It was not a mere doubt about the strength of the State of Yan.
Rather, the truth was that Yan's national power was inherently weak.
In the past, Zhao's army, with its 300,000 soldiers, had nearly wiped Yan off the map. Now, Qin's elite warriors were even stronger than Zhao's troops, possessing superior combat capabilities.
Moreover, under the personal command of Zhao Feng, their battle prowess increased several times over.
This war!
Zhao Feng was confident that with just the Wu'an Camp, he could wipe out Yan. There was no need for assistance from any other military divisions.
In the City
"Han Fei is currently in charge of the grain supply.
Send someone with my handwritten order ensure that provisions are delivered within two months."
Sitting in the grand hall of the former governor's mansion, Zhao Feng penned a letter and handed it to Han Chenyan beside him.
"Understood."
Han Chenyan respectfully accepted the order, then turned and left.
Once he was gone, Zhao Feng waved his hand, releasing a surge of true energy.
Boom!
The previously open palace doors shut tightly.
"Come out," Zhao Feng called out.
A black dragon slithered into view, coiling around Zhao Feng's side.
"As expected of a fierce beast… This baleful aura is truly a natural nourishment, far superior to spirit stones."
"It's already grown to nearly three meters."
Zhao Feng smiled as he gazed at the black dragon.
This war between Qin and Yan had begun at the border, crushing enemy outposts before capturing Yun Dong City. The battlefield was filled with killing intent.
If this had been in the past, even though mortals could not see this murderous aura, they would still feel an intense, bone-chilling cold upon stepping into the area.
Normally, only sunlight and time could gradually cleanse such an aura.
But with the presence of this ferocious black dragon, things were different.
All the gathered baleful energy was devoured by the creature, serving as nourishment for its growth.
From its original one-meter form, it had now reached three meters in length.
With more battles and more killing intent, its growth would only continue.
"Alright, go back and digest this energy.
I'll summon you again when another war begins."
With a flick of his hand, Zhao Feng sent the black dragon back into the pet space.
"Three meters now… My total attributes have increased by 5,000 points."
"This beast is truly extraordinary."
"If it fully matures, just how terrifying will it become?"
Zhao Feng was amazed by the attributes displayed before him.
Back then, when he had pushed all his attributes past 5,000 points, it had taken countless battles and the deaths of innumerable enemies.
Yet, the black dragon had gained such tremendous growth simply by feeding on baleful energy.
Nevertheless, Zhao Feng did not dwell on it for long.
Having the Data Saint Body, he could collect attributes and grow stronger a truly unique ability.
"Settle the kill-based attribute collection," Zhao Feng commanded.
System Notification
"Your forces have slain 35,674 enemies.
Collected 14,269 attribute points."
True Energy +1,500 points
Strength +2,425 points
Speed +1,685 points
Constitution +1,235 points
Spirit +1,124 points
Lifespan +6,300 days
Longevity Breakthrough?
"Prioritizing lifespan gain this is perfect."
"Until I figure out why my lifespan is capped at 150 years, the more I collect, the better."
Zhao Feng grinned as he reviewed his attribute panel.
Attribute Panel
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 21
True Energy: 14,578 (The stronger the energy, the greater the burst power. Equivalent to a Grandmaster Stage 1 warrior.)
Strength: 17,171 (Higher values result in greater physical force.)
Speed: 16,232 (Higher values indicate faster movement.)
Constitution: 14,863 (Improves recovery speed, stamina, and true energy regeneration.)
Spirit: 13,854 (Enhances perception and ability to absorb heaven and earth energy from a thousand meters away.)
Lifespan: 223 years (Capped at 500 years due to mysterious suppression.)
Merit Points: 1,125 (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 1,099 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Martial Dao Imperial Dragon Scripture (Grants +200 to all attributes per day.)
"I've finally broken into Grandmaster Stage 1 in True Energy."
"Previously, my True Energy capped at 10,000 points when I was at the peak of the Master stage. Now, I've passed the critical threshold."
"But that lifespan limit… My theory was correct."
"After reaching the Grandmaster realm, my lifespan should have increased to 500 years.
But just like when I was at the Master stage, my lifespan is still being suppressed."
"What is this mysterious rule?"
"Could it be that this world forbids cultivation?"
A deep sense of concern arose in Zhao Feng's heart.
If he could not break this limitation, his cultivation would never reach its full potential.
Even though he could extend his lifespan by collecting attribute points, he did not want to be the only one to live on.
He wanted his mother, his sister, and all his loved ones to live forever as well.
Even his subordinates those who fought by his side deserved a chance to surpass the mortal lifespan.
Cultivation.
That was the key to breaking free from this limitation.
If he had not figured out this mysterious rule, he would never be able to transcend mortality.
After pondering for a while, Zhao Feng sighed and shook his head.
"I'm still too weak.
I can't uncover this secret yet.
But… one day, I will."
For now, he pushed his concerns aside and activated his Martial Dao Imperial Dragon Scripture.
The surrounding heaven and earth energy surged toward him as his cultivation continued…
Behind Zhao Feng, two blood-red dragon shadows coiled around him, assisting in devouring the spiritual energy of the void. One of them had already materialized, while the other remained somewhat illusory.
Cultivating martial arts, condensing dragon shadows, capable of absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth, and wielding them against enemies.
However, Zhao Feng was currently only practicing the martial arts aspect of this technique. To fully unleash its power, he needed fate energy.
If one day, he could truly attain the fate of an entire nation, rather than that of a vassal, the full potential of this technique would be revealed. With fate energy as support, cultivation would become even stronger.
As time passed, the 300,000 troops of the Wu'an military camp moved out in full force, splitting into three divisions.
Cavalry charged ahead, cutting through the battlefield.
The reason Zhao's "Hu-style cavalry archery" once shook the world was due to its formidable strength. Now, under Qin's command, it remained just as powerful. Among all the states, only Qin and Chu truly utilized cavalry effectively.
For this battle, Zhao Feng had issued a single command to his three main generals:
"Seize the Yān state's cities as swiftly as possible before they can fully mobilize their troops. Engage and destroy any enemy forces encountered."
The cavalry and infantry worked in perfect coordination.
Their relentless assault forced the Yān state into a rapid retreat.
In less than a month, thirty-five cities in Yān's western territories had fallen.
Jì City – Capital of Yān
"Your Majesty!"
"The Qin army's advance is relentless!"
"General Qing Qin requests reinforcements for Yúyáng City. If we do not send additional troops, the city will not hold for more than a month!"
A messenger rushed into the court, his face pale with fear.
King Yān frowned deeply, his expression growing tense.
"In the past, when Zhao invaded, our Yān forces held out for nearly four months before they reached Yúyáng. How is it that the Qin army has reached it in just one month?"
"Your Majesty," a court official spoke tremblingly, "the Qin army is several times stronger than the former Zhao forces.
"They have no concerns about their rear, ample supplies, and face no external threats. Furthermore, Qin's supreme general Zhao Feng is personally leading the troops we simply cannot withstand them!"
"Zhao Feng! Again, it's Zhao Feng!"
"Why won't he die? Why won't he just die?!"
King Yān's face contorted in fury and despair.
At that moment, a chilling realization struck him his spy within Zhao Feng's ranks, his daughter, had not yet acted.
"How many troops can still be mobilized?" he asked coldly.
"Your Majesty, if we commit everything to defend Yúyáng, we must draw all troops from the surrounding areas of Jì City."
"At present, Yúyáng has 300,000 soldiers already 80% of our total forces."
"If we need more, only fresh recruits and the royal guards remain."
King Yān gritted his teeth in hesitation.
"Besides the royal guards, send every available soldier to Yúyáng!"
"As quickly as possible! Yúyáng must not fall! If it does, Yān will be doomed!"
A general immediately stepped forward.
"I will draft the orders to dispatch all available forces to reinforce Yúyáng!"
King Yān nodded but then turned to the court minister handling foreign affairs.
"What of our appeals to Qí and Chǔ?"
"Your Majesty," the minister sighed, "our envoys have reached both Qí and Chǔ, but their officials have made it clear the assassination attempt was real, and Yān is in the wrong.
"Qin has a justified cause for war, and Qí and Chǔ have no legal grounds to intervene."
"Furthermore, Qin's envoys are also in those states, openly condemning our actions."
King Yān's face darkened. He sighed deeply.
"What about Qin? Have they responded?"
"We have sent word that Yān is willing to offer any price for peace."
The minister shook his head.
"But Qin refuses to meet with our emissaries. They intend to destroy us."
King Yān's hands trembled in frustration.
"Send more envoys to Qí and Chǔ!"
"We must persuade them to act! If Yān falls, they will be next!"
"Make them understand the stakes! They must send reinforcements!"
At this point, King Yān had no other options.
Then, an official suddenly stepped forward.
"Your Majesty."
"In addition to our forces around Jì City, there is one more army that can be mobilized."
King Yān's eyes flashed.
"Where?"
"The eastern frontier our border army of 70,000 troops."
"What?!"
"The border army?"
"Those forces are meant to defend against the Dōnghú tribes! Even during our greatest crises, we have never deployed them!
"If we move them, and Dōnghú invades, we will be utterly doomed!"
King Yān clenched his teeth, his face full of struggle.
"Your Majesty!"
"This is Yān's moment of survival or destruction!"
"If we do not send more troops to protect Yúyáng, and the city falls, Yān will be finished!"
"The threat from Dōnghú is minor compared to the annihilation of our state!"
"Moreover..."
The official took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with madness.
"I have another proposal."
"One that might save Yān."
King Yān stared at him, eyes filled with desperate hope.
Right now, it seemed Yān had no way out.
If there truly was a solution, anything would be worth it.
"Speak!" King Yān ordered.
The official raised his head, his gaze fanatical.
"Send envoys to the Dōnghú tribes!"
"Request their aid in fighting against Qin!"
The court fell into stunned silence.
Then
"Impossible! Impossible!"
"You are inviting disaster upon Yān!"
An elder minister stood up, his voice filled with rage.
"The Dōnghú are foreign invaders! For centuries, they have been the enemies of our civilization!"
"The states of Huaxia once vowed if foreign tribes invade, all nations will unite against them!"
"If we summon them to fight Qin, even if we succeed, Yān will be condemned by all of Huaxia! Our royal bloodline will be forever cursed!"
"Your Majesty!"
"Even if we face destruction, we must fight Qin to the last soldier!"
"But to ally with foreign invaders that is treason against our very civilization!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Many officials knelt and pleaded.
"We are willing to die for Yān! But to betray our people and join with the enemy we cannot allow it!"
"If we do this, we will never recover!"
One by one, the ministers stood up, their expressions solemn as they advised King Yan.
Inside the court, nearly half of the ministers had risen to dissuade him.
Seeing this scene, King Yan slowly spoke, "Colluding with foreign tribes is an act of betraying our ancestors I will not commit such a disgraceful deed."
"General Sima, this matter is no longer up for discussion."
Hearing this, Sima Lin, though disappointed, stepped back. "Understood, Your Majesty."
"Ministers."
"The Qin state has made it clear that they intend to destroy our Yan state."
"I hope that you will all work together to resist Qin."
"Only by doing so can you retain your wealth and status. Otherwise, once Qin breaches our city walls, you will all become prisoners of war."
King Yan's words carried a warning tone, regardless of what the ministers truly thought.
"Enough."
"This court session is dismissed."
With a wave of his hand, King Yan stood up with a dark expression and left the hall.
"We respectfully see Your Majesty off," the Yan ministers called out in unison.
"How long has it been since Wu Yang last sent word back?"
As soon as he returned to the palace, King Yan questioned one of his intelligence ministers.
"Your Majesty," the agent replied immediately, "Princess Wu Yang has not sent any messages since Qin conquered Wei."
Hearing this, King Yan frowned. "Why was this not reported earlier?"
"Please quell your anger, Your Majesty."
The agent quickly knelt. "After the fall of Wei, General Zhao Feng returned to Xianyang. The princess previously reported that once Zhao Feng was back in his residence, it became difficult to pass along information. Therefore, I did not think much of it at the time."
King Yan's face darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes, filled with rage and killing intent. "Wu Yang... How dare she betray me?"
But as he thought about it, he quickly realized the truth Wu Yang was no longer following his orders.
The so-called assassination mission...
Was likely impossible now.
"Your Majesty, that can't be possible!"
"How would the princess dare to betray you?"
"After all, her mother... is still in the palace."
The agent cautiously offered his thoughts.
"A woman, once married, truly changes..."
"I treated her and her mother with such great kindness, yet she dares to betray me?"
"Go."
"Take her mother and every servant in her palace execute them all by beating!"
King Yan roared in fury.
The commander of the palace guards outside immediately accepted the order. "Your Majesty's will shall be done!"
"Your Majesty."
"Should we not investigate further?"
"If the princess has not betrayed Yan, this could be a grave mistake."
The agent asked nervously.
"For months, she has sent no messages."
"If I had known earlier that Zhao Feng was planning to attack Yan, would we have been caught in such a dire situation?"
"If that wretched girl had assassinated Zhao Feng, would my Yan state be under siege?"
King Yan's voice was filled with anger.
The agent dared not speak any further.
Yet, not long after, the palace guard commander rushed back.
"Your Majesty!"
"Madam Wu has disappeared, along with her closest maids!"
The commander knelt to report.
King Yan's expression changed. "What?"
Inside a courtyard within a small city, a group of black-clad figures stood before a dignified woman.
"Madam."
"Before Qin's forces reach Ji City, you and your attendants should stay here."
"Once the Grand General leads his army here, you will be completely safe."
"Rest assured, during this time, we will protect you."
The woman before them was none other than Madam Wu Yang.
She had already arrived at this small city days ago something King Yan had never suspected. He had not imagined that someone could slip past his heavily guarded palace to spirit her away.
But unfortunately for him, he was facing the Qin state's Yan Ting intelligence agency.
All of Yan Ting's agents were warriors.
And those assigned to field operations were the elite among them.
Moreover, this mission was led by Ying Bu himself.
"I am grateful for your efforts," Madam Wu Yang said with a slight bow.
"Ensure Madam's safety."
"Let no one disturb her."
Ying Bu turned to the hidden agents outside the courtyard and gave his orders.
"Understood!"
The agents responded in unison.
"Madam."
"I must report back to the Grand General. Until we meet again."
With a bow, Ying Bu turned and left.
Watching his retreating figure and the veiled agents standing guard, Madam Wu Yang was visibly moved.
"To take me out of the palace without a scratch such skill is terrifying."
"Fortunately, Wu Yang chose the right husband."
She thought to herself.
Qin State
"Your Majesty!"
"News from Yan state has arrived."
"Grand General Zhao Feng led the Wu'an army to attack in three directions. In just one month, they have conquered over thirty Yan cities and are now besieging Yuyang City."
"The fall of Yan... may be just months away!"
Minister Wei Liao reported with joy.
Atop his throne, Ying Zheng smiled.
"Zhao Feng has not disappointed me!"
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