This is slowly getting disappointing, and starts resembling manhuas with arrogant cultivators.
@movileanu12 My understanding is that he promises them a fair fight without rank being involved. Meaning they put down badge, fight him, and even if they win, he won't complain. Beating up a higher ranking individual calls for a punishment, normally. Apparently, the big idea the author has is for MC to demonstrate his strength by being a "strong guy" so the soldiers will start magically respecting him even after he burned down posessions of their comrade. Not the best idea, In my opinion.