"Hiss, hiss, hiss!"

Just as it was about to break free from its constraints, it was unexpectedly suppressed by a mysterious supernatural blockade. The Snake Ghost was furious, searching everywhere for the source of the blockade, constantly hissing in anger.

Unbeknownst to it, the fog surrounding it was silently and invisibly wrapping around it like a giant hand, binding it tightly. How could the Mist Ghost, turned into fog with city-destroying level strength, possibly be discovered by it?

Whizz, whizz, whizz—

The Snake Ghost shrank to the size of a silver needle, moving so quickly it seemed as if it could slice through the mist. In its mind, all it needed to do was keep charging in one direction until it hit the edge of a building.

Then, it just needed to coat itself in corrosive liquid again to break out of the building.

It would soon be able to rush out and start its killing spree!

"Uh... what's it doing?"

The Zodiac Rabbit crouched next to the Zodiac Pig, watching as the Snake Ghost spun in tight circles nearby at terrifying speed, making them dizzy just watching.

Though the speed was indeed exaggerated, it was nonetheless just going in circles.

At that moment, a boy wearing a Sun Wukong mask walked out of the thick fog, completely unfazed by the Snake Ghost less than a meter away.

Shrugging, he said, "Don't worry, it can't get away. You guys can take it back for research later."

As soon as he spoke, a barely noticeable red light flickered from the eye socket of the Nightmare Mask at Wu Liang's waist.

The Snake Ghost's spinning slowed down until it completely stopped.

At that moment, the surrounding fog gradually formed into chains, locking it down entirely, even thoughtfully scraping off all its corrosive liquid.

Seeing this, surprise flashed in the eyes of the Zodiac Rabbit and Zodiac Pig.

But more than that, they showed ecstatic expressions towards the familiar figure wearing the Sun Wukong mask. The Zodiac Rabbit even ran over to Wu Liang's side, pinching his thigh hard.

"Hiss... it hurts, it hurts... what are you doing, you potato rabbit?" Wu Liang couldn't help but rub the pinched spot and grumble.

"Oh, I just wanted to see if I was dreaming. It hurts, right? So, it means I'm not dreaming," the Zodiac Rabbit said with righteous confidence.

"Why don't you pinch yourself? Who pinches others?" Wu Liang couldn't help but raise his hand, giving a playful slap on her head, almost knocking over the under-five-foot-tall teenager.

The Zodiac Rabbit looked aggrieved, rubbing her forehead and whispering, "Pinching myself hurts a lot..."

The playful banter between the two brought a gentle smile to the Zodiac Pig, who pulled out a pack of cigarettes, handing one over and saying:

"Welcome back. Minister Long has waited too long for this day."

Wu Liang pushed back the cigarette offered by the Zodiac Pig, inserting it back in his pocket, and laughed, "I don't smoke; it's bad for the lungs. Keep it for yourself. What's the situation now?"

Hearing this, the Zodiac Pig was not annoyed; instead, the familiar cheekiness brought a satisfying feeling.

More than three months had passed, seemingly flying by in a blink; yet, the possibility of separation by life and death had already crossed everyone's mind.

But now, Wu Liang stood alive before them, shattering all negative thoughts.

He's back.

Those four words were enough to boost the morale of the Zodiac Pig and the others!

With the official side overwhelmed by the elusive movements of the Promised Land, Wu Liang's return meant the appearance of the ally most familiar with the enemy!

The reunion involved no grand emotional speech, just a simple "welcome back" was enough.

"I'll fill you in on the car. Let's go see Long first; he's been under the most pressure lately," the Zodiac Pig said, cigarette in mouth, turning to Wu Liang.

Then he called to the others to take the unconscious targets from the VIP reception room for interrogation.

Watching as Wu Liang handed over the fog cage containing the already asleep Snake Ghost, the Zodiac Pig couldn't help but marvel at the increasingly mysterious abilities of this kid.

The three boarded the vehicle heading back.

All the way, the Zodiac Rabbit chatted with Wu Liang about fun places in Di Wu City, without mentioning anything about previous activities.

Remaining cautious was necessary even outside.

Even in the car, you couldn't ensure no eavesdropping; any confidential information would only be fully shared once they returned to Minister Long's office.

Upon seeing Wu Liang wear that Sun Wukong mask, they both guessed he didn't want his return known.

After all, few knew his identity as the Zodiac Monkey.

Arriving at the government headquarters, the already busy staff couldn't help but murmur when they saw this scene.

"Sun Wukong mask? Who is that? Walking with the Zodiac Rabbit from the research institute and the Zodiac Pig commander?"

"Wait a minute, isn't that the Zodiac Monkey?"

"Huh? You mean the most mysterious Zodiac? He's come back to the Capital City?"

"..."

The Zodiac Rabbit oversaw all aspects of research institute development and auditing; the Zodiac Pig was the chief commanding officer against civilian organizations; the Zodiac Snake and Zodiac Dragon were in charge of action planning; and the other Zodiacs liaised with different forces.

The recently appointed Zodiac Monkey remained the most unique and mysterious!

His prominence came from opposing the Pioneers and gaining the recognition of heads and team leaders before disappearing like he vanished into thin air.

For three months, rumors even circulated internally that the Zodiac Monkey might be on a secret mission.

Now his reappearance could signal another major event is brewing?

Knock, knock, knock—

With various curious glances following them, Wu Liang and the others reached Minister Long's office.

Without waiting for the security to announce them, he knocked on the door directly.

"The door's not locked..."

A slightly weary voice from Minister Long came from within, and without even seeing him, Wu Liang could already imagine him with bloodshot eyes, slumped on a couch.

Of course, the only reason Minister Long could show his weariness so openly was that only Zodiac Department members could go straight in without announcement to knock on the door.

Thus, it must be the Rabbit or the old Uncle Pig outside, and Minister Long saw no need to act seriously in front of these familiar faces.

Currently sprawled on the couch, trying to take a break from the piles of documents and reports, without raising his head, he said, "Bring me a Coke from the mini-fridge, with slush..."

But unexpectedly, it wasn't the Zodiac Rabbit's annoyed childish voice, nor was it the Zodiac Pig sighing and handing him a Coke.

Instead, it was a familiar yet slightly unfamiliar voice slyly saying, "Hey there, making a name for yourself now, Minister Long, or should I say Director Long?"

"!?"

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