In just a few minutes, “Paradise Gate” was pushed back by the sheer numerical disadvantage of their opponents.
With both sides locked in close combat, the “convictions” of many “Echoers” were disrupted, making it impossible to unleash effective “echoes” in fractions of a second. The chaotic brawl quickly devolved into pure melee combat—weapons and fists clashing wildly.
Amid the encirclement, a strange young man with a face full of scars stood out. He could summon metal shards from others’ bodies, a troublesome ability that allowed him to single-handedly hold off Zhang Shan.
Every time Zhang Shan tried to strike, the young man would conjure razor-sharp shards directly into his fists. The metal seemed to grow from Zhang Shan’s flesh, causing him to bleed profusely with every movement.
Unable to activate “Heavenly Stride” in time, Zhang Shan was soon drenched in blood, relying solely on brute strength to stay standing.
Li Xiangling fared no better. Her lethal spear skills made her a prime target, and after a few reckless “Participants” grabbed her weapon despite being stabbed, she was disarmed. Now, she fought with only her fists and feet, accumulating wounds as she struggled against the onslaught.
By this point, over seven members of “Paradise Gate” had already fallen.
The group fought their way backward, eventually cornered in a narrow alley by the swarming “Participants.” Despite the dire situation, not a single member of “Paradise Gate” attempted to flee.
Chu Tianqiu sensed the growing peril. He had shouldered the brunt of the “Extremists'” attacks, ensuring their safety, but now it seemed unlikely he would make it to the “train” in time.
Yet, who would step in to help now?
Just then, his gaze landed on a peculiar “Zodiac” standing in the alley—a grinning rat.
That unsettling smile made Chu Tianqiu frown, mocking his own fleeting hope for aid.
“Paradise Gate” was utterly isolated. The absence of enemy reinforcements was already a blessing—how could he expect anyone to intervene on their behalf?
“We can’t retreat any further…” Chu Tianqiu barked an order. “There’s an ‘Earth-Level’ behind us!”
The group glanced back to see the “Earth-Level” rat watching them with amusement, blocking their escape. But the horde charging from the front left them no choice—halting meant death.
Just as they were about to reach the rat, Zhang Shan erupted with a burst of strength, grabbing a “Participant” and hurling him like a battering ram, knocking down a swath of attackers.
For a moment, the fighting paused—except for the rat, who cackled with delight.
Its shrill laughter cut through the exhausted gasps of the combatants.
Chu Tianqiu slowly turned, locking eyes with the rat before offering a faint smile. “Any advice?”
“‘Advice’? Oh, I wouldn’t dare.” The rat shook its head. “I was just thinking—if you leaders had paid the entrance fee before slaughtering each other, the credit would’ve been mine. What a pity! All this sweat, only to die pointlessly.”
“Ha…” Chu Tianqiu’s mind raced. “Now that you mention it, I have an idea.”
“Do enlighten me, boss.” The rat grinned. “You seem the most human here. Maybe I’ll understand you.”
“To think my words could be comprehended by a rat—what an honor.” Chu Tianqiu smirked. “If our entire group pays the fee, and someone still tries to kill us, you’d step in, right?”
The rat’s grin faltered. This young man was sharper than expected.
“Boss, you jest.” The rat waved a paw. “My establishment only takes five at a time. Besides, I just remembered—urgent business at home! No service today. May you all die meaningfully!”
Exchanging a glance with Wen Qiaoyun, Chu Tianqiu nodded. She took command, freeing him to approach the rat.
“Earth Rat.” Chu Tianqiu stepped closer, smiling. “You strike me as someone who does business. I have a deal to propose—name your price.”
“Boss, you flatter me.” The rat tittered. “I’m ‘Earth-Level.’ You’re a hunted ‘rebel.’ How bold of you to negotiate!”
“Ordinary ‘Zodiacs’ don’t smile at me.” Chu Tianqiu countered. “And you haven’t attacked. Clearly, my ‘rebel’ credit isn’t worth your effort.”
“Fair point.” The rat nodded. “You not only look human—you think like one too. What’s your offer?”
“I want passage through your ‘gate’ to the ‘train.'”
The rat’s grin stretched ear to ear. “Ha! What a joke. You think I’d accept?”
“A deal fails only when the price is too low.” Chu Tianqiu’s voice was steady. “What do you want?”
The rat’s eyes gleamed. “This transaction could get me killed. So my price… will be steep.”
“Name it. I’ll find a way.”
“I want… ‘Heaven’s Will.'”
“‘Heaven’s Will’?”
“From now until dusk, when the ‘portal’ appears, I won’t interfere in your survival.” The rat’s smile turned icy. “If ‘Heaven’s Will’ lets a dozen of you live against a hundred bloodthirsty killers, I’ll take you—alone—through my gate.”
Chu Tianqiu’s fingers tightened around a hidden eyeball.
“I’ve heard outrageous prices, but this takes the prize.” He murmured. “This bargain offers you no benefit.”
“Boss, I don’t need benefits.” The rat stepped closer, grinning. “At this stage, I only want insurance. To risk my neck, I must see ‘Heaven’s Will.'”
“Then I’ll haggle.”
The rat’s eyebrows rose. “You’d bargain with ‘Heaven’s Will’?”
“Yes.” Chu Tianqiu nodded. “If we survive, I take two people aboard.”
“Deal.” The rat chuckled. “Then, boss, watch your step—wouldn’t want your brains splattered.”
“You too.” Chu Tianqiu smirked. “When ‘Heaven’s Will’ arrives, don’t scurry away in fear.”
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