Time: 230 BC
Location: Qin-Han Border
The borderlands were a scene of utter devastation. Corpses lay scattered across the ground, and broken swords, arrows embedded in the earth, shattered chariots, and countless lifeless bodies painted a grim picture.
The earth was stained crimson with blood.
Ruins of walls and structures stood like silent witnesses to the carnage, exuding an air of death and despair.
"Zhao Feng."
"Why are you carrying corpses like they're treasures?"
"You love it so much, fine! This whole area is yours!"
A Qin soldier in uniform teased another soldier who was arduously carrying a corpse on his back.
As his words fell, the surrounding soldiers erupted in laughter.
"Centurion, you're not wrong."
"This guy does have a knack for carrying corpses."
"He works faster than ten men combined."
Their laughter echoed across the battlefield.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Qin's elite warriors retreated after their slaughter, leaving behind specialized troops to clean up. These were the "corpse bearers," a branch of logistics responsible for clearing the battlefield.
Every corpse bearer wore a black cloth over their face, perhaps to block the stench. Their sole duty was to transport and bury the dead to prevent disease outbreaks.
Among the soldiers, a young man wearing a black cloth worked tirelessly, hauling corpses onto a cart. He ignored the teasing, focusing solely on his task.
"You lot don't know a thing."
"I'm picking up treasure while getting stronger!" Zhao Feng thought gleefully.
Whenever he touched a corpse, he gained random attributes.
As he carried yet another Han soldier's body, a notification flashed before him:
"Touched an ordinary Han soldier's corpse. Gained 1 point of Strength."
A translucent panel appeared in Zhao Feng's vision. He swiftly carried the body and loaded it onto an ox cart, then rushed off to pick up another.
By the end of the day, Zhao Feng calculated his gains.
"I've collected over 40 points of Strength today. If 1 point equals 1 jin (roughly 0.5 kg), that's more than 40 jins of strength in half a day!"
"Comfortable."
Each attribute point made Zhao Feng acutely aware of his physical growth. His increased strength brought immense satisfaction.
"Gained 1 point of Speed."
"Gained 1 point of Lifespan."
"Gained 1 point of Constitution."
As he continued working, the cart filled with the lifeless bodies of Han soldiers. Qin warriors, however, were treated with reverence placed carefully and buried with honor.
This stark distinction between enemy and ally was clear.
Having worked on the border for two days, Zhao Feng was well-accustomed to the routine.
Once the cart was full, Zhao Feng called out to the squad leader.
"Centurion, I'm taking these to the burial site."
"Go ahead."
"Kid, you're fast. Don't overdo it, though. We're safe here. Rest if you're tired," Wei Quan, his squad leader, said with a touch of concern.
"Understood." Zhao Feng smiled and headed off, pulling the cart behind him.
As he walked, he opened his attribute panel:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 15
Strength: 256 (The higher the value, the greater the physical power.)
Speed: 188 (Higher numbers equate to faster movement.)
Constitution: 167 (Improved constitution accelerates recovery and enhances stamina.)
Spirit: 166 (Greater spirit sharpens the mind and, at higher levels, allows sensing of natural energy.)
Lifespan: 86 years + 32 days
Inventory Space: 1 cubic meter
The extra 32 days had been accumulated over the past few days. Zhao Feng's initial stats were around 100 each, typical for an average person. In just three days, his stats had skyrocketed through collecting attributes.
"Just three days of corpse hauling, and I've already gained over a month of lifespan. This alone is thrilling!"
"Being a corpse bearer is the best."
"No need to charge into battle. Just clean up the aftermath."
"I might have hit the jackpot here."
"If I keep doing this, could I achieve immortality? And if my stats exceed 1,000, what kind of power will I wield?"
Zhao Feng was filled with excitement at the possibilities.
The Corpses and Survival
The position of corpse bearer was despised by ambitious soldiers eager for glory.
As a commoner in Qin, Zhao Feng, at 14, couldn't refuse conscription without risking imprisonment or worse exile to the northern frontier as a laborer, dragging his family into ruin.
To protect his mother and younger sister, Zhao Feng had no choice but to comply.
Four months ago, he reported to the Lantian camp and underwent a month of basic training. He was then assigned to the logistics corps to clean battlefields.
At first, Zhao Feng found the job repulsive, but realizing he could avoid direct combat, he accepted it as a way to stay alive.
As a reincarnated soul from the future, Zhao Feng understood the brutal reality of this era. It was the beginning of Qin's conquest to unify the six states a time of relentless warfare. Death was omnipresent.
Zhao Feng didn't aspire to rise through the ranks. He only wished to complete his service and return home to care for his family.
When he discovered his ability to collect attributes, however, his outlook changed completely.
A Bright Future
As Zhao Feng hauled his cart to the burial site, his thoughts wandered to the opportunities ahead.
In about one incense stick's time, he arrived at a massive burial ground, where thousands of soldiers were digging graves. The scale of the battle was evident.
"Zhao Feng, you're here again! Fourth cart today, huh?"
"Impressive!"
The soldiers greeted him with grins.
"Keep digging, guys. This load is yours," Zhao Feng replied with a smile. Grabbing an empty cart, he headed back to the battlefield.
Being a corpse bearer wasn't glorious, but for Zhao Feng, it was a path to survival and unparalleled strength.
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