In the room, due to Fang Hu's sudden rise, the table shattered into fragments under his aura, the crisp sound of splintering particularly jarring in the silent space.

This noise jolted Liu Cheng from his thoughts.

A trace of confusion flashed in Liu Cheng's eyes: "Mr. Fang, the Qin An you asked us to investigate is heading towards the Thunderfire Sect, could it be... you have old grudges with him?"

Fang Hu sneered coldly and sat heavily back into the master's chair: "He killed a Poison Pill Master, do you think that's not a grudge?"

Liu Cheng's eyes widened, his pupils contracted suddenly: "That copper Prefecture General sure is audacious!"

He knew well that although Poison Pill Masters were like rats in the streets, shunned by the public, they were exceptionally united.

If anyone dared to harm one of their own, they would inevitably face frenzied retaliation.

Now, with Fang Hu's implication, Liu Cheng understood it too, it seemed he intended to take Qin An's life as Qin An approached the Thunderfire Sect.

Liu Cheng turned his head to question the disciple kneeling on the ground: "How many people have come this time?"

The disciple dared not raise his head, speaking tremblingly: "Three copper Prefecture Generals in total, plus over a hundred Gui Cang Realm Household Officers."

A hint of dread flashed in Liu Cheng's eyes: "If that's the case, it might be hard to deal with."

Thunderfire Sect is merely a lower-tier power in Xunyang Prefecture, with him and two elders, the sect has at most three Pulse Condensation Realm cultivators.

The Evil Extermination Bureau's Pulse Condensation Realm experts have profound foundations, difficult for others of the same realm to contend with.

If a battle breaks out within the sect, the odds are grim.

Fang Hu laughed sinisterly: "As long as we seize the right opportunity to take down Qin An, it will be a tremendous boon for both of us."

Liu Cheng asked: "What do you mean by that?"

"He's offended not only the Poison Pill Masters but also Carefree Mountain and Jiao Long Hall; if we can take his head, these two forces will surely reward us handsomely." Fang Hu's eyes glimmered with greed: "For Poison Pill Masters to establish themselves in Xunyang Prefecture, they must rely on monsters, this is a prime opportunity to climb up to a mid-tier power!"

A trace of contemplation appeared in Liu Cheng's eyes: "Mr. Fang, if we add you, we will have four Pulse Condensation Realm experts, can we kill them all?"

Fang Hu shook his head and interrupted: "It's still unreliable, I am severely injured, nowhere near Qin An's level, let alone that over a hundred Household Officers are all of the Gui Cang Realm, even if each wielded a blade, it's enough to flatten the Thunderfire Sect."

Liu Cheng showed a troubled expression: "Then how should we proceed?"

He knew well the foundation of the Thunderfire Sect.

Not only did they have connections with Poison Pill Masters, but they even used them to interact deeply with various monster pseudo-god forces.

As for how to associate with them, it's quite simple.

Every so often, Liu Cheng would gather some poor beggars and deceive them into receiving food from the Thunderfire Sect.

For the vast Xunyang Prefecture, such insignificant figures are completely neglected.

Upon deceiving them to the sect, Liu Cheng would deliver them to various monster pseudo-god forces as blood sacrifices.

This was Thunderfire Sect's way of survival.

Liu Cheng knew clearly that for a low-tier force like him, they could be exterminated by monster pseudo-gods anytime.

Only by doing so, could they survive in this crevice.

As for the lives of those ordinary people, in Liu Cheng's view, they held no value.

Their only value was serving as food for the pseudo-gods.

Now, with a chance to reach the mid-tier monster forces in Xunyang Prefecture, Liu Cheng naturally wanted to curry favor.

Fang Hu interpreted the meaning in Liu Cheng's eyes, sneering: "I can share this merit with you, but only if you follow orders."

Liu Cheng, hearing this, felt moved: "Mr. Fang, do you have a way to kill him?"

Fang Hu sneered: "Look at this, what is it?"

Liu Cheng fixed his gaze and saw Fang Hu holding a pitch-black pill.

The pill exuded a peculiar fragrance, instantly permeating the entire room.

The disciple kneeling on the ground suddenly broke out in cold sweats, clutching his throat with both hands, twisting in agony.

"Sect Leader, I feel so miserable, it feels like ants are gnawing my flesh, my internal organs are burning like fire, so painful..."

As he twisted, he screamed.

In just a few breaths, he turned into a corpse.

Liu Cheng widened his eyes, hurriedly stepped back, and covered his nose with his hand, showing a trace of guardedness: "Mr. Fang, is this a Poison Pill?"

Fang Hu pocketed the pill with a grim smile: "That's right, this pill is called the Three Corpses Divine Elixir, even if a person of the Outer Elixir Realm consumes it, they'll suffer immensely."

"It's perfect to use against Qin An."

Liu Cheng hesitated: "But Qin An won't willingly take this pill, the Evil Extermination Bureau people are always cautious, when they arrive at Thunderfire Sect, they mostly eat their own food and water, there's no chance to taint the ingredients."

Fang Hu shook his head: "Besides ingestion, the Three Corpses Divine Elixir can also indirectly affect the opponent's combat power, anyone of the Jade Bone Realm who smells this pill will die immediately, just like that disciple at the start."

"Gui Cang Realm individuals who smell the pill will have their combat power halved, Pulse Condensation Realm individuals who smell it will also have their power reduced."

"I was able to snatch the pill from the Alchemy Master Alliance by relying on this Three Corpses Divine Elixir."

"If I were to let Qin An take it, I'd be reluctant."

Liu Cheng indifferently glanced at the disciple's corpse and asked: "Where does Mr. Fang plan to place it?"

Fang Hu sneered: "You find a few ventilated places for them, I'll tie it at the highest point, then assign the disciples and Pulse Condensation Realm elders away from there, at most within two days, they'll be poisoned, by then they'll be like fish on the chopping board, at our mercy."

"Additionally, with these herbs, the pill's peculiar scent can be concealed."

After he spoke, Fang Hu pulled out a brocade pouch from his pocket and placed the Three Corpses Divine Elixir inside.

The brocade pouch contained special herbs, immediately masking the enchanting fragrance upon enclosing the Three Corpses Divine Elixir, making it disappear without a trace.

A hint of excitement appeared in Liu Cheng's eyes: "In that case, we can take their lives."

"Mr. Fang, after killing them, you can take away the confiscated pills, at that time I'll have a reason to maneuver around the Evil Extermination Bureau."

Fang Hu nodded: "Heaven aids me, although I was injured on this trip, after killing Qin An, not only will I receive rewards from the monsters but also avenge the Poison Pill Master's grudge, killing two birds with one stone."

Liu Cheng cautiously accepted the Three Corpses Divine Elixir, said nothing more, and took his leave.

Fang Hu, on the other hand, closed his eyes and concentrated, sitting cross-legged on his chair to begin recovering from his injuries.

...

At the foot of the mountain, the autumn wind was bleak, with few people around and no signs of birds or beasts.

At this moment, Qin An and the group had already arrived at the location of the Thunderfire Sect.

Qin An stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the majestic mountains, his eyes gleaming with sharpness: "What a place of spiritual richness, yet there's no trace of humanity. How odd."

Chu Xing rubbed the iron spike at his waist, gazing intently with a guarded expression: "The Thunderfire Sect isn't very close with the Evil Extermination Bureau, but for such a downstream force to endure in this deep mountain for so long, it would be strange if there weren't any secrets."

Zhao Nian was adjusting the gauntlets in his hand and said in a deep voice: "It's just that there's no evidence. In my opinion, there must be something fishy inside the Thunderfire Sect."

For it to exist in this remote mountain forest for so long, even as just a downstream power, it's hard for any sensible person to believe the Thunderfire Sect is without secrets.

Qin An said calmly: "Let's first go up the mountain and see if there are any clues about the Poison Pill Master in the Thunderfire Sect."

Chu Xing and Zhao Nian both nodded, then led their household officers to ascend the mountain path alongside Qin An.

...

Following this mountain path upwards, the three led over a hundred household officers step by step and soon arrived at the mountain gate.

At the mountain gate, two disciples were guarding.

A gentle breeze blew by, and the two disciples looked somewhat fatigued, even yawning, as if they were on the verge of sleep.

When the sound of footsteps arose, the two disciples were immediately startled.

The disciple on the left saw a large crowd from the Evil Extermination Bureau arriving and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward and cupped his fists in greeting.

"Greetings, sirs. May I ask what important business brings you here today?"

Qin An spoke coldly: "Are you very scared?"

The disciple quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead: "As a young disciple, I have a low status. Seeing such significant figures from the Evil Extermination Bureau, it's only natural to be quite anxious."

Chu Xing, standing to the right of Qin An, nodded: "We have important matters and need to enter the Thunderfire Sect to discuss with your Sect Leader. Quickly lead the way."

The disciple nodded repeatedly: "Please, sirs, wait for a moment. Allow me to go inside and report."

Qin An glanced at Zhao Nian.

Zhao Nian immediately understood, stepped forward, and grabbed the disciple by the collar, his voice like thunder: "The Evil Extermination Bureau never bothers with such formalities. Do you think the rules of your Thunderfire Sect can control the Evil Extermination Bureau? Lead the way… or die."

Panic appeared on the disciple's face, sweat continuously trickling down his forehead, his legs trembling, struggling even to stand.

The disciple on the right hurriedly said: "Sirs, please follow me, please calm your anger."

Zhao Nian released his grip, his voice cold as ice: "Lead the way."

Even at the foot of the mountain, the three could tell there was something unusual about the Thunderfire Sect.

They naturally wouldn't give the other side time to go report.

Otherwise, if the other party made some response strategies during the reporting period, it could be troublesome.

The disciple on the right, seeing Zhao Nian's fierce demeanor, dared not say more, and hurriedly turned to walk along the mountain path.

Qin An thought no more, resting his hand on the cold star at his waist, followed along the road upward.

...

Passing through the winding mountain path, the full view of the Thunderfire Sect gradually unfolded.

The buildings, with their flying eaves and dougong brackets, were built against the mountain, emanating a somewhat majestic momentum.

Qin An squinted his eyes, lightly tapping the scabbard in his hand: "What an impressive feat! This architectural style, even compared to middle-tier powers, doesn't fall short. It seems the Thunderfire Sect has developed quite well in this remote mountain forest."

Chu Xing sneered: "In such a secluded place, with no demonic creatures or Pseudo-God presences, it's quite a wonder that they can hold their ground with their level of downstream power."

Zhao Nian clenched his fists: "This time we're here for the Poison Pill Master. Colleagues, let's not stir up trouble first. If we find the Poison Pill Master, eliminate him, and bring back the elixirs, then we can thoroughly investigate the Thunderfire Sect."

Chu Xing shrugged: "I don't see any trouble. Joining the Evil Extermination Bureau is about slaying demons and eliminating evils. If there's trouble, we can wipe out this Thunderfire Sect in passing."

They brought over a hundred household officers, each at the Returning to Storage Realm level.

Plus, with their three Pulse Condensation Realm cultivators, backed by the Evil Extermination Bureau's foundation.

It wouldn't be a difficult task to wipe out the Thunderfire Sect.

Qin An's gaze fell on the entrance of the main hall ahead: "Someone's coming, don't engage yet."

At the entrance of the main hall, Liu Cheng was dressed in luxurious robes, quickly approaching with two elders.

Many disciples came out of the main hall, standing on both sides, with exceedingly solemn expressions.

When Liu Cheng brought the two elders close, he immediately cupped his hands and bowed.

"I am Liu Cheng, Sect Leader of the Thunderfire Sect. Greetings to the three esteemed gentlemen of the Evil Extermination Bureau. May I ask what important business brings you to the Thunderfire Sect, so I may cooperate accordingly?"

Qin An's nostrils flared, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"We're here to search for clues about the Poison Pill Master. Reportedly, it ultimately leads to the Thunderfire Sect. Any information you can provide?"

Liu Cheng hurriedly shook his head: "Sir, I don't know what a Poison Pill Master is. No outsiders have come here."

Chu Xing stepped forward two paces: "Regardless of whether there are people or not, first arrange accommodations for us. We will stay here for two days."

"If no clues are found, we will naturally leave."

Zhao Nian added: "Everyone needs a separate room, remember that?"

Liu Cheng bowed his head, a faint, cold glint flashing unnoticed in his eyes: "Certainly, please follow me."

He was about to turn and lead the way, but Qin An suddenly spoke.

"The three of us are on good terms, one room will do."

Upon hearing this, both Chu Xing and Zhao Nian frowned, appearing surprised.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.