The matriarch decided to mobilize the entire clan to stall the enemy, granting Lin Fan time to escape, on the condition that Lin Fan takes Yun Qingyao with him.

Initially, according to the matriarch’s plan, she requested Lin Fan to find a chance to secretly take Yun Qingyao away. But now it seems this is no longer feasible; it requires doing it openly. Regardless of the method, the matriarch insists Yun Qingyao must escape.

Within the Yun Sect, the matriarch’s status is no less than that of Sect Leader Yun Zhongzheng. Upon her command, the members of Yun Sect instantly entered a state of combat, ready to attack the square-faced man, with the matriarch leading the charge.

"Wait!"

Lin Fan timely stopped the matriarch, "Yun Sect members, there’s no need for any more pointless sacrifices. You can’t hold off this person, even if I were to escape now, he would kill all of you and still catch up to me. I am bound to have a battle with him sooner or later, so let’s make it simple; I’ll confront him directly."

Everyone was stunned; Lin Fan wants to fight the square-faced man?

Did they mishear? Is Lin Fan really not seeking death?

The matriarch said, "Mr. Lin, we can hold him off to buy you time to get away. If you fight him directly, you won’t have any chance."

Lin Fan smiled slightly, "If I fail, you can attack later; it won’t be too late, and it won’t cause delay. Old lady, please take care of this child."

With that, Lin Fan handed the three-year-old child to the matriarch. Though she wanted to refuse, the child was already in her arms, and Lin Fan had let go, leaving her no choice but to hold the child.

Lin Fan took a step forward, directly facing the square-faced man.

"I have one question, and I hope you can answer truthfully," Lin Fan said to the square-faced man. "I won’t hand Yun Qingyao over to you, but I want to know, if I were to give her to you, would you still kill me?"

The square-faced man sneered, "What do you think?"

Lin Fan replied, "If my guess is right, you came to the Yun Sect this time never intending to spare anyone, whether or not you get the Yun Sect’s treasure. Even if Sect Leader Yun compromises in the end and hands over the treasure, you’ll likely still obliterate the Yun Sect, including me, an innocent outsider. Am I correct?"

The square-faced man snorted coldly, "Kid, stop talking nonsense here. As long as Sect Leader Yun hands over the treasure, I will spare you all. But if you fail to appreciate my kindness, then I won’t refrain from killing you all!"

Though the square-faced man denied Lin Fan’s guess, noticing his expression, Lin Fan confirmed his suspicion. This denial was merely a ploy to deceive Yun Zhongzheng into handing over the treasure; indeed, his intention from the start was to eliminate everyone here. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Once obtaining the treasure, he would kill everyone here and leave with it, ensuring no one knows the treasure ended up in his possession.

Moreover, eliminating threats entirely aligns with his nature; he wouldn’t leave loose ends. Although he doubts the Yun Sect could seek revenge against him in the future, he sees no reason to give them that chance; better to completely eradicate the possibility.

Lin Fan said, "Regardless, I won’t hand Yun Qingyao over to you. If you want her, you must first overcome me."

The square-faced man laughed angrily, "What gives you the courage to act tough in front of me, punk?"

Lin Fan said, "True, you’re formidable; not even a group of Yun Sect experts could harm you slightly. But that doesn’t mean you’re invincible."

The square-faced man sneered, "Are you suggesting you can defeat me?"

Lin Fan said, "Let’s find out through a battle."

The square-faced man said, "You really have a death wish. The reason you refuse to hand the girl to me, using her as a bargaining chip, is that just an act?"

Lin Fan responded indifferently, "Why ask this?"

The square-faced man said, "If she was merely a bargaining chip, would you forsake your own life to protect her? You know you can’t beat me, yet insist on shielding her. Do you fancy this woman?"

"What?"

Everyone exchanged glances, does Lin Fan love Yun Qingyao?

Upon hearing this, Yun Qingyao froze, her cheeks instantly turning crimson as she stole a glance at Lin Fan.

Superficially, it indeed seems a bit suggestive; why else would a man risk his life to protect a woman unless he liked her?

"Nonsense!" Yun Qingyao immediately retorted, no way Lin Fan could ever fancy her; it’d be lucky if he didn’t find her distasteful. How could he like her in front of so many people, it’s so embarrassing!

Lin Fan smiled, "Yun Qingyao is right, stop spouting nonsense. The reason I won’t hand her over to you has been made very clear. I intend to use her to negotiate with Sect Leader Yun. Speaking of negotiations, Sect Leader Yun, before I fight this guy, I want to have a word with you."

With that, Lin Fan had already turned to Yun Zhongzheng.

Yun Zhongzheng said, "Speak."

His expression was complex, uncertain of how to describe his feelings. On one hand, he doubted Lin Fan could defeat the square-faced man, even feeling annoyed at Lin Fan for involving Yun Qingyao. Yet on the other hand, Lin Fan’s intervention somehow bought the Yun Sect more time, uncertain whether it would bring fortune or disaster.

Lin Fan said, "I came to the Yun Sect to resolve the issues between us. Sect Leader Yun, you should be quite aware of my demands previously."

Yun Zhongzheng nodded, "I’m aware."

Previously, Lin Fan had proposed the return of Yun Qingyao in exchange for the Yun Sect agreeing to stop pursuing Ye Tianyu, cease bringing trouble to him, and refrain from demanding 1 billion.

Lin Fan said, "Now, I’m adding a condition. If I defeat this person for the Yun Sect, will the Yun Sect meet my demands?"

Yun Zhongzheng’s expression turned solemn, "Mr. Lin, can you truly defeat him?"

Lin Fan smiled, "We’ll only know after trying. Sect Leader Yun, are you willing to agree?"

Yun Zhongzheng didn’t hesitate; at this moment, hesitation was unnecessary, having no room for uncertainty. He agreed, "Alright, if Mr. Lin can indeed take care of this man, all grudges between us will be settled!"

Lin Fan said, "Having Sect Leader Yun’s assurance is enough."

With that said, Lin Fan’s gaze returned to the square-faced man, "Now I offer you an opportunity; cripple your martial arts voluntarily, or else, if I make a move, your pain will be tenfold. People like you never receive mercy from me; don’t say I didn’t warn you."

The square-faced man laughed in rage, "Hahaha... it’s been a long time since I laughed like this. I rarely laugh unless encountering something truly absurd. Kid, you’re the most ridiculous person I’ve met, you know?"

Lin Fan said, "I don’t find it absurd; I’m serious. Of course, I know you won’t believe me; I was merely speaking from kindness, offering a friendly warning."

As tensions were about to erupt, Lin Fan unexpectedly remained so boastful. What’s infuriating is he seemed entirely serious and showed no signs of fear.

Lin Fan’s demeanor aroused inexplicable anger in the square-faced man, wondering where this kid’s baseless confidence stems from; the unwarranted confidence was truly infuriating.

"Die for me!"

The square-faced man could no longer contain himself and finally made his move.