"Junior Sister, would you like some?" Yin Shihuai asked Ouyang Wan solicitously, holding out fruit, but Ouyang Wan turned her head away and ignored him.

Ever since that day, Ouyang Wan has been truly angry with Yin Shihuai and hasn't spoken a single word to him. Yin Shihuai is at his wits' end because of this, but since he was the one who made the mistake and risked his life first, he can only try his best to coax her.

"Your fellow disciples have such a good relationship!" Chen Xuanling exclaimed sincerely. She grew up in the Holy Sect and because of her status as a Holy Maiden, no one of her peers dared to get close to her. She also knew that the disciples in the sect competed fiercely for the sect leader's favor, often resorting to any means necessary. Although there were many hypocritical people in the prestigious sects, at least these young disciples could grow up carefree.

“We practiced martial arts together since we were little, so our relationship is quite special. As for you, I've rarely heard you talk about your family.”

Chen Xuanling felt a moment of panic, but her expression remained unchanged: "My upbringing was very ordinary, nothing much to say. My father was very strict with me, and I ran away this time."

"Did your father personally teach you martial arts? Which General Chen from the imperial court? I've never heard of him before."

"My father was just a minor general, not famous at all. Moreover, my martial arts skills were not taught by my father. When I was a child, a martial arts practitioner who passed by my house saw that I had good talent and taught me for a few years."

Chen Xuanling casually fabricated a lie, afraid that Ouyang Feng would see through it. She glanced at the monks of the Zizai Sect behind her and changed the subject: "With the help of the Zizai Sect, Ouyang Feng, your master's wife is really amazing!"

"Hmm." Since she was unwilling to say more, Ouyang Feng didn't ask any further questions, since it would all be a lie anyway.

He felt a little regretful. Many times, the two of them had very compatible topics, but they were natural enemies and destined not to be friends. Now, there was very little truth in their conversations.

Song Xia was overjoyed to learn that his three disciples were about to return. He was also deeply shocked to learn that the mastermind behind the massacre of the Yin family was Master Wushi of the Zizai Sect. He wondered what conflict had occurred between this former member of the Yin family and the Yin family that led to such a ruthless act.

Shangguan Jin was very pleased: "The Zizai Sect didn't even get involved in the martial arts tournament before, but now it has taken the initiative to send martial monks to support us. This shows that it has recognized your ability. The Zizai Sect's appeal is stronger than that of the Shenyang Sect and Wuxiang Manor combined. More and more martial artists will join us."

Song Xia's gaze was resolute: "Therefore, we must win this first battle beautifully."

"Should we use firearms?"

"Use them. We've produced so many firearms, when is a better time to use them? But before we can use them against the imperial court's firearms, we must not harm the enemy soldiers. They can only be used to attack the city gates."

"I'll make the arrangements right away." Shangguan Jin had been waiting for this day for a long time. He was confident that this battle would be a decisive victory. With the right timing, location, and popular support, the good days for the imperial court and the cult were over.

The forces that came to Linghe City, apart from a few disciples from the Chen and Wei families, were unaware of the existence of firearms. They only knew that Linghe City had strict military discipline, brave soldiers, and abundant food supplies, but they were unaware that firearms existed, and judging from their design, they were even more advanced than those currently possessed by the imperial court.

The way Shan Jiangchuan and Zhuge Chun looked at Song Xia completely changed. If they had previously harbored the idea of ​​taking advantage of her, they were now completely disillusioned. Ouyang Zhen was foolish to have given up such a good wife as Song Xia!

At the same time, they were also glad that they had arrived in Linghe City early, otherwise, what chance would they have of making achievements in the future? They finally understood why these disciples from aristocratic families were so diligent in serving Song Xia; it turned out that they had known the inside story all along.

If the disciples of the aristocratic families knew what they were thinking, they would probably cry foul, for they had only just found out!

However, judging from the expressions of the clan elders and other elders, it was clear that they had known the truth all along, and they had been keeping it from them.

But it's no wonder he was kept in the dark. If he had known earlier, he would have been overjoyed and wouldn't have been able to stay calm like his cousins ​​and elders.

Previously, the forces that came to Linghe City only had a 50% chance of winning. Now that they know about the existence of firearms, and more than one, their chances have increased by 30%. They are so excited that they can't sleep and can't wait to see more of them.

When the cult's spies who had gathered the information learned about it, especially the one who had witnessed it with his own eyes, their faces turned ashen. How could they possibly continue?

Song Xia asked calmly, "Have they passed the message out yet?"

Song Lang nodded: "I personally saw them leave the city, but Junior Sister, why did you leak the news about firearms? Wouldn't it have been better to catch them off guard?"

"Firearms are so cumbersome, it's hard to launch a surprise attack. It's better to let them get confused first. I think when we attack the city in a few days, they should be too scared to resist and will wipe out all the forces in the city."

"So, it would be easier for us to capture the city, but wouldn't that allow them to consolidate their forces? Wouldn't that make it harder to attack them in the future?"

"It's better to gather together to avoid unnecessary casualties."

"Junior sister, I'll do whatever you say."

Now, not only Song Lang, Song Ling and other original members of Linghe Valley, but also later disciples of aristocratic families and martial arts figures, all admire Song Xia greatly. It is hard to believe that so many things were accomplished by a woman.

Look at the changes in Linghe City now. Did these people ever think about this before? They definitely did, but none of them had her courage, ability, or luck. Perhaps this is the will of Heaven.

Just as Song Xia had predicted, when the news reached the cult and the imperial court, both were thrown into disarray. They knew that this first battle was bound to be lost, so without the slightest hesitation, they withdrew their forces.

“But wouldn’t that let the world know we’re afraid of her? She’s just a woman, why go to such lengths?” Some agreed, while others disagreed, especially since they felt they had lost face being forced into this situation by a woman.

"If we retreat in one battle, does that mean we have to retreat in every battle from now on?"

"But now that we know her trump card, why should we waste our strength? Only by preserving our strength and finding the right opportunity can we fight her."

"With firearms being so rare, perhaps she's just bluffing?"

"Lord Zhang, are you willing to gamble on this outcome? Are you willing to stake the lives of your entire clan to take responsibility?"

Thus, Lord Zhang, who had just been vehemently opposing, fell silent. He couldn't risk the lives of his entire clan, but inwardly he sighed. The court was so cowardly; it seemed its demise was only a matter of time. What use was his opposition? Did the court still have any capable generals left?