Deep in the mountains stood a modest palace, its exterior patrolled by Han's elite guards, maintaining strict vigilance.
Inside the palace:
"Three days," King Han An said gravely, his expression tense. "The capital has already fallen to the Qin army. When will we leave? Staying here makes me uneasy. If the Qin army finds us, I'm finished."
A minister bowed respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty, the capital's fall has indeed put the Qin army on high alert. They will undoubtedly search far and wide for Your Majesty. If we leave now, we risk immediate discovery. That would be disastrous."
"So, are we to stay here indefinitely?" King Han An exclaimed, his face lined with worry. "What if the Qin army searches the mountains and finds us? What then?"
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," the minister said confidently. "This palace is hidden deep within the mountains. Even if the Qin army combs the area, they won't find us. Moreover, the treasure vault in the royal palace has already been emptied. The Qin army will see it as abandoned and won't bother investigating further. The mechanisms sealing the secret tunnel are exceedingly well-concealed; they can't locate it."
Although these words offered some solace, King Han An's face remained clouded with anxiety.
Just then
"Report!"
A Han guard rushed into the palace, visibly panicked.
"Your Majesty, a grave matter!" the guard exclaimed. "Qin forces have been spotted outside the palace!"
The announcement turned King Han An's face ashen.
"The Qin… the Qin army has found me?" he stammered, his voice trembling.
The minister, equally shocked, demanded, "How many Qin soldiers?"
"Only one," the guard replied hastily. "He's outside, calling for our surrender."
"Just one?" King Han An's tension eased slightly, though unease still lingered.
"Your Majesty," the minister said urgently, "we must expedite our plans and leave immediately."
"All arrangements are in your hands," King Han An said, nodding fervently.
"Relay this order: deal with that Qin soldier at once, and then escort His Majesty out of here," the minister commanded the guard.
"At once!" The guard saluted and departed swiftly.
"Your Majesty, time is of the essence. We must leave now," the minister urged.
"Yes, yes, immediately!" King Han An replied, nodding repeatedly as if clutching at a lifeline.
Outside the Palace
Three hundred elite Han guards had assembled, some armed with bows and crossbows, others wielding swords, all staring tensely at Zhao Feng.
Although they outnumbered him overwhelmingly, Zhao Feng's calm demeanor left them uneasy. They couldn't help but suspect that more Qin troops might be lying in wait.
"You are surrounded by my forces," Zhao Feng said evenly, raising his sword. "Lay down your weapons, and your lives will be spared."
The Han guards exchanged glances but remained silent. They were King Han's sworn protectors, rigorously trained and fiercely loyal. Surrender was not an option.
Suddenly, the palace doors opened, and King Han An emerged, flanked by his guards.
Seeing that only one Qin soldier stood before them, King Han An exhaled in relief.
"Thankfully, it's just one man," he thought to himself. "If it had been an entire detachment, I would've had no chance of escaping."
Turning to his guards, his expression hardened with resolve. "This man is but a Qin scout. Kill him, and I shall lead you to safety. Once we reach Wei, I promise you wealth and honor!"
"Kill him!"
With his command, the Han guards surged forward.
"Kill!" they roared as a hundred archers drew their bows and unleashed a volley of arrows at Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng remained unfazed.
"Spirit Sense, activate."
With a surge of mental energy, Zhao Feng extended his awareness outward.
As the arrows rained down, he swung his Dragon Spring Sword in a dazzling flurry.
To the astonishment of the Han guards, Zhao Feng's blade wove an impenetrable web of steel, deflecting every arrow with ease.
Clang! Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal echoed as arrows clattered harmlessly to the ground.
"Is he even human?" one guard muttered, wide-eyed with disbelief.
Before they could recover, Zhao Feng disappeared from their sight in a blur of motion.
"He's gone!"
"Where did he"
"He's attacking!"
Zhao Feng reappeared like a phantom, slicing through the Han formation with lightning speed. The nearest guards fell in an instant, their lifeless bodies crumpling to the ground.
"Enemy killed. +5 Strength gained."
"Enemy killed. +5 Strength gained."
The notifications flashed in Zhao Feng's mind as he pressed his attack.
Amid the chaos, his gaze remained fixed on one target: King Han An.
"He's after me!" King Han An realized with a shudder, retreating in panic as his guards closed ranks around him.
"Protect His Majesty!" the minister shouted, his voice trembling with urgency.
The remaining guards tightened their formation, encircling King Han An.
Though their numbers and training made them formidable, fate had dealt them a cruel hand. They faced Zhao Feng a warrior of unparalleled strength and speed, a force beyond the ordinary. patreon.com/LordoftheReader