Patrol Captain

Qingshan County.

After the start of summer, the mountains began to feel warmer, and the afternoon sun became more scorching.

"Squeak..."

The cicadas began to sing in the bamboo grove in the corner of the courtyard, full of vitality.

Several plots of land have been cultivated by the pond. Despite the narrow yard, two plots of land have been managed to be cultivated.

On this day, a big one and a small one were bending over and busy working in the field.

The older ones were digging the ground, while the younger ones were throwing something into the hole they had dug with a small basin.

The pond beside it was covered with green lotus leaves, and pink flower buds were peeking out from between the leaves. The lotus leaves were just beginning to show their tips. When the wind blew, the water droplets on the lotus leaves rolled into the pond, startling the red carp hiding under the lotus leaves. They swam away, swishing their tails and shattering the reflections in the pond.

"Hiss, junior brother, take a break!"

At this moment, the man who had been bending over and digging in the field straightened up, one hand supporting the hoe, the other hand clutching his lower back. He then rubbed his aching back, sweat dripping from his forehead.

"Third Senior Brother, you always say you're a top expert at the Heavenly Gate, but it seems like you haven't been working on it for very long?"

"They even broke three hoes!"

Tiger Cub looked at his third senior brother, who was panting heavily, with a puzzled look in his eyes.

Chu Yu braced himself against a hoe taller than a person, his black outfit covered in dust. When his junior brother asked him that question, his face darkened.

He never imagined farming would be so hard!

This place is even tougher than his mouth!
In particular, it requires mastering the right amount of force; if you use too much force, the hoe will easily break. With your mind focused, plus wearing all black clothes and working in the fields under the blazing sun, you'll feel like you've accumulated a full set of buffs.

It's okay to just endure the bitterness!

The cause of the matter was, of course, the incident a few days ago, which Chu Yu had been trying to figure out how to make amends for.

In his "simple" values, even though the adult did not pursue the matter further, he could not do nothing.

Well, after a few days of calm, and after getting some information from her junior brother, Chu Yu felt it was time to pay a visit and apologize in person to show her sincerity.

Therefore, I made a special trip out today to tidy myself up, in order to leave a good impression on that important person.

Such an important person naturally deserves my serious attention.

Then, he specially brought his junior brother to visit, only to find that the dignified Martial Saint himself had gone down to the ground. Chu Yu thought this was the time for him to show off, so he enthusiastically took on the task.

And then that was it.

We didn't cultivate much land, but we went through several hoes, which was quite embarrassing.

At this moment, under the pavilion by the pond, Chen Yuan, dressed in a blue robe, sat sideways, leisurely drinking tea.

When others rushed to help with the work, he became idle.

Holding the blue and white porcelain teapot, he tossed it outside the pavilion, and it flew directly over the lotus shadows in the pond, landing in front of Chu Yu and spinning around.

Then, two more ceramic cups flew over.

Chu Yu was slightly startled and looked towards the pavilion, when she heard a voice beside her.

"If you're tired, have some tea. Take your time, there's no rush. You'll be busy later."

Upon seeing this, Chu Yu quickly turned around and bowed respectfully towards the pavilion opposite, hidden among the lotus leaves.

"Thank you for your understanding, senior!"

"This junior will certainly do my utmost!"

Chu Yu spoke with a firm tone, but blushed slightly towards the end, as if she were doing something very important.

He was indeed thirsty, but without making a fuss, he turned to the side, picked up the teapot, took out a cup, and poured two cups of tea.

The tea wasn't that tea-green color; it looked like ordinary boiled water.

He didn't mind, gave one cup to his junior brother first, poured himself a cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

But as soon as Chu Yu drank the water, her eyes welled up and her pupils dilated in surprise.

The rich and gentle essence of heaven and earth flowed down my throat, and a cool current circulated through my limbs and bones. In an instant, all fatigue disappeared, and I felt completely comfortable.

Chu Yu opened her eyes and looked at the teapot in her hand, quickly realizing what was happening.

This is no ordinary boiled water; it is a precious medicine containing a rich yet gentle essence of heaven and earth. This essence is hidden within its form, not showing at all, and requires no removal of impurities. The body absorbs it all without any burden.

This cup of tea is like a magic pill!
Chu Yu, a disciple of the cave, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. A Martial Saint is indeed a Martial Saint; he had really struck gold.

"Wow, so much cool air, so refreshing!" Tiger Cub exclaimed in surprise after finishing his tea.

"Senior brother, I want to drink more." He said, raising his glass high.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yu licked his lips. He himself actually wanted to indulge in a drink, as the taste was truly delightful, but he restrained himself. He coughed solemnly and instructed his junior brother:
"Junior brother, one cup is enough. Don't be greedy. As Master always says, 'Contentment brings no disgrace, and knowing when to stop brings no danger. Only then can one last long.'"

"Do you understand?"

As he spoke, he flicked his hand, and the teapot and teacups spun around and flew towards the pavilion.

Then he turned to the side, facing the pavilion, rolled up his sleeves, and bowed.
"Thank you for the tea, sir!"

In the pavilion, Chen Yuan waved his hand dismissively, "Go ahead and get busy."

It's only right to give someone something in return for helping them with their work.

Upon receiving the letter, Chu Yu immediately perked up and was filled with energy. He didn't expect to gain the favor of such an important person; it was already a stroke of luck to have the opportunity to meet such a legendary figure through his junior brother.

A true master is a true master; he doesn't hold grudges against himself.

Then he picked up a hoe and said, "Junior brother, let's hurry up."

As he spoke, he began digging the ground with huffs and puffs.

Chu Yu is really going to fight this day.

At this moment, in the neighboring courtyard, on the locust tree belonging to Sister Hua, Tiger Boy's fifth senior sister, Qiong Le, sat on a branch, watching her third senior brother and junior brother digging in the neighboring courtyard, clutching their stomachs, laughing so hard they almost choked.

As for the area under the pavilion, Chen Yuan was happy to have some free labor, so why not? He planned to expand the space in the courtyard, literally expanding the space, which was nothing to him.

I'm going to plant some vegetables, grow some flowers, ...

Meanwhile, eight thousand miles away in Chengdu, several fast horses galloped toward Yunding Mountain.

"drive"

"drive"

"drive"

Under the blazing sun, dust billowed along the official road below the mountain. Five swift horses galloped like arrows, their hooves shattering the tranquility of the forest and startling birds into fluttering flight.

At the very front was a woman in colorful clothes, whose silver hairpins and bells jingled as the horse bounced.

Her delicate eyebrows furrowed, her eyes filled with coldness, and she urged her horse forward with urgent movements, holding the reins. Had it not been for the closure of Cloud Peak Mountain and the activation of its restrictions, she would have already broken through the air to break through the mountain.

On the left, a voluptuous woman in a purple slit dress had her lips tightly pressed together, her figure as alluring as fire.

On the right, a young man in a white long-sleeved shirt was covered in mud from being rolled up by horses' hooves. His once neatly tied hair ribbon was now disheveled and stuck to his sweaty forehead, but the burning fire in his eyes was more intense than the blazing sun.

Two horses followed behind.

The sound of horses' hooves was so dense, like the beating of drums, each thud striking the tense air and making the official road leading to Yunding Mountain clatter.

The horse galloped up the mountain.

A few moments later, several shouts rang out from the mountains.

"Who goes there?" "This is a strategically important area; anyone who trespasses will be killed without mercy!"

Suddenly, two beams of light shot up from the forests on either side of the official road ahead. Immediately afterward, two golden-armored giants emerged, each five or six zhang tall, wielding bronze halberds. They thrust the halberds diagonally to one side of the road, kicking up dust as they crossed their halberds to block the way.

Herod

The newcomer pulled hard on the reins, and the horse neighed loudly, its hooves rising high and making a restless sound.

"I am Qin Rushuang, the eldest granddaughter of the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor! Make way! I have urgent business to attend to in the mountains!"

"Putting yourself first," Qin Rushuang coldly rebuked.

But then, the two golden-armored giants' golden pupils flickered, a hint of surprise flashing across their faces.
Do you have any official documents?

Qin Rushuang frowned and remained silent.

"During this extraordinary period, the entire Fusi is under lockdown. Without official documents and approvals, no one may enter or leave at will. This is an order from the Grand Preceptor," the golden-armored giant said in a muffled voice.

But then, a loud cracking sound filled the air.

A woman's sharp voice rang out, "Get the hell out of here! Don't act like you have a big deal about something!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a whip flashed and ripped away the two halberds blocking their path, sending the two golden-armored giants flying.

"I am Dugu Jialuo, come find me later if you're not satisfied!"

"let's go!"

That unrestrained and bold voice belonged to the daughter of the invincible Marquis.

Without saying a word, he pushed aside the person blocking his way and then rode his horse straight into the mountains.

Qin Rushuang and the others quickly followed.

The next second, a sharp whistle rang out from the mountains below.

Immediately afterwards, streaks of light descended rapidly from all directions.

A group of tall, muscular warriors, clad in heavy armor and exuding an aura of authority, surrounded the five swift horses, wielding swords and spears and wearing masks.

The Tianxing Army was carrying out guard duty on the outskirts of Yunding Mountain.

Among them was a tall, imposing, and powerfully dressed commander in golden armor, who possessed the aura of Musashi. His eyes were initially filled with murderous intent, but he was somewhat surprised when he saw the two women in the front row.

"Miss Dugu!"

"Miss Qin!"

"Why are these two noble ladies not in the capital, but have come to such a troublesome place as Chengdu, and even led people to storm the mountains?"

"I wonder if the Marquis and the Grand Tutor are aware of this?"

"Enough nonsense, we're going to the Ninth Mountain, why aren't you letting us through!" Dugu Jialuo held a whip in her hand, her manner fiery and bold.

Upon hearing the name of the Ninth Mountain, the golden-armored commander assumed the two women were throwing a tantrum, but a glint flashed in his eyes, and he straightened his expression.

There was nothing he could do. If the two women threw a tantrum, he would find a way to send them away. After all, this was a strategically important place with the Imperial Advisor in charge, and he couldn't tolerate the two women acting wildly.

However, once the Ninth Mountain is involved, things become tricky, and he dares not make any decisions lightly. If something goes wrong, who will be responsible?

The commander thought for a moment, "Entering the mountain is permissible, but someone needs to be sent to inform the people from the Ninth Mountain to see if there are any issues. Only after that can we lead you all away, and we also need to report this..."

"You're such a nuisance! We have urgent business to attend to and can't afford to delay!" Dugu Jialuo cracked her whip.

"Miss Dugu, please don't make things difficult for everyone. Not long ago, a powerful enemy blocked the local Demon-Suppressing General from becoming a saint. You must have heard about it. Now, everyone in Fusi is on high alert and dares not make the slightest mistake. This is the rule!"

The golden-armored commander frowned, refusing to back down.

Upon hearing this, Dugu Jialuo knew she couldn't afford to lash out. She had indeed heard about this matter before, and if she made a scene again, it would be utterly unreasonable.

but……

Just then, Qin Rushuang's voice rang out from the side.

"Is this... okay?"

"This token is the Ninth Mountain Pass that Lord Chen gave me!"

Qin Rushuang then revealed a silver token in her hand.

The front has the character "陈" printed on it!

Above, a unique aura flowed, hidden like a dusty abyss.

Upon seeing the token, the golden-armored commander immediately recognized the aura of the patrolling angel on it.

The token is real!
Since that was the case, he dared not say anything more, clasped his hands in a fist salute towards the token, and then waved his hand.
"Let go!"

"Send the order!"

Immediately, the golden armor around them dispersed.

Qin Rushuang immediately put away the token and leaned on the arm of the golden-armored commander, saying, "Thank you!"

He then pulled on the reins, gave a shout, and led his men into the mountains.

After that, the five of them passed through smoothly without any obstacles, being allowed to pass through each checkpoint.

Qin Rushuang and her companions rode at full speed to the main camp at the foot of the Ninth Mountain!

At the main camp, the soldiers on guard immediately reported the incident.

Upon receiving the letter, Yun Tiansheng, Liu Qing, and others immediately came to greet them.

The camp opened wide, and Qin Rushuang and her companions dismounted. Yun Tiansheng and the other two cavalrymen from the Ninth Mountain quickly came to greet them!
"Greetings, Miss Qin, Miss Jialuo, Sect Leader An..."

Yun Tiansheng bowed to the newcomers; these were old acquaintances of their Ninth Mountain.

We fought side by side, battling demons on the southern battlefield.

Later, some of them, when they were purged and imprisoned by the court last year, broke through the Fusi prison and saved their lives.

The emotions involved go without saying.

However, as Yun Tiansheng, Liu Qing, and the other two bowed, they quickly noticed that something was off about the expressions on the faces of the others.

The enthusiastic tone turned to surprise and doubt.

The three exchanged glances. Had something happened?
Yun Tiansheng frowned, then turned to Qin Rushuang and asked,

"Miss Qin, what happened that brought you all together at my Ninth Mountain?"

As he spoke, he swept his gaze across the young man in white with a gold collar, covered in mud and looking travel-worn.

"Why is it that Senior Qingyangzi didn't come this time, but Brother Ji came alone, and he looks so travel-worn?"

Yun Tiansheng's gaze fell upon the young man, Ji Wuming, Qingyangzi's eldest disciple, who had fought alongside him in the past. However, judging from his appearance, he had clearly gone through a period of great hardship. Moreover, the anxiety and bloodshot eyes in his eyes were impossible to conceal.

That's why I'm so sure something must have happened.

At this moment, Qin Rushuang spoke:
"This all started a few days ago when I returned from the capital and sent a message inviting my former comrades-in-arms to gather in Chengdu. The others received the message, but I hadn't received any news from Daoist Yuan of Benlei Mountain. So I asked Daoist Li, who lives nearby, to go and look for him..."

Qin Rushuang explained the whole story.

"Now, the entire Benlei Mountain family has disappeared. Master Li of Fulong Temple, who went to search for them, and Daoist Qingyangzi, who was supposed to accompany them, have both gone missing. One of them sent news two days ago."

"Young Master Ji, you speak!"

Ji Wuming quickly spoke up: "Two days ago, Master Li of Fulong Temple, who had arranged to meet Master in Chengdu, returned to Shushan and asked if Master had returned. We then learned that Master had disappeared while searching for Senior Yuan of Benlei Mountain with Master Li. They encountered enemies at Benlei Mountain... Senior Yuan ordered me to hurry to Chengdu to deliver the news, while all the experts of our Shushan Sword Sect, along with Senior Li, searched everywhere for Master's whereabouts!" (End of Chapter)