Order's reinforcements
"That's great. No wonder you can be friends with an 'Film Emperor' and even forge a cross-organizational friendship," Ling Xian flicked the knife at her neck. "I really wanted to chat with you about movies during evening study... but unfortunately, we're currently in a state of 'enemy combat'."
"But for a guy who advocates 'Order'... is it really necessary? Just to be a 'Hostage,' is it really necessary to go to such lengths?"
Ling Xian looked at Yin Lan, who was tied to Lin Yu's back, and asked.
He's smart enough that he can now see that... Lin Yu's initial reasoning wasn't entirely valid.
After all, it was clear that Lin Yu was more likely there to rescue Yin Lan.
"It's not because she's from 'Order,' but because she's 'Dionysus,'" Lin Yu said without further explanation after being exposed. He immediately offered his second, prepared reason, "If I save her here, there's a high probability she'll accept the favor—and having a top-tier 'Third -Tier 3' expert from an opposing organization, ranked among the top twenty, owe me a favor is a worthwhile investment."
Ling Xian pondered, "Eh... so you rejected me simply because my offer wasn't high enough?"
"So... now that you haven't killed me outright, or even knocked me unconscious, but are continuing to communicate with me," Ling Xian's eyes, through her glasses, stared directly into Lin Yu's eyes, "Does that also mean... you actually want to continue communicating with me, Zhu Ming?"
Lin Yu also stared directly at Ling Xian, his expression softening slightly.
"I enjoy talking to intelligent people like you—yes, I still want to continue communicating and doing business with you."
"Even if I take action against you now, it's only to let you know... I am absolutely qualified to negotiate with you—although you seem to know my strength, what I've heard from rumors and information doesn't seem as clear as this."
"That's a bit too intuitive."
Ling Xian spoke lightly, gently pushing the sharp blade against her neck with her fingertips.
"So... what do you want?"
Lin Yu shook his head. "You've got it wrong. I'm not planning to trade 'Dionysus' for anything from you... What I want is to take 'Dionysus' with me."
"So—I'm asking you what price I need to offer before you'll let me take 'Dionysus' away."
As Lin Yu spoke, Ling Xian said with a smile, "You're so kind, are Zhu Ming?" Zhu Ming continued, "... You've already got a knife to my throat, yet you're still willing to give me extra benefits?"
"Isn't it enough to just spare my life...?"
Hearing Ling Xian's words, Lin Yu finally smiled.
"You're joking a bit too much," Ling Xian. "... I'm not stupid, so I can see that," Lin Yu said, sheathing his sword. "Although not being able to use that 'Talismans' is quite troublesome for you, you're far from being in Desperate Plight straits, aren't you?"
"Even if I cut your head off right here, you won't die, will you?" Ling Xian.
Ling Xian laughed, "Why do you say that? Who can survive after having their head chopped off?"
"Your attitude was too frivolous... Although you seem to be a frivolous person to begin with, in that instant just now, your 'sense of tension' wasn't enough; you completely lacked a sense of 'life or death'," Lin Yu said, staring at Ling Xian. "While frivolous people might also disregard their own lives... we all know that the 'Death game' has already filtered us out; such people won't appear among the 'Player' of the 'Death game.'"
"So... your attitude just now can only mean either you're sure I won't kill you, or you know you won't die even if your head is chopped off."
"And as a member of the 'Freedom Alliance,' this is our first meeting... You probably don't have the confidence to completely predict my behavior."
"In that case... I'm afraid only you know the possibility that even if I strike with this knife, I might not be able to kill him."
Ling Xian chuckled as she listened to Lin Yu's analysis, "That's really true... You're amazing. My abilities in this area are classified information even within the 'Marauders'."
"Indeed, although I am weak in direct combat, I am indeed very 'difficult to kill'."
"In a sense, it wouldn't be wrong to consider me 'immortal'."
Hearing Ling Xian say this, Lin Yu nodded, accepting the "immortal" setting, and continued speaking.
"So... it was definitely the right thing to do not have a conflict with you."
"In short, I want to take 'Dionysus' with me, but I don't want to have a conflict with you—name your price."
"The 'Dionysus' isn't exactly a 'necessity' for you, is it? You guys came for the 'Divine Artifact' anyway."
"Furthermore... since you just invited me to join the 'Marauders,' it means you also value some of my talents."
So, please feel free to tell me what you need.
As Lin Yu spoke, Ling Xian smiled and said, "You're very confident in yourself," Zhu Ming.
"I do have something I'd like to ask you for a favor, but not now," Ling Xian suddenly realized, "Oh dear, in that case, this deal is far too good for you... You're giving me a favor in exchange for 'Dionysus' owing you a favor."
"Essentially, isn't this a case of you doing a 'Tier 2' favor in exchange for a near- 'Tier 4' favor? I feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick!"
As Ling Xian spoke, Lin Yu interjected, "I don't think it's a bad deal... Although my strength may be weaker than 'God Dionysus,' the role I can play may not be less significant."
"Besides... it's only a matter of time before I reach the 'Tier 3' or 'Tier 4'."
Lin Yu said confidently.
"Okay," Zhu Ming, "You're so confident. I like confident people." Ling Xian smiled and stepped aside. "Anyway... I'll contact you when the time is right after we get out."
Seeing that Ling Xian was suddenly so agreeable, Lin Yu thought for a moment and then asked, "Aren't you afraid I'll lie to you?"
"I agree to your request. It's less of a 'transaction' and more like an 'investment,'" Ling Xian said casually. "Since it's an investment... I'll naturally bear the risks."
"I believe you won't renege on your promise, Zhu Ming."
Ling Xian spoke, Lin Yu nodded.
"Okay, contact me when you feel the time is right."
Ling Xian was also a little curious. "Aren't you going to ask me what I'm planning to ask you for a favor?"
"That's the risk I have to take," Lin Yu said. "You'll tell me when the time is right—I don't think you'll make any particularly difficult requests."
Ling Xian burst into laughter.
"Hey, you're right."
Lin Yu, carrying Yin Lan on his back, quickly passed by Ling Xian and returned to the "Fishing Man's " side.
Seeing Lin Yu carrying Yin Lan back, "Fishing Man" Chen Le breathed a sigh of relief.
"I saw you were being held back by that guy... I thought I had to intervene."
Lin Yu shook his head. "No need, I said I can handle it myself..."
From the moment "Ling Xian" stopped Lin Yu realized that "Fishing Man" Chen Le had noticed them and was considering helping.
So he urgently called out to Chen Le through Hannah, who was next to the "Fishing Man".
After all, if someone like "Fishing Man" were to rashly approach this place, no one knows whether "Celestial King" would also temporarily abandon his cards and take the initiative to attack Chen Le.
The "Celestial King" can ignore Lin Yu, but he absolutely cannot ignore Chen Le.
Moreover... Chen Le's time is also very valuable.
How are your preparations going?
Hearing Lin Yu's question, Chen Le nodded. "Don't worry, Zhu Ming... While you were carrying that 'Order' guy back, I've already taken care of most of it."
Lin Yu didn't hesitate. "Alright... then let's wait a bit longer—the 'Celestial King's' target isn't us right now, and she's locked in a stalemate with Ka... Although we didn't expect a master of her caliber to come, the result is in line with our expectations."
"Then what are we waiting for? Why don't we just set off?"
After thinking for a moment, Chen Le asked.
"Of course, the situation is more in line with expectations," Lin Yu patted Yin Lan on the back, "Don't forget... the 'Order' support this guy mentioned hasn't arrived yet!"
As Lin Yu spoke, Chen Le understood.
"That's true."
Despite their brief time together, this "Tier 3" member of the "Freedom Alliance," who is also the strongest "Tier 3" member who has reached the threshold of "Tier 4," has already developed the good habit of listening to Lin Yu's opinions on everything.
Initially, Chen Le was willing to follow Lin Yu's orders, partly because he respected Fang Qing's arrangements and trusted Fang Qing's judgment.
But now...
As Lin Yu actually engaged in activities within the Nether Void Realm, the trust that originated with Fang Qing had essentially transferred to Lin Yu.
Although "Zhu Ming" is only "Tier 2"... in Chen Le's view, her command ability and judgment of the situation have clearly surpassed her "Divine Rank".
The two remained at the scene of the fight, and after putting Yin Lan down and doing some simple sobering, protection, and first aid, they didn't wait too long.
In the direction of the main entrance to the Banquet Hall...
The commotion resumed.
A new line of figures appeared in the direction of the doorway.
Chen Le narrowed his eyes.
"The support from 'Order'... didn't arrive too late."
"Moreover, the ones who came were experts."
After all, there were only four people present at the door at that moment.
Just by looking at the number of people, it's clear that "Order" sent only the elite.
Lin Yu asked, "Do you know who's here?"
Chen Le nodded. "I recognize three... the first one is 'Swordsman,' then 'Knight,' and I don't recognize the one after 'Knight.'"
"The one walking at the very back... I probably don't need to introduce him, right?"
Lin Yu watched the last person's figure disappear, then pursed his lips and said, "It's not necessary."
After all...
Lin Yu saw the last person's appearance very clearly.
Judging from his appearance... he is a "Director".
"What a coincidence..."