. Spare none."
"As for the captives, keep them under strict watch. If anyone dares make a move kill them."
"And immediately treat our wounded soldiers at the medical camp," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Understood."
Tu Sui and Zhang Han responded in unison.
"Zhang Ming."
"Pass this down: our army will rest for one day."
"Tomorrow, we march on Zhao!" Zhao Feng commanded sternly.
He then gazed northward toward Zhao's territory, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
Now that Lin City had fallen,
Even if some Wei soldiers managed to flee, it would still take days for word to reach the rest of Wei.
And these few days were critical.
Before Wei could react, and before Zhao received any warning, launching a surprise attack on Zhao could catch them entirely off guard.
Such was Zhao Feng's favorite strategy bold maneuvers and surprise attacks.
"Understood!" Zhang Ming responded, visibly excited.
With all the orders issued,
Zhao Feng glanced around before finding a set of steps to sit on.
After two days of relentless fighting,
Even with his formidable physique, Zhao Feng felt a trace of fatigue.
Zhao Kingdom!
In the region near Jinyang City.
"General!"
"We're less than ten miles from Jinyang."
"We've heard that His Majesty has stationed over 100,000 troops there under the command of Yan Ju."
"Once we reach Jinyang, we can join them to resist the Qin army," a Zhao officer reported excitedly to Lian Po.
"Jinyang… 100,000 troops…"
"They're just local militias," Lian Po said with a sigh.
"Expecting them to hold back the Qin army is impossible."
"His Majesty… sigh, he's deluding himself," Lian Po muttered, his voice filled with the helplessness of a loyal subject.
"General, we should hurry to Jinyang now."
"Our army is down to less than 20,000, and the Qin forces are relentlessly pursuing us. Only by regrouping in Jinyang can we find safety," the Zhao officer urged.
But at that moment
"Report!"
"Urgent news from Jinyang!"
A messenger ran over with a grim expression.
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