"Yaojin, His Majesty plans to attack Goguryeo next year and has ordered me to train the troops. I'm getting on in years, so I'm leaving this heavy responsibility to you," the King Backing the Mountain told Cheng Yaojin.
"Oh, so that's it! I was wondering why you suddenly summoned me back to Dengzhou, Foster Father. We're going to attack Goguryeo! Say no more. I learned these martial arts to win glory and make a name for myself," Cheng Yaojin said.
"Good. Then I'll entrust you with command of the troops for this campaign against Goguryeo," the King Backing the Mountain said.
"Thank you, Foster Father," Cheng Yaojin said.
The King Backing the Mountain then handed the Tiger Tally to Cheng Yaojin.
The next day, the King Backing the Mountain assembled his troops at the Drill Ground so his officers and soldiers could meet Cheng Yaojin.
The King Backing the Mountain led Cheng Yaojin up to the raised platform and declared, "Soldiers of the Great Sui! The man beside me is my Thirteen Guardians, Cheng Yaojin, who defeated the Invincible Heroic General, Heavenly Treasure Great General Yuwen Chengdu, in the martial contest at the Golden Hall. Next year, he will lead you in my place to attack Goguryeo."
Cheng Yaojin continued, "Soldiers of the Great Sui, the time to win glory is now! Follow me next year, and we'll crush Goguryeo!"
"Crush Goguryeo!" "Crush Goguryeo!" "Crush Goguryeo!" A hundred thousand soldiers roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
The next day, Yang Lin, the King Backing the Mountain, gave Cheng Yaojin a suit of Golden Armor. Clad in it and holding the Eight Trigrams Mountain-Splitting Axe, Cheng Yaojin looked like a war god. Seeing him, Yang Lin said, "Yaojin, in that precious armor, you look just like the Giant Spirit