The group of demonic cultivators led by Zhao Xiaoyao were not discovered until a few days later, when the scent of them led to their identification by Kunlun Sect disciples, who then spread the news across the land.
By this time, Ding Yun had already arrived at the Tianhun Sect.
Although Zhao Xiaoyao was the mastermind, and the other demonic sects merely followed his orders, Ding Yun had no intention of letting them off the hook since they had participated. She could track the approximate locations of these sects at any time, so even if they hid deeply, she could find them quickly.
Coupled with her extraordinary poison skills.
Destroying these demonic sects for Ding Yun was merely a matter of traveling more, so why not?
Not to mention the immense skill points she would gain after eliminating these demonic sects.
Thus, after the Kunlun Sect announced that the leader of the Moon-Worshipping Demonic Cult, along with most of its followers, the leaders and disciples of the Five Poisons Sect and the Bloodthirsty Sect, had all perished in the Kunlun Mountains.
News of the eradication of other demonic sects.
Also spread throughout the land.
The righteous factions rejoiced, while the remaining demonic sects were terrified. Many smaller sects even disbanded and fled in all directions.
Ding Yun spent two full years traveling outside, until there wasn't a single well-known demonic sect left in the martial world, only then did she officially cease her activities.
Then she returned home.
Not directly home, but using the opportunity of her usual six-monthly safety report, she informed her parents in advance, discussed with them, and clearly stated her intention not to marry and her plan to rebuild the Divine Doctor Valley. Afterward, she cooperated with her parents' wishes.
And pretended to return from a Taoist temple.
Over the years, the Hu couple had come to understand their daughter to some extent. They knew her medical skills were indeed excellent, and she was the one who had cured the plague previously.
Coupled with her consistent resistance to marriage.
And her desire to help people.
Most importantly, they hadn't spent much time together, and their emotional bond wasn't particularly deep. In fact, they felt more guilt towards her than affection.
Therefore, after seriously outlining the potential consequences of her not marrying and ensuring she could accept them, they reluctantly agreed.
Ding Yun only agreed to return after they had settled the matter.
Upon her return, Ding Yun was still worried that her parents might feign agreement and force her into blind dates and marriage as soon as she arrived. She had even prepared herself for resistance.
But to her surprise, her parents were quite honest.
After exchanging heartfelt words, they didn't resort to any coercive measures. Instead, they presented her with a dowry:
"This was the dowry originally prepared for you.
Although you don't plan to marry, this dowry is still yours. After all, your elder and younger sisters all have theirs. The family property is to be divided among the sons, and this dowry is essentially a portion of the family's assets distributed to you daughters. We won't withhold it just because you aren't getting married.
We are not so desperate as to use this as leverage.
Moreover, you'll likely need money to rebuild the Divine Doctor Valley. So, please accept this sum.
But if you decide to marry in the future.
We will not provide a second dowry.
So, you must take care of yourself."
Originally, the dowry wouldn't have been cash but a collection of items along with a small amount of savings, but the Hu couple, considering their daughter's desire to rebuild the Divine Doctor Valley.
They believed that silver was what she would need most now, so they specifically converted those items into silver and gave it to her.
Hoping to provide some assistance.
Ding Yun did not refuse this. She simply expressed her gratitude verbally and accepted it. Then, she specifically took out a batch of health-nourishing pills she had prepared earlier and offered them to her parents: "These are health-nourishing pills I prepared.
They are quite effective. Long-term consumption can prolong life, beautify the complexion, and ward off illness and disaster. Some of the medicinal ingredients were only recently gathered.
Please take them. One pill a day, and you'll see significant results after a month of consistent use. This is my filial piety."
After giving them the gifts, there wasn't much else to discuss. After all, they hadn't seen each other for over a decade, only exchanging occasional letters. So, after a bit of awkward small talk and mutual concern about past events.
They moved on to the much-anticipated part: meeting relatives.
After a few days of busy activity, and having met all the relatives in the vicinity, Ding Yun finally had time to scout for suitable locations. She successfully purchased the plot of land she had chosen and began rebuilding the Divine Doctor Valley.
Simultaneously, she started recruiting students.
However, it wasn't very smooth sailing. The reconstruction of the Divine Doctor Valley went quite well; the issue was recruitment. The previous Divine Doctor Valley had been wiped out less than five years ago, so how could people not be worried?
In the end, Ding Yun managed to attract some commoner disciples and even beggars by providing free food and lodging.
She had no choice but to accept them.
And thus began her journey of teaching medical skills.
Meanwhile, the formula for the Martial Restraining Powder that Ding Yun had given to her father upon her return had also been successfully delivered to the imperial palace and presented to the emperor.
This was a special concoction prepared by Ding Yun.
For those who practiced internal martial arts, the medicine would prevent them from using their internal energy.
For those who practiced external martial arts, the medicine would cause their bodies to become weak.
It was effective against martial artists below the Foundation Establishment stage, and it didn't require ingestion; it could simply be scattered.
The main reason Ding Yun specially developed this powdered medicine and submitted it to the court through her father was that during the three years she spent eliminating demonic sects, she had also gained some understanding of the righteous sects.
While most of these righteous sects were somewhat acceptable, this was only in comparison to the demonic sects. In reality, their hidden foul deeds and disregard for the lives of ordinary people.
Were not much better than some of the demonic sects.
They were just not as arrogant.
They committed numerous violations and broke many laws. However, most local constables were powerless against these martial artists, let alone apprehending and bringing them to justice. Therefore, the vast number of martial artists definitely constituted an unstable element. For the common people, the disadvantages far outweighed the benefits.
Ding Yun's medicine was a sharp blade for the emperor.
A blade sufficient to deter martial artists, making them willing to abide by the law. Those who were willing would face no significant threat, and those who were unwilling could be suppressed by the available means.
Upon receiving the secret formula, the emperor conducted experiments and confirmed its efficacy, even against those in the Innate realm. He immediately began a thorough investigation of the various sects.
And reopened old cases.
He distributed the powdered medicine and ordered local authorities to apprehend culprits and solve cases.
Initially, some sects and martial artists attempted to resist. However, the effectiveness of Ding Yun's powder was too remarkable.
Those affected by the medicine were completely unable to resist.
Those who resisted were directly eradicated and disbanded.
Within half a year, the entire martial world's atmosphere had been cleansed. Fights in stalls or inns on the road became a rarity.
If conflicts arose, one could only make a prior appointment at the yamen and resolve it on a martial arts arena. All private fights and brawls were strictly illegal and prohibited.
Overall, the entire martial world's atmosphere.
And even the entire societal order had significantly improved.
The emperor, having benefited greatly, naturally wouldn't be stingy with rewards. In fact, as soon as he confirmed the powder's effectiveness, he immediately bestowed upon Ding Yun a plaque for the Divine Doctor Valley. He even granted Ding Yun the special privilege of recommending her disciples to serve in the Imperial Medical Academy without examination.
With the emperor's personal endorsement, the Divine Doctor Valley that Ding Yun had rebuilt finally gained some reputation and was no longer as disdained as before. Everything finally began to move in the right direction.
From now on, she only needed to focus on teaching.
Cultivate her disciples into talents.
And build the Divine Doctor Valley into a renowned institution.