Starting from Tianlong, Wudu Tianxia

The day after Hong Zhaoren met with Shen Xuanmo.

All morning, Gao Yuan observed and inquired about the movements in Penglai.

His name has long been forgotten in the martial arts world.

Cui Poyun stirred up trouble in Jingzhao Prefecture, following up on Bu Chen's actions against the Wenjian Sect and Tianyi Gang, he also challenged the Tongwu Association.

There were many people from the martial arts world coming and going in Jingzhao Prefecture. After hearing the story, everyone would tell their relatives and friends, which led to the story becoming more and more outrageous.

With someone in front of him diverting attention, Gao Yuanle couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.

Cui Poyun lived in Ma Wude's mansion next to the "Nanxiangshan" teahouse. With the reputation of being a "popular" young hero, the business of "Nanxiangshan" flourished day by day.

Whether they're looking for a spectacle or just watching the fun, they'll inevitably end up having a couple of drinks at a teahouse.

As a result, "Nanxiangshan" made a lot of money, and Old Ma's face was all smiles.

just.

Gao Yuan thought to himself, "You two old fools, you haven't forgotten the whole itinerary, have you?"

Are you not going to go find tea and flowers as promised?

Aside from the travel delays, everything else seemed to be going well. As the time approached Shenshi (3-5 PM), Gao Yuan noticed that the local Tianyi Gang had started to be active more frequently.

Many disciples and followers lingered and looked around in bustling areas such as teahouses and docks, or appeared in restaurants and theaters, and the atmosphere was vaguely a bit strange.

The two places are separated by several prefectures, and I have never heard of the Tianyi Gang having any connection with Penglai. Could they be here for me?

Gao Yuan became inexplicably alert.

He recalled that Old Ma's network of personal connections was complex, and he must know what the Tianyi Gang was up to.

End of Shen Shi (3-5 PM).

Gao Yuan went to Ma Wude's residence to gather information, preparing to urge the old horse to set off.

His original intention was to use Ma Wude's identity as a businessman as a cover, but he didn't expect to run into trouble in Jingzhao Prefecture.

He was stunned by the scene before him as soon as he arrived at "Nanxiang Mountain".

at this time.

A commotion arose in front of the mansion next to "Nanxiangshan," with many people watching the excitement from outside.

"Yuyuyu~~!"

A group of young swordsmen reined in their horses and stopped them.

"Is Young Master Cui here?"

"Nature is here!"

Although the young swordsman was annoyed that Cui Poyun treated Jingzhao like nobody else, he was unwilling to address him by his surname Cui in public, lest he lose face as a young swordsman of Jingzhao.

At least on the surface, they really seemed to be there to "exchange ideas" in a peaceful manner, rather than trying to intimidate each other with numbers or being at odds with each other.

The leading boy jumped off his horse first and strode confidently at the front of the group.

At the main gate of Ma Wude's residence, two robust disciples from Nianhua Villa stood guard, their postures refined, positioned on either side.

"please!"

The boy remained silent and stepped forward to enter the room between the two men, but the two disciples squeezed in from inside the room.

The boy appeared smaller than them, but with a sudden burst of strength, his shoulders trembled, and he sent the two strong men flying several steps away.

He lightly dusted off his sleeves.

"Nianhua Villa is nothing more than this."

A hint of amazement flickered in the eyes of the two disciples.

It seems that the person who came to challenge the young master today is no ordinary person; he must have something to offer.

Their chests ached, and they didn't respond to the boy's sarcastic remarks.

The onlookers outside cheered as they watched the young swordsman from Jingzhao win a minor victory, while the spectators on the second floor of the teahouse also applauded enthusiastically.

Gao Yuan secretly praised the young man: "What a classy guy."

Seeing that Old Ma's place was bustling with customers, with so many people and eyes looking at me, I thought I should come back later.

"Brother Gao, you're here!"

In the spacious lobby on the first floor of Nanxiangshan, a man saw Gao Yuan's face, immediately greeted him, gave two teahouse staff a few words, and walked towards Gao Yuan.

"Brother Zhu."

The man was in his early thirties and his name was Zhu Ran.

He was the leader of Ma Wude's tea-transporting team, a native of Yingtian. His ancestors served as commanders of the Ya Nei Du (a military unit) in the Former Shu, but by the time the family passed down to him, they had already fallen on hard times. He was skilled with a long sword.

This acquaintance with Lao Ma stemmed from a disagreement that arose on the road, during which Lao Ma insisted on a martial arts duel with Gao Yuan.

But he was straightforward and had no personal grudge against Gao Yuan despite losing to him. Instead, he often pulled him aside to discuss martial arts, talk about his experiences in the martial world and his ancestors' stories.

"Brother Gao, are you looking for a employer?"

Gao Yuan nodded.

"That kid Cui Poyun has been causing trouble every day since he came to Jingzhao. He happens to be the former employer of the landlord, and not only has he gotten himself into a lot of trouble, but he has also made it difficult for us to work in peace."

Gao Yuan didn't want to respond and changed the subject: "Brother Zhu, your sword tassel looks brand new? The silver patterns on your black hair suit you better than the plain color before."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ran glanced at the tassel hanging from the hilt of the sword and his tone became more relaxed: "I exchanged it at the cloth shop in the West Market yesterday. The shopkeeper said it was durable."

Gao Yuan smiled and pointed to a certain part of the sword: "When I saw you practicing swordsmanship a few days ago, the tassel was too long and easily got tangled in your wrist. Now it's just right."

"By the way, since Young Master Cui came to Jingzhao to show off his power, the tea shop business has improved quite a bit, but he can't go home. I'm afraid it will delay Brother Zhu's next tea transport trip."

He took the opportunity to steer the conversation back to the itinerary, wanting to gauge Zhu Ran's opinion.

Zhu Ran frowned immediately: "That's right!"

He paused, then relaxed again:

"It's alright. I overheard the master and young master discussing this yesterday, and judging from their implied meaning, they'll probably be setting off soon."

"I see."

Gao Yuan was not satisfied with Zhu Ran's answer.

It should be noted that one day, two days, and three days can all be collectively referred to as "not a day".

Zhu Ran stared at him a few more times.

He learned from Ma Wude that Gao Yuan was going to travel with them, but Ma Wude didn't tell him the reason.

Fortunately, Zhu Ran didn't care. Who in the martial arts world doesn't have some things they don't want to talk about?

Suddenly, a commotion broke out on the street. The once spirited young man, covered in dust and dirt, rushed out of the mansion gate, his earlier bravado completely gone.

The result can be imagined.

He mounted his horse and, leading the young swordsmen who had come with him, rode away amidst the whispers of the onlookers.

"Hey, Young Master Cui is quite capable; he's driven off another group."

Zhu Ran's tone showed no sign of admiration.

Gao Yuan's eyes flickered slightly, but he wasn't too surprised. Cui Poyun wouldn't dare to act alone in Jingzhao Prefecture if he didn't have some real skills.

"Brother Gao, you didn't come to the last banquet hosted by the master. Otherwise, with your martial arts skills, you could have shown him that there are always people more skilled than you."

"Brother Zhu flatters me. Although I know some rough martial arts, I am no match for Young Master Cui."

Zhu Ran was a seasoned veteran of the martial arts world, having met many people across the country. His eyesight was naturally sharp, and he knew exactly what Gao Yuan was doing during their martial arts duel in Baoling County.

The kid deliberately held back his energy and gave me a slight advantage, only managing to win by a move or two. His palm strike was swift and steady, showing far more than just a little mercy.

Even so, the clash of their energies left his forearm numb for several days.

In a martial arts duel, moves can be faked, but emotions cannot. This kid remained calm throughout, without frowning or panting. Although he pretended to be flustered, his eyes were as still as autumn water.

Judging from a small part, Gao Yuan and Cui Poyun are both worse; Gao Yuan himself has his own scales to weigh the pros and cons.

"What flattery? I just like to tell the truth!" Zhu Ran shook his head, clearly not believing it.

"Haha, you flatter me, brother!"

Seeing the commotion at the gate and noticing that he wasn't entering, Zhu Ran knew the reason and immediately spoke up:

"With Cui Poyun around, things will never be peaceful. Brother, if you're looking for a patron, why don't you come with me to Guanhe Tower for a couple of drinks, and we'll come back later when the crowds have dispersed?"

Gao Yuan initially wanted to refuse, but after glancing at the government office and teahouse, he decided to play it safe and not want to get into the crowd, so he agreed with a "okay".

"Brother, I've learned a few new sword techniques. I'd like to ask you for some pointers."

Seeing Zhu Ran's enthusiastic expression, Gao Yuan recalled the last competition where Zhu Ran's twelve-style family-inherited One-Word Wind-Chasing Sword technique was exceptionally skillful. Now, with new insights, Gao Yuan naturally wanted to observe and learn from him.

The more martial arts he learns, the more he can refine his Tianshan Plum Blossom Capturing Technique, incorporating all the moves in the world.

Let's wait until the crowd disperses before looking for Ma Wude.

If there isn't a specific date soon, I'll pack my things and run away immediately. Who knows how long I'll have to keep arguing with them?

……