Without hesitation!
Zhao Feng immediately placed the newly acquired items into the small world.
As soon as the spiritual spring emerged
It merged directly into the ground, and gradually, spring water began to gush forth, forming a small lake.
Right after that came the spiritual stone mine.
Although a spiritual stone mine was not as pure as a spiritual vein, it had already reached the level of a true mineral deposit, meaning it contained an abundance of spiritual stones.
With these two elements now embedded in the small world, another wave of transformation began.
The spiritual energy within the small world surged rapidly.
The air became so dense with spiritual energy that it liquefied like water, and just a single breath could bring an intense feeling of purification and renewal to the body.
At that moment
The small world suddenly began to tremble violently.
From within, Zhao Feng, who had extended his divine sense, immediately noticed the change.
"The small world has reached the limit of the spiritual energy it can contain."
"This influx of energy has revived what was once a broken and ruined world."
"This small world is beginning to expand!"
A flash of joy crossed Zhao Feng's heart.
A mere thousand-mile-wide world was not large.
But now, it seemed that this small world still had the potential to evolve.
A world that could grow its value was immeasurable.
No wonder it came from a Tier-4 treasure chest.
Judging by the transformations occurring now, this wasn't just a Tier-4 treasure it was at least Tier-5, if not even higher.
A small world that could grow who knew what it might eventually become?
Under Zhao Feng's watchful gaze
The ground of the small world began to expand.
The land and the surrounding void trembled.
The tens of thousands of people living in the small world were utterly shocked and bewildered. Faced with the power of heaven and earth, all living beings in this realm seemed utterly insignificant.
"Do not be afraid."
"The world is expanding."
Zhao Feng's voice echoed throughout the small world.
His words brought reassurance to the people, who quickly calmed down, no longer panicking, and instead waited quietly.
Time passed.
Inside the small world, several hours went by.
Finally
The tremors ceased.
Under Zhao Feng's divine sense
"The small world has expanded fivefold."
"It now spans five thousand miles."
"The concentrated spiritual energy has dispersed it is no longer in a liquid state, but the overall level of spiritual energy remains just as rich."
"With five thousand miles of territory, far more people can now survive here."
"And more importantly…"
As the small world expanded
Zhao Feng could sense that his power within this realm had grown stronger.
No
It wasn't his cultivation that had increased, but rather his absolute control over this world.
Within this small world, Zhao Feng seemed able to manipulate everything. He could gather the world's spiritual energy into a single point at will. His divine sense could now cover the entirety of the five-thousand-mile world nothing was beyond his awareness.
Unfortunately
Zhao Feng did not sense the presence of true world laws. It seemed that this small world lacked the fundamental principles of a complete world, making it merely a basic, broken fragment of one.
"Although this expansion does not directly increase my strength, the potential for the future is limitless."
"If this world can continue evolving, its possibilities are endless."
"Here, my divine sense is the very will of heaven. If this small world one day grows into a great world or even just expands to ten thousand miles in size and becomes a truly small world I have a strong feeling that it will bring me an entirely new transformation."
"And if I were to fully control a completely great world, wouldn't I, in essence, become its heavenly law?"
"If a world contains fundamental laws, wouldn't I, as its ruler, be able to comprehend and wield those laws with ease?"
"This world must be nurtured properly. Increasing its spiritual energy is one step, but if I ever come across high-level elemental treasures, perhaps they could be absorbed into this small world and generate true elemental laws."
As he observed the transformations in the small world, Zhao Feng pondered deeply.
Compared to his attribute panel
Where he gained power by killing enemies and collecting attributes
Watching this small world grow and evolve gave him an even deeper sense of fulfillment.
"The water of the spiritual spring contains exceptionally pure heaven and earth energy. Drinking it can improve one's physique, grant immunity to diseases, and even enhance one's natural talent and constitution. The effects are even stronger when one bathes in it."
"As for the spiritual stone mine, it can be mined for spiritual stones."
With the addition of these two treasures, Zhao Feng fully grasped their functions.
Overall
They were incredibly valuable.
"From this day forward"
"All inhabitants of the small world may practice the fundamental martial cultivation techniques."
"As their cultivation improves, they will receive increased resources accordingly."
"The higher their cultivation, the greater their rewards, and they shall be valued accordingly," Zhao Feng declared.
"We obey!" his subordinates responded in unison.
All the Yan Court Dark Guards responded respectfully.
In this world, everything was under Zhao Feng's control, so there was naturally no need to worry about betrayal. Spreading martial arts here might even be beneficial to the small world.
Zhao Feng was looking forward to it.
His divine sense returned.
He glanced outside.
It was daytime.
Then, Zhao Feng walked out of the great hall of the Chu King's Palace.
As the hall doors opened
"Greetings, my lord."
The royal guards bowed respectfully.
"How many days have I been in seclusion?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Reporting to my lord, ten days have passed," Zhang Ming immediately replied.
"Time truly flies."
"The higher the level of martial techniques, the longer it takes to comprehend them. Even though I learn them directly, it still takes time to assimilate."
"If even direct learning requires at least ten days to grasp an entry-level Heaven-grade martial technique, then it's clear how profound these arts are," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
"How goes the battle?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Reporting to my lord, our army has achieved great success."
"Carrying the royal edict sealed with the Chu King's seal, our forces were able to make many Chu cities surrender without a fight."
"In just ten days, the Wu'an Camp has taken over more than twenty cities. If not for the vast distances and the sheer size of Chu's territory, we could have conquered even more."
"Of course, some city garrisons stubbornly resisted and were directly exterminated after our forces breached their walls," Zhang Ming reported.
"Well done," Zhao Feng nodded approvingly.
"There is one more matter."
"Chu has a new king now."
"Xiang Yan has installed the traitor Mi Qi as the new ruler."
"He was enthroned in Huainan City," Zhang Ming continued.
"Mi Qi?"
"So he just had to indulge in the thrill of being king, even if only for a short while," Zhao Feng chuckled before asking, "Tu Sui and the others should already be marching on them, correct?"
"Just as you predicted, my lord."
"Although the three generals split their forces, they all set Huainan as their final convergence point."
"They will arrive at Huainan City within a month."
"In addition, the forces from Hangu Camp are also advancing toward Huainan."
"Within a month, both armies will merge into one," Zhang Ming replied.
"Pass my order: within twenty days, I want our troops at Huainan's gates."
"I will personally oversee this battle," Zhao Feng commanded solemnly.
"Yes, my lord," Zhang Ming respectfully acknowledged the order.
Huainan City
The former governor's hall
At this moment, it had become a miniature royal court.
Mi Qi, clad in royal robes and a crown, sat solemnly upon the throne.
Although he had only been the King of Chu for a few days, the moment he donned the royal garments and crown, an unprecedented sense of euphoria surged through him.
He had done it!
He had truly become the King of Chu.
Even though his reign lacked real power and his kingdom was on the brink of destruction, he was still a king.
"We pay our respects to the great king!"
Led by Xiang Yan, dozens of civil and military officials bowed and proclaimed their loyalty.
Hearing their voices, Mi Qi was utterly intoxicated, reveling in the moment.
"Rise, my ministers!"
He spread his hands wide, his voice grand.
Had any Qin court officials been present, they would have noticed that Mi Qi was deliberately imitating King Ying Zheng of Qin.
"Your Majesty,"
"The original Chu capital has been completely overrun by the Qin army, and their forces are now advancing upon us."
"Please make your decision," Xiang Yan reported gravely.
Even he was deeply troubled at this moment.
"Did you not mention that many soldiers and officials from all over Chu have fled to Huainan?"
"In my opinion, all soldiers who arrive should be immediately reorganized into the army to defend Chu."
"Anyone who resists enlistment executes them," Mi Qi declared.
When the Qin army attacked the Chu capital, not all Chu officials obediently remained in the court awaiting their fate.
Many had already fled, and some had even sent their families away upon learning of the Qin army's approach.
The most unexpected case was the Three Noble Families. They originally believed that with their power and influence, Zhao Feng would welcome their allegiance, thinking their submission would facilitate Zhao Feng's conquest while reducing casualties.
However, the outcome was opposite to their expectations, preventing their escape.
Of course, with Qin's invasion, many remnants of Chu's army scattered
Some fled to still-intact Chu cities, some retreated into the mountains to become bandits, and others sought refuge in Qi.
This phenomenon also occurred in the previously destroyed Three Jin states and the Yan kingdom.
In the Three Jin states, many former nobles and soldiers turned into mountain bandits, unwilling to become slaves under Qin's rule.
As for Yan, the situation was somewhat different. Because the Yan King had betrayed his people and surrendered to foreign tribes, Zhao Feng had waged a brutal war of vengeance. He led a lone army deep into enemy territory, slaughtering countless invaders, and ultimately killed the Eastern Hu King.
For this reason, the people of Yan revered Zhao Feng as a legendary figure.
Rumors even spread that once Qin unified the land, if titles and territories were granted to meritorious officials, the millions of people in Yan would petition Zhao Feng to become their king.
That was Zhao Feng's reputation in Yan!
Marching alone deep into enemy lands,
Destroying the Eastern Hu royal court, annihilating their tribes, and beheading their king.
His name was honored across Yan as a symbol of heroism and vengeance.
Of course, this was just a side note.
When war breaks out, nations collapse, and families are destroyed
This was no exaggeration.
Because of Qin's military campaign, countless refugees and bandits had emerged in the conquered states.
It would be up to the future Qin administration to manage them.
Hearing Mi Qi's words, Xiang Yan nodded in approval.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"All those who fled to Huainan have already been detained. As soldiers and officials of Chu, they are duty-bound to serve the nation."
"With Your Majesty's decree, I need not hesitate any further," Xiang Yan said.
Seeing Xiang Yan's attitude, Mi Qi was reassured and nodded.
"General, Chu is in peril, and only you can turn the tide and protect our kingdom."
"I promise you this so long as it is for the sake of Chu, I will approve your every decision."
At this moment, Mi Qi made sure to curry favor with Xiang Yan.
He understood that he needed Xiang Yan's support to secure his throne.
Just then
"Report!"
"Your Majesty!"
"General!"
"A Qin army has arrived at our gates!"
A Chu soldier rushed in, panic-stricken.
"Which banner?"
Xiang Yan frowned and asked immediately.
Huainan was several hundred miles from Chufang City. To escape pursuit from Hangu Camp and to preserve the last remnants of Chu, Xiang Yan had left behind 50,000 troops to defend Chufang. He had not responded to the royal edict calling for aid at the capital, knowing it would mean total annihilation.
Instead, he had decisively retreated to Huainan and installed Mi Qi as king.
"It's the Hangu Camp banner," the messenger reported.
"Huan Yi has pursued us so swiftly?" Xiang Yan's expression darkened.
But then
Another messenger burst into the hall, frantic.
"Your Majesty! General!"
"Qin forces have been spotted at the northern gate!"
"The northern gate?"
"Could it be that the Qin Wu'an Camp has arrived as well?" Xiang Yan's anxiety deepened.
Now, the military forces within Huainan City numbered less than 150,000, and they were composed of scattered Chu soldiers who had fled from various places and been reorganized. Their combat effectiveness had undoubtedly declined.
If only one of Qin's military camps was attacking, these forces would be enough to defend the city for some time, provided that logistics were well-managed.
But now, the Qin Wu'an Camp had arrived as well.
Huainan City was surrounded, turning into an isolated stronghold.
Even if the Qin army did not launch an all-out assault, the city's food supplies would not last long, and its soldiers would eventually be left powerless.
"Great Chu... is finished."
At this moment, a sense of despair rose in Xiang Yan's heart.
No matter how hard he struggled, he could not resist the might of the Qin army. No matter how much he wished to change the current situation, he could not alter the fate of Chu's impending destruction.
"Wind, wind, wind!"
"A great wind!"
Before Mi Qi and Xiang Yan could react, a deafening war cry erupted from all directions outside Huainan City.
Under this overwhelming sound, the entire city its soldiers and civilians alike fell into chaos, filled with fear.
"The Qin army... has begun their attack."
Xiang Yan's voice was heavy and solemn.
"General, can we still fight?"
Mi Qi looked at Xiang Yan, his eyes filled with desperate hope.
He had only been king for less than a month. He had not even had the chance to fully enjoy the privileges of royalty. He did not want his kingdom to perish just yet.
"I will fight to the death against the Qin army."
Xiang Yan bowed to Mi Qi, then turned around and roared, "Convey my orders every soldier of Great Chu shall fight to the death against the Qin army! As long as I, Xiang Yan, draw breath, Chu will not fall!"
...
At the north and south gates of Huainan City, the Wu'an Camp, and the Hangu Camp had assembled.
Two of Qin's four great military camps had joined forces.
"Attack!"
Almost simultaneously, at the north gate, Zhao Feng drew his sword and shouted.
At the south gate, Huan Yi also drew his sword and issued the same command.
Qin's siege tactics began.
First came the onslaught of trebuchets and archers.
Once the long-range bombardment had suppressed the Chu forces inside the city, the Qin troops advanced for the assault.
The Wu'an Camp, as always, maintained its unique combat style.
"Kill!"
With a thunderous roar, Zhao Feng charged forward on horseback, his guards following closely behind as they stormed Huainan City.
On the other side, under Huan Yi's command, the vanguard troops of the Hangu Camp also launched their assault.
Two gates of Huainan City were under simultaneous attack!
The battle had begun!
The Qin army, with over 500,000 troops from two military camps, besieged the city.
From the moment the attack commenced, the outcome was already decided there was no suspense.
Faced with the fierce assault of the Qin forces and the dire state of the Chu kingdom, the Chu soldiers in the city had little will to fight.
In less than half an hour, Zhao Feng had seized the north gate, capturing the city walls.
Leading his forces, Zhao Feng pressed forward relentlessly, cutting down Chu soldiers as he advanced.
Within an hour, the northern outer city of Huainan had fallen to the Qin army.
Zhao Feng continued his offensive.
Soon, he reached the governor's residence, which had now become the Chu royal palace.
Zhao Feng rode at full gallop, like a god of war, slaying every Chu soldier who stood in his way.
The governor's residence was just ahead.
With a powerful thrust of his spear
Boom!
Without even using his true energy, just a casual swing of his weapon unleashed the power of a dragon and an elephant.
A deafening sonic boom echoed through the air.
With one mighty strike, the gates of the governor's residence crumbled, burying numerous Chu soldiers beneath the rubble amid their anguished screams.
Zhao Feng abandoned his horse, planted his Overlord Spear into the ground, and drew his Dragon Spring Sword.
Stepping over the ruins, he charged into the palace.
Inside, he cut down enemy soldiers with every step.
His personal guards and elite troops followed, slaughtering the Chu soldiers who tried to resist. Many attempted to flee in terror.
At the main hall of the governor's residence, which now served as the royal court, Xiang Yan stood with his last remaining guards.
"Zhao Feng!"
Upon seeing the fierce Qin general burst into the hall, Xiang Yan bellowed his name.
"Xiang Yan."
Zhao Feng halted his steps and looked at him calmly.
As Zhao Feng stopped, his soldiers finished off the last resisting Chu troops and stood behind him, their eyes fixed on Xiang Yan and the remaining defenders.
"You are indeed a capable general," Xiang Yan said bitterly. "Our Great Chu has been destroyed by a mere young man like you."
"I refuse to accept this!"
"Whether you accept it or not," Zhao Feng replied coldly, "after today, the state of Chu will cease to exist."
"Chu may fall today," Xiang Yan declared, "but the people of Chu will endure! Your Qin kingdom will not last forever.
"One day, it will be a son of Chu who destroys Qin!
"Even if only three Chu families remain, they will be the ones to bring down Qin!"
With that, Xiang Yan roared, "Kill!" and charged at Zhao Feng, sword in hand.
"Utter nonsense!" Zhao Feng sneered.
"As long as I am here, any who dare rebel shall be exterminated!"
With that, he met Xiang Yan's charge.
One strike.
A flash of blood.
Xiang Yan's head fell to the ground.
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