"Sword strikes must be fast and accurate, again!" While sorting out the accounts of Linghe Valley and Linghe City, Song Xia would also teach her three disciples martial arts in her spare time. At the same time, her martial arts skills were also improving by leaps and bounds.
The system Xiaoling used technological algorithms to make up for the deficiencies in Linghe Lightness Skill and Linghe Sword Technique. The marrow cleansing and meridian-clearing medicine purchased from the system also improved her physical deficiencies. Every seven days, she would also give her three disciples a bath with the medicine, so correspondingly, the requirements for them were also higher.
Ouyang Feng and Yin Shihuai didn't need her supervision; they practiced until they were exhausted every day. Only Ouyang Wan was a bit spoiled, but seeing how quickly Yin Shihuai was improving, she felt embarrassed to slack off every day.
When he had free time, Song Xia would explain to them what he had seen and heard on his trip outside, which kept the three disciples in silence.
This was especially true for Ouyang Feng, as it dealt a major blow to his worldview. He had always believed that martial artists in the Jianghu, except for those from evil cults, were all righteous and chivalrous, but he never imagined that every time a martial artist used force, it would cause such great harm to ordinary people.
"The martial arts practitioners leave after the fight, but who will compensate for the damaged houses, tables, and chairs? Some ordinary people are bullied, and the so-called 'jianghu people' stand up for them, but they may be bullied even more severely afterward. Has anyone considered this? Or some people take advantage of upholding justice for others, but then leave without paying. Those small vendors and shopkeepers may not earn back the losses in a year..."
Ouyang Feng asked, puzzled, "Don't those shop owners take responsibility?"
"Shop owners make money by opening shops, so why would they sympathize with working people? In fact, for ordinary people at the bottom of society, sometimes material things are more important than dignity."
"Aren't there people who rob the rich to help the poor?"
"Whose wealth are we robbing? Unscrupulous merchants? Does that mean all merchants deserve to be robbed? Most of them earn their money through hard work, and those who become successful rely on their own intelligence. There are bound to be unethical individuals among them, but is it right to rob them clean? Can we guarantee that every Robin Hood-like person will actually give money to the poor? And how do we define the poor? What if there are lazy and shirking their duties among them? Do these people deserve wealth falling from the sky?"
Song Xia scoffed: "Many people in the martial arts world only care about momentary pleasure and fame, and their methods cannot withstand scrutiny."
Ouyang Wan frowned: "It seems that our Linghe City is still the best, where everyone can live and work in peace and contentment."
"But this is on the premise that your master does not participate in the competition for the title of leader of the martial arts alliance."
Ouyang Feng and the others clearly sensed that their master's wife's attitude towards their master had changed recently, and she seemed to strongly disagree with their master's current actions.
"Wouldn't it be good if Master became the leader of the martial arts alliance? That way, the conduct of people in the martial arts world can be regulated."
Song Xia patted Ouyang Wan's head, sighed, and said, "If only it were that easy. After resting for so long, it's time to continue practicing your swordsmanship. The martial world is much more dangerous than you imagine. From now on, no one is allowed to slack off."
"Yes, Master's wife!"
Before long, the steward of the outer gate came to report that Shangguan Jin from Wuhua Tower had arrived.
A smile appeared on Song Xia's lips, and the weight in her heart lifted slightly.
Because Ouyang Zhen was not there, and more than half of the forces in the valley were left behind by Song Jiangtao, they felt a strong sense of belonging to her. Therefore, even though Song Xia's behavior was different from before, no one dared to object.
Shangguan Jin looked at her with a light smile: "Valley Master Song seems to have known that I would come."
The people of Linghe Valley were slightly surprised by his address, since in the past, whether it was from within the valley or from other sects, they were always addressed as "Madam." Would the Valley Master be unhappy to see him like this?
"I wouldn't dare say that, it just so happens that I obtained something useful to you."
Doctor Fan was getting impatient: "I wonder where Valley Master Song got these pills from? And would I have the honor of meeting the person who made them?"
Song Xia looked regretful: "I'm afraid it's impossible. The person who gave me the medicine did not show up. He only said that the medicine would be useful for the Shangguan family, and then left the prescription and left."
Shangguan Jin frowned at her and voiced his doubts: "If it's a pill that's useful to my Shangguan family, why would you give it to Valley Master Song?"
Song Xia feigned mystery: "I don't know. That person came and went without a trace. Even my senior brother Ouyang Zhen didn't notice anything. So I was sure he wasn't lying, and I took the risk to go find the master."
Having said that, Shangguan Jin really couldn't pursue the matter any further. Could there really be such a master in the martial world? Even Ouyang Zhen, who was ranked among the top ten in martial arts, hadn't noticed? In that case, it didn't seem surprising that the person knew the Shangguan family's secret. But why did that person hand it over to Song Xia of Linghe Valley? And why did they do it while avoiding Ouyang Zhen?
Unable to figure it out, Shangguan Jin stopped dwelling on it, since the medicine was indeed effective.
Doctor Fan, who was itching to see the prescription, asked, "Valley Master Song, may I take a look at that prescription?"
"Of course," Song Xia said frankly, handing it to him.
Shangguan Jin's gaze softened slightly: "Isn't Valley Master Song afraid that once we get the prescription, we'll stop trading with you?"
Song Xia chuckled and shook his head: "Although Wuhua Tower has not participated in the struggle between the righteous and evil factions in recent years, the people living in the towns under Wuhua Tower's protection live in peace and prosperity. I still believe in the conscience of Tower Master Shangguan. Moreover, even if he does not agree to anything, relieving the Shangguan family's illness is a meritorious deed. Anyway, it is of no use to me."
"I am truly ashamed of myself for saying that, Master Song." Shangguan Jin's expression became extremely serious. "Since Master Song has selflessly provided the prescription, I naturally cannot accept it for nothing. I will do whatever Master Song commands, unless it harms the world."
“Of course I can’t let Master Shangguan do this kind of thing, otherwise I will feel uneasy.”
The Linghe Valley disciple guarding the reception hall glanced at Song Xia again. Not only did the lady call herself the Valley Master, but she also secretly established such a relationship with the Master of Wuhua Tower. Could it be that the lady had other plans behind the Valley Master's back?
What should they do? The lady didn't keep this from them, so should they tell the Valley Master?
"I have invited you here, Master Shangguan, because I have a favor to ask of you. The imperial court is currently inactive and the martial world is in constant turmoil. I do not wish for Linghe Valley and Linghe City to be involved in the struggle for power. Therefore, I request your assistance in the construction of Linghe City."
After hearing her request, Shangguan Jin breathed a sigh of relief. Although what she asked for was not easy, it was much easier than she had imagined, and she nodded directly.
The Linghe Valley disciples present gasped in shock; their earlier guess had indeed been correct.
But why is the lady acting behind the Valley Master's back? Has an irreconcilable conflict developed between the lady and the Valley Master? And whose side are they on?
The dream of making Linghe Valley the overlord of the martial arts world is very tempting, but this would certainly involve a lot of sacrifices. It seems good to let everyone live in peace and prosperity, so that the brothers and sisters don't have to risk their lives and experience life and death.
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