The two of them chatted intermittently as they walked for another half hour before finally arriving at the prison gate.
A man with long hair tied in a ponytail stood guard at the entrance. After some introductions, they learned his codename was “Mao Mu” Liu Ershiyi (Twenty-One).
He seemed somewhat familiar with Jiang Ruoxue but had little impression of Chen Junnan.
After stating their purpose, “Mao Mu” led them inside the prison and settled them in a reception room before stepping out to fetch someone.
Chen Junnan stood up and pressed his ear to the door, listening. The “Cat” tonight was bustling—sounds from inside suggested at least twenty or thirty people.
It seemed everything was just as Qi Xia had said… the entire “Cat” had been revived.
“A living cat…”
Their liveliness tonight was likely a celebration of their rebirth, considering that from their perspective, they couldn’t immediately grasp the reason for their survival.
Back then, Qi Xia had only told Qian Wu and Zhou Liu that his ability was “Endless Life,” but could they have guessed that “Endless Life” could facilitate such a large-scale resurrection?
“Old Qi… just what are you…?”
They sat in the room for a few minutes before the sound of boots echoed outside. Moments later, Zhou Liu appeared in the doorway.
She had heard that the visitors were a man and a woman, but despite numerous guesses, she never expected *this* man and *this* woman.
Her gaze shifted between Chen Junnan and Jiang Ruoxue for a moment before her expression turned troubled.
“Alright!” Chen Junnan grinned at Jiang Ruoxue. “Big sis, the person I’m looking for is here. Mind stepping out for a bit? We’ve got an important meeting to hold here as scheduled.”
Jiang Ruoxue frowned slightly before smiling. “But the person *I* came to see is also Zhou Liu. Maybe *you* should step out instead?”
“What the—?” Chen Junnan blinked. “So not only did we both come to ‘Cat,’ but we’re looking for the same person? Damn, Sis Jiang, you should’ve said so earlier! I could’ve handled your business for you. No need to trouble yourself with the trip. Look at this mess.”
Zhou Liu stepped into the room and closed the door behind her.
The current situation was a bit complicated for her.
Jiang Ruoxue was naturally here representing the “Extremists,” while Chen Junnan likely represented Qi Xia. Meanwhile, her own identity was now the deputy leader of “Cat.”
Three different factions sitting together wasn’t inherently an issue. The problem was that she had ties to both of their groups. If either had come alone, she could’ve spoken freely, but with both present, her position became awkward, and many things couldn’t be said outright.
“Tch…” Zhou Liu clicked her tongue. “You two… came together?”
“Yeah,” Chen Junnan nodded. “Any objections?”
“Tch, no ‘objections,’ but I can’t figure out why you two would show up together.” Zhou Liu sat down with a troubled expression.
“Don’t listen to his nonsense,” Jiang Ruoxue interjected. “We just happened to run into each other.”
Zhou Liu nodded, then after a pause, said, “Tch, I assume you both have things to discuss with me privately. Maybe you two can decide who steps out first…”
“I just had a thought,” Chen Junnan cut in. “Sis Liu, mind if I ask you something first?”
“Go ahead,” Zhou Liu replied.
“Did all the ‘Cat’ members revive?” Chen Junnan pointed outside. “Including your leader, Qian Duoduo?”
Zhou Liu nodded. “Yeah.”
“Good. Then I’ll be straight—this was Old Qi’s doing.” Chen Junnan grinned. “The fact that he pulled off such a grand move to bring everyone back proves we’re at some critical moment.”
Jiang Ruoxue and Zhou Liu both froze.
“You’re saying Qi Xia revived all these people…?”
“Let’s table that for now. You should know that even if we’re from different factions—like, I’m the Calabash Brothers, and you’re the Snake Spirit and Grandpa—but—”
“Tch—” Zhou Liu scowled. “Who the hell is the Snake Spirit and Grandpa?!”
“Wrong analogy, wrong analogy,” Chen Junnan laughed. “What I mean is, even though we’re each doing our own thing, we’ve all got the same ultimate enemy—that big shot at the very top.”
“So what?”
“So right now, we should set aside faction differences and share our plans. Only then can we unite to achieve our goal.”
Zhou Liu fell silent for a few seconds before standing, opening the door, and saying to someone outside, “Tell Nineteen to drop what he’s doing and come see me.”
She returned to the table and sat down. “Tch, this moment might indeed be crucial for all ‘Participants,’ but ‘Cat’ has always been neutral. I can’t promise anything, only that… as ‘Zhou Liu,’ I’ll do my best to help you.”
“I disagree with that,” Jiang Ruoxue interjected. “First, I should clarify—this isn’t just a casual meeting of three factions. Right now, all three of us are effectively the second-in-command of our respective groups, so our words carry the weight of our leaders.”
“I might be third-in-command…” Chen Junnan muttered.
“Doesn’t matter,” Jiang Ruoxue said. “So I don’t mind being completely open here. Even if ‘Cat’ has always remained neutral, if I recall correctly, the ultimate goal of ‘neutrality’ is ‘survival,’ and ‘survival’ is for the sake of the plan, right?”
Zhou Liu gave a slight nod. “Right…”
“In other words, all three of us are shouldering crucial ‘missions.’ There’s no need to grandly separate ourselves into ‘Participants’ or ‘factions’ now.” Jiang Ruoxue looked at them solemnly. “Whether you admit it or not, we’re all ‘White Sheep’s’ people.”
Chen Junnan quickly protested, “Hey, don’t go lumping us in—our Old Qi isn’t part of that!”
“Whether he is or not, you know better than anyone.” Jiang Ruoxue retorted. “We’ve all been working toward the same plan all this time. Their leaders have their own roles, and as second-in-commands, we need to do our part—to support them.”
Zhou Liu sighed deeply. “Tch… so it’s really come to this, huh?”
“Zhou Liu, I know you care deeply for ‘Cat’…” Jiang Ruoxue continued. “But you have to understand—if we truly want them to survive and thrive… we don’t need those ‘gods’ above.”
As the three of them fell into thought, a soft knock sounded at the door.
Yun Shijiu entered, bowed slightly to the group, then addressed Zhou Liu. “Sis Liu… what do you need?”
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