A person sacrifices himself to become a saint in a chaotic world of martial arts.

"You...you want to charge more?!" Zheng Shijie's face was almost scrunched up, and his voice was filled with bitterness.

He just wanted to make a living peacefully, so why did he end up following this Su guy and getting all these hot potatoes?

If things continue like this, he's really afraid he'll die a violent death in the street one day.

"Boss Su, I... I don't want any reward... We'll take whatever we can, the most important thing is to come back safely..." He rubbed his hands, his tone almost pleading.

"Alright," Su Bai interrupted his complaints, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It's all up to us. Let's set off now."

After saying that, he turned around and walked towards the gate of the Zhenfu Division.

Zheng Shijie opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed the rest of his words, his face contorted in pain, and followed hesitantly.

However, no footsteps of the other two people could be heard behind them.

Su Bai took a few steps, then realized something was wrong, stopped, and turned around.

Cheng Hu and Zhao An remained standing motionless, as if rooted to the spot. The shadow of the locust tree partially obscured their faces.

"Let's go," Su Bai raised an eyebrow, "What are you standing there for?"

"Boss Su..." Zhao An spoke first, forcing a somewhat stiff smile, one hand pressed against his abdomen, "I... my stomach suddenly hurts a little... I probably ate something bad this morning. You guys go ahead, I'll come later... I'll definitely come later." He rubbed his stomach as he spoke, but his expression and movements were too deliberate, and it was obvious at a glance that he was making an excuse.

Su Bai didn't reply, but turned his gaze to Cheng Hu beside him.

Cheng Hu stood ramrod straight, arms crossed, his face expressionless. Meeting Su Bai's gaze, he said directly, "Boss Su, my stomach isn't feeling well either. You guys go ahead." He didn't even bother to make any attempt to hide it; his tone was flat, yet carried an undisguised aloofness.

Su Bai's brows furrowed slowly.

Is this some kind of pretense that they've even bothered to pretend anymore? Is their true colors finally revealed?

His gaze lingered for a moment on Cheng Hu's unrepentant face, then swept over Zhao An, whose eyes were darting around, and he understood immediately.

"Alright." Su Bai suddenly relaxed his brows, and even a very faint, almost indifferent smile appeared on his face. "In that case, you may do as you please."

Without saying another word, he turned around and said briefly to Zheng Shijie, who was still stunned, "Let's go."

The two walked one after the other through the gate of the Zhenfu Division, and their figures quickly disappeared into the bustling streets outside.

Under the locust tree, watching Su Bai and Zheng Shijie walk away, Zhao An released his hand from his stomach, a complex expression flashing across his face. He glanced at Cheng Hu, who was still standing beside him with his arms crossed, and couldn't help but lower his voice, saying, "Brother Cheng, aren't you... going too far? Offending them too much might not be a good idea, is it?"

"What are you afraid of?" Cheng Hu scoffed, his gaze still fixed on the door, his tone disdainful. "What can he do to us? Didn't you see? In the end, he didn't say a word and slunk away." He paused, glancing sideways at Zhao An. "You're just too cowardly."

"Alright, alright, whatever you want." Zhao An shook his head and sighed.

He knew in his heart that Cheng Hu was only one step away from breaking through to the Skin Refining Realm, and his strength was among the best of the temporary constables, so he naturally had confidence.

But what about himself?

He was just a temporary errand boy with no connections, and he only wanted to play it safe. He wouldn't dare to blatantly abandon his post like Cheng Hu.

He said no more, turned and slowly walked in another direction.

Only Cheng Hu remained standing under the locust tree, a faint, almost imperceptible sneer playing on his lips.

......

"Boss Su, it's just the two of us, so... or maybe we should go and call Cheng Hu and Zhao An along..."

Along the way, Zheng Shijie followed half a step behind Su Bai and couldn't help but whisper his advice again.

He walked somewhat slowly, glancing at the street corner from time to time, as if hoping that two reinforcements would emerge from some alleyway.

"What's the point of calling them?" Su Bai didn't turn his head, walking forward steadily and quickly, his expression calm and expressionless. "Are they just there to hinder us?"

"this……"

Zheng Shijie was speechless for a moment, his mouth opened and closed, but in the end only he let out a silent sigh.

He didn't know whether to call out or not; he felt like he had a rabbit trapped in his chest, his heart pounding with anxiety.

"But, Boss Su," he quickened his pace, almost standing shoulder to shoulder with Su Bai, and said urgently in a low voice.

"Do you really think the two of us can get donations from the Fierce Tiger Gang? Let's call Cheng Hu and Zhao An along. At least we'll have more people, which will boost our morale... Besides, Cheng Hu is almost at the Skin Refining Realm. With him around, we might be able to collect donations more smoothly."

His words were tactful, but they were actually a reminder.

Although you are a formal constable, Su, you haven't even broken through to the first realm of martial arts. If it really comes down to a fight, I'm afraid you won't come out on top.

The Fierce Tiger Gang might not dare to openly confront the Garrison Command, but making things difficult for them, delaying them, and giving them a hard time is inevitable.

In the end, won't it be these two weak and outnumbered people who suffer the loss?

"Shijie," Su Bai suddenly stopped and turned to look at him.

"Don't worry. I see your loyalty. Work hard for me, and if we can collect more money this time, I will reward you handsomely."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Zheng Shijie was stunned for a moment, watching Su Bai's back as he continued to walk forward. The words "I will reward you handsomely" echoed in his ears, and the fear in his heart was inexplicably diluted a little, but he was still more confused and uneasy.

He gritted his teeth and finally followed.

The Fierce Tiger Gang opened a gambling den in the most prosperous area of ​​Yangtianjing, named "Guest Gambling Den".

The carved gate tower, adorned with red lanterns, exudes a bustling atmosphere even during the day.

It is said that most of the Tiger Gang's income comes from here, so this place is naturally an important gathering place for the Tiger Gang members.

This is precisely the place Su Bai is heading to.

It was daytime, and although the gambling den was open, there weren't many customers. You could vaguely hear shouts and the sound of dice rolling coming from inside.

Two rascals with their hats askew and shirts open stood by the door, leaning lazily against the frame and chatting idly.

"Boss, we're just here to check things out, right?" When they arrived at the entrance of the gambling den, Zheng Shijie shrank back as he saw the two hooligans glancing at him, and lowered his voice to a whisper.

"What are you afraid of?" Su Bai didn't stop walking, his voice low but clear, "At least you're wearing this black outfit. Go inside and take a look around."

After saying that, he ignored Zheng Shijie and walked straight toward the entrance of the gambling den, his steps steady and his eyes fixed straight ahead, as if the two ruffians at the entrance were nothing more than two doorposts.

Seeing this, Zheng Shijie took a deep breath, steeled himself, unconsciously pressed his hand against the sword at his waist, and quickly followed.

Reaching the doorway, Su Bai lifted his leg, ready to walk inside.

"Wait, gentlemen, what's the matter?"

Two hooligans guarding the door suddenly blocked Su Bai and his companion's way.