The black sheep silently observed the “participants” before him. It seemed they were using some opportunistic method to ensure everyone could obtain the “echo.”
This was the perfect time for him to roughly identify who were the leaders and who could be used as cannon fodder.
After all, if they were to truly engage in a fight with the longhorn beetle, both shields and weapons would be indispensable.
“That should be about it.” Su Shan nodded to the group. “I see ‘ripples’ on all of you. If you hold firm, you’ll realize you can still ‘echo.'”
As she spoke, she felt something strange happening to her eyes. Yan Zhichun also noticed that her pupils had become as dazzling as gemstones.
Su Shan paused. Indeed, she began to see faint “ripples” on everyone.
What was going on?
Though she had told the others they had “ripples,” she had always felt like she was lying. Why could she see them now?
Ever since the “giant bell” was destroyed, everyone’s abilities seemed to have become… odd.
“Let’s go once you’re ready.” The black sheep turned and walked toward the room where Qinglong was.
After a few steps, an old door to his right slowly creaked open. Qi Xia led a group of people out from it.
Their eyes met, and both wore complex expressions—as if they had much to say, but none of it could be voiced now.
The black sheep lowered his head slightly in a nod toward Qi Xia, then walked straight ahead without another word.
Qi Xia’s gaze shifted away from the black sheep, scanning the numerous “Extremists” behind him. Sure enough, Qian Wu was among them.
“Qian Wu…”
“I’m here to complete the final mission as a ‘Twin Flower.'” Qian Wu pulled out a cigarette and lit it, then tossed the remaining half-pack to Officer Li.
“Good.” Qi Xia nodded. “Then let Qinglong enjoy himself.”
After speaking, Qi Xia looked past Qian Wu, his eyes quickly settling on the strange old man behind him.
For the first time in a long while, Qi Xia froze in place.
Everything had been going according to plan—except for this one small, unexpected flaw.
What a ridiculous coincidence. This old man, whom he had personally killed, was actually an “Extremist.”
A man he had killed with his own hands had been revived by his own subconscious.
What unforeseen consequences might this flaw bring?
If there was even the slightest chance of things going wrong, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill the old man again—right here, in front of all the “Extremists.”
Even if everyone else’s actions were being guided toward their destined paths by fate, this old man was the exception.
He might be the only variable in this entire plan.
But if he killed him now… how would he ensure the other “Extremists” remained resolute in their willingness to die?
“Wait…” Qi Xia frowned, recalling Chen Junan’s earlier situation. If the old man had been reborn, his memories were likely fragmented.
He probably didn’t remember what he had dug up…
Meaning the situation was still under control—for now.
“Old Qi, what are you staring at?” Chen Junan asked.
“I’m calculating the probability of success,” Qi Xia replied. “I hope nothing goes wrong.”
With that, he took a deliberate step forward, positioning himself directly in front of the old man.
The old man merely glanced at him indifferently, showing no sign of recognition. The group hurried past Qi Xia, some exchanging silent looks with him, but only Qian Wu remained.
After exchanging nods with Zhou Mo and the others, he stood beside Qi Xia, as if waiting for something.
Once the crowd dispersed, Qi Xia turned and saw the faint, translucent figure of the white sheep standing by the opposite door.
The figure said nothing, simply watching him in silence.
Combined with the unexpected presence of the old man, a creeping sense of unease settled in Qi Xia’s chest.
“The thing I hate most in life is when things go beyond my expectations…”
“What’s with the muttering, Old Qi?” Chen Junan asked from behind.
“Chen Junan…” Qi Xia called.
“Yeah?”
“Am I going insane?” Qi Xia asked.
Chen Junan exchanged a glance with Qiao Jiajin beside him. Neither knew how to answer that question.
Did he honestly think he was normal?
“Uh… how… how rude of you to ask?” Chen Junan chuckled. “Old Qi, is there something you think isn’t right?”
“I keep seeing things that shouldn’t be there,” Qi Xia replied.
“Then you’re sick,” Chen Junan waved a hand dismissively. “I think you should sit down for a bit. Maybe you’ve been moving around too much?”
Qi Xia frowned slightly, unable to find any logical connection in Chen Junan’s words. “What does that have to do with moving around?”
“Sickness comes from movement,” Chen Junan answered.
Silence hung in the air for a few seconds.
“Uh…” Qiao Jiajin scratched his head. “Junanzai, I think we heard different versions of that saying…”
“Old Qiao, shut up.”
“Oh.”
Qi Xia stroked his chin, then glanced at the white sheep’s illusion again. He felt like he was teetering on the edge of madness—seeing the white sheep more frequently than ever.
“You know what? I think you’re right,” Qi Xia said to Chen Junan.
“Damn straight,” Chen Junan nodded. “I’m always right.”
“I really shouldn’t be moving around right now,” Qi Xia turned to Qian Wu. “Fists, I’ll leave it to you. Just stick to the plan.”
“Got it.”
“Wha—?” Qiao Jiajin blinked. “What plan?”
Qi Xia took a deep breath. “I’m staying here to wait. Now isn’t the time for me to act. I need to make sure no other surprises pop up.”
“And us…?”
“You can stay or do whatever you want,” Qi Xia said. “Fists, if you want to kill Qinglong, go with Qian Wu.”
“Kill Qinglong…” Qiao Jiajin turned to Qian Wu. “If I go with you… I can fight Qinglong?”
“Yes,” Qian Wu replied.
“Qinglong’s the boss of this whole train, right? If we take him down, everything’s over?” Qiao Jiajin pressed.
“Right,” Qi Xia nodded. “For you, it’ll be over. I still have my own matters to settle. Fists, remember that two-word ‘unexpected move’ I told you about?”
“Remember.” Qiao Jiajin nodded, tapping his temple. “Trickster, my memory’s still sharp. I still gotta rely on it to repay kindness and settle debts.”
“Good…” Qi Xia hesitated, then added, “You’ve worked hard all this time.”
“Relax,” Qiao Jiajin grinned. “Been a guest here for so long—finally get to spar with the top dog. Couldn’t ask for more. Trickster, just take a nap here. By the time you wake up, Qinglong’ll be dead.”
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