[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-gods-foolish-game":3,"chapter-the-gods-foolish-game-the-gods-foolish-game-chapter-32":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Gods' Foolish Game",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2361160,4617,"Chapter 32: A Story, and the Second Final Door","the-gods-foolish-game-chapter-32",32,"\u003Cp>A story, and the second final door\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bai ling behind him was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi said with considerable excitement:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bai Ling, he mentioned the broker!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So is it possible the guard didn’t know who those dwarves were, only recognized this ring?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling wasn’t foolish; she immediately understood Cheng Shi’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the guard had hired the dwarves through the broker, he shouldn’t have known what they looked like or who exactly they were—at least, not all the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the dwarves in the servant’s quarters showed no logical inconsistencies whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even knew to kill the invading players to silence them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling’s eyes widened in disbelief: “But... but the answer was already clear...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing chimed in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Shi, a memory puzzle never has a second answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh, forbidden arts never appeared in the 【War】 trial before—didn’t we still encounter them last time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I remember, Jiazi’s roll was... 5?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Lu was furious at Cheng Shi calling her Jiazi, but dared not speak up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing pondered: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So could this prophecy be telling us we still have another 50% choice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi looked at Xu Lu, speaking slowly and clearly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She has 1600 points, a ten-sided die, rolled a 5—exactly half.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned, but no one disputed it—Cheng Shi’s explanation made perfect sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the 【Fate】 prophecy’s meaning remains unknown until the very end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we have no other evidence or clue to find the second answer, Cheng Shi. There are too many people in the manor, too many dead. We’re at a disadvantage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we have time, don’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi smiled and stepped forward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought of someone. Maybe she’s one of the answers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling hurried after him; Fang Shiqing hesitated, then pulled Xu Lu along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Lu was extremely reluctant to follow, but Fang Shiqing gripped her tightly—she couldn’t break free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Fang Shiqing still trusted Cheng Shi; she didn’t want Xu Lu to walk into death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Lu clearly didn’t think so—her gaze toward Fang Shiqing carried anger and mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-reliable ally seemed to have lost her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The followers of 【Time】 are sowing discord!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi led the group away from the second floor and quickly searched the manor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet guests hadn’t left; they still laughed and chatted as if the duke’s tardiness were routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ignored these brainless nobles, leading everyone swiftly out of the banquet hall to the original servant’s quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone wondered why he’d returned, Cheng Shi looked at the ground by the door and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing followed his gaze and noticed fine soil beneath the threshold—a faint footprint pressed into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi pointed at the ground and smiled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soil from the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d already guessed: whoever invited these dwarves, for whatever reason, would come to investigate when they failed to appear at the right time and place—to see what had become of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I scattered a handful of fine sand by the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, as you see, the imprint of a noblewoman’s high-heeled shoe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Bai Ling finally caught on—whether deliberately playing along or genuinely confused, she asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does this prove? Uh, the duchess came here? The duchess is connected to the broker?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi looked at her as if she were an idiot. Before he could speak, Fang Shiqing mused:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It proves the duchess isn’t as simple as we thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi said her reaction to the duke’s death was extreme—but if these dwarves were hired to assassinate him, she shouldn’t have been here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only explanation is: she knew the dwarves were coming!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi nodded: “As duchess, she’s shown unusual interest in refugee dwarven circus performers recently—that alone speaks volumes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does it mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a theory, but I won’t confirm it until I find the duchess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing immediately nodded: “Split up and search!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled the furious Xu Lu away quickly; Bai Ling crept closer and whispered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big boss, you’re really not holding back anymore?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi clicked his tongue in disgust:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I hold back any longer, we’re done for. I can’t rely on you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling smiled sheepishly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, big boss. I’m just too weak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That phrase felt so familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi suddenly froze, looking at Bai Ling’s apologetic face—his gaze softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. Big bosses can carry you to victory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he strode out the door, beginning his search for the duchess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling hurried after him, lifting her skirt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only half an hour later did they find the “outgoing” duchess on a path behind the manor’s hill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the duchess trying to flee, the players swiftly knocked down the surrounding guards to stop her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duchess stared at these strangers and demanded angrily:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you? What do you want?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Brooks’ land, near the duke’s manor, you dare attempt to attack the duchess? Are you mad?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi strolled up to the duchess and grinned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you really the duchess?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dilar’s face stiffened; she flew into rage:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll pay for your stupidity!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi ignored her and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgive me, madam, I’d like to borrow a moment of your time. I’ll tell you a story—then you may leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I promise, my companions won’t harm so much as a single hair on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dilar blinked: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly. But you must not pursue us for this intrusion afterward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You... you came here just to tell me a story?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, honored madam. May I begin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dilar hesitated, but power favored them—she had no choice but to agree:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then tell it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi bowed, then spoke slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The story I’ll tell is of a group of dwarves corrupted by underground faith, who attempted to steal a town’s administrative authority through imitation and disguise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he finished than Dilar bolted backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing’s face changed; she swiftly drew a page, flung it onto Dilar’s escape path, and vines erupted, tripping her to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling moved instantly, darting beside her to bind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as Bai Ling reached for the rope, she realized it snapped the duchess’s waist, tearing through her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the torn flesh, two massive feet and a bald head emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A dwarf!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stared at Cheng Shi in disbelief. Cheng Shi exhaled deeply and smiled elegantly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? This is the story I meant to tell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing still couldn’t believe it; she asked, shaken:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When did you figure it out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe he remembered hearing that they had impersonated many people in the tavern?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing once again felt regret that he had declined the Firebearer’s invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi was clearly a high-end [Player], a strong one skilled at observing details and understanding human nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, from start to finish, his heart’s strings had never darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when he killed Huang Bo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big leg, why are you staring at me all the time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing sighed. “You know what I’m thinking!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You say that like I’m a worm in your belly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi stepped toward the “Duchess,” pulling out two dwarves hidden beneath the human skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two ugly dwarves, exposed to the light, clutched their faces and wailed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was Sangbos’s idea—he made us impersonate the Duke and Duchess to control the town. We were just following orders. Don’t kill us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no interest in killing you. I only want to know: who fell into memory?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he cast two hypnotic spells upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xu Lu didn’t speak, and Fang Shiqing stayed silent—Cheng Shi had to do it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he finished questioning, the dwarf playing the Duchess’s lower body burst into countless starlike specks, coalescing once more into a Final Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A second Final Gate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… there really is a second one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!!??”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Shiqing stared at the second gate before her, her expression a tangled mix of emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Shi… you really won’t reconsider what I said?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Lu and Bai Ling exchanged glances between the two, and Cheng Shi smiled casually:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed to everyone, cheerfully saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The performance is over. Please exit in order, ladies and gentlemen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was meant as a lighthearted interlude, but not a single person moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi watched this awkward scene, twitched his lips, and prepared to walk away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, Bai Ling moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She giggled, wrapped her arms around Cheng Shi’s, and swiftly kissed his cheek before darting toward the Final Gate like a swallow returning to its nest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was about to step through the gate, Cheng Shi suddenly spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why choose Him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ling paused, turned back, flashed him a flirtatious smile, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t it because you like him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she plunged into the gate without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her answer was a question—but also an affirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi froze, then laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t laughing at Bai Ling’s bluntness—he was laughing because she lied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a companion he’d met by chance but shared life and death with, he never dug too deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But knowing she had lied was already something to be glad about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, just staying alive was hard enough—there was no reason to judge others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, she had never harmed anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Bai Ling vanish behind the gate, Cheng Shi’s smile brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fang Shiqing’s face was grim. She wanted to invite him again—but she knew he wouldn’t accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helplessly, she walked toward the Final Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before entering, she pushed Xu Lu forward—clearly, she still didn’t want Xu Lu left alone with Cheng Shi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet neither of them expected this:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Lu was about to be shoved into the Final Gate, she suddenly struggled violently and ran away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sprinted dozens of meters, then screamed hysterically at Fang Shiqing’s stunned face and Cheng Shi’s tilted-head confusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fake! All of it’s fake! He’s lying!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Fang, he’s lying!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This whole thing is his trick!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t believe him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This gate is fake! If we go in, we’ll all die!”\u003C\u002Fp>",1666,"2026-06-21T06:05:06.137Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b0ac4294eac86026b96a67bbda19a4deb4e8a301a3b317f959f419f36081825d","the-gods-foolish-game-chapter-33","the-gods-foolish-game-chapter-31",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-gods-foolish-game-cover.jpg"]