Chapter 131: The Gunshot That Broke the Stalemate (First Installment!)

What does it mean to be surrounded?

Generally speaking, it refers to a situation where a larger force traps a smaller one in a specific location or area, cutting off all avenues of escape. At this very moment, Yang Hao and Lin Zijin found themselves in exactly such a plight.

Yet, despite being at the center of this encirclement, neither Yang Hao nor Lin Zijin had any intention of fleeing. On the contrary, the two of them were single-handedly keeping the surrounding throng of enemies so suppressed that no one dared to show their face. Anyone who attempted to make a move was either left in a cold sweat or met their end in bitterness.

Have you ever played Whac-A-Mole?

Right now, Yang Hao and Lin Zijin were like master players equipped with every tool and skill, while the people popping up around them were like moles in their holes. One by one, the moles emerged, only to be either eliminated or hammered back down by Yang Hao and Lin Zijin. Gradually, fewer and fewer people dared to make a move. Having witnessed the terrifying power of the pair and the long list of tragic deaths before them, few were willing to take the risk. It wasn't that they didn't want to slay the "gods," but that the two gods inside were simply too terrifying. They had expected Lin Zijin to be a threat, but they had never imagined that the one called "Huyou Ge" would be just as monstrously skilled.

At the commentary desk, watching Yang Hao and Lin Zijin use their Kar98ks to pick off their pursuers and discourage others from attacking, the casters felt little joy. They knew that the situation for the pair remained dire.

"Has everyone noticed that fewer and fewer people are daring to take a shot?" Xiao Qi took a deep breath, engaging the audience.

The viewers, upon hearing Xiao Qi’s voice, responded with enthusiastic cheers.

"Huyou Ge is incredible!"
"A goddess is a goddess; her performance is truly extraordinary."
"This combination is just too heaven-defying."
"Two snipers keeping a crowd at bay—can you imagine that?"
"Huyou Ge: You are all surrounded by me!"
"So domineering..."

Glancing at the live stream’s chat, Xiao Qi saw the viewers were caught up in the excitement, their spirits high. He felt it was his duty to offer a dose of reality.

"Everyone, don't be too happy just yet. Even though Goddess Zijin and Huyou Ge are currently riding high, their situation is actually worse than before." Xiao Qi paused, then continued, "Beyond those who have already fallen to their guns, several more teams have arrived. None of them seem to have any intention of attacking yet, and even the previous survivors have gone to ground."

"They aren't lacking opportunities to attack; they are simply waiting to wear Huyou Ge and the goddess down. They intend to exhaust them to death right here." Xiao Qi’s words acted like a bucket of cold water.

Beside him, the co-caster, Xiao Mo, wore a look of concern. "Xiao Qi is right. They aren't attacking because they are conserving their strength. Has anyone noticed that the blue zone is shrinking again? There isn't much time left before the next safe zone refreshes."

Prompted by Xiao Mo, many viewers realized the danger and frowned as they looked at the calm scene on their screens. According to the casters, the surrounding players were biding their time, refusing to give Lin Zijin and Yang Hao another chance to rack up kills. Furthermore, as the safe zone neared its refresh, Yang Hao and Lin Zijin would inevitably be forced to move. If they stayed, they would surely die to the zone, but the moment they left their position, the surrounding players would strike.

This time, they wouldn't be fighting as individuals. After so much time, a silent consensus had formed among the surrounding players. No one would sit by and let Yang Hao and Lin Zijin leave safely. Once they moved, the surrounding players would surely swarm them, leaving no room for escape.

At this thought, many viewers who cared for Lin Zijin and Yang Hao began to look worried. The current stalemate was clearly disadvantageous to the pair.

In the game, Yang Hao and Lin Zijin were naturally aware of this. However, both remained calm, showing no panic despite being in a desperate situation. It was a reflection of their character and a testament to their confidence in their own abilities.

*Let the wind blow and the rain lash; I shall remain unmoved.*

They possessed a certain detachment, a calm composure in the face of adversity.

Before long, the safe zone refreshed. It did not encompass their current location.

This was clearly a development the surrounding players were happy to see. Yet, they still didn't act rashly. They were waiting—waiting for Yang Hao and Lin Zijin to make the first move so they could counterattack.

"This safe zone shift..."
"They're in danger. The goddess and Huyou Ge are in a bad spot."
"These bastards, they're clearly intent on staying here to finish them off!"
"It's over. Once the zone shrinks, Huyou Ge and the others won't stand a chance."
"They have no choice but to fight to the death."

As the situation grew delicate, the viewers' emotions became increasingly tense. Yet, Lin Zijin and Yang Hao still made no move.

They watched their surroundings, ready to deliver a thunderous strike the moment any of the enemies showed the slightest sign of movement. However, the enemies had grown wise; as long as Yang Hao and Lin Zijin stayed put, they did, too.

The two sides remained in a stalemate.

"The zone is shrinking!"
"Are they still not moving?"
"If they don't move now, it'll be too late."
"Are they going to die in the poison?"
"Sigh, they're too passive!"

In a daze, someone posted these messages in the chat, and the atmosphere of the broadcast turned subtle.

The zone was shrinking! The moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Yet, Yang Hao and Lin Zijin remained still. It was the surrounding players who finally lost their patience. They had expected the pair to act as the zone moved in, but no one expected them to choose to stand their ground. This left the others in a dilemma. If Lin Zijin and Yang Hao wouldn't move, and the others stayed, they would all be swallowed by the zone. At this stage, the damage from the blue zone was immense—hardly anyone could endure it.

Who wanted to stay behind and be buried with them?

Forced by circumstance, many abandoned their plans to slay the gods and prepared to retreat toward the safe zone. But the moment they moved, some exposed themselves.

And for those exposed to the guns of Yang Hao and Lin Zijin, it was a catastrophe!

Suddenly, gunfire rang out once again!