359 Rumors and Slanders
Yao Tianchen sat at the head of the table, with the other elders of the Valley of Medicine Masters beside him. All of them had worried expressions on their faces. Someone said, “Reporting to Valley Master, the disciples outside have returned, but there are still dozens of them that can not be contacted.”
Thinking back to the harsh words that the Five Poison Sect had said before they left, these disciples might have already fallen into their hands.
“The Five Poison Sect has really gone too far this time. They are clearly going against us. If we continue to do nothing like before, won’t it only encourage their arrogance even more? We must get an explanation from them for this.”
The one who said this was the Fourth Elder, who had a fiery temper and a more impatient personality. His eyes were as big as copper bells, and his style of doing things was not like that of a person from the Valley of Medicine Masters.
“That’s not right. It’s not like we don’t know what the people from the Five Poison Sect are like. They definitely won’t admit it. If there are disputes and conflicts, do you really want to start a war? Don’t bring up that bad idea of yours again.”
The Fourth Elder rolled his eyes and replied, “If they want to start a war, so be it. Do you think we’re afraid of them? My fists are not to be trifled with.”
The Third Elder sneered, “Your words sound so meaningless. If we fight, many disciples in the valley will die. Do you think you’re confident that we will win?”
“I think you’re just scared, you coward.”
Seeing that the two of them were about to start quarreling, the Second Elder quickly stepped out to be the peacemaker.
These higher-ups could fight equally with the elders of the Five Poison Sect, but not the disciples. The valley mainly focused on alchemy and practiced alchemy to save lives.
Unlike the Five Poison Sect, which specialized in all kinds of venomous skills, treacherous and unpredictable, with sinister and vicious methods that were impossible to guard against, the Valley of Medicine Masters and the Five Poison Sect could be said to be mutually reinforcing and countering each other. In terms of strength, the Five Poison Sect was still a level higher.
“Are we just going to let them bully us? Why should we be indifferent about this concerning matter? I’ve had enough.”
The Fourth Elder slammed his fist on the table, and a mark appeared on the chopping board made of high-quality black iron. In terms of alchemy, the Fourth Elder was ranked last. However, in terms of cultivation, he was ranked in the top few. He could be considered an expert in the valley.
The Valley of Medicine Masters and Five Poison Sect had their own conflicts. The Valley of Medicine Masters could not stand the way the Five Poison Sect did things, but it was not as big of a deal as this time, and it was not even out in the open.
The Fifth Elder’s eyes turned and he said hesitantly, “Actually, it’s not that there’s no other way. The Five Poison Sect did this to vent their anger…”
“If you have something to say, just say it. Why are you still trying to keep us in suspense at this time?”
“Don’t they want someone? As long as we hand him over, this storm will be over.”
The whole place suddenly fell into silence. Although this was the truth…
“If we really do it, how will the outsiders view Valley of Medicine Masters?”
Yao Tianchen, who had been silent all this while, frowned. And then, he spoke, “It’s not like I haven’t heard the recent rumors in the valley. Those young and insensible disciples are talking nonsense, but as an elder, how can you also say this? Not only do you not set an example, but you also beat around the bush just to bring up this topic. If this were to spread to the outside world, wouldn’t our Valley of Medicine Masters become a bunch of ungrateful people?”
If Ye Xuan hadn’t saved Li Mao and the others, they would have been dead by now. How could they be safe and sound? That was why he had offended the Five Poison Sect. No matter what, they shouldn’t hand him over.
Yao Tianchen’s personality had always been gentle and he didn’t interfere much in the valley’s matters. This was the first time everyone had seen him lose his temper.
“Please forgive us, Valley Master,” they said in unison.
The Fifth Elder looked embarrassed. He said, “I was just too concerned and wanted to solve this matter as quickly as possible. I was just spouting nonsense. Valley Master, please don’t take it to heart.”
“Send someone to investigate the whereabouts of those disciples. If they are really with the Five Poison Sect, the Valley of Medicine Masters is not to be bullied. We must seek justice.”
“Alright, all of you should leave. I want to be alone for a while.”
The elders all retreated.
After they were far away, the Fifth Elder sighed and said, “In fact, as long as we hand over one person, this dispute can be resolved. I don’t know why the valley master wants to protect that kid. Is his life more important than everyone else’s?”
“Fifth Elder, don’t say that again, in case the valley master gets angry again. No matter what, Ye Xuan offended the Five Poison Sect for the sake of our Valley of Medicine Masters’ disciples.”
“Being ungrateful is against the rules of our ancestors. If this gets out, we’ll be criticized. We can’t do such a thing.”
“Although that’s the case-”
The Fourth Elder rolled his eyes and interrupted him impatiently, “But what? If you have the ability, don’t say it in front of us. Go and say it to the valley master.”
Yao Tianchen was already furious earlier. If the Fifth Elder were to mention it again, he would probably be punished by the valley master.
“Even if we hand him over, who knows what kind of trouble the Five Poison Sect will stir up next time? If we retreat this time, what can we do next time? Do they really think we are pushovers? If it were up to me, I would rather have a battle with the Five Poison Sect.”
When the other elders heard this, they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Fifth Elder’s method is not feasible, and Fourth Elder’s method is even more so. The disciples of the valley are not good at fighting.”
“You guys are so troublesome. You can’t do this or that, just do as you please then.”
The Fourth Elder waved his hand and walked away. The other elders were still discussing countermeasures. “The most important thing now is to find a way to contact the disciples outside. I hope they have not fallen into the hands of the Five Poison Sect.”
“We will also send someone to negotiate with the Five Poison Sect.”
The crowd walked away as they discussed, and the matter of handing Ye Xuan over to the Five Poison Sect was put down.
Fortunately, the Fifth Elder was only an exception. The other elders disagreed with him. The Fifth Elder touched his nose and no longer asked for trouble. However, his eyes were filled with slyness.