Chapter Three: A Ticket Delivered by Assassins

Beyond them flickered a burning railway station, an upside-down hospital, and colossal fish swimming between skyscrapers—the pieces of Linchuan folded behind common sense. Hunters smashed through the front entrance. Jibai overturned a cabinet to block them. A claw opened his forearm, and another red line appeared beneath his skin. Wanxing understood. He could postpone pain, never cancel it. Every blow he took for her was a death scheduled three days from now. “Which door?” “I don't know. Your blood grants access, not directions.” “My ability can choose an outcome.” “And its price can choose a person.” He held her gaze. “Tang Xiaoman—or someone standing closer.”