"He really is quite unlucky."

Tang Ming nodded, his gaze fixed intently on Tang Xinhai, "What exactly is it that can attract so many forces to send people to investigate?"

"No one knows exactly what it is yet, but everyone has seen the terrifying aspect of this ancient poison from the Li siblings. The ability to produce martial generals in batches—whoever obtains it could easily dominate the world."

Tang Xinhai sighed heavily, a serious tone in his voice, "The Li siblings were once chased like stray dogs, but they made a strong comeback after gaining an opportunity here, especially Li Miaoyun, who started as a novice martial artist and rose to become a martial general. It’s frightening."

"Uh... isn’t Li Miaoyun Yun Potian’s woman? How was her cultivation so low?"

Tang Ming asked curiously.

"With Yun Potian’s terrifying combat power, being his woman doesn’t require great strength. When Yun Potian was betrayed, many people couldn’t understand how Li Miaoyun, being Yun Potian’s woman, still helped her brother betray him. Having a husband who controls the Huaxia Secret Technique seems more practical than a brother. It just doesn’t make sense!"

Tang Xinhai shook his head, puzzled.

"You... you seem to be about my age. How do you know so much about the martial arts secrets?"

Tang Ming looked Tang Xinhai up and down in confusion.

"Hehe, you’ll understand in due time."

Tang Xinhai smiled mysteriously without answering and then said earnestly, "Since you also control the Dust Gu, how about we team up for the next two rounds of tests?"

"I have no problem with that, but you know so many secrets, will you harm me in the end?"

Tang Ming grew wary, realizing he still didn’t know what these people were looking for, making it easy for him to be betrayed.

"You’re not weak either. Could you be so easily harmed?"

Tang Xinhai gave Tang Ming a sidelong glance, "I’m not afraid to tell you my real purpose. Others are here to unveil the secret of the Li siblings, but I’m here to find an opportunity to cultivate the Thousand Evil Poison Technique.

Ancient Poison!

It’s a rare treasure that cannot be sought for poison cultivators."

"I agree with that. Let’s try working together then."

Tang Ming nodded, extending his hand to Tang Xinhai.

"Pleasant cooperation."

Tang Xinhai didn’t hesitate and shook hands with Tang Ming, aligning themselves together.

"Hehe, cooperation is fine, but you have to tell me more about the uses of Dust Gu. You seem to know much more than I do."

After letting go, Tang Ming grinned playfully at Tang Xinhai, "Don’t worry. You all have motives for coming here; I came purely by coincidence, without any ulterior motives. Just learning some methods to use Dust Gu is very satisfying for me."

"Kid, you’re truly savvy. As it’s rare for us to meet by chance, I’ll give you some pointers."

Tang Xinhai, interested, pulled up a chair and began discussing the other uses of Dust Gu with Tang Ming.

During the ensuing time, while others busied themselves with studying deadly poisons, Tang Ming eagerly stayed by Tang Xinhai’s side, discussing Dust Gu.

After a period of discussion, Tang Ming was shocked: Tang Xinhai’s understanding and application of Dust Gu far exceeded his own, even surpassing Tang Cha.

Regarding Dust Gu, Tang Cha had not raised any himself, merely ensuring Tang Ming became a master of Dust Gu without explaining much of its cultivation techniques. Now Tang Xinhai had opened a new world for Tang Ming, greatly benefiting him.

As the day quickly passed, many people went hungry without food, but Tang Ming showed little reaction. Using Dust Gu for surveillance, he indeed discovered several experts disguised like Tang Xinhai.

Going without food or drink for days is not a big deal for experts, which revealed many issues.

As the day slipped away, thirty-one participants each displayed their divine skills, pushing their medical knowledge to the limit to study the deadly poison, preparing their measures.

Even those who received antidotes from Tang Ming were not lax, as no one knew if Tang Ming’s antidotes were reliable.

As the break ended, Huang Hexian entered the lab with a smile but was startled.

He saw a group of participants, each pale and haggard, gathered at the door, looking extremely weak.

"What happened to you all? Knowing there’s a new test today, did none of you rest well?"

Huang Hexian asked puzzledly.

"Sir, it’s not that we didn’t rest well. It’s because we’re starving."

"Tang Ming, that bastard, ate all the food. We haven’t eaten all day and are starving."

"Yes! We’ve resigned ourselves to the upcoming challenges, but how can we perform on empty stomachs?"

...

The group immediately began to criticize Tang Ming noisily.

"He ate all the food alone."

Huang Hexian’s mouth twitched, looking oddly at Tang Ming. The food prepared in the dining room was enough for thirty people for several days, yet Tang Ming had eaten it all by himself. His appetite seemed a bit abnormal.

"Hehe, since that’s the case, let’s delay the test by an hour while I have more food prepared."

Seeing the lackluster group, Huang Hexian sighed in exasperation.

"Lord! Prepare more, I’m hungry again."

Tang Ming quickly reminded him.

Upon hearing this, everyone gave Tang Ming a thumbs-up, while Huang Hexian was speechless.

Subsequently, the staff provided ample food, including some compressed supplies and drinking water.

"In the upcoming test, you’ll enter a space filled with toxic fumes and various poisons, which is the third level of the Medical Tower."

As the group devoured their food, Huang Hexian started explaining the rules, "You have to use your poison research results and preparations to survive in the poison space for twelve hours. Those who make it can advance to the fourth level of the Medical Tower."

"Sir, what happens if we don’t last twelve hours?"

Immediately, someone questioned.

"You’ll be poisoned, and you’ll die."

"Hiss..."

A chorus of gasps could be heard.

"It seems they’re testing our resistance to poison."

As Tang Ming ate, he shot Tang Xinhai a sly glance.

Tang Xinhai just smiled faintly, saying nothing.

"Oh, I forgot to remind you, the poison gas and poisons in the third level are more virulent than the poison people you’ve encountered before, so be mentally prepared."

Seeing that everyone was ready for the worst, Huang Hexian cheerfully added.