TEFSCBSS Chapter 79

Chapter 79: There’s a Traitor Among You

Zhao Wen exchanged a glance with Li Tiezhu in silence. That one look spoke volumes—Zhao Wen felt as if he suddenly understood everything, yet he said nothing.

However, the rest of the group seemed uninterested. Wang Bokao sprawled lazily in his seat and waved off the idea. “Not going. I’m just a bodyguard. My job was to escort people to Shanshi Village. Now that they’re here, it’s no longer my concern.”

With that, he stuffed a small bundle under his head as a makeshift pillow and prepared to sleep.

Outside, Zhao Si gritted his teeth. “You’re going, whether you want to or not! Otherwise, how do you expect me to explain this to the village chief? Get out here, all of you!”

Wan Niang and Gu Qing didn’t move.

They were both trying to figure out a way to dodge the situation. Since Wang Bokao had already mentioned the method to clear the level last time, why not just sneak off to the graveyard as soon as Zhao Si left?

Seeing that no one reacted, Zhao Wen started to grow anxious. He was no longer a “player” in this round. If things didn’t play out the same way as last time, who knew what unexpected dangers might arise? Could he still complete his task smoothly?

Just as he was about to speak and try to persuade the group, a weak and trembling voice came from the corner.

“You… there’s a ghost among you!”

Jiang Liang’s voice quivered as he spoke.

“I suggest you all leave this Earth Temple immediately and deal with the ghost outside. If the number of ghosts among us exceeds a certain limit… we’ll all die. No one will be able to escape!”

Wang Bokao opened his eyes, intrigued. He looked Jiang Liang up and down. “And where exactly did you hear that?”

“I-I overheard the ghosts talking last round.”

“…Ha, yeah, I don’t buy it.” Wang Bokao shut his eyes again.

“I’m telling the truth! I wouldn’t joke about my own life! There is a ghost among us!”

“The owner of this inn raises ghosts!”

“This Earth Temple isn’t as safe as you think. The first time the female ghost chased me here, she wouldn’t step inside. But in the second round, she already managed to enter—though she could only use her yin energy to intimidate me, not harm me. That means the temple’s protective power is weakening!”

“This time… if you don’t leave soon, once the ghosts in the village realize something is wrong, they’ll all come swarming in!”

“And by then, they might be able to kill us!”

Jiang Liang’s face was pale with terror. His eyes darted to the others, pleading for them to believe him.

As if to confirm his warning, Zhao Si, who had been waiting impatiently outside, finally lost his patience. He stepped over the threshold, his gaze dark and menacing.

“What are you all waiting for? Get to the village. Now!”

The group’s pupils shrank in shock.

Could Jiang Liang be right?

Zhao Wen exchanged another glance with Li Tiezhu. A plan was already forming in his mind.

He put on his usual smooth, easygoing smile. “Ah, no need to get worked up! They’re just exhausted from the journey. We’re coming, we’re coming!”

As he spoke, he walked over to Jiang Liang, grabbed him by the arm, and forcefully pulled him up.

“Hey, let go of me! I’m not going! You go if you want!”

“I’ll just stay here by myself! Don’t drag me along! There are ghosts in the village!”

Hearing this, Zhao Wen turned his head with a “kind” smile. “Didn’t you just say this place isn’t safe either? We’re taking you with us for your good. You wouldn’t want to be alone when a horde of ghosts shows up, would you?”

Jiang Liang froze. That’s right. He had only thought about hiding here, waiting for the ghosts to go after the others while he looked for the iron gate. But if he was alone… could he handle those terrifying ghosts by himself?

He stopped resisting and let Zhao Wen drag him out of the temple.

Li Tiezhu stood up as well. “Let’s go. We should be able to clear the level this time.”

Wang Bokao propped his chin on his hand, his gaze shifting between Li Tiezhu and Zhao Wen. Strange… why did they seem so eager, almost like they were leading the group on purpose?

It felt suspicious—like that “narrative steering” strategy Su Li had mentioned before.

Still, since Li Tiezhu had spoken, the remaining members of the group hesitated but eventually got up and followed.

On the way, Gu Qing slowed her pace until she was walking beside Wang Bokao. She whispered, “You think there’s something off about Zhao Wen too?”

“Hmm… yeah, a little. Normally, he’s as timid as a quail—silent unless he’s with Qian Jin or his father. Now, he won’t stop talking. Feels like he’s hiding something.”

Gu Qing tossed a coin in her hand. “Jiang Liang said there’s a ghost among us. What do you think?”

“I’m thinking… I’ll just lie down and watch.”

“…Be serious.”

“How should I know? Let’s just play it by ear. As soon as we get our rooms, we’ll find Jiang Liang first, tie him up, and interrogate him!”

Gu Qing nodded. “That was my plan too.”

—

Before long, the group arrived at the highly anticipated room selection moment. Wan Niang eagerly stepped forward, ready to put on another dramatic “long-lost family reunion” performance.

But before she could, Wang Bokao and Gu Qing blocked her path.

“Oh, Wan Niang, my dear girl,” Wang Bokao said with exaggerated sincerity. “I wouldn’t dare steal your role! The safest place is definitely inside the coffin. This round is full of danger, so Gu Qing and I will take the risks for you!”

With that, Wang Bokao—looking noble and self-sacrificing—grabbed Gu Qing and sprinted straight into the courtyard, slamming the door shut behind them. They didn’t even give Zhao Si a chance to say his lines.

Zhao Si: …?

Wan Niang: … Am I supposed to thank you or something? What the hell is wrong with these people?!

Fuming, she stomped off toward the village. By now, she had the layout memorized and didn’t need Zhao Si to guide her to her assigned courtyard. Hmph, whatever! Aside from Jiang Liang, the other four were a team. She was alone now, but she wouldn’t let them get to her. Next time, she’d bring her girlfriends into the dungeon with her—then they’d see who had the upper hand!

She clenched her fists, an evil grin spreading across her face. The thrill of revenge sparkled in her eyes as she quickened her pace.

Zhao Si: … Damn, do they even need me anymore? They’re following the script all on their own!

—

Zhao Wen glanced at the tightly shut door and felt a growing sense of urgency. Wang Bokao and Gu Qing were clearly onto something.

He grabbed the half-conscious Jiang Liang, who was practically a ghost himself at this point, and pulled Li Tiezhu aside.

“Brother Li, this isn’t going to work. We need to… improvise a little.”

—

Soon, they arrived at the next location—Li Tiezhu’s courtyard from the previous round.

Zhao Si and Wan Niang both looked bored, waiting for Li Tiezhu to step inside.

But instead, Li Tiezhu turned to Wan Niang.

“Wan Niang, my dear girl, you just look like family to me. So smart, so sharp—just like my own daughter.”

“That Wang Bokao fellow? He’s no good! Telling you to lie in a coffin? Absolutely not!”

“Listen, I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve been to this spot for two rounds now. The first time, there was a monk guarding it. The second time, it was empty. That means it’s safe!”

“When you go in, just find a spot to sit tight. Once we’re done here, we’ll come get you.”

Wan Niang’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?!”

Li Tiezhu gave her a warm, fatherly smile. “As real as gold! I’d never lie to my girl!”

Wan Niang was deeply moved. She never expected that Uncle Li, who always backstabbed her in Werewolf, would be so kind.

Without hesitation, she took the chance while Zhao Si was distracted and darted inside Li Tiezhu’s courtyard. Sure enough, it was empty—no people, no ghosts. She sighed in relief and locked the door tightly behind her.

Zhao Si: … Wow. Okay. Guess I am useless here.