The Poisons Sect clearly anticipated Wan Xie Door's actions, and thus, on the second day after Xiao Yan and his companions arrived in Tian Du City, the Sect's grand machinery swiftly came into motion. Countless personnel were dispatched and gradually gathered in a scattered yet strategic manner around the Tian Xie Mountain Range, where Wan Xie Door was located. Within just three days, the entire area was effectively sealed in from both inside and outside. Of course, while this large-scale operation might conceal the movements from some outsiders, it could not escape the watchful eyes of numerous Wan Xie Door agents. As the Sect's representatives began to appear around the Tian Xie Mountains, Wan Xie Door became aware of the developments. Consequently, the tensions between the two factions escalated to their peak, with no fewer than a hundred skirmishes occurring daily within the Tian Xie Mountain Range. Both sides sustained significant losses during these ongoing clashes. At first, things were still manageable—only the lower-ranking members occasionally clashed in sporadic encounters. But as time went on, with the arrival of powerful figures from the Toxic Sect, the stronger combatants from both sides began to engage in direct confrontations, transforming the once-quiet Scorpion Mountain into an unprecedented scene of bustling activity. As the intensity of the clashes grew, Xiao Yixian led her most elite disciples to the camp of the Toxic Sect situated on the mountain. This camp, though not far from the headquarters of Wan Xie Monastery, was separated merely by a deep, winding ravine. Along the ravine's cliffs, countless vibrant scorpion specimens adorned the walls, and the toxic mist drifting through the ravine swayed gently, carrying a faint, sharp tang of bitterness. The camp's defenses were exceptionally rigorous, with countless observers stationed throughout the sky, constantly scanning the area. Without the constant escort of Xiao Yan and his companions, even their combined strength would have found it difficult to gain entry so smoothly. Currently, besides Ziyan, both Xiao Yan and Medusa have undergone some changes in appearance. This is because during the previous great battle, they left a strong impression on several powerful members of the Poison Sect; should they appear in their true forms, they might inevitably draw unnecessary attention. In the Outyun Empire, it is not uncommon for individuals to alter their appearances—poison healers often favor unconventional and unusual methods. A special item known as "Phantom Beast Skin" can subtly modify one's facial features, though the original appearance naturally returns once the item is removed. However, Phantom Beast Skin varies in quality, producing differing degrees of authenticity and effect. Given Xiao Yixian's esteemed status in the Outyun Empire, the finest grade of Phantom Beast Skin has been provided to the two. As a result, it is unlikely that anyone would be able to recognize them as having been altered. As they wove through the tightly guarded camp, Xiao Yan and his two companions finally halted outside a massive central tent, accompanied by Medusa. At this tent, several strong members of the Toxin Sect had gathered, clearly having received word of Xiao Yixian's arrival. After a brief exchange of formalities, Xiao Yixian simply waved her hand and said, "Let's enter the tent and go over the current situation in detail." "Master, may I ask who these three are?" asked an elder standing at the forefront of the group, who suddenly glanced at Xiao Yan and his companions behind Xiao Yixian, then furrowed his brows. This elder clearly held a high position within the Toxin Sect. He wore a light green robe, and what stood out most was a dark black centipede drawn across his face. As the lines of his face subtly trembled, the centipede seemed to move alive, slowly pulsing, exuding a palpable sense of cold, lingering deathly aura. Xiao Yan glanced at him several times, and upon seeing the dark black centipede patterns on his face, suddenly recalled what Xiao Yisheng had mentioned about the Poison Sect during their journey. The Poison Sect, having grown too rapidly, was not as monolithic as Xiao Yan had imagined—it was instead a complex blend of various factions. This elder, whose face bore the centipede markings, was named Wugu Cliff, with a strength level near the peak of the Battle Emperor rank. Originally the leader of the Wugufu in the Chuyun Empire, he had voluntarily submitted to the expanding Poison Sect and later became a highly influential senior elder within the sect. He had successfully gathered and allied many powerful members over the years, often able to challenge Xiao Yisheng's orders, and had been the sect's most vocal opponent when the Chuyun Empire withdrew its troops. Upon hearing Pu Ya's questions, several strong members of the Poison Sect turned their attention toward Xiao Yan and his two companions. Their gaze naturally lingered most on Zi Yan, the delicate, graceful young girl—so unexpected to find someone of such refined appearance willing to venture into such a perilous region. "They are all friends I've invited. Is there any issue, Pu Elder?" It seemed as though Xiao Yixian had anticipated this very question, her eyes barely lifting, speaking calmly. "Hehe, I naturally have no concerns. However, this battle against Wan Xie Sect is crucial to the future reputation and standing of our Poison Sect within the Chuyun Empire. Therefore, we must be particularly cautious. Should the Master wish to bring in outsiders, he must ensure they are thoroughly reliable." As Xiao Yixian spoke, a spark of interest flashed in Pu Ya's eyes. He then carefully scanned Xiao Yan and his companions. Upon realizing that all three of them were merely at the Battle Sovereign level, the fine lines on his face subtly trembled. Of course, with his strength, he naturally couldn't gauge the depth of Medusa's power, and thus, under her restrained aura, he still regarded her merely as a Duke-level warrior. "Still, Master... in such a significant confrontation, perhaps three Dukes simply aren't enough to make a substantial impact?" "Whether or not it makes a difference will become clear over time, Elder Wu. Today, it seems you've voiced quite a few concerns." Observing how the elder repeatedly raised these points, the young physician's expression had gradually grown colder. "Indeed, Master, I'm merely thinking of the Toxin Sect's interests. This battle is truly vital to us." Noticing the young physician's tone, Elder Wu smiled, aware of a certain respect he still held for her. He naturally didn't want to push too hard—indeed, he fully understood that if it weren't for his current standing within the Toxin Sect, he would have been eliminated long ago by her. "The individuals I've invited, I am fully confident in." The young physician slightly furrowed her brow, then waved dismissively, no longer paying attention to him, and strode directly toward the inner part of the tent. The stronger members of the Poison Sect stationed at the entrance promptly made way. Xiao Yan and his two companions followed closely behind. As they passed by the old man, Xiao Yan glanced at him subtly—this elder had the audacity to question the young physician's words in front of so many people. It seemed indeed as she had predicted: his influence within the Poison Sect had grown quite substantial. "I should remind the young physician to be cautious of this old man," Xiao Yan thought. "Though the Poison Sect is strong, its internal stability is still fragile; this elder might well prove to be the most restless figure." With that, Xiao Yan entered the spacious tent. … Inside the tent, everyone sat at separate tables. Xiao Yin and the other two casually took seats beside the Little Healer, while the rest of the toxic sect's elite sat below. "Master, over the course of my recent observations, it seems that every time our sect launches a significant campaign of suppression, the opposing side is always well-informed—often even preemptively. The elite troops of the Wan Xie Sect evacuate the besieged areas, leaving only the less critical, lower-level personnel behind. Moreover, whenever our defensive lines show any signs of weakness, the opposing forces immediately launch a large-scale assault, inflicting considerable damage." Master Wuyu said, his face slightly troubled. "I suspect that within our own ranks, there must be spies from the Wan Xie Sect." Xiao Yan sat aside, observing the changes within the tent with a calm gaze. Yet the place his eyes lingered upon most was actually Wu Ya, who had first suggested that there might be a traitor within the sect. Now, he was no longer the naive youngster he once was. He had seen his fair share of seasoned, shrewd individuals over the years.