"What is meant by the unpredictability of the battlefield?"
"You all have experienced far more battles than I have. There's no need for me to elaborate on how quickly situations can change in war."
"There are no guaranteed winning techniques in combat. The only way to prepare is through relentless, day-after-day training: thrust, cut, slash. Mastery comes through practice, and on the battlefield, you can rely on it."
"To summarize," Zhao Feng continued in a commanding voice, "the more sweat spilled during training, the less blood spilled during war."
When it came to battlefield techniques, Zhao Feng genuinely had little to add. Everything depended on the shifting tides of combat. His prowess came not from techniques but from his overwhelming physical attributes strength, speed, and reaction times far exceeding those of ordinary men.
With his current stats exceeding 600 in all attributes, Zhao Feng could carve a path through thousands of enemies as though he were a war god. No ordinary soldier could stand against him. Only an overwhelming barrage of arrows could pose a threat, but that was unlikely within the Qin army. After all, Qin was known for its exceptional archery.
"The more sweat spilled during training, the less blood spilled during the war!"
Zhao Feng's words left a profound impression on those gathered around.
Wang Yan and her subordinates, as well as the many soldiers present, fell into a moment of thoughtful silence.
Moments later, they seemed to collectively realize the wisdom of his statement.
"Well said," Wang Yan exclaimed, her tone full of admiration.
"I never thought Zhao Tunzhang would not only be incredibly brave but also so knowledgeable about training troops," added Zhang Han, equally impressed.
"He must have honed himself quietly in the logistics corps. How else could he have such formidable skills?"
"Yes, that makes sense," echoed several officers, their admiration for Zhao Feng deepening.
Noticing the growing intensity of their gazes, Zhao Feng quickly cut in, "I'm just here to take a look today. I didn't mean to cause a scene. Everyone, please return to your drills."
"Commander Wang, I'll take my leave now," he added, turning to Wang Yan with a polite nod before heading toward the camp's exit.
"Dismissed," Wang Yan commanded the crowd before hastening to catch up with Zhao Feng.
Seeing her approach, Zhao Feng raised an eyebrow. "Why are you following me?"
"Where are you headed?" Wang Yan asked.
"It's almost evening. Naturally, I'm heading back to the infirmary to rest," Zhao Feng replied matter-of-factly.
"The infirmary is full of recovering soldiers. You'd only disrupt their recovery. Besides, this batch of wounded has already healed. There's no one left for you to tend to. I've spoken to Chen Fushi you're to remain in the main camp and await the royal decree," Wang Yan stated firmly.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng stopped and gave her a scrutinizing look. "You're not up to something, are you?"
Wang Yan's pale cheeks flushed with anger. "As if! Don't flatter yourself!"
Before Zhao Feng could retort, Wang Yan grabbed his hand and dragged him deeper into the camp.
This was the first time in his two lives that Zhao Feng had been led by a girl, and he found the experience... novel.
Soon, they arrived at a large pavilion.
"You'll stay here while awaiting the royal decree," Wang Yan declared, gesturing toward the structure.
"Fine, fine, I'll stay. Now let go of my hand," Zhao Feng teased with a smirk.
Realizing she was still holding his hand, Wang Yan blushed furiously and quickly let go.
"These next few days, don't leave the camp. I've given strict orders that you're not to leave."
"I'll have food brought to you daily."
"Oh, and…" She hesitated before adding shyly, "My name is Wang Yan. Yan as in 'graceful smile.'"
With that, she cast a quick, flustered glance at Zhao Feng before running off, her usual commanding demeanor replaced by the bashful awkwardness of a girl newly in love.
Watching her retreating figure, Zhao Feng muttered to himself with an amused expression, "She's not seriously falling for me, is she?"
Though Zhao Feng hadn't experienced romance in their life, his past self had dated a few times. Wang Yan's shy behavior was unmistakable.
"Ancient wisdom says, 'A life-saving favor should be repaid with lifelong devotion.' Could that be it?"
"Still… Wang Yan, huh? The name is nice, but her looks… not quite my type. And her father's an esteemed general. Even if she likes me, her family wouldn't approve. Different backgrounds, mismatched status it's impossible."
Shaking off the thought, Zhao Feng pushed open the door to the pavilion.
"Never lived in a place like this before. I should build an even grander one for my mother someday."
The interior was spacious, complete with a proper bed and even bronze mirrors luxuries for the time. This must have been a general's quarters during Korea's reign, now repurposed for Qin.
Meanwhile, back in her quarters, Wang Yan closed the door and leaned against it, her face still flushed.
"That scoundrel! How can he be so... so improper?"
"And yet... there's something about him that's so intriguing."
"What kind of person is he?" Wang Yan murmured to herself, her heart filled with curiosity.
Seven Days Later
Outside Yang City, a crowd had gathered at the city gates.
Li Teng stood at the forefront, flanked by his officers, with Wang Yan among them.
After waiting for some time, a formation of black-armored cavalry appeared on the horizon, escorting a middle-aged general who wore no armor.
For many of the officers present, this man needed no introduction. Seeing him approach, their expressions turned solemn and reverent.
The man was none other than Wang Jian, the Grand General of Qin.
"Welcome, Grand General!"
Li Teng led the assembled officers in bowing deeply, their voices resounding.
Wang Jian raised a hand to acknowledge them but fixed Li Teng with a stern, displeased gaze.
"Your subordinate acknowledges his guilt. Please punish me, Grand General," Li Teng said immediately, bowing even lower.
"Hmph," Wang Jian snorted coldly, his eyes sweeping over the gathered officers before he gave a terse command: "Into the city."
"Yes, sir," Li Teng replied hastily, stepping aside to lead the way.
Wang Jian spurred his horse forward and entered the city at a steady pace, heading directly for the military headquarters.
In the main hall of the camp, Wang Jian wasted no time.
"Li Teng," he began, his voice cold and sharp. "Do you realize your crimes?"
"I do," Li Teng replied without hesitation.
"Because of your reckless pursuit of glory, ten thousand men in the logistics corps were lost. Because of your negligence, our supply lines were nearly severed. You jeopardized the entire campaign to conquer Korea. These sins are yours to bear!" Wang Jian's gaze was piercing as he reprimanded the officer.