From afar, Fei Yu spotted Duan Zhengchun coming to greet them and immediately said in a low voice, "I'm off to handle some business first."
With that, he pushed his movement technique to its limit and sprinted straight toward the post station at the foot of the mountain. In just a few leaps, he vanished from everyone's sight, showing no intention whatsoever of meeting either the current ruler or future crown prince of the Dali Kingdom.
Upon seeing Duan Zhengchun, Fei Yu recalled the task—or rather, the credit—Ye Weiming had assigned to him earlier. Naturally, he wanted to get moving as soon as possible. Sanyue, however, had no such concerns. She stopped and waited alongside Ye Weiming for the Dali party to approach.
"Young Hero Ye!"
With a beaming smile, Duan Zhengchun came forward and politely cupped his fists to Ye Weiming in greeting. His manner was exceptionally humble. "It has been many days since we parted at Mirror Lake. Seeing you again today, I never expected Young Hero Ye's martial arts to have advanced so greatly. How truly gratifying!"
Duan Zhengchun had barely met him before launching into holiday pleasantries, plainly adopting the posture of someone seeking a favor.
Although Ye Weiming knew perfectly well that the other man had come to ask him for help, he did not put on airs in the slightest. Instead, he promptly returned the salute, appearing equally modest and courteous.
After all, Duan Zhengchun was different from others. Ever since Duan Zhengming had renounced the throne and entered Tianlong Temple before the battle over the Six Meridian Divine Sword, this old lecher had, at least in theory, become the emperor of the Dali Kingdom.
Though this ruler of Dali neglected his duties, spending more time wandering the Central Plains than residing in the