Qin-Qi Border!
A hundred thousand troops stood at the ready.
The State of Qi, which did not directly border the northern barbarian territories, was now surrounded by the vast lands of Great Qin.
At this moment, Qi was utterly isolated and without allies.
A hundred thousand black-armored cavalry had arrived, with Zhao Feng leading the charge.
On the Qi State's side of the border, tens of thousands of Qi soldiers stood in tense formation, their faces filled with unease and fear as they watched the approaching Qin army.
"General, what should we do?"
A Qi officer, unable to hide the fear in his voice, turned to his commanding officer for guidance.
"The King has given strict orders if the Qin army invades, we must not engage in battle. Negotiation must be our priority."
General Tian Lin of Qi let out a long sigh.
"But the Qin army is advancing with overwhelming force. If we keep retreating, we may not be able to stop their momentum at all."
The deputy general also sighed.
"At this point, you still don't see the truth?"
"How can our Qi State possibly stop the Qin army's advance?"
"We are surrounded by Qin forces."
"To the north in Yan territory, a hundred thousand Qin soldiers are stationed at the border."
"In Zhao and Chu, large Qin armies have also been deployed."
"If we go to war with Qin now, do you truly think we have any chance of winning?" Tian Lin said bitterly.
"Then... is Qi truly doomed?" The expressions of the deputy generals darkened.
"For now, we can only take things one step at a time."
"The final decision rests with the King."
"If His Majesty orders us to fight, then we shall fight to the bitter end!"
"I'm certain the King has already received word of Qin's mobilization," Tian Lin said slowly.
"The one leading this army is none other than Zhao Feng, the War God of Qin who shakes the world with his might."
"It is said that his command in battle is unparalleled and invincible."
"If Zhao Feng truly attacks, I fear... we will not be able to stop him."
The words had barely fallen when a thunderous rumble filled the air the sound of countless hooves pounding the earth.
The black-armored Qin cavalry had crossed the border, entering Qi's territory.
Despite this, the Qi forces, though arrayed in formation, dared not act rashly.
"General, what should we do?"
The deputy general looked at Tian Lin anxiously.
"No one is to make a move without my command."
"I will personally go and meet the Qin army," Tian Lin declared.
With that, he mounted his horse and rode alone toward the Qin forces.
At the Qin army's front lines
"Lord!"
"A Qi general is approaching!" Zhang Ming called out.
"All forces, halt!"
With a simple wave of his hand, Zhao Feng's commanding voice echoed across the battlefield.
The order was immediately relayed, and a hundred thousand black-armored cavalrymen pulled their reins, stopping their advance in unison.
Zhao Feng's gaze remained calm as he watched Tian Lin ride forward.
When the distance between them was less than ten paces
"Tian Lin, General of Qi, greets Lord Wu'an of Great Qin."
Tian Lin clasped his hands and bowed toward Zhao Feng.
"General Tian, why did you not attempt to stop our advance?"
Zhao Feng smiled slightly and asked bluntly.
"We, the Qi army... cannot stop you."
Tian Lin let out a bitter laugh.
"Then, does that mean General Tian is ready to surrender?" Zhao Feng pressed further.
"His Majesty has forbidden us from clashing with the Qin army, but he has not given the order to surrender."
"If the King commands it, Tian Lin will comply without hesitation."
"Then why have you come here?"
"Great Qin has already issued a national decree to Qi. This war is inevitable."
"Qi has only two options fight or surrender."
"Either we storm your lands and annihilate your kingdom, or your King submits, and Qi becomes part of Great Qin."
Zhao Feng spoke with no pretense.
On the contrary, he hoped Qi would resist.
If that happened, Zhao Feng might just have another King to kill.
"Lord Wu'an, you are certainly direct."
Tian Lin gave a bitter smile.
"The course of history has already been decided."
"Nothing can stop Great Qin's unification of the world."
"I see no need for empty words."
Zhao Feng spoke lightly.
"Please, Lord Wu'an, wait a moment."
"By today's end, the King's orders will arrive."
Tian Lin said cautiously.
"You're certain it will be within a day?" Zhao Feng asked.
"It should be... within a day."
Tian Lin hesitated slightly.
"If it is just a day, then I will wait."
"But once this day is over, I will launch an all-out assault."
"Once I march, even if the King of Qin himself commands me to stop, I will not halt my advance."
Zhao Feng's tone left no room for doubt.
His meaning was clear.
If the King of Qi did not surrender within the day, then once Zhao Feng initiated his attack, he would not stop until he had taken Linzi, the capital of Qi.
Hearing this, Tian Lin let out a bitter sigh before nodding.
"If the King refuses to surrender, then as a warrior of Qi, I will fight."
"If I am to die at Lord Wu'an's hands, it would be an honor."
"Good."
Zhao Feng glanced at Tian Lin with a hint of admiration.
This general was not well-known, but he was worthy of respect.
Just then
From the rear of the Qi army
"The King's envoy has arrived!"
"All forces, hold your ground!"
"The King's envoy has arrived..."
Shouts echoed from the rear ranks of the Qi army.
A group of Qi cavalry galloped forward, led by an official of the Qi kingdom.
Hearing the commotion, Zhao Feng chuckled.
"It seems we don't have to wait a full day after all."
At this moment, Tian Lin felt a growing unease.
If the envoy brought word that the king refused to surrender, then war would be inevitable.
Looking at the Qin cavalry standing behind Zhao Feng, each soldier in formation, exuding a chilling killing intent, Tian Lin knew that the Qi army rarely tested in battle was no match for these hardened warriors.
Once war broke out, his forces would undoubtedly be annihilated.
Deep down, he understood that Qi was already surrounded, and its fall was inevitable.
For that reason, he secretly hoped that King Qi would choose to surrender, preserving the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and sparing the kingdom from the horrors of war.
Of course, everything depended on the king's decision.
The king's command was absolute.
Soon, the Qi envoy arrived.
Upon spotting Zhao Feng astride his warhorse, the envoy swiftly dismounted and bowed deeply with great humility.
"Envoy Hou Lin pays respects to the Qin State's Lord of Martial Peace!"
"Are you a kinsman of Qi's Prime Minister Hou Sheng?" Zhao Feng glanced at the man.
"I did not expect Lord of Martial Peace to know my family's prime minister. He would be deeply honored," Hou Lin replied respectfully.
"There is no need for pleasantries," Zhao Feng said impatiently.
"Is King Qi choosing war or surrender?"
"That is all I wish to hear."
"After persuasion from the Prime Minister," Hou Lin said, bowing deeply, "my king has decided to surrender."
At these words, Zhao Feng nodded.
"When will the surrender take place?"
"The Qin army may enter our lands immediately," Hou Lin responded humbly.
"Good," Zhao Feng said.
"Avoiding bloodshed among fellow countrymen is always preferable."
Although he had hoped for a battle, he had expected this outcome.
King Qi had no desire for self-destruction, especially after Qin's king had issued his decree: if Qi refused to surrender, its royal family would be exterminated, and its ancestral temples destroyed.
The vast lands of China were now almost entirely under Qin's control.
Qi was surrounded, with no escape except by sea.
"General Tian Lin, hear the royal decree!" Hou Lin turned to Tian Lin.
The latter immediately dismounted.
"I, Tian Lin, humbly receive the royal decree."
"The king's decree," Hou Lin announced loudly,
"Qin troops may enter Qi unimpeded. I have decided to surrender to the great Qin, ensuring the peace and stability of Qi, sparing its people from the suffering of war and bloodshed."
"I now invite the Lord of Martial Peace to enter Linzi for formal negotiations regarding Qi's surrender."
As the decree was read aloud, Tian Lin exhaled a breath of relief.
Behind him, the tens of thousands of Qi soldiers also relaxed.
At last, they no longer had to face the terrifying killing intent radiating from the Qin army.
For the first time, they truly understood the meaning of overwhelming battle pressure.
And now, they were free from it.
"The king invites me to Linzi for talks?" Zhao Feng looked at Hou Lin.
"The king wishes to personally discuss the terms of surrender with the Lord of Martial Peace," Hou Lin said respectfully.
"In that case," Zhao Feng replied, "I shall accept King Qi's invitation."
"Lord, should we exercise caution?" Zhang Han advised.
"There's no need," Zhao Feng said with confidence.
"King Qi is surrendering sincerely. If he dares to lay a hand on me, Qin's million-strong army will not forgive him."
"Besides, with my abilities, who in this world can harm me?"
"My guard will accompany me." Zhao Feng smiled faintly, unconcerned.
"As you command."
Zhang Han, recalling his lord's unmatched strength, nodded in agreement.
"You will oversee the surrender of the Qi forces," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Also, send word to Cai Ci and the officials stationed in Yan and Zhao, instructing them to enter Qi and take control of its cities."
"In addition, report to His Majesty, requesting he dispatch officials to Qi territory."
"I shall carry out your command," Zhang Han responded promptly.
"Lord of Martial Peace, please follow me to Linzi," Hou Lin said respectfully.
"The journey should take about three days."
Zhao Feng nodded.
He casually tossed his Overlord Spear to Zhang Ming before spurring his horse forward.
Behind him, five thousand elite personal guards followed.
Though their numbers seemed small, their true combat prowess was equivalent to an army of fifty thousand.
Such was the might of Zhao Feng's personally trained warriors.
As Zhao Feng rode into Qi territory with his guards, Tian Lin sighed inwardly.
"Perhaps this is the power of Qin's Lord of Martial Peace willing to enter my kingdom with only five thousand men."
"If the king has second thoughts, things could become dangerous."
Three days passed in a flash.
The Qin cavalry entered Qi territory.
There were no obstacles in their way.
Before the gates of Linzi.
This ancient capital, even older than the Qin capital of Xianyang, was witnessing the arrival of Qin troops for the first time.
At the city gates.
Chancellor Hou Sheng, along with all the officials of Qi, had already gathered to wait.
As Zhao Feng rode forward on his horse.
Hou Sheng immediately stepped up.
"Chancellor Hou Sheng of Qi, along with the officials of Qi, respectfully welcome the Great Qin's Lord Wu'an."
With that.
Hou Sheng knelt in salute.
The officials behind him also fell to their knees.
Seeing this scene.
Zhao Feng slowly dismounted.
He walked forward.
"All of you, rise," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
Qi's humble attitude at this moment made it clear that their surrender was sincere.
"Thank you, Lord Wu'an," Hou Sheng immediately expressed his gratitude.
"Where is the King of Qi?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Lord Wu'an," Hou Sheng replied respectfully, "His Majesty has prepared a banquet in the palace and awaits your arrival."
Before Zhao Feng, the chancellor dared not show any disrespect.
The entire world knew that Zhao Feng was the God of War of Qin, but there was another reputation attached to his name Zhao Feng was a ruthless killer, a butcher among men.
Even though his massacres had taken place in foreign lands, his infamy was deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Zhao Feng had slaughtered countless Donghu people; the blood on his hands numbered in the hundreds of thousands.
This, naturally, was something to be feared.
"Han Chenyan," Zhao Feng called out.
"I am here," Han Chenyan responded at once.
"Take two thousand guards and station them at the city gates."
"The rest will follow me into the palace." Zhao Feng gave his orders in a deep voice.
"Understood," Han Chenyan replied loudly.
Immediately, two thousand guards moved into position, quickly securing the city gates and ascending the walls.
Seeing this.
Hou Sheng and the officials of Qi did not dare utter a word.
After all, Qi's surrender was already a settled matter.
Once the arrangements were complete.
"Lord Wu'an, please follow me," Hou Sheng stepped forward to lead the way.
Zhao Feng mounted his horse once more and, under the protection of his guards, headed toward the Qi royal palace.
Upon entering the capital of Qi.
On both sides of the main road, many Qi citizens gathered, watching curiously.
News of the king's surrender had already spread. Some opposed it, some supported it, some were filled with hatred, while others felt relief.
For ordinary people, avoiding war was a blessing, but for those with a sense of pride, surrender was a humiliation.
Among the crowd.
Many glared at Zhao Feng and his guards with eyes full of anger.
Zhao Feng noticed them but paid no heed.
As time passed, with Qin's rule firmly established, such resentment would naturally fade away.
However, just as they entered the more populated areas of the city
Where grain warehouses and civilians were most concentrated.
"There's killing intent."
Zhao Feng suddenly sensed something.
Swoosh!
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
A volley of crossbow bolts shot out from both sides of the main road, aimed straight at Zhao Feng.
"Assassins!"
Zhang Ming shouted.
The guards immediately stepped forward, drawing their swords. The incoming arrows were instantly knocked aside.
Zhao Feng himself did not even need to act.
"Why are there assassins?"
Hou Sheng's face turned deathly pale.
If anything were to happen to Zhao Feng within Linzi, he would be doomed, and Qi would be finished.
"Kill Zhao Feng!"
"Kill that Qin traitor!"
"Kill the butcher!"
"Slay him!"
Suddenly, furious cries erupted from all around.
Hundreds of assassins, armed with weapons, emerged from the crowd.
They fired more crossbows and then charged at Zhao Feng with swords in hand.
"Remnants of a fallen nation?"
Seeing this, Zhao Feng chuckled lightly.
In just an instant, he understood the situation.
Qi would never dare to assassinate him not at this stage. If they truly intended to act, they would use the army, not assassins.
These attackers were undoubtedly the remnants of states that Zhao Feng had destroyed.
Qi had been their last refuge, and now, with its fall, they had nowhere left to go.
So, they acted in desperation.
"Kill!" Zhang Ming gave a cold shout.
The elite guards immediately spurred their horses forward.
They charged at the assassins.
In an instant.
A flanking maneuver.
The attackers, rushing toward Zhao Feng, were like moths drawn to a flame. One by one, they fell to the blades of the guards, their blood staining the ground.
Even the crossbow bolts were effortlessly deflected. They could not pierce the guards' armor.
Within moments.
The hundreds of assassins lay dead on the road.
"Lord Wu'an!"
"These assassins have nothing to do with Qi!"
"We truly did not know of this!"
Hou Sheng cried out in terror, fearing Zhao Feng would misunderstand.
"Qi is not so foolish as to attempt an attack on me in its capital."
"These are simply the remnants of those I have defeated," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile, unconcerned.
Hearing this.
Hou Sheng finally let out a sigh of relief.
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