Chapter 1189: The Battle of Liberation

Tengu sat on the “train,” his face pale as he listened to Qixia speak, convinced the man must be insane.

No… rather than Qixia being insane, perhaps he himself was the mad one.

Despite hearing such treasonous words, for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to react. He knew deep down he had no intention of exposing this situation to Qinglong.

Today, the entire “Taoyuan” had been acting abnormally—not only was there an unprecedented riot unseen in a decade, but there was also a heaven-sent opportunity—

Qinglong could no longer hear.

Besides his “ears,” it seemed he had also planted eyes among the “Extremists.” But for some reason, even those eyes had gone blind.

How could this not be considered a stroke of divine fortune?

A convergence of coincidences had left Qinglong deaf and blind, forced to sit idly by.

Now, he was the only “ear” left in all of “Taoyuan.” In any situation, once a single person monopolized an organization’s eyes, ears, and voice, even the highest authority would have no choice but to believe everything he said—even if every word was a lie.

And now, these people were truly planning a rebellion. They wanted to kill Qinglong.

Even if the rebellion failed and Qinglong sought retribution, as long as he insisted he had heard nothing, he could remain in an absolutely safe position. After all, Qinglong had no evidence to punish him…

Tianshe stared into Tengu’s eyes, listening to his clear thoughts, sweat dripping from his forehead.

He had never imagined that Tengu, who always seemed the most obedient to Qinglong, would choose this moment to commit the ultimate act of betrayal. But what could he do now?

If he stood up now and warned Qinglong that people below were plotting to kill him, he would be betraying Tengu. And Tengu, to protect himself, would never admit he had heard anything.

So why would Qinglong believe him, a man without “Spiritual Hearing”?

Just then, Tengu seemed to realize something. He slowly lifted his gaze to meet Tianshe’s, his thoughts ringing out clearly:

*”But if they really succeed… wouldn’t we be free?”*

Tianshe froze for a moment before gradually understanding Tengu’s reasoning.

This was just an experiment… a way to position themselves safely while watching the fire burn from afar.

No one in this world wanted to remain an “ear” forever, nor did anyone wish to be a dog forever.

Qinglong’s death would mean Tianlong’s death. Though chaos might erupt, at least all the “Celestials” would be liberated.

So… why not take the risk?

With that thought, Tianshe lowered his head, pretending nothing had happened.

—

Elsewhere, Yan Zhichun and Jiang Ruoxue also hesitated before entering the teleportation “door.”

It was currently peak “Zodiac” shift change, and the two stood motionless by the entrance.

With the recent turmoil, few “Participants” were engaging in games, leaving many “Zodiacs” idle. Once the teleportation door opened, they would leave immediately.

Though they couldn’t articulate the concept of a “massive prisoner’s dilemma,” they instinctively sensed that entering first would be dangerous.

In theory, Zhou Mo should have been relaying updates between teams, reporting to Yan Zhichun. But Zhou Mo’s position was the most precarious—if she couldn’t break free, the group’s information would remain fragmented.

No one knew exactly what was happening inside the “train.” Even Yan Zhichun couldn’t predict whether impulsive figures like Old Sun or Old Deng would rush in immediately and cause chaos. The best course of action was simply to wait.

Wait until all the “Zodiacs” left.

Wait until “Zhuque” died.

Meanwhile, Chu Tianqiu also refrained from entering right away. He stood outside with Zhang Shan and Qin Dingdong, each lost in thought.

Dishu checked the time and exhaled in relief. “Seems like it’s not me who dies—it’s someone else.”

Chu Tianqiu knew Zhuque had appeared. He turned to Jin Yuanxun, Li Xiangling, and Xiao Yanjing and said, “No matter what happens next, none of you are to assist in killing Zhuque. That man is far too dangerous.”

“Brother Chu…” Jin Yuanxun hesitated. “Is he more dangerous than Xuanwu…?”

“Their dangers are of different kinds.” Chu Tianqiu glanced at Wei Yang. “But… I think you should take your ‘soldiers’ and investigate.”

“Oh?” Wei Yang paused. “Any brilliant insights?”

“No wonder you never became Tianyang.” Chu Tianqiu smirked.

Wei Yang wanted to retort, but after staring into Chu Tianqiu’s eyes for half a second, he froze.

“What…” Wei Yang muttered to himself. “How did I not realize…? If Zhuque dies… the effects of ‘Soul Snatch’ will vanish… and all the ‘Natives’ will be freed?!”

…

Once Qian Wu made his entrance, the rest of the “Cat” team arrived within two minutes, dragging their injured bodies as they desperately sprinted toward Zhou Mo’s location, barely reaching her before Zhuque could strike.

Only Song Qi and Ma Shier, who were the farthest away, had yet to arrive.

“Interesting.” Zhuque scanned the group. “‘Twin Flowers,’ you’ve surrounded me yet neither speak nor act. What’s your plan?”

Qian Wu stepped forward, patting Chou Ershi’s shoulder. His body instantly expanded.

Cigarette dangling from his lips, he walked toward Liu Ershiyi lying on the ground and exhaled a plume of smoke. “The reason we’re neither moving nor fleeing is to keep you guessing. And in the coming moments… you’ll be left guessing a lot more.”

With that, he touched Liu Ershiyi, whose body reformed like clay, quickly taking on Chou Ershi’s shape.

“Oh?” Zhuque barely acknowledged Qian Wu’s rescue efforts, merely raising an eyebrow. “In past ‘rule-breaking’ incidents, everyone would flee from me immediately. Yet you’ve gathered here instead. Should I call you obedient… or audacious?”

Qing Wu flicked his cigarette to the ground.

He knew that against someone like Zhuque, the priority was to find a way to touch him—but Zhuque would never give him the chance.

Frowning, Qian Wu noticed ethereal vines creeping from the severed heads, winding up Zhuque’s arms. He hadn’t noticed yet. A plan formed in Qian Wu’s mind.

Time was already short. They had to act decisively. If night fell and the “Ants” emerged, Zhuque would escape—they might never get another opportunity like this.

He turned to “Rampant Growth” Ning Shiba and gave a signal. Ning Shiba nodded, whistled, and the “Cat” team sprang into action.

The vines on Zhuque’s arms suddenly surged, the severed necks sprouting roots that anchored into the ground.

Meanwhile, the other vines coiled upward, ensnaring Zhuque completely within seconds.