Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 635 - 634 Stirring the Great General’s Memories

Tian Peng had no choice but to don the cloak, which was as thick as a quilt, onto his body.

After putting it on, Tian Peng felt as if he had added an extra ten pounds to his weight, such was the heavy kindness of these soldiers.

The Great General patted Tian Peng on the shoulder, "There, look how spirited you are, it must be especially warm. Once you’re out there, you’ll definitely want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts."

Tian Peng lifted the corners of his mouth and smiled. Since it was everyone’s kindness, he would accept it gratefully. However, just doing so was not enough; Tian Peng unleashed all the cold-warding spells he had, and miraculously, he didn’t feel cold at all.

What’s going on, could it be that he hadn’t withdrawn his mana?

Harboring this doubt, Tian Peng lifted the cloak off his body, and instantly, the cold air invaded, making Tian Peng shiver from the chill.

"Why did you lift it after putting it on?" the Great General asked, bewildered by Tian Peng’s strange action.

"Ah, no, I accidentally tucked a corner in just now. I am just straightening it out," Tian Peng hurriedly explained.

The Great General gave Tian Peng a puzzled look. How could he have tucked in the corner of the cloak when it was as thick as a brick?

"Haha, well, General, let’s get going," Tian Peng pretended not to notice the Great General’s confusion, adjusted his cloak again, and then spoke.

The Great General withdrew his gaze. There were urgent matters at hand; it was already afternoon, and they had to hurry. Otherwise, it might be dark by the time they returned. Without another word, he led Tian Peng and a squad of men out.

Tian Peng rode his horse behind the Great General. It had just snowed a couple of days ago, and now it had melted. From a distance, he could vaguely make out the shape of the military flag. Although he couldn’t see the characters on it clearly, with a little thought, he could guess which army the flag belonged to.

"Ten more miles, and we’ll be at the border," the Great General said. "We’re closest to the Kana Tribe of the Turkic, just thirty miles away. We have to patrol this area every day."

It seemed that the timing between the two sides was never quite right. They patrolled along the borderline without encountering any soldiers from the Kana Tribe.

Nevertheless, it was likely that the other side could see them too. Seeing the Great General leading a group of men for an inspection, they also dispatched teams to watch from afar.

"Look at their petty courage!" scoffed the Great General. "When the Kana Tribe patrols our side, they never have such a grand presence. But that’s to be expected. Great Tang is getting stronger day by day. I see they are very wary of us, afraid that we might launch an attack on them."

Tian Peng had also learned some details from Chen Nuo while at Chaos Residence.

Chen Nuo said that Great Tang was thriving now, but it would only become even more prosperous in the future, to an unimaginable extent. It made sense for the Turkic to be afraid.

And although Great Tang was flourishing, it wasn’t aggressive. No matter how defensive the Turkic tribes were, as long as they didn’t initiate an attack, Great Tang wouldn’t do anything to them.

"After all, they are a weaker tribe. Seeing the strong, they will always be on guard, just like a deer upon seeing a lion. Even if the lion is not hungry, they will be scared. It’s instinct, isn’t it?" Tian Peng said.

"Haha, General Zhu is right," the Great General couldn’t help but burst into laughter after hearing Tian Peng’s words.

There was some truth in what he said, but after all, it was fortunate that the prosperous one was Great Tang. If it had been the Turkic tribe instead, they probably would have already started waging wars everywhere.

The prosperity of a nation is not determined by its lands but by its people. True prosperity is when the people live in peace and happiness.

However, it’s likely that the Turkic tribes would never understand this.

Just as they fail to comprehend why Great Tang, despite its strength, does not seize their cities but merely demands that they become a vassal state. As long as they do not attack, Great Tang will also ensure their safety.

During the conversation, the Great General had already led them to the boundary marker.

Carved on the boundary stone were the names of the two territories. The Great General pointed at the boundary marker and said, "This side is the land of Great Tang, the other side is the territory of the Turkic tribes. Although it seems as though nothing would happen, the Turkic tribes are not so easily settled."

Tian Peng nodded, Chen Nuo had apparently told him the same thing.

The reason why the Turkic tribes are so belligerent is that they are nomads living on the grasslands, which are a harsh environment with poor crop yields. The food they produce is not enough to meet their people’s needs, which is why they attack other nations to improve their living conditions.

Although they have suppressed the Turkic tribes, it is only temporary. Should any calamity occur and they cannot secure enough food or other necessities, they will still choose to take drastic measures and launch another attack on Great Tang.

Tian Peng had also asked Chen Nuo if there was a solution to this situation, and Chen Nuo said there wasn’t one.

Though Great Tang is now powerful, there are still many people within its own territory who go hungry. It cannot afford to look after other countries yet.

To resolve the issue at its root, food production must be increased. However, this problem cannot be solved in just a year or two.

"Our task today is to patrol this border," the Great General said, pointing to the area parallel to the boundary marker. "This is a stretch of three hundred miles, which falls under our jurisdiction. If we move quickly, we should be able to complete the patrol before nightfall."

Tian Peng gazed out at the vast expanse of grassland. The sun was still high in the sky, but three hundred miles was an enormous distance. Patrolling such a length every day, regardless of the weather conditions, was truly not an easy task.

"Today I will lead you," the Great General said. "Afterward, you will have to lead the patrol team by yourself. Make sure you remember the route well. Don’t get it wrong. If you inadvertently stray into another’s territory during the patrol, we will not be responsible for rescuing you."

Tian Peng smiled, "Rest assured, Great General. If I can’t even master such a distance, then I don’t deserve my rank."

"Is that so? I’ll remember your words," the Great General said, then suddenly seemed to recall something, his gaze shifting to the distance.

"Once, someone made just such a foolish mistake and nearly caused a catastrophe. Fortunately, at that time, the relations between the two countries were passable and not yet fraught with frequent wars. Otherwise, that alone could have sparked a war between both sides."

Tian Peng didn’t know whom the Great General was referring to, but the emotion in his eyes was unmistakable. As he spoke of that person, a deep sorrow was evident. Surely, the person the Great General mentioned must have been his close aide or a good brother.

"Who is this person the Great General is speaking of?"

When he heard Tian Peng’s question, the Great General smiled faintly, then collected himself. "It’s nobody, just a matter from the distant past. Forget it, let’s not bring it up, it’s too saddening."

Tian Peng didn’t ask any further. It was not his intention to inquire, and since he had touched on a sore spot for the other, he refrained from pursuing the matter.