Chapter 205: The Final Battle

Li Zhi wasn’t surprised when Shu Xinglan came to her door.

She had been clearing instances non-stop, and Shu Xinglan—connected through the same system—would have received notifications. With the New Year break, this was the perfect time for a visit.

Compared to the laid-back Peacock leader Yan Feishu, the woman who had always operated behind the scenes at Tianwen was far more mysterious. The festive, noisy atmosphere in the villa suddenly quieted as everyone sat in a row on the couch, cautiously watching Shu Xinglan sip her tea with an indifferent expression.

After all, this was the deputy leader of Tianwen—the one who had issued the kill order on Li Zhi! No one knew if she came in peace or with hostile intent.

Despite being a second-in-command, Shu Xinglan’s presence was far more intimidating than Yan Feishu’s. She merely sat there quietly, and even Owen Dong, who usually joked around, dared not speak.

Only Zhong Yun, sitting beside her, kept smiling and said, “These sunflower seeds—where’d you get them? They’re really fragrant.”

Chi Yi replied with a twitch of her mouth, “Brought them back from the Safe Zone.”

Zhong Yun raised her brows. “Ah, that explains it.” She grabbed another handful and smiled, “Mind if I take some back for everyone to try? Sunflower seeds from the Safe Zone offer a kind of comfort that regular ones can’t match.”

Chi Yi gestured politely. “Be my guest.”

Owen Dong exchanged glances with You Jingmeng: Tianwen’s such a big organization, and they’re eyeing our snacks?

You Jingmeng replied with her eyes: Didn’t you hear? It’s about meaning!

Xiao Fen chimed in: What are these two doing here anyway? Here to provoke us?

Han Wenlin, ever the observant one, said, Doesn’t look like it. Seems more like they’re here to make peace—and rope Zhi-jie in.

Xiao Fen: Shameless! Didn’t they issue the kill order?

Even Lian Qinglin threw her a disdainful look: You don’t get it. No eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Zhi-jie’s position now is enough to make everyone but Xie Qiong kneel and beg!

Chi Yi: Xie Qiong? She’ll be under Zhi’s boot soon enough.

The villa was alive with side-eyes and silent gossip until Shu Xinglan suddenly stood up and said to Li Zhi, “Can we talk privately?”

Li Zhi smiled and nodded. “Sure. Follow me.”

They went upstairs. As their figures disappeared around the corner, Owen Dong exhaled in relief, then asked nervously, “You think they’ll fight?”

“No worries,” Chi Yi said. “Shu Xinglan’s not a match for Zhi.”

Everyone knew Shu Xinglan's weakness was her physical strength.

Owen Dong felt it was a bit rude to say that in front of a Tianwen leader and looked awkwardly at Zhong Yun, who surprisingly responded with a generous grin, “Right, Xinglan can’t beat Li Zhi. She won’t ask for trouble.”

Upstairs, Li Zhi closed the bedroom door. “Sit wherever you like.”

Shu Xinglan chose a seat on a couch by the wall, now with a faint smile. “You look a little different in person than you do in the instances.”

Li Zhi handed her a glass of water. “How so?”

“You’re gentler. Calmer.”

Li Zhi chuckled. “Work mode and vacation mode are always different.”

Hearing her refer to instance missions as “work,” Shu Xinglan’s eyes crinkled slightly. But her innate demeanor gave her an unapproachable air. “You probably know why I’m here. If you can cooperate with Peacock, you can also work with Tianwen. If I fully control Tianwen, I can give you more than Yan Feishu ever could.”

Li Zhi turned her glass slowly. “I thought you’d already taken over Tianwen by now.”

Shu Xinglan’s expression remained calm. “Human nature is complex. People switch sides for the smallest benefits. Tianwen’s full of all kinds—it's not easy to control.”

Her intentions were clear.

She wanted Li Zhi’s help in solidifying her leadership.

Li Zhi sipped her water without answering.

After a pause, Shu Xinglan added, “Li Zhi, our goals are the same.”

Li Zhi looked up to find Shu Xinglan watching her quietly. “I know what you’re trying to do.”

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow.

Shu Xinglan held her mug, rubbing the warm surface gently. “Do you know what I used to do?”

“I heard… you were a top student at Qingbei?”

“I had just received my doctorate and was about to begin research work when the [Supernatural Invasion] hit. It destroyed everything I had worked for.”

She looked at her. “I joined Tianwen just to survive. True, my current status is far beyond anything I had. I stand at the peak—shoulder to shoulder with gods. But if I had a chance to make things right, I’d give up everything. Except my life.”

Not everyone gets drunk on godhood.

For some, dreams remain sacred.

Shu Xinglan was smart—she had grasped Li Zhi’s ultimate goal: driving out the supernatural. And she knew exactly what would sway her.

Sure enough, Li Zhi smiled. “What do you need me to do?”

…

When they came back downstairs, Owen Dong was busy in the kitchen. He truly was the villa’s warmest host—always first to cook when guests came.

Zhong Yun had already bonded with everyone, passionately gossiping with Chi Yi about cringey things players did in instances just to gain votes.

Everyone who visited the villa seemed to get swept up in its atmosphere.

Shu Xinglan hadn’t planned to stay for dinner, but somehow, she ended up seated at the table.

Owen Dong glanced at the two Tianwen guests and then at Yan Feishu’s favorite dish on the table. Remembering how Yan always called him “Brother Owen,” he felt a bit guilty.

He secretly messaged Li Zhi: Zhi-jie, what if Peacock finds out you’re working with Tianwen?

Li Zhi glanced at the sheepish Owen and replied, amused: Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Yan Feishu.

Owen immediately admired her even more.

Such a boss! Balancing two rival factions like it’s nothing!

Whatever she told Yan Feishu, it must have worked. After the New Year, she resumed her instance runs—but now, she worked less with Peacock and more with Tianwen.

Yan Feishu never caused trouble either, apparently convinced by her words. The villa crew admired her diplomatic skills even more.

When spring came and the snow melted, flowers Li Zhi had planted last year began to sprout. Life returned to the earth, and hope returned to the human world.

As the days warmed, Li Zhi’s popularity rankings edged closer to Xie Qiong’s. By Qingming Festival, after finishing another instance, she found herself only one mission away from overtaking him.

This months-long battle for supremacy was nearing its end.

Opinions online varied. Some said Li Zhi’s cooperation with pro players gave her an unfair advantage over the lone wolf Xie Qiong. Others believed she was simply the better player. Of course, Xie Qiong’s fans continued to slander her.

But neither Li Zhi nor Xie Qiong ever responded publicly.

They had never met—like two parallel lines, always in pursuit, never crossing.

It was Shu Xinglan who brought her more information on Xie Qiong.

He came from humble beginnings, once a mountain watchman. When the [Supernatural Invasion] hit, he wasn’t among the first chosen. He gained fame through livestreams—broadcasting his hunting in the deep mountains. He never killed, only subdued and released.

Li Zhi watched a recording of one such stream where he fought and captured a Siberian tiger.

That battle earned him the nickname “Modern Wu Song” and the chance to enter the game. No one expected this quiet man who wrestled wild animals to become the top player in the world.

But looking back, his extraordinary abilities were already clear.

He kept to himself. Shu Xinglan speculated that he used an item to build a secluded Safe House in the mountains, rarely appearing in public except during missions.

“Summary,” Shu Xinglan adjusted her glasses. “Xie Qiong may be cold and arrogant, but he doesn’t rely on dirty tricks. He’s a fair player. If you encounter him, don’t worry about sneak attacks—but he is still your rival. Stay alert.”

Li Zhi looked at his expressionless face frozen on the LDE screen and nodded sweetly. “Got it, Teacher Shu.”

The more time Shu Xinglan spent with her, the more she realized how easily Li Zhi broke through people’s defenses. Her warmth seeped in quietly—and surprisingly, no one seemed to mind.

According to Shu Xinglan’s data analysis, there was a high probability the system would match Li Zhi and Xie Qiong in a head-to-head instance.

If Li Zhi didn’t surpass him this time, it might become nearly impossible afterward. The audience favored the strong—this showdown would be the deciding battle. A loss might cost her even her loyal supporters.

This time, it would be Li Zhi’s solo fight. She wouldn’t rely on Peacock or Tianwen.

But Chi Yi and Lian Qinglin insisted on joining her.

Chi Yi: “I have to be part of your climb to number one! It’ll be my badge of honor!”

Lian Qinglin: “We were there when you were a rookie. We’ll be there when you’re on top. Rookie squad, assemble!”

Rookie squad—it was just last year.

Yet now, it felt like ages ago.

Thankfully, those teammates were still by her side.