After leaving the Jiang'an Hall gathering, Lin Yu felt that the ability of the 'Thief' identity as 'Old Yao' was about to be permanently solidified through the memories of these Jiang'an Hall members.

Of course, Lin Yu could now also directly and permanently preserve this Manifestation effect using [Public Opinion Forges Truth].

It's just that [Public Opinion Forges Truth] can preserve at most only three effects, and Lin Yu didn't want to occupy one of them just for a 'Thief' ability.

Anyway, according to Lin Yu's expectations, the identity of Old Yao would gradually come to prominence and would eventually, like 'Doctor' and 'Soldier,' become one of his permanently solidified abilities.

Of course, the gains from this Jiang'an Hall gathering weren't limited to just the 'Old Yao' identity.

Besides letting Old Yao make his presence known and acquiring two [items], at the gathering, the Tycoon had obviously found time to mention the matter of 'May May' to several people. Originally, Lin Yu had planned to subtly guide the conversation in that direction through Old Yao if necessary, but that guy the Tycoon was indeed too thorough in his dealings.

The deception of "Alchemy·Butterfly Wing" was also beginning to spread, and Lin Yu could feel quite a bit of [belief] steadily coming into his account.

It seemed that directly mastering this alchemy technique himself was just around the corner!

"What I need to do next is wait for these rumors to continue fermenting..."

Perhaps out of consideration for his feelings, Shen Bingmiao had postponed the drama club's tour.

The remaining time within the week unexpectedly felt somewhat unusually long.

Lin Yu could only pass the time by repeatedly reading performance-related books and watching those famous stage plays, and then...

Until Monday arrived once again.

On the 'Zhu Ming' identity side, Li Nian finally sent another message.

"Sister Zhu Ming, the remuneration has been negotiated, ready to form a team."

Lin Yu received the message directly from Li Nian through the [Social] function and immediately replied.

"Okay, send it over."

Subsequently, the words "Team Invitation" appeared in [Social].

This was Li Nian using the [Remote Team Card] item to invite Lin Yu.

After Lin Yu accepted, he then saw that he had been pulled into a team.

"This way, after we enter the game, we'll be assigned together."

Seeing the message Li Nian sent, Lin Yu then responded, "I understand, do I need to make any preparations?"

"No special preparations needed, just perform normally will do."

Li Nian replied again.

"But after all, we're taking a 'Second Tier' through a [dungeon], you're also 'Second Tier,' and I'm still 'First Tier'... I don't even know how you managed to convince the other party."

"Simple," Li Nian replied, "I slightly demonstrated my strength and hinted that we belong to the 'Free Alliance.'"

"Although the organization's reputation isn't great, compared to the 'Marauders' and the 'Psychological Society,' besides purely negative reputations, it also has somewhat of a 'certification of expert' effect!"

"I'm not an official member yet."

Lin Yu reminded again,

"It'll be soon... when are you leaving the 'Psychological Society'?"

"Still have to wait until the time is ripe."

Lin Yu then ended the call with Li Nian.

"A 'Second Tier' [dungeon]... As my first [dungeon] after advancing to 'Second Tier,' it probably won't be simple either."

After all, previously, Lin Yu felt that every [dungeon] he encountered abnormalities was somewhat just a metaphysical lament.

But now, he clearly understood the principle.

In a sense, he was indeed special. From the perspective of the 'Death Game,' he and Shen Bingmiao had been planning to utilize this game's rules and power five years ago. Now that he had officially joined, being targeted by the game was also reasonable.

According to what Lin Yu currently understood, when the 'Death Game' itself assessed a player's comprehensive strength, it would consider the "knowledge" the player possessed.

Even though he had forgotten most things from back then, Lin Yu's current understanding of high-tier abilities, relationships with gods, and the nature of the game was definitely not inferior to those veteran powerhouses.

Furthermore, even disregarding this layer and assuming the 'Death Game' wasn't specifically targeting Lin Yu...

But there was still a [Fate Fragment] lying obediently in his [item space].

So in a sense, at least him encountering the 'Diviner' and another already revived [Fate Fragment] on the Misty Islands was definitely not accidental.

And thinking this far, Lin Yu suddenly discovered another previously overlooked point that gave him a headache.

"That 'Diviner' already had his eyes on me. If he finds out or detects that I also possess a [Fate Fragment], wouldn't he be even more fixated on me?"

Lin Yu remembered that the 'Diviner' obviously had great interest in this thing.

And judging from that guy's ability to foresee and deduce, as long as he held the [Fate Fragment], it was only a matter of time before the other party traced it back to him.

From a rational perspective, although this [Fate Fragment] clearly brought Lin Yu many benefits that accelerated his growth, if there was this risk of being constantly watched by the 'Diviner,' it would be best to get rid of this hot potato.

Handing it over to Li Hua, giving it to the Tycoon, or letting Shen Bingmiao reclaim it were all good options.

Even just discarding it in some [dungeon] world would do. After all, plenty of people were scrambling to get this thing.

But...

Emotionally speaking, Lin Yu didn't want to do that.

"Keeping it might also allow for better strengthening, finding a path to advancement faster... In short, I'll keep it."

Although the 'Diviner' was very powerful and seemingly invincible, he had escaped last time anyway.

Moreover, his current goal wasn't just to survive anymore.

The 'Death Game' Lin Yu was now playing also carried the weight of another person's life. To achieve that, becoming stronger, stronger than the 'Diviner,' was also his inevitable path.

"I hope the next [dungeon] goes smoothly."

Lin Yu silently prayed in his heart.

Then...

Another day passed. After noon on Tuesday, the Blood Text prompt appeared.

『Less than 24 hours remain until the latest start time for the next game!』

Because the team [item] this time was the [Remote Team Card], Lin Yu didn't need to meet up with Li Nian and that employer in advance. He just needed to enter the game normally.

『Please place yourself in a state of high-temperature dehydration before midnight tonight to await entry into the game.』

And the moment the Blood Text prompt appeared, Shen Bingmiao's message also arrived.

"Your next [dungeon] world is in the 'Prison Mountain Realm.'"