Pit within a pit

The five-person team won the first round completely. When Zhu Qinghe and Bai Qiuru returned to the base, Mu Chengwen gave them a bear hug, almost knocking them flying.

Zhu Qinghe and Bai Qiuru felt like two lumps of steamed buns being slapped together, their filling about to be squeezed out.

With great difficulty, Zhu Qinghe struggled to free her arms and cried out, "...I...can't breathe."

Mu Chengwen then realized what was happening and quickly let go of them.

"Sorry, I got too excited. Are you two alright?"

The two men coughed and patted their chests for a long time before Zhu Qinghe, trembling, gave a thumbs-up: "Heroine, you have great strength."

Mu Chengwen chuckled: "I practiced martial arts for five years, but my mother said she was afraid I would get too muscular and wouldn't be able to get married, so she stopped me from practicing."

"I admire you."

"What's the plan next?" Chen Fuying interrupted them calmly and asked.

Zhu Qinghe: "Oh right, now let's discuss our next steps."

"Qiu Ru won back four hundred, so I neither lost nor won. Miss Fu Ying won back four hundred, so You An neither lost nor won."

"So now we have a total of 1,800 combat points. We only need to win 200 more to win this round."

"Two people from the opposing team have died, leaving six. Their combat strength is 1,000."

Mu Chengwen's eyes lit up. "They're doomed. They can't beat us five in an eight-person game. They were laughing at us before, but now they've proven themselves wrong."

“We can’t let our guard down until the very end,” Bai Qiuru said. “We can’t use the same old tricks anymore.”

“The situation is now in our favor, so there’s no need to bluff like before,” Zhu Qinghe said.

"Actually, they lost because they were too confident. Having more people didn't become their advantage; instead, it hindered their thinking."

Liang Youan obediently raised her hand, and Zhu Qinghe gestured for her to speak.

"I've got a shortcut! Since we have more combat power than them, why don't we send one person with 1,600 combat power to attack them? The treasure guardian can stay at the base, and the others can hide in the roadside to avoid being attacked."

"As long as we're not unlucky enough to point to the treasure guardian, we're sure to win."

The group fell silent in unison.

Liang Youan scratched the back of his head sheepishly: "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Mu Chengwen: "I feel like something's not right, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

Chen Fuying sneered: "It's not as simple as you think. Do you think the other party is as stupid as you?"

Mu Chengwen frowned and shouted, "Hey, you always say others are stupid, but how good are you yourself? In the last game, you were completely outmaneuvered by Qinghe and Qiuru."

Chen Fuying: "That's still later than you dying!"

"Alright, alright, stop arguing. We're all on the same team now, so calm down!" Zhu Qinghe tapped the table lightly. It was called a table, but it was actually just a makeshift table made from the boards next to it.

The position was rudimentary, with sand underfoot. Fortunately, considering that the young ladies were all pampered, a stack of prayer mats was provided for them.

At this moment, the five girls each sat on a futon around a simple wooden table, discussing their next tactics.

“You’an’s method is theoretically feasible, but things may not be as simple as we imagine,” Zhu Qinghe explained.

"First of all, the other side may also have thought of this. They only need to leave the treasure guards on the front line, and the rest of them can hide in the road. When our people arrive at the enemy's position, they can only launch an attack. In that case, one of our people will die, and all of that person's combat power will go to the other side. They can be said to have won without fighting."

Liang Youan realized what was happening, covered her mouth, and said regretfully, "I'm sorry, I was so stupid, I didn't even think of that."

"It's okay, you're too naive. I'm just suggesting this possibility, and the other party might not even think of it."

Zhu Qinghe looked at Bai Qiuru, "Qiuru, what do you think?"

"You've already figured it out, why are you asking me?" Bai Qiuru glanced at her.

"Looks like we're pretty in sync."

Mu Chengwen was about to lose his temper: "You two, stop talking in riddles, someone's coming from the other side soon."

“Alright, let’s do it this way.” Zhu Qinghe slammed her hand on the table.

On the other side, an eight-person team—oh no, now it's a six-person team. The dead number seven and number eight have already been taken off the field by the maintenance staff.

Number Six looked grave: "We were too careless before, and they took advantage of us. We must not give them another chance."

"Our advantage now is that we have more people. We can win even if we can wear down both of them in a one-on-one fight."

The others remained silent. Number Six looked around and asked, "What's wrong? Just say what you're thinking. I didn't tell you not to speak."

Number 10 spoke up: "Number 6, I think your method is too stupid."

Number Six's expression changed. "What do you mean?"

"From the very beginning, you've styled yourself as a leader, arranging everything perfectly for us, but in reality, your intelligence is no match for Number Five and Number Eleven. You're just increasing unnecessary casualties."

"If this were a battlefield, it would be terrifying to have someone like you as a general."

Number Six's chest heaved violently. "I only took over the leadership role because no one else was willing to step forward. If you have the ability, I can step down at any time."

"Number 10, why don't you become the leader and help us break this deadlock?"

Number 10 glanced at the people around him. Number 2 and Number 6, who were always on good terms, stood up and chimed in, "Number 10, that's too selfish of you to say that. Number 6 was doing it for our own good. It's not her fault that things turned out this way. If it were someone else, they might not have done as well as Number 6."

"How about we vote? Raise your hand if you vote for number ten."

Numbers 3, 4, and 13 all kept their heads down and didn't speak. The total number of words they uttered throughout the entire match was no more than five.

"Whatever, whatever." Number Ten slumped down.

They're doomed to lose this match.

When Zhu Qinghe swaggered over to the enemy's position, she saw Number Six standing there alone.

"Looks like you're the one guarding the treasure."

"Yeah, right." Number Six had no reason to hide it. "So what, you're going to attack me?"

"Then I'll lose if I attack," Zhu Qinghe said seriously.

"What else can you do? Since you've stepped into our territory, you have to attack."

Zhu Qinghe nodded: "Yes, so I think I should find a helper."

She called out to the outside, "Qiu Ru, come in."

Bai Qiuru walked in, and now whenever Number Six sees them together, he feels pain from his temples all the way to his jaw.

"What's the use of having more of you? I am the guardian of this treasure. Your strength is useless against me. You are all doomed."

"Is that so?" Zhu Qinghe smiled slightly and continued to call out, "Come in, everyone."

Number Six stared in surprise as Mu Chengwen and Liang Youan stepped in through the door.

Number Six understood: "You've only left one guardian of the treasure."

It seems that it's the number one guardian again this time. She sneered, "You all pretend to be so high and mighty, but you still have to curry favor with Chen Fuying, even though she's so annoying in the game."

"Don't assume people are like you," Mu Chengwen said disdainfully.

"We can make our move now." Bai Qiuru glanced outside and saw figures quickly disappearing behind the trees.

"Okay, I'll go close the door." Liang Youan smiled sweetly.

The base door creaked shut, and four people slowly approached Number Six. Number Six felt a chill run down his spine and backed away, saying, "What are you going to do? Where's the maintenance crew? Protect me!"

The maintenance worker immediately stepped forward: "Force cannot be used."

Zhu Qinghe: "Don't worry, we will never use violence. It's just sisters exchanging feelings. It's very private. You'd better stand back."

The maintenance worker felt a little embarrassed when he saw a group of delicate young ladies staring at him, so he turned around and returned to his post.

Number Six glared at them: "What are you trying to do? I'm warning you—aha ...

Number Two, hiding behind a tree outside the door, could only hear a muffled sound, which seemed to be Number Six. The sound was strange, a mix of crying and laughing.

Will something bad happen?

She originally intended to attack the enemy's position, but after squatting at the entrance of their base for a while, she discovered that there was only one guardian inside, and if she stepped into the base, she would be doomed to lose.

So she secretly retreated, while the others hid in the road. Numbers three, four, and thirteen were like wooden blocks and could not be relied upon at all, and number ten was not on their side.

She and Number Six are the only ones fighting in this battle, so Number Six absolutely cannot get hurt.

She listened quietly for a while longer, and Number Six's voice became increasingly painful. She couldn't bear it any longer. Anyway, she had a thousand combat points. At worst, she could just point an attack as soon as she entered the room and maybe she could actually win.

Judging from the situation inside, their attention should be focused on Number Six.

Are they hitting her? I'm sorry, sister, I have to break in when they're least alert.

Maybe we can even win.

She made up her mind, moved closer to the door, and when she heard Number Six's loudest scream, she suddenly pushed the door open.

Number Six, who was lying face up on the chair with her boots and socks removed and her hands bound by Number Nine, was struggling desperately when she suddenly stopped. At the same time, Number Twelve turned her head, and the foxtail grass in her hand was still resting on the soles of Number Six's feet.

—It's because of this?

The next second, she caught a glimpse of Zhu Qinghe standing at the door and instinctively wanted to attack her.

But in a flash, a sudden realization dawned on me—

There's definitely a trap!

If she didn't have enough fighting skills, why would she stand so close to the door, in a position where she could see her at a glance?

They kidnapped Number Six and locked the door to create a tense atmosphere, all to lure her in and attack Number Eleven, who was armed.

That was close; we almost fell for their trap.

Seeing that Zhu Qinghe had slightly opened her mouth, she quickly shouted before she could speak.

"Attack number twelve."

After a moment of silence, the maintenance worker announced: "Attack confirmed. Initiating verification."

Number Two looked smugly at Zhu Qinghe not far away, "Didn't expect I didn't attack you, did I? You were the first person I saw."

Zhu Qinghe nodded honestly: "I really didn't expect that."

Number Two: "If you use the same tricks too much, someone will eventually see through them."

Zhu Qinghe smiled and said, "Although it's the same routine, as long as it works, that's fine."

They're still stubbornly refusing to admit it.

The maintenance worker announced the results: "Number 12 has a combat strength of 1,200, Number 2 has a combat strength of 1,000, Number 12 wins, and the total combat strength of the five-person team is 2,800."

"The five-person team wins."

"How is this possible?" Number Two asked incredulously.

"If you don't have any fighting skills, how dare you stand at the door?"

Number Two felt a wave of dizziness. If Number Twelve had a combat strength of 1,200, he would have predicted her attack.

But—with so many people present, how can she be sure she will choose number twelve? What if she actually chooses someone else?

"I can't be sure," Zhu Qinghe said.

Number Two: "...Did I ask that out loud?"

No, but you seem quite puzzled.

Number Two glared at her, his face grim.

Zhu Qinghe kindly offered her some advice, "First of all, if you rushed into the house, who would you choose to attack? Would you choose the one closest to you?"

Number Two pondered, "So you were blocking the door so that I would choose you to attack."

"yes."

"You're guessing that I can see through your first intention and won't choose you, so you're gambling?"

"Actually, it doesn't count. After all, the written report is just a backup plan." Zhu Qinghe really didn't overestimate her intelligence.

She really thought she could kill her right at the door.

However, it was just a backup plan, done just to be on the safe side.

"What's the meaning?"

“Idiot, she’s the guardian of the treasure.” Number Six struggled to his feet and yelled at her.

Number Two was stunned.

"I thought you would choose me as soon as you came in, but just to be on the safe side, I had Chengwen stand in the most conspicuous place in the room with the highest combat value as a precaution."

Number Two looked up and saw Number Twelve waving a foxtail grass at her, laughing arrogantly.

Yes, number twelve is located in the center, which is very conspicuous. Moreover, she is right next to number six, bullying her. Even if she avoids number eleven who is blocking her at the door, she will definitely choose her in a fit of anger.

The others were either sitting or squatting, so they were practically invisible if you weren't paying attention.

Even Number Nine, who was holding onto Number Six's arm, hid his face behind the chair the moment she burst in.

But... but shouldn't the guardian of the treasure stay in their own territory?

Number Two never expected such a move.