Hostages

Lin Yu was not surprised by the appearance of "Tengshe" and the "Night Watcher".

To his surprise...

"Tengshe" and "Night Watcher" actually have a way to break through the restrictions of [Azure Sea Sky Dome] and enter this "Ruins City" to appear here!

According to Lin Yu's plan, these "Night Watcher" should be lying in ambush outside [Azure Sea Sky Dome] or at the locations of the other "Nine Treasures".

After all...

That was Lin Yu's suggestion.

Yes— the Night Watcher are here now. While it can't be said that Lin Yu was the one who designed and orchestrated it, he certainly contributed to the effort.

Although Lin Yu is currently focusing most of his energy on the identity of "Zhu Ming," which is his current physical body.

However, Lin Yu didn't completely relax on the side of "Director" played by "Paper Kite".

During his time operating as "Zhu Ming," Lin Yu maintained a minimum level of surveillance over the situation and, at key junctures, appropriately manipulated "Paper Kite" to take actions that Lin Yu wanted to see.

For example...

After the "Swordsman" awoke, he told the "Swordsman" some "secrets" he knew about the "Nether Void Realm," such as the whereabouts of the other two of the Nether Void Realm's Nine Treasures.

When the "Swordsman," who was temporarily out of Combat Power, was unsure whether to pursue, Lin Yu opportunely suggested, "Perhaps we can call in Reinforcements from the 'Night Watcher'."

This explains why the "Tengshe," "Chongming," "Robin," and "Mountain Sparrow" appear here!

Certainly...

Lin Yu did this not because he didn't want to see Chen Le advance to the "Tier 4" and open the "Heart Domain," but because he was deliberately trying to harm and obstruct Chen Le.

He did this for two reasons. First, the "Director" played by "Paper Kite" had unexpectedly become involved in the matter. In order to avoid suspicion from the "Director," Lin Yu had to make it seem as if he hadn't deliberately gone easy on "Zhu Ming."

After all... the current "Director" is "Paper Kite" in disguise, and cannot withstand any scrutiny or suspicion.

On the other hand... since it has already been decided to let the identity of "Zhu Ming" demonstrate stronger strength and Divine Rank, then having a few more experts now will help me to reap additional trust, fill the "trust" in the [Tower Scam], and solidify some new abilities.

Furthermore, if inspiration strikes, one could even design and publicly reveal the [Exclusive item] for the "Zhu Ming" identity right here.

Of course, the most important thing is...

Lin Yu knew very well that even if the "Night Watcher" sent out an extremely strong combination, or even their strongest combat force, "Tengshe"...

As the strongest "Tier 3" "Fishing Man" Chen Le, he was also capable of handling it.

He also wanted to see just how high Chen Le's potential was.

Upon seeing the four "Night Watcher" arrive, Lin Yu remained relatively calm, but Li Nian was already panicking.

"One 'Tier 4', three 'Tier 3'... What a terrifying lineup!"

"The Night Watcher's strongest fighters, Tengshe, and their Tier 3, Chongming and Robin, are two monsters... What should we do, Brother Le, Sister Zhu Ming, what should we do?!"

Li Nian said somewhat nervously.

Upon hearing Li Nian's words, Lin Yu also noticed something...

"The 'Mountain Sparrow' has reached 'Tier 3' already? Last time I saw it was only 'Tier 2'. That's incredibly efficient."

On paper, this is indeed a Desperate Plight decision.

But Lin Yu still patted Li Nian on the shoulder and comforted her.

"It's okay, Brother Le definitely have a way, right, Brother Le?"

As Lin Yu spoke, Chen Le said with a wry smile, "Zhu Ming, you really think too highly of me. Just dealing with 'Chongming' and 'Robin' together is already difficult enough for me, and 'Tengshe' could crush me with one hand."

Lin Yu looked at Chen Le and said, "Then show your hand—how much time do you need me to buy you?"

Chen Le sighed as he listened to Lin Yu's words.

How did you know I had another card up my sleeve?

"Because whether it was when 'Celestial King' or 'Swordsman' appeared, or even when 'Willow' showed up, you were calm and composed, without the slightest bit of tension. Brother Le, I'm very good at reading people's emotions," Lin Yu said, staring at Chen Le. "Although this may be related to your strong ability to withstand pressure and your natural quickness, I believe... to be able to maintain that level of calm, you must have your own confidence."

"Otherwise... you wouldn't have been ranked 17th, right?"

"Even the Dionysus 'Yin Lan was almost controlled by the' Celestial King,' so you must have your own methods for dealing with 'Tier 4' and 'Demigod.'"

Lin Yu paused for a moment at this point.

"Most importantly... the Night Watcher hasn't moved either."

As Lin Yu spoke, he stared at the four "Night Watcher" over there—"Tengshe" stood at the front, staring at "Fishing Man" Chen Le. This "Tier 4" player, ranked sixth on the Rankings, showed a very wary expression in front of Chen Le.

Behind "Tengshe," "Chongming" blocked the eager "Mountain Sparrow."

Chen Le said, "Hey, you're really smart... Yeah, those guys are worried I'll fight them to the death."

"The Pure Ruins are my home turf. Don't forget, five of the Nine Treasures are in my hands, and the World Will here favors me... If you really push me too far, I can directly trade my life with those three 'Tier 3' beings— 'Tengshe' can't protect them."

"So... I'll talk to them later and see if I can let the two of you go first."

Li Nian immediately said, "How can that be, Brother Le? We can't possibly do that."

Chen Le's expression was serious. "But is there a better option?"

"Yes, you should still use your trump cards besides 'Life Exchange'," Lin Yu said seriously, looking at Chen Le. "I said I can buy you some time—can [Sea Beast Certificate] be used here?"

Chen Le sighed, "I tried it the moment they appeared. Within the [Azure Sea Sky Dome] area... we can't leave using the [Sea Beast Certificate], because this place is, in a sense, a space independent of the 'Nether Void Realm'."

Lin Yu continued, "Then we'll have to try calling for backup. If we use some cheating methods, how long will it take you to bring the 'Comedian' and the 'Inventor' over?"

Chen Le smiled and shook his head, saying, "That would take at least half an hour, impossible," Zhu Ming.

"Okay, half an hour."

Lin Yu nodded slightly.

Chen Le was stunned. "Huh? What?"

"I'll hold them off for half an hour," Lin Yu said calmly. "These four won't bother you for at least half an hour."

Chen Le stared at Lin Yu and said seriously, "Don't go to your death, Zhu Ming... the other side has a 'Tier 4' expert."

Even Li Nian, who had always trusted Lin Yu, showed a worried expression at this moment.

"Sister Zhu Ming, are you joking?"

"Not at all," Lin Yu shook his head and said, "To be honest... if it were ten minutes ago, I might not have had this confidence, but don't forget... I just received some gifts about 'Desire'."

"This isn't just your home turf, it's mine too."

As Lin Yu spoke, the pale gold mark on his neck lit up.

Then...

He took a step towards becoming a "Night Watcher".

As a "Tier 2" individual, Lin Yu faced a "Tier 4" individual and three "Tier 3" individuals alone... He felt no fear whatsoever.

After all, this was the Stage he had prepared for himself.

Certainly...

Lin Yu was not excited about the battle.

He was simply incredibly excited about the upcoming... performance.

"Gentlemen... you must have made a mistake," Lin Yu said sincerely. "If you came here to Reinforcements 'Order,' you've come to the wrong place—the people of 'Order' are currently in the Middle Sea."

Lin Yu spoke earnestly, seemingly trying to persuade these members of "Order" with words.

"They are indeed fighting with members of the 'Marauders,' and I think you should hurry if you want to provide support."

Upon hearing Lin Yu's words, "Tengshe" looked left and right, revealing a shocked expression. "Oh, it seems there really aren't any 'Order' members. Have we really come to the wrong place?"

Behind "Tengshe," "Mountain Sparrow" spoke uncertainly, "Really? But I seem to remember that the Reinforcements request we received was for us to ambush the 'Freedom Alliance' and stop 'Fishing Man' from leaving the 'Nether Void Realm'?"

"Robin" spoke up in a low voice, "I remember it being like that too... but maybe we're mistaken, because... she doesn't seem to be lying."

"Chongming's" voice rang out. "Tengshe, you idiot, you've led 'Robin' and 'Mountain Sparrow' astray... We're here to ambush the 'Freedom Alliance' —this is inside the 'Ruins City,' the 'Order's' people aren't here probably because they can't get in!"

"This woman from the 'Freedom Alliance' is lying to you—she's a 'Beast Master,' a very cunning and sly one! Don't believe her!"

"I've remembered all of Order's reports—they did encounter the Marauders, but the battle is over, and the Marauders have retreated!"

"Chongming!" he said loudly.

Lin Yu looked at Chongming with an appreciative smile on his face.

"Oh dear, there are still some smart people out there. It seems unrealistic to expect to get rid of you with just a few words."

Chongming looked at Lin Yu and said coldly, "Are you treating us like idiots, 'Beast Master'?"

Lin Yu shook his head. "I'm just trying it out... anyway, it doesn't cost much."

"Just as awful as the files describe," Chongming said Leng Jing. "But... for a 'Tier 2' to try and stop us alone is quite different from how you're portrayed in the files—you shouldn't be so foolish."

Lin Yu laughed, "Is it possible that this isn't some 'foolish act,' but rather that I'm genuinely confident?"

"You're right, I am indeed wicked—next, I will use 'Hostage' to threaten you."