Starting Sign-In from a Billionaire God Chapter 1253 - 1252
Previously on Starting Sign-In from a Billionaire God...
The man with the square face attempted to coerce Yun Zhongzheng by threatening a toddler, yet his efforts proved futile. Yun Zhongzheng was prepared for the grim possibility of sacrificing his entire clan, the child included. However, the square-faced man ultimately succeeded in drawing Lin Fan into the fray.
Initially, Lin Fan had no intention of getting involved. He rose to his feet because his innate sense of protecting the vulnerable still lingered, outweighing mere calculations of personal gain.
Naturally, as rational beings, humans cannot entirely forego calculating benefits. For Lin Fan, the idea of engaging in a fight he knew he couldn't win was out of the question. His decisions were consistently grounded in what was realistically achievable.
In that suspended moment, all attention converged on Lin Fan.
While some within the Yun Sect recognized him, many others did not. Only a select few were aware of his adversarial relationship with the Yun Sect; the majority remained ignorant of his true identity.
"Who is that? Is he a visitor to our Yun Sect?"
"You don't know? He returned with Senior Sister Qing Yao this morning; it appears he's her boyfriend..."
"I always wondered why he stayed so close to Senior Sister Qing Yao; so he's her boyfriend..."
"No, he's not Senior Sister Qing Yao's boyfriend. From what I've heard, he's also considered our enemy..."
The members of the Yun Sect engaged in hushed speculation regarding Lin Fan's identity. Regardless of whether he was perceived as a friend or a foe, his stepping forward was a cause for surprise.
Since Lin Fan was not affiliated with the Yun Sect, his intervening at this critical juncture seemed entirely without reason.
Those who were fully aware of Lin Fan's animosity towards them, besides being taken aback, felt a flicker of unease. Lin Fan's sudden appearance undoubtedly signaled potential trouble; perhaps he intended to exploit the escalating chaos!
"Mr. Lin, what is your intention here?" Yun Zhongzheng could not refrain from asking. Lin Fan's emergence only served to complicate matters, exacerbating the already precarious situation.
"Mr. Lin?" The square-faced man, his gaze already fixed on Lin Fan, inquired with curiosity, "You are not a member of the Yun Sect!"
Lin Fan responded, "I am not. Much like yourself, I am here to cause trouble for the Yun Sect. However, our objectives do not align, so there is no conflict of interest between us."
The man with the square face let out a chuckle. "Then why have you stepped forward?"
Lin Fan stated, "My reason for stepping out now is primarily because I fear you might harm the innocent child, and thus, I must make my position clear. Furthermore, I wish to offer you my assistance."
What?
The expressions on the faces of the Yun Sect members shifted dramatically. Lin Fan had stepped forward to aid the square-faced man? This confirmed he was not Yun Qingyao's boyfriend, but indeed their enemy!
Yun Zhongzheng's countenance darkened, his anger simmering. Lin Fan was truly seizing the opportunity for his own gain; a truly contemptible act!
Upon hearing Lin Fan's offer of help, the square-faced man remained impassive. "Do you believe I require your assistance?"
Lin Fan smiled and replied, "Everyone benefits from mutual assistance. Despite your formidable power, you may find it challenging to handle all these Yun Sect disciples alone. I can provide you with a strategy to quickly acquire the treasure."
Lin Fan's words nearly sent the Yun Sect disciples into a frenzy of rage. He was undeniably an adversary, and his intentions were undeniably malicious!
Yet, Lin Fan's words piqued the interest of the square-faced man. It had to be acknowledged that Lin Fan perceived the square-faced man's needs with remarkable clarity, much like a shrewd merchant understanding consumer desires, capable of delivering precisely what is sought without hesitation from the buyer.
"What strategy do you propose? Let me hear it," the square-faced man commanded.
Lin Fan explained, "These Yun Sect members are resolute. Even if you were to eliminate them all, it would prove ineffective. Causing harm to this three-year-old child would merely increase your karmic burden. What tangible benefit would you gain? Sect Leader Yun has already indicated that this child is disposable. Killing him would be a wasted effort. In truth, your approach is fundamentally sound; you simply haven't identified the correct leverage."
The man with the square face knitted his brows. "Then who should I target?"
Lin Fan elaborated, "Everyone possesses a vulnerability. Even the unyielding Sect Leader Yun has individuals he holds dear. This three-year-old child is not the key to his weakness, so eliminating him would not significantly impact Sect Leader Yun. Similarly, eradicating more Yun Sect disciples would mean little to him unless the truly significant individual is targeted. I can identify that crucial person for you, enabling you to minimize your efforts and bloodshed. That person is her."
Lin Fan gestured towards Yun Qingyao.
Yun Qingyao's face instantly drained of color, disbelief evident as she realized Lin Fan had so readily betrayed her.
The square-faced man glanced at Yun Qingyao. "Who is she?"
Lin Fan stated, "She is Yun Qingyao, a direct disciple of Sect Leader Yun, and the individual Sect Leader Yun cherishes the most—akin to a daughter. If you use her as leverage against Sect Leader Yun, he will undoubtedly capitulate."
The square-faced man let out an 'oh' of understanding and turned to face Yun Zhongzheng. "Sect Leader Yun, is this assertion true?"
Yun Zhongzheng, seething with fury, snorted heavily. "This brat speaks utter nonsense! I have already made it clear that today, my entire Yun Sect is sworn to protect this treasure. You shall not intimidate me by threatening anyone!"
Lin Fan chuckled, "Brother, observe Sect Leader Yun; he appears quite flustered and anxious."
Lin Fan's observation struck the square-faced man as accurate; Yun Zhongzheng indeed seemed agitated. It appeared Lin Fan had correctly identified Yun Qingyao as Yun Zhongzheng's vulnerability.
The square-faced man couldn't help but let out a laugh, "Little brother, toss that woman over here to me."
Lin Fan responded, "Certainly, but I have one condition."
The square-faced man questioned, "You're setting terms with me?"
Lin Fan explained, "The current situation is this: Yun Qingyao serves as my bargaining chip. I initially intended to use her to threaten Sect Leader Yun. Therefore, as I'm now passing my valuable chip to you, I expect a small return, wouldn't you agree that's fair?"
The square-faced man gave a low chuckle, "And what do you desire?"
Lin Fan stated, "I require one item and one pledge. The item is this three-year-old child, and the pledge is that you will not harm me. After all, you possess immense power, and I am no match for you. My actions stem solely from a desire to survive."
Upon hearing this, the square-faced man laughed heartily, "You covet this insignificant insect? Take it!"
With a flick of his wrist, the square-faced man hurled the three-year-old child into the air, sending him flying towards Lin Fan.
Lin Fan watched the approaching child, extending his arms to catch him. The little one, terrified, began to cry loudly once more. Fortunately, Lin Fan's swift catch ensured his safety.
Internally, Lin Fan rejoiced; he had finally managed to rescue the child. All his preceding words were merely a stratagem to secure the child. His feigned plea for the square-faced man to spare his life was, in reality, a psychological maneuver, designed to feign weakness and lull the man into a false sense of security.
Indeed, the psychological ploy proved successful. The square-faced man, observing Lin Fan's subservient demeanor, perceived him as no significant threat and readily relinquished the child, seeing no need for further artifice.
The square-faced man then commanded, "Now, hand over the woman."
However, Lin Fan, cradling the three-year-old child, took a step forward, positioning himself between the man and Yun Qingyao. A slight smile played on his lips as he declared, "Apologies, I've reconsidered."
"What did you say?" The square-faced man's expression turned grim.
An immediate wave of astonishment swept over everyone present.