“You don’t object to killing a ‘Zodiac’?” This answer took Yun Yao by surprise. “Aren’t you ‘Extremists’ supposed to protect this place?”
“Yes…” Yan Zhichun nodded. “But gambling with the life of an Earth-level ‘Zodiac’ is quite an interesting play. I won’t interfere—go ahead.”
Yun Yao narrowed her eyes, thought for a moment, then sighed. “I won’t comment on your philosophy. Like you said, I’ve already ‘Echoed.’ Even if you really do kill me, it doesn’t matter.”
A flicker of disappointment passed through Chu Tianqiu’s eyes before he released Yun Yao’s arm with a bitter smile and nodded. “Fine. Yun Yao, go.”
Hearing this, Yun Yao gripped Di Snake’s severed head in one hand and took Tian Tian’s hand with the other. “Tian Tian, do you want to come with me?”
Tian Tian looked around the room in a daze. Truth be told, she didn’t know anyone here well. Now that Yun Yao—the only person she was familiar with—was leaving, where else could she go?
Perhaps wandering was her fate.
Somehow, she had always known there would never be a place where she could live peacefully, whether in the real world or the “Land of Finality.” The past few days had been too comfortable—it was time for it to end.
After a long pause, she spoke. “Yun Yao… I’ll go with you. There’s no place for me here.”
Yun Yao nodded, then scanned the room. “Anyone else want to come with me?”
After witnessing today’s spectacle, no one could respond immediately. Though Chu Tianqiu’s behavior had been odd, Yun Yao’s actions seemed even more extreme to them.
No matter what had happened, Chu Tianqiu had just demonstrated all the qualities of a leader—he could kill an “Earth-level Zodiac,” wield unfathomable “Echoes,” and even provide food for everyone.
Under these circumstances, Yun Yao’s sudden declaration of departure felt inappropriate. She wasn’t just an ordinary “participant”—she was one of “Paradise’s” deputy leaders.
When a deputy leader tries to take people away, it’s practically a declaration of the organization’s collapse. After weighing the situation, no one spoke.
When no answer came after a long silence, Yun Yao nodded.
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll find like-minded companions eventually. Farewell, everyone.”
With a desolate air, she tightened her grip on Di Snake’s head and turned to leave. But just as she reached the door, a voice called out from the corner of the room.
“Yun Yao-jie…”
She stopped and slowly turned to face the dark-skinned girl.
“I… I want to go with you too…” Li Xiangling said softly.
“Li Xiangling…?”
Yun Yao had never expected the only person in this room to stand with her would be a girl she barely knew. Though they had been acquainted in “Paradise,” they had never played a game together. All Yun Yao knew was that Li Xiangling was quiet and her “Echo” wasn’t particularly strong.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Li Xiangling nodded. “The night ‘Paradise’ was invaded, Brother Qiao and I fought until the very end. I saw the carnage more clearly than anyone. If I stay here… I’ll just keep reliving that night.”
Though she didn’t elaborate, Yun Yao understood—after all, the courtyard outside was still littered with Li Xiangling’s corpses.
That night, she had watched as everyone in “Paradise” was slaughtered. She had held out until the last moment—or rather, she couldn’t even die properly.
Was all of this Chu Tianqiu’s “Replication” at work?
“Alright, Xiao Li. Come with me.” Yun Yao reached for Li Xiangling’s hand, but Chu Tianqiu suddenly blocked her path.
His voice was icy. “Yun Yao, you and Tian Tian can leave. But Li Xiangling stays.”
His words left both Yun Yao and Li Xiangling bewildered.
“What…?” Yun Yao frowned. “Shouldn’t Li Xiangling decide for herself whether to stay or go?”
“No.” Chu Tianqiu shook his head. “Anyone in ‘Paradise’ is free to leave—except Li Xiangling.”
The room fell silent as everyone stared at them. Yan Zhichun, amused, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, sensing that this visit to “Paradise” might yield valuable intel.
Li Xiangling blinked in confusion. “Huh? I… I can’t leave? Why? My ability isn’t that important…”
“Your ability is crucial.” Chu Tianqiu slowly rose to his feet. “Yun Yao, if you try to take Li Xiangling, I will stop you—no matter the cost.”
“What…?” Yun Yao’s frown deepened. “Chu Tianqiu, what else are you hiding?”
“If it’s hidden, I won’t reveal it now either.” His gaze turned manic again. “Li Xiangling is not leaving. Even if she turns to dust, it will happen right before my eyes.”
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Chu Tianqiu was visibly agitated—a side of him no one had seen before.
Strangely, Yun Yao’s departure hadn’t fazed him, but the mere mention of “Li Xiangling” seemed to be his breaking point.
Why?
Seizing the moment of hesitation, Chu Tianqiu turned to the boy behind him. “Jin Yuanxun, take Li Xiangling away.”
“Got it, boss.”
The instant he spoke, a bell tolled in the distance. Before anyone could react, Jin Yuanxun vanished like a ghost from Chu Tianqiu’s side.
Yun Yao shouted, “Watch out!”—but it was too late. Jin Yuanxun had already materialized behind Li Xiangling and was twisting her arm into a lock.
His movement was bizarre—no flash of light, no visible trajectory. It was as if he had always been standing there, effortlessly seizing Li Xiangling’s wrist.
Feeling her arm grabbed, Li Xiangling’s expression turned cold. She spun midair, instantly breaking free from the joint lock, then lashed out with a kick aimed at Jin Yuanxun’s chest.
Jin Yuanxun had never fought her before and hadn’t expected the seemingly unremarkable girl to be so skilled. He hastily crossed his arms to block—but the sheer force sent him stumbling back several steps.
“I don’t know what’s going on…” Li Xiangling spread her hands, adopting a combat stance. “But if you think brute force will make me submit… you’re underestimating me.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage