Shock flashed past, giving way to sheer disbelief.
Huangfu Jiajia stood between Lu Caiwei and Li Mochou, staring in astonishment at the particles of blood mist drifting around them.
Who could have imagined that the man from the Fourth Branch had somehow found such courage and resolve, lying low until the final moment before making his shocking move?
Hou, Li, Huangfu, Huang, Chang, Wang, Li, Lu, and Cheng—the nine of them represented the combined strength of every branch participating in this mission.
Yet Xue Tingtao, who had remained on the sidelines, had become the final wild card, the last obstacle to the Red Forbidden Zone operation. His move might even decide the outcome outright.
Hou Guisheng and Chang Sheng exchanged a glance, each seeing the complicated expression in the other's eyes. But those feelings consisted mostly of mockery, amusement, and pleasant surprise.
As neither was competing for the Puzzle Piece Fragment, they watched from the sidelines, finding each successive reversal utterly brilliant.
Huang Banxian, however, had no leisure to enjoy the spectacle. His body was close to giving out, and this sudden turn left his head spinning.
At this point, he wanted nothing more to do with Draw a Circle to Imprison or the dispute between Ji and Gu. He only prayed that the mission would end quickly so he could return and recuperate.
Lu Caiwei lost her patience again. She reached for the Colored Rope in her hair, poised to untie it once more, and cursed:
"That filthy rat hiding in the gutter! He still wants a share at this point? I'll kill that bastard Xue!"
That was simply her temperament, but Li Guanqi saw the situation clearly. He hurried to stop her, then turned his gaze on Huangfu Jiajia and said:
"Xue Tingtao doesn't have that kind of