Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 5: Qin Law Targets the Common People!

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Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
Wang Jian orders the promotion of the logistics soldier who slew Han general Bao Qiu, granting three military ranks and one nobility rank, and notes the incident for the battle report to Xianyang. Father and son Wang Jian and Wang Ben discuss the whereabouts of Yan’er, who accompanied General Li Teng to Yang City. That night, Wei Quan questions Zhao Feng's lack of ambition for his great merit, learning of his survival-first mindset, while praising his hidden combat prowess and preparing to share hard-earned wisdom from years of hardship.

"If you possess true ability and a chance to rise, then rise without hesitation. Climb higher, whatever the price."

"This world consumes people."

"Without strength or status, even returning home brings only shame. Your lands might be slyly taken, your kin forced into slavery."

"Abandon your innocence and delusions."

"You’re young yet, blind to it all. But once you witness it, lacking power means treading a path to doom."

In the shroud of night, Wei Quan gazed intently at Zhao Feng, his tone heavy with warning.

Under Wei Quan’s piercing stare, Zhao Feng’s smile slowly vanished. He sensed the man’s utter sincerity.

"Mr. Wei," Zhao Feng asked involuntarily, "has trouble struck your family?"

"My family? Hah." Hatred blazed in Wei Quan’s eyes. "I saw it myself—my sister kidnapped by a county noble. Raped, and now... she’s insane."

"Mr. Wei, why not alert the authorities?" Zhao Feng exclaimed in shock. "Rape demands castration under the law."

"Alert the authorities?" Mockery flickered in Wei Quan’s gaze. "All know the Qin Law’s rigor, yet forget it’s wielded by the mighty. For common folk, it binds tight. For elite clans, it’s worthless."

"To the Great King, Qin Law rules everywhere, but my Shu Region lies distant from the Capital. His reach falls short."

"My father and I sought justice. Instead, that noble’s son targeted us—he beat my father to death, left me gravely wounded."

"And that villain struts free, untouched by law."

"Authorities? Qin Law?"

"In Xianyang and nearby, it’s sacred, unchallenged. But in far-flung lands, it’s powerless."

"Punishments spare high officials!"

"Qin Law binds the masses alone."

"Young Zhao, shed your naivety."

These words left Zhao Feng speechless.

Reborn into this world over fifteen years ago, his knowledge stemmed only from his village and this camp. Neighbors there aided one another; Zhao Feng had never faced Wei Quan’s grim realities.

He’d viewed Qin Law as legendarily harsh—even dubbed Tyranny of Qin by posterity. Yet Wei Quan’s tale shook him deeply.

"Qin Law binds the masses alone."

"Punishments spare high officials."

Zhao Feng whispered the phrases, glimpsing this era’s raw truth at last.

"Enough," Wei Quan said, clapping Zhao Feng’s shoulder. "Young Zhao, let it go. I only meant to warn you—this world isn’t simple or merciful."

"I almost faced King Yan today. Time for rest; you too."

"Tomorrow we march to Yang City." With a slight grin, Wei Quan headed to his tent.

Zhao Feng lingered by the dying campfire, Wei Quan’s warnings resounding in his thoughts.

Those words sparked endless reflection.

In his mind, Zhao Feng commanded, "Open the First Order Treasure Chest."

"Opening First Order Treasure Chest... Obtained First Order Spirit Fruit: Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom," the panel announced.

The Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom appeared, stirring faint regret in Zhao Feng.

"Open Attribute Panel."

Host: Zhao Feng

Age: 15 years old

Strength: 336 (The greater the strength, the more power can be unleashed.)

Speed: 216 (The higher the value, the faster the speed.)

Constitution: 218 (A stronger constitution means faster recovery and inexhaustible stamina.)

Spirit: 211 (A stronger spirit brings a clear mind and thoughts. At a certain level, one can sense nature’s spiritual energy.)

Lifespan: 86 years and 88 days

Portable Space: 2 cubic meters

These stats came from hauling hundreds of corpses alone across three battlefield days.

Contemplating the Yang City journey, excitement welled in Zhao Feng.

「The next day.」

At dawn, the Firescout Army cooked rations. Logistics Camp men devoured theirs, readying to depart.

Over ninety logistics troops lined up before Wei Quan. No Battle Armor adorned them, but swords hung at every waist. Battle Armor cost dearly in this age—not every Qin soldier got it, even in mighty Qin. Logistics got blades, sans protection. Only titled Sharp Warriors received Battle Armor.

"Where’s Zhao Feng?"

Just then, Zhao Feng’s Junhou marched up, clutching bamboo slips.

"Here! Right here!" Wei Quan spun and bellowed.

All company eyes locked on the scene. Spotting the Junhou and boxes borne by aides, they figured rewards for Zhao Feng loomed.

"By Shangjiangjun’s decree!" the Junhou proclaimed, thrusting reward slips aloft. "Logistics First Army Marquis Camp soldier Zhao Feng slew Han Wanjiang Bao Qiu, earning vast merit!"

"Per Qin’s merit code, promoted three levels to Centurion, awarded first-rank nobility! Plus new Battle Armor and sword!"

"Zhao Feng," Wei Quan urged, "express gratitude!"

Zhao Feng advanced steadily, bowing low with poise. "Thanks to you."

The Junhou neared, handing sword, Battle Armor, and slips from his escorts. Zhao Feng received them reverently.

Smiling, the Junhou said, "Outstanding work, Zhao Feng. You honored our Logistics Camp before the Shangjiangjun. A Han Wanjiang—son of Han’s top general—felled by our own. Huge news!"

"Mere luck aided this subordinate," Zhao Feng responded.

"Luck or skill, merit stands." The Junhou slapped his shoulder. "I’m Luo Chao—seek me anytime ahead." He faced the troops.

"Zhao Feng rose to Centurion and nobility by felling a foe commander. That’s Qin’s merit path! Origin irrelevant—if you slay enemies, gain merit, rewards follow! Strive for glory like him, serve our realm!" the Junhou thundered inspiringly.