Travel through the heavens

Fang Muye cupped his hands and said sincerely, "Daoist Master's words today have enlightened me and given me a clear understanding of the various paths of cultivation in this world. Thank you for clearing my mind."

Yu Lingzi's detailed explanation was quite clear, allowing Fang Muye to understand the complex cultivation system of this world and gain an understanding of the power levels in this world.

Yu Lingzi waved his hand, stroked his beard, and smiled, "You're too kind, layman. It's just some common knowledge that people in the cultivation world know to some extent. I'm glad it can be of some help to you."

He spoke casually, but in his heart he was becoming increasingly curious about the young lay Buddhist in front of him.

It's quite contradictory that someone with such extraordinary cultivation doesn't even understand the most basic realm distinctions.

He really wanted to ask Fang Muye what path he cultivated and what level he had reached, but then he thought that this was a personal secret and it would be quite impolite to ask him rashly. So, he didn't ask the question in the end.

Next, the two put aside their differences in cultivation levels and started chatting about all sorts of things.

Yu Lingzi had traveled extensively and had a wide range of knowledge. He was also quite witty and could tell stories of local customs and strange tales in a captivating way.

In the past few days, Fang Muyi had read extensively in the General's Mansion. Coupled with his extraordinary experiences, he often offered unique and insightful opinions, which often surprised Yu Lingzi. The old Taoist priest would often clap his hands in admiration, feeling that he had benefited greatly from this conversation and looking at him with even greater respect.

The two were chatting happily when they suddenly heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats coming from the mountain path outside the temple. The sound grew louder and louder, and soon they arrived in front of the temple.

Fang Muye looked through the open gate and saw that the newcomer was dressed in a black outfit with a long sword at his waist. He was the guard of the General's Mansion, named Li Xing.

"Whoa!" Li Xing reined in his horse, dismounted, and strode into the courtyard. He immediately saw Fang Muye sitting on a stone bench under a pine tree, took a few steps forward, clasped his hands, and bowed, saying, "Young Master."

Fang Muye smiled and nodded, then asked, "Li Xing, what brings you here? What brings you here?"

Li Xing said respectfully, "Reporting to the young master, a young scholar has come to the manor. He calls himself Ning Caichen and says he is your third uncle's cousin. He has come to pay a visit. Steward Wang has already welcomed him into the hall and served him tea. He sent me to inform you of this."

Upon hearing this, Fang Muye was taken aback.

what?

Ning Caichen, is he my cousin?

Unexpectedly, my identity in this world has such a connection; it's quite an unforeseen twist of fate.

Fang Muyi immediately stood up and said apologetically to Yu Lingzi, "Daoist, I am truly sorry. My cousin has come all the way from Yunkang Prefecture, so I will take my leave now. I have benefited greatly from listening to your profound insights today, and I will visit you again another day."

Yu Lingzi also rose with a smile and bowed: "You are too kind, layman. Your relatives have come from afar, so it is only right that we meet. The gate of Qingfeng Temple is always open to you."

Fang Muye bowed in farewell, and together with Li Xing, they left the temple gate, mounted their horses, and rode into the city.

Upon returning to the garrison general's residence, Fang Muye handed the horse to Li Xing and went straight to the front hall.

In the hall, a young scholar was sitting in the guest seat.

The scholar was about twenty years old, thin, and wearing a worn blue robe that had faded slightly from washing.

He had a handsome and refined appearance, with clear and bright eyebrows, a straight nose, and well-defined lips. Although there was a hint of weariness from his long journey, it could not hide the refined and upright air unique to scholars. In particular, his eyes were bright and clear, with a touch of innocent kindness.

Judging from his appearance, he did indeed resemble the legendary star Leslie Cheung in Fang Muye's memory by about eight or nine points, only he looked younger.

He is undoubtedly Ning Caichen from "A Chinese Ghost Story".

Ning Caichen was sitting upright, curiously looking at the furnishings in the hall, when he heard footsteps and turned to look.

Upon seeing Fang Muye enter, he was initially taken aback, but quickly broke into a delighted smile. He hurriedly stood up and stepped forward to greet him, affectionately calling out, "Second Brother!"

Upon hearing the call, Fang Muye already had a guess in his mind.

It must be because Ning Zizhan was the second among his uncles and brothers that Ning Caichen called himself Second Brother.

Fang Muye smiled gently, stepped forward, and reached out to support Ning Caichen's slightly thin arm. His words naturally revealed a hint of surprise: "Caichen, it really is you. What brings you here? Please sit down and let's talk."

He led Ning Caichen back to his seat, and then sat down in the chair next to him.

Ning Caichen was still somewhat agitated. He straightened his sleeves and said, "Ever since my second brother left Qinghua County a month ago, saying he was going to Anping City to fulfill his marriage agreement, we have been thinking of him constantly. Later, my second brother wrote to say that he was going to marry General Gu and invited us to come and attend the banquet and ceremony. Father and Mother were overjoyed, and the whole family should have come..."

He paused, a hint of regret flashing across his face: "Unfortunately, the journey is long, and my parents are old. Before they left, they both caught a cold and were not in good health, so they could not travel far. Therefore, they were unable to come and missed my second brother's important life event. Whenever my parents mention it, they feel ashamed of their second brother."

Fang Muye comforted him, "It's alright. Your health is the most important thing. If you ruin your health because of the journey, how can I be at ease? As for you, Caichen, you should stay at home to take care of your uncle and aunt. Why bother to make this special trip?"

Ning Caichen blushed slightly and said softly, "Actually, my coming here was just on the way. Before, in order to treat and recuperate my parents, I took on a job at Jubaozhai in the county town and received an advance payment. Now that my parents have recovered, I went to Guobei County in Jinlin Prefecture as Jubaozhai had entrusted me to collect a long-overdue debt."

He took a breath and continued, "Before I left, my parents knew I would be passing through Anping Prefecture, so they specifically asked me to pay them a visit. Firstly, to congratulate my second brother on his wedding, and secondly, to apologize on their behalf to my second brother. We were so sorry that we couldn't be there for his wedding."

As he spoke, Ning Caichen bent down and took out a small blue cloth bag from the bamboo basket at his feet. After untying it, two square objects were revealed, neatly wrapped in oiled paper.

He handed the oil paper package to Fang Muye: "Father said that my second brother has loved Wuxiangzhai's apricot blossom pastry since he was a child, and he repeatedly told me to buy it and bring it to my second brother."

Fang Muye accepted it, as if he could feel the simple kinship that had crossed mountains and rivers.

He had seen a rough map of Jiangzhou and knew that Ning Caichen's journey to Guobei County did not actually pass through Anping City. He must have taken a long detour this time.

Fang Muye was slightly touched, and his tone became even gentler: "Thank you for your concern, Uncle and Aunt, and thank you for your hard work traveling through mountains and rivers, Caichen. I will definitely go back to visit you two in a while."

He placed the oil paper package on the table and said with a smile, "Caichen, now that you're here, there's no need to rush. Stay in Anping City for a few more days, and I'll show you around."