The square-faced man used the three-year-old child to threaten Yun Zhongzheng, but was unsuccessful. Yun Zhongzheng was already prepared to sacrifice the entire clan, including the child, but the square-faced man did succeed in luring Lin Fan out.
Originally not intending to intervene, Lin Fan stood up. This was because Lin Fan still retained his instinct to protect the weak, rather than only calculating benefits.
Of course, as a thinking creature, humans cannot completely avoid calculating benefits. Knowing he couldnât win but still wanting to fight, this was impossible for Lin Fan. He made decisions based on what he could realistically achieve.
For a moment, everyoneâs gaze fell on Lin Fan.
Some in the Yun Sect recognized Lin Fan, while others did not. Only a few knew Lin Fan was an enemy of the Yun Sect; most were unaware of his identity.
"Who is he? Is he a guest of our Yun Sect?"
"Donât you know? He came back with Senior Sister Qing Yao this morning; he seems to be her boyfriend..."
"I wondered why heâs always by Senior Sister Qing Yaoâs side; turns out heâs her boyfriend..."
"No, heâs not Senior Sister Qing Yaoâs boyfriend. From what Iâve heard, heâs also our enemy..."
The Yun Sect people whispered about Lin Fanâs identity. Regardless of whether Lin Fan was a friend or foe, his stepping forward surprised them.
Because Lin Fan wasnât part of the Yun Sect, he had no reason to step up at this moment.
Those who clearly knew Lin Fan was their enemy, in addition to being surprised, felt a bit worried. Lin Fanâs appearance now surely meant trouble; perhaps heâs here to take advantage of the situation!
"Mr. Lin, what are you trying to do?" Yun Zhongzheng couldnât help but ask. Lin Fanâs emergence added complications, worsening the current situation.
"Mr. Lin?" The square-faced man was already staring at Lin Fan, curiously saying, "Youâre not from the Yun Sect!"
Lin Fan said, "Iâm not. Like you, Iâm here to trouble the Yun Sect, but our targets differ, so thereâs no conflict of interest."
The square-faced man chuckled, "Then whatâs your purpose in stepping out?"
Lin Fan said, "Iâm stepping out now mainly because Iâm afraid youâll harm this innocent, so I must show my stance. By the way, I want to assist you."
What?
The Yun Sect people changed their faces; Lin Fan stepped out to help the square-faced man? Lin Fan indeed wasnât Yun Qingyaoâs boyfriend but an enemy!
Yun Zhongzhengâs face darkened, burning with anger. Lin Fan was indeed taking advantage of the situation, utterly despicable!
Hearing Lin Fan offer to help, the square-faced man was indifferent: "Do you think I need your help?"
Lin Fan smiled and said, "Everyone needs help from others. Although youâre mighty, you canât handle these Yun Sect people. I can give you an idea to quickly obtain the treasure."
Lin Fanâs words almost angered the Yun Sect people to no end. Lin Fan was undeniably an enemy, undeniably malicious!
However, Lin Fanâs words intrigued the square-faced man. It must be said, Lin Fan clearly understood the square-faced manâs needs, akin to a savvy businessman understanding consumer demands, capable of precisely providing products without fear of consumers holding back.
"What idea do you have? Letâs hear it," the square-faced man said.
Lin Fan said, "These Yun Sect people are stubborn. Even if you slaughter them all, it wonât help. Killing this three-year-old child only adds to your karmic debts. Whatâs the benefit to you? Sect Leader Yun has made it clear this child is expendable. Killing him is a waste of effort. In fact, your method is correct; you just havenât found the right person."
The square-faced man frowned, "Then who should I find?"
Lin Fan said, "Everyone has a vulnerability. Even the adamant Sect Leader Yun has someone he cares about. This three-year-old child isnât his weakness, so killing him wonât trouble Sect Leader Yun. Similarly, killing more Yun Sect people wonât matter to Sect Leader Yun unless the right person is killed. I can give you the right person, allowing you to reduce your killings and efforts. This person is her."
Lin Fan pointed at Yun Qingyao.
Yun Qingyaoâs face turned pale instantly, unable to believe Lin Fan had betrayed her so easily.
The square-faced man looked at Yun Qingyao, "Who is she?"
Lin Fan said, "Sheâs Yun Qingyao, Sect Leader Yunâs direct disciple, the person Sect Leader Yun dotes on mostâlike his own daughter. If you use her to threaten Sect Leader Yun, he will surely yield."
The square-faced man made an oh sound and turned to Yun Zhongzheng, "Sect Leader Yun, is this true?"
Yun Zhongzheng, infuriated, snorted heavily, "This brat knows nothing! Iâve already stated that today, my entire Yun Sect is sworn to protect the treasure. You wonât threaten me with anyone!"
Lin Fan laughed, "Brother, look, Sect Leader Yun is anxious, flustered."
Lin Fanâs words made the square-faced man feel that Yun Zhongzheng was indeed anxious. It seemed Lin Fan was right; Yun Qingyao was Yun Zhongzhengâs weakness.
The square-faced man couldnât help but laugh, "Little brother, cast that woman over to me."
Lin Fan said, "No problem, but I have a condition."
The square-faced man said, "Youâre talking conditions with me?"
Lin Fan said, "The situation is like this: Yun Qingyao is my bargaining chip. I originally had her to threaten Sect Leader Yun. So now that Iâm handing my chip to you, I hope for a little return, isnât that fair?"
The square-faced man chuckled, "What do you want?"
Lin Fan said, "I want one thing and one promise. The thing is this three-year-old child, and the promise is that you wonât harm me. After all, youâre too strong, and Iâm not your match. Iâm doing all this just to survive."
The square-faced man heard this and laughed, "You want this little bug? Take it!"
The square-faced man tossed the three-year-old child into the air, throwing him towards Lin Fan.
Lin Fan watched the coming child, reached out, and caught him. The little one was frightened and once again cried loudly, but fortunately, Lin Fan caught him, and he was safe and sound.
Lin Fan was delighted inside, finally rescuing the little one. Everything he said earlier was to acquire this child. His plea for the square-faced man to spare his life was actually a psychological tactic, deliberately showing weakness to make the square-faced man drop his guard.
Indeed, psychological tactics proved effective. The square-faced man, seeing Lin Fanâs humble demeanor, hardly considered Lin Fan a threat and readily handed over the child, seeing no need for tricks.
The square-faced man then said, "Now hand over the woman to me."
But Lin Fan, holding the three-year-old child, stepped forward and blocked Yun Qingyao, smiling slightly, "Sorry, Iâve changed my mind."
"What did you say?" The square-faced manâs face darkened.
Everyone was instantly taken aback.