Return to the City: The Strongest King

Song Xiaodong said calmly, "We can talk about this later. I need to have a chat with Song Hu now."

Lin Qing immediately understood Song Xiaodong's intention and prepared to leave with his people.

"Wait, let me treat the injured first."

The injured had True Qi to protect themselves. Although they were seriously hurt, they managed to guard their vital points. Song Xiaodong treated them simply, managing to stabilize their injuries.

Just like in Black Dragon City, when Song Xiaodong treated people, everyone was left astounded. Healing with True Qi was something people knew to some extent, but their methods were too simplistic, with only average results.

No one could produce results as effective as Song Xiaodong.

After Lin Qing led them out, someone whispered to Lin Qing, "Young Master Lin, you must keep Mr. Song in our Lin Family; he is certainly a rare talent."

Lin Qing's mouth twitched as he replied, "Someone who can single-handedly fight two Python Gods, do you think he would really submit to our Lin Family?"

The family guard was momentarily stunned, then shook his head repeatedly. To dare to fight Python Gods was akin to confronting a deity; the Lin Family was too small a pond to sustain such a mighty presence.

"Greetings, Master!"

Inside the cave, Song Hu's family knelt before Song Xiaodong. Apart from two elderly men, the rest were women and children, which, although lacking in might, brought a certain grace.

Song Xiaodong did not stop them, knowing this was the mindset of the people here, and refusing their kneeling would implicitly mean rejecting them.

After they had paid their respects, Song Xiaodong waved his hand, saying, "You may rise; you are my people now, and need not worry about anyone attacking your wild village again."

"Thank you, Master!" Everyone's faces lit up with joy.

People living in the wild village generally faced unique circumstances, leading to extremely harsh lives. They had to hunt secretly rather than openly, causing frequent food shortages.

The women and children's gaunt faces clearly indicated their hard lives.

Witnessing Song Xiaodong's prowess against the Python Gods in the cave, knowing a man like him would take them in, was a hopeful turn, even if it meant servitude; hunger would no longer be a concern.

"Song Hu, why do you persist in living here?" Song Xiaodong turned to Song Hu.

"In response, Master!" Song Hu had also switched his address and said, "I was originally from Flying Eagle City, but after offending a noble, my family and I had to flee."

"What caused you to offend the noble?"

Song Hu's facial muscles twitched as he clenched his fists and said, "My wife was humiliated by a young master from The Wang Family in Flying Eagle City and killed. In a fit of rage, I killed that young master."

Song Xiaodong snorted, saying, "Served them right!"

Song Hu was unsure of Song Xiaodong's stance and said softly, "It might have been unwise to act so rashly for a woman, but my wife and I had deep feelings for each other, I..."

Song Xiaodong patted Song Hu on the shoulder, saying, "I completely understand. If it were me, I'd have done the same. Protecting one's family and country is a man's responsibility."

Song Hu looked at Song Xiaodong in surprise and asked, "Mr. Song, don't you think it was unworthy to do such a thing for a woman?"

"It's absolutely worthy. When a woman becomes your wife, she is your closest person. Where I come from, we're from the outside world, men and women are equals, not like here where men are supreme."

Song Hu's eyes brightened, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie. He said, "Master, do you plan to take us outside someday?"

Song Xiaodong replied, "That depends if there are routes suitable for leaving. If I can find a convenient way out, I will certainly take you all."

"Thank you, Master. I, Song Hu, will forever follow at your side."

Song Xiaodong intended to find out from Song Hu if there was an easy way out. From Song Hu's words, he seemed uncertain, so there was no need to press further. He said, "Alright then, pack up; I'm taking you away."

There wasn't much for Song Hu's side to pack; the main thing was to bury the three deceased. Two of them were Song Hu's brothers, and one was his newly adult son.

Song Hu's family, although sorrowful, did not wail as expected; they simply sobbed for a while before returning to normal.

The harshness of life likely exposed them to more death, making their acceptance of mortality far stronger than outsiders like Song Xiaodong.

A group headed toward White Tiger City, where at the city gates, a group was already stationed.

Seeing these people, Lin Qing's face immediately changed, whispering to Song Xiaodong, "Mr. Song, that's the City Lord and his personal guards."

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly, saying, "It seems they are waiting for me."

Lin Qing, tense, said, "Mr. Song, our Lin Family might be in trouble."

Song Xiaodong patted his shoulder, saying, "Don't worry."