Chu Tianqiu, Qiao Jiajin, and Zhang Shan had almost intimidated all the nearby “Zodiacs” and “participants.”
Not only did the “Zodiacs” not dare to cause trouble, even the “participants” retreated far away.
They had originally planned to bring Qian Wu along, but his complexion made it clear he couldn’t continue.
“Qian Wu,” Qiao Jiajin checked on him, “What’s your plan? Are you going to leave with those people?”
“No…” Qian Wu waved his hand weakly, shifting his body back in the Earth Dog’s room before leaning against the wall. “The ‘Cat’s’ tasks are all done, but mine are only nine-tenths complete… Give me a little more time.”
“What kind of joke is that?” Qiao Jiajin frowned. “You think I’m trying to save you just because your tasks aren’t finished?”
“I know what you mean…” Qian Wu gave a bitter smile, pulling out the cigarette Earth Dog had given him and lighting it again. “But I really can’t move anymore… I might need a long rest…”
Chu Tianqiu crouched down slowly, studying Qian Wu’s pallid face. “I thought all your tasks were done…”
“Yeah… Almost.” Qian Wu chuckled weakly, too exhausted to even remove the cigarette from his lips as smoke curled lazily upward.
“So what’s left?” Chu Tianqiu asked. “In your condition… can you even complete the last one?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Qiao Jiajin nodded. “Qian Wu, how hard is the last task?”
“It’s hard to describe…” Qian Wu shook his head. “Because I have to ‘stay alive.'”
“‘Stay alive’…?” Chu Tianqiu furrowed his brow. “That’s your final task?”
“Yes.” Qian Wu nodded, his consciousness already fading. “I have to live until the end. So until then, I won’t know if I can complete it…”
Qiao Jiajin stared at Qian Wu’s weakened state, unsure what to say, before hesitantly asking, “You really don’t want someone to stay with you?”
“It’s fine.” Qian Wu smiled. “Even if I die… it won’t change anything. Just a few stray cats vanishing from the world…”
“Stray cats vanishing?”
“Yeah…” Qian Wu slowly lowered his head, his bangs obscuring his eyes. “Would normal people even notice if stray cats disappeared from the streets?”
Chu Tianqiu sighed. “Someone will remember them.”
“Right…” Qian Wu murmured. “I remember. I remember every stray cat’s markings and scars… their angry yowls and how they fought. I remember it all.”
A heavy sadness seemed to radiate from Qian Wu, though his expression remained blank.
“Stray cats have bad tempers—people don’t like them…” he continued. “But if you feed them, they’ll treat you as one of their own. They’ll perch on high walls in the city’s corners, waiting proudly for you to arrive. If I don’t remember them… no one will.”
“Qian Wu,” Chu Tianqiu said firmly. “Stay awake. You’re not in good shape.”
“I’m awake…” Qian Wu’s lips twitched, cigarette ash falling onto his leather jacket. “I have to stay awake and lead these stray cats to the end. I won’t die.”
Qiao Jiajin glanced at Chu Tianqiu. Both sensed something was wrong—if all three of them left, the nearby “Human-level” Zodiacs might rush in and kill Qian Wu.
But what could they do?
Soft footsteps approached from behind. One of the Zodiacs had pushed through the crowd.
Qiao Jiajin turned to see a Human Snake with a tattered mask.
“Dang it…” He paused. “You bastard…”
This Human Snake was practically Qiao Jiajin’s first impression of this hellish place—no deep hatred, but no goodwill either.
“Oh? You got taller?” The Human Snake eyed Qiao Jiajin indifferently. “Interesting.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Qiao Jiajin snapped, then paused. “…Oh, right, this is your turf. We’re the outsiders.”
“Hand him over,” the Human Snake nodded toward Qian Wu. “I can take him to my room for shelter.”
Zhang Shan and Qiao Jiajin instinctively looked to Chu Tianqiu for guidance—they couldn’t tell if this was friend or foe.
Chu Tianqiu narrowed his eyes, as if searching his memory. “Human Snake… The ‘assistant’ from Qi Xia’s game room?”
“The very same,” the Human Snake confirmed. “Feel better about handing him over now?”
Chu Tianqiu hesitated, then glanced at Earth Rat.
Though he knew those connected to Qi Xia’s room were pre-selected, the role of “assistant” was somewhat random—he wasn’t entirely sure.
Earth Rat, catching Chu Tianqiu’s look, gave a subtle nod and whispered, “Aries’ student.”
“Then it’s fine,” Chu Tianqiu said. “But if we leave him with you… you’ll be in danger too.”
“Relax.” The Human Snake stepped forward, slinging Qian Wu’s arm over his shoulder. “I don’t have much power on the ‘train,’ but I’ve got friends. Most will give me face.”
As the Human Snake led Qian Wu away, the group steeled themselves and headed toward the “locomotive.”
In stark contrast to this Earth Dog’s room was another one not far away.
While Qiao Jiajin’s group had clashed violently with numerous Zodiacs, the other Earth Dog remained lazily sprawled on his sofa.
Xiaoxiao, Lin Qin, and Zheng Yingxiong were practically ants on a hot pan.
They could feel the momentum shifting outside—why was this Earth Dog still unmoved?
Xiaoxiao paced anxiously, her agitation barely contained. But she couldn’t attack an “Earth-level” directly. If she’d known, she would’ve taken Lin Qin and Zheng Yingxiong alone instead of wasting time here.
She glanced at Zheng Yingxiong—the boy stood silently beside Earth Dog, staring intently. Yet the Zodiac remained unfazed, lounging shamelessly on the sofa.
Lin Qin sat in another corner, head bowed, muttering to herself.
Behind Earth Dog’s sofa lay Han Yimo, long unconscious.
Xiaoxiao scanned the other “Extremists”—their morale had long since crumbled, leaving them dazed in various corners.
She felt like she was leading the most unreliable team imaginable.
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