Chapter 41 (1/2)

It was suddenly dead silent in the s.p.a.cious hall.

Yan Chengcai and his brothers were obviously embarra.s.sed. In actual fact, private fights were not uncommon in the military, but they only happened between brave and ruthless soldiers and had nothing to do with Military Fire Blacksmiths.

Besides, private fights had to be kept hidden. Although the generals from different camps were already aware, n.o.body actually brought it up.

Ou Yangming put on a straight face. “Brother Yan, are you not willing to tell me?”

“Hehe…” Shopkeeper Lin forced a laugh. “Gentlemen, I prepared a quiet room for you. How about you take a short rest inside?”

Yan Chengcai quickly nodded at him gratefully.

Ou Yangming figured out that it must be something secretive, thus he entered the room too.

Sure enough, Yan Chengcai had no concerns inside the room, and he told Ou Yangming about night fights.

It was very simple. Nights fights were fight appointments made by bored soldiers with excess hormones, who usually agreed to fight on a dark and windy night at the same place because they disliked each other.

In the beginning, it was individual fights, but it was normal for soldiers to have good friends in the military camp.

Therefore, the fights became more intense, so much so that the battles between the lower cla.s.s became a contest between the upper cla.s.s.

Yan Chengcai and his brothers were soldiers from the West Camp under General Chen Yifan’s command, whereas Huang Jingtian clearly belonged to another camp. The soldiers from both camps fought openly and covertly, which was likely because they had tacit consent from the upper levels.

“Whose command is Huang Jingtian under?” Ou Yangming asked coldly.

“The East Camp.” Yan Chengcai did not hide the truth from him.

“General Tian from the East Camp…” Ou Yangming mumbled. He was slightly fearful after mentioning the name, but it did not mean that he could just watch with folded arms.

“Brother Yan, did you win the previous night fight against them?”

“Yes,” Yan Chengcai replied proudly, “We beat them up terribly during the last fight, and earned respect for our general.”

“They didn’t defeat you the last time, but they’re suddenly so brave now,” Ou Yangming mentioned slowly, and paused for a while before he continued, “Could it be due to their arm guards?”

Yan Chengcai and his brothers immediately had a grave expression on their faces. After a brief moment, Yan Chengcai sighed and explained with a bitter smile, “Master Ou, you don’t know this yet. There are actually some rules for the night fights. For instance, the partic.i.p.ants from each party mustn’t exceed ten people, Yin Grade martial artists can’t be involved, and… We can’t bring weapons, armors, and helmets, or the target will be too big.”

Ou Yangming pondered for a while and quickly understood.

Though night fights were tacitly agreed, they were in the military camp.

The generals might be glad to see their soldiers fighting each other to remain bold and powerful, but if weapons were involved, the nature of the fights would be completely different.

As such, restrictions on the scale, weapons, and equipment were unquestionably necessary.

“I understand. Each of them have Good Grade arm guards now, so they’ll have the upper hand since no weapons, armors, and helmets are involved.”

“That’s right.” Yan Chengcai felt helpless. “Those are Good Grade arm guards!”

One could tell from his tone how worried he was.

Yan Chengcai and the others regarded night fights as battles for reputation, which was the most glorious event even though they were not encouraged in the military camp. Hence, they paid a lot of importance to it.

Ou Yangming began wondering seriously. If one had to fight with bare hands without wearing any armor, a pair of tough arm guards would definitely give an advantage. If the night battle was only between two people, the little advantage would not affect the final outcome, but if ten people were involved from each side, the acc.u.mulated advantages would be significant.

He twitched his mouth then asked, “Is your appointment tomorrow night?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, come find me tomorrow morning,” Ou Yangming said plainly. “Pick ten good men, and don’t embarra.s.s General Chen.”

Honestly, Ou Yangming would not get involved if it was merely a normal fight between soldiers, but Huang Jingtian spoke about Old Craftsman and mentioned a so-called master, thus he was eager to teach that fellow a lesson.

Yan Chengcai suddenly looked up surprised and delighted. “Master Ou, you have Good Grade arm guards too?”

Ou Yangming smiled without saying a word, but his confident smile said it all.

“Master Ou, if we have Good Grade arm guards, even if they’re slightly lower in quality, we won’t lose for sure!” Yan Chengcai was elated.

Ou Yangming was stunned, and he could not help but look at Yan Chengcai unhappily.

‘What do you mean that they’re slightly lower in quality? You’re belittling me. Are the pieces of equipment I gave you yesterday not enough to shut your mouth?’

Shopkeeper Lin who was very experienced could tell at once that Ou Yangming was displeased. While he did not believe that Ou Yangming could produce good products, he stated with a smile, “Master Ou, since it’s your first time here, how about you take a look around? We might have some collections that’ll catch your eyes.”