On a road leading to Handan, the ground was littered with corpses.
Zhao Feng sat amidst the blood-soaked battlefield, casually eating dry rations in one hand and holding a water bottle in the other.
He was the only one who could eat with such relish amid such carnage.
His soldiers, too, were calmly eating their rations, as if indifferent to the bloodshed around them. Only a few were still patrolling the battlefield, ensuring no Zhao soldier survived. The rest of the elite troops were seated, munching on their rations and sipping from their water bottles.
Back when they launched the attack on Wu'an City, Zhao Feng had ordered the army's quartermasters to prepare at least six days' worth of rations. As a result, while the other divisions were still clearing Wu'an City and cleaning up the battlefield, Zhao Feng had already led his troops in pursuit of the fleeing Zhao forces.
"General," Tu Sui approached Zhao Feng and reported, "we've just eliminated another two thousand Zhao soldiers. I must say, these Zhao soldiers are remarkably good at running away."
"Order the other commanders to pursue with all their might," Zhao Feng instructed coldly. "We must regroup at Handan within half a month. This time, it must be our army that reaches Handan first."
"Yes, General," Tu Sui saluted respectfully.
"Go take a break," Zhao Feng nodded. Tu Sui bowed and left.
For this pursuit, Zhao Feng had not consolidated his forces. Instead, he split his ten brigades into smaller units to maximize their ability to chase and kill the retreating Zhao forces.
In this campaign, Zhao Feng had no intention of taking prisoners. Any Zhao soldier caught by his troops met only one fate death.
"Settle the battle achievements and harvest the attributes," Zhao Feng commanded.
Over the past three days of relentless fighting, Zhao Feng and his troops had reaped significant rewards. Zhao Feng himself had personally slain many, and his elite soldiers had cut down even more.
"Host's troops have killed 32,542 enemies, earning 10,848 attribute points," the system interface reported.
"Gained 1,120 points of True Qi."
"Gained 1,512 points of Strength."
"Gained 1,256 points of Speed."
"Gained 1,602 points of Constitution."
"Gained 1,500 points of Spirit."
"Gained 3,650 days of lifespan."
"Another ten years of life," Zhao Feng thought to himself with satisfaction.
"To forge my path to immortality with the blood of my enemies."
In Zhao Feng's eyes, there was nothing cruel about this. This was the inevitability of war, a tide of history that he was merely riding. As a participant in Qin's unification of the land, Zhao Feng was leveraging this grand trend to enhance his strength and extend his lifespan.
As these attribute points were integrated into Zhao Feng's body, the True Qi within his dantian began to flow naturally, coursing through his meridians. His True Qi surged, becoming denser and more powerful.
At the same time, his Strength, Constitution, and Spirit saw substantial improvements.
If his strength were to be categorized by martial arts standards, Zhao Feng felt he could now slay even a martial grandmaster at their peak.
"Still, I need a chance to fully unleash my strength and get a better sense of my limits," Zhao Feng mused. Until now, he had rarely displayed his full power. The only time he had used martial techniques was during the chaos in Wu'an City, in an isolated area where no survivors could witness it.
"Show me the attribute panel," Zhao Feng commanded.
The system interface displayed his current attributes:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 18
True Qi: 4,100 (The stronger the True Qi, the more potent and explosive its power.)
Strength: 9,200 (The higher the strength, the greater the power one can unleash.)
Speed: 8,856 (The higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Constitution: 8,236 (A stronger constitution improves recovery speed, stamina, and True Qi regeneration.)
Spirit: 8,046 (Spiritual energy can extend outward by 80 zhang, enhancing absorption of spiritual energy from the void.)
Lifespan: 155 years + 8,100 days
Merit: 563 points (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 59 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Art
Martial Techniques: Dragon Subduing Palm, Explosive Fist...
"This doesn't make sense," Zhao Feng furrowed his brow.
"With my True Qi surpassing 4,000, I should already be at the level of a grandmaster. Why hasn't my lifespan increased? It's still stuck at 155 years."
When he had initially broken through to the Xiantian stage, his lifespan had risen to 155 years. Since then, the additional lifespan he had acquired came solely from the lives taken on the battlefield over 8,100 days or 22 years. Yet advancing to the grandmaster level hadn't added any further years.
"Could it be that my True Qi needs to surpass 5,000 to increase my lifespan?" Zhao Feng pondered.
After a moment of thought, he dismissed it. He would see if his lifespan increased once his True Qi exceeded 5,000.
"My lord," Zhang Ming approached Zhao Feng and reported in a low voice, "as per your instructions, the Yan Ting covert operatives have been dispatched to the northern border."
"Did you make everything clear to them?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Yes, everything was explained. Once they find the target, they are to bring them back to the camp for your judgment," Zhang Ming replied confidently.
"Good," Zhao Feng nodded.
After resting for over an hour, Zhao Feng stood and shouted, "Brothers! Move out! We must reach Handan as quickly as possible."
"We will follow the general to the death!"
The soldiers around him roared in unison, their eyes filled with fervent respect for Zhao Feng.
The title of "War God" resonated deeply among his troops, inspiring awe and devotion.
Mounting his horse and gripping his spear, Zhao Feng led his troops toward Handan. Along the way, any Zhao forces they encountered would face only death.
As Zhao Feng and his army departed, the blood-soaked battlefield was left for the logistical teams to clean up.
Meanwhile, in Dai Commandery, a group of several hundred cavalry was racing toward Handan.
At the forefront were two imposing Zhao generals.
"General," one of them, Sima Shang, said gravely, "I think it was unwise for you to relinquish your military command."
"With the command surrendered and us returning to Handan, we're nothing more than meat on the chopping block," Sima Shang lamented.
"The king's decree has been issued, and Yan Ju is already leading his troops here. What else can we do? Do you want to rebel?" Li Mu, the other general, replied sharply.
"But…" Sima Shang hesitated.
"Enough!" Li Mu interrupted. "We are subjects of Zhao. The king's decree leaves no room for negotiation. Besides, our families are still in Handan. Are you prepared to abandon them?"
Sima Shang fell silent, nodding reluctantly.
As their cavalry sped through a forested path toward Handan, the tension in the air was palpable.
Suddenly.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Arrows rained down like a storm, shooting toward Li Mu and his bodyguards without warning.
Caught completely off guard, screams echoed through the air.
"Ahhh! Ahhh!"
Hundreds of bodyguards were struck by the barrage of arrows and fell from their galloping horses, suffering heavy casualties in an instant.
The remaining bodyguards quickly regained their composure.
"Enemy attack!"
"Protect the Grand General immediately!"
"Hurry!"
The surviving bodyguards halted their advance, closed ranks around Li Mu, and drew their swords, scanning their surroundings with intense vigilance.
But by now, it was already too late.
From the surrounding woods, thousands of armored Zhao soldiers emerged, bows at the ready. Several heavy crossbows had even been brought along, pointing directly at Li Mu's group.
"Grand General is here! Who sent you?!"
"How dare you!"
Sima Shang drew his sword and shouted angrily at the Zhao soldiers.
"Fire! Leave no one alive!"
The response was a cold order from the Zhao officer leading the ambush.
As his voice fell, the Zhao soldiers, surrounding Li Mu and his group, unleashed a hail of arrows. The heavy crossbows joined in, their bolts flying with immense force, tearing through the air toward their targets.
Faced with this grim scene, a look of despair appeared in Li Mu's eyes.
He wasn't foolish.
From the sight of these armored soldiers, he instantly understood who had sent them.
"The king…"
"Am I fated to die by your hand?" Li Mu sighed deeply, his heart filled with bitter disappointment.
"Kill! Protect the Grand General and retreat to Dai Commandery!" Sima Shang shouted.
Immediately, the bodyguards sprang into action. Drawing their bows, they spurred their horses forward, charging toward the surrounding Zhao soldiers.
These were Zhao's elite Hu cavalry, masters of mounted archery.
Arrows shot forth in rapid succession, cutting down waves of Zhao soldiers.
This was the unparalleled might of Zhao's famed Hu cavalry, once the force that expanded Zhao's territory.
However, the overwhelming numbers of the ambushers two to three thousand strong gave them an undeniable advantage. With several heavy crossbows bolstering their ranks and the ambush meticulously planned, Li Mu's group stood no chance of escape.
It didn't take long for the bodyguards to be completely wiped out, leaving only Li Mu and Sima Shang surrounded by Zhao soldiers.
"Before I die, let me at least understand the truth."
"Did the king truly want me dead?"
Li Mu fixed his gaze on the Zhao officer, his voice filled with a sorrowful sigh.
"Since the Grand General already understands, there's no need for further explanation."
"In consideration of your service to Zhao, I suggest you end your own life. It's a more dignified way to go." The Zhao officer spoke coldly.
Despite his respect for Li Mu as a general, he was bound to obey his orders.
Perhaps he did admire Li Mu, but loyalty to his orders came first.
Hearing this, Li Mu suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"To think…"
"All my life, I served Zhao with unwavering loyalty, only to meet such an end."
Beside him, Sima Shang was filled with rage.
"The Grand General has devoted himself to our nation! How could the king treat him like this?"
"If the world learns of this, the king will be scorned by all!"
The Zhao officer shook his head.
"After today, when you are both dead…"
"The world will believe that Qin forces ambushed and killed you. The king will use your prestige to rally the army and civilians against Qin, igniting a collective hatred across Zhao."
Hearing this, Li Mu chuckled bitterly.
"The king truly is calculating. Not only does he eliminate me, but he also gains control over Dai Commandery's forces."
"Enough. Grand General, it's time to send you on your way."
The Zhao officer cast a cold glance at Li Mu.
"Even if I die, I won't take my own life. If you want my head, come and take it!"
Li Mu sneered and drew his sword.
Sima Shang followed suit, gripping his weapon tightly and glaring defiantly.
As warriors, they would choose to die fighting rather than take their own lives.
"Kill them!"
The Zhao officer wasted no time, giving the order.
The surrounding Zhao soldiers charged forward, aiming for Li Mu and Sima Shang.
It seemed they were giving Li Mu one final honor letting him die in battle.
However, just as the soldiers closed in
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Another volley of arrows suddenly flew in from one side, striking down many Zhao soldiers in the back.
Immediately after, hundreds of black-clad figures emerged from three directions, charging toward the Zhao soldiers.
Although outnumbered, these black-clad men showed no fear.
"Grand General! Reinforcements have arrived to save us!"
Sima Shang exclaimed, a glimmer of hope lighting up his face.
But Li Mu's brow furrowed deeply.
At this moment, who would come to rescue them?
Could it be the border commanders in Dai Commandery?
That was impossible.
Not even Li Mu himself had known about the king's intent to kill him. The commanders in Dai Commandery would be even less likely to know.
Moreover, military authority was no longer in his hands; it had been transferred to Yan Ju.
"Who dares interfere with this execution?!"
The Zhao officer was shocked and furious.
This ambush was a top-secret mission. No one should have known about it.
Yet these black-clad individuals were not ordinary fighters. They moved like seasoned veterans, each step calculated.
While advancing, they unleashed a hail of arrows. Once close, they switched to crossbows, continuing their lethal assault.
Under their onslaught, the Zhao soldiers fell in waves.
"Kill!"
The leader of the black-clad group shouted, his eyes fixed on the Zhao officer.
In an instant, the man dashed forward, his sword flashing as it cut down Zhao soldiers with precise, fatal strikes.
The other black-clad fighters displayed extraordinary skill. While not as fast as their leader, their movements were sharper and quicker than those of ordinary soldiers.
They split up, giving the Zhao soldiers no chance to regroup, aiming for the kill with every strike.
Within moments, the Zhao soldiers' formation was torn apart.
"Who are you people?!"
The Zhao officer shouted in rage, but before he could react, the black-clad leader was upon him.
Without a word, the leader thrust his sword forward, piercing the Zhao officer's throat and killing him instantly.
The remaining Zhao soldiers, seeing their commander fall, panicked. Many began fleeing in all directions.
The black-clad leader raised his hand, signaling his men.
Several of the fighters advanced toward Li Mu and Sima Shang.
"These men are highly trained…"
"And their techniques are designed purely for killing."
Li Mu watched in shock as the black-clad figures approached.
Just as he was about to question them, the leader stepped forward.
The black-clad men gave them no chance to speak.
With ghost-like speed, two of them closed in on Li Mu and Sima Shang, delivering a swift hand chop.
The two were knocked unconscious on the spot.
The black-clad men hoisted Li Mu and Sima Shang onto their shoulders without hesitation.
"Retreat!"
The leader of the black-clad group barked a cold order. Without lingering on the battlefield, the group swiftly carried Li Mu and Sima Shang away.
Their arrival had been abrupt, and their departure was just as sudden.
Not a single black-clad corpse was left behind on the battlefield. Despite killing several hundred Zhao soldiers, they managed to withdraw entirely unscathed.
This group of black-clad men seemed both mysterious and extraordinarily powerful.
"What… what do we do now?"
"The commander is dead."
"What's next for us?" A trembling voice came from one of the military officers.
"Are those people human or ghosts?"
"They seemed like specters. Their masks alone looked terrifying," another officer muttered.
"They were like demons. Horrifying," a third officer said, shivering.
"Who could they possibly be?"
"Who knows? We'd better report this truthfully," another officer suggested.
The Zhao soldiers who had scattered and survived were now exchanging fearful glances. The entire encounter had left them shaken.
For these county troops, the black-clad men seemed like a glimpse of the underworld. Merely surviving the ordeal felt like a stroke of incredible luck.
After all, they weren't the Zhao Kingdom's elite soldiers just ordinary county troops.
Their success in wiping out Li Mu's guards had been entirely due to the advantages of numbers and an ambush.
If they had faced Li Mu's guards in a head-on battle with equal numbers, they would have stood no chance.
Outside Handan City
Zhao Feng's army had already set up camp.
Originally ten thousand strong, Zhao Feng's forces had been reduced to nine thousand after the battle at Wu'an. Among the missing thousand, three to four hundred had died, while the rest were recovering in the medical camp.
Such battle readiness could only be credited to Zhao Feng's fortune-bound seal.
This seal doubled the morale and combat strength of his troops, elevating even inexperienced soldiers to formidable warriors.
With such an advantage, it was clear why Zhao Feng stood unrivaled on the battlefield.
"Master, we've just received a report."
"Ying Bu has succeeded."
Zhang Ming entered Zhao Feng's command tent and respectfully delivered the news.
"Details," Zhao Feng said immediately, his expression turning serious at the mention of Ying Bu.
"Just as you predicted," Zhang Ming began.
"Someone in the Zhao Kingdom wants Li Mu dead. They sent three thousand soldiers to ambush him.
"In the battle, Li Mu's five hundred personal guards were completely wiped out. Both Li Mu and his deputy, Sima Shang, were injured and rescued by our Yan Court forces."
"What were the results?"
"Any casualties on our side?" Zhao Feng asked.
This was Yan Court's first mission. Five hundred elite operatives had been dispatched, and Zhao Feng was eager to hear about their performance.
"Master, you won't believe how strong Yan Court is."
"In this battle, our five hundred Yan Court operatives killed over six hundred Zhao soldiers.
"And not a single one of our operatives died. Every single one of them returned safely," Zhang Ming reported, his excitement evident.
Hearing this, a smile spread across Zhao Feng's face.
"It seems Yan Court's training has paid off."
"Impressive."
"Complete success and no casualties. I'm very pleased."
"Of course, Master. Yan Court operatives have benefited from your unparalleled resources, undergone Bone Tempering Elixir refinement, and trained in martial techniques you bestowed upon them."
"If they still suffered heavy losses in such an ambush, they'd truly be letting you down," Zhang Ming remarked with a laugh.
"What of Li Mu and Sima Shang? Are they properly secured?" Zhao Feng asked.
"They've been taken to a safe house and placed under guard. We await your instructions for their handling," Zhang Ming replied respectfully.
"Ensure they're treated well, with ample food and drink."
"Once Zhao is conquered, I'll deal with them," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"As you command," Zhang Ming nodded.
"Li Mu and Sima Shang…"
"I originally only wanted Li Mu, but getting Sima Shang as well is an unexpected bonus."
"After this experience, they'll surely lose all faith in the Zhao Kingdom. It won't be hard to bring them to my side."
"In the Qin Dynasty's final days, they'll be vital assets in my pursuit of power," Zhao Feng said, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
He had always intended to use his knowledge of history to his advantage.
Li Mu, one of the Four Great Generals of the Warring States period, had been tragically betrayed by a treacherous minister in the historical record a waste of such talent.
So Zhao Feng took action.
After learning of Li Mu's recall to Handan, Zhao Feng sent men to monitor the situation, with orders to intervene if anyone made a move against Li Mu.
If no one targeted him, Zhao Feng's men would still "kidnap" him.
However, if someone did act against Li Mu, that would be ideal it would deepen Li Mu's disillusionment with the Zhao Kingdom, making him easier to recruit later.
"Too bad for Lian Po, though," Zhao Feng mused.
"Loyal to a fault, and too old now."
"As for Wang Jian, he's steadfastly loyal to Qin and will pass away before the Qin Dynasty's fall."
"Li Mu is the only one left a man in his prime. If he survives, he'll shine during the chaotic end of the Qin Dynasty."
"Of course, if he refuses to serve me…"
Zhao Feng's expression hardened.
"Then I'll kill him.
"The late Qin era will have no shortage of talent for me to recruit."
Zhao Feng was already laying the groundwork for the future.
By then, Yan Court would be an unstoppable force.
At that moment
"Report!"
"Master, the Grand General has arrived."
"The army has set up camp, and the Grand General invites you to discuss strategy," a guard reported respectfully.
"The Grand General is finally here," Zhang Ming said with a proud smile.
After all, Zhao Feng had arrived at Handan more than ten days ahead of them a feat worth boasting about!
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 290+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader