Travel through the heavens

When it was dusk, they suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves in the woods ahead. Soon, they saw five horses turning out from a bend and heading towards them.

Sitting on the horse in the middle is a middle-aged man in a wide robe with big sleeves, three long tufts of beard, elegant appearance, and an iron flute stuck on his waist.

The people riding on the four horses on the left and right were all dressed in yellow clothes and brown hats, dressed like military officers.

One had a rough face and held an iron rod with a thin soft rope wrapped around it; one had a full beard and a pair of pure steel axes on his waist; one had a simple appearance and carried a copper stick at the height of his eyebrows; one had elegant features and a pair of judge's pens on his waist.

The five men were riding fast, but when they saw Duan Yu, they immediately stopped their horses and shouted in unison, "Young Master!" Then they jumped off their horses, took two steps towards Duan Yu, and bowed to him.

Duan Yu was also extremely happy to see these five people. He returned the greeting with a bow and called out to each of them in great joy: "Uncle Gao, Big Brother Chu, Second Brother Gu, Third Brother Fu, Fourth Brother Zhu!"

Fang Muye's heart moved, for he already knew that these five people were Gao Shengtai, Marquis of Shanchan of Dali, and the four great guards of "Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer and Scholar", Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng, Fu Sigui and Zhu Danchen.

After Duan Yu greeted everyone one by one, he asked, "Why are you here? What a coincidence."

Zhu Danchen smiled and said, "It's not a coincidence that the four of us brothers were ordered to take you back. Young Master, you are really brave to venture into the world alone. We found Ma Wude's house and learned that you went to Wuliang Mountain. We were about to rush there, but we didn't expect to meet you here. You really made everyone worried these days."

Duan Yu blushed and said, "I've also suffered a lot. Uncle and father got very angry, didn't they?"

Zhu Danchen said, "Of course they were very unhappy. But when we came out, the two masters had already lost their tempers, and they must have been worried about us for the past few days. Later, Master Gao learned that the four evil men came to Dali together, and he was afraid that Master would run into them, so he drove them out personally."

Duan Yu immediately bowed again and said, "How can I feel sorry for troubling Uncle Gao and my four brothers to come and look for me?"

Gao Shengtai smiled slightly and said, "This is our responsibility. Fortunately, Master is safe and sound, so we are relieved. Master, let's go back to the mansion now, so that the two gentlemen won't worry too much."

Duan Yu replied: "Okay."

He suddenly cried out in surprise, "Oh! I was so happy that I forgot to introduce myself to you all."

Duan Yu turned around and gestured to Gao Shengtai and the other three to introduce them to Fang Muye: "Master, this uncle Gao Shengtai is the elder I respect the most. This is my eldest brother Chu Wanli, my second brother Gu Ducheng, my third brother Fu Sigui, and my fourth brother Zhu Danchen. They are all my best friends."

Then he solemnly introduced Fang Muye to the five people: "Uncle Gao, Big Brother Chu, Second Brother Gu, Third Brother Fu, Fourth Brother Zhu, this is my master, his surname is Fang, and his given name is Shang Mu Xia Ye."

The five people had noticed Fang Muye a long time ago, and seeing that he was so young, they thought he was just a new friend that Duan Yu had made this time. When they first heard Duan Yu call him "Master", they thought they had heard wrong. But after Duan Yu introduced him solemnly, they felt it was incredible and full of doubts, and they pondered secretly.

It's not that the young master dislikes martial arts. He sneaked out of the house this time because he was forced by the emperor and the prince. Why did he find a master outside? This man is very young, and I don't know where he came from, but he actually persuaded the young master to worship him as his master. The young master is young and doesn't know the dangers of the world. Don't be fooled by others.

Although the five people were wary, they still bowed respectfully to Fang Muye and said, "Gao Shengtai (Chu Wanli, Gu Ducheng, Fu Sigui, Zhu Danchen) greets Mr. Fang!"

Fang Muye smiled slightly and clasped his fists in return: "Thank you for your courtesy!"

Gao Shengtai bowed and said, "You two gentlemen are worried about you, so please go back home. If Mr. Fang has nothing important to do, please come to your house as a guest. You two gentlemen will certainly be happy to entertain you."

As Duan Yu was the prince of Dali, becoming a disciple was a big deal, so it was not convenient for them to ask too many questions or interfere. They could only invite Fang Muye back and let the emperor and the princes discuss and decide. If this man was really scheming, then he would never come back. Don't think that Dali is easy to bully.

Fang Muye didn't know what Gao Shengtai was thinking. He and Duan Yu were originally going back to Dali City. When he heard Gao Shengtai's invitation, he nodded to Duan Yu who was looking at him. Duan Yu immediately said happily, "Okay, let's go back now."

At that moment, Fu Sigui and Zhu Danchen brought their respective horses and let Fang Muye and Duan Yu ride in front. The five people, three on horseback and two on foot, followed behind.

That night, the seven people rested for the night in a small inn. The next day, they continued on their journey, heading north, and soon they were on the main road.

Gu Ducheng rode his horse closer and said to Fang Muye and Duan Yu, "Mr. Fang, Young Master, I will go back first to report the news." After Duan Yu responded, he immediately urged his horse to gallop north.

The rest of the group continued on their way to Dali City. At noon, they met a small group of cavalrymen galloping towards them. Fu Sigui quickly rushed up and said a few words to the captain. The captain gave an order, and all the cavalrymen jumped off their horses and prostrated themselves on the ground.

Duan Yu waved his hand and said with a smile, "No need to be polite."

The captain ordered two horses to be released for Fu Sigui and Zhu Danchen to ride on, and he himself led the cavalry, clearing the way, with the clanging of iron hooves, as they galloped towards the road.

Gao Shengtai and others paid attention to Fang Muye's expression and saw that he was not surprised at all by the commotion. It was obvious that he had known about the young master's identity for a long time. They couldn't figure out for a moment whether the young master told him or he really knew about the conspiracy. They couldn't help but frowning even more tightly.

Duan Yu was not surprised at all. His master was such a great man, like a god, omniscient and almighty. Of course, he knew his own identity clearly like reading the lines on the palm of his hand.

At the time of Shen, the group entered the south gate of Dali City. Fang Muye saw that Dali City was densely populated, the streets were paved with bluestone, and the markets were prosperous, which was quite unique.

After passing a few streets, there is a straight stone road. After walking along this road for about two miles, you will arrive at a large mansion. There are two large flags in front of the gate, with the words "Zhennan" and "Baoguo" embroidered on the flags respectively. There are four golden characters on the plaque of the mansion that read "Zhennan Palace".

At this time, a man in his forties in a purple robe stood at the door. He had a square face, a dignified look, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and looked like a king. It was Duan Zhengchun. On both sides of the door stood his personal guards, wearing bright armor and holding shining weapons, standing in a solemn and orderly manner.

Everyone got off their horses in advance and headed towards the main gate of the Zhennan Palace. Duan Zhengchun hurriedly came to greet them, walked directly to Fang Muye, clasped his fists and bowed, smiling, "I guess you must be my Yu'er's master, Mr. Fang."

Fang Muye clasped his fists in return and said with a smile, "Prince Duan invited me, Fang Muye is honored."

Duan Yu jumped forward at this time and said with a smile: "Dad, you are in good health."

Duan Zhengchun angrily said, "What's good about that? At least I didn't get mad at you to death. Yu'er, you are really fooling around. If you run around like this again, I will break both of your legs."

Duan Yu chuckled: "If my son hadn't gone out this time, he wouldn't have found a good master. In the past, you and uncle always blamed Yu'er for not wanting to learn martial arts. Now you don't have to worry about it. Yu'er will definitely learn martial arts well with the master."

Duan Zhengchun laughed and said, "You sneaked out this time, and your uncle is very angry. He is at home now. You should think about how to beg for mercy from your uncle later, so that he won't punish you severely."

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu's face suddenly fell and he frowned in thought.

Duan Zhengchun turned around, smiled at Fang Muye and said, "My son is always playful and naughty, and he always acts on his own initiative. He is not thoughtful in many things. His uncle and I can only treat it as a childish temper. We will laugh it off and then discipline and supervise him. I am sorry to make you embarrassed, Mr. Fang. Mr. Fang, please come to your house and have a seat." As he said this, he waved his hand and led Fang Muye into the house.

Fang Muye naturally heard the other meaning in Duan Zhengchun's words, but he didn't care. He smiled and walked slowly with him.