Xu Liunian, like many others who had arrived in this realm, lost her life in an earthquake and became one of the residents of {End Point}.

In time, she joined the ranks of Chu Tianqiu and Yun Yao's team.

Her gentle nature made it easy for her to get along with everyone, and with her background in mixed martial arts, she quickly became one of the core members, leading the group through many challenges.

Her chronic back pain, which had once crippled her, seemed to fade in this place.

Thus, during the period before Zhang Shan had been recruited, Xu Liunian could actively take part in physical or combat-oriented games, such as those ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) involving the {Ox}, {Tiger}, or {Chicken}.

But the games that suited her best were undoubtedly the {Horse}-type games, especially the racing ones. The profession of a stunt performer had equipped her well. Whether the competition involved rollerblading, skateboarding, mountain biking, or motorcycles, Xu Liunian had at least a basic grasp of all of them. Her keen sense of balance and lightning reflexes made her nearly unbeatable.

Ironically, it was these very qualities that led to her downfall.

Terrestrial Horse.

Terrestrial Horse’s game was nothing short of extreme.

The rule was simple: each team was given an old automatic car, and they would race against each other.

The catch, however, lay in Terrestrial Horse’s eight cards, each representing a car part: {Brake}, {Accelerator}, {Accelerator}, {Steering Wheel}, {Steering Wheel}, {Car Door}, {Windshield}, and {Seat}. The two teams would take turns selecting cards, while the referee removed any unchosen parts from the car. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The two contestants first played rock-paper-scissors. The winner gained the {right to choose first}, while the loser decided whether to place their car on the inner or outer track.

Since Xu Liunian won the game, she decisively proposed to {stake her life} against Terrestrial Horse.

In that instant, the rules shifted. A figure known as {Black Tortoise} descended from the sky, taking the role of referee. The contest was no longer between two teams—it was Xu Liunian versus Terrestrial Horse.

At the time, Chu Tianqiu wracked his brain, doing everything he could to prepare strategies for Xu Liunian. He knew that if they alternated choices, their side absolutely had to secure the {brake} and {accelerator}.

Given the circular layout of the racetrack—much like a track field—securing the {steering wheel} was equally crucial. With two cards available for both the {accelerator} and the {steering wheel}, the odds were in their favor. Still, the immediate priority was the {brake}.

Fortunately, Xu Liunian had won rock-paper-scissors and thus claimed the first pick. She seized the {brake}, planning to negotiate the split of the {accelerator} and {steering wheel} afterward.

As for the {seat}, {car door}, and {windshield}, those were deemed non-essential, acceptable to discard if needed.

When Chu Tianqiu reached this part of the story, Qi Xia furrowed his brow, sensing a flaw. Something in the strategy felt off.

But Xu Liunian placed her complete trust in Chu Tianqiu. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and secured the {brake}.

As expected, Terrestrial Horse took the {accelerator}.

In the second round, Xu Liunian chose the other {accelerator}.

She had anticipated Terrestrial Horse would grab the {steering wheel}, yet he surprised everyone by selecting the {car door} instead. The choice baffled the spectators. Xu Liunian already had the {brake} and {accelerator}, while Terrestrial Horse now held the {accelerator} and {car door}. Was the {car door} really so vital?

In the third round, Xu Liunian stuck to the plan and claimed the {steering wheel}, completing the three essential parts.

But again, Terrestrial Horse defied expectations. He didn’t take the remaining {steering wheel}—he picked the {seat}. A ripple of confusion swept through the audience. Without a {steering wheel}, how could he possibly take the turns?

Without delay, Chu Tianqiu ordered Xu Liunian to grab the second {steering wheel}. At the time, it seemed like a flawless strategy. Though she had to forgo one of her desired picks, it ensured Terrestrial Horse could never obtain a {steering wheel}.

Now Terrestrial Horse’s car had no {brakes}, no {steering wheel}, only an {accelerator}, {seat}, {car door}, and {windshield}. The car was practically uncontrollable. How could he race?

By contrast, Xu Liunian’s car was outfitted with {brakes}, {accelerator}, and two {steering wheels}. Though it lacked a seat, driving crouched down posed little trouble for her.

Under the referee’s watchful eye, both contestants finished their car modifications.

Xu Liunian casually picked up a wooden crate from the ground and used it as her seat before the race began.

On the circular track, Terrestrial Horse positioned his car in the inside lane, while Xu Liunian took the outside. Normally, the inside lane was shorter, so the choice was not without value.

Xu Liunian’s focus never wavered. Her eyes locked on the road, she knew her opponent couldn’t handle the sharp turns. If she cleared the first curve, victory would be hers.

With a command from Black Tortoise, both drivers slammed their accelerators.

At once, Chu Tianqiu’s face drained of color. "Qi Xia... I was wrong," he muttered, his voice raw with regret. "Had I known this was how it would unfold, I would have chosen differently..."

In a race like this, there were two ways to win: cross the finish line first, or eliminate your opponent entirely.

From the beginning, it was now clear, Terrestrial Horse had chosen the second path.

He needed no steering wheel, no brakes.

Both cars shot forward together, tearing down the straightaway. Terrestrial Horse’s car clung relentlessly to Xu Liunian’s tail. But Xu Liunian had brakes.

Under normal circumstances, a driver would slow before the turn, relying on brakes to guide the curve. But Terrestrial Horse was far more ruthless, far more calculating than anyone had expected. He had taken the inside lane deliberately, knowing Xu Liunian would have to overtake him at some point during the turn. He staked everything on that single instant.

By the time Chu Tianqiu fully grasped the trap, he was too far away. His frantic shouts were lost in the wind.

Just as Xu Liunian overtook Terrestrial Horse, he slammed his accelerator to the floor.

The two cars collided with a deafening crash, the impact reverberating through the air.

Because Terrestrial Horse’s car had a windshield and seat, the collision didn’t throw him out immediately. His head smashed against the windshield, shattering it, while his horse-shaped skull split open, spilling torrents of blood.

Xu Liunian had never imagined Terrestrial Horse would go so far as a suicidal collision. The violent impact sent her tumbling inside the car, her head cracking against the interior as blood flowed freely.

But her years of stunt work saved her. Her body, trained to endure chaos, reacted instantly. Despite the dizziness, she regained control in a heartbeat. Her hands shot to the steering wheel, steadying herself with precision.

This was Xu Liunian’s last chance. If she could survive the turn and make it through, Terrestrial Horse would have no choice but to yield.