Sima Shang also raised his head to look at Zhao Feng.
"General Li," Zhao Feng began with a smile, "the world is vast. It's not just the Divine Continent. Would you truly be content to gallop across the Divine Continent, without ever wishing to venture beyond it?"
"What do you mean by that?" Li Mu asked with a faint smile. "You're not thinking of establishing your own faction, are you?"
"Establishing my own faction is out of the question," Zhao Feng replied. "But it is wise to plan for a rainy day. Who can say for certain what the future holds? As long as you serve me, I can assure you that I will never treat you two poorly and will always allow you to utilize your talents to the fullest." Zhao Feng stood and bowed with clasped hands to the two men, his sincerity evident.
Li Mu slowly rose to his feet. "If we pledge our loyalty, what can you offer us?"
Zhao Feng smiled and clapped his hands. "Zhang Ming."
"Yes, my Lord." Zhang Ming immediately understood and clapped his hands as well.
Suddenly, dozens of trusted aides brought more than a dozen men, women, and children before Li Mu.
When they saw these people, the expressions on Li Mu and Sima Shang's faces instantly changed.
"Father! Mother!" Li Mu's eyes welled with emotion as he rushed over. "And Wu'er, Yin'er!"
The same was true for Sima Shang, who hurried toward his own mother and wife. "Mother! You're still alive! This is wonderful!"
For a moment, these two renowned War Generals were as emotional as young children, overwhelmed with excitement. No matter how hardened a man is, he is still human, and even the toughest of men have a tender side.
"Your families are lucky the Lord ordered their rescue," Zhang Ming said slowly. "Before we acted, the King of Zhao had already commanded the Zhao Country Royal Guard to exterminate both your clans. If Yanting had been even a step late, you would never have seen your families again."
"Mu'er, quickly thank this noble lord!" Mrs. Li said indignantly. "If not for him, our entire family would be dead! The King of Zhao is heartless; he never intended to spare us!"
It wasn't just her. The family members of both Li Mu and Sima Shang began talking all at once, recounting their narrow escape from being annihilated by the King of Zhao's royal family.
Hearing this, Li Mu and Sima Shang both turned their gazes to Zhao Feng, their eyes filled with gratitude. In truth, after being rescued, they had considered the fate of their families and had mentally prepared for the worst, knowing the King of Zhao would surely punish them. Now, seeing their loved ones unharmed and alive, their feelings were incredibly complex, and they were filled with a profound sense of gratitude toward Zhao Feng.
Immediately, Li Mu and Sima Shang exchanged a look, their decision made in that single glance.
The two men walked straight to Zhao Feng and knelt before him.
"For the grace of saving our lives and our clans," Li Mu declared, facing Zhao Feng, "I, Li Mu, pledge my life to you from this day forward."
"The same goes for me," Sima Shang added, also kneeling. "I, Sima Shang, swear fealty unto death."
"With the help of two generals such as yourselves, I can undoubtedly train the most elite soldiers in the world," Zhao Feng said, stepping forward at once to help them up. "Even though Yanting is comprised of Dark Guards, I am confident you can train them as well."
History has changed drastically at this moment. Li Mu did not die. Sima Shang did not die. Now, they both serve me. The end of the Qin Dynasty... I'm really starting to look forward to it. Li Mu can train cavalry, and he also possesses an aggressive momentum that Lian Po lacked. He's a truly rare and capable general. And Sima Shang is a perfect deputy. A satisfied smile appeared on Zhao Feng's face.
Knowing what the future held, obtaining the loyalty of these two men was more exciting to Zhao Feng than having all his attributes increase by a thousand.
"Since you have joined my command, you are now one of my own," Zhao Feng said with a smile after helping them up. "Do you have a place in mind to settle your families? Whatever you choose, I will provide it. I have no desire to use your families to threaten you."
Hearing this, Li Mu and Sima Shang were deeply touched. They had initially thought Zhao Feng would use their families as leverage, but now they realized they had been mistaken.
"In these chaotic times, where can one find a truly peaceful place?" Li Mu said respectfully after a moment's thought. "I have lived here for over half a year myself. While it lacks the hustle and bustle of the outside world and is isolated, it's exceptionally peaceful. At the very least, one doesn't experience the chaos of war or the horrors of slaughter. Therefore, I request that my Lord allow our entire clan to remain in this stronghold and live in peace. Once the wars have ended, we can let them return to the outside world."
Zhao Feng nodded. "Since you have decided, it shall be done as you wish." He then turned and called out, "Han Xi."
"This servant is here." Han Xi hurried over, bowing as he stood before Zhao Feng.
"Make the arrangements. Prepare accommodations for the generals' families. See that they want for nothing in terms of clothing, food, housing, and travel," Zhao Feng instructed warmly.
"This servant obeys," Han Xi replied promptly.
At the same time, Zhao Feng checked Li Mu and Sima Shang's loyalty. After he saved their families, their loyalty scores had surpassed the seventy-point threshold, meaning they would not betray him easily. Once their loyalty reached eighty, they would be completely devoted.
"Men," Han Xi called out to his subordinates, "take the generals' families to their new quarters. Ensure all their living needs are met." Before long, someone had led the families of Li Mu and Sima Shang away from the area.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng settled back into his seat.
"Han Xi, Ying Bu," Zhao Feng said to the two men. "Tell me about the current state of development for Yanting and the Immortals' Liquor House."