It really was him, Su Yida!

Is it possible that Cheng Shi was Fool's Game?

Yes, it's possible, and the probability is very high.

Zhang Jizu had considered this possibility, but he never questioned Cheng Shi about it, because there was no need to.

Firstly, whether Cheng Shi was Fool's Game or not doesn't affect Zhang Jizu's essential purpose of surviving to the end; secondly, whether the other party was Fool's Game or not doesn't affect their friendship.

Cheng Shi's nostalgia for the past is genuine, and his desire to live is equally undeniable.

That's enough.

During Sandlais' Trials, the Clowns learned that Kraun's martyrdom did not make Emissary of [Deception], so only his "successor" could uphold the title of Fool's Game.

Cheng Shi has almost found all of Kraun's Mask, except for the "Clown Nose." With such a blatant hint, not only Zhang Jizu, but almost every Clown guessed that Cheng Shi Fool's Game.

But they didn't mention it. Why?

Because there is no evidence.

Don't forget, Cheng Shi also played Fool's Game in front of them... If that was Fool's Game, then what's the difference between that performance and making fools of idiots?

Cheng Shi could have hidden himself much better, but he chose to take a risky approach, revealing his true identity in front of them and pretending to be an actor. This act of focusing attention on himself was foolish and risky, not something a steady Clown would do... So some people used this reason to convince themselves.

Moreover, everyone is searching for the path to godhood. Whether it's the Worship God Society or the Rationality Association, there are countless fanatics, yet no one has ever succeeded. And now you're telling me that a Clown has become Emissary right under everyone's noses?

No, the existence of the Fool's Game is traceable, and it does not seem to be something that was exalted from Subgod in this [Faith Game].

In short, through a series of coincidences and their own power struggles, the Clowns tacitly kept quiet about it.

Zhang Jizu knew a little more than them. After all, he had once fooled the Clowns for God of Merriment's "salvation plan." Given God of Merriment's attention to Cheng Shi's identity as a Fool's Game was not abrupt, and even somewhat reasonable.

But now, when Zhang Jizu heard from the Poison man that Cheng Shi was Fool's Game, he wasn't surprised at all, and calmly shook his head:

"I have no idea."

Although she couldn't directly see through a Poison, she was extremely perceptive of human nature. Seeing Zhang Jizu's calm expression, she simply said "Oh" and smiled:

"It seems he has thought about it."

Since you've thought about it, have you also considered why he kept it from you but chose not to hide it from me?

Zhang Jizu frowned slightly, indeed somewhat puzzled, but he didn't speak, because he could also see that the Poison today had a strong desire to share.

Of course, this might not be sharing, it might just be venting.

She was keeping too many secrets to herself.

As expected, seeing that Zhang Jizu didn't respond, Poison leaned against the wall and muttered to himself with a sorrowful expression.

"Actually, it wasn't just me; there was another person who also knew about his Fool's Game."

Qu Yan, I don't know if you know him, he's a Chameleon who Faith [Silence].

It's no big deal to let the [Silence] Believer know the secret, after all, they are good at keeping quiet and can keep secrets.

But why did you have to tell me all this?

I always thought this was because the young Priest treated me differently from others; he said no, but he was thinking of me and was willing to lend me a hand in this boring game.

He also introduced me to Afros, who helped me find a second Faith... [Time]

I am very happy about this and look forward to meeting him in my new capacity, hoping to envision a future where he will not be resistant to my approach.

Unfortunately, all of this was just wishful thinking on my part.

When I met that person, I realized that gods are gods, and every step they take has a purpose.

He told me his identity not to get me closer to him, but to subtly get closer to me.

He wants to get something from me...

She stopped talking about Poison, looked at Zhang Jizu with worry, and pursed her lips, saying:

Can I trust you?

"?"

For a fleeting moment, Zhang Jizu took out his Scalpel again.

He suspected that the coy Poison in front of him wasn't real Poison at all, but rather quite possibly some annoying Fate Weaver!

He remained silent, and even took a few steps back steadily.

Upon seeing this, Poison's sorrow froze on his face, and an awkward atmosphere instantly spread.

"... Am I really that untrustworthy, or are you...?"

"Get to the point if you have something to say, otherwise goodbye." Zhang Jizu took another step back; he was prepared to take a detour.

Poison's lips twitched slightly as he looked at this "purely desirous" Chosen of God of [Death], and said softly:

"Fine, it's rare for me to have someone to confide in, so I'll tell you."

Fool's Game's motives for getting close to me weren't pure; he did so much for me just to get something from me...

Joy.

As she spoke, Poison lowered her head in shame and anger, but when she looked up again, there was no Zhang Jizu in front of her, only empty air.

"?

"Are my lies really that fake?"

Yes, Poison was lying. She never intended to share her secrets with Zhang Jizu. She just wanted to confirm some of her Cheng Shi from the expression of this [Chosen of God of [Death], but the steady Old Zhang didn't give her that chance.

Poison stared blankly at the empty path before her, then suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh. She leaned against the wall and slowly slumped down, gazing at the sky. With the tip of her blade, Dance With Me so long, she lightly traced the shapes of the clouds, muttering to herself in an enigmatic tone:

What exactly is desire?

Why did He... do that?

On the other side.

The two con artists, "determined to resist" [Deception], did not linger. They sprang into action again, infiltrating the explosion site to search for clues about their other teammate.

They quickly discovered a clue.

Zhen Xin is incredibly wealthy; she's probably the richest Magician in the game. Regardless of how many resources a History School can provide her, her uncanny ability to deceive others is enough to trick countless magic cards out of them.

While the perimeter was cordoned off, the two used illusions to conceal the scene and brazenly stood at the center of the explosion, searching indiscriminately.

Of course, they didn't do much searching; it was all thanks to Zhen Xin throwing cards out to the outside world.

[Memory], [Time], [Truth], [Folly]... Cheng Shi learned for the first time that this was how "rich people" played games. Cards fluttered down, and the scenes before the explosion were recreated in the destroyed tent.

Cheng Shi's pupils contracted slightly, and he said with a hint of sourness, "At this moment, you really do seem like someone who has stepped out of Golden House."

Zhen Xin rolled her eyes at him, pointed to the tent entrance in the memory recreation area, and said softly, "They're here."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a figure pushed open the door and walked in.

The morning light leaped over his shoulders, outlining his silhouette, but in its eagerness to embrace the darkness of the room, it missed his face.

But even just an outline is enough, because Cheng Shi will never forget the face of that Master of Trickery who roared madly on the Icefield!

It really was him, Su Yida!