Chapter 413: The Echoer?

**”Cat” Headquarters, Prison.**

On the morning of this day, the eerie sun rose as usual, casting its dim light over the abandoned prison.

Prisons have always been places shrouded in mystery.

Some who come here repent, stepping out through the gates toward a new life.

Others arrive knowing only how to steal wallets, only to leave with a full set of skills.

So, those who truly wish to turn over a new leaf—no matter what wrongs they’ve done—can break free from the mire as long as a sliver of light shines upon them, soaring toward the blue sky above.

But those who willingly embrace corruption will see only the abyss beneath their feet, no matter how much sunlight bathes their heads.

Qian Wu had two members tidy up the staff break room before calling Qi Xia, Qiao Jiajin, Chen Junnan, Li Shangwu, and Zheng Yingxiong inside.

“Everyone…” Qian Wu entered with Saturday and “Silence,” ranked nineteenth, then casually closed the door.

But today, Qian Wu’s appearance was bizarre—he was a male dwarf.

“Qian… Wu?” Qi Xia asked tentatively, eyeing the scar on Qian Wu’s left cheek.

“It’s me.” Qian Wu nodded. “What, does my appearance scare you?”

“I couldn’t care less about your appearance,” Qi Xia replied. “Let’s get started.”

“But today, I’m feeling sentimental.” Qian Wu chuckled. “It’s been at least seven years since all the original members of ‘Cat’ gathered here… except for Zhang San. I wonder where she is now…”

“Cut the crap. Get to the point,” Qi Xia interrupted. “You’ll have plenty of time to reminisce later.”

“Harsh as ever, Qi Xia.” Qian Wu smirked. “You’ve changed a lot. I remember you weren’t like this before…”

“I’ve always been this way,” Qi Xia said flatly.

Qian Wu nodded and fell silent, exchanging a glance with Number Nineteen, who promptly closed his eyes.

**”Silence” activated.**

Several people seemed eager to speak, their mouths opening and closing as they hesitated, each waiting for the other to go first.

“I’ll just say one thing, so let me start…” Qian Wu turned to Qi Xia. “I was going to use this chance to explain ‘Cat’s’ true purpose, but now that ‘Big Baby’ is here, I’ll step back and let him unveil the final plan.”

Qi Xia nodded and glanced at Chen Junnan.

The others followed suit, all eyes on him.

Chen Junnan also nodded—then froze after a few seconds.

“Wha—what the hell? ‘Cat’s’ final plan? There’s no such thing!”

“…Huh?”

The room fell into stunned silence, with Qian Wu looking the most shocked.

“What…?” Qian Wu slowly stood from his chair—though embarrassingly, he was shorter standing than sitting. “How could you not know? Have you forgotten the ‘final mission’ you assigned me?”

“What the hell do I know?” Chen Junnan was equally baffled. “Wasn’t it just gathering intel and earning rewards here? So when that old bastard Qi Xia came back, he’d have a place to stay?”

“You…” Qian Wu sighed helplessly, then plopped back into his chair. “Big Baby, are you messing with me? What about the ‘Army’ plan?”

“Ar… my?” Chen Junnan blanked for a moment before realization struck. “Oh, you mean—that?”

He suddenly remembered the nonsense he’d spouted to Qian Wu right before returning to the “Interview Room”—his so-called “Army” plan.

He had suggested expanding “Cat” into a disciplined military force: standardized uniforms, codenames, strict training, and combat drills. Since the idea was absurdly difficult, especially for a disabled man like Qian Wu, Chen Junnan had assumed he’d abandon it and they’d part ways amicably.

Back then, Qian Wu had solemnly asked for the purpose of such a plan.

Chen Junnan’s reply? **”If Old Qi really comes back, we’ll lead this army to kill the ‘Divine Beasts.'”**

Now, he never imagined Qian Wu would actually follow through—nor that Qi Xia would return.

Did that make him the most unreliable one here?

“Wait… hold on…” Chen Junnan waved his hands frantically. “After thinking it over these years, killing ‘Divine Beasts’ is still…”

“Killing Divine Beasts?” Qi Xia smirked. “Fascinating. Elaborate.”

“Hey?!” Chen Junnan flinched. “Hold on, hold on—Old Qi, are you out of your damn mind? Did you wake up too fast and leave your brain on the pillow?”

“I want to hear your plan,” Qi Xia said. “I never imagined ‘Cat’s’ ultimate goal was the ‘Divine Beasts.’ Their status seems above ‘Zodiacs’ but below ‘Heavenly Dragon.’ If ‘Cat’ has such grand ambitions, I’m all ears.”

Chen Junnan felt dizzy—things were spiraling out of control.

**Kill Divine Beasts?**

How ridiculous was that?

Why would anyone here actually believe in such a plan?

“After years of investigation, we’ve uncovered the abilities of two Divine Beasts,” Qian Wu said. “If you agree, we can start with them.”

“Go on,” Qi Xia urged.

“First, I believe the easiest to kill is ‘Black Tortoise,'” Qian Wu stated. “Here’s why.”

He methodically listed the reasons:

1. Black Tortoise **wants to die**—she grants countless attempts to those who try to kill her.

2. Black Tortoise is **easy to encounter**—simply commit murder to lure her out.

3. Black Tortoise’s **abilities are known**, and they have major limitations.

“Wait…” Qi Xia stiffened. “Black Tortoise’s… ‘abilities’?”

His mind flashed to the memory of his organs being ripped out by her. How could such a horrifying power have limitations?

“Exactly.” Qian Wu nodded. “She likely has only three abilities:

– **’Warp’**: She can appear anywhere instantly.

– **’Plunder’**: She can take anything she desires.

– **’Disintegrate’**: With a wave, she can dismantle inanimate objects.”

Silence gripped the room.

Qi Xia was speechless. **”Are you joking with me…?”**

“What?”

“Those… those are all ‘Echoes’!” Qi Xia said in disbelief. “Are you saying Black Tortoise not only has ‘Echoes’—but **three at once?!**”