It wasn't just the King of Donghu!
All the Donghu soldiers around him and behind him, upon seeing the scene before them, had bloodshot eyes filled with hatred.
However…
Beneath that hatred, deep in their hearts, an indescribable fear surged, an all-consuming terror that made them tremble from head to toe.
Because right before their eyes…
A towering and vast "Jingguan" stood.
No matter who laid eyes on this monument of severed heads, their mind would surely be thrown into turmoil.
For the scene was simply too terrifying.
Especially for the Donghu army, the shock was even greater.
"Qin people!"
"How dare you do this?"
"This hatred both old and new!"
"I will never let this go!" The King of Donghu gnashed his teeth, his voice seething with rage.
Then
He roared, "Tear it down! Tear it all down!"
"They were our warriors! Our finest sons!"
"Let their heads rest in the earth!"
Upon hearing this, the Donghu army surged forward toward the "Jingguan."
Even for them, their hearts trembled in fear.
Amidst the snow-covered landscape, they could still make out the faces of their former kin. Many had not yet fully decayed, their heads still bearing flesh though now rotting, making the sight even more horrifying.
Some still had their eyes wide open, staring at them with hollow, empty gazes.
Through those lifeless eyes, one could almost feel the pain and despair they suffered in their final moments.
The horror of the "Jingguan" pressed upon them all.
Meanwhile, the movements of the Donghu army…
Had already been reported back by Qin scouts patrolling the border.
North of Xiangping City
Far from the settlements
Thousands of tombs, marked with wooden tablets, were scattered across the land.
Before these graves…
Zhao Feng, alongside thousands of warriors who had fought in the Northern Expedition, stood solemnly.
Every single one of them was clad in freshly donned military uniforms and armor.
Every single one bore a somber expression.
Today
These brothers-in-arms, who had fought side by side for four months in the Northern Wastes, had come to send off the fallen those who had fought and died for the Qin state, for the Huaxia people one last time.
"Brothers!"
"Four months ago, I, Zhao Feng, led you into the Northern Wastes, leading you into the lands of the foreign tribes."
"You told me no regrets, no complaints!"
"And indeed!"
"As Qin soldiers, we must protect our land and slay our enemies!"
"To die fulfilling this duty no regrets!"
"I swore to bring you all back!"
"And though we have returned, it is not a perfect homecoming."
"Now, words mean little."
"Brothers!"
"You may return home!"
Zhao Feng gazed at the thousands of graves before him, his voice strong.
The next moment
Zhao Feng raised his voice, shouting, "Brothers, return! Return home!"
"Return home!"
"Return home!"
The soldiers behind him echoed the call in unison.
As the shouts filled the air
Countless paper offerings were scattered into the wind, falling upon the graves like drifting snow.
White mourning streamers danced in the sky.
Paper money fluttered through the air.
And amidst it all, real snowflakes drifted down from the heavens.
This…
Perhaps this was their way of finding solace.
A ritual to call their spirits home.
Yet Zhao Feng knew all too well
The souls of these fallen warriors would not return.
For he had seen it with his own eyes when these soldiers perished in foreign lands, their spirits had been absorbed by the unseen forces of this world, swallowed by the cycle of life and death.
Perhaps, by now, they had already been reborn into a new existence.
"Brothers!"
"Rest assured!"
"I have memorized your names, your hometowns, and the families you left behind."
"I, Zhao Feng, swear this oath!"
"For every soul that fell in this Northern Expedition, I will care for their families!"
"This I, Zhao Feng, promise you!"
Zhao Feng spoke to the thousands of graves, making his final vow to the fallen.
Then
He turned to face the many warriors behind him.
"All soldiers heed my command!"
Zhao Feng called out, his gaze steady.
"We await your orders, General!"
Thousands of elite troops bowed in unison.
"We have marched into the Northern Wastes and struck down our foes!"
"This battle has cut deep into the foreign tribes, leaving them crippled within five years, they will not have the strength to invade our lands again!"
"And for this, you all deserve recognition!"
"Now"
"As Supreme General, I hereby decree!"
"All soldiers who took part in this campaign!"
"Are promoted by two ranks, and raised by one official title!"
"This decree takes effect immediately upon your return to your respective commands!" Zhao Feng proclaimed in a commanding voice.
As Supreme General
He had the authority to grant promotions to all but the highest-ranking officers.
And in this war, every soldier had distinguished themselves with merit.
This decree was fully justified, and since it was issued under his authority, Zhao Feng would ensure that upon returning to the Qin capital, he would petition for additional rewards of gold and silver, at the very least.
This achievement was monumental.
"Thank you, Supreme General!"
"We pledge our lives to follow you!"
The soldiers shouted in unison.
Yet in their eyes, there was also reluctance.
For them
This battle had been fought to their heart's content. Following Zhao Feng into war had been a path of unstoppable might wherever they rode, they triumphed.
These men had been personally chosen by Zhao Feng from among the cavalry, and now that the campaign was over, they would return to their respective divisions.
Of course
With so many being promoted
If the cavalry division could not accommodate them all, some would be reassigned to other frontline units.
But their valor was unquestioned.
They were heroes in the eyes of the entire army.
Their promotions no one would oppose them.
At that moment
"Supreme General!"
"Urgent report from border scouts!"
"Enemy forces spotted at the 'Jingguan' they are attempting to dismantle it!" Tu Sui rode up swiftly, reporting in a loud voice.
"So, they've finally come."
Zhao Feng chuckled, showing no concern.
"One more battle then we can return to Xianyang."
"This battle… will be the final nail in their coffin." Zhao Feng smirked coldly.
Then he issued his orders: "Close the city gates! Wait for the enemy to come to us!"
"For this battle"
"We defend first, attack second!"
After destroying so many of Donghu's settlements and burning their grain supplies
Even if this Donghu army had truly come, their provisions wouldn't last long.
All they had to do was wait until the enemy's food ran out, forcing them to retreat.
So Zhao Feng was entirely unafraid.
"Brothers!"
"Who would have thought after leaving the Northern Wastes, those damned barbarians would still dare to chase us here?"
"Wait and see"
"Your General will send them to keep you company!" Zhao Feng spoke once more to the vast field of graves.
Then
Resolutely turning around.
Before long
Atop the city wall!
Zhao Feng once again donned his armor, strapped on his sword, and stood imposingly at the center of the wall.
Ahead of him
An army of over a hundred and fifty thousand foreign tribesmen surged forward like a flood, sweeping toward Xiangping City.
Unlike their initial invasion of the Divine State
When they had taken advantage of a defenseless Xiangping City
And slaughtered the people of Huaxia.
"Supreme General!"
"This force of foreign tribes numbers no less than 150,000."
"You have truly enraged them this time. After suffering such great losses, they still dare to pursue us." Tu Sui remarked with a cold smile.
"This is what they call a cornered beast making a last stand," Zhao Feng replied calmly.
"The Supreme General speaks the truth." Tu Sui immediately agreed.
"Is there enough stock of arrows in the city?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Please rest assured, Supreme General."
"For the past four months, we have not been idle. The defenses of Xiangping City have been completely restored, and we have ample stock of arrows."
"As long as these tribal scum dare to attack, our reserves of arrows will wipe them out to the last man," Tu Sui declared with absolute confidence.
"Very good."
Zhao Feng nodded in satisfaction.
Just then
"Report!"
"General Zhang Han has returned!"
"And so has General Gongsun Guang!"
Zhang Ming rushed forward, followed by two commanding officers.
Zhang Han had returned
And just like when Zhao Feng arrived the previous day, he was covered in bloodstains, his armor and uniform completely soaked in crimson.
As for Gongsun Guang, he appeared travel-worn and weary.
"Subordinate Zhang Han!"
"Subordinate Gongsun Guang!"
"We salute the Supreme General!"
The two men immediately bowed upon arrival.
"At ease." Zhao Feng waved a hand dismissively.
His gaze first fell upon Zhang Han.
"Based on the timeline, you should have reached Xiangping before me. How is it that you've arrived even later?"
"Supreme General!"
"That damned kingdom of Tu'an refused to let my forces pass through their territory."
"With no other choice, I had to turn back and take the long route, which cost me more time," Zhang Han replied, both exasperated and infuriated.
"Tu'an… refused passage?" Zhao Feng's brow furrowed.
This was an unexpected development.
Tu'an was just a minor state.
Compared to the Divine State, it was utterly insignificant
Even when measured against Donghu, it was far weaker.
Zhao Feng had never given them much thought.
After all, his forces merely sought passage, not conflict.
He had assumed there would be no issue.
Yet, he had been mistaken.
"Indeed."
"The Grand General of Tu'an refused to let us pass, claiming he needed to consult their king first."
"But the round trip for a response would take at least ten days."
"It was obvious they were deliberately obstructing us," Zhang Han said resentfully.
"This matter"
"Mark it down."
"There will be an opportunity to settle this in the future," Zhao Feng said coldly.
He was not the forgiving type.
This encounter with Tu'an was an unexpected annoyance.
Originally, Zhao Feng had planned for Zhang Han's retreat route to briefly pass through Tu'an before skirting along the border and returning to Xiangping in the Yan region.
But since Tu'an refused to allow passage
It was, of course, their choice and their right.
However, Zhao Feng also had the right to remember this offense.
Throughout history
One truth had always remained:
A weak country had no diplomacy.
Only the military might dictate terms.
"I understand." Zhang Han nodded immediately.
Then
Zhao Feng turned his gaze to Gongsun Guang.
"General Gongsun."
"What is the status of the northern border cities in Yan?" Zhao Feng inquired.
"Reporting to the Supreme General!"
"The northern frontier cities are now secure."
"Additionally, defensive forces from other regions of Great Qin have taken over their fortifications."
"I have brought seventy thousand frontier troops to reinforce Xiangping and stand ready to fight for Great Qin at any moment!" Gongsun Guang bowed.
"Good."
Zhao Feng nodded, fixing his gaze on Gongsun Guang.
"The seventy thousand frontier troops now have two choices."
Gongsun Guang's heart clenched.
He understood.
The moment of decision for himself and his men had arrived.
"First, the troops can be reorganized and incorporated into my Wu'an army, with you serving as a commander of ten thousand."
"Second, they can be disbanded. Those who wish to retire will receive travel funds and may return home. Those who wish to remain may be integrated into the district forces and receive district-level military pay."
"The choice is yours, General Gongsun."
"This is my reward for your men's surrender, sparing them from bloodshed." Zhao Feng stated.
Upon hearing this
Gongsun Guang immediately knelt and declared in a loud voice:
"This subordinate chooses the first option! The seventy thousand frontier troops also choose the first option!"
"You do not wish to consult with them first?" Zhao Feng asked, slightly surprised.
"Supreme General!"
"Your cavalry raided the foreign tribes and achieved legendary victories. Your might is unparalleled."
"You are the hero of all the people of Yan. I respect you, the frontier troops respect you, and all of Yan respects you."
"To fight under your command is an honor."
"The seventy thousand troops feel the same as I do."
"If we can follow you, Supreme General, it doesn't matter if we are officers or mere soldiers we will be honored!" Gongsun Guang stated solemnly, his expression firm.
Through Zhao Feng's brilliant campaign
The entire land was shaken by his achievements.
Gongsun Guang had been completely won over.
"Now that you have chosen, there shall be no regrets."
"Once this battle is over"
"I will issue orders for the reorganization." Zhao Feng declared.
"Thank you, Supreme General!" Gongsun Guang said, his face filled with excitement.
"Good. Stand up." Zhao Feng nodded, saying no more.
The combat prowess of the Yan frontier troops needed no further discussion.
Once integrated into the Wu'an army, its strength would be firmly solidified.
"Supreme General."
"These foreign tribes have only just arrived today, and they have already made a forced march. Yet they still seem intent on attacking." Zhang Han observed.
"You have just returned. Go wash up first."
"Take your elite troops and rest for a day."
"Eat your fill."
Hearing Zhang Han's words, Zhao Feng scolded him in annoyance.
"Supreme General!"
"I wish to fight in this battle!" Zhang Han protested.
"Go at once! That is an order!"
"This is an infantry engagement, not a cavalry battle." Zhao Feng frowned, his tone commanding.
Seeing Zhao Feng's stern face, Zhang Han dared not argue further.
He reluctantly bowed.
"This subordinate obeys."
"Tu Sui."
"From this moment on"
"It's in your hands."
Zhao Feng looked at Tu Sui.
"Rest assured, Supreme General."
"For every one of these foreign scum that comes, I will slay one!" Tu Sui responded immediately.
Then,
Zhao Feng withdrew from the center of the city wall, deciding not to interfere.
However, after stepping back
"Wei General."
"Gongsun General."
Zhao Feng called out.
"At your command, Supreme General!" The two men quickly stepped forward.
"How many cavalrymen remain battle-ready?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Reporting to the Supreme General, we still have over fifty thousand."
"If we include the seventy thousand border troops, that brings us to a total of one hundred and twenty thousand." Wei Quan replied.
"Very good."
Zhao Feng nodded in satisfaction before speaking in a solemn tone: "I'm giving you three days."
"General Wei, take fifty thousand cavalry and circle from the rear of the city to cut off the enemy's retreat."
"General Gongsun, take your seventy thousand border troops, maneuver through the rear to Wucheng, and launch a direct assault on the enemy's rear flank from the east."
"You have two days."
"When the enemy begins their siege, attack at once," Zhao Feng ordered.
"We obey!"
The two generals responded respectfully.
"If this battle is won, I will personally request merits for you both from His Majesty."
"Since the enemy has come, I will tear the flesh from their bones."
"And if we can capture the King of Donghu, even better," Zhao Feng said with a cold smile.
Meanwhile
In front of Xiangping City,
The Donghu King glared at the city with bloodshot eyes, his rage burning like fire.
Behind him, the Donghu warriors were filled with not just fear, but overwhelming hatred.
"My warriors!"
"The Qin people are shameless and cruel!"
"They slaughtered our kin and massacred our warriors!"
"If we do not take revenge, the spirits of our fallen will never rest!"
"All troops, listen to my command!"
"Attack at once!"
"Whoever breaches this city will be named chief of a great tribe! Whoever slays Zhao Feng of Qin, I will take as my son-in-law!"
"Once the city falls, kill every single Qin citizen inside!"
"Kill!"
The Donghu King roared, brandishing his war blade and pointing toward Xiangping City.
He understood that if he wanted revenge, it had to be swift.
If the provisions they carried enough for only ten days ran out, they would be forced to retreat.
So now that they had come, he had to use this rage to breach Xiangping.
"Revenge! Revenge!"
"Slaughter the Qin people!"
"Take vengeance for our fallen!"
Countless Donghu soldiers screamed, shouting the name of revenge.
The Donghu infantry pushed forward with siege ladders and rams, moving closer to Xiangping.
"Hmph, I underestimated these mongrel tribesmen."
"They brought siege equipment."
"But without catapults, they're still pathetic."
Tu Sui sneered, unimpressed.
With a simple wave of his hand
The archers stationed on the walls raised their bows, their eyes locked onto the enemy.
As the invaders drew closer
A storm of arrows rained down.
The battle was one-sided.
The Wuan Army was skilled in both offense and defense.
For the Donghu, this assault was nothing but a death march.
Time passed
In the blink of an eye, two days had gone by.
The Donghu King continued ordering his troops to attack.
But the initial fury had faded
The battlefield in front of the city was littered with the corpses of Donghu warriors, pierced by arrows and crushed by boulders.
And then
"Charge!"
"Slaughter the invaders!"
From the east
Gongsun Guang led seventy thousand former Yan border troops in a furious assault.
"Your Majesty!"
"Bad news!"
"The Qin cavalry is upon us!"
Wu Wu shouted in panic.
The Donghu King turned toward the eastern battlefield, his face changing. He knew now breaking the city was impossible.
"Retreat!"
The Donghu King roared.
The once-fierce Donghu soldiers, now terrified, fled like startled birds.
Beneath the city walls
As the enemy retreated
Zhao Feng was already on horseback, raising his Overlord Spear.
"Imperial Guard!"
"Present!"
The elite guards, numbering less than two thousand, shouted in unison.
"Kill!"
Zhao Feng roared.
As the city gates swung open
Zhao Feng, clad in full armor, charged forth with his elite guards in pursuit of the fleeing enemy.
Since the enemy had come to throw their lives away, he would not waste this opportunity.
If he could kill the Donghu King, even better.
With his death
Donghu would descend into chaos.
Zhao Feng was determined.
To the east of Xiangping
Gongsun Guang's forces surged forward, cutting down the enemy in a relentless slaughter.
"Target the enemy banner!"
"Leave the rabble to the border troops!" Zhao Feng commanded his guards.
His objective was clear
The Donghu King.
Slay him
And not only would Donghu suffer a devastating blow, but Zhao Feng would also earn the reward for a king's head.
This was what he desired.
However
Zhao Feng hadn't expected the Donghu King to be so reckless, so blinded by rage that he attacked without proper preparation.
The Donghu forces fled north in disarray.
Behind them, Qin warriors pursued with relentless fury, cutting them down as they ran.
Zhao Feng's eyes were locked on the enemy's royal banner.
At that moment
"Kill!"
"Slaughter the invaders!"
From the northern escape route
Tens of thousands of black-armored Qin cavalry stormed into the retreating Donghu forces.
A two-pronged assault!
The battle was decided!
"Donghu King, your life is mine!"
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