Shen Qianlin soon sighed deeply in relief. She turned to Wang Sheng and smiled. "My father has managed to calm the elders for now. We'll discuss everything in detail once we arrive." The Special Investigation Unit had received the same information. The outcome did not surprise Wang Sheng in the slightest. After all, Shen Sui'an was the sect master, and he also managed the Hidden Earth Sect's finances. It was entirely within his ability to temporarily pacify the elders and administrators. What happened next would depend on his master and the Daoist elders. As the tour bus neared the destination, Shen Qianlin pointed at a cluster of small countryside villas in the distance. She cheerfully called out, "It's right over there." The Daoist elders sighed in admiration. Judging by the surroundings, the place was even more comfortable than their mountains. Although the primal qi here was not particularly abundant, it was sufficient for cultivation. With the addition of a concealed qi-gathering formation and purification formation, the environment could rival that of any sacred mountain. As expected, once the bus entered the rural community, Wang Sheng sensed orderly flows of primal qi throughout the area. However, to an outsider observing from beyond the village, nothing would seem unusual. This was a well-known, wealthy village that Shen Sui'an—a successful businessman from within the community—had made famous. Officially, Shen Sui'an had spearheaded the village's redevelopment as a gesture of goodwill toward his hometown, earning praise in the region. The village housed over three hundred families, and more than three hundred buildings had also been constructed. Every resident was part of the Hidden Earth Sect. Before the recovery of primal qi, the village was already known for its discipline and prosperity. Women who married an outsider would automatically be removed from the clan, and her lineage would never be spoken of again. She would quietly live her life with her husband's family. Meanwhile, women who married into the Hidden Earth Sect were required to pass strict tests. They were not allowed to access the sect's secrets so easily. Some even spent their entire lives without ever knowing that the village of mixed surnames was actually a hidden sect. "If I can't advance any further in cultivation one day, living in a place with a small courtyard wouldn't be bad," Qing Yanzi remarked softly. "There's a certain charm here that the mountains lack." The Daoist elders all chuckled and nodded in agreement. The bus stopped at the village's central sports stadium, right in front of the community service center. Around the square were several pieces of fitness equipment. Hundreds of people had gathered all over, watching the group curiously. A few children also ran and played nearby. If not for the wariness in the villagers' eyes and their utter lack of hospitality, one could have mistaken the place for an ordinary rural community. In front of the community service center stood more than ten elderly men and women with white hair, their qi already unleashed. Three were at the Golden Core Realm, seven were at peak Illusory Core Realm, and two were at mid-stage Illusory Core Realm. Many of the elders likely could not form a core due to old age and depleted vitality. They must be the elders of the Hidden Earth Sect, Wang Sheng thought. Shen Sui'an stood before them. Beside him were over ten middle-aged men, among whom were two Golden Core Realm cultivators. Seven or eight were at the peak of the Illusory Core Realm. No wonder Shen Qianlin had said that the Hidden Earth Sect was growing arrogant. They had the power to back it up. They had six Golden Core Realm cultivators, including Shen Sui'an, and over a dozen cultivators at the peak of the Illusory Core Realm. Their sect was formidable. If they were a corrupt cultivator force, the authorities would have placed them under heavy scrutiny long ago. Beyond their numerous treasures and techniques, their aptitude—descended from immortals—was clearly another significant advantage. Such was the full extent of the Hidden Earth Sect's top-tier power. In addition to these elites, the village housed over twenty other Illusory Core Realm cultivators. Most of the remaining villagers were at the Foundation Establishment Stage. Their strength could have warranted official caution two years ago, but now, they were in no position to challenge the Daoist sects. Once Qing Yanzi and the Daoist elders disembarked, Shen Sui'an stepped forward with a few middle-aged men and women to greet them. Qing Yanzi and the elders returned the courtesy. After more than ten long minutes of introductions and pleasantries, the younger generation, including Wang Sheng, was finally allowed to get off the bus. Another few minutes were spent exchanging greetings with them. Some Hidden Earth Sect members were clearly displeased with the guests, but they restrained themselves. Guests were guests. They could not allow people to say that the Hidden Earth Sect lacked hospitality. As expected, Mu Wanxuan and Xi Lian immediately became the center of attention. Most of the whispers were about them. Even Liu Yunzhi was completely overlooked, let alone Wang Sheng. Shen Sui'an, who was now dressed in a Daoist robe, gestured welcomingly. "You've had quite a long journey, Seniors. Let's not just stand here. Please come in for tea and rest." Qing Yanzi thanked him and led the group of over ten people into the community service building. On the second floor was a spacious conference room that could seat more than forty people. The room quickly filled, and the hallway was also packed with people standing. Once everyone was seated, Shen Sui'an called out, "Serve the tea." Soon, over ten young women, dressed like ceremonial attendants, entered gracefully. They first served tea to the guests, then to the elders and administrators of the Hidden Earth Sect. Shen Sui'an rose and cupped his hands respectfully. "My apologies for the rushed arrangements. I hope you all forgive our inadequate hospitality." Chairs scraped the floor as the government's ten official representatives stood to return the gesture. The elders and administrators rose as well, making for an impressive scene. Xi Lian, who was seated beside Mu Wanxuan and Wang Sheng, smiled and remained completely still. Shen Sui'an smiled as well. "No need for such formality. Setting aside the topic at hand for now, although we are a hidden sect, we are still part of the cultivation world. It has been a long time since our place has been this lively." "I agree," Qing Yanzi replied. "No matter what, we are all citizens of the Hua Republic first, and cultivators of the Hua Republic second. That makes us family." Everyone sat down once again. After sipping his tea, Shen Sui'an began, "The Nether Gate is out in the open, and anomalies could appear in the Nether Realm at any moment. Let's get straight to the point and discuss the sudden appearance of the Nether Gate. "I have already discussed this matter with our elders and administrators, and some of them have different views. Let's hear what they have to say first. Second Elder, would you like to go first?" An elderly man seated to Shen Sui'an's left nodded slightly. Slowly, he said, "In my opinion, there are three issues with working together with the Daoist sects." Qing Yanzi clearly and loudly asked, "May I ask what those three issues are?" The elder remained calm and deliberate throughout his explanation. He spoke of the Hidden Earth Sect's history, their unique identity, and recounted past grievances with the Daoist sects. He also emphasized the importance of the Nether Realm and how it represented a temptation that mortals could not resist. A debate then began. Qing Yanzi, the strongest speaker on their side, quickly took the floor. Further back in the room, Mu Wanxuan and Wang Sheng sat upright and listened attentively. The bored Xi Lian lay on the table and played with her phone. Soon, her nose twitched slightly. She looked suspiciously at her teacup, seemingly puzzled. Without anyone noticing, one of her silver hairs disappeared into the air. No one saw the faint ripples that began to appear in the teacup placed before each person. By now, nearly half the people had drunk the tea. Among them were both official representatives and elders of the Hidden Earth Sect. Just as Wang Sheng lifted the exquisitely crafted porcelain cup to take a sip, Xi Lian's calm voice echoed in his mind. "Don't drink it. A rare, colorless, tasteless poison called 'Spirit-Annihilating Powder' has been mixed in it. Since it targets the Primordial Spirit, many cultivators in ancient times died from it." Wang Sheng froze. He quietly set his cup down and glanced at his master and senior sister. Thankfully, neither had taken a sip. "Yeah, it's not a big problem. I know how to cure it. Master Santong once told me the only drawback of this poison is that it works slowly. Right now, no one has consumed much, so it hasn't spread. If we warn them quickly, we can suppress the poison's effects." "Are all the tea poisoned?" "Yes. I tested them all. Every cup contains poison. The people across from us drank more, so I doubt they're the culprits, especially since this poison is said to be incurable for those below the Nascent Soul Realm. Honestly, it's a good thing I came with you all today. Otherwise, Little Xuanxuan would definitely have been in danger." Wang Sheng was speechless. "Senior, may I trouble you for one more thing?" he asked telepathically. Xi Lian snorted. "You trouble me often enough already. Hmph. I'm only helping you because you usually behave yourself. Don't worry. I've already locked onto this area with my divine sense. I'll freeze anyone who tries to leave the village." Wang Sheng nodded subtly. Seeing that his master was still speaking confidently, he took a quiet breath and deliberately tipped over his teacup. The tea spilled onto the table. All eyes turned toward him. Wang Sheng frowned. Why… Why didn't the tea corrode the table? Television dramas are full of nonsense! Other than strong acid, nothing else really has corrosive effects like that! Wang Sheng quickly adapted. Before the others could look away, he clutched his chest and bit his lip. He then made his Illusory Core tremble within his qi sea and gave himself some internal injuries. His breathing became weak and unstable. As his face turned pale, he shouted, "The tea is poisoned!" The entire hall fell silent. Moments later, chaos erupted.