“Rise,” Wang Haoran instructed with a calm demeanor, looking at Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder kneeling before him. Yet, rattled by his captivating aura, neither dared to stand, remaining on their knees.

Wang Haoran expected this. The title “Poison Sect Ancestor” was synonymous with fearsome authority, and naturally, his subordinates would be in awe. Additionally, Wang Haoran exuded a potent villainous presence, overwhelming the likes of Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder, easily compelling them into submission.

“Subordinate nearly foiled the Ancestor’s grand plan; I beg for punishment,” Shao Wanwan said, her voice quivering with trepidation.

The Fifth Elder, versed in the Poison Sect’s disciplinary methods, instinctively responded, “According to the Poison Sect’s laws, Wanwan’s offence is grave. She ought to be stripped of her Saintess title and cast into the Ten Thousand Poison Cave to endure the excruciating bite of ten thousand snakes for seven days and nights.”

“Ancestor, have mercy! Ancestor, have mercy!” Shao Wanwan pleaded fervently.

Wang Haoran inwardly winced. If subjected to such punishment, even if Shao Wanwan survived by some miracle, she would emerge unrecognizable. The methods of these villainous forces were indeed merciless.

“Forget it, I’ll overlook your ignorance this time,” Wang Haoran stated magnanimously.

After all, Shao Wanwan was a female lead, blessed with bewitching beauty. Disfiguring her would be a tremendous waste.

“Thank you, Ancestor, for your benevolence!” Shao Wanwan expressed her gratitude profusely, wiping the cold sweat from her brow and casting a resentful glance at the Fifth Elder.

The Fifth Elder returned an apologetic look. She and Shao Wanwan shared a congenial relationship; her prior suggestion was merely habitual from her management of punitive measures.

Wang Haoran said, “The rivalry between the Poison Sect and Medical Immortal Valley falls under my jurisdiction now. You are to stay out of it.”

Shao Wanwan reported, “Ancestor, I have already communicated our intention to cease hostilities to Little Medical Immortal Bian Suwen.”

“That’s commendable,” Wang Haoran nodded in approval.

“Ancestor, your approach is ingenious. Imagining such a clever tactic against Medical Immortal Valley; I am deeply impressed,” the Fifth Elder flattered.

Hearing this, Wang Haoran was slightly confused, having followed Divine Doctor Xue here without knowing the prior exchange between Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder.

“Why do you find my methods so impressive?” Wang Haoran inquired out of curiosity, seeking to understand more.

“Ancestor, you approached the Little Medical Immortal and won her affection. It won’t be long before you get her pregnant. When that happens, the Medical Immortal Valley will become the laughingstock of all hidden sects. Such a brilliant method of revenge—only someone as ingenious as you could come up with it!” the Fifth Elder continued flattering shamelessly.

Hearing this, Wang Haoran was privately amused. The Fifth Elder’s imagination was indeed vibrant, concocting such wild scenarios. Still, it was an intriguing notion…

After a moment of whimsical thoughts, Wang Haoran asserted calmly, “You are to refrain from meddling with matters involving Medical Immortal Valley; however, I may require your services for other trivial concerns.”

His personal visit was partly to stabilize the Poison Sect and prevent mischief. His primary goal, however, was to harness their strength for personal use. The Poison Sect was a formidable entity that could be a valuable asset against certain protagonists, sparing Wang Haoran considerable effort.

“Ancestor, your orders will be our command. Even if it means scaling mountains of swords or wading through seas of fire, we shall not hesitate,” Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder chorused, bowing deeply.

Wang Haoran was pleased with their attitude. This villainous force had honed an admirable corporate culture. Their obedience was commendable.

To preserve the mystique of leadership, Wang Haoran offered no reply and departed silently. A true master always remains elusive.

After completing their respectful pledges, Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder lifted their heads, hoping for a glimpse of the Ancestor’s authority, only to find he had vanished without a trace.

The two exchanged astonished looks, marveling: “He comes and goes unseen; the Ancestor’s prowess is formidable!”

…

At the hospital, Divine Doctor Xue delivered the Poison Sect’s message to Bian Suwen. Upon reading it, Bian Suwen finally felt at ease. The Poison Sect’s agreement to cease hostilities indicated the Old Medical Immortal’s survival and secret communication with the Poison Sect Ancestor. Otherwise, the Poison Sect wouldn’t have relented so easily.

Divine Doctor Xue suddenly suggested, “Master Aunt, with the issue settled, shall we head back to the capital?”

His experiences in Qingling had left a deep impression, and he naturally wished to leave.

“Third Sister, are you heading off so soon?”

Before Bian Suwen could respond, Qiu Qianwei, Ji Shuiyao, Liu Yue, and Lin Chen approached, with Lin Chen speaking in surprise.

Had this been before the recent events, Bian Suwen would have hastened back to the capital after rescuing Divine Doctor Xue. But circumstances had changed. All she wished was to stay near her beloved and had no inclination to leave. Still, she concealed her true sentiments and responded:

“I’ve spent significant time in the capital and rarely visit all of you. Now that I’m here, I intend to stay a bit longer.”

“That’s wonderful!” Lin Chen exclaimed joyfully, then complained, “Third Sister, when you fainted, Wang Haoran hugged you and deliberately took advantage of you!”

Bian Suwen remained composed, “You shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I trust he didn’t mean any harm. Don’t slander him.”

Lin Chen was taken aback and protested urgently, “Third Sister, he’s no gentleman. You shouldn’t think well of him just because he gifted you a Bugatti.”

Bian Suwen frowned, “Xiao Chen, speaking ill of others behind their backs is rude. I’ll be displeased if you continue.”

Qiu Qianwei playfully tapped Lin Chen’s head, “Don’t badmouth others behind their back!”

Ji Shuiyao admonished Lin Chen, “Gossiping isn’t suitable. Xiao Chen, act more prudently.”

Liu Yue didn’t chastise but offered as a peacemaker, “Xiao Chen, you and Wang Haoran are classmates. Classmates should foster camaraderie.”

Lin Chen, realizing all his sisters ally with Wang Haoran, was momentarily speechless. He’d expected support from Seventh, Sixth, and Fifth Sisters. Yet, Third Sister, upon her recent arrival, also sided with Wang Haoran? Truly absurd!

[Ding, the host ruffled Lin Chen’s mindset, earning 1000 villain points. Lin Chen’s protagonist aura -50, host’s villain aura +50!]

Wang Haoran: “???”

Lin Chen fumed silently until calming somewhat.

“Seventh Sister, Sixth Sister, Fifth Sister, and Third Sister may not aid me, but I still have Fourth Sister, Second Sister, and Eldest Sister!”

Revitalized, Lin Chen found a secluded spot, pulling out his phone to contact Fourth Sister. As Second Sister and Eldest Sister held prestigious statuses, it was improbable they’d engage with someone like Wang Haoran, so Lin Chen hoped Fourth Sister, an international assassin, would support him. Dealing with someone like Wang Haoran should be child’s play for her!