"Mr. Zhang, why did you summon me this time? It's freezing outside, but I've been going back and forth several times." As soon as they met, Wu Gen kept complaining and grabbed the hot tea on the table. , Gudong Gudong took a few sips.
Zhang Yuan was sitting at the table slowly sipping tea, taking small sips, but his movements were a little stiff. When it comes to tea tasting, the important thing is to sip gently and slowly, leaving the fragrance on your lips and teeth.
The new Yuwen captain was a scholar and was known as a Confucian general. He showed his style in every move he made, which forced the people below to follow suit.
Seeing Wu Gen's tired look, Zhang Yuan was furious. The calmness he had worked so hard to accumulate was gone. He drank the strong tea in the cup in one gulp and put it heavily on the table, "Wu Gen, You are also a corps leader, how can you still be a gangster, how can you be decent." He picked up the riding whip beside him.
"Goodbye, Mr. Zhang. As a corps commander, you also know that even if my wife dies and I have no children, I am left alone. When will I be assigned two people to serve as my envoys?"
"Recruit yourself if you have the ability. Now the soldiers in each battalion are nervous. Where can I find anyone to coordinate with you?"
"It's not impossible to recruit. It's just a matter of how to solve the problem of food and salary."
"You have to think of your own way, and the army won't be able to allocate an extra cent of food to you."
"I knew that if I had to do it myself, it would be the same as recruiting bandits."
"If you dare to have evil intentions, be careful that I kill you first." Zhang Yuanjue believed that as long as he saw this kid twice more, he would definitely lose two years of his life.
"Okay, Mr. Zhang, let's calm down. Even if I recruit people, it's also an official job. If you don't mention this, what are your instructions for calling me this time?"
"Ahem." Zhang Yuan coughed twice, "The county guard has an order. In recent years, the battles with Daxia have suffered many losses, with more defeats and fewer wins. I have learned from the painful experience that it is not about having more soldiers but about being skilled. So I reported to the court and wanted to go to The way to survive is to recruit new people from the common people. Those who are selected can be directly given Ding status to the middle-aged people.
I think you have been in the Xiang army for a while, so why not take part in the trial so that you can get a good start. In this way, the post of corps commander will be fulfilled, and it is possible that he will be promoted to a higher level. Think about us in the Xiang army, most of us have toiled for many years, and only by the lucky chance of surviving can we get into the middle of the pack. Don't miss this opportunity. "
Wu Gen thought for a while, "To think that such a good opportunity must come from many difficulties, right?"
Zhang Yuan sighed and said solemnly: "That's natural. The Road to Rebirth is set up by the current imperial court to select the elite Shenwu Army of the Forbidden Army. It includes both martial arts trials and calculus assessments. Especially when there is a relationship between each other. You have to fight to the death, just like fighting beasts, and only the one who survives can pass the level.
There was once a trial in which thousands of people entered, but only one came out alive, which shows how cruel it is. However, our Dingyuan City is naturally not as good as the imperial court, so the trial will be relatively simple. "
"Is it okay if I don't go?" Wu Gen looked at Zhang Yuan pitifully.
"Alas, Wu Gen, do you know how difficult it is for a common man to become a noble man? According to the laws of the Zhao Kingdom, if a common man wants to become a noble man, he has only four options to choose from.
One is to join the army only after you have achieved military exploits. The second is to be a slave. If a noble person's domestic slave is lucky enough, he can be granted the Ding status of a middle-aged person. The third is to enroll in school and gain fame through the imperial examination. The fourth is cultivation. Those with special abilities can also be awarded Ding status, a noble person in the middle class.
If a common man wants to change his life, how can he do it without risking his life? A man is born between heaven and earth, how can he live in a state of depression for a long time? I think you are also a restless person. If you want to achieve something, why not work hard to move forward.
You have been in the mountains and wilderness for a long time, and I am usually indulgent. I don't know the strict hierarchy. Once you follow me into the city, you will know the taste. "
Wu Gen had never been to a big city, so he was quite excited after hearing this.
The next day, Zhang Yuan took leave early and took Wu Gen to Dingyuan City.
After riding for half a day in silence all the way, a majestic city appeared in front of us on the vast wilderness. The black city wall and the towering arrow tower are like giant tigers entrenched in the wilderness, staring at the southern border of Zhao State. It is the Dingyuan City that has not been seen for a long time.
When they reached the city gate, the guard soldiers saw Wu Gen and looked at him suspiciously. Just when he was about to ask, Zhang Yuan took out a wooden sign, pointed at Wu Gen, and said: "This is my servant. He has official business with me when he enters the city this time."
After carefully checking the token, the gatekeepers allowed the two men into the city.
When you enter the city, you lead your horse and walk slowly. There are rows of houses on both sides of the street.
Along the way, there are many tea houses, wine shops and public houses. The pond, pavilion and waterside pavilion are reflected in the greenery; the red bricks and green tiles are hidden beside the hustle and bustle. People on the street are dressed in gorgeous clothes and pass by in groups, making it a prosperous scene.
Wu Gen was dazzled by what he saw and looked around curiously. He had never thought that there was such a prosperous and magnificent place in the world.
Zhang Yuan smiled and reminded: "If you encounter someone wearing a brocade robe, I advise you to keep your head down and act carefully to avoid causing trouble."
After hearing this, Wu Gen noticed that there were some people wrapped in cotton and linen on the street, who must be common people in the city, walking cautiously on both sides of the street. When someone in a brocade robe came over, he quickly lowered his body and did not dare to raise his head. If you are not careful, you will be scolded, but you will not dare to refute at all.
Passing by a shop, a fat woman, carried by a thin servant of a commoner, was arguing with a shop owner. When the argument became fierce, she would hit the servant under her with a whip from time to time. With each stroke, the house slave trembled all over. Even though it hurt, he did not dare to make a sound.
When Wu Gen saw this scene, his eyes moved slightly, and he touched the handle of the knife at his waist, but found nothing. Before going out, Zhang Yuan had put away the knife.
Noticing Wu Gen's actions, Zhang Yuan whispered: "The world is divided into heaven and earth, and people have high and low status. Common people in the city can only have this fate. You are a newbie here, so you must not be reckless. If you want to avoid this humiliation, you can only work hard to make progress. Climb.
This time on the road to death, as the name suggests, if you escape from life and change the world, if you fail, you will die and be reduced to dust and bones. It's easy for you to weigh it yourself. "
"Go." Wu Gen said in a low voice, "Let's leave the city. If we stay longer, I'm afraid I will do something unspeakable."
Zhang Yuan smiled slightly, turned his horse's head, and hurriedly led Wu Gen out of the city.
After leaving Dingyuan City, Zhang Yuan said: "We will set off from the Xiangjun camp ten days after the trial. You still need to recharge your batteries during these days. Do you want to find a few people in the camp to practice with you?"
Wu Gen thought for a moment and said, "No need to go to such trouble. I'd better go back to Barren Tomb Ridge and I'll rush back to the camp then."
Zhang Yuan didn't know what Wu Gen's plan was, but he didn't bother to ask, waving his hand to indicate that he could do what he wanted.
Returning to Huangzhong Ridge, Wu Gen looked solemn, took out the broken knife and sat in the courtyard to polish it carefully.
After polishing the knife for a long time, for some unknown reason, the rust on the blade could not be removed. With a sigh, Wu Gen no longer struggled, and carefully recalled the moves he had learned in the ghost world, and then formed a boxing stance in conjunction with the Mind Sutra.
With a hey sound, the snow on the locust tree fell, and a fist mark appeared on the tree. Wu Gen silently boxed, waiting for the full moon night to arrive.
The reason why I returned to Desolate Tomb Ridge was to enter the Ghost World again before I left. After all, training in the camp would not improve my skills faster than the life-and-death fight in the Ghost World.
In the blink of an eye, it was already the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and a full moon hung on the top of the mountain. The peaks and mountains were faint, as if covered with a layer of mist. Wu Gen held the broken knife in his hand and looked at the festive fireworks rising in the distance with bright eyes.
The surroundings became quiet, and the mist rose from the mountains and slowly drifted towards the small courtyard. The locust trees in the courtyard swayed gently, and their shadows were thick, which was indescribably strange.
Wu Gen shook his head mockingly. There are ghosts in the locust tree. It is a thing that attracts ghosts. No wonder the beacon here is not very clean.
Slowly closing his eyes, holding the bell in his left hand, his body gradually became silent, and even his breathing became slower.
The mist surrounded Wu Gen, swirling and trembling from time to time. Soon, the fog gradually thickened in the yard, and only the faint shadow of the locust tree could be seen.
Three days later, the fog dissipated, and Wu Gen opened his eyes, which were blood red, and the strong evil aura was almost substantive.
This time when he entered the ghost world, Wu Gen changed his previous behavior. No matter who he incarnated into, he was unafraid of death and moved forward desperately. Countless strangers and beasts died at his hands.
There are not too many fancy moves in the battle among the ghosts, they are all aimed at killing people. As long as it kills the opponent, you can use your teeth. Wu Gen remembered that he had bitten the neck of a big snake, and both of them died together.
Looking at Xi Weichenguang, Wu Gengang stood up and stumbled to the ground. His whole body was shaking, his teeth were clenched, and his face was pale. Fighting among ghosts and monsters will not hurt the physical body, but the damage to the soul is inevitable, and this damage will also be reflected on the physical body.
Wu Gen put all his efforts into the ghost's journey. After many lives and deaths, he only quit when he was almost exhausted. When I woke up suddenly, I was naturally exhausted physically and mentally.
After raising it for a few days, seeing that the ten days were approaching, Wu Gen packed up and hurried to the camp.
When he arrived at the camp, he found Zhang Yuan to report and was told that there was still one day before departure. Wu Gen's tent had been appropriated by others, so he had to spend two nights with Mo Xin.
Mo Xin heard that Wu Gen was also going there and kept asking where he had hidden the money. The reason is also very simple. If a tomb is built in the future, there must be no expense.
Wu Gen took out some silver and gave it to Mo Xin, explaining Bao Xiang's affairs in detail. If there is a chance, Mo Xin should rush to the Deserted Tomb Ridge to garrison as soon as possible, so as not to cut off this way of making money.
Mo Xin was unwilling to go to that gloomy courtyard again even if he died, so Wu Gen had no choice but to tell him about the ghost, saying that as long as he was not in the courtyard on a full moon night, everything would be fine, and he would be protected by the bell given by Wu Mo. There will definitely be no mistakes in the body.
As soon as he heard that there was a solution, Mo Xin felt relieved. Anyone who dared to steal money from a dead person could be so cowardly.
The day of departure has finally arrived, and those who participate in the trial must gather at a willow tree gathering place, and then head north to the trial place. Zhang Yuan specially asked for the errand of the team leader and sent all the trial members from the Xiang army to Liushuji.
The seven people who participated in the trial put on their war horses, and with an order, they urged their horses to set off under the leadership of Zhang Yuan. Wu Gen had already put on the personal soft armor secretly given by Zhang Yuan, and was wearing a broken sword, which made him look somewhat heroic.
Along the way, Zhang Yuan secretly reminded a few people that Wu Gen was his subordinate, and they should not kill each other, but should work together to fight against foreign enemies.
These people who participated in the trial were all servants. They all understood what was said and looked at Wu Gen with a slightly different look.
When they arrived at Liushuji, Zhang Yuan pulled Wu Gen aside with a serious look on his face, "Although you are usually wild, you are very energetic. This trial is very dangerous. Just do your best. Don't be too persistent and lose your life."
Wu Gen had returned to his original appearance at this time, and said with a smile: "Captain Zhang, are you afraid that I will become the middleman and take your position? Don't worry, if you want to be promoted, you will also be promoted to the captain. I'm a small village commander, and I haven't been placed in the position yet." In my eyes.”
Zhang Yuan shook his head helplessly, "Forget it, I worry too much. You are always quick-witted and want to have your own opinions. Go away and come back early."
The smile on Wu Gen's face faded and he bowed solemnly to Zhang Yuan. This was the first time he politely saluted Zhang Yuan since he entered the camp. When he stood up, he turned around and left without looking back.
Zhang Yuan looked at his back, sighed slightly, and then got on his horse and left after a long time.
Liushuji temporarily set up several military tents for those participating in the trial to rest. Wu Gen took out his token and was placed in the largest tent. I guess this was Zhang Yuan's care.
Entering the tent, there were already more than a dozen people in the room, all looking at Wu Gen with evil intentions. This is natural. Only twenty people are recruited for this trial. On the way to the trial, everyone present may be an opponent.
Choosing a secluded place, Wu Gen leaned against the pillars of the tent and closed his eyes to rest. After a moment, a person came next to him and sat down next to Wu Gen. When he opened his eyes, he saw that it was someone from the Xiang army who came with him, a servant named Sun Hong.
Sun Hong was a little embarrassed and saluted Wu Gen, "Wu Wu, I have long admired your name. Please take care of me during this trip."
Wu Gen looked at the other party and saw that Sun Hong's bulging body was actually wearing underwear, and the exposed corner of his underwear was actually made of silk.
There are some common people among the servants, whose family background is actually not bad, but due to the restriction of their rank, they have to wear silk and brocade items inside on weekdays. I think Sun Hong is one of them.
Wu Gen's eyes lit up, "It's easy to talk, we are both from the Xiang Army, so we should take care of each other."
Heaving a sigh of relief, Sun Hong said with a sad face: "I heard that this trial is very dangerous. If you are not careful, you will die in it. If it weren't for the urging from my family, I didn't want to participate in the trial. I can only rely on the corps leader along the way. Be thorough."
Wu Gen stretched out a hand and handed it to Sun Hong. Sun Hong was stunned and didn't know what he meant.
"Protection money, Brother Sun, I have been protecting you from disasters all the way, so I don't have to pay you any hard-earned money."
"Oh." Sun Hong came to his senses, took out a fifty-tael silver ingot from his arms, and quietly stuffed it into Wu Gen's hand.
Wu Gen put him in his arms and patted the other person kindly, "Go ahead. From now on, we are brothers. With your brother protecting you, everything will be safe."
While he was talking, a strong man with a long scar on his face walked in, looking around with fierce eyes from time to time. After watching for a while, he walked directly to Wu Gen and Sun Hong and sat down.
Soon, many people came in one after another, and the cabin was crowded and noisy. When people gather together, disputes will inevitably arise, and quarrels can be heard from time to time.
Several soldiers came in with whips in their hands, waving them around, crackling and beating them, and yelled: "What are you yelling about? If you dare to cause commotion again, your qualification for the trial will be revoked."
At night, Wu Gen was resting with his eyes closed when his body was suddenly hit.
When he opened his eyes, he saw the scar-faced man next to him looking at him fiercely, "Boy, what kind of food did you bring with you? Take it out quickly to honor grandpa. Otherwise, haha..." The man shook his fist.
Wu Gen grinned. He didn't expect to meet his colleagues so quickly on this trip.
