Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Eldest Sister of Medicine King Valley

"The leader of the martial arts alliance?" Gu Guanqi put down his chopsticks, surprised. "What do you mean by that, Commander Ma?"

Ma Wanli poured Gu Guanqi a cup of tea before slowly saying, "I just want to invite you to be the leader of the Qingzhou martial arts alliance."

Gu Guanqi asked, puzzled, "Why do you suddenly want to promote a martial arts alliance leader? To support a puppet martial arts alliance?"

Ma Wanli shook his head slightly and said, "If we wanted to support a puppet martial arts alliance, we wouldn't be looking for you. I'm not so senile as to think the Six Doors can control you, the number one expert in Qingzhou. You're only twenty-one years old. Who would dare to control you? Who would gamble with your potential?"

Gu Guanqi said, "That doesn't make sense. If it's not a puppet, then the Martial Alliance has gained official support and has the power to govern the martial arts world. Doesn't that mean it's taking power away from the Six Doors? Wouldn't that be tantamount to the Six Doors cutting off its own arm?"

Ma Wanli shook his head and said, "You misunderstand the power structure of the Six Doors. The Six Doors does not govern the martial arts world; it only maintains order in the martial arts world, prevents conflicts from affecting ordinary people, and handles cases in the martial arts world."

"Is that so?" Gu Guanqi asked in surprise. "Even so, there's no need to create a martial arts alliance. Aren't you afraid that the martial arts alliance will become too powerful? Then it will be like the Eight Great Sects, and the government won't be able to control it."

Ma Wanli said, "I know what you're saying. So, in all these years, when has Qingzhou ever produced a martial arts alliance? It's just that this time, the decision to establish a martial arts alliance is not made by our Qingzhou government, but by the imperial court."

Half a month ago, the imperial court issued an order to establish martial arts alliances in all thirteen prefectures. Led by the prefectural governments, local martial arts forces were invited to discuss a new direction for the martial arts world, with the aim of maintaining order and building a harmonious community. Each sect would elect its own alliance leader, with no government intervention.

Gu Guanqi asked in bewilderment, "What is the court trying to achieve by doing this? The eight major sects already wield immense power in the local areas, and the government is largely constrained by them. But no matter what, they still lack a sense of righteousness, and many things cannot be discussed openly."

However, if the imperial court were to grant the martial arts alliance its power, it could truly squeeze out local officials and reduce them to vassals. After all, in the areas where the eight major sects reside, they would certainly decide who becomes the leader of the martial arts alliance.

Ma Wanli shook his head and said, "I don't know either. Anyway, this matter caused quite a stir. The officials of the court even fought each other in court. However, in the end, it was the Eastern Depot Supervisor Wei Tanjin and the Left Prime Minister who made the final decision."

Gu Guanqi asked in confusion, "Aren't these two mortal enemies?"

Ma Wanli shrugged and said, "Who can predict what happens in the court? I'm still a member of the Left Chancellor's faction, while Governor Yang of Qingzhou is a member of Governor Wei's faction. But didn't we cooperate with him last year to protect the Guanyin Sect?"

Gu Guanqi asked in surprise, "You're not from the eunuch faction!"

Ma Wanli shook his head and said, "I was just following orders. As for why the people above would cooperate with the eunuch faction, I have no idea."

After saying that, Ma Wanli poured tea for Gu Guanqi again and said, "Anyway, that's the situation. The establishment of the Martial Arts Alliance is now irreversible. And in Qingzhou, you are the only choice for the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance."

No one is more suitable than you. Last year, the events surrounding the Sword Inquiry Sect occurred, and all the sects owe you favors. Furthermore, your martial arts skills are convincing, and you are still young, so there's no need to worry about any changes in the short term. If you are willing to become the alliance leader, this matter will proceed smoothly.

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "I don't have much management ability, and I don't have my own power base. If I were to become the alliance leader, I wouldn't even have anyone to rely on, and I'm used to being lax. It's not suitable for me!"

Ma Wanli chuckled and said, "Think it over carefully. There's no rush, and it's not something that can be done in a month or two."

If you're worried about manpower and management, there's no need to. With your reputation, a simple call to action would bring countless responses. Besides, why would a romantic like you worry about not having enough people to use?

"By taking several wives and concubines, a power base will naturally be built around you. Then, if you have ten or eight sons, in ten or twenty years, the Gu family will become the number one martial arts family in Qingzhou."

Gu Guanqi's lips twitched slightly as he said, "Regarding the issue of being too affectionate, I think it might be a misunderstanding. I just went on a few more blind dates because they didn't work out!"

Ma Wanli looked at Gu Guanqi with a mocking expression and said, "You're with Jiang Baili now, so let me ask you, are you sure you have nothing to do with Lin Yourong of the Lin family in Tianping County?"

Gu Guanqi: "..."

Ma Wanli continued, "Also, if Xue Fuling, the Medicine King Valley disciple who previously served as the Medical Officer in our Six Doors, finishes her seclusion and successfully resolves her health issues, and comes back to you, can you pass her on to someone else? Hey, you're going to Medicine King Valley soon too. If Su Qingxing allows you to enter Medicine King Valley to meet him, won't you go?"

Gu Guanqi: "..."

Ma Wanli then said, "And that little girl named Fang Cunxin who joined the Hanyue Sect, you..."

"alright!"

Gu Guanqi quickly interrupted Ma Wanli, saying, "Commander Ma, let's change the subject!"

Ma Wanli laughed heartily.

Gu Guanqi asked, "By the way, Commander Ma, I haven't asked yet, Elder Yan, how exactly did you get hit by the Seven Soul-Destroying Palms? According to you, it's the Vermilion Bird's ultimate technique from the Four Extremes Hall. Since the Four Extremes Hall is the number one assassin organization in the world, the Vermilion Bird's martial arts must be quite good. If he wanted to kill Elder Yan, how could Elder Yan have survived?"

Ma Wanli shook his head and said, "This is Zhuque's method of killing. Most people who are hit by the Seven Soul-Destroying Palms will not realize it until they die. It's just that he encountered Yan Tongzhi this time. If it were someone else, they really wouldn't realize that something was wrong with them."

Gu Guanqi pondered for a moment, then said, "Is it retaliation from the eunuch faction? Because of the Guanyin Sect incident!"

Ma Wanli said in a deep voice, "Master Gu, I am the commander of the Six Doors. I cannot speak without evidence. I can only say that this matter has been reported to the Six Doors headquarters in the capital, and the headquarters will investigate."

Gu Guanqi frowned, just about to speak.

At this moment,

A constable entered, bowed to Ma Wanli, and said, "Sir, everything is arranged, and we can depart at any time!"

Ma Wanli looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Master Gu, regarding Magistrate Yan's journey to Medicine King Valley, when do you think would be a suitable time to depart?"

"Let's set off immediately!" Gu Guanqi said. "Although I can suppress Elder Yan's injuries, his mental and emotional damage has been ongoing. The longer we delay, the more serious the damage will become. The sooner we arrive, the better. Moreover, even though we seem to have plenty of time, we still have to worry about unexpected situations like rain along the way."

"it is good."

Ma Wanli said, "I have already arranged a team of men, all of whom are skilled and trustworthy members of our Six Doors. If you need anything along the way, just let me know."

immediately,

Gu Guanqi then left with Ma Wanli.

Soon, they arrived at a training ground of the Six Doors. A group of eleven or twelve people were already ready to go. Two carriages were arranged in the middle, one for Yan Wangchuan and his son Yan Bu, and the other for Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi checked Yan Wangchuan's injuries; they had stabilized.

He then boarded the carriage.

A group of people set off immediately.

Ma Wanli stood there watching the group leave. Behind him, a middle-aged man who looked like a scholar walked slowly, wearing a blue robe with his hands tucked into his sleeves.

This man was Qin Ze, the second grandmaster of the Six Doors after Ma Wanli, known in the martial arts world as the Thousand-Handed Venerable. He walked to Ma Wanli's side and slowly said, "Has Gu Guanqi agreed to become the leader of the martial arts alliance?"

"No," Ma Wanli said, "but I think he will become one later."

"Why?" Qin Ze asked, puzzled.

Ma Wanli chuckled and said, "A young man like him, traveling in the martial arts world, is bound to attract a lot of attention. With so many women, how to arrange things is a problem. If they're all crammed together, wouldn't they be fighting every day? Wouldn't he need to find something to do?"

Especially for women like Lin Yourong who have their own careers, the Martial Arts Alliance is the most suitable place to settle them. It won't affect their careers, and they can also take care of their families. After all, by joining the Martial Arts Alliance, she is helping her and Gu Guanqi's family, and it doesn't conflict with the Lin family.

Qin Ze nodded and said, "That's true, only in this way can we avoid running into each other and fighting!"

……

Gu Guanqi and his group set off from Qingzhou City, heading west, traveling day and night, speeding towards Yunzhou without any delay.

When they set off...

Ma Wanli also sent a message to Medicine King Valley through the communication channels of the Six Doors.

When Gu Guanqi and his group arrived at the border of Yunzhou...

Ma Wanli's letter had already reached Medicine King Valley.

Medicine King Valley is located in a valley in southern Yunzhou.

The entrance to the valley is not hard to find; a road paved with bluestone branches off from the official road and winds its way into the depths of the valley.

Medicine King Valley is a large sect, one of the top sects in Yunzhou, and also one of the largest medicine merchant forces in Gan Kingdom. Its medicinal herb business covers three or four states. It is not known for its martial prowess and rarely participates in Jianghu struggles, yet it has over a thousand inner disciples.

At this moment, deep in the valley, a secluded bamboo house sits nestled among the verdant bamboo.

The bamboo house was small, but it was decorated with great elegance.

A cobblestone path leads to the door, and a string of wind chimes hangs under the eaves, making a crisp and melodious sound when a gentle breeze blows through them.

This bamboo house looks ordinary, but it is the residence of Su Qingxing, the contemporary Medicine King and Valley Master.

Inside the room, Su Qingxing was sitting on a bamboo chair by the window, engrossed in reading a book.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on her and casting distinct light and shadow on her profile. Her skin was exceptionally well-maintained; although she was in her early forties, she looked only around thirty, yet possessed a charm that thirty-year-old women lacked.

Just then, a series of light footsteps came from outside the door.

Soon, a young woman pushed open the door and walked in.

The woman was in her early twenties, tall and slender, wearing a light blue brocade robe. The robe was tightly buttoned up to her neck, the collar was neatly gathered, and the wide sleeves were firmly bound together, not revealing a trace of her wrists.

She wore a matching floor-length skirt that reached down to her shoes, and her steps were steady as she walked, with the skirt neatly arranged and not a single part of it showing.

Her jet-black hair was all tied up in an elegant bun, secured with a simple jade hairpin, without any elaborate pearl hairpins. Her ears were clean and unadorned, and her neck was hidden under her collar.

His attire was impeccably formal, his demeanor calm and composed, and he exuded an air of dignified composure that reflected his adherence to proper etiquette.

This is An Yi, the senior sister of Medicine King Valley.

When Su Qingxing saw An Yi, a relieved smile appeared on his face.

This is her eldest disciple, and also the senior sister of Medicine King Valley. It is almost certain that she will be the next Valley Master, and her conduct is highly praised by many high-ranking members of the valley.

He was meticulous in his work, adhered to etiquette, and was fair in rewarding and punishing, so the disciples in the valley both respected and feared him.

"Master." An Yi walked up to Su Qingxing, bowed slightly, and spoke in a calm and steady voice.

Su Qingxing smiled slightly, gestured for her to sit down in the chair opposite him, and said, "I called you over because I have something to tell you to do."

An Yi sat down as instructed, her back straight, her hands folded on her knees, her posture dignified, and said, "Master, please speak."

Su Qingxing looked at An Yi and said helplessly, "Oh, my dear apprentice, can you please stop being so stiff? You're only in your twenties, why do you act so old-fashioned? And your clothes, can you please stop wearing the same few outfits all the time? They're so lifeless!"

An Yi nodded slightly and said, "Master is right, I will pay attention."

Su Qingxing said helplessly, "Look at you, sigh, haven't you noticed that the junior brothers and sisters in the sect don't want to chat with you usually? If you keep doing this, you'll have no friends."

An Yi said, "I am usually a bit strict with my junior brothers and sisters."

"Then why don't you change it?" Su Qingxing said.

"Yes, Master is right. I will pay attention in the future," An Yi replied.

Seeing An Yi's expression, Su Qingxing was unwilling to discuss the matter further, so he waved his hand and said, "I called you here today to tell you something. Yan Wangchuan, the Assistant Magistrate of the Six Doors in Qingzhou, has been struck by the Seven Forms of the Soul-Destroying Palm and is on his way to Medicine King Valley. As your teacher, I am good friends with Ma Wanli, the Commander of the Six Doors in Qingzhou. He wrote to ask me for help, and naturally I cannot refuse."

An Yi said, "However, Qingzhou is more than twenty days away from Yunzhou, even if we rush there. And if someone is hit by the Seven Soul-Destroying Palms, even with great skill, they can only last for eleven or twelve days at most. I'm afraid it won't be enough time."

"There's no need to worry about that," Su Qingxing said. "Ma Wanli's letter said that Gu Guanqi, the number one expert in Qingzhou and known in the martial arts world as the Sword Immortal, is also a master of medicine and has internal energy that can heal injuries. He can suppress the true energy of the Seven Soul-Destroying Palms and extend Yan Wangchuan's life by three months."

An Yi nodded slightly and said, "I see..." Suddenly, she thought of something and asked, "Master, what about Gu Guanqi that you just mentioned..."

Su Qingxing knew what An Yi wanted to ask, so he said, "It's Gu Guanqi, the one you're thinking of. He almost got married to your junior sister."

An Yi said, "I also heard about what happened to the Guanyin Sect in Qingzhou recently before the New Year. Gu Guanqi single-handedly killed Wen Qiuchi and nearly wiped out the Guanyin Sect. This person is young, has profound martial arts skills, and doesn't care much about fame and fortune. His realm is very high. Junior Sister has excellent judgment!"

"He is indeed very good. I misjudged him," Su Qingxing said. "When I went to Qingzhou last year to pick up your junior sister, I met Gu Guanqi. At the time, I just thought that the young man was a decent person and that given time, he would definitely achieve great things."

However, to my utter surprise, that young man's martial arts skills were so high that he was able to kill Wen Qiuchi. Now he even has the title of Sword Immortal, his medical skills are quite good, and he's handsome and well-educated. Alas, it's just a pity that he and your junior sister are destined to be apart!

An Yi said, "It's a real pity. Junior Sister's health is like that, and we don't know when she'll be able to come out of the Four Symbols Cave. It seems they're destined to be apart."

Su Qingxing laughed and said, "Those old fogies in the valley, after learning about Gu Guanqi's age and achievements, kept lamenting that Medicine King Valley had missed a great opportunity. They all said that with Gu Guanqi's potential, he would definitely become a top grandmaster in the martial arts world, a pillar of strength. If they had formed a marriage alliance, Medicine King Valley would have made a huge profit!"

An Yi nodded and said, "From the perspective of a marriage alliance, Gu Guanqi is undoubtedly the top choice."

Su Qingxing chuckled and said, "Actually, those old guys really want you to give it a try with Gu Guanqi."

"That's absolutely impossible," An Yi said, shaking her head. "I'm Fu Ling's senior sister. We grew up together and are practically sisters. Speaking of which, Gu Guanqi was practically my brother-in-law. There's no way I could arrange a marriage between us. It's against all propriety, and it wouldn't be good for my junior sister either."

"It's nothing, they weren't going to get together anyway," Su Qingxing said.

An Yi said, "That won't work either. I can't get over it myself. With what happened to my junior sister, no matter what, I can't possibly have any other thoughts about Gu Guanqi."

Su Qingxing chuckled and said, "That's not necessarily true. Gu Guanqi is handsome, skilled in martial arts, and has a great demeanor. He is now famous throughout the martial arts world, and his future achievements are limitless. Looking around the martial arts world, you can't find many young people who can compare with him!"

"If I had met him when I was young, and he had shown even the slightest bit of affection for me, I would have been completely captivated by him, and you might have even fallen for him at first sight."

An Yi shook her head and said, "This has nothing to do with whether he is outstanding or not."

Su Qingxing smiled and said, "Forget it, it was just something those old guys mentioned casually, we didn't take it seriously. Well, let's not talk about that. The reason I called you here today is to ask you to go to Jiuyuan County and retrieve the Blood Tear Pearl from the Chen family."

An Yi asked, "Weren't the Chen family's Blood Tear Pearls just delivered last month? There's still more than a month until the next supply?"

Su Qingxing said, "This is to neutralize the poison of the Seven Soul-Destroying Palms for Yan Wangchuan. We need Blood Tear Pearls as a medicinal guide, but the Blood Tear Pearls that the Chen family sent last month have all been used up. We can only go to the Chen family to get some. The Chen family has spares."

"Okay, I'll set off now."