“Go on.” The Slacker Dog nodded.
“Since the leaders don’t mind, I’ll just say a few words…” The Mole glanced around before recounting his encounter with Qi Xia earlier that day in detail.
At the time, the game had three rounds left, each requiring at least one fruit to proceed. That man had ultimately won him over with three golden kumquats hidden by the door.
“He told me… if all paths are blocked, the first thing to do is break the wall.” The Mole chuckled, addressing the group. “I think the leader made a good point—it definitely changed my perspective. What do you all think?”
“But that doesn’t sound like you…” The Slacker Dog frowned. “Would *you* be the one to ‘break the wall’?”
“No, of course not.” The Mole nodded respectfully. “You know me well, leader. No matter the circumstances, I’d never be the one to break the wall. I even told that participant—I’d wait for someone else to smash it open and just follow their path.”
“Then why are you here today?”
“Because I’m a ‘fence-sitter,’ of course.” The Mole scratched his head sheepishly. “I hope the leaders aren’t upset by that?”
“You’re *actually* insane,” the Earth Tiger snapped, barely holding back. “We don’t need fence-sitters here. Get lost!”
He expected the Earth Dog and Earth Sheep to back him up, but neither reacted, each lost in their own thoughts.
The Earth Sheep had initially dismissed the Earth Tiger’s suspicions as baseless, but now it seemed he’d been right all along.
At least one participant was out there inciting the “Zodiacs” to rebel—and without any prior coordination, the movement was already gaining momentum.
Who else but *him* could orchestrate this?
Who else in the entire “Land of Finality” could set up such a scheme?
With that in mind, the Earth Sheep looked up at the Mole and asked, “What do you mean by ‘fence-sitter’?”
“Just what it sounds like, leader.” The Mole flashed a professional smile. “I heard a group was planning to ‘break the wall,’ so I came to observe. If you succeed and find an exit, I’ll follow without hesitation. But if you attract the Lawkeepers while trying, I’ll immediately sell you out and watch as they tear you apart—hence, ‘fence-sitter.'”
Silence fell over the group.
“The Money-Losing Tiger was right…” The Earth Sheep frowned. “You really *are* unpleasant.”
“Doesn’t matter if I’m unpleasant. My purpose in life isn’t to earn your favor.” The Mole spoke earnestly. “Even if you despise me, I couldn’t care less.”
The Earth Sheep sighed but said nothing.
“So, leaders, you’re not *actually* angry, right?” The Mole grinned. “I’m just a nobody—getting worked up over me isn’t worth your time. Instead, why not show me how you plan to ‘break the wall’? I’ll watch and learn.”
The group exchanged glances, their eyes eventually settling on the Earth Dog.
“Why are you looking at *me*?”
The Earth Tiger snorted irritably. “You heard what *your* guy said—can we trust him?”
“Hard to say.” The Earth Dog shook his head.
The Black Sheep frowned. “Isn’t he your *friend*?”
“Just an *acquaintance*.” The Earth Dog met their gazes. “We’ve talked a few times, met occasionally, and don’t consider each other enemies—so I called him a ‘friend.’ Did you expect me to say I looped in some random ‘rat’?”
“Fuck… not a single reliable one here.” The Earth Tiger exhaled sharply. “You should all be grateful we’re stuck on the same boat for now, or I’d beat you until you begged.”
“You should be grateful too,” the Slacker Dog retorted. “We don’t *have* to join you. The only reason we’re here is because you still seem useful.”
The Earth Sheep studied the three before him, increasingly convinced this team was a disaster—everyone had their own agenda, and not one of them was fit to lead.
“Leader Dog,” the Mole turned to the Slacker Dog, “you said someone wanted to turn this place upside down, but including me, there are only *four* of us?”
The Slacker Dog replied flatly, “This plan only surfaced yesterday, so manpower is lacking. If you’re not satisfied, leave now. I won’t stop you—it’s not my concern anyway.”
“Leader, no need for that.” The Mole shrugged with a smile. “I already said I’m a fence-sitter. Either we all escape together, or I sell you out. Leaving now would make me seem *indecisive*.”
Each of his remarks killed the conversation, leaving the group in awkward silence.
Soon, a faint knock came at the door.
The four exchanged glances before the Earth Tiger stood to answer it.
“Money-Losing Tiger, stay put.” The Earth Sheep called out. “Your temper will scare off any ‘new recruits.’ I’ll get it.”
“Tch.” The Earth Tiger sat back down, grumbling, “*I* organized this, and now I can’t even speak?”
The Slacker Dog and the Corporate Rat watched him expressionlessly, the atmosphere growing even heavier.
Seconds later, the door creaked open—but before any words were exchanged, a loud *THUD* echoed through the room.
**BAM!**
Before anyone could react, the Earth Sheep was sent flying, crashing into the table and sending food and fruit scattering everywhere.
“*What the fuck?!*” The Earth Tiger leaped to his feet, whirling around to see two figures at the door.
At the front stood a short, smug-looking Earth Pig, while behind him towered a tall woman—the Earth Horse. The devastating blow that had sent the Earth Sheep flying had clearly come from the diminutive Earth Pig.
“You little *shit*…” The Earth Tiger glowered. “You’ve got a death wish, barging in here and attacking my people?!”
“Oh?” The Earth Pig smirked. “Let me correct you—first, I didn’t even step inside before attacking. Second, I was aiming for *you*, not him.”
The Earth Sheep picked himself up, dusting off his suit with an icy expression.
“Earth Pig,” he said through gritted teeth, veins bulging, “we’ve had our disagreements, but this is the first time you’ve *hit* me.”
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