Confronting Ling Xian

Lin Yu admitted that he really hadn't expected the "simple-looking girl" in front of him to be "Ling Xian".

After all, although Lin Yu had never met "Ling Xian", Lin Yu still knew a lot of basic information about "Ling Xian" through his identity as "Yayu".

For example, the other person's gender.

However, this "gender" information did indeed mislead Lin Yu.

Of course, compared to "gender", Lin Yu initially thought that the people accompanying the "Celestial King" must be her own faction's subordinates and assistants, just like "A'yu" and "Liuli". Therefore, Lin Yu never considered the possibility that the other party might be "Ling Xian".

But...

After the other party revealed his identity to Lin Yu didn't think that the guy in front of him was lying to him.

He must truly be "Ling Xian".

After all, it makes no sense if he were another member of the "Marauders" or impersonating "Ling Xian".

But if the other party regards you as "Ling Xian"...

We now have more negotiation strategies at our disposal.

This means that he is on equal footing with the "Celestial King" and has more decision-making power.

Furthermore, the other party has already conveyed a message of wanting to cooperate.

Although Lin Yu didn't intend to actually cooperate with the "Marauders" here, he could still use their attitude to his advantage.

Thinking of this, Lin Yu spoke up.

"I'll assume you are 'Ling Xian' for now... Nice to meet you."

Ling Xian smiled and said, "Now that you know my identity, why don't you reconsider what I just said?"

"Zhu Ming, I actually admire you a lot—my invitation to collaborate isn't just for one time."

"As the vice minister, I can directly make you an honorary member of the 'Marauders,' or even an honorary Branch Director," Ling Xian said earnestly. "I think... you're worth that investment."

"But I'm already a member of the 'Freedom Alliance'."

Lin Yu shook his head and said.

"It's just about 'reputation'... Besides, your 'Freedom Alliance' doesn't have Rule against joining other organizations, and we 'Marauders' don't necessarily require you to join only our organization," Ling Xian said seriously, looking at Lin Yu. "So... it doesn't matter."

"No, you misunderstood me," Lin Yu looked at Ling Xian, his tone becoming equally serious, "What I mean is... I've already joined an interesting and reliable organization like the 'Freedom Alliance,' so why would I want to get involved with a boring, smelly organization like yours, the 'Marauders'?"

"By the way... you're not the first guy to try and invite me to join another organization today. I'm surprised I'm so popular," Lin Yu pointed behind him, "that 'Dionysus' dragging behind me right now, that guy's even more outrageous than you... he actually invited me, a member of the 'Freedom Alliance,' to join 'Order.'"

"But honestly—if I had to choose between 'Order' and 'Marauders,' I'd even choose 'Order'... at least there are fewer idiots in the 'Order' organization."

Lin Yu responded.

Joining the "Marauders" and obtaining the title and status of "Honorary Branch Director" may indeed bring some benefits.

However, Lin Yu also knew very well that this was not suitable for the identity of "Zhu Ming".

In any case, the "Yayu" was already thriving within the "Marauders", so Lin Yu naturally did not intend to accept the "Ling Xian's" invitation.

However, Ling Xian, who was a senior manager of the "Marauders" and even one of the elders, showed no anger in the face of Lin Yu's insults to the entire "Marauders".

He even agreed with Lin Yu's statement.

"Haha, you're absolutely right," Zhu Ming said. "... The Marauders' are indeed an utterly boring organization compared to the 'Freedom Alliance.'"

Compared to "Order"... we really don't have any institutional advantages.

"The 'Marauders' might even be one of the few organizations that would offer 'negative benefits' to joining," Ling Xian pushed up his heavy glasses, "So I fully understand your thoughts... but, regardless of whether you join or not..."

"I think you'd better put 'Dionysus' down and let us deal with it... What do you think?"

"As for the subsequent Reinforcements from 'Order'... we'll handle that too."

As Lin Yu spoke of "Ling Xian," he shook his head.

"No, allow me to refuse," he said, glancing at "Celestial King" who was still locked in combat with Ka. "You already said that your direct combat strength is weak... Now that 'Celestial King' can't extricate himself, why should I listen to you?"

Lin Yu asked, Ling Xian smiled.

"Didn't you ever consider... that I was just being polite and modest, Zhu Ming?"

"After all, I'm only a 'Tier 3'."

Lin Yu looked at Ling Xian and calmly said, "Then I'll... give it a try myself."

As he spoke, Lin Yu adjusted Yin Lan 'Yin Lan position, tied her behind his back, and secured Yin Lan with ropes formed from Mind Matter.

Ling Xian looked at Lin Yu, who was ready for battle, and raised her hands.

"Just kidding... I really don't have much fighting ability, but..."

As Ling Xian spoke, he then pulled out a Talismans from his robes.

"But... as you know, as the vice minister, I always have some 'life-saving measures' that come from 'Diviner'... Would you like to experience them?"

Looking at Ling Xian, Lin Yu could sense that the other party was definitely not bluffing.

The energy fluctuations emanating from that Talismans were terrifyingly high, almost equivalent to those of an entire "Good Night" captain.

But Lin Yu did not back down; instead, he showed an even more eager expression.

"In that case, I'll... see what the 'Diviner' has to offer."

As he spoke, Lin Yu straightened up, ready to attack.

Ling Xian exhaled and reached out to tear the Talismans.

But at that very moment...

"Laugh--!"

While Ling Xian's attention was completely focused on Lin Yu, who was hunched over as if about to explode, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in the hand holding the Talismans!

Before Ling Xian could react, his hand completely lost sensation and became unresponsive.

Ling Xian's expression Cataclysm.

He immediately discovered the problem.

"Seawater... you're manipulating the seawater?!"

At that moment, Lin Yu, who was ready to unleash his power, rushed in front of Ling Xian, grabbed Ling Xian's hand that had been instantly pierced by the seawater, and held the long knife to Ling Xian's neck with his other hand.

This is Lin Yu's strategy—he fully respects the "life-saving methods" left behind by the "Diviner"!

Since this Talismans seems very powerful...

Then we shouldn't give Ling Xian any time to use it!

The two were standing face to face, almost touching.

As the seawater surged, a beautiful, shimmering silver Necklace swayed out from the collar of Lin Yu's clothes.

Ling Xian looked at the Necklace and suddenly realized, "So that's how it is... [Water Prayer Necklace]!"

Lin Yu was somewhat surprised.

This Ling Xian is indeed quite capable... Although his reaction speed isn't great, at least he has quick eyesight and broad knowledge.

First, he realized almost instantly that he had used the seawater to attack him, and that his actions were just a feint and a decoy.

Secondly... the moment he saw the [Water Prayer Necklace], he recognized it and accurately called out its Item —although the [Water Prayer Necklace] seemed to be a relatively famous [Item], this ability was still enough to show that "Ling Xian" was indeed erudite.

Of course, Lin Yu also knew... that Ling Xian hadn't fully grasped his strategy either.

What completely rendered him powerless to resist was not just the "Water Control" ability of the [Water Prayer Necklace]—Lin Yu had no confidence that even a "Tier 3" cultivator couldn't tear open the Talismans.

What truly played a decisive role... was the "Narrative Trick."

Just now, when Lin Yu used the [Water Prayer Necklace] to Water Control and attack, he also activated the "Narrative Trick" ability at the same time, causing Ling Xian to misjudge the extent of her injury.

The pain in his hand that he felt was amplified through "cognitive modification," and Lin Yu also took the opportunity to implant a strong suggestion in him that "my hand is now completely immobile," leaving him utterly unable to resist.

Of course, Lin Yu also knew that the "Narrative Trick" was not Ling Xian's problem.

No normal person would think of such a method—especially since he always used it with great restraint and caution.

But aside from this knowledge that no other "Player" knew, "Ling Xian" was indeed quite erudite.

Therefore, after revealing the origin of the Necklace, he became somewhat confused. "But... how did this thing end up in your hands? Isn't this the [Item] that the 'Gambler' of 'Order' used to love?"

Lin Yu looked on without answering the question.

But Ling Xian realized the answer in less than a second.

"Oh... right! I remember hearing that this [Item] was given to the 'Director' -- so it seems... the 'Director' lent it to you or gave it to you for your use?"

"How romantic," even with a blade pressed against her neck, even with her Right Hand completely numb and unsure if it was still there, Ling Xian maintained her smile, marveling at her deduction, "A rising star of 'Order,' a member of the 'Freedom Alliance,' yet they have such a close relationship... You two really are a 'Death game' version of Romeo and Juliet."

Lin Yu said coldly, "We are not in a romantic relationship."

Ling Xian laughed and said, "So that's the 'Death game' version of Park Jae-young and Lee Myung-yoon *, and Saseno'i and Jack?"

(*From the Korea film "The Spy Gone North," where two characters from different countries on the Peninsula forge a friendship that transcends national and political differences.)

Lin Yu sighed.

"The first two are alright, but the last couple is still in love at its core. Do you think I haven't seen 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence'?"