Did Luo Chao's speech make any real difference?
Perhaps it carried some motivational undertones, but its actual impact was minimal. The news of Zhao Feng killing a Korean commander had already spread among the logistics troops, yet most dismissed it as sheer luck luck that couldn't be replicated. In the logistics army, gaining merit was often seen as a matter of fortune.
"All right," Luo Chao continued, "the main command has issued an order. The logistics army of 10,000 men will escort supplies to Yangcheng. Begin the march immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers replied in unison.
After Luo Chao departed, Wei Quan approached Zhao Feng with a smile. "Congratulations! You've earned yourself a rank and a title. You've been promoted to Tuncang."
"It was just luck," Zhao Feng replied with a wry smile.
"Come on now," Wei Quan said, his tone turning serious. "With rank comes responsibility."
"A Wuchang commands five men, a Shizhang commands ten, and a Tuncang commands fifty. Starting today, you'll lead fifty soldiers directly under my orders."
"Yes, sir!" Zhao Feng bowed respectfully.
At that moment, a notification appeared in Zhao Feng's interface:
You've been granted the nation's official rank and fortune.
Promoted to Wuchang: Awarded one Tier-1 Treasure Chest.
Promoted to Shizhang: Awarded one Tier-1 Treasure Chest.
Promoted to Tuncang: Awarded one Tier-1 Treasure Chest.
Granted Rank-1 Title [Gongshi]: Awarded one Tier-1 Treasure Chest.
"Earning official ranks comes with treasure chests? That's a surprise!" Zhao Feng exclaimed inwardly, a look of delight crossing his face.
Without delay, he opened all the chests.
Opened all Tier-1 Treasure Chests.Received: 5,000 coins.
Received: 10 Low-Grade Bigu Pills (Fasting Pills).
Received: Tier-1 High-Grade Martial Technique [Exploding Fist].
Received: 5 Bottles of Tier-1 Mid-Grade Hemostasis Powder.
As the chests opened, Zhao Feng's eyes were drawn to the third item:
"There are martial techniques in this world… Exploding Fist! Can I learn it?" Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.
He immediately selected the martial technique and activated it.
Would you like to learn [Exploding Fist]?
"Yes!" Zhao Feng confirmed.
The next moment, a wave of information flooded into his mind:
Exploding Fist: Concentrates all physical strength into a single point, unleashing several times one's usual power in an instant.
"Impressive," Zhao Feng murmured, exhilarated.
Just like his attribute boosts, this martial technique significantly enhanced his combat ability, giving him another edge for survival.
Xianyang
The roads bustled with traffic carriages on the main thoroughfares and pedestrians on the side paths, each going about their business without interference. As the heart of the Qin Kingdom, known for its strict laws, Xianyang was the most prosperous city in the land.
At the city's center stood a magnificent royal palace, the culmination of over a century of construction the Qin Royal Palace.
Inside the throne room, a man clad in imperial robes and wearing a crown sat atop the throne, exuding unmatched authority. This was none other than King Zheng of Qin.
Ministers and generals stood in two rows beneath him, with Prime Minister Wang Wan leading the civil officials and Grand General Meng Wu at the forefront of the military ranks.
Behind Wang Wan stood a young man in princely attire holding a ceremonial tablet Fusu, the Crown Prince of Qin.
"Those who have matters to report, step forward. If not, the court is dismissed," announced a eunuch standing beside the king.
"Your Majesty," a general stepped forward from the military side, his demeanor more refined than martial. "A report has arrived from the Bluefield Army Camp."
"Speak, Meng Qing," King Zheng commanded, his interest piqued.
The conquest of the Han had been meticulously planned. Although confident in its success, this was the first formal update from the battlefield. Naturally, King Zheng's attention was drawn.
The fall of Han was critical to Qin's eastern expansion. Once Han was subdued, the Hangu Pass would no longer serve as a barrier, fully opening Qin's path eastward.
"This battle…"
"General Wang Jian secured the border, while General Li Teng led 100,000 troops to breach the Han frontier, defeating nearly 10,000 Han soldiers. They are now advancing on Yangcheng, a major stronghold. Within a few months, Han will cease to exist," Meng Qing reported, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Excellent!"
King Zheng laughed heartily.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" The court ministers and generals exclaimed in unison.
"Prime Minister, Commandant, Meng Qing," King Zheng addressed them, his tone turning grave. "The conquest of Han is crucial to Qin's eastern expansion. I want no errors. Monitor the campaign closely and report to me immediately should any issues arise."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the three replied in unison.
"Your Majesty," Meng Qing added with a smile, "the report from General Wang Jian included an amusing incident."
"Let's hear it," King Zheng said, raising an eyebrow.
"Han General Bao Qiu, commanding 20,000 troops, was defeated by Qin forces. General Li Teng searched for him for days to no avail. It turned out Bao Qiu had been hiding among the corpses, feigning death, until a logistics soldier discovered him. With no escape, he was ultimately killed by that soldier."
King Zheng's expression turned curious. "The Bao family has long been lauded in Han for its martial prowess, a case of a tiger father and tiger son. For Bao Qiu to die at the hands of a logistics soldier must have been an indignity for him."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Meng Qing agreed with a chuckle.
"Has this logistics soldier been rewarded?" King Zheng asked. "In Qin, our military reward system must not discriminate based on one's position."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. The soldier has received the appropriate rewards," Meng Qing replied.
"Good. Continue monitoring the Han campaign," King Zheng ordered. "As for Zhao and Wei, have General Wang Jian remain vigilant. If they dare mobilize, let Wang Jian decide their fate."
Yangcheng
The air around Yangcheng was thick with smoke and the stench of blood.
After enduring nearly ten days of relentless bombardment and assaults from Qin forces, the city was engulfed in the flames of war. Inside the city, casualties were innumerable, and outside, countless Qin soldiers lay lifeless on the battlefield.
Yet, under the overwhelming strength of Qin's forces and the fearless charges of its elite troops, Yangcheng eventually fell to General Li Teng.
With the city breached, Han soldiers scattered like frightened monkeys, fleeing in all directions.
Now, it was the logistics army's turn to clean up the battlefield.
"This battle is far bloodier than the border skirmishes."
"Just look at the bodies more than ten thousand outside the city, and likely just as many within."
"Tens of thousands died in a single battle."
Standing amidst the carnage, Zhao Feng, though accustomed to the grim sights, still felt a shiver run down his spine.
This was a battlefield where human life was worth less than that of a dog.
https://www.patreon.com/LordoftheReader