"Host, you have commanded the army to kill enemies and collect attributes."
"Total enemies killed: 35,434. Total attributes collected: 14,173 points."
"Obtained True Qi: 1,762 points."
"Obtained Strength: 3,345 points."
"Obtained Speed: 3,140 points."
"Obtained Constitution: 2,366 points."
"Obtained Spirit: 2,046 points."
"Obtained Lifespan: 3,624 days."
The system's panel displayed the results.
As the attributes were received, all of them were directly added to Zhao Feng's body.
At that moment, Zhao Feng felt what it truly meant to be brimming with power. The True Qi within his dantian surged explosively, and the significant increase in all his attributes brought an almost transcendent sensation.
Boom!
A formless shockwave emanated from Zhao Feng's body, creating an inexplicable sense of oppression within the surrounding area.
"Fantastic."
"The attributes gained from killing enemies are so much better than mining stones."
"If this could be converted into cultivation levels, I must have ascended several ranks in one go."
"Although I've never encountered truly powerful martial artists, judging by my current all-around attributes, I could probably kill a genuine grandmaster martial artist with one punch," Zhao Feng thought excitedly as he felt the immense strength coursing through his body.
For cultivators, after stepping into the Innate realm, they refine their bodies by drawing on the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The focus lies in cultivating energy, which is then used to temper the body.
There are two main paths: technique-based cultivation and body-based cultivation.
However, Zhao Feng was now practicing both techniques and body cultivation simultaneously. But what truly made him unique was his method of growth something no one could fathom through all-attribute cultivation.
"With this power, the entire world is within my reach."
"At the end of the Qin Dynasty, with ambitions to conquer the world, the future holds endless possibilities."
"Moreover, with this battle alone, I've gained nearly ten years of lifespan."
"Ten years from one battle."
"Even without the longevity gained from martial realms, I'm well on my way to immortality."
"One day, at the end of the Qin Dynasty, when I establish my empire, even if it cannot be eternal, I can create a family legacy that will last for generations." Zhao Feng's thoughts raced with excitement.
At present, Zhao Feng was leveraging Qin's unification and the power of war to strengthen himself something only he could achieve.
"Open the attribute panel," Zhao Feng commanded.
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 18
True Qi: 2,548 (The stronger the True Qi, the more abundant and explosive the dantian's energy.)
Strength: 8,888 (The stronger the strength, the greater the explosive power.)
Speed: 8,223 (The higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Constitution: 7,360 (The stronger the constitution, the faster the recovery rate, the endless stamina, and quicker regeneration of True Qi.)
Spirit: 7,046 (Spiritual power extends up to 70 zhang, enabling the absorption of spiritual energy within a 70-zhang radius.)
Lifespan: 155 years + [4,500 days]
Merit Points: 563 (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 59 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Technique
Martial Skills: Dragon Subduing Palm, Explosive Fist…
"No reward for this round of all-attribute breakthrough?"
As he calmed down, Zhao Feng suddenly realized that despite such significant attribute gains, there was no treasure chest reward this time.
"Could it be because the newly added True Qi attribute dragged down my overall performance?"
"Do I need to bring the True Qi attribute up to par with the others to earn a reward?"
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Feng identified the root cause.
"This system, seriously…" Zhao Feng muttered a curse.
Even so, gaining True Qi through attribute collection was far superior to relying on treasure chests.
The amount of True Qi gained from conquering Lin City and defeating Lian Po's entire army far surpassed what Zhao Feng could achieve through over a year of cultivation.
"Once this battle is over, I must find a place to master my newfound power and adapt to it as quickly as possible."
"Otherwise, I might accidentally kill someone with a single strike," Zhao Feng murmured, his lips curling into a slight smile.
Despite possessing immense power, Zhao Feng lacked perfect control over it. He needed to refine his skills and adapt, just as one would practice techniques.
"Speaking of which…"
"I received a Tier-2 treasure chest for killing Lian Po."
"Open it," Zhao Feng instructed as he recalled the reward.
"Opening Tier-2 treasure chest."
"Obtained Tier-1 high-grade spiritual item: [High-Yield Spiritual Grain Seeds]," the system announced.
"Perhaps the empire I establish in the future will truly be everlasting."
Seeing the treasure chest reward, Zhao Feng's face lit up with joy.
In this era, and even in the centuries to come, food scarcity has always been an unavoidable issue in the land of China. Since the dawn of civilization, hunger has loomed over the Chinese people as an unsolvable problem.
It wasn't just due to the dynasties or aristocratic families but also because crop yields were inherently low.
However, the emergence of these spiritual grain seeds could potentially change everything.
Later that evening…
"General," Zhang Ming reported, entering the camp, "General Yang is waiting outside the camp."
"Please bring him in," Zhao Feng replied.
Before long, Yang Duanhe entered Zhao Feng's tent briskly.
"General Zhao," Yang Duanhe said, cupping his fists with a smile, "I've long admired your reputation. Today, I'm honored to meet you."
"General Yang flatters me," Zhao Feng responded, returning the gesture with a smile. "In truth, I've admired your reputation for quite some time. Back in the day, I heard that among the three great generals of Lantian, you were the leader."
"Ha!" Yang Duanhe laughed heartily.
Being acknowledged by Zhao Feng pleased him immensely.
"Please, take a seat," Zhao Feng gestured.
"Thank you," Yang Duanhe replied with a smile and sat down without hesitation.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, General Yang?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"I've admired you for a long time. From your campaign against Wei in Yingchuan to carving a path to Zhao, and now your victory over Lian Po all these feats are monumental contributions to Qin. How could I not come to offer my congratulations?" Yang Duanhe said with a grin.
"You're too kind, General Yang. Your contributions on the battlefield are no less remarkable," Zhao Feng replied courteously.
Meanwhile, in Jin Yang City...
"The sudden attack by the Qin army seems fierce but is merely a probe," Yan Ju analyzed calmly.
"The real battle isn't far off. Currently, only one of Qin's main camps is here. The other has yet to arrive," a Zhao general added.
"With 200,000 troops defending Jin Yang, ample supplies, and thick walls, we have no reason to fear even if the Qin army brings two more camps," Yan Ju declared coldly.
Though most of the soldiers in the city were regional troops, their weaknesses were mitigated in a defensive battle.
Yan Ju, though a close confidant of King Zhao Yan, was undeniably capable.
"Report!"
A soldier hurriedly entered the room.
"We've identified the movements of General Lian Po to the south."
"Speak," Yan Ju commanded immediately.
"The Qin general Zhao Feng has broken through Wei's Lincheng and is leading his army northward into our Zhao territory. General Lian Po has led his troops to confront Zhao Feng, but now... now..." The reporting officer's face was filled with sorrow.
"What now? Speak!"
Yan Ju stared intently, his expression slightly shifting. It wasn't because he was worried about Lian Po; on the contrary, if things went according to King Zhao's wishes, it would be best if Lian Po were dead.
"General Lian Po has fallen in battle for the nation."
"General Lian Po's army of twenty thousand was annihilated, wiped out by Qin General Zhao Feng," the officer reported, his tone somber and sorrowful.
"Lincheng? Zhao Feng?"
Yan Ju was momentarily stunned but quickly understood the situation.
"What kind of forces did Wei Wuji deploy to defend Lincheng? Wasn't it said to be foolproof? How did Zhao Feng manage to seize Lincheng?"
"The State of Wei has harmed our great Zhao!" Yan Ju said angrily.
"General!"
"The Qin army advancing through Wei is now a reality, but General Lian Po has fallen. What should we do now?"
"Even the old general's body has fallen into the hands of the Qin army."
"Are we to just stand by and watch?" The Zhao generals looked at Yan Ju, their meaning clear they wanted to retrieve Lian Po's body.
"His Majesty's decree orders us to defend Jinyang and not let it fall. Are you all thinking of leaving the city to engage the enemy?"
"If Jinyang is lost, we would all be unable to answer to His Majesty!" Yan Ju said coldly.
He had no concern for Lian Po's remains.
However...
Now that Lian Po was dead, he could be exploited further.
"General Lian Po was a cornerstone of our great Zhao. The Qin are brutal, but the old general cannot have died in vain."
"Pass on my order!"
"Inform all the troops of the old general's death."
"Spread the word of the Qin's evil and cruelty far and wide."
"We must defend Jinyang to the death, never allowing the Qin to breach the city. We must hold on until the elite royal army of Zhao returns to exact revenge for the old general." Yan Ju declared loudly.
Hearing this, the Zhao generals all responded in unison, their eyes burning with hatred and anger toward Qin.
At this moment, for the Zhao soldiers in Jinyang, aside from holding the city at all costs, their next goal was avenging Lian Po.
Yan Ju intended to use Lian Po's reputation to boost the morale of the entire army.
In Zhao, in Handan!
"That old fool Lian Po is finally dead."
"Good riddance!"
"Now that Lian Po is dead, I'd like to see who dares to support Zhao Yi."
"Let's see if Zhao Yi still dares to defy me."
Upon receiving news of Lian Po's death, King Yan of Zhao burst into laughter inside his chambers.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Guo Kai, standing obsequiously within the palace, immediately chimed in with a flattering smile.
"Prime Minister!"
"It is fortunate that you devised this plan for me."
"With Lian Po dead, we can even use his reputation to incite the people of Zhao to unite against Qin. Killing two birds with one stone!" King Yan praised Guo Kai.
"All for Your Majesty."
"I am willing to serve with all my heart," Guo Kai replied ingratiatingly.
"Hahaha!"
"With Lian Po out of the way, I have rid myself of a major thorn in my side." King Yan laughed heartily.
"Your Majesty,"
"Although Lian Po has been dealt with, there is still Li Mu."
"He is much like Lian Po, often critical of Your Majesty and loyal to Zhao Yi alone."
"Li Mu controls the military power in Dai Commandery."
"Twenty thousand elite border troops with cavalry trained in Hu-style tactics."
"Plus over a hundred thousand regional troops."
"He is a threat that cannot be ignored," Guo Kai said with a dark tone.
Hearing this, King Yan's previously jubilant expression turned cold.
"Li Mu..."
"He cannot be overlooked, indeed."
"When General Pang Nuan returns victorious, I will strip Li Mu of his military command," King Yan said icily.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"Once Li Mu's military power is seized, Your Majesty will secure everlasting stability. Then even killing Zhao Yi will provoke no resistance," Guo Kai immediately flattered.
"Although Lian Po is dead, Wei Wuji's incompetence is staggering."
"Despite deploying heavy troops to guard Lincheng, it still fell to Qin," King Yan said coldly.
"Your Majesty is correct."
"It's laughable that Wei Wuji deployed reinforcements but couldn't stop a mere tens of thousands of Qin troops. The State of Wei is truly in decline," Guo Kai added.
"In my opinion, once General Pang Nuan conquers Yan, our great Zhao should immediately turn its attention to the State of Wei. Annexing Wei into Zhao's territory would be the best course of action."
Hearing this, King Yan smiled smugly.
"Prime Minister, you are right."
"Looking across the land, only I, your king, am capable of uniting it all."
"The State of Wei is too weak."
"It is unworthy to ally with Zhao."
"Wei Wuji couldn't even help Zhao resist Qin and dared to repeatedly send letters urging me to withdraw troops from Yan. He doesn't want to see me conquer Yan and expand my territory," King Yan sneered.
"Exactly!"
"Wei is already on the decline and unable to defend its borders." Guo Kai naturally echoed King Yan's sentiments.
After Guo Kai left the palace and returned to his residence, he entered his chambers.
"Prime Minister Guo has done well."
A voice echoed in Guo Kai's ears.
Startled, Guo Kai flinched but quickly recovered and bowed respectfully.
"Dun Master."
In the flickering candlelight, a man in a black robe stood, emanating an aura of cold menace.
He was Dun Ruo, the head of Qin's covert operations.
"Prime Minister Guo, no need to be so formal."
"You are a great benefactor to Qin."
"Without you, how could Qin have eliminated Lian Po, a major threat? Without you, how could Zhao's king still refuse to withdraw his troops from Yan?"
"King Qin was wise to spare your life," Dun Ruo said slowly.
"I pledge my unwavering loyalty to King Qin and will not falter, even unto death," Guo Kai declared, kneeling.
By this point, Guo Kai had no other options.
Given what he had written to Qin, if he betrayed them and they revealed his actions to King Zhao, he was doomed.
Thus, Guo Kai had no choice but to remain loyal to Qin.
"Prime Minister Guo, there's no need for such a ceremony. King Qin understands your dedication and promises that when Zhao is destroyed, you will still be wealthy and influential," Dun Ruo reassured, helping Guo Kai to his feet.
"I am deeply grateful for King Qin's grace," Guo Kai said with visible emotion.
After reassuring him, Dun Ruo got to the point.
"Have you prepared the details on Jinyang's forces and supplies?"
"They've long been ready."
Guo Kai immediately retrieved a bamboo slip from his inner chamber and respectfully handed it to Dun Ruo.
"Accurate?" Dun Ruo asked with a smile.
"Absolutely."
"Jinyang's troop movements and supplies have all gone through me," Guo Kai replied.
"This accomplishment will be noted," Dun Ruo said, satisfied.
"What other orders do you have, sir?" Guo Kai asked respectfully.
"Ensure that Zhao's king delays withdrawing his troops from Yan as long as possible. Also, see to it that Li Mu's military power is stripped away sooner rather than later," Dun Ruo instructed.
"Rest assured, sir."
"I am already working on these matters. As for Li Mu, King Zhao deeply distrusts him. I've already advised the king to strip him of his command, and I believe it will happen soon," Guo Kai replied.
"Prime Minister Guo, your efforts are commendable," Dun Ruo said, even more satisfied now.
Internally, he thought, King Qin's decision to spare Guo Kai's life was truly wise. This man may be greedy and despicable, but he is highly useful. A single schemer eliminated both Lian Po and potentially Li Mu, solving two of Qin's greatest threats.
In Daliang, the capital of Wei!
Within the royal chambers, the King of Wei appeared visibly displeased.
"Uncle."
"You've surely heard the news by now?" the king said, his tone heavy.
"I have," Wei Wuji nodded, the weariness on his aged face even more pronounced, making him appear even older.
"Didn't you deploy heavy troops to defend Lincheng? How could it have fallen to the Qin army?"
"Their forces were only tens of thousands strong. How could Gongsun Xin be so utterly useless?" the King of Wei said angrily.
This time, Wei had truly suffered a significant loss.
Qin hadn't even formally declared war on Wei, yet nearly a thousand li of territory and dozens of cities were already lost.
Moreover...
We had sworn to Zhao that Qin wouldn't use its land as a corridor to invade Zhao, but Qin had ultimately succeeded.
This was undoubtedly humiliating for the King of Wei.
"I misjudged the man."
"I accept full responsibility. Please mete out punishment, Your Majesty," Wei Wuji said, kneeling without excuses.
Seeing his uncle in such a state, the King of Wei...
The King of Wei, despite his boundless fury, could only transform his anger into helplessness.
Wei was lacking in capable people. If he truly punished Wei Wuji, then the state would be doomed.
Thinking of this, the King of Wei let out a sigh and said, "Uncle, it's not that I want to blame you, but I am unable to account for this to Zhao, to my court ministers, or the people of Wei."
"Qin has not even formally declared war on Wei, yet with just tens of thousands of troops, they have seized nearly a thousand li of Wei's territory and dozens of cities, forcibly carving a path through Wei to Zhao."
"How can I explain this to the people of Wei?"
At this point, the King of Wei was filled with despair.
Wei Wuji nodded, his old face showing guilt. "This is all my fault. If not for my defeat, Wei would not be in such a dire state."
"Alas," he sighed. "But there's no use dwelling on it now."
"In your opinion, Uncle, what should Wei do now?"
"Are we to simply watch as Qin seizes our territory and then comes for us after conquering Zhao?" The King of Wei spoke with deep concern.
He felt a searing pain over the loss of nearly a thousand li of land, but he was even more worried about what would come after. If Qin truly destroyed Zhao, the consequences and Wei's fate were all too predictable. Qin would undoubtedly find an excuse to turn its attention toward Wei.
Wei was running out of time.
"Fight to the death for survival," Wei Wuji said firmly.
"Gather all our forces, launch a counterattack against Qin, and reclaim the territories they took from us."
"But can Wei contend with Qin again if we wage war?" The King of Wei hesitated.
"My King," Wei Wuji responded gravely. "This is our last chance to choose. If we do not act now, Qin will inevitably attack us later."
"I understand that, but Wei has never gained the upper hand against Qin. Can we take back our territory?" The King of Wei's voice was filled with doubt.
"The decision rests with you, my King," Wei Wuji replied. "If you still trust me, I am willing to lead the army again to fight Qin and recover our land. If you choose to focus on defense, I will also stand by you and defend Wei with my life."
The final decision was left to the King of Wei.
Hearing this, the King of Wei fell into deep thought, his face showing his inner turmoil.
"Let's discuss this further," he finally said after a long silence, unable to make a firm decision.
If they launched another attack against Qin and failed, Wei would lose its final chance for survival.
Seeing this, Wei Wuji sighed deeply in his heart. He knew that the last chance for a counterattack had slipped away.
Nevertheless, he respected his king's decision, for Wei truly lacked the strength to contend with Qin.
"I understand," Wei Wuji said.
"Uncle," the King of Wei said as he stepped forward and grasped Wei Wuji's arm, speaking with a tone of desperation, "The safety of Wei, my safety, all rests on you now. Even though we won't attack Qin, we must remain vigilant. All of Wei's military power is yours to command. How we defend, how we safeguard our nation, is entirely up to you."
"I will do my utmost," Wei Wuji replied.
"Zhao Feng..."
"Qin... How can Qin have such a man?"
"Lian Po himself fell to him. Without Lian Po, can Zhao truly hold off Qin?" Wei Wuji thought grimly to himself.
Having fought Zhao Feng before, Wei Wuji knew all too well how formidable he was. Now that Zhao Feng had led a small army to take Lincheng, Wei Wuji's wariness of him grew even stronger.
Yet all he could feel now was helplessness.
After living for so many years, Wei Wuji...
Qin Capital, Xianyang
A squad of heralds galloped swiftly through the streets of Xianyang.
"Victory report! News from Zhao!"
"Our great Qin General Zhao Feng has slain Zhao's General Lian Po outside Jinyang!"
"Victory report! Our army has triumphed against Zhao!"
"General Zhao Feng has slain Lian Po outside Jinyang!"
As the heralds shouted, the streets of Xianyang were soon filled with astonished citizens stopping to listen.
"Is this true?"
"Lian Po is dead?"
"It seems so! And he was killed by one of our generals. But who was it again?"
"I heard clearly it was General Zhao Feng who killed Lian Po."
"Who is this Zhao Feng? His name sounds familiar."
"Wait, I remember now! This Zhao Feng was the one who defeated Wei Wuji when he attacked Qin's Yingchuan!"
"Right! This is the same Zhao Feng who defended Weicheng with fewer troops and crushed Wei Wuji's Wei Wu Zou soldiers."
"But wasn't he stationed in Yingchuan? How did he end up on the Zhao front? And how did he even get to Lincheng?"
"That's what's strange. Yingchuan is over a thousand li away from Zhao. Could Zhao Feng have pursued Wei's forces to Zhao?"
"I've heard Zhao Feng is extraordinary. He became a commander at sixteen, a deputy general at seventeen, and a full general before turning eighteen."
"He's the youngest full general in Qin's military a true legend!"
"You only know that Zhao Feng defeated Wei Wuji? Let me tell you, he also captured the King of Han when Qin conquered Han!"
"Really?"
"How can Zhao Feng be this powerful?"
As Zhao Feng's name spread through Xianyang, the entire city buzzed with discussion. His previous accomplishments and reputation also resurfaced, and today's triumph ensured that the citizens of Xianyang would remember his name.
After all, Lian Po was no obscure figure. His fame surpassed even Wei Wuji's. For Zhao Feng to have slain Lian Po meant his name would soon be known across the world.
Qin Palace, Throne Hall
A herald captain entered the hall quickly and knelt.
"News from Zhao!"
"General Zhao Feng has taken Lincheng, marched into Zhao, and slain Lian Po!"
"The detailed battle report is here for Your Majesty's review!"
The herald presented the report with both hands.
"Bring it here!"
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes lit up with excitement.
Zhao Gao immediately stepped forward to receive the report and handed it to the king.
At that moment, the ministers in the court were all stunned.
Although the report had not yet been read, the herald's loud announcement echoed in their ears.
"Zhao Feng... killed Lian Po?"
"How is that possible?"
"Wasn't Zhao Feng stationed in Yingchuan? How did he end up in Zhao? And how did he manage to attack Lincheng?"
"Lincheng is a city near the Zhao-Wei border. Did Zhao Feng pursue Wei's forces into Zhao?"
"Yingchuan is over a thousand li away from Zhao. How did he get there?"
The ministers murmured amongst themselves, their expressions filled with disbelief.
Only a select few, like Ying Zheng and Wei Liao, knew of Zhao Feng's secret mission to attack Lincheng.
When Ying Zheng finished reading the report, his face broke into a broad smile. His joy was unmistakable, and the heavy atmosphere in the hall lifted.
"Excellent!"
"Truly excellent!"
"Qin has produced a remarkable general!"
"Ministers," Ying Zheng announced, "General Zhao Feng led 60,000 troops northward, capturing 35 cities from Wei, reclaiming a thousand li of territory, and carving a path from Yingchuan to Zhao.
"Once in Zhao, he confronted Lian Po, destroyed two of his armies, and personally slew him in battle."
"Ministers, such a victory and such an achievement!"
"Zhao Feng is the most valiant and unparalleled general of Qin!"
The hall erupted with cheers.
"With Lian Po dead, Zhao has lost an arm."
"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"
Prime Minister Li Si was the first to step forward and offer his congratulations.
The other ministers quickly followed suit, all bowing to Ying Zheng.
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