Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 174: Chapter 109: Slaughter Unleashed, All Attributes Break Through Again!

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that the Wei Army’s offensive was indeed fierce. Had anyone else been in charge of the defense, the city might have already fallen.

Atop the city tower, Zhao Feng held his Profound Iron Bow, loosing not single arrows but volleys of five at the Wei forces outside the city. Each arrow, imbued with immense power, could easily claim the lives of several Wei Soldiers. This was also a result of Wei Wuji’s successful tactic of concealing his officers; unable to distinguish them by their Battle Armor, Zhao Feng simply fired at random, felling Wei Soldiers indiscriminately.

"Killed Wei Soldier. Retrieved 5 Strength."

"Killed Wei Soldier. Retrieved 5 Constitution."

...

A series of prompts appeared before Zhao Feng’s eyes.

It’s close. Soon, all my attributes will break three thousand. Zhao Feng was filled with excitement.

For seven days, the Wei Army’s attacks were relentless, and Zhao Feng remained on the city tower without once descending. It was precisely because of his presence on the front lines that, in addition to the boost from the Fate Official Seal, he had earned the profound respect of every soldier. Their general did not cling to life or fear death; he stood with them.

In later ages, there was a saying: "A general who does not cling to life will lead soldiers who do not fear death. Such is an ever-victorious army."

Zhao Feng continued to fire arrows, losing all track of time.

Finally, a new series of prompts appeared.

"Killed Wei Soldier. Retrieved 5 days of Lifespan."

"Killed Wei Soldier. Retrieved 5 Spirit."

"Killed Wei Soldier. Retrieved 5 Strength."

"Killed Wei Soldier..."

"Congratulations, Host. All Attributes have surpassed 3,000. You are rewarded with one First Order Treasure Box," the panel indicated.

As all his Attributes broke through the threshold, a comfortable sensation spreading from within washed over his entire body. It was a feeling of growing stronger that only Zhao Feng could clearly perceive. Each time all his Attributes surpassed a major milestone, it was like breaking through a new Realm in Cultivation. However, unlike cultivating True Qi where only the Qi Realm advanced, this was an elevation of his entire being.

We’ve held out for seven days. It’s about time, Zhao Feng thought.

The rain of arrows continued unabated. For the Wei Army, the suffering was unbearable.

Wei Bo stood amidst the central command, screaming with manic desperation, "Charge! All of you, charge! Do not retreat until this city is breached!"

But it was evident to all that the morale of the Wei Army was dangerously low. Seven consecutive days of attacks had resulted in devastating losses. Wei City seemed like the Ghost Gate itself—to enter was to die.

Wei Wuji witnessed this, his brow tightly furrowed. He understood clearly that Wei City would be incredibly difficult to breach. But as the gateway to Yingchuan, it could not be bypassed. While the main army might be able to go around it, their supply lines would be destroyed, and the ultimate result would be the annihilation of their entire force.

"Your Majesty," a Wei General began, "we cannot continue like this. We have attacked for seven days straight, yet our army hasn’t even managed to reach the top of their walls for close combat with the Qin forces. This unit of the Qin Army is far too formidable. Can it really be composed of Qin soldiers and Han Surrendered Soldiers? After so many days, these surrendered soldiers haven’t shown any signs of revolt."

Another Wei General added in utter confusion, "Could our intelligence be wrong? Are there no surrendered soldiers in Wei City at all? Are they all Qin troops?"

Wei Wuji’s brow furrowed even deeper as he began to doubt his own intelligence reports. When armies of surrendered soldiers were formed, desertions and betrayals were inevitable once a major battle began. Yet, everything within Wei City was calm, as if there were no surrendered soldiers at all. Looking from afar, he could see many soldiers on the city walls who were not wearing Qin armor. These were likely the Han Surrendered Soldiers, yet they fought desperately to defend the city, showing no hint of their former status.

It seems Qin has used some method to keep the surrendered soldiers under tight control. Moreover, the city must have a vast store of supplies; they’ve been firing arrows for seven days straight without stopping. Perhaps it’s time to use some psychological tactics. Wei Wuji pondered for a moment, glanced at the darkening sky, and made his decision. "Sound the gongs! Retreat!"

The call to withdraw echoed across the battlefield. The Wei Army began an orderly retreat. Although they had failed to breach the city, it could not be denied that as the elite of Wei, they still possessed formidable combat strength.

"The Wei Army is retreating!" Zhao Feng bellowed, watching them depart.

"Long live Qin! Long live Qin!"

The surviving soldiers on the city walls roared with excitement. Their gazes fell upon Zhao Feng, standing steadfastly in the center, and their faces filled with awe. They raised their weapons and chanted, "The General is mighty! The General is mighty!"

"Brothers who have defended the city," Zhao Feng declared, his commanding voice sweeping across them, "I have seen your bravery with my own eyes."

He then turned and shouted, "Where is the Military Judge?"

In response, Military Judge Kuai Pu, who belonged to Zhao Feng’s main battle contingent, stepped forward.

"General Zhao," Kuai Pu said with a clasped-fist salute.

"I will trouble you, Military Judge Kuai, to record the names of all the soldiers who mounted the city tower to defend it. Every Sharp Warrior who fought will be officially credited for the defense of the city. As for every soldier of the Penal Battalion, their slave status shall be revoked, and they will become Rankless Soldiers of Qin."

At this moment of united will, Zhao Feng made his announcement to the thousands of soldiers on the wall.

As his words fell, the Sharp Warriors who were recognized for their merit were pleased, with smiles on their faces, but they were not overly excited. For the men of the Penal Battalion, however, this moment was utterly electrifying.

"The General is mighty! The General is mighty!"

"We swear to follow the General to the death!"

All the soldiers of the Penal Battalion on the tower shouted with incredible excitement. Many fell to their knees, their faces overcome with gratitude for Zhao Feng. Having their slave status revoked meant they could live with the identity of a normal person, openly and with dignity, without fear of being killed at a whim. They could even enjoy a soldier’s right to leave and truly benefit from Qin’s military merit system.

"Did you hear me, Military Judge Kuai?" Zhao Feng asked again, seeing that Kuai Pu had not responded.

"I heard," Kuai Pu replied at once. "I will have someone compile the list."

"I appreciate your efforts, Military Judge Kuai," Zhao Feng said with a clasped-fist bow.

"It is my duty, General Zhao. There is no need for thanks," Kuai Pu replied with a smile.

"Tu Sui!" Zhao Feng called out.

"Your general is here!" Tu Sui immediately ran forward.

"Tell the Cooking Squad to prepare food quickly and bring it to the city wall. Let all the soldiers in the city rest well. The Wei Army’s tactics are nothing special. As long as we hold the city tower, there is nothing they can do to us. Tell the men not to worry."

"I obey, General!" Tu Sui accepted the order and departed.

Afterward, Zhao Feng found a spot and sat down, leaning against the ramparts just like any other common soldier. This gesture naturally inspired the troops. Having a general who shared their joys and sorrows gave them a stronger sense of belonging.

"Zhang Ming," Zhao Feng beckoned.

Zhang Ming promptly approached. "My Lord?"

"Tell Zhang Han that we act late tonight. I will lead the troops personally," Zhao Feng said in a low voice.

"Yes, my Lord," Zhang Ming replied, immediately understanding the command.

Zhao Feng had already laid his plans long before the Wei army even mobilized. Defending the city was never his only goal.