Chapter 261: Subduing a Villainous Faction

“Rise.” Wang Haoran’s voice was calm as his gaze swept over the two still kneeling before him.

But Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder remained pressed to the ground, too awed and suffocated by the aura he exuded to stand.

He wasn’t surprised. The title of Poison Sect’s Ancestor was one steeped in cruelty and madness; those beneath it could only bow in fear. And beyond that, Wang Haoran carried a powerful Villain Halo, which exerted a natural suppressive effect on figures like these—villainous forces bent to him easily.

“Subordinate nearly ruined Ancestor’s grand plan. I beg Ancestor for punishment.” Shao Wanwan’s voice trembled.

The Fifth Elder, who oversaw the sect’s punishments, spoke instinctively. “According to Poison Sect law, this is a grave offense. Shao Wanwan should be stripped of her position as Holy Maiden and cast into the Myriad Venom Cavern, where she will endure seven days and nights of serpent gnawing.”

“Ancestor, spare me! Ancestor, please!” Shao Wanwan cried out in terror.

Wang Haoran nearly clicked his tongue. If she were really thrown into a pit of ten thousand venomous snakes, then even if she managed to crawl out alive, she’d never look human again. Truly worthy of being called a villainous sect—ruthless didn’t even begin to describe them.

“Forget it. Considering your ignorance, this seat will not punish you.” He spoke with magnanimous grace.

A woman as enchanting as Shao Wanwan—strange, alluring beauty—what a shame it would be if she were left disfigured.

“Thank you, Old Ancestor, for your mercy!” Relief flooded her features as she kowtowed again and again, though she couldn’t resist shooting the Fifth Elder a quick glare.

The elder returned an apologetic glance. She hadn’t meant to throw Shao Wanwan under the bus; it was simply habit after overseeing punishments for so many years.

“The grudge between Poison Sect and Medical Immortal Valley will be handled by me. You are not to interfere.” Wang Haoran ordered.

“Reporting to Old Ancestor, I have already replied to Bian Suwen, agreeing to the ceasefire,” Shao Wanwan said respectfully.

“Good.” He nodded.

“Old Ancestor’s methods are truly brilliant, to conceive such a clever way to humiliate Medical Immortal Valley. I admire you endlessly.” The Fifth Elder flattered.

That gave Wang Haoran pause. He’d shadowed Divine Doctor Xue on the way here, so he had no idea what conversations had taken place before.

“How exactly are my methods brilliant?” he asked, probing with curiosity.

The elder leaned in, eyes gleaming. “Why, Old Ancestor drew close to the little Medical Immortal and won her affections. Before long, surely her belly will swell. When that day comes, Medical Immortal Valley will become the laughingstock of all hidden sects! If the Old Medical Immortal were alive, he’d likely die of rage on the spot. Only Old Ancestor could conceive such a brilliant plan!”

Wang Haoran nearly laughed aloud. This Fifth Elder’s imagination was something else, weaving outrageous scenarios on her own. Still… it wasn’t a bad image. The thought was oddly thrilling.

After brushing away those stray thoughts, he said coolly, “The matter with Yixian Valley is not for you to touch. But for other tasks, I may find use for you.”

That was why he’d come here in person—not just to keep the Poison Sect steady, but to bring them under his control.

After all, the Poison Sect was no minor force. If he could direct them, they could serve as excellent tools to deal with troublesome protagonists. It would save him considerable effort.

“As long as Ancestor commands us, even if it means walking through blades or fire, we will never flinch.” Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder bowed deeply, speaking in unison.

Wang Haoran was very pleased. Villainous forces had their advantages—their loyalty and “corporate culture” were admirable indeed.

So obedient.

To maintain the lofty aura of the Ancestor, Wang Haoran did not linger. He vanished silently instead.

High experts were always dragons glimpsed but never caught.

When Shao Wanwan and the Fifth Elder finally raised their heads, they were stunned to find the Ancestor gone without a trace.

Their eyes met, both filled with shock and awe. “To come and go without leaving a shadow… Ancestor is truly terrifyingly strong!”

——

Hospital.

Divine Doctor Xue returned from the Poison Sect and delivered the reply to Bian Suwen.

Reading it, she finally let out the breath she had been holding. The Poison Sect had agreed to the truce. That meant the Old Medical Immortal must still be alive—and must have secretly spoken with the Poison Sect’s Ancestor. Otherwise, they never would have agreed so easily.

“Senior,” Divine Doctor Xue said quickly, “since things are resolved, shouldn’t we return to the Imperial Capital now?” He already had a shadow over his heart regarding Qingling, and wanted nothing more than to leave this place behind.

“Third Sister, you’re leaving already?”

Before Bian Suwen could answer, Qiu Qianwei, Ji Shuiyao, Liu Yue, and Lin Chen walked up. Lin Chen’s voice was full of surprise.

Had this been a few days earlier, Bian Suwen would have departed as soon as she rescued Divine Doctor Xue. But times had changed.

Now, she had only one thought—to stay by the side of the man she loved. Nothing else mattered.

Of course, she couldn’t say that aloud. Instead, she answered lightly, “I spend most of my time in the Imperial Capital. I rarely get to spend time with you all. Since I’m here now, I should stay a while longer.”

“That’s wonderful!” Lin Chen cheered. Then he immediately tattled, “Third Sister, the other day when you fainted, Wang Haoran held you and took advantage of you on purpose!”

Bian Suwen’s tone was calm. “You shouldn’t judge only by appearances. I believe he didn’t mean it. Don’t slander him.”

Lin Chen froze, then grew anxious. “Third Sister, this guy is no good! You can’t think he’s decent just because he gave you a Bugatti!”

Bian Suwen’s face hardened. “Xiao Chen, gossiping like that is extremely rude. Keep it up, and I will truly be mad.”

Qiu Qianwei raised her slender pianist’s fingers and tapped Lin Chen on the forehead. “No bad-mouthing people behind their backs.”

Ji Shuiyao glared at him too. “From the perspective of social behavior, that’s exactly what a gossiping woman does. Xiao Chen, that’s unacceptable.”

Only Liu Yue softened things as the peacemaker. “Xiao Chen, you and Wang Haoran are classmates. Classmates should get along, not quarrel.”

Lin Chen looked from one sister to the next, dumbfounded. All of them… were defending Wang Haoran?!

He had expected Seventh Sister, Sixth Sister, and Fifth Sister to side with him. But Third Sister, who had just arrived, too? Outrageous!

【Ding. Host has destabilized Lin Chen’s mindset. Gained 1000 Villain Points. Lin Chen’s Protagonist Halo -50. Host’s Villain Halo +50!】

Wang Haoran: “???”

Lin Chen fumed, lungs aching. After a long moment, he finally forced himself to calm down. “Fine, if Seventh Sister, Sixth Sister, Fifth Sister, and now even Third Sister won’t help me, then I still have Fourth Sister, Second Sister, and Big Sister!”

His eyes lit with determination. Slipping away, he pulled out his phone to contact his Fourth Sister.

After all, his Second and First Sisters had status far too lofty to act against a small fry like Wang Haoran. But Fourth Sister…

She was an international assassin.

For her, teaching a small character like Wang Haoran a lesson would be child’s play.