The news of Guo Zhong's severe injuries spread like wildfire, not just through Modu, but across many other major cities and spheres of influence.
Some found this news unbelievable, others reveled in schadenfreude, and some even celebrated it.
"The Guo family's guardian god is severely injured!"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible. Guo Zhong is incredibly powerful."
"Yeah, how could that happen? I don't believe it!"
"Isn't Guo Zhong known as invincible?"
"Heh, 'known as' is just talk. Someone always rises to the top, especially someone as arrogant as him..."
"The Guo family is going to suffer greatly from this. It might even trigger new family wars!"
"Indeed, let's wait and watch the show!"
"..."
Meanwhile.
At the old Gao family residence.
Song Qiao was unconcerned by the outside world's affairs.
Even upon hearing the news of Guo Zhong's grave injuries, he didn't pay it much mind.
For him, Guo Zhong was a distant threat. If the Guo family intended to deal with him, he would face them head-on. Even if it meant confronting Guo Zhong directly, he felt no fear.
Of course, Guo Zhong being severely injured did save him some trouble and effort.
Currently, he was diligently practicing martial arts with Gao Meng, offering her guidance from time to time. His own strength had improved, and Gao Meng's skills were advancing by leaps and bounds. This was what truly brought him joy.
Indeed, imparting knowledge to talented individuals and nurturing them held a unique pleasure. Not only were his ideals and skills being passed down, but he also witnessed his own growth. The joy was indescribable. He was currently savoring this profound happiness.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang at the main gate.
Gao Meng was reluctant to answer, as she was in the midst of a perfect training flow, feeling that every movement, every strike, brought her new insights. Thus, the sudden interruption was quite vexing, and she wasn't in a hurry to open the door.
However, the visitor seemed persistent, their calls growing more urgent.
Later, the ringing subsided. But then, Gao Meng's phone began to ring incessantly, making it impossible for her to concentrate.
With no other option, Gao Meng answered the call. It was her cousin.
"What? You're already at the door?" Gao Meng sounded surprised. "Why didn't you let me know?"
While still on the phone, Gao Meng went to open the door.
Indeed, her cousin Zheng Ci stood there, a radiant smile on her face, hands clasped behind her back, her weight balanced on one foot. Seeing Gao Meng, she immediately lowered her hands and rushed towards her.
Gao Meng reached out to embrace her, even before ending the call. She opened her arms and held her cousin tightly.
"It's so good to see you!"
"Heh, I wanted to surprise you. Surprised, are you?" Zheng Ci said with a laugh.
"You certainly surprised me!" Gao Meng said, now locked in a tight embrace with her cousin.
The Gao family generally treated Gao Meng poorly, but her cousin Zheng Ci had always been kind to her, and they had maintained a close relationship.
"Come in!" Zheng Ci, hand in hand with Gao Meng, led her into the courtyard.
At this moment, Song Qiao was still in the courtyard, focused on his practice.
He merely nodded slightly at Zheng Ci, a brief acknowledgment, before returning his attention to his training.
Zheng Ci glanced at Song Qiao, then at him again, and playfully whispered to Gao Meng, "Well, well, I wondered why you didn't answer my calls for so long. Turns out you're hiding a man at home! And he's quite handsome, I must say."
"Don't be silly, he's my master... teaching me martial arts!" Gao Meng blushed.
"What? You're still learning martial arts? Come to think of it, you do need to learn how to protect yourself. But isn't it a bit late to start now?" Zheng Ci sighed.
Before Gao Meng could respond, Zheng Ci continued in a rapid-fire manner.
"I came here today to persuade you, silly sister. Why are you returning to this dragon's den? Those people in the Gao family want to harm you. I heard they even want to kill you! Modu is too dangerous for you. You should leave as soon as possible!" Zheng Ci spoke earnestly.
Gao Meng brushed a stray strand of hair from her ear and smiled faintly. "I'm aware of all these things. I've already survived an assassination attempt. But don't worry, I'm fine. I've come back this time to settle the score!"
As she spoke, a resolute glint appeared in Gao Meng's eyes.
Zheng Ci became anxious, stamping her foot twice. "Settle the score? Don't be foolish. How can you fight them alone? The Gao family is one of the three major families in Modu! They can easily find people to overwhelm you. Even if you have incredible skills, a single person can't fight many!"
Gao Meng remained unperturbed.
She looked at Song Qiao, who was walking over, and continued, "It's alright, we can handle them!"
"You? Who else is 'we'?" Zheng Ci asked, puzzled.
"Me, of course!" Song Qiao replied casually, having finished his training.
Zheng Ci remained unconvinced. What difference could one more person make?
She faced Song Qiao directly, staring at him, and spoke. Her tone was filled with anxiety and dissatisfaction. "Hello. You're my sister's master. You have a responsibility for her safety! How can you stand by and watch her leap into this fire pit? By the way, do you know how many people the Gao family has hired? They are going to great lengths to kill my sister!"
Although Gao Meng knew her cousin meant well, she disliked hearing her speak to Song Qiao like that.
She grabbed Zheng Ci's arm, stepping between her and Song Qiao. "Alright, stop it."
Zheng Ci pouted. "Stop what? I'm doing this for your own good. You don't know, they've even called on my brother, Zheng Fei. My brother is someone in an official capacity. While he might not hold a high position, he has considerable influence. If he comes after you, you'll be in even greater danger!"
Gao Meng shook her head. "I'm not afraid!"
Seeing her stubbornness, tears began to well up in Zheng Ci's eyes.
Gao Meng seemed not to notice and continued, "I know everything you've said, and I know how dangerous it is here, but I really can't leave!"
"Why can't you leave? Staying here makes you a target! They can bury you!" Zheng Ci found it incomprehensible.
"You don't know what Gao Run did! He! He sent people to desecrate my father's grave!" Gao Meng said through gritted teeth.
"What? How could he do such a thing!" Zheng Ci was truly shocked.
Gao Run had stooped to such a low! Even in a life-or-death feud, people generally wouldn't disturb a deceased relative's grave.
"Does he really want an irreconcilable conflict?" Zheng Ci couldn't comprehend it.
"Heh, we've been in an irreconcilable conflict for a long time! Do you think there will ever be a day for reconciliation?"
Just then, the doorbell rang again at the entrance.
This time, a female military officer entered.
She was Xu Rou, a subordinate of Mo Ling.
Upon her appearance, Xu Rou's face was stern. She walked directly to Song Qiao and said, "Come with me!"
Looking at the cold-faced Xu Rou, Song Qiao chuckled, "Heh, long time no see! But, who gave you the authority to give me orders? Someone who doesn't know would think you've become a Star General, while someone who does know would simply say you lack proper conduct, and Mo Ling is incompetent in managing her subordinates!"
With that, Song Qiao let out a cold laugh.