In Big Trouble

Bang!

The door swung open, revealing An Yi’s darkened expression as he glared at his rebellious disciple.

"What time is it?" An Yi demanded, his eyes locked onto Fang Jueming like a tiger sizing up its prey.

Fang Jueming answered meekly, "Six o'clock!"

"Six o’clock?! What the hell are you waking me up for?!" An Yi’s fur practically stood on end from sheer irritation.

Scratching his head, Fang Jueming explained, "For martial artists, the early morning is when the purple qi rises from the east—the best time for cultivation! So I thought I’d call you, Master. Wait… who hurt you?"

His gaze sharpened as he noticed the faint bruises on An Yi’s neck and the claw marks streaking his bare torso.

An Yi couldn’t be bothered to respond. With a loud slam, he shut the door in Fang Jueming’s face.

"Cultivation? That’s what talentless martial artists waste their time on!"

An Yi eagerly closed the door, ready to get back to business.

But by then, Yan Zhi had already slipped into her fitted clothes, gently smoothing her silky hair.

Instantly, An Yi’s heart sank a little.

"Why were you so strong tonight?" Yan Zhi asked curiously.

Last time, he hadn’t even lasted half the night before she turned the tables and dominated him—just a tender youngling at her mercy.

An Yi cleared his throat. "I’ve always been like this. Last time was just… a fluke. I wasn’t well-rested. Anyway, look how nice the weather is today—"

"Never again, got it? Pretend this never happened. Treat it like a dream."

Yan Zhi glanced back at him, her slender figure now concealed beneath the white Law Enforcement Bureau uniform. With that, she strode away.

Once outside, she leaned against the wall, her long, shapely legs trembling slightly.

"That guy’s an absolute beast!"

Back in the room, An Yi dialed Wang Yuan’s number.

"Hey, A-Yuan."

"Boss, what do you need?"

"Raise the price of the Tiger Yang Pills to 300,000 per pill!"

"What?! That’s triple the original price! Will consumers accept that?"

"Just do as I say. How to make them accept it is your job as Marketing Director."

"Understood, Boss. I’ll make it happen."

Capital City.

The massive conference hall was packed with all sorts of people.

Anyone from the martial arts world who paid attention would be shocked—every single attendee was a heavyweight capable of shaking the entire martial arts scene on their own.

"Pfft, this is the Martial Arts Conference? Looks cheap as hell."

A red-haired youth slung a massive spear over his shoulder, grinning mockingly.

"Young Master, quiet, quiet!"

A man barely a meter tall—only reaching the red-haired youth’s knees—frantically shushed him, looking terrified.

The red-haired youth scoffed.

Freshly broken through to the Hua Jin realm, he was practically invincible in his own eyes.

"Sir, may I see your invitation? Weapons aren’t allowed inside."

A girl at the entrance blocked his path, her voice low but firm, her aura radiating martial energy.

The red-haired youth was about to throw a fit—until he realized the girl was a Hua Jin mid-stage expert!

And the special insignia on her uniform bore two words:

Hong Yuan.

Even the younger generation under the Law Enforcement Bureau’s Four Saints was this strong?!

"Tch. Han Liang doesn’t fight women. If you weren’t a girl, I’d have already taught you a lesson."

Grumbling, Han Liang reluctantly set down his spear.

"Trash. Try it."

A young man in pristine white Daoist robes strode in, his demeanor cold and arrogant.

His phoenix-like eyes gleamed with defiance.

Han Liang’s face paled.

He recognized him—Zhang Qianyu of Dragon Elephant Mountain!

Rumor had it this guy was already at the peak of Hua Jin! Recently ranked fourth on the Hidden Dragon List!

"Move."

Xiao Xiao shoved past Zhang Qianyu without a second glance, handing her invitation to the attendant.

At the sight of her, Han Liang’s heart skipped a beat.

Though dressed in Daoist robes, her beauty was undeniable, exuding an indescribable allure.

"Big Sis, can you at least save me some face?"

Zhang Qianyu grumbled, then cautiously glanced at the elderly Daoist behind him.

The old Daoist stood with his hands behind his back, silent yet radiating an otherworldly grace.

Zhang Qianyu rolled his eyes. "Tch. Just because your master’s here, you think you can bully me?"

Lv Zheng, his robes loosely draped and his chest exposed, sauntered in with a chuckle. "You’re here for formalities, not to embarrass Dragon Elephant Mountain."

Zhang Qianyu huffed. "Whatever. Not in the mood to show off anymore."

As the trio walked in, Han Liang’s back broke out in a cold sweat.

He didn’t recognize the other two, but he could guess—Xiao Xiao of Vast Heaven Pavilion and Lv Zheng of Pure Yang Temple!

The three greatest prodigies of the current Daoist Alliance!

And that old Daoist…

Han Liang shuddered, his legs nearly giving out.

Cangqiong Daoist!

A top-five ranked expert on the Heavenly Leaderboard!

"Something’s off. Why are all these monsters here today?"

The diminutive elder beside Han Liang whispered gravely, "Young Master, keep a low profile. Everyone here is extraordinary."

Han Liang gulped. "You think I don’t know that?!"

"Put the axe down."

Hong Yuan stared at the lanky youth carrying a massive battle-axe, her tone icy.

Mo Jiu’s eyes gleamed darkly. "My axe stays with me."

"Then should I shatter it for you?"

Jiang Cheng stepped forward, smiling faintly—yet his presence alone was suffocating.

"Xū Jìng?! You broke through?!"

Mo Jiu’s expression darkened.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrowed. "We’re talking about your axe. So—put it down, or not?"

Mo Jiu: "..."

In the end, Mo Jiu reluctantly set down his axe and strode inside.

"Hong Yuan, screen them thoroughly."

Jiang Cheng’s voice was low. "Blood Fiend Sect and Ten Thousand Demon Cave might be making moves soon."

"Well, well. Jiang Cheng. Long time no see."

A handsome young man strolled in, his lips curled in a perpetually sunny smile.

Jiang Cheng looked up, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "An Yi. Been waiting for you."

An Yi shrugged. "Sorry I’m late. Still letting people in?"

"Hand over your weapons!" Hong Yuan snapped.

Jiang Cheng waved a hand. "No need. You’d never find them even if he hid them."

An Yi raised an eyebrow.

This guy’s intel network was impressive—he even knew about his spatial storage?

"Let’s go."

Jiang Cheng led the way.

Being the last to enter, all eyes in the venue turned toward them.

"The Gate Master of Asura Sect, An Yi… To think he’s this young."

"He’s not even as old as my disciple. Was it really him who killed the Demon Hall’s Chi Xiao of the Hundred Ghosts Sect?"

"Tsk. Truly extraordinary."

Under the weight of countless stares, An Yi remained composed.

He wasn’t the same person anymore.

Ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly Leaderboard—this was proof of his strength!

In the entire Great Xia, few could rival him now.

An Yi swaggered with newfound confidence.

What he didn’t notice, however, was the faint trace of pity in the crowd’s eyes.

This kid… was in deep trouble.