Undercurrents

There was only one day left before the opening of the Hongtian Secret Realm.

In the capital, at the headquarters of the Law Enforcement Bureau.

"Take these. I’ve got four tokens."

Jiang Cheng, the Azure Dragon of the Law Enforcement Bureau’s Four Saints, took out three tokens and tossed them to the other three.

Wang Dahai, the Black Tortoise, caught one and sighed. "As expected of the Azure Dragon. You snatched four tokens all by yourself. That’s way better than some people who kept talking about grabbing tokens but didn’t even manage to get a single one in two or three days."

Yang Tian, the White Tiger, who had been leaning against the wall, narrowed his eyes coldly at Wang Dahai’s words. "Big guy, are you trying to pick a fight?"

Wang Dahai grinned mockingly. "Not at all. Just stating the facts. What, can’t handle the truth if you’ve got no skills?"

Physically, Wang Dahai was a muscular man with a buzz cut and a square jaw, exuding an unyielding aura.

His temper wasn’t exactly mild either.

Highly explosive, to say the least.

In terms of sheer presence, he was far more intimidating than Yang Tian.

At this point, Yang Tian could no longer suppress his anger and threw a punch at Wang Dahai.

Wang Dahai smirked in satisfaction and swung his own fist in retaliation.

A powerful shockwave erupted!

Yang Tian, ranked seventh on the Hidden Dragon List.

Wang Dahai, ranked eighth.

If these two really went all out, it wouldn’t be easy to determine a winner.

Clang!

Their fists collided, sending waves of force rippling outward.

Jiang Cheng’s figure appeared between them, his palms intercepting both punches.

Yang Tian and Wang Dahai each took a step back, their eyes widening in shock.

"Everyone worked hard to earn their place among the Four Saints. With the Hongtian Secret Realm opening soon, let’s not ruin the harmony over something so trivial," Jiang Cheng said with a light chuckle, shaking his hand casually.

Appearance-wise, Jiang Cheng wasn’t particularly striking.

He had slightly above-average looks, longish ash-gray hair, and narrow phoenix eyes that always seemed to be smiling, giving him a harmless demeanor.

But those who truly knew him understood just how terrifying this "smiling fox" could be.

Jiang Cheng, the Azure Dragon—ranked first on the Hidden Dragon List!

Seventy-fifth on the Heavenly Rankings!

He was one of the few on the Hidden Dragon List capable of breaking into the top 100 of the Heavenly Rankings.

"Hmph, I’ll let you off this time for the Azure Dragon’s sake," Wang Dahai muttered, clicking his tongue.

Let’s be honest—even as fellow Saints, no one dared to test Jiang Cheng’s limits.

Yang Tian remained silent, his face icy.

"Can’t you two learn from the Vermilion Bird?" Jiang Cheng said with a light laugh.

Yan Zhi raised her hand lazily. "How about giving this opportunity to someone else? I don’t feel like going. With the Hongtian Secret Realm opening, my caseload at the bureau has piled up. Can’t be bothered with this nonsense."

Hearing her words, the other three froze.

The chance to enter the Hongtian Secret Realm was something countless martial artists would kill for.

Yang Tian frowned slightly. "Vermilion Bird, you know what your position as one of the Four Saints means, right?"

The Four Saints of the Law Enforcement Bureau.

To be precise, they were the future successors to the bureau’s leadership.

Once the older generation retired, they would be groomed to take over, wielding the full authority of the Law Enforcement Bureau.

"Honestly, I couldn’t care less about this ‘Four Saints’ title. Because of this job, cute guys haven’t hit me up in ages," Yan Zhi said, yawning as she stretched, her curves on full display.

She was used to her carefree lifestyle and had zero interest in this.

Jiang Cheng smiled. "That guy An Yi might be going, you know."

Yan Zhi’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "You’ve been investigating me?"

"Don’t put it like that. We’re colleagues who’ll be working together for years to come. It’s only natural to know a little about each other. Get some rest—we’ll be setting off soon."

Qinglong Jiang Cheng smiled and spoke before turning to leave leisurely.

Tch!

Yan Zhi snorted coldly and fell into deep thought.

An Yi’s token was stolen, wasn’t it? And yet he still wants to meddle in this!

"Driver, to Tianhuang Province!"

A young man with a refined and scholarly appearance got into a taxi and said.

"That’s quite a distance."

The taxi driver raised an eyebrow—this was a big fare, a round trip costing several hundred yuan.

"I’m looking for my boss."

The young man grinned and added, "Drive slowly, safety comes first."

The taxi driver smoothly shifted gears, lit a cigarette, and chuckled. "Your boss?"

"Boss? This guy looks so proper—is he some kind of gangster?"

"With that scrawny build, can he even fight?"

"My boss is an incredible man—strong, wise, and I want to earn his recognition."

Xiao Yike clenched his fists, his face flushed with excitement. "But if I see him this time, I’ll beat him into pulp! Damn bastard! Piece of trash!"

The driver swerved slightly, glancing at Xiao Yike through the rearview mirror.

What the hell? This guy’s mood swings are wild!

Now, Xiao Yike’s face was twisted in rage, his eyes bloodshot as he snarled, "The hell you dragging your feet for, you turtle?"

"Y-you said to drive slow, safety first..." the driver stammered.

"Scared of dying? Then why drive a damn taxi?! Step on it, you moron!"

Xiao Yike smashed his fist into the door handle, cracking it. "Trash! I’m not the same as before! An Yi, just you wait!"

Sweat beading on his forehead, the driver floored the accelerator, pushing the speed to 120 km/h.

Is this guy going to kill someone?!

"Driver, could you slow down a bit? Safety comes first."

Xiao Yike had reverted to his calm, scholarly demeanor.

The driver: "..."

Donghai University Dormitory.

"Lao Bai, why are you taking a whole month off? That’s too long."

Qin Shan looked puzzled.

Bai Xiu yawned. "A month at least, maybe forever. Take care, guys."

Who knew how the Hongtian Secret Realm would turn out? He might not make it back alive.

But for once, his system—which usually just made him sleep—had actually assigned him a mission, forcing him to go.

Liu Dachao asked, "Where are you going? Yi-ge’s already moved out, and if you leave too, the dorm’s just me."

"The hell? Am I not human?" Qin Shan rolled his eyes.

Liu Dachao smirked. "You’re a gorilla."

"Listen, Li Juan agreed to date me. Soon, I’ll be moving out to live with her."

"Where, the primate breeding grounds?"

Bai Xiu deadpanned before shutting the door.

Qin Shan and Liu Dachao were still wrestling, and it looked like the fight wouldn’t end anytime soon.

"Hey, sleepyhead! Time to go!"

At Donghai University’s gate, a sleek motorcycle screeched to a stop.

"With my mods, we’ll be there by noon!"

Tang Qingqing, clad in a black bodysuit that accentuated her curves, took off her helmet with a confident flourish.

Bai Xiu smirked. "Coming."

On the train.

Chen Bing adjusted his black-framed glasses, scanned the carriage, and closed his eyes once he confirmed nothing was amiss.

Even after living through a thousand reincarnations, information about the Hongtian Secret Realm was scarce.

A century ago, countless prodigious martial artists had met their end there.

He needed to stay sharp!

"Excuse me, just passing through—I'm in the seat next to yours."

A pale-faced young man in a hooded sweatshirt walked over, carrying a medicine bag.

"Sure."

Chen Bing pulled his legs aside and looked up.

Their eyes met.

In an instant, both pupils contracted.