### Chapter 4 A Deal
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These men in black were no pushovers. Even if they were in the Heavenly Sword Sect, they would definitely rank among the elite of the inner sect.
Yet, such formidable folks were bowing to Ru Yu, willingly becoming assassins.
When recalling the recent surprise attacks that nearly shook the foundations of the two major sects, one could easily tell the “Ji Shen” organization had some deep-rooted connections.
“You really want to make a move in the city?
No matter how useless I am, I’m still a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Aren’t you afraid Yihong Courtyard will be exposed from here on out?” Lin Nan looked at Ru Yu.
Ru Yu smiled innocently, “If we can keep you, I think the upper-ups will find this small loss acceptable.”
Lin Nan sighed, “Cold Moon Witch is already taking the blame for the night raid on the Heavenly Sword Sect, and now you want to take it a step further. Do you really think I have no tricks left?”
“Attack!”
Ru Yu seemed to lose interest in continuing the conversation and commanded sharply.
The four men in black immediately moved to encircle him, their four swords carving some special rhythm in the air as they closed in, exuding waves of overwhelming momentum.
The stillness of the lake was like water reaching a boil, bubbling with energy.
A sword formation?
Lin Nan was taken aback.
Since entering this game, it was his first time dealing with such bizarre four-person formations.
They shared similar strength and appearance, all masked, wielding the same sword techniques.
For a moment, he mistook them for one person with four avatars.
Lin Nan immediately drew his sword to defend himself.
At that moment, his solitary sword technique nearly reached its peak.
Thanks to his previous training in basic sword intent, even surrounded, he could accurately judge the enemies’ movements, keeping their assault at bay.
Ru Yu, who had thought she would easily take him down, softly went, “Oh?”
This Lin Nan was quite strange.
So far, he was relying entirely on basic sword moves and his physical instincts and strength.
In other words, he was holding his own against a powerful sword formation using only the simplest of techniques.
Such agility and extraordinarily sharp senses—if he unleashed a strong skill, the sword formation would disintegrate in an instant.
He had formidable strength, yet why was he holding back?
Could it be Cold Moon Witch’s intention behind him…?
“Enough, Ru Yu! Let him go!”
A commanding voice suddenly rang out from behind her.
Ru Yu was taken aback, immediately ceasing her hesitation.
“Everyone step back!”
The ferocious sword formation promptly dissipated, and the men in black, as noiselessly as they had appeared, vanished.
In the back courtyard of Yihong Courtyard, only Lin Nan and Ru Yu remained.
Lin Nan sheathed his long sword calmly, coldly saying, “What’s the matter? Has Lady Ru Yu changed her mind?”
“We might be able to make a deal.”
“Are you plotting how to trick me again?”
Ru Yu smiled slightly, “I hope Young Master Lin can keep the background of Yihong Courtyard a secret. In exchange, Yihong Courtyard will always welcome Young Master Lin and that Young Master Duan, free of charge.”
Lin Nan shook his head. “No need.”
He took out a jade pendant and placed it on the ground.
The tables and chairs in the private room were already in disarray due to the earlier scuffle.
“What does Young Master mean?”
“Twenty thousand spirit coins, consider it my hush money. Yihong Courtyard would probably earn that back in two days. Is that too much to ask?”
“That is indeed not much.”
“Good. Once I take the money, Yihong Courtyard and I will have nothing to do with each other. I also don’t want to meddle with Ji Shen’s affairs.
However, because of you witches, the Heavenly Sword Sect and Thousand Bird City will now view the Cold Moon Witch as a thorn in their side. I’m afraid no amount of spirit coins can remedy that. I think you should provide an explanation.”
Ru Yu replied, “Forgive my boldness, but may I ask if this is the true intention of the Cold Moon Witch?”
Lin Nan nodded. “Yes.”
“Young Master Lin can rest assured; I will report this matter. If Young Master Lin has time in a few days, feel free to visit Yihong Courtyard again.”
“Alright.”
【Ding! You have received a gift of 20,000 spirit coins from Yihong Courtyard.】
Seeing the spirit coins arrive, Lin Nan lost interest in further chit-chat with Ru Yu.
He waved his hand and briskly left her sight.
A moment later, after changing into clean clothes, Mama Wu stood respectfully before Ru Yu.
“My Lord, how should we deal with that girl, Si Yan?”
“Ha, as a member of the Monster Race, daring to boldly fall in love with the Human Race—what’s more, she’s the top performer nurtured by Yihong Courtyard, abandoning her mission and task to run away.
This trend must not be allowed to continue.”
“I will immediately send someone to intercept and eliminate the two.”
“Don’t act too hastily. Wait until they leave Sky Sword City before making a move. For now, keep an eye on them.
Also, Lin Nan cannot be fully trusted. Yihong Courtyard must begin preparations to withdraw; not a scrap of paper can fall into the hands of the Heavenly Sword Sect.”
“Understood, I’ll handle it right away.”
Soon after Mama Wu left, Ru Ying returned, stepping onto the now calm lake surface. However, due to the earlier battle, numerous dead fish floated on the surface, making it a sight to lament.
She gently squatted down, letting her fingertips glide over the water, without stirring a ripple.
Gradually, her figure disappeared.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an endless sea. The rolling waves crashed against the rocks, producing a deep rumble.
The salty sea breeze blew toward her, causing her unbound hair to dance in the wind.
From a distance, Ru Yu’s white silhouette resembled a holy angel, unforgettable to behold.
A black-clad person suddenly appeared behind her, kneeling halfway down.
“My Lord, he has awakened.”
“Good, go have a look.”
Ru Yu walked barefoot across the beach, leaving tiny footprints in the sand.
Before her stood a cliff nearly a hundred meters high, and near the ground, a natural cave entrance.
From the outside looking in, it was pitch black inside.
A few subordinates lit torches to pave the way for Ru Yu.
After taking a turn down a narrow passage, the space opened up ahead.
Eternal lamps burned along the rock walls, barely illuminating the interior’s furnishings.
Just then, a terrifying roar echoed through the cave, making anyone tremble.
“Roar…”
One of Ru Yu’s subordinates nearly slipped from fear, the torch slipping from his hand and rolling to Ru Yu’s feet.
Ru Yu gently picked up the torch.
The man, terrified, dropped to his knees. “Thud, thud,” he knocked his head against the ground.
“I didn’t mean it, I am guilty!”
Ru Yu revealed an extremely clear smile. “Do you think he’s scarier than me?”
“No, no, absolutely not.”
“Oh? So you mean I’m scary then?”
“…”
The subordinate’s face turned desperate.
“Bang…”
His head exploded like a watermelon, red and white splattering everywhere.
Ru Yu’s white dress was surprisingly unblemished.
In the center of the cave stood a cage.
A fierce-looking young boy clutched the bars as thick as his arms, throwing back his head to unleash a sound that no normal person could withstand.
“Shh, don’t scream.”
Just as Ru Yu was about to approach, that boy suddenly pulled the bars and leaned out.
