Chapter 3106 Mental Gu!
Upon hearing this, Ling Muzhuo laughed. "I'm going to help Brother Lin fight for this top grade blessed land this time. Xie Lin's identity is not important to me. Even if it's truly confirmed that he's associated with the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, if he wants to compete with you, Brother Lin, I will still lead Fortune Treasure Palace to help you."
Ling Muzhuo was a courageous and intelligent person. Since he had already decided to help Lin Yuan compete for the top grade blessed land, he would not hesitate in his actions.
If Xie Lin was really from the Ancient Snake Gu Palace and had great ambitions for this top grade blessed land, Fortune Treasure Palace itself would probably become the target of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace. No one would concede when facing resources of such caliber!
Lin Yuan smiled and said, "Brother Ling, thank you for your help. I will definitely repay you handsomely after this is done!"
Ling Muzhuo said generously, "Brother Lin, your gratitude will surely have its own significance, but what I value more than your gratitude is the friendship with you. I believe you can sense that my intention in befriending you has always been different from how Fortune Treasure Palace treats its special honor guests. My intention behind befriending you can represent both Fortune Treasure Palace and myself personally."
Hearing Ling Muzhuo and Lin Yuan's conversation, Zhao Chen, who was sitting at the side, could not help but feel envious.
Zhao Chen also intended to befriend Lin Yuan as boldly as Ling Muzhuo, but Zhao Chen was limited by his family and did not possess the same abilities as Ling Muzhuo. Moreover, many times Zhao Chen could not represent his family clan in making commitments to Lin Yuan.
In the end, Zhao Chen said, "Brother Lin, you're aware of my situation. In many matters, I have to follow the instructions of my family. I'm not the decision-maker for the family, so I can't represent them. However, from a personal standpoint, I'm willing to do everything I can to help you."
When Zhao Chen said these words, he felt somewhat embarrassed as he realized that his words seemed too empty. In the past, Zhao Chen always had absolute confidence when communicating with anyone. But now, while talking with Lin Yuan, Zhao Chen felt an emotion he had never experienced before.
Lin Yuan patted Zhao Chen's shoulder. "Brother Zhao, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known about the opening of this top grade blessed land so quickly. Compared to befriending your family, your personal friendship is more than enough for me. Your family will surely take action when fighting for this top grade blessed land.
"Brother Zhao, there's no need to worry too much. Whether you stick with your family or join me, it's all good. However, I have to be clear about this. If you choose to accompany me and act together with me, I can't guarantee your safety. But after everything is done, I will still express my gratitude."
Lin Yuan had never considered coercing Zhao Chen into cooperation. If he wanted Zhao Chen's cooperation, he could have pressured him into it. However, Lin Yuan had no intention of doing so.
Zhao Chen was extremely touched by Lin Yuan's words and began to ponder.
In the end, Zhao Chen said firmly, "Brother Lin, I'd like to cooperate with you this time. I'll inform my family about it."
With that, Zhao Chen left and prepared to communicate with his family.
Apart from communicating with his family, there was another important reason why Zhao Chen decided to leave, and that was because he knew that he and Ling Muzhuo were on different levels. If Lin Yuan had anything to say to Ling Muzhuo, it would be quite inappropriate for him to stay there.
Zhao Chen suddenly had an idea to accumulate as much strength as possible.
Ling Muzhuo said after Zhao Chen left. "Brother Lin, despite being the City Lord of Diverse City, Zhao Chen's position mainly relies on the power of his family. In the battle for this top grade blessed land, Zhao Chen won't be of much help."
Although Ling Muzhuo's tone didn't show overt disdain, it was evident that he didn't hold Zhao Chen in high regard.
Lin Yuan did not continue discussing this topic with Ling Muzhuo. In fact, rather than seeking to cooperate with Zhao Chen, Lin Yuan was more interested in nurturing him.
Lin Yuan could sense that Zhao Chen was already thinking of relying on him. Regardless of whether it was the relationship between South Face City and Diverse City, it was very beneficial to Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan had asked Zhao Chen to help him organize the auction, and Zhao Chen had completed the mission perfectly. Now, Zhao Chen had begun to lean toward aligning with him over his family. In this situation, Lin Yuan was willing to give Zhao Chen a chance.
Supported by the presence of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, Lin Yuan's side likely boasted superior high-end combat capabilities compared to Fortune Treasure Palace.
Nonetheless, in terms of information networks and social connections, Fortune Treasure Palace held a significant advantage over him. Sky City could not even compare to many third-rate factions in terms of connections and information channels.
Fortunately, Sky City had recruited so many Grade 4 and 5 Creators. Each of them was equivalent to a network of connections. However, even if he controlled these high-grade Creators through the Lifespan Mouse, Lin Yuan could not possibly allow them to be sent out.
"Brother Ling, it's about time. Bring me to the City Lord Manor to meet this City Lord of South Face City. Didn't you just say that I was high-profile? Well, I intend to be even more high-profile and arrogant when I meet him."
Lin Yuan was certain of Xie Lin's identity. Upon arriving in South Face City, he swiftly annihilated Xie Lin's alliance of 50 star pirates. If Xie Lin learned of this, he and Lin Yuan would instantly become archenemies.
Therefore, there was no need for Lin Yuan to forge a friendship with Xie Lin. Of course, the most crucial reason was that Lin Yuan looked down on Xie Lin and was greatly repulsed by his actions as a City Lord.
Even if Xie Lin really wasn't a member of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace and had no intention of competing for the top grade blessed land, Lin Yuan's attitude toward him would remain unchanged.
Ling Muzhuo was somewhat surprised by Lin Yuan's boldness, as Lin Yuan had just mentioned that Xie Lin was likely a member of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.
Lin Yuan's plan to confront Xie Lin with an arrogant attitude showed that he didn't regard the Ancient Snake Gu Palace as a threat.
From their recent conversation, Ling Muzhuo could tell that Lin Yuan was well aware of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace's information. This suggested that Lin Yuan believed the faction behind him was stronger than the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, so he didn't regard the Ancient Snake Gu Palace as a significant threat.
Ling Muzhuo felt that he had to remind Lin Yuan, "If the Ancient Snake Gu Palace really intends to snatch this top grade blessed land, they will send at least two Snake Lords. Apart from me, no one else in our Fortune Treasure Palace can compete with the Snake Lords of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.
"Furthermore, their use of poison is extraordinarily unpredictable. Therefore, we have to be extremely careful when dealing with the Ancient Snake Gu Palace!"
Lin Yuan could sense the gravity in Ling Muzhuo's words.
He didn't underestimate the Ancient Snake Gu Palace. However, since he had chosen to compete for the top grade blessed land against it, he couldn't afford to show any weakness. How could Ling Muzhuo, who had actively partnered with him, feel reassured otherwise?
"Brother Ling, thank you for the reminder. I'm well aware of the strength of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace. If I realize that I can't compete with it, I will inform you immediately. Then, we can discuss whether to cooperate with the Ancient Snake Gu Palace or withdraw from the competition."
Lin Yuan spoke with confidence.
When Autumn heard Ling Muzhuo mention the Snake Lord of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, he told Lin Yuan with a tone of disdain, "Young Master, although the Snake Lords of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace are strong, they're not a concern for us.
"Spring's ability is particularly effective against creatures that use poison. The Ancient Snake Gu Palace has been secluded for many years. Even at its peak, the Ancient Snake Gu Palace was not a significant threat. There's still a gap between the truly powerful factions in the Sky Beyond the Clouds and the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.
"I used to think that Fortune Treasure Palace had influence across the four universes and connections with various factions, suggesting a deep foundation. But considering Fortune Treasure Palace's attitude toward the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, I think we might have overestimated their influence. Alternatively, Ling Muzhuo might be overly cautious."
Autumn's disdainful words made Lin Yuan feel calm. Despite Autumn's apparent arrogance, he always acted prudently. His dismissive attitude toward the Ancient Snake Gu Palace indicated that he did not view them as serious competitors for the top grade blessed land.
Lin Yuan's confident response boosted Ling Muzhuo's morale.
…
Regardless of Xie Lin's background, he treated Lin Yuan and Ling Muzhuo with great importance. He personally led his two adjutants to the door to wait for their arrival.
While waiting, Xie Lin's eyes were filled with curiosity and calculation.
An adjutant who had never interacted with Lin Yuan asked Xie Lin in a puzzled tone, "Lord, we've formed an alliance with various factions. Now is a critical time to invest in managing the alliance. Why are we receiving an outsider at this crucial moment?
"This outsider has already formed his own alliance and clearly intends to compete for this blessed land. Instead of befriending him, shouldn't we focus on how to deal with him? The Snake Lord is about to arrive. We should ensure the alliance is stable for him."
Xie Lin glared at the adjutant. "Do I need you to tell me what to do? Whether the Snake Lords come or not, you only need to follow my orders. In South Face City, I am the City Lord. In the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, I rank two levels above you. If you dare to question my decisions again, you can become the leader of a star pirate group!"
Xie Lin turned to Jia Mingda. "Tell him about the benefits you gained from the last transaction with Young Master Lin. Securing more pure spirit qi will please the Snake Lords more than managing this alliance.
"Half of our allies are mere servants and cannon fodder, while the rest are food for the Snake Lords. What's there to manage? Among them, I've identified a few promising individuals with decent strength.
"Unfortunately, they're likely not of our species or the insect species. When the time comes, I'll have the Snake Lords arrange for a few Mental Gu to control them. Our Ancient Snake Gu Palace has been dormant for many years. We need to replenish our snake servants."
As he spoke, Xie Lin looked longingly at the City Lord Manor behind him. After this operation, he would expose his identity as the Guardian of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, so he was likely not qualified to be the City Lord of South Face City anymore.
The Ancient Snake Gu Palace had always been frowned upon by official factions across the four universes due to its excessive penchant for killing. Furthermore, during the heyday of the Ancient Snake Gu Palace, it had slaughtered the representatives of the official factions in the four universes.
Xie Lin couldn't help but feel somewhat reluctant about the impending loss of his position as the City Lord of South Face City.
Hearing that, Yang Xuzhang didn't dare to say anything else for fear of angering Xie Lin. The Ancient Snake Gu Palace was a faction that was extremely particular about seniority. The higher-ups could easily take the lives of the low-ranking members. If Xie Lin intended to kill him, he wouldn't even be able to resist.
This time, Xie Lin had invited Ling Muzhuo with his identity as the City Lord to bring Lin Yuan over.
Firstly, he wanted to establish contact with Lin Yuan and see if there was any possibility of Lin Yuan cooperating with the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.
Secondly, he had also prepared a batch of resources. He wanted to use his personal identity to exchange these resources for pure spirit qi from Lin Yuan.
Xie Lin had always excelled at infiltrating the camp. Otherwise, with strength comparable to Jia Mingda and Yang Xuzhang, there would be no reason for him to become a Guardian in the Ancient Snake Gu Palace.
Once assigned to South Face City by the faction, he ascended to the position of City Lord, firmly subduing Jia Mingda and Yang Xuzhang.
If he could personally deliver a batch of pure spiritual qi crystals to the Snake Lords, they would undoubtedly be pleased, and Xie Lin would likely gain from it as well.
With these thoughts, Xie Lin was enthusiastic upon meeting Lin Yuan, greeting him with a hearty laugh. "You must be the renowned Young Master Lin, correct? Your arrival in South Face City for this trade fair has benefited numerous factions.
"Almost all the factions near South Face City are now talking about you. It's said that those who didn't attend the trade fair are regretting it. Young Master Lin, your reputation and influence here have already surpassed mine as the City Lord."
Regardless of Xie Lin's intentions, his words to Lin Yuan were impeccable. However, Lin Yuan did not forget his purpose for visiting.
As the saying wenr, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."
Despite Xie Lin's smiling demeanor, Lin Yuan remained boldly assertive. "I heard Brother Ling mention you on the way here. Your name is Xie Lin, right? What you said is only half true."
Lin Yuan's tone was calm, without a hint of emotion, yet his words made it clear to Xie Lin that Lin Yuan didn't take him seriously at all.