Inside Yuyang City.
At Le Cheng's residence.
Many Yan soldiers were stationed outside, as if Qin Qing was determined to prevent Le Cheng from committing treason again.
Inside the residence, Le Cheng's several hundred personal guards stood on alert.
Although he held the rank of Grand General, the privileges granted to him were far less than those given to a Great Qin Grand General.
In other states, a Grand General was not allowed to have more than five hundred personal guards.
Le Cheng sat alone in his hall, drinking.
Suddenly
"Who's there?"
A few startled cries rang out from the guards outside.
The next moment, the sound of combat erupted.
Bang!
The hall doors burst open as several guards were thrown inside.
A black-clad figure rushed into the hall, almost instantly reaching Le Cheng.
"Who are you?"
Le Cheng's expression changed as he hurriedly grabbed the sword beside him.
"Qin."
The intruder uttered a single word.
Upon hearing it, Le Cheng's face darkened.
"A Qin operative hidden within the city?"
"You dare break into my residence?"
"Are you not afraid of death?"
Le Cheng gripped his sword tightly, his voice cold.
Outside the hall, Le Cheng's guards gathered, glaring at the intruder like hungry wolves.
"I come under the orders of Supreme General Zhao Feng, offering you a path to survival," the masked man, Ying Bu, said calmly.
His entire body was covered in black, revealing only his eyes.
At the mention of Zhao Feng's name, a glint flashed through Le Cheng's eyes.
He waved his hand.
The guards inside the hall withdrew immediately.
The hall doors shut.
"What does Zhao Feng want?"
"Speak plainly," Le Cheng said in a deep voice.
"The King of Yan distrusts you, and Qin Qing has now placed you under house arrest."
"Yan is powerless against Great Qin. Since the king does not trust you, why continue to fight for Yan?"
"Now is the perfect opportunity."
"If you assist our army in taking the city, Supreme General Zhao Feng will reward you generously."
Ying Bu's tone was solemn.
"My command has already been stripped. How can I assist?"
"You should leave now."
"I will pretend I never saw you today," Le Cheng said sternly.
"General Le,"
"Supreme General Zhao Feng has said that if you are willing to surrender, you will be granted high rank and great wealth."
"Do you think the King of Yan will reward you after this battle?"
"If Qin breaks through the city, the first person the Yan King will eliminate is you."
Ying Bu's voice remained steady.
Le Cheng appeared deep in thought.
After a long pause
"How can I trust your words?"
"If I help Qin enter the city, will Zhao Feng kill me once my usefulness is gone?"
Le Cheng feigned hesitation.
"Great Qin is not like Yan. We do not discard those who have served us," Ying Bu said firmly.
Le Cheng struggled for a moment before nodding. "Very well, I agree to assist you."
"Tomorrow, our army will launch the attack."
"How will you assist? How can our soldiers identify your forces?"
Ying Bu asked immediately.
"Though my command has been revoked, Qin Qing has not yet removed the authority of my trusted officers. I still control around forty to fifty thousand troops, all stationed at the eastern gate."
"I will order all my soldiers to tie black cloth around their arms. Zhao Feng need only send his troops through the eastern gate," Le Cheng said after some thought.
Ying Bu frowned slightly. "Why not lead your men to attack Qin Qing's western gate?"
A cold light flashed in Le Cheng's eyes.
"My forces alone cannot change the tide of battle. Even with tens of thousands of troops, I cannot breach Qin Qing's defenses."
"But if Qin's army enters the city, we can launch a pincer attack."
Understanding dawned on Ying Bu's face. "I see. The alliance is sealed. I will send word to Supreme General Zhao Feng immediately."
"Tell him,"
"The King of Yan suspects me, and Qin Qing has placed me under guard."
"I have had enough."
"Tomorrow, when Qin attacks, I will open the eastern gate and welcome them in."
Le Cheng's tone carried deep resentment toward Yan.
"It is settled."
"Once we take the city, Supreme General Zhao Feng will personally thank you," Ying Bu said excitedly.
He clasped his hands in salute, then turned and walked toward the exit.
Le Cheng followed. "I'll see you out."
Outside the hall, Le Cheng's guards were still eyeing Ying Bu warily.
But upon seeing Le Cheng's calm demeanor, none of them made a move.
"General Le, until tomorrow."
Ying Bu smiled, then pulled out a grappling hook, tossing it onto the roof.
With a swift motion, he scaled the building and disappeared into the night.
As he vanished, one of Le Cheng's guards stepped forward. "General, are we truly defecting to Qin?"
"Who said that?"
"My surrender to Zhao was a last resort to save my ten thousand soldiers from senseless slaughter."
"But now, Yan stands on the brink of destruction. Even if the king does not trust me, how could I betray my nation?"
"Come, we must meet with Qin Qing."
Le Cheng's smile carried a decisive, unwavering resolve.
At Qin Qing's residence.
After hearing Le Cheng's words, Qin Qing's eyes shone with admiration, followed by a hint of guilt.
He stood and bowed deeply. "General Le, please accept my respect."
"General Qin, why do you bow?"
Le Cheng hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.
"I doubted you before, but today, you have earned my utmost respect."
"This is a rare chance to deal a heavy blow to Qin."
"You could have chosen a different path, yet you sacrificed your safety for the sake of Yan."
"Such loyalty commands my admiration," Qin Qing said sincerely.
"When I surrendered to Zhao, the world branded me a traitor. But this time, I will show them I stand with my nation until the end."
Le Cheng's voice was firm.
Qin Qing nodded solemnly, fully trusting Le Cheng now.
"The eastern gate will be opened to lure them in. General Le, you will cut off their retreat. We will crush them inside the city."
"Zhao Feng is hailed as Qin's war god, undefeated in battle. But this time, he will suffer defeat in Yuyang."
"If we defeat Zhao Feng, both you and I will become legends. And if we break Qin's advance, perhaps Qi and Chu will finally abandon their neutrality and send aid to Yan."
"We may yet avert destruction."
Excitement gleamed in Qin Qing's eyes.
For the first time, he saw a chance to repel the invincible Qin army.
More importantly
To defeat Zhao Feng.
Power and prestige were not the only desires of great warriors fame was just as vital.
Zhao Feng had never known defeat.
If they could take him down, Qin Qing would become one of the most renowned generals in history.
Lian Po and Li Mu's renowned names would soon be overshadowed by his name Qing Qin.
At this thought, Qing Qin couldn't help but feel delighted.
Qin Army Camp!
Zhao Feng and his generals were still discussing the attack strategy.
It was already late at night.
"Great General."
Zhang Ming slowly walked in from outside.
"How is it?" Zhao Feng looked up at Zhang Ming.
"Reporting, Great General."
"This is a secret report from our covert agents within the city." Zhang Ming respectfully handed a sealed document to Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng took it, opened it, and upon reading its contents, a smile crept onto his face.
"The state of Yan has no capable generals."
"Arrogant fools."
"Do they think I'm that stupid?"
"But this time, they've fallen right into my trap." A cold smirk appeared on Zhao Feng's face.
He then handed the secret report to Zhang Ming.
Zhang Ming immediately understood and took the report to the three lead generals, letting them read it one by one.
"At first glance, the Great General's strategy appears to be an attempt to win over Le Cheng. From the surface, it seems like Le Cheng would agree, leading him to believe that the Great General genuinely trusts him," Zhang Han said with a smile.
"Indeed, from the outside, it looks that way. Initially, even though we were convinced that we were truly trying to turn Le Cheng into an insider," Li You agreed.
"If we couldn't see through it ourselves, Le Cheng certainly wouldn't either."
"And Le Cheng will surely report this to Qing Qin."
"Right now, they're probably planning to ambush our army when we enter the city through Yuyang's east gate," Tu Sui chuckled.
This strategy, at first glance, appeared to be a genuine attempt to recruit an insider, making it seemingly feasible.
"Le Cheng may seem disloyal and untrustworthy, but in reality, he is deeply loyal to Yan."
"Convincing him to surrender is impossible."
"But precisely because of that, I can use him to my advantage," Zhao Feng said in a deep voice.
With the strength of Wu'an's army and Zhao Feng personally leading the charge, breaching the city wouldn't be difficult.
But the real challenge lay in the battle after breaking through.
The Yan army inside the city numbered no fewer than 300,000 troops.
And the King of Yan had given Qing Qin strict orders to defend the city at all costs.
With so many troops inside the city, even if they were just 300,000 chickens, it would take time to slaughter them all let alone living, breathing soldiers.
Once inside, the fighting would be brutal.
Zhao Feng didn't care about the lives of the Yan soldiers, but he did care about the safety of his men.
If there was a way to reduce casualties, he would take it.
"For Qing Qin to completely wipe out my invading forces, he will need at least 100,000 troops, if not more. This means the forces defending the western gate will be significantly weakened."
"As long as our army enters through the east gate and then breaks through the west gate, Yuyang City will be surrounded by us."
"I am willing to lead my cavalry through the east gate and carve a bloody path," Zhang Han immediately requested.
"Good," Zhao Feng nodded.
With the city gates open, cavalry would have the best chance to break through the enemy's defenses quickly.
"The east gate is critical. You will personally lead 50,000 cavalry to attack."
"Tu Sui, you will lead 50,000 infantry to support." Zhao Feng ordered.
"Understood!"
Both generals responded in unison.
"As for the west gate..."
"I will personally lead the attack."
"200,000 troops will focus on it."
"The assault begins at noon tomorrow." Zhao Feng declared.
"Yes, sir!"
All three generals responded.
"That's all."
"Rest for now."
With his orders given, Zhao Feng spoke no further.
"We take our leave."
The generals bowed and withdrew.
"Le Cheng..."
"Nothing but a pawn."
Zhao Feng chuckled.
He was certain that at this very moment, Qing Qin and Le Cheng were meticulously planning tomorrow's ambush against his forces.
After so many battles, Zhao Feng had learned a crucial lesson
Never trust anyone without reason.
Especially not an enemy general.
Le Cheng's loyalty to Yan was unquestionable, if not for anything else, then for the simple fact that his family resided in Ji City.
The Next Morning
At dawn, the Qin army stood before Yuyang once more.
West Gate
Zhao Feng personally commanded the troops.
"Attack!"
With a thunderous roar from Zhao Feng,
A thousand catapults, tens of thousands of archers,
Countless boulders and arrows rained down upon the city.
The Qin army's battle tactics emphasized ranged suppression.
Meanwhile, at the East Gate,
The Qin forces steadily approached, waiting for their moment.
Inside the city.
"Great General!"
"A Qin force is approaching the east gate!"
A subordinate reported to Qing Qin.
"Has General Le Cheng made his preparations?" Qing Qin asked.
"Everything is ready."
"The moment you give the order, General Le Cheng will signal the Qin army to enter the city."
"All preparations have been made. The eastern district has been completely emptied. Once the Qin troops enter, even if there are 100,000 of them, we can wipe them out!" The subordinate said excitedly.
"Good."
Qing Qin nodded in satisfaction, a smile forming on his face.
"This means I only need to focus on defending the west gate and stopping Zhao Feng. Victory will be ours."
"Congratulations, General!"
"If we defeat Zhao Feng, you will become a legendary general known across the land!"
"Our Yan state will be saved!"
The surrounding officers eagerly flattered Qing Qin.
Hearing these praises, Qing Qin couldn't help but smile.
"For the glory of Yan!"
Qing Qin shouted.
"For the glory of Yan!"
All the officers shouted in unison.
Just then
"Wind! Wind! Wind!"
"Strong wind!"
A thunderous roar shook the heavens.
Countless arrows rained down upon Yuyang.
"The Qin army is launching their assault!"
"Pass my orders!"
"Defend the city at all costs!"
"Do not allow the Qin army to advance even a step!"
"Any soldier who dares to flee will be executed by the discipline officers!"
"I will personally oversee the defense of the inner city!" Qing Qin roared.
"Understood!"
The surrounding officers responded in unison.
Time passed.
Countless arrows descended, causing significant casualties among the Yan troops.
Yet Zhao Feng still did not order an advance.
Instead, he looked up at the sky.
Soon
Noon arrived.
Zhao Feng slowly unsheathed his Longquan sword.
He stepped down from his war chariot.
And walked to the vanguard formation that had been awaiting his command.
The next moment
Zhao Feng turned, his voice like thunder:
"Warriors of Great Qin!"
"I am Zhao Feng!"
"Vanguard Commander!"
"As always"
"I will lead the charge, and you will follow!"
"If I fall, the attack must not cease!"
"For Great Qin Attack!"
With a mighty roar,
Zhao Feng charged alone, shield in one hand, Longquan sword in the other, rushing toward the gates of Yuyang.
"For the Great General fight to the death!"
"For the Great General fight to the death!"
"Kill!"
Behind him, countless elite soldiers shouted in unison, their voices filled with an unstoppable fighting spirit as they charged forward, following Zhao Feng's lead.
As always, Zhao Feng was at the forefront, boosting the morale of his troops to the sky.
With the presence of their supreme general on the battlefield, every soldier felt an immense sense of encouragement.
Additionally, the blessing of the Qi Yun Seal further amplified their momentum.
As the army advanced, the very ground before Yuyang City trembled violently.
"Kill!"
"Release the arrows!"
"Swear to resist the Qin army to the death!"
The Yan soldiers atop the city walls roared furiously.
Countless arrows rained down from the city, while catapults within the walls hurled massive boulders relentlessly.
This was the Yan Kingdom's final battle for survival.
If Yuyang City fell, Yan would be doomed.
Thus, they had no choice but to fight with everything they had.
Both armies exchanged volleys of arrows.
Amidst the chaotic rain of arrows, countless soldiers on both sides fell, their bodies riddled with shafts, turning the battlefield into a scene of carnage.
At the forefront, Zhao Feng moved swiftly, dodging the falling arrows with astonishing precision. His powerful divine sense allowed him to perceive each arrow's trajectory, preventing any from touching him.
Had he not been deliberately restraining himself, his terrifying speed alone could have carried him to the city gates in just a few breaths.
If he had chosen to unleash his full power, he wouldn't have even needed his shield his sheer speed and agility would have rendered enemy attacks futile.
At an extraordinary pace, Zhao Feng rapidly closed in on the city gate.
"Slash!"
Without hesitation, he raised the Dragon Spring Sword.
The vast true qi within his dantian surged, concentrating into a single strike.
This was a simple sword swing, void of any sophisticated techniques. Yet, as the blade descended, a crimson sword aura erupted forth.
With a thunderous roar
The once-sturdy city gate was instantly cleaved in two.
The sword aura tore through the gate as if it were paper, without losing any momentum.
The instant the gate shattered, dozens of Yan soldiers standing just beyond were caught in the blast.
"Ahh! Aghh!"
Screams of agony filled the air.
The sword aura ripped through them mercilessly, killing them before they could even react.
In mere moments, dozens of corpses lay strewn across the ground.
"Killed one Yan soldier, gained 1 point of strength."
"Killed one Yan soldier, gained 1 day of lifespan."
"Killed one Yan soldier, gained 1 point of constitution."
…
Just as always
Each enemy slain granted Zhao Feng valuable attributes.
In an instant, he had already harvested dozens of stat points.
Without pausing, Zhao Feng advanced.
The Dragon Spring Sword in his hand gleamed with a blood-red radiance.
Inside the city, the surviving Yan soldiers were paralyzed with shock, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.
Yet, driven by military discipline, they swiftly regrouped, surging forward to block the breach in their defenses.
"Kill!"
Zhao Feng stepped forward into the city.
With a casual swing of his sword
Another surge of sword aura erupted, sweeping through the enemy ranks.
Here, at the city gate, not a single Yan soldier would be spared.
Every strike Zhao Feng unleashed cut down at least a dozen foes.
Behind him, his two thousand personal guards followed closely.
These warriors were fiercely loyal to Zhao Feng, each one a skilled martial artist.
As Zhao Feng charged, they stormed in after him.
Led by Zhang Ming, who possessed innate martial talent, they carved a bloody path through the enemy ranks.
The two thousand elite guards fought with an intensity that surpassed even entire legions, their combined might overwhelming the defenders.
With Zhao Feng at the helm, the slaughter at the city gate turned the ground into a veritable charnel house.
As they continued their advance, they steadily expanded their foothold inside the city.
Outside the walls, the Qin archers rained down volley after volley of arrows, suppressing enemy troops both on the walls and within the city itself.
Meanwhile
At Yuyang City's east gate.
The appointed time had arrived.
The massive gate, which had been tightly shut, was now flung wide open.
Inside the city, Yan soldiers waved black banners, signaling to the Qin army outside.
Seeing this, a cold smirk appeared on Zhang Han's face.
"So, it's finally happening."
"Brothers, listen up!"
"We ride straight through!"
"Anyone who dares stand in our way kill them!"
With a single command, Zhang Han's voice echoed across the battlefield.
"We obey the general's orders!"
Five thousand cavalrymen roared in unison.
Behind them, Zhuang Wei led another five thousand infantrymen, prepared to follow.
"Charge!"
With a fierce battle cry, Zhang Han spurred his horse forward.
The warhorse beneath him surged ahead like a raging storm.
"Follow the general!"
With thunderous cries, five thousand cavalrymen charged forward in unison.
Among them, a thousand personal guards loyal to Zhao Feng rode alongside Zhang Han.
These warriors, too, had cultivated martial arts and reached the Postnatal Realm.
From the east city gate tower
The Yan commander overseeing the battlefield sneered as he watched the Qin cavalry approach.
"Zhao Feng, your reputation is empty."
"Once you march into this city, we will cut off your retreat. Then, you'll be nothing more than fish in a barrel!"
A massive tide of cavalry surged forward.
Inside the eastern city gate
The area had been entirely cleared, as per Le Cheng's orders.
Zhang Han rode in without encountering any obstacles.
Behind him, his personal guards and elite soldiers followed, quickly spreading out and securing tactical positions.
As soon as they entered, a Yan deputy general rushed forward to greet them.
"By orders of General Le Cheng, I have come to assist the Great Qin army."
"Please, General, bring your forces inside swiftly!"
"My troops will coordinate with you in attacking the Yan soldiers within the city!"
Hearing these words
A mocking smile crept onto Zhang Han's face.
"Is that so?"
In the next moment
He thrust his spear forward without warning.
Before the Yan deputy general could react
With a sickening squelch
The spear pierced straight through his body.
"Ahh!"
A bloodcurdling scream rang out.
The Yan officer stared at Zhang Han in shock and confusion, his eyes filled with disbelief.
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