"They’re back!" Chu Tianqiu’s expression shifted, and he quickly stepped forward to greet them.

Despite his small flaws, Chu Tianqiu truly seemed to care about his teammates.

Zhang Shan opened the campus gates, and the car rolled slowly to a stop in the center of the square.

With a frantic motion, Yun Yao flung open the door and ran out, shouting, "I’m gonna die! I’m gonna die! I’m gonna die... there were so many {mole crickets}... too terrifying..."

"Yun Yao!" Chu Tianqiu rushed over. "How was it? Did you find Xiao Nian?"

"No," Yun Yao answered in frustration. "We found the taxi Qi Xia mentioned. Xiao Nian’s photo was hanging inside, but she wasn’t there."

"Wasn’t there?" Chu Tianqiu froze for a moment. "Qi Xia... did you really see Xiao Nian there?"

"What do you think?" Qi Xia frowned. "That taxi had her Certificate of Professional Qualification and photo. Do you think I made it up?"

"That’s certainly strange." Yun Yao nodded. "Why would Xiao Nian’s taxi be in {End Point}? This isn’t even her {Reverberation}."

Chu Tianqiu lowered his head, pondering, then spoke. "Regardless, we can at least confirm Xiao Nian is still alive in {End Point}. If we stay persistent, we’ll find her sooner or later."

Kim Wonhun and Specs climbed out of the car as well, both looking utterly exhausted.

"You’ve worked hard." Chu Tianqiu smiled. "You three can rest today—the rest of us will take action."

"Not happening!" Yun Yao immediately shook her head. "Today’s my first time fighting alongside Qi Xia. I’ll see it through, no matter how tired I am!"

"What?" Qi Xia was taken aback. "Fighting alongside me?"

"Indeed," Yun Yao nodded. "It’s the rule of {Passage to Heaven}; I’ll be the one leading you into the game and assessing your skills."

At that moment, Chu Tianqiu leaned closer to Qi Xia and whispered, "Just so you know—this rule didn’t exist before."

With a resigned look, Qi Xia asked, "What about my teammates? How will they be arranged?"

"If you wish to arrange it yourself, you may," Chu Tianqiu replied. "Unless there’s a special request, I’ll have them take part in some {Mortal-grade} games. A few are already prepared with complete strategies, ready for {life-stakes}."

"I can arrange it myself?" Qi Xia nodded thoughtfully. "There’s a woman named Xiao Ran—she’s meticulous, gentle, and polite. Then there’s Zhao Haibo—exceptionally intelligent and selfless. I’d like them in a {Mortal Rabbit} escape-type game. I’ll draw the map for you."

"No problem," Chu Tianqiu nodded. "You know your teammates better than I do. I’ll follow your suggestion."

Qi Xia borrowed paper and pen from Yun Yao, quickly sketching a rough map, and handed it to Chu Tianqiu.

"What about the others?" Chu Tianqiu asked, taking the map. "Anyone else who needs special attention?"

"That should be it, just make sure the rest are kept safe." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Alright," Chu Tianqiu agreed without hesitation.

"And us?" Qi Xia asked. "As members of {Passage to Heaven}, are there any special precautions we should take during the game?"

"No," Chu Tianqiu chuckled. "Just act according to your judgment. There is, however, one unwritten rule in {Passage to Heaven}—all companions’ bodies must be brought back to the school and buried properly. I won’t allow my people to be left rotting outside."

"Understood." It was a heavy topic, and Qi Xia offered no objections.

Chu Tianqiu nodded, then pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to Yun Yao. "This is your game arrangement for today. Take care of it on the way."

"Okay, I’ll give it my all alongside Qi Xia," Yun Yao responded.

Qi Xia pondered briefly before saying, "If we’re going to act, I’ll have to bring this half-naked guy along."

Qiao Jiajin, embarrassed, wrapped his arms around himself and grinned. "So... can I put some clothes on first?"

Seeing Qiao Jiajin dash off, Yun Yao laughed. "That man is so cute."

Qi Xia glanced at her. "Who are you bringing along? Is it just the three of us this time?"

"Who can I bring?" Yun Yao gave a pitiful look at the men around her. "Specs and Kim Wonhun won’t even bother with me, and Chu Tianqiu has to stay here. How did I, a perfectly fine idol, end up like this?"

"Ya? Jie, when did I ever do such a thing nàyàng?" Kim Wonhun was startled.

"See?" Yun Yao pointed at him. "Did you hear? He called me {jie}. That’s worse than ignoring me."

"I..." Kim Wonhun was at a loss. His usual reticence made it clear Yun Yao was more than he could handle.

Specs quickly added with a forced smile, "Miss Yun, it’s not that I ignore you, it’s just... we don’t have much in common to talk about."

"Listen to that," Yun Yao patted Qi Xia’s shoulder. "{Miss Yun}, such a resounding title. I haven’t heard it in twenty years."

Qi Xia sighed helplessly. "Sounds like you’re the one ignoring them, not the other way around."

"All the same," Yun Yao said, taking out a lip balm and applying it. "In any case, I don’t bother with either of them."

The two straightforward men shifted awkwardly under her words, leaving Chu Tianqiu unsure how to respond.

At that moment, a thought flashed through Qi Xia’s mind—what made Yun ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ Yao the second-in-command of {Passage to Heaven}? Was she truly stronger than most here?

Before he could reflect further, Qiao Jiajin returned, now dressed, but to Qi Xia’s surprise he wasn’t alone—someone followed him. Tian Tian.

"What’s this about?" Qi Xia asked in a low voice.

"Uh... let her tell you herself," Qiao Jiajin scratched his head, lost for words.

"Are you two joining the {game}?" Tian Tian asked.

"Yes."

"Take me with you." With difficulty in her expression, Tian Tian said, "I can’t stay here. I don’t belong."

"That..." Qi Xia instantly understood her meaning but didn’t agree right away.

Tian Tian always believed no one here thought much of her, so she instinctively clung to him and Qiao Jiajin. This pitiful woman lacked any strong will to survive, making it likely she’d meet her end here. Though they weren’t close, Qi Xia wanted her to live—her life had already been hard enough, there was no need for further torment.

"If it’s too much trouble, forget it," Tian Tian quickly adjusted, sensing his hesitation. "I’ll go on my own. Maybe I can bring {Dào} back for everyone."

After speaking, she patted her pocket and turned back to Qi Xia. "Can you lend me a {Dào}?"

Qi Xia had only one {Dào}, and though he hesitated to give it to her, knowing the harm it could bring, he shook his head with quiet resolve. "Never mind... come along with us. If we gain more {Dào}, I’ll make sure you get your share."

"I see..." Tian Tian didn’t look particularly pleased. Qi Xia knew she didn’t truly care about {Dào}—she only wanted a reason to join. "In that case, let me be clear—I’m only joining for the {Dào}. You don’t have to trust me..."

"Alright, I understand." Qi Xia nodded, then looked at Yun Yao. "Idol, the three of us are broke, not a penny to our name. Are you sure you want to join us?"

"Qi Xia, I’m about to let you experience what it’s like to be kept by a rich woman," Yun Yao patted her purse. "I’ve got the admission covered. All you need is your {brain}."