Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Agent Feng arrives in Redstone Bay and meets Aunt Hai, who reveals she is part of the Inquisitor clan.
• Agent Feng learns about the Inquisitors' history and their betrayal by the current city lord of Colossus City.
• Aunt Hai assigns Agent Feng a task to find Old Lei, her junior brother, in Colossus City and bring him back.
• Agent Feng learns the basic Ice Rune skill from Aunt Hai.

Character Developments

• Agent Feng demonstrates his intelligence and resourcefulness in finding Aunt Hai and deciphering the Inquisitor clan's codes.
• Aunt Hai reveals her powerful ice abilities and her role as a senior member of the Inquisitor clan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of justice and fairness, as represented by the Inquisitor clan.
• The struggle against corruption and betrayal, as exemplified by the Inquisitors' treatment by the current city lord.

Character Interactions

• Agent Feng interacts with Aunt Hai, learning about the Inquisitor clan's history and receiving a task from her.
• Agent Feng encounters a group of Awakened who try to rob him, leading to a confrontation with Aunt Hai's intervention.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Agent Feng learns the Ice Rune skill from Aunt Hai and tests it on a monkey.
• He enters Colossus City but is captured by the patrol team due to a previous altercation.
• Minister Li visits, and Agent Feng learns that Minister Li is suspicious and has secrets he doesn't want exposed.
• Agent Feng meets Tuoba Liang, a Martial Cultivator, in the prison and learns about a new profession.

Character Developments

• Agent Feng demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• Tuoba Liang reveals his disdain for the discrimination against Martial Cultivators and his pride in their unique abilities.

Significant Themes

• The discrimination and prejudice against Martial Cultivators by Energy Cultivators.
• The potential power and uniqueness of the Martial Cultivator profession.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in survival.

Character Interactions

• Agent Feng and Tuoba Liang: They share a brief but meaningful interaction, with Agent Feng learning about Martial Cultivators and Tuoba Liang expressing his frustration with the discrimination against his kind.
• Agent Feng and Minister Li: Their interaction is tense, with Agent Feng withholding information and Minister Li trying to extract it, hinting at a power struggle and hidden secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Inquisitor Remnant, Lei Tiedan, is hiding in Colossus City's slums, healing from potions given by Agent Feng.
• Cheng Shaofeng, a Shadow Guard of Agent Feng, arrives in Colossus City and starts selling Explosive Rounds, attracting the attention of the Cross Cult.
• The Cross Cult pursues Cheng Shaofeng, leading him to seek refuge in the Zhuang family manor.
• Agent Feng is being tortured in the dungeon but manages to obtain a gun and plans to escape to rescue Lei Tiedan.

Character Developments

• Lei Tiedan (Inquisitor Remnant): He is healing and planning to retrieve the 'Scales of Justice' from the City Lord's Mansion. He's waiting for an opportunity to strike against the current city lord and the Cross Cult.
• Cheng Shaofeng (Shadow Guard): He demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking by selling Explosive Rounds and using his skills to escape from the Cross Cult.
• Agent Feng: Despite being tortured, he maintains his composure and plans an escape to rescue Lei Tiedan.

Significant Themes

• Antagonism between Inquisitors and the Cross Cult: The Inquisitors and the Cross Cult have a long-standing feud, with the Cross Cult currently in power and the Inquisitors in hiding.
• Survival and Resilience: Characters like Lei Tiedan and Agent Feng show resilience in the face of adversity, determined to survive and achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Lei Tiedan and Agent Feng: Although they haven't interacted directly in this chapter, their connection is established through Agent Feng's Shadow Guard, Cheng Shaofeng. Agent Feng is determined to rescue Lei Tiedan, showing their bond and shared goal.
• Cheng Shaofeng and the Cross Cult: Cheng Shaofeng's interactions with the Cross Cult members highlight the tension between the Inquisitors and the Cross Cult, as well as Cheng Shaofeng's resourcefulness and combat skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Minister Li, with the support of the Cross Cult and the City Guard, attempts to seize the Zhuang family's assets by accusing them of harboring an Inquisitor Remnant.
• Zhuang Hai, revealed to be alive, exposes Minister Li's scheme, leading to a power struggle among the councilors.
• The City Lord intervenes, and the truth is revealed, leading to the Li family's downfall and the Zhuang family's victory.
• Zhuang Hai regains his position as councilor, and the Li family's assets are divided among the remaining councilors.

Character Developments

• Minister Li is exposed as a traitor and is imprisoned.
• Zhuang Hai regains his health and position, solidifying his power.
• Yan Xing is revealed to be Zhuang Hai's illegitimate son.
• Cheng Shaofeng, an Inquisitor Remnant, successfully navigates the power struggle and secures resources for his return to Huo Town.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and corruption among the city's councilors.
• The influence of the Inquisitors and the Cross Cult on Colossus City's politics.
• The importance of loyalty and trust in maintaining power and alliances.

Character Interactions

• Minister Li and Zhuang Hai's conflict escalates, leading to Minister Li's downfall.
• Zhuang Hai and Yan Xing's relationship is revealed, strengthening their alliance.
• Cheng Shaofeng interacts with various characters, using his knowledge of the Inquisitors to navigate the political landscape and secure resources.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shaofeng visits the Merchant Guild to buy crystals for himself and supplies for Calamity Base.
• He encounters a large, expensive Chaos Crystal, which he initially can't afford.
• He sells a necklace to the Merchant Guild to secure the crystal and buys other necessary items.
• He learns about the feud between the Cross Cult and the Inquisitors, and the true power of the Merchant Guild.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng demonstrates his cunning and strategic thinking in dealing with the Zhuang family and the Merchant Guild.
• Zhuang Hai's life is now tied to Cheng Shaofeng's, making him more cooperative.
• Liu Wei, the Merchant Guild supervisor, shows professionalism and urgency in selling the Chaos Crystal.

Significant Themes

• The power of crystals and their scarcity in the Wasteland.
• The importance of strategic thinking and resource management in survival.
• The hidden power dynamics between different factions in Colossus City.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shaofeng interacts with Liu Wei, the Merchant Guild supervisor, to buy crystals and learn about Colossus City.
• Cheng Shaofeng's Shadow Guard and Cheng Dafu's clone have a unique synergy, allowing them to fool others about their true power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shaofeng returns to Calamity Base after remotely controlling his Shadow Guards in Colossus City.
• Players continue to grind and sell items to Wu Jie's shop, leading to a large influx of resources.
• Cheng Shaofeng plans to develop stealthily, hoard goods, and buy the [Universal Synthesis Machine] using the influx of resources.
• A group of New Players encounters and kills Chaos Cultists, a new type of monster, near the base.
• Agent Feng returns to Calamity Base with two strangers, having used a one-time use item to travel from Colossus City.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng: Plans to develop the base's economy and resources, considering the energy problem and the new monsters.
• Agent Feng: Discovers a new profession and skill for the base and the Inquisitor class, showing his exploration and gathering abilities.

Significant Themes

• Resource management and economic development: Cheng Shaofeng's focus on acquiring and utilizing resources to grow the base's economy.
• New threats and challenges: The appearance of Chaos Cultists introduces new dangers and opportunities for the players and the base.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shaofeng and Agent Feng: Cheng Shaofeng welcomes Agent Feng's return and expresses appreciation for his discoveries.
• New Players: A group of New Players encounters and fights Chaos Cultists, showcasing their teamwork and combat skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Agent Feng rescues Tuoba Liang using Explosive Rounds and recovers his items, including the Skill Imprint: Meg's Ice Rune and several Blank Skill Imprints.
• They escape using the Azure Bird's soul, reaching the slums where Old Lei, their guide, takes them to Calamity Base.
• Agent Feng reports his gains to the Lord, receives rewards, and requests a new horse, which he gets along with a special title, 'Class Pioneer'.
• Agent Feng reaches Level 10, gaining resistances, attribute points, skill points, and the opportunity to unlock a second profession.
• Agent Feng and Old Lei leave to find Aunt Hai, while Tuoba Liang stays at the base to work and imprint skills.

Character Developments

• Agent Feng demonstrates his resourcefulness and combat skills, successfully rescuing Tuoba Liang and recovering their lost items.
• Tuoba Liang shows his strength and resilience, using his skills to help Agent Feng escape and later offering to work at Calamity Base.
• Old Lei, though initially reluctant, agrees to help Agent Feng find Aunt Hai.
• Cheng Shaofeng, the Lord, rewards Agent Feng for his contributions and expresses a desire to delve deeper into existing professions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and cooperation in survival, as seen in Agent Feng and Tuoba Liang's escape and their later decision to work together.
• The value of perseverance and resilience, demonstrated by Tuoba Liang's willingness to work despite his injuries.
• The concept of hidden strength, both in terms of the Azure Bird's power and the potential of the Soldier profession.

Character Interactions

• Agent Feng and Tuoba Liang work together to escape, with Tuoba Liang showing his strength and Agent Feng using his skills and resources.
• Agent Feng and Old Lei discuss their plans to find Aunt Hai, demonstrating their trust in each other.
• Agent Feng and Cheng Shaofeng interact, with the Lord rewarding Agent Feng for his contributions and expressing his desire to develop the base further.
• The Peak Squad members discuss the new Soldier profession, with some expressing interest in it as a second specialization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players discover and kill Chaos Cultists, a new type of mutant.
• They obtain summoner-exclusive equipment from the cultists, including a potion and two pieces of jewelry.
• The Wanderer Camp observes the Calamity Base and decides to warn them about the upcoming winter threat from Red Skins.

Character Developments

• Unexplained Green Invention and his team obtain powerful summoner equipment, boosting their pets' abilities.
• Cheng Shaofeng considers equipping his clone, Cheng Dafu, with the new summoner gear.
• The 'Three Giants of the Wanderer Camp' discuss the threat of Red Skins and decide to warn the Calamity Base.

Significant Themes

• The game's random elements and luck-based drops.
• The importance of teamwork and cooperation in facing threats.
• The differences between the Calamity Base players and the Wanderer Camp, and their potential alliance.

Character Interactions

• Unexplained Green Invention, Polar Bear, and Demonic Fox interact over the new equipment, with Unexplained expressing excitement and Polar Bear feeling frustrated.
• The 'Three Giants of the Wanderer Camp' discuss the Calamity Base players and decide to warn them about the Red Skins.
• Agent Feng and Old Lei reunite with Aunt Mei, with Old Lei's hopes for a heartwarming reunion dashed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Agent Feng learns from Old Lei and Aunt Mei that there are only five surviving Inquisitors, including them, each mastering different aspects of the Inquisitor's legacy.
• Agent Feng reveals he has already learned the Ice Rune, shocking the two Inquisitors.
• Agent Feng learns the skill [Command Pain] from Old Lei and the extended skill [Biting Cold] from Aunt Mei.
• The temperature in the Colossus City area drops significantly, causing players to lose health points while sleeping.
• The Special Agent Squad plans to conquer Red City to level up and gain resources.

Character Developments

• Agent Feng demonstrates his extraordinary talent and rapid progress, impressing Old Lei and Aunt Mei.
• Old Lei and Aunt Mei reveal their past and the history of the Inquisitor lineage.
• Players in Calamity Base adapt to the extreme cold and plan to improve their gear and resources.

Significant Themes

• The importance of inheritance and skill progression in the Inquisitor lineage.
• The harsh environment and the need for survival and adaptation.
• The role of teamwork and planning in achieving goals.

Character Interactions

• Agent Feng interacts with Old Lei and Aunt Mei, learning from them and revealing his own talents.
• The Special Agent Squad discusses and plans their strategy for conquering Red City.
• Players in Calamity Base support each other and share resources to adapt to the harsh environment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shaofeng and the Shadow Guards return from the Merchant Guild with supplies and a sniper rifle.
• Cheng Shaofeng absorbs energy from a Chaos Crystal, advancing to Tier 2 Evolver.
• The Peak Squad encounters and defeats Void Demons in the Maple Forest.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng's strength increases significantly with his advancement to Tier 2 Evolver.
• The Peak Squad members, especially Thin Dog, show improvement in their combat skills.

Significant Themes

• The power of evolution and the enhancement of innate skills.
• The importance of adaptability and strategy in combat, as seen in the Peak Squad's encounter with the Void Demons.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shaofeng seeks advice from 'Ghost Face Demon Fox' on skill allocation.
• The Peak Squad works together to defeat the Void Demons, showcasing their teamwork and individual skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Peak Squad encounters 'Chaos Cultists' in Feisha City, which are grotesque humanoid monsters with high HP and strong melee capabilities.
• The squad faces ten Chaos Cultists and their summoned creatures, employing a triangle formation and using ranged attacks to thin their numbers before engaging in melee combat.
• They successfully defeat the monsters, gaining experience and small mobs, but are later chased by a massive swarm of monsters, including new types like 'purple-skinned' ones.
• The squad decides to use traps and strategy to handle the monsters instead of brute force.

Character Developments

• The Peak Squad demonstrates their teamwork and adaptability in combat, with Demonic Fox providing strategic analysis and Thin Dog giving real-time commands.
• Old Ao reaches Level 5 and learns the team's ultimate recovery skill, [Draig's Blood], which significantly boosts the team's healing and stats.
• Polar Bear expresses interest in the new class hinted at by the summoned creatures, potentially a physical summoner class.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and strategy: The Peak Squad's success relies on their ability to work together and adapt their tactics to the situation.
• New challenges and growth: The encounter with the Chaos Cultists presents a new threat that the squad must overcome, leading to character development and growth.
• The importance of healing and support: Old Ao's [Draig's Blood] highlights the crucial role of healers and support characters in a team.

Character Interactions

• The Peak Squad works together seamlessly, with Demonic Fox providing strategy, Thin Dog giving commands, and Old Ao supporting with healing.
• The squad members share information and discuss their plans, showing a high level of communication and trust.
• Fanboy's appearance in Feisha City hints at a potential connection or encounter with the Peak Squad, though this is not yet explored in the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fanboy meets the Ye brothers in Feisha City and learns about their participation in the Unlimited Fighting Competition.
• The fanboy and his Raider group struggle to find food in Feisha City due to its harsh climate and low food production.
• The fanboy decides to participate in the Unlimited Impact Resistance Competition to obtain food and resources for his Raider group.

Character Developments

• The fanboy demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking, earning the respect of Pork Belly and the Raider Elites.
• The Ye brothers show resilience and determination, embracing the risks of the competition as part of their journey in the game-like world.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resource acquisition in a harsh, chaotic environment.
• The importance of intelligence, strategy, and adaptability in overcoming challenges.
• The blurred line between game and reality, with the fanboy's experiences mirroring his online gaming habits.

Character Interactions

• The fanboy and the Ye brothers share their experiences and learn from each other.
• The fanboy interacts with Pork Belly and the Raider Elites, demonstrating his ability to lead and make decisions.
• The fanboy and Pork Belly have a heart-to-heart conversation, with Pork Belly expressing his faith in the fanboy's leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces Feisha City's underground fighting arena, where Ye Cai, Ye Xu, and Ye Kun participate in different competitions: human vs. human fighting, human vs. beast mecha combat, and a brutal damage resistance challenge.
• Ye Cai faces a powerful opponent, the Muscle King, in the "First Tier Human Fighting Competition" and defeats him easily.
• Ye Xu and Ye Kun also win their matches against mutated creatures.
• Fanboy decides to participate in the "Damage Resistance Competition" to earn Crystal.

Character Developments

• Ye Cai demonstrates his powerful combat skills and strategic thinking, easily defeating a formidable opponent.
• Ye Xu and Ye Kun show their prowess in mecha combat against dangerous mutated creatures.
• Fanboy exhibits his unique playstyle, focusing on data and earning Crystal through unconventional means.

Significant Themes

• The underground fighting arena represents the harsh, unforgiving nature of the game world and the need for players to adapt and survive.
• The different competitions cater to various playstyles, encouraging players to find their niche and excel in it.
• The theme of earning Crystal through various means highlights the importance of resources in the game and the players' drive to acquire them.

Character Interactions

• Ye Cai, Ye Xu, and Ye Kun work together, supporting each other in their respective competitions.
• Fanboy interacts with Mao Tui, an informant, to gather information about the competitions and bets on Ye Cai's victory.
• Fanboy communicates with Sentinel, a game developer, in a private message, discussing a potential bug and his plans to earn Crystal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demonic Fox analyzes potential builds for the Shadow Guard Lord and recommends the 'Pentagonal Warrior BD' build.
• Cheng Dafu, the Shadow Guard clone, joins a player team to grind monsters and gains a level.
• Cheng Shaofeng decides to send Cheng Dafu to participate in a competition in Feisha City, aiming to exploit his high concealment.

Character Developments

• The Demonic Fox demonstrates his strategic prowess by creating a detailed guide for the Shadow Guard's build.
• Cheng Shaofeng shows his adaptability and resourcefulness by planning to use Cheng Dafu's unique talent to gain an advantage in the competition.
• Wu Jie expresses his longing for the pre-wasteland era and his contentment with his current life.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and adaptation in survival.
• The contrast between the harsh wasteland and the relative safety of the base.
• The desire for a better life and the appreciation of one's current circumstances.

Character Interactions

• The Demonic Fox shares his analysis with the Peak Squad and receives approval from Lin Tang.
• Cheng Dafu joins a player team and helps them grind monsters, impressing the team leader 'Washing Machine.'
• Cheng Shaofeng discusses the route to Feisha City with the fanboy and plans to use Cheng Dafu's unique talent in the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Shadow Guards ride towards Feisha City, avoiding Mutated Creatures.
• Agent Feng returns with two powerful Inquisitors, Old Lei and Aunt Mei, and submits four new Skill Imprints.
• The Peak Squad prepares to fight mini-bosses in the Maple Forest.
• The Special Agent Squad infiltrates Red City to gather Electronic Components.
• The Chaos Cultists in the Maple Forest discuss their next move.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng learns four new skills from the Inquisitor class, increasing his combat capabilities.
• Agent Feng demonstrates his resourcefulness and dedication to the game, preparing thoroughly for his mission with the Inquisitors.
• The Peak Squad members adjust their skills and equipment to prepare for the mini-boss battles.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skills in determining a player's combat power.
• The struggle between survival and desperation, as seen in the Chaos Cultists' dilemma and the Special Agent Squad's infiltration of Red City.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shaofeng interacts with Agent Feng, rewarding him for his contributions and learning new skills.
• The Peak Squad members discuss and strategize their approach to the mini-boss battles.
• The Chaos Cultists debate their next course of action, highlighting their internal conflict and desperation.

• Key Plot Points & Events: The protagonist, a developer, is struggling to sleep due to an inexplicable sadness. They decide to delay an update they were supposed to release, typing the phrase "delaying the update today" twice.
• Character Development: The protagonist's benevolence, righteousness, and morality are highlighted, but they also grapple with unexplained sadness and indecision, as seen in their delay of the update.
• Significant Themes: The chapter explores themes of benevolence vs. personal struggle, the weight of responsibility (in this case, the update), and the inexplicable nature of certain emotions.
• Character Interactions: There are no interactions with other characters in this chapter; it's entirely introspective, focusing solely on the protagonist's internal conflict and decision-making process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shaofeng learns about the skill point mechanism and Crystal Energy usage from Zero.
• He understands that skills can be leveled up using Crystal Energy, with higher-level skills requiring more energy.
• Cheng Shaofeng decides to use Crystal Energy to upgrade low-level skills and level up himself to gain more skill points.
• The Peak Squad successfully clears a cave of mutated beings, gaining significant experience.
• The Inquisitor class receives four new skills.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng becomes more strategic in his approach to skill upgrades and leveling.
• The Peak Squad members gain confidence and camaraderie after their successful mission.
• Lin Tang feels threatened by 'Washing Machine's' professional skills and knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Strategic decision-making in skill upgrades and leveling.
• Teamwork and camaraderie among the Peak Squad.
• Professional skills and knowledge in gaming.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Shaofeng interacts with Zero to understand the skill point mechanism.
• The Peak Squad members discuss their successful mission and the new Inquisitor skills.
• Lin Tang feels threatened by 'Washing Machine' and tries to maintain his status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Shaofeng learns and sells the new Inquisitor skill 'Frost Barrage' and its ammunition.
• Players test 'Frost Barrage' on a crocodile, discovering its piercing and freezing effects.
• Cheng Shaofeng registers for the 'Oasis Melee' competition in Feisha City, a hundred-person battle royale with generous rewards for the top survivors and eliminators.

Character Developments

• Cheng Shaofeng demonstrates his business acumen by selling 'Frost Barrage' ammunition, earning Iron Coins quickly.
• Players, particularly Lin Tang, show enthusiasm for testing and learning new skills.
• Cheng Dafu, acting as Cheng Shaofeng's Shadow Guard, registers for the 'Oasis Melee' competition, displaying Cheng Shaofeng's confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of testing and practical application in understanding new skills.
• The risks and rewards of competitive events in the game world.
• The value of strategic thinking and adaptability in decision-making, as shown by Cheng Shaofeng's approach to the competition.

Character Interactions

• Lin Tang and other players collaborate to test 'Frost Barrage', showcasing teamwork and shared interest in new skills.
• Cheng Dafu interacts with the older sister service staff, learning about the 'Oasis Melee' competition and registering for it.
• The Ye brothers discuss their injuries and the 'Oasis Melee' competition with Cheng Dafu, expressing their desire to win but acknowledging their limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The 'Oasis Melee' registration is underway, with Ruoyun, an attendant, and Zhao Qi, a hidden first-tier evolver, planning to cheat and win the competition.
• The Endurance Trial begins with 80 participants, including the fanboy, who must navigate through three stages: Giant Strength Vine, Lava Rain, and Radiation Pool.

Character Developments

• Zhao Qi: A cunning first-tier evolver hiding his true strength, using a talent skill to suppress his realm and absorb crystals to temporarily boost his power.
• Ruoyun: A 'socialite' in Feisha City, helping Zhao Qi win competitions in exchange for rewards.
• Fanboy (Night God): A mutant transcendent being who discovers unique skills among other competitors and decides to gather more information about the arena.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: Zhao Qi and Ruoyun's plan to cheat and win the competition highlights the theme of deception and manipulation.
• Survival and Endurance: The Endurance Trial emphasizes the importance of survival and endurance in the post-apocalyptic world.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Qi and Ruoyun: They interact as a cheating duo, with Ruoyun providing information and Zhao Qi using his hidden strength to win competitions.
• Fanboy and Xia Ci: The fanboy and the Necromancer, Xia Ci, interact briefly, with Xia Ci revealing his unique summoning skill and the fanboy expressing his interest in gathering more information about the arena.

Cheng Shaofeng's Perspective

Cheng Shaofeng, now with 28 tags, was still actively seeking more. He had spotted Zhao Qi and Old You from afar, their conversation reaching his ears. He smirked, understanding their intentions.
"An alliance? They underestimate me. I'll give them a chance to regret it."
He hid behind a sand dune, waiting for them to approach. As they neared, he activated his [Wind Walker] ability, enhancing his speed and agility. He moved silently, like a ghost, towards Zhao Qi and Old You.
Just as Zhao Qi was about to strike the final blow on Old You, Cheng Shaofeng intervened.
"Zhao Qi, I think you're making a mistake."
His voice echoed like thunder, startling the two. They turned to face him, their expressions changing.
Zhao Qi's eyes narrowed, appraising Cheng Shaofeng. "You're the newcomer Old You mentioned? Impressive. But you're too late. Old You is already mine."
Cheng Shaofeng chuckled, "I'm not here to fight you, Zhao Qi. I just want to give you a chance to reconsider your actions. An alliance with Old You would be a mistake. He's not to be trusted."
Old You, despite his dire situation, managed a sneer. "You're too late, kid. Zhao Qi and I have already agreed to an alliance. You can't stop us now."
Cheng Shaofeng ignored Old You, keeping his gaze on Zhao Qi. "I can offer you a better deal, Zhao Qi. An alliance with me. Together, we can secure the top three spots easily. What do you say?"
Zhao Qi hesitated, considering Cheng Shaofeng's offer. He looked at Old You, then back to Cheng Shaofeng. "And what makes you think I should trust you over him?"
Cheng Shaofeng smiled confidently, "Because I'm stronger than both of you. And I have no intention of killing you, Zhao Qi. I just want to win this competition fair and square."
Zhao Qi's eyes narrowed further, then he laughed. "Alright, kid. I'll give you a chance. But if you're lying to me, I won't hold back."
Cheng Shaofeng nodded, "Fair enough. Let's start by taking care of Old You here. Then we can discuss our alliance further."
Old You, panicked, tried to struggle free, but Zhao Qi held him firmly in place. Cheng Shaofeng approached, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Let's begin."