Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 628 - 627: Tian Peng Eager to Try

The General’s tent was a bit larger than the tents of the other soldiers, it was tidied up with everything in place, and even had a special charcoal brazier for warmth—an amenity not found in the quarters of regular soldiers.

About ten soldiers had to sleep in one tent, relying solely on squeezing together for warmth. Nevertheless, since there were many people and the tents were small, it actually turned out to be quite cozy.

"This is the General’s lodging," Deputy General Chen introduced to Tian Peng, "As soon as the letter from Chang’an arrived, we began making preparations for you. After everything was ready, soldiers would go in daily to clean. General, please take a look. Is it satisfactory?"

"There’s no need to make do with so much in army life, good enough is fine. I’m here to assume my post, not for enjoyment; as long as I can sleep, that’s all that matters," Tian Peng said politely while glancing inside. Although the tent was small, it was fully equipped and everything had been tidied up, clean and orderly.

"We were mainly considering that it’s your first time assuming a post in the camp, and moreover, it’s in such a cold place in the northwest. You’re sure to find many things unfamiliar at first, so we thought to make your stay here a bit more comfortable, if possible," Deputy Commandant Zhang also spoke.

"One after another, really, you’re all too kind," Tian Peng laughed, "I’ve said I’m here to serve, not to enjoy myself, yet you’ve prepared so well for me. You’ve all put in effort—did it take quite some effort to arrange this?"

"The soldiers did it," Deputy Commandant Zhang said, "However, I believe that if General Zhu feels comfortable here, the soldiers will be very happy too. It makes their efforts in tidying up worthwhile."

Tian Peng smiled, "Then I truly must thank the soldiers. I’m not one for fuss, but since the soldiers have already taken care of it, I can only have the cheek to settle in."

His words once again induced laughter from those present.

Zhao Ping was the one responsible for escorting Tian Peng here. He had simply been extending his hospitality as a host. Now that he had delivered his guest, there was no need for him to linger, so he found an excuse and left.

At present, Tian Peng held a second-rank official title; above him were several Great Generals. However, at the top in the northwest, there was only a Charging Cavalry Great General.

Logically, he should have reported to the Great General first, but the Flag Bearer Great General had gone on patrol along the frontier and had not returned after a day’s journey.

The matter of his greeting would have to be postponed for the time being; everything would have to wait for the Flag Bearer Great General to return.

After placing his belongings inside his tent, Tian Peng stepped out to watch the soldiers train.

The soldiers’ training was repetitive and lacked intrigue; any competent soldier wouldn’t make any big mistakes, so there was little need for instruction.

The real interest lay in the sparring matches. Contestants would step onto the platform one by one. Those who won would have a mark added next to their name. At the end of the month, they would receive a slight increase in their salary based on the accumulated marks. Although not much, a little was still something.

Most of the soldiers would send their pay back home; fighting hard in their matches, aiming for a better life for their families.

Watching the soldiers compete, Tian Peng felt an itch in his heart; the fervent atmosphere stoked Tian Peng’s fighting spirit.

This was real combat spirit, far stronger than during the martial arts examination.

Tian Peng had no combat spirit during the martial arts exam at all, as the fights against those aristocrats who only knew fancy moves were utterly uninteresting. Not only were they dull, but he was also instructed by the examiners not to harm them, a request conveyed in private beforehand.

Not wanting to cause trouble for himself, Tian Peng, despite his disdain for the examiners’ request, heeded their words.

In the matches, he merely used brute strength to control their movements and let the judges rule who won or lost; he truly did not lay a hand on anyone else.

But now, watching these soldiers compete was different; they were all genuinely fighting, using all their might. It wasn’t just about brute force; skill was involved too, all for the sake of winning.

They considered the outcome of each match very important, which was the reason why Tian Peng got so excited just by watching the battles.

Perhaps Tian Peng’s gaze was too expressive and failed to conceal his emotions, Deputy General Chen noticed Tian Peng seemed quite interested and asked, "General Zhu, what do you think of this contest?"

"Not too bad," Tian Peng replied, "Even though they are all quite weak, each one of them is fighting with all their might to win, which does make it quite thrilling to watch."

"I’m afraid General Zhu is already itching to join the fray," Deputy General Chen teased.

Far from feeling embarrassed at having his eagerness seen through, Tian Peng openly admitted, "Indeed, I have been on the road for the past three months and haven’t had much opportunity to spar with others."

"It’s not just that, is it?" Deputy General Chen continued to joke.

Tian Peng didn’t immediately understand what he meant and replied, "What do you mean? It’s exactly like that."

"What I mean is, surely it’s not just while traveling that you’ve been unable to spar, General Zhu," Deputy General Chen explained, "These martial examinations are like child’s play among noble sons. General Zhu, when you competed, you hardly had to fight seriously, did you?"

That was indeed true; it seemed the martial examination was more a ceremonial affair, and not only the people of Chang’an knew this, but those in the military were also well aware.

"General Zhu, please don’t take offense. Even if I were to guess, I would know that your participation in the martial examination must have been for some reason; you certainly didn’t come without any knowledge of the matter," Deputy General Chen said.

Tian Peng didn’t intend to go into detail on this matter and just gave a noncommittal smile without agreeing.

"I didn’t mean much by it. I just wanted to experience General Zhu’s strength myself," Deputy General Chen stated, "After all, since you’re taking a new office, it’s good for everyone to see your capability."

So, Deputy General Chen had taken such a roundabout way just to challenge him to a contest. Tian Peng had been keen on a test of skills but considering those present wouldn’t be a match for him, he hadn’t planned to waste time on this matter.

It didn’t occur to him to make the suggestion, but Deputy General Chen seemed eager to witness his strength.

"It seems everyone is quite unconvinced about me."

Although Tian Peng too wanted to have a test of skills, such a statement would be appropriate if made by someone of higher status; coming from someone of lower status, it carried a hint of provocation.

No matter whether Deputy General Chen meant to provoke or not, Tian Peng couldn’t just take the bait and step up for a match – it would be beneath him.

"Ah, that’s not what I meant," Deputy General Chen said, "I don’t know what the soldiers think, but my wish to spar with you, General, is because of your imposing stature. I just want to see the gap between you and me."

These words still implied a lack of respect, wanting to test his strength, just phrased differently.

Deputy General Chen wanted to see Tian Peng’s strength, and the reasons were all too clear.

Tian Peng had become the martial arts champion through the martial examination, and the military was well aware of how much water that title held.

However, his background was that of an ordinary person, the same starting point as theirs. How could he become the martial arts champion while they could not?