Qian Wu was about to speak when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. He quickly clutched his chest as darkness engulfed his vision.
“『Twin Flowers』… are you alright?” Tian Snake asked with concern. “I have many self-made organs in my body… How can you sustain yourself by merely replicating my flesh? You won’t hold up…”
After speaking, Tian Snake slowly pressed a hand to his own chest, feeling his breath grow labored.
“What kind of monster are you…?” Qian Wu gasped. “You *make* organs for yourself…?”
“Just what is this 『Twin Flowers』…?” Tian Snake lowered his head silently, struggling to steady his breathing as his heartbeat quickened—as if afraid of something.
Without another word, Qian Wu drew a dagger from his waist and pressed it against his own neck. “Tian Snake… you’re out of luck.”
Qi Xia and Qiao Jiajin were stunned by the sudden turn of events. Though Qian Wu had spoken of killing a “Celestial” Zodiac, they hadn’t expected him to act so decisively.
The moment the blade sliced his neck, a small cut appeared on Tian Snake’s throat as well. But before the dagger could fully plunge, two figures abruptly materialized before them.
An elderly woman holding the hand of a naked little boy—Tian Horse and Tian Tiger.
At the sight of them, Qian Wu halted his motion. He swiftly turned and touched Qi Xia, causing his body to instantly morph in size, matching Qi Xia’s stature perfectly. The wound on his neck vanished without a trace.
Only then did Tian Snake react, reaching up to touch his own neck—where a fresh cut now bled.
“『Twin Flowers』…” Tian Horse smiled, taking a few steps forward. “What are you doing here?”
“Saturday, stay alert,” Qian Wu said grimly before lifting his gaze to coldly scrutinize the three before him.
Three Celestials had appeared at the prison’s entrance simultaneously. Though Qian Wu could forcibly take one down, what if he died in the process? What then?
If no one remained to lead, what would happen to the members of “Cat”? What about Qi Xia and his companions?
These Zodiacs seemed to have discarded the “rules,” free to slaughter as they pleased. If they weren’t careful, “Cat” could dissolve entirely—the worst possible outcome after seven years of patience.
“Tian Horse…” Qian Wu muttered.
Qi Xia and Qiao Jiajin stiffened at the name, recognizing the two figures before them. They had crossed paths once before—though back then, they had passed by without a word.
“『Twin Flowers』…” Tian Horse chuckled apologetically. “A day has passed… Where is the person I asked you to find?”
Qian Wu’s eyes darkened. He couldn’t think of a solution. This cycle had seen an unprecedented surge of Celestial activity—even negotiating with “Cat.” No one would know how to handle this.
“Not enough time,” Qian Wu replied. “I need a few more days. If I fail to find them, I’ll offer my head.”
Qi Xia glanced at him discreetly. The words were for Tian Horse—but also seemed directed at him. Clearly, Qian Wu had no intention of handing him over.
With his hopes now tied to “Cat,” and Qi Xia bringing Chen Junan, Qiao Jiajin, and Officer Li into the fold, there was no longer any reason to cooperate with the Zodiacs.
“A few days…?” Tian Horse smirked. “『Twin Flowers』… Do you take me for a fool?”
“What? You give me a task and expect me to complete it instantly?”
“If you wait a few more days… what good is your *head* then?” Tian Horse’s aged, sunken eyes hardened. “By then, everyone in your team will have awakened their 『Echoes』. Whether you live or die won’t matter.”
“What do you want?”
“Tomorrow is your deadline.” Tian Horse declared. “I’ll be waiting here at dawn. If you fail to deliver, I’ll unleash the 『Tian Horse Moment』—and your organization will crumble.”
Qian Wu’s brow furrowed. “Tomorrow…?”
“I’m being generous, 『Twin Flowers』. Remember, you’re bargaining with a *Celestial*.” Tian Horse then turned to Tian Snake. “Brother Snake, are you also here for that 『Colossal Echo』?”
Tian Snake fidgeted nervously. “C-Colossal… 『Echo』? What…? Huh?”
“You…” Tian Horse’s expression twisted in amusement. “Truly the favored one under 『Tianlong』… You’ve even forgotten your mission, yet he doesn’t punish you?”
“Ah—right, yes… We have a task…” Tian Snake awkwardly turned to Qian Wu. “Could you help me find a 『Colossal Echo』? If we fail… 『Tianlong』 will be furious…”
Qian Wu’s face turned icy.
“Then dawn tomorrow,” he said. “If I can’t deliver, I’ll accept the 『Tian Horse Moment』 willingly.”
“Your words.” Tian Horse smiled, taking Tian Tiger’s hand.
“Grandma, can’t I eat him?”
“Hush, he’s not tasty.” Tian Horse patted the boy’s head. “He’s playing games with me—his flesh is sour.”
“Ew, really?” Tian Tiger blinked. “Then I won’t eat sour meat.”
As the two vanished, Qian Wu turned a stormy gaze back to Tian Snake.
“Well? What’s your answer?”
“Huh? Me…?”
“Since I’ve made a deal with Tian Horse, will you wait another day?” Qian Wu pressed. “Tomorrow, we’ll discuss this 『Chen Junan』 matter.”
Tian Snake studied Qian Wu’s face—but the pitch-black sunglasses revealed nothing.
“Tian Horse said you’re scheming… I don’t know if I should trust you.”
“You—” Qian Wu pressed his lips together. He *wanted* to kill this man, but if he died, “Cat” would never survive the 『Tian Horse Moment』.
Seeing his struggle, Qi Xia interjected, “If you don’t trust 『Twin Flowers』, then do you trust 『Tian Horse』?”
“What…?” Tian Snake blinked, turning to Qi Xia—only to find the man’s eyes utterly unreadable.
“That 『Tian Horse』 seemed *very* displeased with you…” Qi Xia mused. “Isn’t it possible… that his words were meant for *you* to hear?”
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