Although the venomous creatures of the Five Poisons Sect were troublesome, the Dugu family, having lived in the mountains for many years, possessed some understanding of poisons, thus managing to preserve the lives of their tribesmen. However, this was the extent of their capability; they were unable to completely clear the toxins from within their tribesmen.
After hearing this, Ye Cangtian fell silent for a moment and asked, "Senior, when will the people from the Five Poisons Sect return?"
"Likely within these two days."
Dugu Changfeng looked at Ye Cangtian, paused, and continued, "However, with you and the Guangming Hall here, they might not dare to show themselves." After all, the Guangming Hall's presence was too formidable, and the Five Poisons Sect might not dare to offend such a power. Therefore, in his opinion, the Five Poisons Sect would likely wait until Ye Cangtian and his team departed before making their move.
"Alright, I understand."
"Leave this matter to me!"
Ye Cangtian nodded slowly upon hearing this. After a brief hesitation, he took out a Qiankun bag and handed it over. These were the ten Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs that Dracula had given him earlier. In his view, although the Dugu family was not part of the Yin Group, their close relationship with it and their upright conduct made him feel that helping them would be beneficial to both the Yin Group and the relics of China.
"This..."
Upon examining the Qiankun bag, Dugu Changfeng was instantly stunned. He had not expected Ye Cangtian to give him so many Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs. For a moment, he didn't know what to do.
"Senior, if it's only about these elixirs, or the Five Poisons Sect, then there's no need to have the family elites accompany me on this risky venture."
"Take these elixirs for now. I have only one request: I hope that when the Dugu family prospers, they will benefit China..."
Seeing Dugu Changfeng rendered speechless with emotion, Ye Cangtian quickly said. Hearing this, Dugu Changfeng cast a deep glance at Ye Cangtian, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes. If it were anyone else, they would have immediately discussed terms for incorporation, but Ye Cangtian sought only to benefit China. For this alone, Dugu Changfeng was deeply impressed.
...
In a secluded chamber in Wucheng.
An elder, clad in a robe embroidered with snake patterns, sat to the side, his gaze appearing sinister and fearsome. This person was Changshe, the leader of the Viper Hall within the Five Poisons Sect. His original plan was to lead his men to the Dugu family again that day, but before he could act, he received news of Ye Cangtian and the Guangming Hall heading towards the Dugu family. This forced him to cancel his plans, as the Guangming Hall's forces were not to be trifled with.
"Report!"
"Lord Changshe, Lords Qianzu, Yinzhu, and Xuechan have arrived..."
Just then, a guard walked in. Upon hearing the news, Changshe's eyes flickered with confusion. These three were not responsible for the Dugu family; why were they coming to Wucheng? While pondering this, Changshe quickly said, "Please invite them in."
A moment later, led by the guard, Qianzu and the other two arrived before Changshe. After some pleasantries, they steered the conversation to the main topic.
"Sirs, may I ask what important matters bring you to Wucheng?"
Hearing Changshe's question, Qianzu did not conceal anything and directly replied, "We have come regarding the joint operation of the Guangming Hall and the Yin Group. They are said to be searching for a peerless treasure, and we wish to get a share of the spoils..."
Upon hearing this, Changshe's eyes darted around. "The Guangming Hall squad is currently stationed near the Dugu family, severely impacting our hall's operations. I am currently troubled by this..."
"Hmm?"
Qianzu fell silent for a moment and said, "There is an opportunity. Ye Cangtian and the others have entered the Dugu family, while the Guangming Hall's people are stationed outside. This indicates that their relationship is not harmonious."
"Indeed."
Yinzhu nodded in agreement. Changshe and Xuechan also had their eyes light up, and then their gazes fell back upon Qianzu. Feeling their attention, Qianzu slowly said, "Since that is the case, we can do this..."
As Qianzu quietly revealed the plan, Changshe and the others' eyes grew brighter, and they all gave him a thumbs-up.
...
On the same night.
In a clearing outside the Dugu family, amidst the bamboo forest, the open space was filled with makeshift tents. At this time, between the various tents, sounds of abuse could be heard. The reason was simple: Ye Cangtian and the others from the Yin Group were allowed to enter the Dugu family to rest and enjoy a sumptuous dinner, while their companions from the Guangming Hall squad could only sleep in tents and gnaw on dry rations. There was simply no comparison between the two. Simultaneously, the people of the Guangming squad were extremely indignant about this unfair treatment.
"Report!"
At some unknown time, a report came, and a guard walked into Dracula's tent.
"My lord, there is a man in black outside who wishes to see you, claiming to discuss cooperation."
"Hmm?"
Dracula was taken aback. Along the way, they had encountered numerous people who had ambushed or assassinated them, but this was the first time someone wanted to discuss cooperation. With that thought, Dracula nodded and said, "Understood. Bring the person in."
Not long after, the guard brought in an elder and then respectfully withdrew. Dracula glanced at the elder, scrutinized him, and asked, "Now that you have seen me, can you tell me your identity and your purpose?"
The elder nodded and slowly said, "I am Qianzu of the Five Poisons Sect, and I have come to discuss the treasure hunt with you..."
"Wanting to participate in the treasure hunt is not a problem. The key is how to prove your strength. You know, the Guangming Hall never associates with the weak!" Dracula revealed a playful smile. He would not oppose their participation; in fact, he would strongly support it. The reason was simple: he also knew that searching for the Chaos Seal would involve many dangers. If the Guangming squad had to bear it alone, they would suffer heavy losses. Therefore, he welcomed anyone joining, as they were essentially free cannon fodder.
"Our strength will absolutely not disappoint the Guangming Hall. When the treasure hunt officially begins, I believe the Guangming Hall will have the opportunity to experience it." Qianzu smiled slightly, then glanced at Dracula and continued, "Most importantly, we are not friends with the Yin Group. I believe Lord Dracula understands my meaning, right?"
"Hmm?"
Dracula was momentarily stunned by this statement, but then his eyes immediately lit up. Since entering the Chinese ruins, all the various forces he had encountered had, to some extent, shown respect to the Yin Group. None dared to openly oppose the Yin Group. Now, encountering the people of the Five Poisons Sect, Dracula felt as if he had discovered a new continent. After all, a force that dared to oppose the Yin Group should have comparable strength to the Yin Group. If such a force could be courted and collaborated with, they would essentially have an ally in future conflicts with the Yin Group.
With this thought, Dracula wore a smile. He extended his hand and said, "I am very pleased to become friends with the Five Poisons Sect. I hope our cooperation will be pleasant." He paused and added, "Although we are cooperating, everything must be done in secret."
"Understood, understood." Qianzu nodded and continued, "By the way, we will be taking action against the Dugu family later. We hope our allies in the Guangming Hall will simply watch from the sidelines."
With that statement, Dracula immediately understood the other party's intention—they simply wanted him not to interfere. He thought this was not bad. It would be an opportunity to gauge the strength of the Five Poisons Sect and also to vent some frustration, which was quite acceptable. Therefore, Dracula said, "Don't worry, the Guangming Hall is not one to meddle in others' affairs. However, I must remind you that Ye Cangtian and others are with the Dugu family, so you should be careful!"