Patrol Captain

On the command platform, Chen Yuan's gaze swept across the training ground, then paused in the southeast corner, where a group of soldiers were practicing swordsmanship. They looked like new recruits. Among them was a figure in blue armor, carrying a sword and instructing in the formation, his armor obscuring most of his figure.

But Chen Yuan recognized the figure of his old friend at a glance.

"Lu Ming." He called out to Lu Ming.

"General"

"Are those new recruits?" Chen Yuan asked.

"General, are you referring to those who practice swordsmanship?" Lu Ming followed Chen Yuan's gaze, his brows furrowing slightly. "The swordsmanship fundamentals here are subtly profound; it doesn't seem to be the Fusi's method of training soldiers?"

"Did you see the person leading the troops in drills clearly? Don't you think he looks familiar?" Chen Yuan glanced to the side and behind Lu Ming, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Upon hearing the general's words, Lu Ming stared intently at the man in blue armor from afar, trying to recall what he had seen before. He seemed to recognize him, but couldn't place where he had met him before.

"It does look somewhat familiar, but I don't remember it."

"Do you still remember when I first became a Lieutenant General, you and your men came to Baidi City to find me? Later, I was ordered to lead you to Tianxiong Pass to quell a rebellion. On the way, I encountered a friend who was being chased and killed."

Chen Yuan's reminder brought the events of a few years ago back to Lu Ming's mind, and then he suddenly remembered who that person was.

He did indeed see it.

It's just that it's been so long that I've forgotten.

"I have never had any contact with this person. It seems that he also has the surname Gongsun and is related to Mr. Gongsun..." he recalled.

“Gongsun Wuji, a successor of the Longshan Sword Tomb!” Chen Yuan said, revealing the man’s name. “Go and invite him over.”

Lu Ming obeyed the order, then leaped down from the platform, transforming into a blur and flying away. He landed in the southeast corner of the training ground a few breaths later.

"boom"

His feet landed heavily, causing the ground to tremble slightly. This drew the attention of the new recruits practicing swordsmanship, who stopped what they were doing. Then, a low gasp arose, causing a commotion.

"Such a powerful baleful aura,"

"Clad in red armor, this man appears to be a General of the Cavalry!"

"It's General Lu, it's him."

"I have heard that several of the cavalry commanders led tens of thousands of troops and followed General Chen in his campaigns in the north and south, making outstanding contributions. They are our general's confidants."

Whispers filled the arena, as everyone's gazes were filled with awe and fervor.

On the field, Gongsun Wuji, who was instructing swordsmen, saw Lu Ming, the General of the Cavalry, walking towards him. A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still touched the sword at his waist and stepped forward to meet him. He stopped a few steps away, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and offered his hand.
"I have met the General of the Flying Cavalry!"

Lu Ming's large, copper-bell-shaped eyes swept over Gongsun Wuji, and he sensed that the man's aura was not much weaker than his own. A smile appeared on his usually stern, dark face, and he laughed heartily.

"Brother Gongsun, there's no need for such formalities."

"The general invites you up for a chat!"

"follow me."

Having said that, without any hesitation, he moved his feet and soared into the air like a cannonball towards the command platform.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Wuji's expression was one of astonishment, shock, and a hint of nervousness. After a moment of stunned silence, he didn't even have time to instruct his men before he quickly took to the air and followed.

The new recruits left on the field looked at each other in disbelief, their faces filled with shock.

"Did you hear that? General Lu said that the general invites Colonel Gongsun for a chat."

"My God, could the general that General Lu is talking about be the same general who returned to the mountain yesterday?"

"I think it's pretty much true." "They went up to the command platform. Could it be that the General is here and watching us? No wonder those captains on the drill ground were so angry just now."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone immediately realized what was going on, straightened their backs, dared not cause a disturbance, and tried their best to show their best side.

Meanwhile, Lu Ming and Gongsun Wuji went up to the command platform and landed in front of Chen Yuan.

"General, the men are here." Lu Ming stepped aside.

When Gongsun Wuji saw Chen Yuan, dressed in white with an elegant demeanor and dignified bearing, smiling at him, he was momentarily dazed.

He then straightened his posture, took two quick steps forward, made a half-circle with his hands in a bow, and lowered his body, saying, "Your subordinate pays his respects."

"Brother Gongsun!" Chen Yuan interrupted him directly, his eyes clear and bright. "We are old friends meeting again. Let's not talk about military hierarchy today, but just reminisce about our old friendship."

When Gongsun Wuji heard Chen Yuan address him as "Brother Gongsun," he was startled and flattered, and quickly bowed his head in gratitude.
"General, you have humbled yourself to befriend me; I am ashamed and unworthy of such a favor."

"Alright, alright, let's not stand on ceremony. The day you came to the Ninth Mountain, Mr. Gongsun told me about you. He still remembers you. It's been a few years, but Brother Gongsun's demeanor is as impressive as ever, and he still has that proud spirit, though he has aged quite a bit."

Chen Yuan waved his hand, then said:

"I heard that you and several other chivalrous heroes joined the Ninth Mountain. Master Gongsun promised you that you could lead an army and choose your own men from the recruited troops?"

Gongsun Wuji nodded, "I am honored by your high regard, Mr. Gongsun. It is indeed so."

"Those new recruits just now, were they the ones you chose?"

"Exactly."

"The swordsmanship they're practicing doesn't seem to be military strategy, but rather it's from the swordsmanship of your Dragon Mountain Sword Tomb?"

"I am skilled with a sword, so I am more adept at training troops. If the general feels that this is not in accordance with military regulations, then I will..." Gongsun Wuji hesitated before speaking.

Unexpectedly, Chen Yuan's laughter interrupted him. Chen Yuan's expression was relaxed. "Why not? Longshan swordsmanship is famous in Shu. I'm happy that you selflessly brought your family's martial arts to the Ninth Mountain. What's wrong with that?"

Lu Ming nodded in agreement.

"At that time, my Ninth Mountain will be able to recruit many good generals, have countless methods, and be full of talented people. How could it not become strong? Your concerns are completely unnecessary."

"Go for it!" Chen Yuan laughed heartily.

These words warmed Gongsun Wuji's heart and made him relax considerably, a smile appearing on his tense face.

He sighed inwardly, thinking that this "Brother Chen" before him was still the same as before, with a magnanimous heart, far surpassing his own.

"Thank you, Brother Chen!" He finally managed to utter the two words that had been stuck in his throat.

In the past, his arrogance only allowed him to watch Chen Yuan from afar in the crowd, lacking the confidence to stand in front of him. Now, having let go of his pride and feeling at ease, he no longer felt anything amiss.

With lofty aspirations, the world expands; what I had been worrying about before was just pointless self-inflicted trouble.

Chen Yuan stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, a smile hidden in his eyes, and then straightened his expression.

"The entire mountain-crushing army is about to launch a counterattack against the demons. Time is running out, and the real training will be on the battlefield."

"I hope you all live well."

He patted the other person on the shoulder a few times, then lowered his hand.
"Go ahead!"

Gongsun Wuji nodded emphatically and said firmly,
"Farewell, Your humble servant."

Having said that, he turned and strode away, then leaped away from the command platform. (End of Chapter)