Chapter 549: Whirlpool

I agreed to Chu Tianqiu’s request.

Reflecting on it, it's truly terrifying. On one hand, I'm agreeing to Qinglong's demands, while on the other, I'm trying to infiltrate the conflict between Chu Tianqiu and Qi Xia. In this four-way game, the power imbalance feels overwhelming.

It’s like walking a tightrope over a blade or charging into a pack of powerful monsters with a rusty knife. If they accidentally strike me while tearing at each other, I’d be shattered in an instant.

In this invisible vortex, how can I possibly escape unscathed?

Fortunately, it seems that Chu Tianqiu's plan and Qinglong's plan overlap in some ways.

Qinglong wants Chu Tianqiu and Qi Xia to fight it out, and Chu Tianqiu hopes I'll deliberately expose a weakness to Qi Xia.

From that perspective... as long as I do what they both expect, I should be able to barely navigate through it.

This feeling is utterly chilling.

I can't see through either Qi Xia or Qinglong.

Now, even Chu Tianqiu’s eyes are veiled in a haze.

As I’ve said from the start, I’m just an ordinary person, with no chance of competing against these born monsters. But I’ll do everything I can within my limits.

Either I’ll find a way to destroy this place, or it’ll destroy me.

In the days that followed, I worked hard to play the role of Chu Tianqiu, while he hid himself in the shelter he’d built inside the tomb.

Tian Tang Kou was different from before.

The people here were still following my instructions, but they seemed to have lost their "soul." Two years ago, Tian Tang Kou was nothing like this—everyone had drive, and you could see the light in their eyes.

Now, that light is gone.

Even Zhang Shan no longer has his former enthusiasm.

Although many don't remember what happened, the "despair" buried deep in their hearts lingers, haunting everyone without fading.

If I had to say who among Tian Tang Kou's members still has light in their eyes,

It’s Yun Yao.

Her light is stronger than anyone's. She wants to get out more than anyone else, and her determination is unshakeable.

In the second lun hui, following Chu Tianqiu's instructions, I waited at the spot where Qi Xia’s group appeared and directly invited them to join Tian Tang Kou.

The plan went smoother than I imagined.

After all, my portrayal of Chu Tianqiu was flawless. I flashed his signature smile and approached everyone with elegant charm.

When they arrived at Tian Tang Kou, I immediately sent Zhang Shan to control Qiao Jiajin, successfully provoking Qi Xia.

But I didn't expect Qi Xia to have changed.

The old Qi Xia was incredibly smart but always tried to help those around him. In my memory, he would never attack someone without a word and knock them down.

And he was the first to pick up a brick, intent on killing me as Chu Tianqiu.

Qi Xia now carried an aura of despair I'd never seen before, making him ruthlessly cold. Just his eyes on me made me feel a bone-chilling despair.

What happened to him?

A few days ago, when he was sitting in the taxi covered in blood, he asked me,

"Are you clear-headed now?"

A man who showed such concern for a stranger was now glaring with icy eyes, brick in hand, choking my neck.

I’ve been gone for just two years—why has everyone changed?

What happened to Chu Tianqiu?

What happened to Qi Xia?

These two powerhouses have even drawn Qinglong into the open, just to watch them fight?

"Chu Tianqiu, what are you pretending with me?"

"Pretending...? You're saying I'm pretending...?"

I forced a smile, but my heart was racing. Why does he think I'm pretending?

What's going on with this man? Has he seen through me?

He stared at me coldly and continued,

"I don't care if you're the leader of Tian Tang Kou or the god ruling this place—why are you provoking me?"

"I... how have I provoked you?"

Qi Xia's brief words made my hair stand on end. Does he really know something... or is he just guessing?

Why did he suddenly mention the leader of Tian Tang Kou and the god ruling this place?

My mind is getting more and more chaotic. In this game, it feels like I'm the only one in the dark.

These three are just too powerful; I'm no match. I have a feeling I've already walked into someone's trap...

But whose trap is it?

Qi Xia's?

Chu Tianqiu's?

Qinglong's?

He kept weighing that large stone in his hand, his eyes full of killing intent. I felt like he was really going to kill me.

But I haven't even met Qinglong yet. If I die now, I might not come back.

After all, he hasn't promised me the status of a "participant" in this lun hui. If I die, I'm truly gone.

So, what should I do?

A flood of thoughts rushed through my mind, and suddenly, a new idea sparked.

Wait... I might have one last path.

That is, to be honest with Qi Xia right now.

Since I can't stay on the sidelines of their game anymore, I'll attach myself to one side. If Qi Xia learns about Chu Tianqiu and Qinglong's plans, given his nature, he could turn this whole place upside down!

"You... wait! Listen to me—there's a reason for what I'm doing!"

I shouted quickly. If Qi Xia hesitated even a bit, I'd spill everything.

But Qi Xia is always Qi Xia—he does things far beyond my expectations.

"Too bad you didn't tell me the reason in advance," he replied firmly. "What I hate most in life is anything beyond my expectations. No matter how shocking the 'truth' you reveal next, I'll smash your head in."

He really meant to kill me.

Luckily, Yun Yao pulled him back and earnestly persuaded him.

And in that moment, I was truly scared by Qi Xia. He's not the same as before...

The old Qi Xia always had a crowd of followers wherever he went, but now his gaze is so sharp, and he only brings Qiao Jiajin with him. His followers have dwindled drastically—what's caused this change?

I thought Yun Yao had convinced him, but to my surprise, he still raised the stone.

"Anyway, we can all come back from death... This time, I'll smash your head and teach you a lesson. In the next life, don't mess with me again."

"Don't... I can't die now..."

I really can't die. Qi Xia, you can't do this.

This time, even if the real Chu Tianqiu could die, I can't!

I'd vanish for good!

In my utter panic, the stone landed on the ground beside my ear, kicking up a cloud of dust.