Song Xia rode swiftly and arrived in Jiangnan in just five days.
The sights and sounds she witnessed along the way made even this well-traveled person gasp in astonishment.
Because of famine and rampant banditry, some towns were completely deserted, exuding desolation and a stench of decay. In the few remaining villages, not a single woman or child could be seen; it is easy to imagine where they had gone.
Some people use their last remaining possessions to support the cult, and those who have none send their children to it as if possessed, chanting incomprehensible doctrines.
Along the way, she also encountered martial arts figures killing members of evil cults, but the houses that ordinary people had worked hard for their entire lives were destroyed in the fighting. Those people looked numb, as if the destroyed houses were not their own.
Only then did Song Xia truly realize how chaotic the world was, how miserable the lives of ordinary people were, and how without the protection of powerful forces, they were like walking corpses.
The so-called martial arts alliance leaders can't alleviate the suffering of the people at all; they are only after fame and fortune. Once the martial arts figures and the imperial court clash, the people will suffer even more casualties.
However, if no one steps forward to set things right, the court will be further corrupted by cults and treacherous officials, and ordinary people will have no way out either. This seems to be an unsolvable situation.
Even if the cult leader of the previous life was killed, would the world be better? Even a great hero like Feng'er, who killed the cult, could only live in seclusion in the end.
Song Xia took a deep breath. She felt powerless to change the situation, so for the time being, she only wanted to use all her abilities to protect Linghe Valley and Linghe City, at least to ensure that the children in the valley and city could grow up safely and healthily.
Wuhua Tower is located in Yangzhou, the most prosperous city in Jiangnan. Only after entering the tower did Song Xia feel the atmosphere of people living in peace and contentment.
Despite its name, Wuhua Tower is actually incredibly magnificent and resplendent. Even the gatekeepers are skilled in martial arts and dressed in fine silks and satins. They are neither servile nor arrogant in the face of a martial arts practitioner like her.
Song Xia took out his token: "I am the deputy valley master of Linghe Valley. I have come to discuss something with your sect master. Please inform him."
The shop assistants were used to her saying she wanted to see the master, but because of Linghe Valley's reputation in the martial arts world, they were much more polite to her.
“Master Song, our master does not receive guests. If you have something to discuss, I will go and fetch the steward.”
Song Xia handed over a letter: "Give this to your lord. I will be staying in Yangzhou for the next three days. If your lord reads this letter, he can come to see me anytime."
The servant was slightly surprised when he saw that she didn't pester him, but instead gave him a letter and a bottle of pills. He then respectfully accepted them, bowed again, and Song Xia had already left Wuhua Tower.
"What a strange person," the servant muttered, but dared not be careless and personally delivered the letter to the steward.
After taking the items, the steward hesitated for a moment, then had the divine physician employed by Wuhua Tower examine them to confirm that there was no poison. He then turned out from behind Wuhua Tower, and after going around a few corners, entered a beautiful garden.
"Master, this was personally delivered by the Vice Valley Master of Linghe Valley. I had it checked, and it's not poisonous."
"The deputy valley master of Linghe Valley?" The man behind the curtain shifted slightly, pondering for a moment. "Song Xia, the daughter of the former valley master, Song Jiangtao?"
"Exactly."
"Why would she contact me?" The man looked at the letter and the medicine bottle. "Is there medicine inside? Has Doctor Fan examined it?"
"I've examined it. I'm only certain it's not poison. As for its effects, we haven't figured them out yet."
"Interesting." The man stepped out from behind the curtain, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty, one that would make even the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world feel inferior. He was none other than Shangguan Jin, the current owner of Wuhua Tower.
He took the letter and looked at it from front to back, but couldn't figure out what it was about. Then he opened it directly. There weren't many words on the letter, but they made Shangguan Jin's breathing become heavy.
"She said she would stay in Yangzhou for three days?"
"Yes, the servants reported that Master Song is staying at the inn across the street."
"Summon Doctor Fan to see me."
Shangguan Jin fiddled with the medicine bottle, poured out one pill and smelled it carefully. The fragrance of the pill seemed to have eased the pain in his meridians.
I've never heard of any miraculous doctors or medicines in Linghe Valley. Where did this Valley Master Song get them from? And how does he know the secrets of the Shangguan family in Wuhua Tower?
Regardless, this illness has tormented the Shangguan family for many years. Anyone with the blood of the Shangguan family cannot escape the pain, as if they have been cursed.
If the medicine really works, he'll take the gamble no matter what the other party's scheme is.
Doctor Fan's research took two days, and all he could come to was the conclusion that the medicine was harmless: "OP, I think it's worth a try."
Shangguan Jin paused in his fanning motion: "Then come with me to meet this Valley Master Song."
As the two walked out, the steward reported Ouyang Zhen's whereabouts to him: "Valley Master Ouyang is currently at the Divine Sun Sect, and it seems that he is discussing the selection of the martial arts alliance leader with the sect leader of the Divine Sun Sect."
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jin scoffed: "Do you really think that once a so-called martial arts alliance leader is elected, these martial arts sects will obey their orders? That's wishful thinking."
"Master, is it possible that Valley Master Song's visit is also to ask our Wuhua Tower to support their Linghe Valley?"
Shangguan Jin's expression turned indifferent. Although he really wanted to cure the hidden ailment that had plagued the Shangguan family for hundreds of years, he still had to think carefully about the possibility of making the entire Wuhua Tower pay the price.
"I don't think this Valley Master Song would make such a stupid request."
Song Xia waited for two days. During those two days, she explored the entire city of Yangzhou. As expected of Wuhua Tower's stronghold, Yangzhou was much richer and more stable than other places. Moreover, unlike other towns protected by martial arts sects, Yangzhou's government still had considerable power. Wuhua Tower would only step in to assist if martial arts figures caused trouble.
On the morning of the third day, she finally saw Shangguan Jin.
In her past life's memories, Shangguan Jin didn't appear in public often, but every time she did, it caused a sensation. This was because her appearance and temperament were too outstanding. Even someone as worldly-wise as Song Xia couldn't help but take a second look.
Shangguan Qing gently waved her fan: "Valley Master Song is quite different from what I imagined."
"You also think I'm just Ouyang Zhen's lackey?"
"After all, Master Song was not well-known in the martial arts world before, while Hero Ouyang was very famous."
"He was indeed a bit flamboyant, so I came out without telling him."
Shangguan Jin was slightly taken aback, not expecting her to be so straightforward, almost saying that she disagreed with Ouyang Zhen.
"Doesn't Valley Master Song want her husband to become the leader of the martial arts alliance? With Master Ouyang's current reputation in the martial arts world, he is very likely to be qualified. When Master Ouyang commands the martial arts world, Valley Master Song will also enjoy immense glory."
Song Xia looked at him with a half-smile, and Shangguan Jin couldn't continue speaking.
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