Chen Xiao nodded. It made sense — the First Executive wouldn't come empty-handed. He must have a heavy hitter beside him. That man's strength, boosted by the thousand-strong enhancement, had been outrageous. His earlier probe hadn't gone all-out, yet it had reached the level of that sword-wielding youth. And it had been blocked by the middle-aged man behind Pei Tianyuan. That was with only a thousand people enhancing him — what would ten thousand do? A hundred thousand? This was clearly a military-grade talent: a power the Capital Military Region had hunted for and honed.
"Alright. Let's talk business — the evolution opportunity you mentioned." Chen Xiao lifted his teacup, eyes fixed on Pei Tianyuan.
Pei Tianyuan nodded slowly. "Since the first Blood Moon, we've watched an old courtyard in the city glow with a blinding white light. We sent the first wave of awakeners — none returned. The second Blood Moon flickered the light again; the second team also perished. A few days ago, someone who should have died came back alive with news. He said the thing in that white light… it affects nations. It decides how many opportunities a country gets."
Pei paused, waiting for Chen Xiao to react. Chen narrowed his eyes. "You mean… national fortune?"
Pei closed his eyes and nodded. "Exactly."
A Blood Moon game — and it had been running since the first Blood Moon. Pei knew more than he would say; he preferred to keep details until Chen Xiao truly agreed to cooperate.
"Why are you so sure the reward is the strongest?" Chen asked.
Pei Tianyuan explained: "Because the personal reward reported by the survivor is huge — awakening a second animal."
Chen Xiao's chest tightened. That was an irresistible draw. For ordinary people it would overturn fate; for top awakeners it could be a qualitative leap. Back at the fossil museum he'd eaten dozens of fossils for precisely this chance—this was the door to becoming a dual-animal awakener. In his past life he'd known of one who'd done it; now the same opportunity sat within reach.
"And why do you think I'll trust you?" Chen asked.
Pei gestured to the man behind him. "Because of him. He's the survivor of the last game." The man stepped forward. "Name's Chen Mo."
Chen Xiao studied Chen Mo. No wonder the First Executive had confidence — even without the thousand-person buff this man's base strength must be terrifying. Survive that game, get rewards — this was no small feat.
Chen Xiao had to take risks. Horse-Face's emergence was imminent; he needed every edge. "Fine. I'll cooperate. As a citizen of China, I'll do my part…" His tone was deliberately insincere, but Pei Tianyuan took it as victory. If Chen Xiao joined, the Capital's odds in the Battle for National Fortune would spike.
Pei bowed. "Representing the Capital Military Region, thank you." He promised to contact Chen when the white light reappeared. Chen calculated silently — the next light, likely tied to the third Blood Moon, would arrive in half a month. This cross-national game would be brutal; every country would field its best. He had to train, gather advantages — and find the Bee Woman.
…
Capital City — Zhang Family Pond, Detention Room.
The Bee Woman woke slowly on a plain, too-clean bed. The room felt like a no-frills hotel. She rose stiffly, every joint sore, and walked to a full-length mirror. The black tactical suit clung to her curves: tight shorts, stockings, everything designed to show off a killer's silhouette. Now dust streaked the fabric, a few tears exposed skin — humiliating and maddening all at once. Her father's death boiled under her skin.
A creak — the door opened. She snapped back onto the bed and feigned sleep.
A sliver of the pupil under her eyelid watched the moonlight and confirmed the visitor. Chen Xiao. Her father's killer.
His [Dragon Breath] wasn't for show; the instant he entered, he sensed her chaotic energy. She wasn't asleep — she was seething.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly in the dark. He didn't bother with lights. He walked to the bedside and flung the quilt aside as if checking a petty prize. The move was small, but it left the Bee Woman exposed — and burning crimson with embarrassment. Her torn costume, the sudden exposure, the mirror's reflection — all of it made her feel stripped bare.
Chen Xiao sat on the edge of the bed and casually rubbed his knuckles, watching her squirm.
"Awake?" he asked, voice soft, dangerous.
The Bee Woman's fingers curled. Rage and pride warred in her. He'd humiliated her, but he'd also cornered her. In that split second she realized she was out of position — but she was also facing the man who'd turned three noble houses into ruins.
Outside, the city hummed with the fallout of Chen Xiao's choices. Inside the detention room, a new kind of tension coiled between hunter and hunted — but the roles had changed.