Chapter 1133: The Hidden Ally

Kill.

Kill without pause.

The square where the giant bell once stood gradually turned into a living hell. Flames and blood spread in all directions, and the screams that echoed from every corner nearly drowned out all conversation.

The people locked in combat on the square could roughly be divided into three categories.

The first were those solely focused on fleeing. They weaved through the crowd without engaging in battle, desperate to escape. Some even seemed to be led by figures resembling captains, guiding them in different directions. However, most of them would encounter “Human-level Zodiacs” at the outermost edges of the encirclement.

The second were those solely focused on killing. They attacked all escapees indiscriminately, regardless of whether they were “rebels” or not. The moment they detected any intent to flee, they would swarm the target. If the victim could unleash an “Echo,” they might have a sliver of hope. If not, they would be beaten to death on the spot.

The third group belonged to neither of the above. They were simply blood-drunk, completely surrendering to their murderous instincts, locked in deadly combat with whoever stood before them. Their allegiance and motives were indiscernible—only a raw desire to survive remained.

Yan Zhichun led her group smoothly to the edge of the square. By now, she had become separated from Zhou Mo, Jiang Ruoxue, Aunt Tong, Old Sun, and the others. Each captain was leading a small team breaking out from eight different positions.

Just as they were about to escape the square, three “Human-level Zodiacs” blocked their path—a sheep, a rabbit, and a horse. Yan Zhichun slowed her steps, her gaze turning cautious.

Three mere “Human-level Zodiacs” could easily be subdued with “Soul Snatch,” but she had to remember not to injure them.

After all, attacking a “Human-level Zodiac” would inevitably summon the “Vermilion Bird.” Even the White Tiger alone had already caused countless casualties. If the Vermilion Bird joined the battlefield, no one present would survive.

The leading “Centaur” took a slow step forward, studying Yan Zhichun before scratching his neck beneath the mask, his expression complex.

The two Zodiacs behind him exchanged puzzled glances.

The “Sheep” hesitated before asking, “Centaur, what’s wrong?”

The “Rabbit” beside him also cast a suspicious look.

After a moment, the Centaur shifted to the side, clearing the path behind him, and said, “They’re here to assist, not rebels.”

Yan Zhichun frowned, unsure of his meaning, but it seemed like they were being allowed to pass.

The situation was urgent—pursuers behind them, wolves ahead. If they could leave without bloodshed, that would be ideal.

However, the Sheep and Rabbit behind him clearly didn’t agree.

“Here to assist…?” the Sheep asked skeptically. “How do you know…?”

“Because this woman was participating in my game before,” the Centaur replied. “We set out from the game venue and got separated before arriving here.”

The Sheep narrowed his eyes beneath the mask and took slow, deliberate steps forward. Something about this felt off.

While the explanation was plausible, why would a Centaur lie for “rebels”? If word got out, the consequences for him would be fatal.

At this point, there was no choice but to test the waters.

“Hey,” the Sheep said, staring at Yan Zhichun. “I’ve already spoken with the Centaur. I know what his game was. If you can describe the contents of his game venue, I’ll let you go. Otherwise, I’ll call everyone around to hunt you down.”

The Centaur’s brow furrowed, and he moved to speak, but the Rabbit yanked him back.

Yan Zhichun studied the Sheep, then slowly curled her lips into a smirk.

How dare he try such a cheap trick on her.

It was a scam—plain and simple. There were only two possibilities:

First, the Centaur had never mentioned his game details, and the Sheep was trying to gauge whether he was lying based on her microexpressions and words. In this case, no matter how she answered, the Centaur would be in danger.

Second, the Centaur had actually told him about the game, but Yan Zhichun had no way of guessing a plausible answer.

So, the situation seemed impossible to resolve.

But unfortunately for him, the gap between their skill levels was too vast.

She had spent seven years sparring with *that* White Sheep in conversation. How could she lose to a mere Human-level Sheep now?

“Sheep, have you lost your mind?” Yan Zhichun didn’t even bother answering his question. Instead, she took a step forward, meeting his gaze. “The real ‘rebels’ are slaughtering people all around the square. Instead of helping, you’re interrogating *me*?”

“You—” The Sheep faltered.

Yan Zhichun repeated her earlier trick—running a finger through her hair. The Sheep subconsciously mimicked the gesture, adjusting his mask.

“If I were a ‘rebel,’ would I stand here listening to you prattle on without attacking?” she continued. “If I were a ‘rebel,’ could I spin such an elaborate lie—without any prior coordination with the Centaur—just to deceive an insignificant stranger like you?”

“I—”

The Sheep hesitated. Her composure made it seem impossible that she was lying.

“And have you even noticed how many people are behind me?” She gestured to her group. “Have you *ever* seen such obedient ‘rebels’? We have another mission to complete. Get out of our way.”

“You—” The Sheep blinked. “All the ‘rebels’ are here right now… What mission could you possibly have left?”

“We’re guarding the other three bells,” she answered without hesitation. “If you won’t help, fine. But don’t interfere.”

The Sheep stiffened, unwilling to concede. He softened his tone slightly. “Fine… Then… what’s the situation inside now?”

Yan Zhichun scoffed, still refusing to answer. “Don’t expect free intel. If you want to know, go see for yourself.”

With that, she shoved the Sheep aside, then gave the Centaur a meaningful look before leading her team away into the streets.

As she walked, she mulled over what had just happened. She was certain she didn’t know that Centaur. So why had he helped her?

After some thought, she arrived at the only possible answer.

Former “Extremists” who had now become “Zodiacs.”

With dual identities, they could not only receive her “telepathic messages” but also safely patrol the perimeter under the guise of being Zodiacs.

The “Extremists” had only existed for seven years. Even if some had become Zodiacs, they would most likely still be at the Human level.

The only question was—how many of them were there?

If possible, she hoped all the other escaping squads would run into their own people.

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