Chapter 1133: Hidden Own People

Slaughter.

Unceasing slaughter.

The square that once housed the giant bell had transformed into a living hell, with flames and blood spreading everywhere, and screams of agony nearly drowning out all conversation.

The people fighting on the square generally fell into three categories.

The first were those focused solely on escape, weaving through the crowds without engaging in battle, desperate to flee. It seemed as though figures like team leaders were guiding them in various directions, but most encountered the Renji Shengxiao at the outer edges of the encirclement.

The second were those intent on killing, attacking anyone trying to run without discrimination, regardless of whether they were "rebels." As soon as someone showed signs of fleeing, they would swarm them. If the person could release a "Huixiang," they might have a chance of survival; if not, they would be beaten to death on the spot.

The third were those who didn't fit into the first two groups—people who had lost themselves to bloodlust, fully unleashing their primal killing instincts and fighting to the death with whoever stood before them. Their allegiances and motives were unclear; all that was evident was their desperate will to survive.

Yan Zhichun led her group smoothly to the edge of the square, but by then, she had become separated from Zhoumo, Jiang Ruoxue, Tong Yi, Lao Sun, and the others. Each team captain was breaking out from one of eight positions.

Just as they were about to escape the square, three Renji Shengxiao blocked their path.

These three were Yang, Tu, and Ma. Yan Zhichun slowed her steps, her expression turning cautious.

These mere three Renji Shengxiao could be easily controlled with "Duoxinpo," but she had to remember not to harm them.

After all, attacking a Renji Shengxiao would undoubtedly summon "Zhuque." Even one "Baihu" had already caused countless casualties; if "Zhuque" joined the battlefield, no one present would survive.

The Renji Ma at the front took a slow step forward, stared at Yan Zhichun for a moment, then scratched his neck under the mask, his expression complex.

The two Shengxiao behind him looked on, slightly puzzled.

Renji Yang paused and asked, "Renji Ma, what's wrong?"

Renji Tu beside him also cast a suspicious glance.

After a moment, Renji Ma stepped aside, clearing the path behind him, and said, "They're here to provide support, not 'rebels.'"

Yan Zhichun furrowed her brow, unsure of his meaning, but it seemed like he was letting them pass.

The situation was urgent, with pursuers behind and dangers ahead—if they could leave without bloodshed, that would be ideal.

However, the Renji Yang and Renji Tu behind him didn't seem to agree.

"Here to provide support...?" Renji Yang asked doubtfully. "How do you know...?"

"Because before we came, this woman was participating in my game," Renji Ma replied. "We started from the game site and got separated after arriving here."

Renji Yang narrowed his eyes behind the mask and stepped forward slowly, sensing something was off.

Though Renji Ma's explanation was worth considering, why would he lie for "rebels"? If word got out, the consequences for him would be disastrous.

At this point, the only option was to test their story.

"Hey," Renji Yang said, staring at Yan Zhichun. "I just talked it over with Renji Ma, and I know what his game is. If you tell me the details of his game site right now, I'll let you go. Otherwise, I'll call everyone around to surround you."

Renji Ma frowned, about to speak, but Renji Tu pulled him back.

Yan Zhichun sized up Renji Yang and slowly smiled.

Such a basic deception tactic being used on her.

She called it "deception" because there were only two possibilities. First, Renji Ma hadn't mentioned his game details, and the other was trying to gauge the truth through her micro-expressions and words—in which case, whether she revealed the game or not, Renji Ma would be in danger.

Second, Renji Ma had indeed shared his game details, but Yan Zhichun couldn't possibly guess a plausible answer.

So, it seemed insoluble.

But unfortunately, the difference in their levels was too great.

She had conversed daily with that Bai Yang for seven years—how could she lose to a mere Renji Yang?

"Renji Yang, have you lost your mind?" Yan Zhichun didn't answer his question; instead, she stepped forward to face him. "The real 'rebels' are still fighting around the square, and you're not helping out—now you're interrogating me?"

"You..." Renji Yang faltered.

Yan Zhichun used the same tactic, reaching up to smooth her hair, and Renji Yang instinctively did the same with his mask.

"If I were a 'rebel,' would I stand here quietly listening to you talk for so long without making a move?" she continued. "If I were a 'rebel,' could I fabricate an elaborate lie to deceive you—a complete stranger—without any prior communication with Renji Ma?"

"I..."

Renji Yang felt he might have been wrong, as she seemed completely composed, not like someone lying.

"Besides, do you see how many people are standing behind me?" Yan Zhichun pointed over her shoulder. "Have you ever seen such obedient 'rebels' in your life? We have other tasks to carry out, so don't block the way."

"You..." Renji Yang blinked. "But all the 'rebels' are here now... what other tasks could there be?"

"We're going to guard the other three bells," Yan Zhichun replied without hesitation. "I won't criticize you for not helping, but don't get in our way."

Renji Yang was taken aback but still reluctant to back down. He softened his tone and asked, "Alright then... so, what's the situation inside right now?"

Yan Zhichun chuckled lightly but didn't answer, saying only, "If you want to know, go in and see for yourself."

With that, she pushed past Renji Yang, gave Renji Ma a meaningful glance, and led her team away down the street.

As she walked, she reflected on what had just happened, knowing she didn't actually know Renji Ma. So, what could have prompted him to help her?

After thinking it over, Yan Zhichun arrived at the only possible answer.

It was the former "Jidao Zhe," now turned into a Shengxiao.

They carried dual identities, able to receive her "Chuan Yin" and safely guard the perimeter as Shengxiao.

The "Jidao" had only been established for seven years, meaning that if any "Jidao Zhe" had become a Shengxiao, they were likely just at the Renji level.

The only question was, how many of these Renji were there...?

If possible, she hoped that the other escaping teams would all encounter their own people.