Chapter 39: Breakthrough in All Attributes Once More! A Great Achievement!

"Enemy commander, Garrison Commander Song Zhong, has been slain. You have gained 100 points in all attributes, 100 taels of gold, 200 days of lifespan, and two Tier 1 treasure chests." The system panel prompt sounded.

Immediately following this, the 100-point boost to all attributes surged through his body. The next moment, just as with previous attribute increases, a wave of comfort washed over Zhu Zheng. With his attributes rising, his strength grew, pushing his total attributes past the 900-point threshold.

"Congratulations, host. Your total attributes have exceeded 900 points. You are rewarded with one Tier 1 treasure chest," the panel prompted.

However, Zhu Zheng did not linger in the joy of his increased power. Instead, he lifted Song Zhong’s severed head and shouted to the surrounding enemy troops, "Song Zhong has been slain by me, Zhu Zheng!"

"Juyong Pass has been captured by our forces. Those of you who lay down your arms and surrender will be spared! If you choose to resist, there will be no mercy."

Zhu Zheng’s voice, like a thunderclap, resonated throughout the area, reaching the ears of countless soldiers locked in battle within the government office. Without a doubt, Song Zhong was the commander of Juyong Pass and the highest-ranking officer left by the imperial court in Beiping after the deaths of Xie Gui and his associates. With his death, the morale of his troops collapsed.

"The Battalion Commander is mighty!"

"Song Zhong has been slain by the Commander!"

"Brothers, attack!"

"Kill any of these treacherous dogs who refuse to surrender and keep their weapons. Kill them all!"

"Kill!"

Zhu Zheng’s soldiers roared, their exhaustion forgotten as their morale soared, driving them into a frenzy of combat. For the defenders, however, this was the final blow to their spirits.

"General Song is dead."

"We have lost."

"Juyong Pass cannot be held."

"If we don't surrender, we die."

"I surrender! Please, spare my life!"

"General, have mercy, I surrender..."

"You cowards! General Song died for the country. We must fight the rebels to the death! Brothers, kill this rebel commander and avenge General Song!"

"Kill!"

With Song Zhong dead, the battle within the government office split into two distinct situations. On one side, Song Zhong’s personal guards fought desperately, hoping to drag a few Yan soldiers down with them before they died. They targeted Zhu Zheng, the culprit who had killed their commander, and charged at him recklessly, only for Zhu Zheng to dispatch them one by one with his blade. Meanwhile, the majority of the garrison, seeing that Song Zhong was dead, lost all will to resist and knelt in surrender, prioritizing their survival above all else.

The battle had reached its climax. Outside Juyong Pass, cavalry were seen galloping rapidly from within the pass toward the rear lines.

"Report!"

"General Qiu, Juyong Pass has been secured."

The leading scout, a junior flag officer, reported to Qiu Fu with excitement. For the Yan army, this was a moment of great jubilation. They had finally overcome the biggest hurdle since they began their uprising.

Zhang Yu asked with concern, "Did Song Zhong escape?"

Clearly, if Song Zhong had escaped, his capabilities would have continued to pose a threat to their army. Only with his death could they breathe easier. Qiu Fu’s eyes also betrayed his concern. Both sides had exerted their full strength in this battle—one defending, one attacking. The defenders knew they had to block the Yan army west of Juyong Pass; if they succeeded, reinforcements would arrive to crush the rebellion. Zhu Di and his generals in Beiping understood this clearly. If they failed to take the pass, they would be besieged and annihilated by the imperial army with nowhere left to go. Juyong Pass was a strategic stronghold; by capturing it, Zhu Di not only secured his own survival but also gained a vital defensive position against the imperial forces.

"Reporting to the General," the scout said with immense excitement. "Our Beiping Army First Battalion Commander, Zhu Zheng, fought with unparalleled ferocity. He charged all the way to the government office and personally beheaded Song Zhong. With Song Zhong dead, his troops have laid down their arms and surrendered. Our army has won!"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Fu and Zhang Yu exchanged glances, unable to hide their excitement.

"Good, very good," Qiu Fu said, equally moved. "That old fox Song Zhong is finally dead. With him gone and Juyong Pass broken, Beiping will return to the Prince's rule within half a month. This was our most dangerous battle, and we have finally overcome it. Song Zhong has lost."

"General Qiu," Zhang Yu said, his face alight with excitement. "We must report how the pass was broken and how Song Zhong was killed to the Prince. Such a great merit! Zhu Zheng’s bravery is extraordinary; he deserves a heavy reward. For the merit of breaking the city and slaying the commander, he should be named the primary hero in the capture of Juyong Pass."

Qiu Fu nodded immediately. "Naturally. I have heard the name Zhu Zheng many times. He rose from the ranks of local bailiffs, gained merit by killing Xie Gui's son, and has since performed many great services for the Prince. Today, he fought with incredible valor, leading the charge to break the city and slaying Song Zhong. Guo Zi is lucky to have such an outstanding son-in-law. It is truly enviable."

Qiu Fu felt a sense of admiration for Zhu Zheng, mixed with envy for his colleague, Guo Zi. If his own descendants were this capable, it would be a true blessing.

"Once we enter the pass and verify the results, I will personally request a reward for Zhu Zheng," Qiu Fu said solemnly. "With the merit of this battle, he should be promoted at least two ranks. The Prince is in a crisis; having such a capable general serving him is surely the blessing of heaven. One day, the Prince will achieve great things."

Zhang Yu nodded in serious agreement. "Since we have embarked on this path, we must succeed or die trying."

Qiu Fu turned to the scout and asked in a deep voice, "Is the situation inside Juyong Pass completely under control?"

"Reporting to the General, before I left, the situation was mostly settled. Only a few stubborn remnants remained, and they have likely been dealt with by now," the scout replied.

"Good." Qiu Fu nodded. He gazed at the war-torn pass, littered with corpses, and commanded, "Enter the pass! I have fought with Song Zhong for so long; it is only right that I go to bid farewell to an old friend."

With that, Qiu Fu spurred his horse forward toward Juyong Pass, followed by his personal guards, as they rode in to secure their victory.