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 couldn’t 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, everyone’s 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?"

"Don’t you know? He came back with Senior Sister Qing Yao this morning; he seems to be her boyfriend..."

"I wondered why he’s always by Senior Sister Qing Yao’s side; turns out he’s her boyfriend..."

"No, he’s not Senior Sister Qing Yao’s boyfriend. From what I’ve heard, he’s also our enemy..."

The Yun Sect people whispered about Lin Fan’s identity. Regardless of whether Lin Fan was a friend or foe, his stepping forward surprised them.

Because Lin Fan wasn’t 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 Fan’s appearance now surely meant trouble; perhaps he’s here to take advantage of the situation!

"Mr. Lin, what are you trying to do?" Yun Zhongzheng couldn’t help but ask. Lin Fan’s emergence added complications, worsening the current situation.

"Mr. Lin?" The square-faced man was already staring at Lin Fan, curiously saying, "You’re not from the Yun Sect!"

Lin Fan said, "I’m not. Like you, I’m here to trouble the Yun Sect, but our targets differ, so there’s no conflict of interest."

The square-faced man chuckled, "Then what’s your purpose in stepping out?"

Lin Fan said, "I’m stepping out now mainly because I’m afraid you’ll 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 wasn’t Yun Qingyao’s boyfriend but an enemy!

Yun Zhongzheng’s 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 you’re mighty, you can’t handle these Yun Sect people. I can give you an idea to quickly obtain the treasure."

Lin Fan’s words almost angered the Yun Sect people to no end. Lin Fan was undeniably an enemy, undeniably malicious!

However, Lin Fan’s words intrigued the square-faced man. It must be said, Lin Fan clearly understood the square-faced man’s 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? Let’s hear it," the square-faced man said.

Lin Fan said, "These Yun Sect people are stubborn. Even if you slaughter them all, it won’t help. Killing this three-year-old child only adds to your karmic debts. What’s 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 haven’t 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 isn’t his weakness, so killing him won’t trouble Sect Leader Yun. Similarly, killing more Yun Sect people won’t 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 Qingyao’s 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, "She’s Yun Qingyao, Sect Leader Yun’s direct disciple, the person Sect Leader Yun dotes on most—like 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! I’ve already stated that today, my entire Yun Sect is sworn to protect the treasure. You won’t threaten me with anyone!"

Lin Fan laughed, "Brother, look, Sect Leader Yun is anxious, flustered."

Lin Fan’s words made the square-faced man feel that Yun Zhongzheng was indeed anxious. It seemed Lin Fan was right; Yun Qingyao was Yun Zhongzheng’s weakness.

The square-faced man couldn’t 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, "You’re 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 I’m handing my chip to you, I hope for a little return, isn’t 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 won’t harm me. After all, you’re too strong, and I’m not your match. I’m 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 Fan’s 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, I’ve changed my mind."

"What did you say?" The square-faced man’s face darkened.

Everyone was instantly taken aback.