Chapter 20: Facing North in Death

The scene shifted.

Inside a command room within Yanmen Pass, Zhou Sheng'an sat at a desk. In front of him lay twelve golden tokens, each engraved with the words "Heaven Dou."

Every single one of these tokens represented a matter of utmost urgency.

For any general on a campaign, regardless of the situation—even if it were a critical moment in defending a city—they were required to return to Heaven Dou City immediately upon receiving such a summon.

And now, twelve tokens had been sent to Zhou Sheng'an in succession. The gravity of the situation was undeniable, leaving no room for hesitation.

Yet, instead of departing at once, Zhou Sheng'an contemplated the situation.

At this moment, he knew many things.

Qian Renxue's identity was a hidden danger. He had just breached the Jade Gate Pass of the Star Luo Empire, a feat that could lead to a sweeping advance and grant him unparalleled military merit. It was also a key opportunity for Heaven Dou to reap immense benefits.

And yet, Emperor Xue Ye was summoning him back to Heaven Dou City.

It was strange. But if Qian Renxue's identity had been exposed… then everything made sense.

As her "most trusted subordinate," if Qian Renxue was exposed, he would inevitably be purged as well.

The more important he appeared, the more urgent his situation became!

"Xiaoxue, how are you now…?" Zhou Sheng'an rubbed his temples and murmured to himself.

"You should be more concerned about yourself first."

A voice suddenly interrupted.

Zhou Sheng'an lifted his head.

Right in front of him, within the command room, Bibi Dong had appeared. Her face carried an amused expression, like a god looking down upon the struggles of mortals.

Zhou Sheng'an frowned slightly and asked,

"Why has the Pope come here?"

"Zhou Sheng'an, Emperor Xue Ye wants to kill you. If you return, you'll die without a doubt. Of course, even if you don't go back, the people sent to capture you should already be on their way. You're trapped in a dead end."

Bibi Dong's lips curled into a mocking smile.

She had finally waited for this moment!

Faced with a life-or-death dilemma, how would Zhou Sheng'an choose?

Surely, he would grovel before her, begging for mercy?

However, Zhou Sheng'an remained calm, showing none of the fear that Bibi Dong had anticipated. His demeanor was extraordinary, as if he would remain composed even if the heavens crumbled. He spoke with an even tone,

"As expected… Is Xiaoxue safe?"

"…"

Bibi Dong did not answer immediately.

Her piercing gaze locked onto Zhou Sheng'an's face, as if she were a venomous snake savoring every inch of his skin, searching for traces of fear, panic, or regret.

But she was destined to be disappointed.

The man before her, extraordinary in both appearance and bearing, showed no fear.

The only emotion on his face was concern. And that concern was not for himself—it was entirely for Qian Renxue's safety!

"Boom—"

It felt as if a fire had ignited within Bibi Dong's heart.

Zhou Sheng'an's composure only reinforced his excellence, which in turn clashed with the image of her ideal white moonlight.

Impossible. No one could be better than Xiaogang!

Bibi Dong's eyes turned crimson with rage. A powerful urge for destruction consumed her mind. She was jealous. She hated him. She could not tolerate the existence of someone who outshone Yu Xiaogang—especially in connection to Qian Renxue!

A chilling aura radiated from her body.

Zhou Sheng'an took a step back, layers of thick Blue Silver Grass sprouting beneath his feet.

"Pope, please calm yourself," Zhou Sheng'an warned with a frown.

At his words, Bibi Dong suppressed her emotions and stared at him intently.

The darkness in her heart momentarily withdrew.

A sinister and amusing thought surfaced in her mind.

"Calm? Xiaoxue is dead because of you! And you expect me to stay calm?"

Bibi Dong sneered, suddenly pulling out a tattered, blood-stained dress.

Zhou Sheng'an immediately recognized it.

It was Qian Renxue's dress!

"Xiaoxue?!" Zhou Sheng'an exclaimed, grabbing the dress in a hurry. The metallic scent of blood still lingered on it. His face turned pale, his expression filled with panic.

"What happened to Xiaoxue?" he demanded.

"She was pregnant with your child. Emperor Xue Ye found out. And because the experts protecting her had been reassigned to you… she died."

Bibi Dong's voice was cold as she spat out the final three words.

Zhou Sheng'an suddenly felt as if all strength had been drained from his body. He collapsed to the ground, still clutching the dress tightly.

"Dead… She's dead…"

All color drained from his face.

"It's all because of you! You killed Xiaoxue! I will kill you to avenge her!"

Bibi Dong gritted her teeth, her hatred for Qian Renxue's downfall and her fury at Zhou Sheng'an's existence merging into a murderous intent.

"Clang—!!!"

Zhou Sheng'an suddenly drew his sword.

Bibi Dong sneered.

"You think you can resist me?"

Leaning against the wall, his sword supporting his weight, Zhou Sheng'an's eyes were void of life. His voice was hoarse as he spoke,

"Xiaoxue is to the north. I will not die facing south."

A cold glint flashed.

The sword pierced through Zhou Sheng'an's chest.

"!!!"

Bibi Dong froze.

She had expected to see his face twist in disbelief and despair before she pressured him into submission. Without Qian Renxue's support, would he still dare to remain defiant?

But there was no change in Zhou Sheng'an's expression.

Qian Renxue's death had seemingly drained all the life from him.

In the end, he hadn't even needed her to threaten him—he had taken his own life.

A man with limitless potential, a bright future ahead.

Yet he chose death simply because his love had perished?

What is love, that it drives one to die for another?

This age-old myth had never come true for her and Yu Xiaogang. She had long dismissed it as mere fantasy.

Yet now, she was witnessing it before her very eyes.

"Ahhh!!!"

Bibi Dong suddenly clutched her head and screamed like a frenzied night owl. A darkness surged from her body, engulfing the entire room before spreading outward!

Zhou Sheng'an's suicide had snapped the last thread of her sanity!

[Douluo Calendar, March 6, 2026: Bibi Dong deceived Zhou Sheng'an into believing Qian Renxue was dead. Overcome with grief, he took his own life, facing north. Bibi Dong lost control and vanished.]

[Douluo Calendar, March 9, 2026: Emperor Xue Ye intended to put Zhou Sheng'an on trial, but the First Army of Barak revolted, making it impossible.]

[This simulation has ended. Would you like to receive the knowledge and experience gained? Yes / No]

Zhou Sheng'an let out a breath.

What an exhausting game! The simulation had spiraled out of control to such an extent—why would he cling to survival? Might as well give Bibi Dong a dramatic end!

At worst, he'd just start another run!

Next time, he would stay far away from Qian Renxue. That woman was nothing but trouble!

The past two simulations had both ended in his death—one where he showcased his talents and got killed by the lunatic Bibi Dong, and another where he focused on governance only to meet the same fate.

And Qian Renxue… she seemed strangely obsessed with his body…

No, no, he needed to find a better path forward!

"I'll accept the knowledge and experience from this run first."

Zhou Sheng'an pressed the 'Yes' button.