raw herbs can be toxic," I reminded myself.

Returning to my consciousness, I explored the White Tiger Seal. Through the memories of the White Tiger, I learned to channel my force like a tiger descending a mountain, merging all my strength and dominance into my martial techniques, effectively multiplying their power. With my current strength, I could double my power.

Overwhelmed with excitement, I wanted to test this newfound power. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Young Master Yun, Commander Chen Ke wants you to come to the Dark Department. He has something to discuss with you.”

“Murong, have you prepared the meal? Let me eat first, I’m starving,” I replied. I enjoyed the food here, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the herbal dishes my senior brother used to make.

After eating, I walked to the Dark Department. Upon entering the hall, I was approached by Qianyao.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

"Yeah," I responded. "Are you here for a mission?" she asked. I shook my head, “Commander Chen Ke called for me. Not sure why. What about you?”

“I was summoned by Commander Chen as well,” she said, nodding.

Entering the hall, we found the commander talking to Tang Deng. Our presence interrupted their conversation. Tang Deng turned to face us with a glare so intense it could kill, teeth grinding in suppressed rage.

I didn’t care for such people, but Tang Deng pushed me aside and approached Qianyao with a smirk, “Qianyao, why are you with him? This trash doesn’t deserve you.”

Ignoring him, Qianyao walked over to Commander Chen, “What do you need from me, sir?”

Tang Deng was only more enraged by her disregard for him. Turning to me, he vowed, “Ba Qiyun, I’ll make sure you disappear from Qianyao’s sight one day.”

I thought to myself, “Wow, getting implicated even without doing anything.”

“Qianyao, I called the three of you here to discuss the upcoming decennial Martial Arts Exchange Conference. Each department can send three participants. Being the strongest in the younger generation and also a top member of the Dark Department, you should lead. Tang Deng is also an outstanding member, and Qiyun has a lot of potential though his strength is currently lacking. I want you to guide them well.”

Qianyao understood the hidden message: she was to keep the peace between Tang Deng and me, ensuring no conflicts arose during the conference.

Tang Deng sneered, “Potential? He’s trash! Commander, ask me to team up with him, and I’d rather not participate.”

Commander Chen bellowed, “Enough! Whether or not you participate is not up to you. Even if your grandfather is the Minister of Justice, you answer to me here.”

I realized the reason behind Tang Deng's arrogance—his powerful family background. But with my recent receipt of the White Tiger Seal, I wasn’t 

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