Chapter 57: If Someone Offends Me

“How is this possible!?”

Lu Qingyu, who had always been the master strategist, was utterly stunned by this sudden turn of events. For the first time, an expression of genuine surprise crossed his usually calculating face.

He had always understood his own abilities inside and out. His control over the formation of ice spikes was precise down to the millisecond—far beyond what any ordinary person could react to.

Lu Qingyu’s confidence in collaborating with Qin Changsheng was based on this certainty. If a conflict between them ever erupted, he was absolutely confident he could take Qin Changsheng’s life before the fight even began. His faith in his own strength was never blind arrogance but grounded in unwavering facts.

Therefore, when he believed he had already eliminated that man, he harbored not the slightest doubt. Yet now, the very reality he trusted had betrayed him, shaking Lu Qingyu profoundly.

How did that man survive? More importantly, where is he now?

Though he never disclosed it to anyone, Lu Qingyu was well aware of a fatal flaw in his power. Unlike Qin Changsheng, the ice he created was not part of his Shanhai Beast, and his perception of the surrounding domain was limited to only a small area.

This meant that if an enemy’s attack came from beyond his sensing range, in these deep waters, he was effectively blind, forced to strike blindly and recklessly.

A favorable situation could instantly reverse. While he could still use his abilities to protect himself to some extent, that was all he could manage.

This was precisely why Lu Qingyu had brought Qin Changsheng into his camp. In this game, Qin Changsheng’s Shanhai Beast, Momo, could extend its body almost infinitely underwater, serving as a super radar with an unlimited range.

With Qin Changsheng’s help, Lu Qingyu could overcome his sole weakness, clearly pinpoint others’ locations, and then use his Shanhai Beast’s abilities for precise kills. Their cooperation was seamless—practically invincible.

But sadly, judging by the current situation, this alliance now seemed impossible to maintain.

His recent words had created a rift between Qin Changsheng and himself. Qin Changsheng had learned all his secrets, and their conflict had fully erupted.

Even if Qin Changsheng might understand Lu Qingyu’s state of mind someday, in such an awkward moment, outside help was unlikely to save him.

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If anything, it was Lu Qingyu’s own arrogance. He believed his last move had wiped out the enemy within arm’s reach, never expecting the foe to be so tenacious as to survive and continue fighting after a second strike.

Now, a formidable enemy had set their sights on him, and his only hope of counterattack, Qin Changsheng, had turned against him. The situation was far more complicated than Lu Qingyu had anticipated.

At this point, though deeply unwilling, Lu Qingyu had no choice but to abandon his original plan. Alone, he might still manage to take down a few opponents, but the risk of being killed would rise sharply. To maximize his chances of survival, he must give up the idea of eliminating others and focus solely on protecting himself.

However, before that, there was still one thing he could do.

Lu Qingyu looked at Qin Changsheng, who had just saved him and now stood completely unguarded. Although Qin Changsheng’s rescue stemmed from his naturally timid nature, after this incident, they could no longer be friends.

After this game, Qin Changsheng would inevitably oppose him, and Cao Mengmeng would surely side with Qin, turning two more people against him instantly.

Lu Qingyu believed Qin Changsheng lacked the courage to kill him outright, but if Qin continued to obstruct him like this, it would be tantamount to a death sentence.

Thus, a ruthless thought slowly took shape in Lu Qingyu’s mind—why not kill Qin Changsheng immediately, while the opportunity was ripe?

At this very moment, Qin Changsheng had just saved him and was completely unaware, his defenses wide open. This was the perfect chance to strike.

By doing so, Lu Qingyu could instantly reduce two future adversaries and somewhat salvage his already failed plan. Even if he ended up alone, survival would still be easier. With both him and Cao Mengmeng dead, the remaining Wu Yutong was just an ordinary powerless person—an easy target.

The murderous intent swelled within Lu Qingyu’s heart as he eyed Qin Changsheng’s exposed nape. With a single strike, Lu Qingyu could make sure Qin would never know how he died.

With his mind made up, Lu Qingyu quietly raised his hand, silently gathering an ice spike aimed at Qin Changsheng’s neck.

It must be a fatal blow—there could be no chance for Qin Changsheng to retaliate!

Just as Lu Qingyu was about to strike, Qin Changsheng suddenly turned his gaze in another direction and spoke first: “Lu Qingyu, watch over there!”

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“What?” Lu Qingyu paused, stopping his assassination attempt instantly.

“The person who attacked us earlier is right over there,” Qin Changsheng said cautiously. “Don’t move. He hasn’t noticed that I can sense him yet. He’s staying perfectly still, probably observing our reactions.”

Lu Qingyu remained silent for a moment, then withdrew the ice spike and asked, “How do you know?”

“If he could see us, the attack wouldn’t have been just a single strike,” Qin Changsheng explained. “After failing, he’d immediately follow up with a second attack instead of stopping so quickly.”

“He only targeted your direction because your large movements earlier caused water ripples that revealed your position to him.”

“As long as you don’t move, he can’t see us. Likewise, he believes that if he stays still, we won’t find him, so he’s stopped attacking to avoid revealing himself. He plans to strike the moment we react. This guy is trapped in his own fixed mindset—he can’t escape it.”

Lu Qingyu looked at Qin Changsheng with a strange expression. He hadn’t expected Qin to so quickly deduce the enemy’s thoughts and tactics. This quick wit must have been what helped Qin pass the first game.

“Now, the one at a disadvantage is that guy. He thinks that if he doesn’t attack, we won’t find him. But he’s probably gathering strength, ready to strike the moment we move,” Qin Changsheng chuckled. “That’s perfect—he’s staying still, which means your ice spike will be even more accurate.”

Lu Qingyu studied the smile on Qin Changsheng’s face and asked meaningfully, “Aren’t you opposed to me killing others?”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Qin Changsheng said deliberately, “I still don’t want to kill anyone actively. But I’m not a saint who would let someone target me without fighting back.”

“I don’t offend others, and others don’t offend me. But if someone offends me, I will surely punish them!”