Hearing Li You's words and seeing Zhao Feng's bloodstained figure, along with the many battle-hardened soldiers behind him, Zhao Ying quickly let go.
"Brother, go freshen up."
"I have summoned the military doctors to the barracks. They will examine all the soldiers who went on this expedition," Zhao Ying said softly.
"Mm."
Zhao Feng nodded. "This campaign left nearly every soldier wounded. They should all be checked properly."
"Brothers, time to wash up in the logistics camp."
"We reek from head to toe," Zhao Feng called out loudly as he dismounted and walked into the barracks.
The soldiers followed in unison.
In the Logistics Camp
Cooks were busy boiling water, steam filling the air.
"Hurry!"
"The Supreme General has returned! Get the water ready!"
The logistics officer shouted commands.
"Yes, sir!"
One by one, soldiers poured hot water into wooden tubs and added medicinal herbs for bathing.
Thousands of wooden tubs lined up, filled with warm water.
"Welcome back, Supreme General!"
Seeing Zhao Feng approach, Yang Bo quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"You prepared all this so thoroughly? And so many tubs?"
Looking at the well-prepared setup, Zhao Feng was a little surprised.
"Supreme General," Yang Bo replied, "I have been preparing for a long time, just waiting for your triumphant return."
"These tubs were handcrafted by the soldiers from freshly cut wood."
"I also requested medicinal powders from the military doctors to mix into the water for healing."
"Well done."
Zhao Feng smiled in approval.
Then, without hesitation, he walked to one of the tubs.
"Brothers, don't be shy."
"Wash up properly!"
With a hearty laugh, Zhao Feng removed his blood-soaked armor and uniform and jumped into the water.
The moment he entered, a wave of relief washed over him.
"As you command!"
The elite soldiers followed suit, stripping off their battle gear.
As the surrounding logistics soldiers watched these warriors undress, they were stunned.
Every single soldier bore scars sword wounds, arrow wounds etched all over their bodies.
Their Supreme General was no exception.
His upper body was almost entirely covered in battle scars.
"So this is what true warriors look like."
"Every one of them crawled out of hell."
For the first time, the logistics soldiers truly understood the difference between frontline soldiers and support troops.
Before, they had only thought of it as the difference between fighting and cleaning up the battlefield.
But now, seeing the horrific scars on every man's body, they finally understood.
These were men who had survived the bloodiest of battles.
"I finally get to enjoy this after so long in that damned northern frontier."
"Brothers, let's not waste what the logistics soldiers prepared for us!"
"And no whining about injuries! Don't embarrass yourselves!"
Wei Quan laughed as he jumped into a tub.
"Don't worry!"
"We are the Supreme General's soldiers we shed blood but never tears! We fear no death. What's a few scars?"
"Enjoy the moment!"
"Supreme General, when can we have some wine? I've been craving it!"
"Yes!"
"I want wine and meat!"
The soldiers in the tubs turned their hopeful eyes toward Zhao Feng.
"I gave you my word how could I go back on it?"
Zhao Feng laughed heartily, then turned to Yang Bo.
"General Yang, you heard them?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Tonight, the logistics division will go all out every returning soldier will have their fill of wine and meat!" Yang Bo replied with a grin.
"Supreme General, you are mighty!"
"Supreme General, you are mighty!"
The soldiers cheered in excitement.
"Scrub yourselves properly! Don't come out still smelling like blood!"
"And get fresh military uniforms prepared."
"Also, have the logistics troops clean the armor. If any are beyond repair, melt them down and recast them."
Zhao Feng ordered.
"Yes, sir!"
Yang Bo glanced at the pile of blood-soaked uniforms and battered armor.
The uniforms were unsalvageable either torn or completely soaked in dried blood.
The armor, however, could be cleaned and reused.
After issuing his commands, Zhao Feng leaned back in the tub, finally relaxing.
Out on the frontier, every day had been spent on edge constantly evading enemy encirclements, ensuring his soldiers' survival.
Even when resting, his senses had been fully alert.
Any hint of movement, and he would immediately mobilize his troops to escape danger.
That was how he had avoided every enemy trap.
Now that he was back, with 200,000 troops garrisoned in Xiangping City and another 100,000 logistics troops, what did he have to fear?
At last, he could let his guard down.
Not just him many soldiers, soaking in the warmth of the tubs, began to drift into sleep.
"Settle the kill count and attribute gains."
Zhao Feng had been holding off on collecting his attribute points since the campaign began.
Now, it was finally time to reap the full reward.
This was going to be a massive power boost.
The number of enemies slaughtered under Zhao Feng's command was immeasurable.
This was the moment of reckoning.
[Battle Summary]
Total enemies slain: 586,733
Total attribute points gained: 146,683
Attribute Gains:
True Qi: +15,493
Strength: +17,329
Speed: +17,123
Constitution: +15,321
Spirit: +14,345
Lifespan: +67,072 days
Looking at the stats on his interface, Zhao Feng grinned.
This conquest against the foreign tribes had yielded incredible gains.
"All attributes have once again increased significantly."
"Congratulations to the host for breaking through 40,000 in all attributes. Reward: one Tier-2 Treasure Chest."
"Congratulations to the host for breaking through 50,000 in all attributes. Reward: one Tier-2 Treasure Chest."
A new notification appeared on the interface.
Immediately, Zhao Feng felt a surge of power coursing through his body as his attributes skyrocketed. His strength had taken a massive leap forward.
"Open the attribute panel."
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 22
True Qi: 51,312 (The stronger the True Qi, the greater the reserves in the dantian, leading to more explosive power. Grandmaster Third Level True Qi.)
Strength: 53,345 (The higher the number, the greater the force that can be unleashed.)
Speed: 53,230 (The higher the number, the faster the movement speed.)
Constitution: 51,093 (The stronger the constitution, the faster injury recovery, the more inexhaustible stamina, and the quicker the replenishment of True Qi.)
Spirit: 52,947 (Spiritual power can extend up to five thousand zhang, allowing the user to mobilize the surrounding spiritual energy within that range.)
Soul Power: 6,754 (The stronger the soul power, the more resilient the soul. Even if the body perishes, the soul remains intact.)
Lifespan: 471 years + 248 days [Realm lifespan cap: 500 years, restricted by an unknown rule]
Merit: 1,125 (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 5,099 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Martial Dao Imperial Dragon Codex [Grants 500 all-attribute points per day of cultivation.]
"My total attributes have surpassed 50,000!"
"I wonder how strong I am now?"
"The realm above Grandmaster is the Divine Ability Realm."
"But even a true peak Divine Ability Realm expert might not be able to withstand a single punch from me." Zhao Feng pondered inwardly.
With no rivals left in the mortal world, he had never needed to unleash his full strength.
Thus, he wasn't entirely sure just how powerful he had become.
However, judging by his current state, Zhao Feng was walking an undeniable path toward invincibility.
"My lifespan is approaching five hundred years."
"The rules suppressing my lifespan can't even hold me back."
"Five hundred years… that's the lifespan of an entire dynasty."
Gazing at his attributes, especially the lifespan section, Zhao Feng couldn't help but smile.
"As expected, campaigns against foreign tribes are the best. There's no guilt in slaughtering enemies."
"Once the Central Plains are unified, there will still be over a decade before the fall of Qin."
"I can't afford to waste these years."
"Whether in the south or the north, opportunities abound."
"If I continue to grow stronger and evolve my attribute panel, I might find a way to extend my mother's life." Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Living alone for centuries, isolated and without loved ones Zhao Feng had no desire for such a fate.
His family, his trusted subordinates he wanted them all to live long and accompany him.
And for that to happen…
Zhao Feng was convinced that if his attributes surpassed 100,000, something truly earth-shattering would occur.
He was certain!
Lost in thought, Zhao Feng felt exhaustion creeping in.
Leaning against the wooden tub, he soon drifted into sleep.
Before long…
Throughout the logistics division, the rhythmic sounds of steady breathing filled the air.
Hearing this, the surrounding logistics soldiers softened their movements, careful not to make any noise.
They all understood how utterly exhausted these soldiers were after four relentless months of battle against the foreign tribes.
Even though they hadn't experienced it firsthand, they could see it in the warriors' weary faces.
"Pass down the order."
"In half an incense stick's time, check the water temperature."
"If it cools down, immediately add more hot water."
"Also, build bonfires around the area. We must ensure that the General and the brothers don't get cold."
"They've been fighting for four months straight. They're completely drained."
"In all that time, they probably haven't had a single restful night."
Yang Bo instructed in a hushed voice, his eyes filled with deep respect.
"Yes, sir."
The surrounding logistics soldiers responded in equally low voices.
They quickly gathered firewood and lit bonfires around the wooden tubs, driving away the night's chill.
Although they had not personally stepped onto the battlefield, they were determined to fulfill their duties to the best of their ability.
Inside the Military Camp
Zhao Ying stood with a group of military physicians, waiting.
At that moment
Li You approached.
"Ying'er."
"You and the military physicians should go back for now."
"The General and his men have fallen asleep." Li You said gently, his gaze soft and filled with warmth as he looked at Zhao Ying.
Zhao Ying had long since grown accustomed to this form of address, so she did not comment on it.
"After prolonged battles, their bodies are exhausted and their vitality is drained."
"Now that they have returned to safety, it is natural for their energy and spirit to wane."
Zhao Ying spoke calmly, unsurprised.
"Prepare medicinal tonics to replenish their vitality."
"When they wake up, make sure they drink it." She instructed the physicians.
"Yes, ma'am."
The military physicians nodded in unison.
After giving her orders, Zhao Ying glanced at Li You before turning to leave.
"Ying'er."
"I'll call you once the General wakes up." Li You said with a grin.
"Much appreciated." Zhao Ying replied softly.
"It's nothing."
"Oh, Ying'er."
"Now that the General has returned, will you be heading back to Xianyang with him?"
"If so, shall we travel together?"
"I heard that your mother is in Shachiu. Should we stop by to visit her along the way?" Li You asked enthusiastically.
At twenty-six years old, he was four years older than Zhao Ying. However, he had always rejected his father's arranged marriage plans and remained unmarried.
Ever since meeting Zhao Ying, his heart had been completely captivated.
Seeing how Li You had already planned everything, Zhao Ying sighed in resignation and casually replied, "We'll see when the time comes."
With that, she turned and walked away.
Hearing her response, Li You stood frozen for a moment. Then, his eyes lit up with excitement.
"She agreed to travel with me back home… and I might even get to meet her mother."
"This is a huge step forward!"
"This is amazing!"
Northern Frontier, Donghu Royal Court
Tuoba Hu led an army of over a hundred thousand Donghu soldiers back home.
However, what awaited them was a scene of utter devastation.
The once-sprawling royal court, covering dozens of miles, had been reduced to ruins. The grand tents that had once stood proudly were now completely gone, leaving behind only the charred remains of a scorched and blackened settlement. Scattered among the ruins were countless corpses.
Wails of agony and cries of despair filled the air.
Many who had been wounded by the Qin army lay dying but not yet dead, while others who had fled had returned, only to be greeted by this nightmare.
"Our royal court has been destroyed by the Qin!"
"Our Donghu's century-old royal court… gone, just like that?"
Tuoba Hu's eyes turned bloodshot as he took in the devastation before him.
And he wasn't the only one.
Behind him, the Donghu generals and soldiers all had the same furious, grief-stricken expression.
The Donghu royal court was the heart of their people, equivalent to the capital city of an empire in the Central Plains.
For Zhao Feng to lead an army into their royal court, slaughtering its people and leaving nothing but ruin in his wake, was no different from razing an empire's capital to the ground.
"Save the wounded!"
"Anyone who is still alive must be rescued!"
Tuoba Hu roared, his voice trembling with rage.
"Yes, sir!"
The Donghu soldiers immediately spread out, searching for survivors.
At that moment, Tuoba Hu led his forces toward the main royal tent.
"Your Highness…"
"Look at this…"
One of the Donghu generals pointed toward the main tent, his face frozen in shock.
"The Qin… How dare they?"
"My second brother, my third brother, my fifth sister…"
"They've all been killed by the Qin?"
Tuoba Hu's fury reached a boiling point.
Before his eyes, hanging from the remnants of the main tent, were dozens of people each strung up, their lifeless bodies swaying in the wind.
They were all dressed in fine clothing, their noble status clear at a glance.
And on the ground beneath them lay hundreds of more corpses, all clad in luxurious garments of the elite and ruling class of Donghu.
Zhao Feng had made his message clear: blood for blood.
Judging from Tuoba Hu's reaction, the message had hit its mark.
He had chosen the right people to kill.
As the heart of the Donghu empire, the royal court was home to its most powerful figures.
With this one decisive strike, Zhao Feng had obliterated the highest ranks of Donghu society.
"Your Highness…"
"There's a banner here, left behind by the Qin army!"
A Donghu general pointed toward a large white cloth, still hanging from the ruins.
The words scrawled across it were written in fresh blood undoubtedly the blood of the Donghu people.
Tuoba Hu's face twisted with rage as he waved a hand.
Several soldiers rushed forward, tearing the banner down and bringing it to him.
"What does it say?"
Tuoba Hu growled through gritted teeth.
The Donghu language was different from that of the Qin, so he couldn't read it himself.
A general who recognized the Qin script stepped forward, his face instantly turning pale as he read the words.
"Your Highness…"
"This… I don't dare say it aloud…" the general stammered, his voice trembling.
"Speak!"
Tuoba Hu's bloodshot eyes burned with fury.
"The message says that this battle was one of 'blood for blood.'"
"It claims this was revenge for the hundreds of thousands of Han people massacred by our Donghu in Yan territory."
"'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'"
"'This is the price your people must pay for what they've done.'"
"'And this war is only the beginning. One day, we will return and utterly annihilate your kind.'"
"The message is signed by 'Great Qin's Supreme General, Zhao Feng.'"
As these words were spoken, Tuoba Hu's fury reached its peak.
"Qin! Zhao Feng!"
"You slaughtered my people, killed my kin!"
"I, Tuoba Hu, swear by the heavens until I see you torn limb from limb, I will never rest!"
With seething hatred, Tuoba Hu roared toward the sky.
The name Zhao Feng was now burned into his soul.
A name of blood.
A name of vengeance.
He would never forget it.
But what Tuoba Hu failed to understand was that this was a fate his people had brought upon themselves.
Those who kill will, in turn, be killed.
The Donghu had started this cycle of bloodshed when they invaded the Central Plains, massacring the innocent.
Now, Zhao Feng had simply delivered their reckoning.
A Few Days Later
A massive Donghu army of over a hundred thousand soldiers began marching toward Yan territory.
The Donghu King himself led the charge.
"Hurry!"
"Increase our pace!"
"I will make the Qin pay for what they've done!"
The Donghu King bellowed as he spurred his horse forward, his army thundering in his wake.
"Your Majesty!"
"Our army's rations are insufficient for a prolonged war with the Qin."
"At most, every soldier carries enough provisions for ten days!" Wu Wu, a high-ranking general, shouted urgently.
"Ten days is enough!"
"I will raze Qin's borderlands to the ground before then!"
"The Qin butchered our people. If we do not take our revenge, how can I continue ruling Donghu? How can I face our millions of warriors?"
The Donghu King was consumed by hatred, unwilling to listen to reason.
"But Your Majesty…"
"The Qin have already withdrawn into their fortresses. We lack siege equipment, and ten days isn't nearly enough to break through their defenses!" Wu Wu continued to plead.
"Silence!"
The Donghu King roared, dismissing the warning entirely.
Near the Qin Border
The Donghu army soon arrived at a place known as Jingguan.
As they drew closer, the Donghu King suddenly yanked on his reins, bringing his horse to an abrupt stop.
His bloodshot eyes widened as he took in the sight before him.
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