Feng Xing nodded slightly in approval, echoing, "If they were truly gods, they should be revered by the world and protect it. How can gods demand a new bride every month?"
"Exactly! If you ask me, this is nothing but a complete lecher, unworthy of the title 'god'!"
Bai Niannian grumbled, a hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes, "How can gods be so infatuated with worldly matters?"
Though their words were unflattering, they were the truth.
The woman's expression faltered for a moment, and she quickly interjected, "You two, it's fine if you say these things amongst yourselves, but you must never let them reach outside. If the villagers find out, they will surely bring you to justice."
Bai Niannian was dismissive, a trace of disdain in her gaze, "We're just speaking the truth. Even if they want to lay a hand on us, they'd have to see if they have the ability."
A hint of worry flickered in the woman's eyes, "To be frank, to prevent their own daughters from suffering, the villagers will find some girls from outside the village to take their place. I see you girls are fair and young, and it's very dangerous to go to the village."
Seeing the woman's worried demeanor, Feng Ninghe proactively spoke to comfort her, "What Niannian said, though unpalatable, is the truth. If they want to make a move against her, they'll have to see if they have the capability."
She deliberately tilted her head to check the sky.
The sky was darkening, the sun had already set.
Feng Ninghe specifically called for a medicine boy to tidy up some clean clothes and let the woman stay.
She didn't forget to look at the woman and softly explained, "It's getting late. You should rest in the Medicine Valley tonight. It won't be too late to set off first thing tomorrow morning."
The woman looked at Feng Ninghe with gratitude, "Miss, please let me stay in this room to take care of Xiao Ya. I feel safer when I'm close to her."
Feng Ninghe no longer refused. After a simple farewell, she left the room with everyone else.
"Master!"
As soon as Bai Niannian left the room, she couldn't contain her eagerness and blurted out, "I want to go down the mountain with you. I want to see who exactly is pretending to be a god!"
The notion of a 'god' might fool ordinary folk, but it certainly wouldn't fool cultivators.
Even if there were true gods, they would be cultivators who had attained such a status, calling themselves gods.
Feng Xing's lips moved without hesitation, "Master, I'll go too. I'm also curious about what this so-called god truly is."
Looking at the two before her, Feng Ninghe broke into a smile and nodded gently, "Alright, then we'll set off together tomorrow to the village and see for ourselves."
Having received permission, Bai Niannian and Feng Xing instantly beamed.
Feng Ninghe, however, turned her gaze towards the room at this moment.
Through the room, she saw the woman sitting by the bedside, looking at the unconscious woman.
Whether she was the Empress of Lin Country or Feng Ninghe, her parents had passed away early, leaving her to shoulder everything alone.
Such a scene inexplicably tugged at her heartstrings.
After a moment, she withdrew her gaze and strode away.
The next day.
As soon as the sky began to lighten, everyone rose early to prepare for their journey.
In the room, Si Xin Xin was eating porridge.
"Xin Xin, we don't yet know who the evildoer is on this trip. For safety's sake, why don't you stay in the Medicine Valley?"
Feng Ninghe suggested, "The Medicine Valley is not far from the village. I'll come to find you once everything is settled. I'll come to find you."
Anyone who could call themselves a 'god' and be revered by the people was no ordinary person; they must possess some ability.
Her purpose on this trip was to find the truth and expose the person behind it all. There was no guarantee that no accidents would occur.
"Mother, no, no, I want to go with you too!"
Si Xin Xin quickly protested, her bright eyes looking up at her, "With Father, Uncle Xi, and Grandpa Luo here, nothing will happen to me!"
A Xi, standing nearby, stepped forward and patted his chest without hesitation, his face filled with determination, "With me here, Miss will absolutely not be in any danger!"
Grandpa Luo raised his eyebrows, his muffled voice slowly falling, "Indeed, A Xi alone is enough to protect Xin Xin. Moreover, with me here, I will protect her even if it costs me this old life."
Whether it was A Xi or Grandpa Luo, their abilities were not comparable to ordinary people.
Si Xin Xin added again, "Father is here too. With Father here, no one will dare bully me!"
Feng Ninghe instinctively cast her gaze towards Si Jian Ye.
Si Jian Ye was quietly eating his porridge, his well-defined fingers gently stirring the porridge in his bowl, his handsome face devoid of any emotion.
Sensing her gaze, Si Jian Ye turned his head to meet her eyes.
Their eyes met.
Feng Ninghe's gaze was immediately drawn into his deep pupils.
Si Jian Ye moved his thin lips, and a cold, stern male voice slowly emerged, "There is likely no one born in this world who dares to bully Xin Xin. Even if someone were audacious enough, their end would be near."
The chilling male voice made Si Xin Xin break into a bright smile, a childlike innocence on her clean, fair cheeks, "Mother, Father has said so. I will absolutely be safe!"
Indeed, the reality was as Si Jian Ye had stated.
If anyone dared to bully Xin Xin, they would likely perish on the spot.
Feng Ninghe casually ruffled Si Xin Xin's little head and gently agreed, taking her hand, "Since that's the case, you can come along. You must be extra careful."
Upon hearing her agreement, Si Xin Xin's smile widened even further, "Xin Xin is already a big girl now. If anything happens, I can take care of myself. Mother doesn't need to worry."
A Xi deliberately chimed in, "My fists are very strong. I haven't had a good fight in a long time and my hands are itching. It's definitely no problem for me to punch a few people!"
A Xi demonstrated by swinging his fist menacingly.
Si Xin Xin hopped off the stool and jumped to A Xi's side, mimicking his movements and swinging her fists with a serious air.
The scene before her successfully made Feng Ninghe laugh out loud.
This peaceful and tranquil life before her was exactly what she had longed for...
Soon, everyone finished packing their luggage and prepared to depart.
Several carriages were parked quietly in front of the Medicine Valley.
Si Xin Xin nimbly climbed into a carriage, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
She was already eager to go to the village and have a good time.
With enough people to protect her, Si Xin Xin felt no sense of danger; instead, she found it interesting.
With the help of a medicine boy, the woman helped Xiao Ya into the carriage.
Looking at the people around her, the woman felt overwhelmed with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes. She mumbled, "How can I be so fortunate to receive help from so many people? The Medicine Valley truly lives up to its reputation; everyone here is kind-hearted."
"We don't just want to help you; we also want to know the truth of what's happening."
Sensing the woman's emotional state, Bai Niannian stepped forward, "I'm very curious. I'd like to see if there are truly gods in this world, or if someone is just putting on a show!"