Chapter 1178: Past in Heaven

Chu Tianqiu gave Digger a meaningful glance before returning to the ranks of “Paradise Port.”

“So… what’s the deal?” Wen Qiaoyun asked. “What stance does that ‘Earth-level’ have?”

“It’s hard to describe,” Chu Tianqiu said expressionlessly. “Seems like he aligns with ‘Heaven.'”

“Heaven…?”

“He said if it’s ‘Heaven’s Will’ that keeps us alive, he’ll lend a hand.” Chu Tianqiu frowned and tossed an eyeball into his mouth.

“Only helping if we survive… What’s the difference between that and not helping at all?” Wen Qiaoyun murmured.

“There is a difference,” Chu Tianqiu nodded. “He left us a sliver of fleeting hope.”

Chu Tianqiu bit down on the eyeball, then summoned a chaotic sprawl of withered trees across the ground, instantly disrupting the encirclement’s formation. But at the same time, his eyes began to glow red.

Today was destined to be a day of madness for everyone.

Chu Tianqiu only remembered that from the moment they entered “Cangjie’s Game” in the morning, the group had been heavily using “Echoes.” Between shattering the giant clock’s display, breaking through the encirclement, and surviving, nearly everyone had exhausted their “Echoes.”

So, was everyone truly out of “Echoes”?

No. The way it felt now… was like knowing you were about to get drunk, so your subconscious rejected all the alcohol on the table.

Because you knew that if you drank any more, you’d lose control—become chaotic, disoriented, and full of flaws.

“But what if this is the last drink of your life?”

Zhang Shan, Jin Yuanxun, Little Glasses, and the others turned to look at Chu Tianqiu.

“Mr. Chu, what did you say?” Little Glasses asked.

“Brother Chu…” Jin Yuanxun also looked at him.

The members of “Paradise Port” turned back as well, gazing at their former leader.

“Sorry,” Chu Tianqiu replied with a smile. “In theory, I should be saying a lot of things to boost your morale right now. But I can’t muster a single word—because we’re about to die.”

“Damn…” Zhang Shan chuckled. “What’s the big deal? Who here hasn’t died before?”

“This time, it’s really the end. We’re not just gaming the system—we’re challenging the entire ruleset.” Chu Tianqiu said. “Let ‘Paradise Port’ disband here. Scatter and flee. I’ll face ‘Heaven’s Will’ alone.”

“Tianqiu…” Wen Qiaoyun frowned and tugged his sleeve. “How can you say that now? Wasn’t ‘Paradise Port’ your faith?”

“‘Paradise Port’ was a faith I inherited,” Chu Tianqiu replied. “Now, that faith is nearing its end. There’s no need for all of you to die in vain.”

“Inherited…?”

Chu Tianqiu’s memory drifted hazily back to many years ago.

…

A man with tattooed arms stood at the entrance of a rundown inn, waving excitedly at him.

“Long time no see!” the man called out. “Tianqiu, kid! Wanna join our ‘Faction’? Just founded half an hour ago—super lively!”

“‘Faction’…?” Back then, Chu Tianqiu found the name laughable. “Weird name. Sounds like a gang. Fitting for something you’d create.”

“What’s weird about it? ‘Temples,’ ‘factions’—they all recruit followers!” The tattooed man said. “We’ve split from ‘Gourd Gang’ now—gotta build our own strength!”

“So, what exactly does this gang do?” Chu Tianqiu asked.

“Well… I haven’t really thought it through,” the man scratched his head. “Probably stand around with the ‘Zodiacs,’ take care of allies who join us, mess with ‘Gourd Gang’ a bit, and mostly just wait for that swindler to come back… Ah, forget it. That’s about it.”

“Sounds a bit ridiculous,” Chu Tianqiu adjusted his glasses. “Like a bunch of aimless people hanging out.”

“Hey… I’m not the brightest,” the tattooed man admitted. “You seem smarter—so, wanna join?”

“I…” Chu Tianqiu hesitated. “How many people are there now?”

“Two, counting you!” the man declared confidently.

“…” Chu Tianqiu’s expression went blank. “One boss… and me, the lackey?”

“I might let you take over someday!” the man pressed. “With my brains, I’ll probably lose my memories and die in some alley. Someone’s gotta look after the followers. I plan to recruit a lot starting today!”

“Interesting.” Chu Tianqiu nodded, glancing at the inn behind the man. “In that case… I suggest you don’t die.”

“Why’s that?”

“If you die, this group becomes mine.” Chu Tianqiu smirked. “I’d definitely stage a coup and change that awful name first thing.”

“Take over if you want!” The man shrugged. “Too many people here need help—someone’s gotta do it. I just wanted to give them a home.”

“You’re oddly open-minded,” Chu Tianqiu sighed. “Never seen someone run a group like this.”

“Hey, Tianqiu… you really think ‘Faction’ sounds bad?” The tattooed man scratched his head. “Maybe three characters would be better? Most gangs have three-character names…”

Chu Tianqiu didn’t answer, stepping into the inn.

The man chased after him. “Tianqiu! What about ‘Green Dragon Gang’ or ‘Heaven and Earth Society’? But those sound too big—not like a ‘faction’… Hey! Tianqiu! Pick one for me!”

Still silent, Chu Tianqiu surveyed the inn’s layout.

The place could indeed house many people. Though some rooms were run-down, it could easily accommodate a dozen or two.

“But if it’s ‘Heaven and Earth Society’… how do you show you’re here to help?” The man seemed tangled in his own thoughts. “Sounds like we’re out to cause trouble… Damn it, if only that swindler or that pretty boy were here—my brain’s fried…”

“Alright, alright, I get it.” Chu Tianqiu said. “Three characters, sounds like a ‘faction,’ helps followers—I’ll remember these traits. If I ever rename it, I’ll make sure you recognize it.”

“Oh! I got it!” The man slapped his forehead. “Just name it after you! ‘Qiuqiu Faction’!”

“Say that again, and I quit.”

…

So, how was “Paradise Port” not inherited?

Later, that man forgot about the “Faction.”

Later, Chu Tianqiu forgot too.

But “Paradise Port” remained—it remembered everything.

Was it waiting for someone? Or trying to save someone?

It never spoke. It just lingered, barely surviving in the “Land of Finality.”

So those memories no longer mattered.

Because it, too, would vanish today.

“‘Heaven’s Will’ has leaned in my favor many times,” Chu Tianqiu told the group. “I can gamble alone—but not with all of you. Let’s end it here.”