Chapter 114 Terrestrial Horse’s Race
Xu Liunian, like many others who arrived in this realm, lost her life in an earthquake and became one of the residents of {End Point}.
In turn, she joined the ranks of Chu Tianqiu and Yun Yao's team.
Her kind nature made her easily get along with everyone, and with her background in mixed martial arts, she quickly became one of the core members of the group, leading them through many challenges.
Her chronic back pain, which had once crippled her, seemed to diminish in this place.
So, during the time when Zhang Shan had yet to be recruited, Xu Liunian was able to skillfully participate in physical or combat-based games, such as those involving the {Ox}, {Tiger}, or {Chicken}.
But the games that suited her best were undoubtedly the {Horse}-type games, particularly the racing ones. The profession of a stunt performer was truly a fascinating one. Whether the competition involved rollerblading, skateboarding, mountain biking, or motorcycles, Xu Liunian had a basic grasp of all of them. Her excellent sense of balance and quick reflexes made her unbeatable.
But ironically, it was these very qualities that led to her downfall.
The rule was simple: each team was given an old, automatic car, and they would race against each other.
The catch, however, was that Terrestrial Horse had eight cards, each representing a car part: {Brake}, {Accelerator}, {Accelerator}, {Steering Wheel}, {Steering Wheel}, {Car Door}, {Windshield}, and {Seat}. The two teams take turns selecting the cards they need, while the referee removes any unchosen parts from the car.
The two contestants play rock-paper-scissors, with the winner gaining the {right to choose first}. The loser gets to choose whether to place their car on the inner track or the outer track.
As Xu Liunian won the rock-paper-scissors, she decisively proposed to {stake her life} against Terrestrial Horse.
At that moment, the rules of the game shifted. A figure known as {Black Tortoise} descended from the sky, becoming the new referee. The contestants were no longer two teams, but instead, it was Xu Liunian versus Terrestrial Horse.
At that time, Chu Tianqiu racked his brain, doing his utmost to devise strategies for Xu Liunian. He knew that if the teams alternated in choosing parts, their side had to secure the {brake} and {accelerator} at all costs.
Given the racetrack’s circular layout, much like a track field, securing the {steering wheel} was also of paramount importance. With two cards available for both the {accelerator} and the {steering wheel}, their chances of obtaining them were relatively high. The immediate priority, however, was securing the {brake}.
Fortunately, Xu Liunian had won the rock-paper-scissors, granting her the first pick. She could seize the {brake} and then negotiate the split of the {accelerator} and {steering wheel} with the opponent.
As for the {seat}, {car door}, and {windshield}, they were non-essential components that could be discarded if necessary.
When Chu Tianqiu reached this part of the story, Qi Xia furrowed his brow, sensing a subtle flaw in the strategy. There was something about the approach that didn’t sit right with him.
But in that moment, Xu Liunian placed her complete trust in Chu Tianqiu. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and secured the {brake}.
As expected, Terrestrial Horse claimed the {accelerator}.
In the second round of picks, Xu Liunian chose the {accelerator}.
She had expected Terrestrial Horse to take the {steering wheel}, but to her surprise, he selected the {car door} instead. This unexpected choice left everyone present utterly bewildered. Xu Liunian had already secured the {brake} and {accelerator}, yet Terrestrial Horse had claimed the {accelerator} and {car door}. Was the {car door} truly so vital for the race?
In the third round, Xu Liunian adhered to the strategy and claimed the {steering wheel}, completing the three essential components for the race.
But no one could have predicted that, even at this stage, Terrestrial Horse still hadn’t claimed the {steering wheel}. Instead, he selected the {seat}. A wave of confusion rippled through the spectators, as no one could make sense of Terrestrial Horse’s strategy.
If they continued to neglect the {steering wheel}, how would they handle the sharp turns?
Without missing a beat, Chu Tianqiu made a decisive call, instructing Xu Liunian to claim the second {steering wheel}. At the time, it seemed like an unbeatable move. Though Xu Liunian had to forfeit one of her desired selections, she had ensured that Terrestrial Horse could never secure the {steering wheel}.
At this point, Terrestrial Horse was left with no {brakes}, no {steering wheel}, and only the {accelerator}, {seat}, {car door}, and the last remaining {windshield} on his vehicle. The car was essentially uncontrollable—how could he possibly race?
In stark contrast, Xu Liunian’s car was equipped with {brakes}, {accelerator}, and two {steering wheels}. Though she lacked a seat, driving in a crouched position posed little challenge in this scenario.
Under the watchful eye of the referee, both contestants completed their car modifications.
Xu Liunian casually picked up a wooden crate from the ground and used it as her seat before the race officially began.
On the circular track, Terrestrial Horse positioned his car on the inside lane, while Xu Liunian’s car took the outside lane. Typically, the inside lane is shorter than the outer one, so this choice was not without merit.
Xu Liunian’s focus was unwavering, her eyes locked onto the road ahead. She knew that her opponent was ill-equipped to handle the sharp turns. If she could just navigate the first curve, victory would be within her grasp.
With a command from Black Tortoise, both drivers slammed their accelerators.
In that moment, Chu Tianqiu’s face drained of color. "Qi Xia... I was wrong," he murmured, his voice laced with regret. "Had I known this was how it would unfold, I should have chosen a different approach..."
In a race , there were two clear paths to victory. The first: cross the finish line first. The second: eliminate your opponent from the race entirely.
It was now evident that from the outset, Terrestrial Horse had opted for the latter.
He had no need for a steering wheel, nor for brakes.
Though both cars launched off the starting line in perfect synchronicity, tearing down the straightaway, Terrestrial Horse’s car stayed relentlessly on Xu Liunian’s tail. Yet, Xu Liunian’s car had brakes.
Under normal circumstances, a driver would slow down when approaching a turn, relying on the brakes to navigate the curve. But Terrestrial Horse was more twisted, more calculating than anyone had expected. He chose to position his car on the inside lane, knowing full well that Xu Liunian would have to pass him at some point during the turn. He was betting everything on that single, critical moment.
By the time Chu Tianqiu grasped the full extent of what was unfolding, the distance between him and Xu Liunian was too great. His frantic shouts were lost in the wind, unable to reach her.
Just as Xu Liunian passed Terrestrial Horse, he slammed down on the accelerator with all his might.
The two cars collided with a deafening crash, the impact reverberating through the air.
Because Terrestrial Horse's car had a windshield and seat, the impact didn’t send him flying out of the vehicle immediately. Instead, his head slammed into the windshield, shattering it, while his horse-shaped head took the brunt of the blow, splitting open and spilling blood in torrents.
Xu Liunian hadn’t anticipated Terrestrial Horse would go so far as to initiate a suicidal collision. The sudden shock of impact sent her tumbling inside the car, her head cracking against the interior as blood began to flow freely.
Yet, her years of stunt work kicked in, her body trained for such moments of chaos. Despite the disorientation, she regained her bearings in an instant. Her hands shot to the steering wheel, steadying herself with remarkable precision.
This was Xu Liunian’s last chance. If she could survive this turn and make it through, Terrestrial Horse would have no choice but to surrender.