Now that the cult leader can't distinguish friend from foe, everyone keeps their distance from him. Only Song Xia is left to fight him. It is at this moment that the martial arts community realizes how powerful she is, and the young masters from noble families are also horrified.
Although these scions of noble families have always been very respectful to Song Xia, they had previously joined Linghe City for two reasons: their own ambitions and the continuation of their family's glory. It can be said that before the outcome was determined, they were completely obedient to Song Xia, who was integrating all the resources, because they did not have this ability before.
However, once victory is secured, the situation may change. Even if Song Xia has great prestige, after the war ends, these scions of noble families will inevitably increase their influence, because the governance of the world cannot rely on these江湖人 (jianghu people).
Moreover, Song Xia is, after all, a woman. Since the formation of imperial power, there has never been an empress. These aristocratic families may not say anything now, but they are most fond of using rules and the words of sages to seek benefits. They will surely make a big fuss about this when the time comes.
Previously, Song Xia served as the commander-in-chief and rarely fought personally, so many scions of noble families had only heard that she was very powerful, but had never truly witnessed it. Only now did they have a clear understanding of her abilities.
Many people were terrified. How could they possibly compete with this? It was one thing for them to have firearms and military might, but those could be dealt with gradually once the situation stabilized. However, if her martial arts skills were unparalleled, even a powerful clan could be wiped out in an instant.
In an instant, the ulterior motives of many scions of noble families vanished completely, and even martial arts practitioners began to think twice before causing trouble again.
"Master's wife! Be careful!" Yin Shihuai suddenly shouted a warning. It turned out that he had already arranged for archers to launch a ranged attack.
Song Xia nodded to him, and instantly, a rain of arrows came at them. Song Xia was prepared and was unharmed, but the cult leader, who had lost his mind, was not so lucky. In just a moment, several arrows were stuck in his body.
This is because he possesses profound inner strength; otherwise, he wouldn't have only managed to use a few attacks.
However, after being injured, he became even more frenzied, but everyone could see that he was already at his limit.
At this moment, he was determined to kill Song Xia, and no matter what the rain of arrows behind him was like, he only focused on killing Song Xia.
The two's moves were almost invisible, and everyone couldn't help but worry. Such profound internal strength and such powerful moves were something no one had ever seen before. No one had ever heard of anyone being so skilled in martial arts. Could Song Xia escape unscathed?
At this moment, some hope she will be safe, most of whom are people Song Xia herself trained. But others hope she will perish together with the cult leader, because after this battle, the overall situation will be basically settled, and they do not want to have a powerful empress.
Unfortunately, the wishes of these ambitious people were destined to be in vain. The cult leader had been struck by Chen Xuanling's sword energy and then locked by a rain of arrows, and was now at his last gasp.
Song Xia did not kill him directly, but instead crippled his martial arts and meridians, and had him imprisoned.
With this man gone, Song Xia's prestige soared once again. Some people felt regret, but most were celebrating. At this time, the city gates had been breached, and all the soldiers guarding the city had surrendered. If they could take Guizhou City, they could directly attack the capital.
Guizhou City is the last line of defense for the imperial court. Most of the royal family and officials in the capital have already left, and the situation in the country is basically settled.
That evening, during the soldiers' victory celebration, someone suggested directly honoring Song Xia as Empress, which Song Xia readily accepted.
Although Song Xia knew that the rule of the imperial power had many drawbacks, it was the best for the present. The martial arts world was always difficult to control, and the aristocratic families had deep foundations. If those in power were not ruthless, the Central Plains would soon fall into chaos again.
There is no such thing as an endless rule in the world; there is only constant adjustment based on the changing situation. The future is still long, and this is not something she can accomplish alone.
"Cough..." After drinking, Song Xia was sent back to her room by Ouyang Wan. She couldn't help but cough, and blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.
Ouyang Wan was shocked: "Master's wife, are you injured? I'll go and call Doctor Fan."
"It's alright." Song Xia quickly stopped her. "It's just some internal injury. I can take care of it myself. The soldiers' morale is high right now, so it's not advisable to disturb them."
But your health is the most important thing!
“I didn’t lie to you. Just circulate your internal energy yourself. You and Shihuai go and check on your senior brother. If Miss Chen has woken up, take them to see the cult leader.”
Thinking of Ouyang Feng, Ouyang Wan was even more worried: "He hurt Miss Chen with his own hands. If Miss Chen doesn't wake up, I'm afraid Senior Brother will never be able to forgive himself for the rest of his life."
"That's why you need to reassure us. With Doctor Fan here, there shouldn't be any danger to his life."
Chen Xuanling is not in immediate danger, but her meridians have suffered severe internal injuries. Even if Doctor Fan does his best to treat her, she may still lose her life in the future.
Ouyang Feng said excitedly, "Isn't there any other way? Snow lotus from Tianshan? Thousand-year-old ginseng? I can do my best to find these medicinal materials."
“It’s not difficult to find these,” Chen Xuanling said weakly. “Ouyang Feng, don’t make things difficult for Doctor Fan. Some injuries can’t be healed. I’m already very lucky to be alive.”
Ouyang Feng's face was ashen: "I'm sorry, if it weren't for me..."
“It has nothing to do with you.” Chen Xuanling interrupted him. “Everything was part of my plan. Your reaction was normal. If I had told you beforehand, he would have become suspicious then.”
The "he" Chen Xuanling was referring to was naturally the cult leader: "Is he dead?"
"No," Ouyang Wan came in and told them the news. "His master's wife only crippled his martial arts and meridians, saying you might still have questions for him."
Chen Xuanling was taken aback, then moved. She hadn't expected that someone as important as Master Ouyang Feng's wife would consider things so much for her.
"Thanks."
"We should be thanking you. Without you, my teacher's wife said she wouldn't have won so easily."
Chen Xuanling gave a bitter smile, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Although Ouyang Feng was alright, he was, after all, her uncle, the sect leader who had raised her for so many years, and there were so many disciples in the sect... Shouldn't she also...?
Seeing her self-reproach, Yin Shihuai explained, "Members of cults, as long as they have not harmed innocent people and voluntarily surrender, will only be exiled to the border for reform, and their lives will not be taken."
Only then did Chen Xuanling feel a little relieved. However, she did not expect the rebel army to be so merciful. She knew that if the Holy Sect won, it would not treat the Central Plains martial arts world and the rebel army in this way.
No wonder they won so easily; it's all because of popular support. Even without my sword, the Holy Cult couldn't have won.
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