"I understand," Number 1, wearing a gray cloak, nodded, a rare look of hesitation on his face. "We can't let something like what happened to Number 5 happen again."

Hearing Number 5 mentioned, Lin Wan'er's brow furrowed slightly, but she quickly smoothed it out. "Number 5's situation has nothing to do with you. It was my mistake. I thought that with his abilities, he could at least ensure his own safety."

"I only needed him to find that car and get on it, so I could confirm its location and mark a landing point for your teleportation door." Lin Wan'er sighed softly. "But I didn't expect him to never get off that car again."

"Number 5's combat ability was far inferior to yours and Number 6's, but when it comes to self-preservation, you combined are no match for him."

Number 5 was already dead in the Old Chairman's domain. That was a reality, and there was no point in saying more. Number 1 nodded and skipped the unpleasant topic. The top priority now was to find the killer who wanted to harm Number 10, and... the implementation of the Suicide Gambit.

"I..." Number 1 paused, looking troubled. "Sir, I want to take a look at Number 10. Don't worry, I'll just take a look and leave immediately. I won't be discovered."

"No." Lin Wan'er's attitude was firm. After a moment, she seemed to think of something and softened her tone. "Your mission now is the Suicide Gambit. As for protecting Number 10 and tracking down the murderer, I'll arrange for others to go. You can rest assured."

"Things are different now. Number 10 not only has Wu by his side, but also an enforcer from the Old Chairman's domain. Even if you have the ability, it won't be easy to approach Number 10 without being noticed. And once there's a misunderstanding, it will be difficult for you to escape."

"According to Number 6's analysis, Wu's control over Xia Tan's door far exceeds our expectations, and he seems to have mastered a way to resist that power." Lin Wan'er's voice carried a hint of doubt. "Recently, he has devoured many doors in succession, including some strange doors, but the impact on him hasn't been great. He hasn't fallen into despair or reached the verge of a mental breakdown."

"Also, his interest in Ling is waning. What I mean is, he's learning to restrain his desires, and he's making good progress." After a pause, Lin Wan'er continued, "He... is becoming more and more like a person, a real person."

Hearing this, Number 1 was silent for a moment. For a disciple like him, the terror of Strange Doors didn't lie entirely in their power, but also in their uncontrollability.

Take the door in his body, for example. It had eroded him to the point where he was no longer human. If the Night Watcher hadn't helped him reshape his body, he would look more terrifying than a ghost.

The things inside Strange Doors don't have emotions, and they rarely communicate.

All they want is to devour other doors and erode their hosts in the fastest and most direct way.

That's how Number 4 died. He died in a miserable state, his entire face rotten, revealing bone. That was the last gift his door left him.

Number 1 slowly stood up and said in a low voice, "It's too late. I should go back."

Lin Wan'er stared at Number 1's face. After a few seconds, she nodded gently. She didn't know if there would be another chance to meet again after this.

After all, at the end of the Suicide Gambit, Number 1 needed to lead dozens or hundreds of high-level disciples on the verge of losing control into the Old Chairman's domain at the same time. In theory, he had almost no chance of surviving.

Number 1 was also aware of this. Lin Wan'er had made it clear to him before the mission even started. She never hid anything in such matters.

"What will happen if I don't go?" A long time ago, Number 1 asked after a moment of silence.

"I'll report the truth to the higher-ups, but the people around them don't have the ability, so this matter will most likely fall on our shoulders again. If you don't go, I'll ask others," Lin Wan'er said frankly.

"If you don't hold his head down, Number 2 might not agree, but Number 3 is different. As long as you ask him, even if it's to kill all the Night Watcher executives, he'll go." Number 1 smiled.

Lin Wan'er remained noncommittal. Such questions were also a torment for her, but the arrow was on the string and had to be fired. Number 1 was the most suitable candidate. If he didn't go, then she would have to talk to Number 2 and Number 3.

"When does the mission start?" Number 1 asked.

"The sooner, the better."

"Then, let's do it that way." Number 1 nodded and commented, "That kid Number 2 is too cunning and handles things too smoothly. He's been corrupted by Little Number 13. As for Number 3..." Number 1's mind conjured up that ascetic face. He couldn't help but rub his face and smile bitterly. "You can ask him to impart knowledge, but ask him to be an undercover agent? I can't even imagine him acting."

"What else do you need me to do for you?" Lin Wan'er asked. "You can tell me any requests you have. If I can't do it, I'll report them to the higher-ups."

"I'm not familiar with the higher-ups, Sir," Number 1 shook his head.

"Then, I'll gather everyone together tomorrow for a meal," Lin Wan'er said. "Consider it a farewell for you."

Hearing this, Number 1 smacked his forehead and said with great resistance, "No! I'm going to complete a mission, not to die. I'm still thinking about coming back to drink Number 6 and Number 7's wedding wine. I really wonder what Chen Ran will look like on his wedding day."

"You'll know when you come to see it," Lin Wan'er said. "By the way, you and Number 4 are so close. Do you have anything to say to him?"

Hearing this, Number 1 actually stopped and wore a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he nodded. "Now that you mention it, I really do have something to trouble him with."

"I'll help you deliver the message," Lin Wan'er said, looking at him.

"Please tell him that if he's lucky enough to attend my funeral one day, please be sure to preside over my funeral. Arrange for someone to shout loudly in front of my tombstone three times that Number 1 has ascended to heaven! And then help me set off a few strings of firecrackers."

"The funeral is best held at night because I like red fireworks. It's best if everyone is there so I can leave in a lively manner."

The memories flashed by. Number 1 pulled down the brim of his hat, blocking his reddened eyes. "In the end... he beat me to it."

…

Rong City.

A small, unremarkable studio that was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

Fatty and Jiang Cheng sat facing each other, eating the breakfast Fatty had bought.

Fatty wasn't in the mood to eat because all his attention was focused on Jiang Cheng's neck, where a slender red string hung with a delicate bell.