He and Hebo were both proactive—setting the pace, analyzing, and controlling the lead. They were clearly the leaders of the team.
Now that Hebo was dead, the next target was definitely him.
On the other side, Xishi urged anxiously, "Only one minute left. Quickly decide—do we keep our eyes closed or open them?"
Xie Lingxi tentatively raised her hand and suggested nervously, "How about... we vote?"
Huomo shouted, "I vote to open eyes! I don't want to have anyone's head rolling into my arms again, or have one of us mysteriously beheaded. If we open our eyes, maybe we still have a chance to figure out the rules."
Xishi looked at Zhang Yuanqing expectantly, but seeing him silent, she said, "I think opening eyes is better too. Closing them feels terrible."
"Agree..." Guili Fufu said after a brief pause.
"Me too," Xie Lingxi added.
Seeing this, Qitian Dasheng realized his vote didn't matter anymore. "Looks like I have no choice."
Open eyes? If the roller coaster's killing rule had changed, fine; but if, as Zhang Yuanqing suspected, the killer was among them, had they thought about the consequences of opening their eyes?
Zhang Yuanqing's heart tensed sharply.
He almost confessed that there was a traitor in their group, but the Lingjing had given a prompt: identities must be hidden.
This was both a protection for the evil-doer and for the captain. After all, this wasn't some regular game where everyone knew there was a wolf and had to find them.
They were a temporary team formed on the spot; who would believe what anyone said?
The concealment of identities was clearly a balancing mechanism of the dungeon. Reckless disclosure might trigger penalties.
But they couldn't keep going blindly—they couldn't afford to lose.
I have an idea, though it's risky... Zhang Yuanqing stopped hesitating and said in a deep voice:
"Have you considered this possibility? If the rule about closing eyes hasn't changed—think about the consequences. Only one person died last round—Hebo. There are still two rounds left. At worst, two more die. Which is better? Total wipeout or two casualties? You don't need me to say, right?"
Silence. The situation stalled.
Seeing no one arguing, Zhang Yuanqing slightly relaxed and immediately added:
"I have another plan."
Xishi's face brightened. "What plan?"
"Pick one person to stay on the platform and observe, while the rest keep their eyes closed and ride the coaster. That way, there are eyes watching, and those on the coaster avoid risk, preventing total annihilation."
Everyone paused. Huomo frowned, irritated:
"The dungeon info doesn't say we must all experience the ride together, but it also doesn't say we can separate. You know this means risk."
The Lingjing wouldn't clearly tell you all the rules or allow you to proceed step by step. Nothing comes easy.
For example, it says to team up, but won't say what happens if you don't—maybe nothing, maybe death.
"I know," Zhang Yuanqing said slowly.
"So I'll take the risk. I'll stay."
He stared fixedly at the team. Anyone who opposed now was the killer.
"No objection."
"Me neither."
"Little brother, we're counting on you."
"Wang Tai, be careful."
No one opposed.
The killer is smarter than I thought... Zhang Yuanqing sighed silently but took off his safety belt and stepped off the coaster.
If staying on the platform was risky, then the killer could potentially kill two this round. With most agreeing, going along made sense.
But for Zhang Yuanqing, staying was risky, but riding meant certain death.
The countdown ended. The coaster thudded and slowly started moving.
Zhang Yuanqing tensed, watching for any danger while keeping a sharp eye on the coaster climbing its first hill.
Sound gave no feedback, but the picture would—if the killer dared kill, Zhang Yuanqing would immediately activate his old skill to expose them.
He didn't believe the killer could kill with just thought—this wasn't fair play.
At the top, the coaster suddenly plunged down in a free-fall. Xishi screamed again.
"Rumble..."
Under Zhang Yuanqing's gaze, the coaster sped along the twisting steel rails. Two minutes later it slowed and returned to the platform.
As soon as it stopped, the riders opened their eyes, tensely scanning front and back.
"No one died... this time no one died," Xishi called out joyfully.
Everyone else looked relieved, the tension loosening.
Xie Lingxi blinked, smiling sweetly: "Did you observe anything?"
All eyes turned to Zhang Yuanqing, full of expectation.
Just as I thought—the killer, not the rules... Zhang Yuanqing said:
"I didn't see anything."
He was subtly hinting to his teammates.
If the rule about closing eyes hadn't changed, then how did Hebo die? Use your brains.
The team fell silent, pondering deeply.
For the next five minutes, they were unusually quiet—no communication, no discussion. Under Zhang Yuanqing's watchful eye, they finished the third round.
"Phew, it's over..." Xishi eagerly unbuckled her belt and hopped off like she was escaping.
Zhang Yuanqing watched her and the others leave the coaster, then smiled with relief.
One entertainment attraction done, only one teammate dead—still within manageable limits. Damn, nearly wiped out... S-level missions are brutal.
He felt exhausted but saw the same weary expressions on the others' faces, so it balanced out.
Just then, a prompt sounded in his mind:
[You have completed the initial task (roller coaster). You have successfully activated the "Heart-pounding" mission series. The attractions in this series are: Roller coaster—Underground parking lot—Haunted house (ghost marriage)—Detective reasoning hall. Please proceed to the second location within 30 minutes.]
Haunted house... hearing this, Zhang Yuanqing's expression stiffened instantly.
Xie Lingxi, Xishi, the middle-aged man, Huomo, and Qitian Dasheng's smiles faded too.
The roller coaster belongs to the heart-pounding series—and that includes a haunted house!!
Zhang Yuanqing stared sharply at the petite girl with long black hair.
At the same moment, another prompt sounded:
[Ding! You have successfully led your team to complete a task. You gain one chance to exercise your captain's authority: name the evil-doer hidden among the team. The designated target will be eliminated!
[If no choice is made within 30 seconds, this opportunity is forfeited.]