Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

To Zhao Feng, this battle was not like Jinyang; there was no need for him to concede anything. In this battle, he wanted to slay his enemies and collect their Attributes. He also wanted the battle merits. On the battlefield, strength speaks for itself. If Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe could breach the city first, that would be a testament to their own ability. After all, battle merits were now extremely important to Zhao Feng, as they were the qualifications he needed to become a Shangjiangjun. To be promoted to the rank of Shangjiangjun, both merit and seniority were indispensable. Throughout his campaign, Zhao Feng had accumulated sufficient battle merits, all of which had been duly rewarded. His seniority, however, was not so easily attained. Therefore, Zhao Feng had to use battle merits to build his seniority until he could be appointed as a Shangjiangjun. Breaching the city first would be a great achievement. If, one day, he could conquer Handan and capture the King of Zhao, that would be another. Zhao Feng was determined to contend for these honors.

In the void above Wu’an City, the Qin army’s rain of arrows and the volley of stones from the throwing machines continued unabated. Under the absolute suppression of these weapons, the Qin army had yet to suffer any casualties, but the Zhao forces within the city were already taking heavy losses.

”Dodge, quickly, dodge!”

”Shield-bearers to the front! Everyone else, take cover under the eaves!”

”Hurry!”

The chaos among the Zhao troops continued under the relentless barrage. No matter how they tried to hide, Zhao soldiers fell every moment. The endless volleys from the void above the three gates were impossible to avoid completely. Even though Pang Xuan had anticipated the Qin arrows and prepared his troops, they were still overwhelmed when the barrage began.

”General,” a Deputy General said to Zhao Cong, ”the Qin army hasn’t launched its ground assault yet. What is their objective?”

”Do not lower your guard,” Zhao Cong said solemnly. ”Defend with all your might. The Qin army could attack at any moment. It is their consistent tactic to use arrows for suppression before storming the city with that momentum. The Senior General has already given the order. This is a fight to the death. Our army will not retreat. Those who retreat will be beheaded.”

Time passed as Zhao Feng stood atop his war chariot, waiting for noon to arrive.

He raised his head to look at the sun high in the sky. Spring had passed, and summer had arrived, making the sun’s heat more intense. As the sun hung high in the void, noon had come. Zhao Feng slowly drew the Dragon Spring sword from his waist, descended from the war chariot, and walked to the front of the Vanguard Army.