Section 10 hit a dead end

Before meeting Old Cheng, various legends about the chaotic demon king swirled in my mind, characterized by fiery passion and despicable cunning. Which of these two traits truly represents his real self

Old Cheng is indeed a master of the underworld; with just a moment of confusion, his gaze becomes clear again. He is a tough man who has waded through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and his mind is as solid as a rock. How could he be swayed by just a few words? With a flick of his eyes, his anger surges.

Cheng Yaojin felt immense pressure from Yun Ye; he could hardly withstand the chainsaw-like gaze just now. How could he dare to engage in a verbal dispute with such a person? Although Old Cheng did not mention Yun Ye's background, his eyes were filled with curiosity. Forget it, rather than waiting for him to ask, I might as well take the initiative to bring up the topic myself

The damned saddle is too hard, rubbing against Yun Ye's thighs, feeling as if on fire. He carefully raises his body, trying to minimize contact with the saddle. Cheng Chumo, that guy, is showing off his unparalleled riding skills, moving back and forth with abandon. Yun Ye misses his second-hand Santana so much.

The actions of the wise are indeed so elusive, it seems that we, who dwell amidst the mundane world, have long had our intelligence tainted by the filth of this earthly existence

I know you have a good appetite, how do you find the military cuisine?

Ha, ha, your achievements in salt production are commendable; how could I possibly find that strange? I take great pleasure in seeing the younger generation make their mark and achieve success. You and the ugly one should encourage each other and strive for mutual improvement. Come, come, let me take a good look at the young talents.

The road has finally come to an end, and the large camp is now in sight. The scouts and messengers are coming and going in a continuous stream, and from time to time, the deep and resonant sound of horns can be heard. The sturdy crossbow arrows on the arrow tower gleam with a cold light. A massive banner bearing the character 'Cheng' flutters high, appearing quite ostentatious

My young nephew has been very fond of interacting with Chumo and has long wished to pay his respects to you, dear uncle. However, the matter of salt production is crucial to the safety and stability of the army and the nation, and he did not dare to be negligent. It is only today that he has finally come to pay his respects, and he sincerely apologizes for his lack of courtesy. He kindly asks for your forgiveness.

"Hehe, kid, trying to be clever in front of me is courting death." After saying this, he cast a sidelong glance at Yun Ye, then boldly returned to the table and sat down, burying himself in his meal.

Indeed, such words are guaranteed to work on geniuses with an IQ exceeding 200. Intelligent individuals tend to overthink and delve too deeply; they can fill in the gaps in your language, rendering it flawless.

Indeed, my esteemed teacher believes that everything in the world can be measured, including speech. In what kind of situation should one say what kind of words, use what kind of tone, coordinate with what kind of actions, how to persuade others, how to instill a sense of trust, how to choose words and construct sentences to create a sense of distance, and what kind of expressions should accompany what kind of actions to convey a sense of authority, and so on

This has become a matter of the worthy nephew, and his uncle can only cover his nose and accept it.

In those years, Yun Ye took shelter at a rural household in Tianshui, where the accommodation fee for twelve days was 1,000 yuan, excluding meals. The house was dilapidated, and at night, mice roamed freely. The daily meals primarily consisted of thin noodles, yet the charges were exorbitant. When the moon hung high in the sky and his stomach rumbled with hunger, he felt no hardship at all. He engaged in discussions with the elderly landlord about the past five thousand years, conversing freely about England, America, Germany, France, and the Soviet Union. Each time he heard a brilliant argument, he was astonished, considering the speaker a sage. In the wilderness, there were indeed hidden talents, and he wished he could bow down in reverence.

My master referred to himself as the Carefree One and never revealed his name to his nephew, stating that a name is merely a title, and there is no difference between knowing and not knowing. He never interacted with outsiders, claiming that the world is foolish, and that prolonged contact would only lead to the infection of foolishness. Thus, until my master passed away, his unfilial nephew remained unaware of his master's name and the characters in the *Diagram* and *Book*.

Accompanying Cheng Chumo was a chief clerk, tasked with taking over Yun Ye's salt production. General Cheng would not rest until he had fully executed the emperor's decree. As the sun had not yet reached noon, Cheng Chumo began to urge departure. He borrowed ten guan from Cheng Chumo to give to the two women as a token of gratitude. Amid the weeping of the two women, he bid farewell to the logistics camp soldiers with whom he had spent over a month. Wang Cai carried the backpack, while the plump mare bore Yun Ye, as they set off towards the Lanzhou garrison.

In two strides, he stepped in front of Yun Ye, grabbed Yun Ye's legs that were crossed, and raised his giant palm, as large as a fan, to deliver a series of slaps while lecturing: "This slap is for your disrespect towards your elders, this slap is for misleading me, this slap is for your arrogance and rudeness, and this slap is for... what was it again? Never mind, just seeing you like this makes me want to hit you."

Oh? Academic work?

Cheng Chumo, having registered his name and verified his qualifications, proceeded directly through the camp gate towards the command tent

After a few slaps, Yun Ye felt as if his bottom was no longer his own, and he quickly begged for mercy: "Uncle Cheng, please spare my life, I will never dare to do it again."

The old man leaped over the wall, displaying remarkable agility. The villagers pursued him closely, leaving Yun Ye in the garden, dumbfounded. The power of example is boundless; from that moment on, Yun Ye's conversations with intelligent individuals took on this form

The old landlord examined Yun Ye's bones and asserted that within ten years, he would surely shine brightly. Upon hearing this, Yun Ye was choked with emotion and could not speak, emptying his bag of renminbi to reward the elder, his feelings of regret for not meeting earlier evident in his words. However, the next day, a group of villagers came together, attacking him with hoes and manure forks, declaring their intent to kill this shameless old fraud. Even rabbits do not eat the grass near their burrows; this old scoundrel only deceives acquaintances, cheating friends and relatives from his own hometown, truly unworthy of being called a son.

It is evident that Cheng Yaojin feels somewhat melancholic. He hails from an official family, has married into a prominent household, and wields military authority, experiencing the utmost wealth and nobility of the mortal world. Yet, what he truly seeks remains unclear, even to himself.

Uncle bestows food, how could the little nephew not show respect? Just now I recalled how my esteemed teacher treated me in the same manner; every meal time, it was always like this. Thank you, Uncle

Wangcai is very unaccustomed to having a saddle on its back; it always wants to get that thing off. However, with a bit in its mouth and a dragon headpiece on its head, the entire set of harnesses binds it tightly, preventing it from performing its habitual actions of the past. It can only keep nudging Yun Ye with its head, hoping that the boss will show mercy and release it from these restraints, restoring its freedom.

Cheng Chumo repeatedly apologized, saying that it was truly embarrassing for his brother to wear his old armor. The military conditions were simple, so they made do with it. Once they returned to Chang'an, he promised to craft a set of armor weighing eighty jin for Yun Ye. Zhang Cheng and the others drooled with envy, believing that such armor was worthy of the position of military secretary. After saying this, they tightened Yun Ye's armor straps again, which forced the last breath out of his lungs. Yun Ye's face turned red as he desperately loosened his belt, finally saving his life. After he managed to catch his breath, he asked Cheng Chumo, "Little brother is a civil official, what do I need armor for?"

What exactly did your teacher teach you? Is misleading others and spouting nonsense also considered part of the curriculum?

Good, good, it is good that you have come. I had heard from Chou'er about your various talents, but I was still skeptical. Now that I see you today, it is indeed extraordinary. The old man has gained another talented individual in the army, which is truly a cause for celebration.

Listening to Cheng Chumo recount the experience of being beaten with a military baton, one realizes that with his robust physique, enduring ten strikes would leave him incapacitated for two days. Observing his slender arms and legs, one might think they would surely break. Heeding the advice of others and the books to eat a full meal, he concludes that enduring discomfort is preferable to facing the military baton. Walking upright for a few steps, he finds it not so unbearable after all. It seems that the path is traversed by people, yet it is the people who are compelled to walk it.

Before Yun Ye could sort out his thoughts, a hearty laughter echoed from the command tent. Shortly after, a man in his forties appeared at the entrance of the tent, his clear and profound gaze already fixed on Yun Ye: "Good lad, at such a young age, you have resolved the crisis of my army. A scion of a distinguished family, your reputation is well-deserved"

Yun Ye hesitated for a long time without being able to speak; he is not that old fraud, whose lies are exposed yet still argues with a straight face.

Yun Ye did not know why tears and snot were forced out of him by the old man. A person approaching forty should not be so irresponsible. It seems that psychological maturity does not equate to physical maturity. The tears and snot are likely a protective mechanism of the body, not controlled by the brain. Rubbing his numb backside, he felt a mix of regret and self-reproach, wondering why he had bothered to provoke the old man. Wasn't this just asking for trouble

Embracing each other, Wangcai and his brother shared their grievances for a while, and then Zhang Cheng lifted them onto another gentle mare. Wangcai had not yet matured and could not be ridden; he was only allowed to become familiar with the saddle and harness to facilitate future riding.

Yun Ye lowered his head to avoid the sharp gaze that was like a blade, and bowed down, saying: "This official, Yun Ye, pays his respects to the General."

At first glance, Yun Ye's words seem quite reasonable; when a wise person speaks, it must be shrouded in clouds and mist, striking down a multitude while highlighting their own state of transcendence, as if they alone are sober amidst a world of intoxication.

Where is the esteemed master? I, old Cheng, have yet to meet him, which is truly a regret

Sixty li is neither too far nor too close. Cheng Chumo can make a round trip in one hour on a galloping horse, but now he can only let the horse trot. Even so, the jolting has nearly made Yun Ye's internal organs feel like they are about to be expelled.

Old Cheng looked at him with disdain: "Speak your mind, I am still waiting for you to continue circling around me with your nonsense."

What talk of civil officials is there in the military? Even if Your Majesty is in the army, must you not don armor and helmet? Do you wish to receive military punishment while dressed in a single garment to meet the general?

Yun Ye then got up from the ground and stood beside Cheng Chumo, but was grabbed by Old Cheng and led into the command tent. Guards had already set up a table inside the tent, with dishes still steaming. There were not many, just four items: three dishes and one soup. Could it be that this was already a standard in the Tang Dynasty? Seeing Yun Ye looking at the dishes, Old Cheng assumed the young man was hungry and did not think Yun Ye was being rude. Instead, he felt that this young man was neither servile nor arrogant, displaying his true character. Even with his own aura of killing intent, he regarded it as nothing, which only increased his fondness for him.

He slowly inched over to Lao Cheng's side, servilely offering him food. Lao Cheng, being a straightforward person, accepted whatever was given to him. It seems the old fellow has forgiven him.

is not

Uncle Cheng, please forgive me. What I just did was also part of the lessons taught by my esteemed mentor. As a novice in battle, upon seeing you, Uncle Cheng, with your imposing presence and fierce aura, I inadvertently used you as a subject for an experiment. However, my lack of skill led to my actions being seen through by you. The beating I received was not unjust; it was entirely my own doing. I hope you will not be angry, Uncle.

The book "The Cultivation of an Actor" has indeed been read by Yun Ye

At this moment, Yun Ye was also in a precarious situation. When the Grand General issued the order, he had no choice but to rise and head to the Left Wu Guard camp. Cheng Chumo gave Yun Ye the armor he had previously worn. Although it was somewhat large, it was far superior to the standard armor. As he walked, the armor clanked loudly, reminiscent of a dog with a dumbbell bell, making it exceedingly awkward. The appearance was one thing, but the armor alone, excluding the helmet, weighed thirty pounds. With a sword at his waist and a bow and arrows on his back, Yun Ye felt like a moving fortress on the battlefield. He believed that wearing this armor, it was not just about attacking others; simply avoiding being killed by someone else would be a significant achievement.