The dagger in Chen Xiao's hand shimmered with a faint, eerie glow. A line of text materialized before his eyes:
[Pig Head Dagger]Type: OpportunityEffect: The more pain you endure, the stronger your power becomes.Note: Power is gained through the sacrifice of your own flesh and blood.
Chen Xiao's gaze turned cold.
This dagger was similar to the Blood Body Hourglass—it traded life potential for temporary strength. He had absolutely no interest in such suicidal tools. With little thought, he stored it inside the Mountain and River Map, intending to sell it later—either to the military or at the Jiangbei Auction after the National Fortune Game concluded.
Just then, a bright, excited voice rang out from behind him.
"Chen Xiao!"
He turned around. The disguise of Cicada Skin peeled away like a shedding layer, revealing his true appearance. He had already decided that in this final stage, there was no longer any need to hide. Absolute strength was far more reliable than secrecy.
A Yao rushed toward him at astonishing speed, her eyes sparkling with tears and joy. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"You're alive! I knew you weren't dead!"
Chen Xiao gently patted her back, his voice unusually soft.
"I'm fine. I told you I'd come back for you."
A Yao looked up at him, her cheeks faintly flushed. There was no fear in her eyes—only pure trust and quiet affection. She had long suspected he wasn't the real Zhou Xun and had even guessed his identity as the Mad Ghost Butcher. But she had never cared.
"I knew it," she said softly. "You're so strong. There's no way you'd die."
Chen Xiao smiled faintly.
He reached into the Mountain and River Map and took out a compact hot pot along with several prepared ingredients. With a small flick of flame, the pot began to heat. Soon, a warm, savory aroma spread through the forest.
"Let's eat first," he said calmly. "We've been running all night."
A Yao's eyes lit up instantly. She sat beside him, curling her legs close to her body, staring at him with unconcealed admiration.
"You're incredible. You can even have hot pot out here."
Steam rose slowly as the broth bubbled. While they ate, Chen Xiao spoke in a steady, gentle tone.
"Back then, when I stayed behind and told you to run… I wasn't trying to play the hero."
He paused slightly.
"I just… didn't want anything to happen to you."
A Yao's nose tingled. She nodded firmly, tears shimmering at the corners of her eyes.
"I know," she whispered. "I've always known."
Chen Xiao continued, his voice low and sincere.
"The real Zhou Xun… he was a good man. Li Xiang, the First Executive of Dachang, sent him to his death. Before he died, he asked me to protect you. That's why I've stayed by your side."
A Yao fell silent for a moment. Then she raised her head, her gaze unwavering.
"I don't care who you really are," she said firmly. "From now on, I'll protect you too."
She straightened slightly, her expression filled with pride.
"My speed is extremely fast—SSS-rank Moon Shadow Rabbit Sprint. No one can catch me."
Chen Xiao looked at her quietly. His eyes softened just a little.
"Alright," he said. "Then from now on, we stay together."
The hot pot continued to bubble softly, warm steam curling upward and surrounding them. Amid the endless dangers of the forest, this brief moment of peace felt extraordinarily precious.
A Yao leaned gently against his shoulder, completely relaxed.
In this final stage of the National Fortune Game, no matter how many dangers awaited them ahead—so long as he remained by her side, she was no longer afraid.