Chapter 991: Filling in the Gaps

Qi Xia’s peculiar behavior left Chu Tianqiu feeling a bit uneasy.

He considered the people Qi Xia had already chosen: Qiao Jiji, Chen Junnan, Zhang Chenze, and Han Yimo.

It seemed Qi Xia had a strange strategy, as all of the selected individuals were from the interview room.

By now, his own team had acquired Zhao Haibo, and he had heard that a person named Xiao Ran had recently disappeared from the opposing room, leaving exactly seven people remaining in there.

Could Qi Xia be planning to gather everyone from that entire room?

“But that doesn’t make sense… Qi Xia,” Chu Tianqiu thought to himself, “When we first met, I warned you that there’s someone in your room who isn’t on your side…”

Various possibilities flashed through Chu Tianqiu's mind, but he couldn't quite grasp what Qi Xia was planning. He only vaguely sensed that Qi Xia wasn't just participating in the game; he seemed to have some other agenda.

In that case…

Chu Tianqiu stepped forward and wrote down the three characters for “Wen Qiaoyun.”

Before the game began, Chu Tianqiu had never imagined that both Wen Qiaoyun and Yan Zhichun would end up joining his team.

Wen Qiaoyun didn't hesitate much either; once she saw the door open, she walked right in.

Now, his team had acquired Zhang Shan, Jin Yuanxun, Zhao Haibo, Yan Zhichun, and Wen Qiaoyun.

In terms of combat, Zhang Shan and Jin Yuanxun could hold their own. For strategy, Yan Zhichun and Wen Qiaoyun could provide tactics and schemes. And if strange props were involved, Zhao Haibo could step up at critical moments.

Although one spot remained unfilled, the current team composition was already well-rounded in every aspect.

Even if there were any shortcomings, he could cover them with the over a hundred Yan Qiu he carried.

But the next choice would depend on who Qi Xia selected as his sixth member.

In the time that followed, Qi Xia became quiet and withdrawn, barely saying a word, before stepping up to write down a name.

“Zhang Lijuan.”

This choice aligned with what Chu Tianqiu had anticipated. For the seventh person, Qi Xia would likely select Lin Geng, bringing everyone from his room together in this game.

“Wait a minute…” Chu Tianqiu furrowed his brow slightly, vaguely recalling that Qi Xia had mentioned there were ten people in his room at one point.

As for that officer…? Could Qi Xia’s seventh choice be Li Shangwu instead of Lin Geng?

Chu Tianqiu shook his head, deciding to focus on the game for now. However, the ability Qiao Wu had too many drawbacks. Not to mention that he had already obtained Li Xi; even if no one could counter Tian Tian, she still needed existing materials around her to create items.

Without Yuan Wu or Tan Nang to complement it, how could Qiao Wu produce items out of thin air?

Even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice, let alone craft more complex Qiao Wu.

“What exactly are you thinking…?” Chu Tianqiu frowned to himself.

Tian Tian had just seen off Zheng Yingxiong not long ago when she noticed the glowing door appear before her.

After listening to Di Long's brief introduction, Tian Tian hesitated for a moment but said nothing. After thinking it over, she stepped through the door.

Chu Tianqiu took a deep breath. Both of them were now at the final selection stage. Once the seventh person was chosen, Cangjie Qi would officially enter the Zhan Chang phase.

But what was still missing from his team?

In any case, he felt his team was already very strong, and choosing anyone at this point wouldn't make much difference for him. For Qi Xia, however, it was entirely different. Since every person he selected was from his own room, a wrong choice could have significant consequences.

Chu Tianqiu knew Qi Xia was proud by nature—if he issued a challenge, Qi Xia would surely accept it.

Although this meant he’d miss the chance to choose Yun Yao, even if he could select her, she would likely refuse.

So, he paused for a moment, turned to Qi Xia, and smiled. “How about we gamble on the last pick?”

“Oh?” Qi Xia raised an eyebrow. “Gamble on what?”

“We each choose a member for the other—I write a name for your team, and you write one for mine,” Chu Tianqiu said. “Otherwise, just selecting people according to our plans is a bit too dull.”

Qi Xia turned to look at Di Long, as if seeking her opinion.

“As long as you both agree, I don’t mind,” Di Long shrugged.

“Alright,” Qi Xia smiled. “I accept.”

Chu Tianqiu felt he had subtly grasped Qi Xia’s way of thinking.

If Qi Xia had any weakness, Chu Tianqiu believed it wasn’t Yu Nian’an or Yan Zhichun—it was simply his pride. If he wanted to outmaneuver Qi Xia, this was the only angle to take.

The two switched places, with Qi Xia now standing at Chu Tianqiu’s station. He raised his hand but, before writing the name, turned back to Chu Tianqiu and said softly:

“Chu Tianqiu, you think your team is already well-rounded, so it doesn’t matter who I pick—it won’t affect you much.”

Chu Tianqiu frowned slightly upon hearing this, realizing Qi Xia had seen right through him. He sighed and said, “So what?”

“So, I can help strengthen your team’s setup even more,” Qi Xia thought for a few seconds and continued, “Your team doesn’t lack strategists or fighters; what you’re missing is someone like you—someone who can adapt and make various decisions based on the situation.”

“Don’t kid yourself…” Chu Tianqiu said, “We’ve both been in this game for years. Anyone who fits that role is probably already in our teams. Where’s the perfect candidate left?”

“That just means you’re being too picky,” Qi Xia laughed. “There is someone who can do something similar. Their intelligence isn’t top-tier, but they often come up with ideas based on the circumstances. And right now, you need someone with ideas…”

The more Chu Tianqiu listened, the stranger it sounded. Who could earn such praise from Qi Xia?

It wasn't until he saw Qi Xia write down the three characters for “Xu Liunian” that he finally understood what Qi Xia was planning.

As an opponent, how could Qi Xia be so generous?

Though he spoke nicely, Xu Liunian wasn’t much of an asset.

“She does have her own ideas and can make decisions on the spot, but could her tricks fool you?” Chu Tianqiu asked.

“Why would I need to be fooled?” Qi Xia countered. “My team isn’t just me. If the team gets split up or faces an emergency, Xu Liunian would be extremely useful. After all, not everyone in my team is clever.”

At this point, Chu Tianqiu could hardly tell if Qi Xia was being sincere.

It wasn't until Di Long opened the door and told the waiting Xu Liunian that “Chu Tianqiu invites you to join,” that Chu Tianqiu pulled his thoughts back and began strategizing based on his current teammates.