Those subordinates lowered their heads and clenched their teeth in silence, clearly unwilling to reveal any information. Elder Tang Shi stepped forward and released a powerful force of inner energy, pressing down on them.
"Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a penalty. Tell us the truth, and perhaps we'll spare your lives. If you dare hide anything, don't blame us for being merciless."
One of the more timid subordinates trembled all over beneath the pressure of the inner energy and finally could not hold out any longer.
"We... we don't know how many temporary bases there are. We're only responsible for harvesting Qingming Grass here and refining potions. The Commanders... the Commanders left long ago."
Lin Taichu pressed, "Where did the Commanders go? What are they doing?"
The subordinate panted before continuing, "The Commanders took the Supreme Potion. This potion can control people who have taken the Ordinary Mutated Potion."
"They've already gone elsewhere, where they're refining potions in bulk and assembling a Mutated Soldier force. We're merely low-ranking subordinates responsible for supplying them with Qingming Grass. We don't know much else."
"Supreme Potion?" Tang Du Zi frowned. "In other words, they have two kinds of potions: the Ordinary Mutated Potion, which transforms Soldiers and enhances their strength, and the Supreme Potion, which controls those Mutated Soldiers?"
"Y-yes." The subordinate nodded.
"The Ordinary Mutated Potion still has flaws and can easily make people lose control, but the Supreme Potion is very stable. Once taken, it can completely control those Mutated Soldiers."
"The Commanders planned to attack the Tang Sect first once their soldier force was complete, then conquer the other sects step by step and finally take control of the entire Jianghu."
Lin Taichu's expression became exceptionally grave. He had not expected their plan to be