“Just like the current situation.”

Qinglong continued: “If I first selected fourteen people and then thought of the titles, I would very likely lean toward ‘Xiangqi’ as well. Wouldn’t that work out perfectly?”

“You call that ‘working out perfectly’…?”

“But speaking of which…” Qinglong sighed, “Ever since Baiyang came up with his idea, there have been more and more spectacular games. The game used to select the ‘Heaven-Level’ back then is completely inadequate now. The people selected at that time are truly unable to shoulder great responsibilities. How can I justifiably kill them without affecting the ‘Earth-Level’ members who want to advance?”

“You…” Earth-Dragon wanted to speak but stopped, her eyes only looking at him as if viewing an irrational beast.

“Oh, I forgot—you’re also a ‘Zodiac,’ so I can’t discuss this matter with you.” Qinglong smiled, “Although you can never advance, you are still ‘Earth-Level.’ What a pity. Most of the people in this ‘Cangjie Chess’ are so strong. If they could become ‘gods,’ how spectacular would this land be…?”

Earth-Dragon paused for a long while before finally saying: “You will face divine retribution.”

“I will face divine retribution?” Qinglong grinned, “Unfortunately, here I am greater than ‘Heaven.'”

Earth-Dragon didn’t respond, only stared at the people moving below with a heavy expression.

She knew in her heart—no wonder this game had assigned everyone an “identity,” from chariots, horses, and cannons to soldiers and generals, everything was complete.

So Qinglong had already prepared a backup plan…

But he should also understand that in this game, neither Qi Xia nor Chu Tianqiu would agree to the proposal of “becoming gods together.”

“They will soon end this absurd game.” Earth-Dragon said, “Your so-called ‘Cangjie Chess’ will also completely disappear from this world, and never again will such formidable characters perform for you in games.”

“I won’t give up.” Qinglong smiled, “This is a game I designed. Only when I say they’ve ‘won’ do they truly ‘win.'”

“Are you planning to cheat…?” Earth-Dragon asked again.

……

Qi Xia arrived at the “River Road” first to wait for Chu Tianqiu, holding in his hands all the “characters” he had won so far.

Those gray-white metals were like strings of bones held in his hand, making a crisp sound like wind chimes.

A few minutes later, a “door” on the opposite side was opened, and Chu Tianqiu revealed himself.

Qi Xia didn’t immediately see any “characters” on him, and couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

“Qi Xia.” Chu Tianqiu called out, “I don’t quite understand why you want to gamble with me at the final moment. Do you think you’re going to lose?”

“Hard to say.” Qi Xia shook his head, “I can’t determine the outcome of this game, so I can only have one final contest with you.”

“Haven’t we been contesting all along?” Chu Tianqiu said, “Every decision you and I made in this game has been a contest, except it seems like you won every step.”

“There were victories and defeats on both sides.” Qi Xia said, “Thinking you lost every step would be too modest.”

“Then tell me… where did I win?” Chu Tianqiu asked.

“Every person on your team is stronger than those on my side.” Qi Xia said, “You don’t even need to give them precise tactics—they’ve already been continuously winning ‘characters’ from my side. If I didn’t have even more detailed tactics, I would definitely lose this game.”

“What…?” Chu Tianqiu smiled bitterly, “This is what you call ‘winning’?”

“Doesn’t this count as winning?” Qi Xia said, “The ‘MiG-25 Effect.’ Each person on my side may not be as clever as those on your team, but appropriate performance utilization makes the team appear strong.”

After hearing this, Chu Tianqiu nodded: “A fine ‘appropriate performance.'”

“‘Heaven’s Mouth’ operates on the same principle.” Qi Xia continued, “You hold too many powerful teammates in your hands. This in itself is a form of ‘winning.'”

“But what does that… have to do with me?”

“How could it not?” Qi Xia countered, “They joined your camp, not mine. This shows there was something about you that attracted them. Whether or not they’re still here now, they at least once fought for ‘Heaven’s Mouth.'”

Chu Tianqiu sighed: “Let’s talk business. So how do you want to determine the outcome?”

“Naturally through one of the game rooms here.” Qi Xia pointed behind himself, “I’ve selected a room that I think is very suitable for the two of us to determine victory.”

“What ‘character’ room is it?” Chu Tianqiu asked.

“It’s ‘Mao.'” Qi Xia answered truthfully, “Interested?”

“If I remember correctly, every confrontation between you and me has been initiated by me.” Chu Tianqiu said, “It’s rare for you to actively invite me. I would be remiss to decline.”

“Good.” Qi Xia nodded, “Before that, I need to verify that you have ‘characters’ on you. Did you bring the entire team’s ‘characters’?”

“No.” Chu Tianqiu said, “Jin Yuanxun hasn’t returned yet. You should know this, so I didn’t bring the ‘characters’ on him.”

Qi Xia naturally knew where Jin Yuanxun had gone and where the “characters” on Jin Yuanxun were.

Chu Tianqiu took out all the “characters” except Jin Yuanxun’s “pawn” from his coat pocket and displayed them before Qi Xia.

“If one is missing, then one is missing. The ‘pawn’ isn’t important.” Qi Xia said, “Are you ready to come with me?”

“As long as you don’t mind, let’s go.”

The two walked one after the other toward the “Preparation Zone” where Qi Xia’s camp was located. Since the “Mao” character room was too deep inside, Qi Xia could only first enter the room marked “Xu” in front of him, then have Chu Tianqiu enter after leaving.

Just as Chu Tianqiu was about to leave the “Xu” character room and enter the “Mao” character room, Qi Xia reached out to stop him.

The two stood in two different rooms—one side representing cooperation with the “Xu Dog,” the other representing escape with the “Mao Rabbit.”

“What is it?” Chu Tianqiu asked.

“I’m thinking about something…” Qi Xia said.

Chu Tianqiu frowned and carefully looked around, asking: “At this point in time… what matter could interrupt your train of thought?”

“I just want to be cautious.” Qi Xia answered, “If I’m not cautious… all the early-stage planning would be useless.”

Seeing that Chu Tianqiu remained silent for a long time, Qi Xia added:

“Just like now… if I let my guard down at the final moment, then I would lose everything.”

After hearing this, Chu Tianqiu asked with furrowed brows: “What do you mean…?”

“I mean there’s no need for you to play these little tricks. Relay what I just said to Chu Tianqiu and have him come out to see me himself.”

After hearing this, Chu Tianqiu paused, then smiled bitterly again with an exceptionally despairing expression.

“Qi Xia… why…?” His voice transformed into a female voice, “Did I… still have a flaw this time?”