The lead guard glanced left and right. Seeing no one else nearby, he lowered his voice to reply.
"My lord Qian, the Rewards and Punishments Commissioner arrived at Dark Seclusion Valley yesterday, and the Internal Affairs Commissioner came the day before. They each brought dozens of people, all martial artists. Why have you brought only three? If you delay the Hall Master's great undertaking, I fear you'll be punished."
Qian Tong had already prepared for this. He patted the guard's shoulder, then gave the explanation they had agreed on beforehand.
"Don't be fooled by how few people I've brought. All three of these men are skilled Grandmaster Realm martial artists. Martial artists differ in rank, and in the pill-refining ritual, the blood essence of top martial artists is far more effective than that of ordinary ones. The blood essence of these three can match that of dozens of Acquired Heaven Realm and Xiantian Realm martial artists."
Understanding dawned on the guard's face, and he hurriedly let them through.
"I see. What impressive methods, Envoy Qian. My knowledge was too shallow. Please come inside, Punishment Commissioner."
The four rode in. Lush vegetation lined both sides of the mountain path, and as soon as they entered the valley, the surroundings opened up before them.
Wooden houses stood along the path in a pleasing arrangement.
Many white-robed members of the White Lotus Sect moved around in front of and behind the houses. Some washed and hung up clothes, while others practiced martial arts. Everything was orderly.
When these people saw Qian Tong, they stopped what they were doing and bowed in greeting.
"Greetings, Lord Punishment Commissioner."
Qian Tong nodded in acknowledgment as they went, while Su Fei quietly observed their surroundings.
The White Lotus Sect members in the valley all had strong auras.