Ten Day Ultimatum

After a brief moment to gather themselves, the group followed Ole Lu toward the game’s location.
(упрощено: “of gathering themselves” → “to gather themselves” для плавности)

Perhaps it was just as Ole Lu had claimed—thanks to his years of setting up stalls along the street, he had an uncanny familiarity with the city's intricate alleys and hidden paths.
(“due to” → “thanks to” — естественнее звучит в разговорном контексте)
The group weaved through a series of narrow passageways, and there were several moments when Qi Xia felt utterly disoriented, unsure of their direction. Yet Ole Lu strolled along as if taking a leisurely walk, confidently navigating through countless twists and turns.
(“various” → “a series of”; перестановка “twists and turns” для устойчивого выражения)
Along the way, Qi Xia noticed several of the {numbers} Ole Lu had mentioned. In addition to the previously spotted {52}, he now glimpsed {19} and {34} etched onto walls and corners.
(упрощено: “numbers like” → просто перечисление, читается легче)

He surmised Ole Lu might be right—these {numbers} were likely markers left to help navigate this maze of streets.
(“someone had left” → “left” — устранена избыточность, фраза осталась ясной)
After about twenty minutes, they arrived at a dilapidated hotel.
A {dog} stood at the entrance, seemingly engaged in conversation with several individuals.

As Qi Xia and the rest of the collective approached, their expressions immediately shifted.
The {dog} mask was disturbingly realistic—a large bulldog’s face paired with an impeccably black suit and a spotless, perfectly fitted dress shirt.
(переформулировка для плавности: убрано “it was the face of”, заменено на краткую описательную конструкцию)
“It’s «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» {Terrestrial Dog}…” Qi Xia froze for a moment.

Zhang Chenze blinked, slightly confused. “What does {Terrestrial Dog} mean? Isn’t it {Mortal Dog}?”
“{Terrestrial Dog} is a level above {Mortal Dog},” Qi Xia mused, stroking his chin. “People can die in {Terrestrial}-grade games.”
“People can die…” Zhang Chenze froze. “So, should we still participate?”

“This…”
Qi Xia furrowed his brow. Even if it was a {Terrestrial-grade} game, it was still categorized as {cooperative}. Provided the four of them united in purpose, Qi Xia was confident in their chances.
(“potential for victory” → “chances” — чуть более плавно и разговорно)
With that in mind, he turned back, studying Zhang Chenze and Ole Lu before asking, “Can you both promise to follow my lead?”

“I can,” Zhang Chenze nodded.
“Yes,” Ole Lu agreed.
Qi Xia’s worries eased.

“Great! More participants!” came a shout from Terrestrial Dog. “Now we can start, right?”
Qi Xia turned. The young people beside Terrestrial Dog were all looking at them.
“What’s going on? Isn’t this supposed to be a cooperative game of four?” Qi Xia asked Ole Lu, puzzled.
“I don’t know either. That dog told me this morning that a team of four was required.”

Qi Xia stepped forward, taking a closer look at the four individuals.
Three men and one woman.
They appeared to be in their twenties—a young man and woman entwined in each other's arms, clearly a couple. Their disheveled appearances and brightly dyed hair left Qi Xia with an immediately unfavorable impression.
(перестановка “characterized by” убрана для сжатия и плавности)

If Qiao Jiajin projected the image of a formidable hired hoodlum among the hoodlum elite, then these young people resembled mere lackeys—bottom-tier thugs.
“Want to partake in my game?” Terrestrial Dog’s deep voice suddenly rang out. “Entry fee is a {Dào} per person. Life and death rest solely on fate. The losing team will be eliminated completely, while the winners receive five {Dào} each—plus whatever they claim from the losers.”
(слегка уплотнено и разбито на абзацы для ритма)
“Complete elimination?!” Everyone was taken aback.

“What are the rules?” Qi Xia asked coolly.
“Pay the fee and find out.”
‘Not this again…’ Qi Xia shook his head. During the Terrestrial Ox’s game, they had also been left in the dark until after paying the entrance fee.

"Hey, are y’all in or not?" a hoodlum with green-dyed hair snapped impatiently. "Game hasn’t even started and you’re already shaking?"
Ignoring him, Qi Xia asked, “Terrestrial Dog, will your game involve {random team assignments}?”
“Random team assignments…” Ole Lu and Lin Qin both seemed to realize something.

If Terrestrial Dog pulled the same stunt as Terrestrial Ox and shuffled teams after payment, the results would become unpredictable.
“Not at all,” Terrestrial Dog said. “You’ll remain in your current teams. All your efforts will benefit your group.”
Qi Xia slowly relaxed.

It appeared to be a standard {team collaboration} game—though the two teams would likely compete directly.
Seeing Qi Xia’s hesitation, Ole Lu quickly pulled out four {Dào} and handed them over.
“Ole Lu…” Qi Xia frowned. “What are you doing?”

“I’m treating this time,” Ole Lu said with a sly grin. “If we win, give me a bigger cut.”
“No,” Qi Xia said flatly. “The {Dào} gets split evenly. Or I’m out.”
“Well…”

Ole Lu sighed, then nodded reluctantly. “Ai, fine, fine… stingy punk.”
Both teams paid.
To everyone’s astonishment, Terrestrial Dog’s demeanor instantly shifted. He leaped with exuberance, laughing and gesturing animatedly as he welcomed the eight participants like honored guests.

“Please, come in, everyone!” he laughed. “Welcome to my game venue!”
Though confused, the group followed him in.
Inside, Qi Xia looked around the run-down hotel.

It was simple: long corridors on either side, lined with rooms.
“Any of you like spy movies?” Terrestrial Dog asked, rubbing his hands excitedly.
Qi Xia noticed the back of Terrestrial Dog’s hands was furry—as though he were wearing eerily realistic gloves.

“Spy movies? Who watches that crap?” a blond hoodlum muttered. “Cut the chatter and tell us what we’re playing.”
“Impatient, aren’t we…” Terrestrial Dog pulled out two stacks of cards from the drawer behind the front desk and handed them over. “You’re a team of four, but each person gets their own identity card. Please draw your identities now.”
Qi Xia glanced at the stack. It reminded him of the ones used by Mortal Goat. The back of each card bore the same {Game of Nüwa} emblem.

Lin Qin, standing at the front, picked up the cards. “Who wants to draw first?”
“Doesn’t matter. Just deal them,” Zhang Chenze said.
Lin Qin nodded, shuffled, and distributed the cards.

Qi Xia looked at his {identity card}.
It read: {Correspondent}.
“Should we keep these secret?” Ole Lu asked cautiously, holding his card to his chest.

Everyone looked at Terrestrial Dog.
“No need,” he said kindly. “Teammates can see each other’s identities. You can even trade, if you want.”
Everyone formed a small circle around Qi Xia, flipping their cards to reveal their roles.

Qi Xia: {Correspondent}.
Lin Qin: {Recipient}.
Zhang Chenze: {Hostage}.
“What about you?” Qi Xia asked Ole Lu, noticing his reluctance.
“I… uh… well, how should I put this…”

Qi Xia didn’t wait. He grabbed Ole Lu’s wrist and flipped the card himself.
It read: {Infiltrator}.