553: Robbery? My brother was the one who started it! (57k)

Not long after Lin Yang left the city, he sensed someone sneaking around behind him.

"So impatient? Already preparing to rob me?"

Lin Yang muttered.

Under normal circumstances, one wouldn't be robbed when leaving the city; they would be targeted when returning after hunting ferocious beasts.

Because when leaving the city, in the vast majority of cases, most people have already spent most of the money they earned from selling materials from their last hunt.

Just after leaving the city, basically no one has any money.

They all wait until returning to the city to hand over some materials as payment.

But he had only just left the city and was already being followed.

"Do they think that because I can afford to live in a high-end residential area, I must be loaded?" Lin Yang speculated.

Then, he didn't pay any attention to those guys following him.

Although these guys' methods were clever, they couldn't escape his perception at all.

But to his surprise, he had assumed these guys from the underground forces would act as soon as he left the city and exited the safe zone.

In reality, however, the other party had no intention of acting immediately; instead, they followed him deep into the wilderness.

"Not robbing me immediately, but following me in secret... are they trying to gauge my strength?"

Lin Yang quickly guessed the thoughts of this group; they probably wanted to take the opportunity to see his strength while he was hunting ferocious beasts.

"The periphery of the Desolate Grassland only has ferocious beasts at the Breaking Universe Realm and ordinary Boundary Realm levels, but beasts of the same level possess three to five times the power of human experts."

"This means it takes at least three to five human experts of the same level working together to kill them."

"Or one or two stronger experts teaming up would also work."

"In most cases, people looking to hunt ferocious beasts outside the city will find teammates beforehand and go out as a group."

"Although some Boundary Realm experts might act alone, they only hunt ferocious beasts one level weaker than themselves."

"With my current strength, if I use the power of the 'Realm', I should have no problem dealing with ordinary second-level Boundary Realm ferocious beasts, or even ordinary third-level ones, on my own."

"However, being watched by these guys from the underground forces is not conducive to me showing my full potential."

Lin Yang slowed his pace and began to ponder.

His apparent strength was only at the first level of the Boundary Realm.

Going out to hunt alone, under normal circumstances, he could only hunt Breaking Universe Realm ferocious beasts.

However, the price of materials from Breaking Universe Realm ferocious beasts was far from satisfactory to him.

There were simply too many good resources in the Star Divination Tower.

If he wanted to buy good resources that would help with his Boundary Realm cultivation and speed up his progress, he would have to kill Boundary Realm ferocious beasts to sell for money to afford a large amount of those resources quickly.

If he killed Breaking Universe Realm ferocious beasts, he would have to sell the body materials of twenty or thirty of them to exchange for a single high-level Boundary Realm resource.

But in the wilderness, the time spent hunting ferocious beasts in a single trip shouldn't be too long, nor should the number of kills be too high; once too many were killed, it would attract some powerful, monstrous beasts from the depths to come out and hunt him down.

Therefore, hunting low-level ferocious beasts alone is only suitable in certain specific situations.

For example, when needing specific materials from a certain part of a ferocious beast.

Only needing to kill a few would suffice.

Otherwise, he would be in danger.

For this very reason, teaming up to hunt ferocious beasts of the same realm is the most appropriate approach.

He had originally planned to come out, hunt a few Boundary Realm ferocious beasts, and return.

But now, being secretly followed and watched, he couldn't unleash his full strength.

He couldn't possibly let these guys see his true strength.

In Endless Spacetime, one must always hold something back; that is the rule for survival.

If one reveals their full power and lets others know their true limits, they are not far from death.

Therefore, Lin Yang paused, stopped continuing deeper, and instead stopped right where he was, staring in the direction where those guys were secretly following him.

"Gentlemen, you've been following me for quite a while now. Come on out."

He decided not to hunt ferocious beasts for now and to deal with these guys from the underground forces first.

The void there fell silent for a moment, and then five figures appeared.

One of them appeared to be the leader; he stared at Lin Yang, a cold smile pulling at his gloomy face, and said softly:

"To think you could sense us tracking you; it seems you do have some extraordinary methods. You don't look like an ordinary first-level Boundary Realm cultivator."

Lin Yang didn't say much to him and said directly:

"Since you've been following me, it's obviously because you want to rob me. Let's get straight to the point: how much money do you want?"

If they asked for a small amount, or not too much, he could consider spending a little money for peace of mind.

After all, he might not be a match for the two strongest leaders of the underground forces yet. If he were chased every time he left the city and couldn't hunt ferocious beasts in peace to make money, it would be quite annoying.

But if they went too far, then he would let his strength do the talking.

Hearing this, the leader grinned:

"As expected of someone who could afford a high-end residential area the moment they entered the city. Truly straightforward."

As he spoke, he looked at Lin Yang, a menacing glint appearing in his eyes:

"Since that's the case, we won't ask for much. Just hand over the treasure you used to treat He Linxue. We only need that one treasure. From now on, within the scope of Yun Que City, we guarantee that no one will ever rob you again!"

"Hm?" Lin Yang was stunned when he heard this.

The treasure for treating He Linxue?

Where would he have any such treasure...

But after being stunned for only half a second, Lin Yang understood.

It must have been that after He Linxue left his Villa, her physical condition was seen by others.

And He Linxue's condition was known to everyone in Yun Que City; at the very least, it would require an expert at the Returning Origin Realm to treat it.

Yet he had treated He Linxue.

So, in the eyes of others, since he wasn't at the Returning Origin Realm, he must have some special treasure capable of exerting power similar to the "Dao" or "Rules," which allowed him to treat He Linxue.

And a treasure capable of exerting power similar to the "Dao" or "Rules" was, without a doubt, a supreme treasure.

It was a supreme treasure that even Returning Origin Realm or even Ten Thousand Laws Realm experts would fight tooth and nail over.

"So... you think I have a treasure at the level of Dao Rhythm or Rules? And you want that treasure?" Lin Yang looked at these people with a strange expression.

"That's right!"

Hearing him voluntarily mention the supreme treasure, a flash of greed appeared in the leader's eyes, and he said in a deep voice:

"Our leader said, as long as you hand over that treasure, all the underground forces in Yun Que City will never rob you again for as long as you live. Otherwise, it won't just be robbery—you will die!"

"Heh."

Lin Yang suddenly laughed:

"If I'm not mistaken, you are people from Bone Bloom, right?"

"Yes." The leader nodded.

"Then how can you guarantee that all the underground forces won't rob me?" Lin Yang countered.

"Rest assured, the underground forces have our own rules."

The leader replied indifferently:

"In short, after you hand over the treasure, no underground force will rob you. If anyone doesn't follow the rules, we at Bone Bloom will handle it for you."

"For this, we can swear a Dao Oath as proof!"

Lin Yang smiled slightly:

"That sounds like a very 'merciful' condition."

"We can give you three minutes to consider whether to hand it over voluntarily or have us take it by force."

The leader looked at Lin Yang and said eerily:

"But I must remind you, if we have to do it ourselves, you won't survive!"

Lin Yang also looked at him:

"Then haven't you considered that perhaps I don't have a treasure, but used another method to treat He Linxue?"

"For example, life force?"

"Hm? That's impossible! Unless you are at the Returning Origin Realm, but you clearly are not!"

The leader said with certainty:

"Unless you are at the Returning Origin Realm, life force won't have any effect!"

"Heh, so that's how it is. You are convinced that I have a treasure and don't believe I used another method to treat her, is that right?" Lin Yang said.

The leader didn't answer, just snorted coldly:

"Your time is running out. You'd better consider whether to hand it over voluntarily or let us take it."

"Fine."

Lin Yang sighed.

Judging by the posture of these guys, it was clear that no matter what he said, these people wouldn't believe he used another method to treat He Linxue.

They would only think he was making excuses because he didn't want to hand over the treasure.

This was getting interesting.

Now, everyone in Yun Que City must think he has a treasure.

"Since that's the case, I have already decided."

Lin Yang then spoke up, and without giving the other party a chance to speak, continued:

"However, before I make my decision, I have one more question."

"That is, have you considered how I, a first-level Boundary Realm cultivator, could possess the kind of treasure you think I have?"

Hearing this, the few from Bone Bloom were taken aback. The leader's eyes darkened, and he said coldly:

"What do you mean?"

"Can't you tell?"

Lin Yang said indifferently:

"A treasure of that level is impossible for an ordinary Boundary Realm cultivator to possess."

"Let alone that I don't have one, even if I did, haven't you thought about whether there might be some formidable big shot behind me?"

"If you steal the treasure now, aren't you afraid of retaliation?"

This was something he was curious about.

Treasures of Dao Rhythm or Rules were very precious to those at the Returning Origin Realm or Ten Thousand Laws Realm.

Since these guys insisted on believing he had a treasure of that level, didn't they consider the consequences of stealing it?

To this, the leader just said indifferently:

"You don't need to worry about that. Since we dare to rob you, we are naturally not afraid of retaliation."

"Interesting." Lin Yang laughed again.

This answer made him basically certain that underground forces like Bone Bloom indeed had experts from the Guiyuan Realm or others backing them.

Otherwise, they would not dare to act like this.

Moreover, only a few of them came to negotiate with him today; the people from Ghost Ruins did not come.

And they even said that as long as he handed over the treasure, no underground forces would rob him.

This was very obvious; the big figure protecting them should be from the same side.

It was just that they were usually allowed to compete on their own.

But now, regarding a major matter involving a treasure at the level of Dao Rhythm rules, a unified order was directly issued by the big figure behind them, with Bone Bloom stepping forward to handle it.

Otherwise, as an underground force on par with Bone Bloom, Ghost Ruins would never sit idly by and let the people of Bone Bloom snatch it.

And it seemed that the big figure behind them was also wary of or suspicious about his background, so they preferred that he hand it over himself rather than resorting to force and potentially hurting him.

"It's getting more and more interesting."

Thinking of this, Lin Yang's eyes flickered, and he said indifferently:

"Then I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."

"First, I don't have any treasure."

"Second, if you resort to force, you might not necessarily be able to snatch anything from my hands."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the area instantly turned frigid.

"Kid, you better think carefully. If you refuse to hand over the treasure now, you might not be able to return to Yun Que City!"

The leader's voice turned cold instantly, and his form of address changed from 'Your Excellency' to 'kid'.

"No point in talking more, let's fight."

Lin Yang's aura surged, having no patience to continue talking to them.

"Hehehe, kid, fine, you're arrogant enough. Then don't blame us for being ruthless!"

Seeing this, the leader stopped talking as well, exchanged a look with the other four, and they all charged toward Lin Yang together.

The aura of power from the third level of the Boundary Realm instantly enveloped the area.

The leader was even at the peak strength of the third level!

Of course, he had not comprehended the Dao or rules.

"You really think highly of me—four third-level Boundary Realm experts plus one at the peak of the third level!" Lin Yang laughed.

"This is a sign of respect for you!"

The leader snorted coldly.

Although Lin Yang appeared to be at the first level of the Boundary Realm on the surface.

But as Lin Yang had just said, possessing a treasure of that level meant he absolutely could not be just an ordinary first-level Boundary Realm cultivator.

Furthermore, Lin Yang had never revealed his true strength, so to be safe, the five of them at the third level joined forces.

With this kind of power, no matter how extraordinary Lin Yang was or how strong the treasure in his hands was, as long as he was still at the first level of the Boundary Realm—or even the second or third level—he wouldn't be able to turn the tables!

Swish!

The next instant, the power of the several individuals simultaneously suppressed the entire area and attacked Lin Yang.

Lin Yang instantly felt the pressure increase significantly.

"If I don't use the power of the 'Domain', I won't be able to defeat these five."

The moment they clashed, Lin Yang judged the situation.

Fighting one against five, he was still only at the first level of power.

Only by fusing the power of the 'Domain' could he fight them.

However, there were definitely many people watching from the shadows right now.

This made him hesitate about whether to use the power of the 'Domain'.

In any case, he could feel that although the five people's attacks were fierce, they still held back a little, clearly not wanting to kill him directly.

It was very obvious that the people from Bone Bloom also understood that simply snatching a treasure and killing someone directly were two different things.

And it was very likely the intention of the big figure behind them.

After all, if he really had some remarkable big figure or background behind him, simply taking the treasure would still leave some room for maneuver, but if they killed him directly, it would be an irreconcilable feud.

The big figure behind them perhaps also didn't want to easily fall into that kind of situation.

Of course, this could also be a test for him; this time it was just about taking the treasure, but if he didn't reveal any background later, they might silence him next time.

Because of this, Lin Yang hesitated about whether to use the 'Domain'.

However, before he could make up his mind, he suddenly heard a heaven-shaking roar from the depths of the Desolate Grassland.

Then, a terrifying aura rapidly swept from the depths of the Desolate Grassland toward the outer perimeter.

"This is... the aura of a Dao Rhythm Great Ferocious Beast?"

In an instant, the expressions of the five people from Bone Bloom changed drastically.

A Dao Rhythm Great Ferocious Beast—this meant that the beast letting out that violent roar and rapidly approaching was at least equivalent to a third-level Boundary Realm expert who had comprehended the Dao or rules!

Given that Great Ferocious Beasts were at least five times stronger than humans, no one in Yun Que City was a match for this beast!

"Damn it, who provoked a Great Ferocious Beast of this level and is leading it toward Yun Que City?!"

The leader of Bone Bloom cursed angrily, then, not bothering to continue attacking Lin Yang, shouted: "Run! Flee back to the city first!"

Although the treasure was important, one only had one life.

They weren't afraid that Lin Yang would run away, as the Great Ferocious Beast was heading this way.

If Lin Yang didn't want to die, he would have to return to the city.

It was just a matter of waiting for Lin Yang to leave the city next time.

"This..."

Lin Yang was also stunned by this sudden accident.

However, he was somewhat happy to see it happen, because he also felt that his preparations for coming out this time were a bit inadequate.

Next time, he should lure the people from Bone Bloom deeper, so that using the power of the 'Domain' wouldn't be easily discovered.

Following that, he also turned and quickly returned to Yun Que City.

He couldn't deal with a violent Great Ferocious Beast either.

Watching him return at an even faster speed, the eyes of the five people from Bone Bloom narrowed.

"That is... the fluctuation of space power!"

"This kid has mastered space power!"

The leader's eyes flickered with a dark light: "Although our good work was ruined by the Great Ferocious Beast, this trip wasn't entirely in vain; at least we tested that this kid is an expert in space power."

"Next time, we can deal with him better!"

Yun Que City.

At this moment, the protective shield on the city wall was also in a state of full energy activation.

Clearly, it was preparing to defend against an attack from that Great Ferocious Beast!

Yes, that's right.

In the Endless Spacetime, it wasn't just humans who hunted beasts; sometimes, beasts would also attack cities.

And every siege would result in heavy casualties.

For Yun Que City, a single Great Ferocious Beast was something they could simply not contend with without reinforcements.

They could only rely on the defenses on the city wall and some Formation Arrays within the city to resist and delay it.

"I hope that thing doesn't actually attack the city."

After returning to the city, Lin Yang also prayed silently.

After all, when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold; if the beast really attacked the city, he wouldn't necessarily be safe inside either.

"Huh, He Linxue?"

When Lin Yang returned to his Villa, he saw from afar that He Linxue was standing alone at the entrance, her face full of worry.

This surprised him very much.

"Sir, you've returned!"

Hearing Lin Yang's voice, He Linxue hurriedly saluted.

Lin Yang waved his hand and asked curiously: "Where is your brother? Why are you standing at my door alone?"

While speaking, he also brought He Linxue into the courtyard.

"Sir, my brother... my brother has gone to the depths of the Desolate Grassland."

After entering the courtyard, He Linxue bit her lip lightly and replied in a voice as low as a mosquito's buzz.

"Oh... hmm?? Wait, what did you say?"

"Where did He Linchuan go?"

Lin Yang had responded subconsciously, but then his eyes widened.

What was He Linxue saying??

He Linchuan went to the depths of the Desolate Grassland?

Did he hear wrong, or did He Linxue say it wrong?

"Sir, my brother has gone to the depths of the Desolate Grassland."

He Linxue repeated.

Lin Yang was stunned: "He Linchuan, went to the... depths of the Desolate Grassland?"

He was a bit bewildered.

He understood these words when spoken separately, but together, they made no sense to him.

With He Linchuan's strength, going to the depths of the Desolate Grassland? What kind of joke was this?

At the Spirit Realm, let alone going to the depths of the Desolate Grassland, even going a little bit deeper, he would probably be swallowed by a beast for a hearty meal.

He stared at He Linxue, trying to see from her expression if she was joking.

But... alright, what did he go to the depths of the Desolate Grassland for?

Lin Yang sighed.

He Linxue didn't look like she was joking.

This shocked him.

Was He Linchuan looking for death?

He Linxue bit her lip again and said in a low voice: "Returning to you, Sir, my brother went to the Desolate Grassland to... to lure the Great Ferocious Beast."

After saying this, she looked up at Lin Yang's face, then lowered her head again, and said cautiously: "Before my brother left, he asked me to wait here for your return. He said that if he couldn't come back, you would take me in."

"..."

Lin Yang was dumbfounded. Truly dumbfounded. He even felt his scalp tingle.

Hearing He Linxue's words, he instantly understood something and said in disbelief: "You don't mean to say that the Great Ferocious Beast was intentionally lured by He Linchuan, do you?"

"Returning to you, Sir, if there were no accidents, it should have been lured by my brother." He Linxue continued to answer in a low voice.

"This..." Lin Yang was stunned: "What exactly is going on with He Linchuan? How could he have reached the depths of the Desolate Grassland? Furthermore, I left the city immediately after you left; he must have left the city after me, right? In such a short time, how did he reach the depths of the Desolate Grassland??"

He was truly a bit shocked. What on earth was this situation?