Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 820 - 332: Ying Zheng: Sweep Away the Remnants of Fallen Kingdoms, Purge Shenzhou! (3)

Dunruo presented his report to Ying Zheng, stating, "The strongholds belonging to the remnants of defeated nations have been largely secured, awaiting Your Majesty's command."

"A few scurrying rats, allowed to linger for this long is more than enough," Ying Zheng responded, his voice laced with ice.

"Exterminate them."

"Leave not a single one alive."

"And anyone connected, put them to the sword."

Ying Zheng uttered these cold words, a slight raising of his brow the only indication of his displeasure.

"Your decree shall be carried out," Dunruo affirmed, accepting the order and withdrawing swiftly.

"It has been close to three years since Qin unified the culture of Shenzhou," Ying Zheng mused, his gaze distant.

"During this period, the populace has pledged their loyalty, their thoughts no longer dwelling on their former nations. Under our rule, the people of Qin have flourished, becoming strong and prosperous, a stark contrast to the past."

"Yet these vermin persist in causing disturbances."

"This time, with the celestial descent of the meteor, you have all been compelled to reveal yourselves."

"I have been observing your movements for a considerable time."

"Following this event, no remnants of the old world shall remain."

"After this, they will be utterly eradicated."

Ying Zheng whispered his intent, his eyes gleaming with profound murderous intent.

...

In Huiji County!

A humble village.

"Uncle," Xiang Yu addressed Xiang Liang, his tone laced with frustration.

"Emperor Qin's methods are too effective."

"With a single imperial decree, he managed to suppress the news of the meteor."

"Furthermore, the people of Great Chu place their absolute trust in the Qin government."

"Our efforts to spread the word about the meteor this time not only failed to sway them but resulted in many of our brethren suffering losses, as they were betrayed by the Chu populace."

"These ungrateful wretches," Xiang Yu spat out in anger.

"Enough," Xiang Liang interjected, his sigh heavy with resignation.

"From this point forward, refrain from venturing out."

"We must await the opportune moment."

"The Qin state has established complete dominion over Shenzhou and provided a stable life for its common people."

"Great Chu has no further prospects."

"Nor do we."

"The hearts of the people are no longer with their former nations."

"Unless divine retribution descends from the heavens, we will not be granted another chance," Xiang Liang stated slowly, his expression one of utter defeat.

At this juncture,

their efforts seemed futile; despite their best endeavors, they were powerless against the overwhelming might of Qin's rule.

Just then!

"General!" a panicked subordinate cried out.

"Bad news!"

"Thousands of Qin soldiers have surrounded the village; we are trapped!"

"The government has discovered our presence."

A subordinate reported in sheer panic.

"What?"

Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu's faces contorted in shock and disbelief.

At this precise moment,

it wasn't just this isolated region of the former Chu territory; across various locales within the Great Qin Divine Land, the hidden strongholds of the remnants from defeated nations found themselves similarly surrounded by substantial forces of officials and soldiers.

Each operation was executed with unnerving accuracy, resulting in immediate encirclement.

The Tian Xuan Mirrors, distributed amongst the Qin citizenry, were restricted to those with official citizenship. However, given the vastness of Qin, remnants of vanquished states naturally possessed citizenship, some even obtained through forged documents.

In an era even comparable to Zhao Feng's technological age, such documents could be faked; it was hardly surprising in this time.

Consequently, numerous remnants from these defeated nations also possessed the Tian Xuan Mirror.

Yet, they had fundamentally misunderstood its purpose.

The Tian Xuan Mirror served not only as a symbol of identity for Qin citizens but also as a national treasure, its ultimate authority vested in Zhao Feng and Ying Zheng.

Regarding the matter of the meteor, Ying Zheng had already exerted control over the Tian Xuan Mirror. The moment anyone discussed the celestial event, their location and citizenship were instantaneously identified, triggering immediate investigations by the Heibing Platform and Yanting.

Furthermore,

the systematic hunt for remnants of defeated countries had been ongoing for years. While these individuals had indeed hidden themselves with great skill, Qin's pursuit was equally relentless and deeply entrenched.

Time, relentless and swift,

carried them forward. Ten days elapsed rapidly.

Within the Qin Territory, the purge was successfully concluded.

In the Great Qin Palace, at the plaza before the Morning Discussion Hall,

hundreds of captives, bound and subdued, were compelled to kneel at the base of the grand steps.

These individuals represented the remnants of the royal families from the former Six States, along with their associated nobility.

Included among them were numerous officials and nobles who had colluded with these remnants.

Those of significance, both in status and influence, were brought here, awaiting Ying Zheng's ultimate judgment.

"Your Majesty, I report," Dunruo stated, his voice clear.

"Following Your Majesty's decree to cleanse the realm."

"Today,"

"the Heibing Platform and local administrations collaborated seamlessly, mobilizing Prefecture Soldiers."

"A total of eighty-seven strongholds belonging to the remnants of defeated countries have been eradicated, resulting in the demise of over seven thousand remnants. Presented before you are the leaders of these remnants, along with the colluding officials and nobles."

"We await Your Majesty's judgment."

Dunruo indicated the assembled prisoners below and reported with utmost respect.

Ying Zheng raised a hand,

his gaze impassive as he surveyed the scene below. Under the weight of his scrutiny, the majority of the prisoners lowered their heads, their faces etched with palpable fear.

Nevertheless, a multitude of captives lifted their gazes, a palpable sense of defiance and deep-seated resentment swirling amongst them.

Xiang Liang, Xiang Yu.

Even the future luminary Zhang Liang, alongside many others destined for historical renown, found themselves reduced to the status of prisoners.

A brief silence ensued.

Then, Ying Zheng's voice cut through the air, sharp and cold, "Execute them!"