Chapter 40: A carefree life awaits!

With his innate supernatural gift to communicate with birds and beasts, Lin Shi possessed senses far more heightened than those of ordinary individuals. He could discern an indescribable fear flowing through his bloodline, sending shivers down his spine.

His muscles tensed, freezing him in place. He didn't dare to make a single movement, afraid even to wave the saber in his hand, a weapon more valuable to him than his own wife.

Fear clouded his eyes as he watched Lin Yang leisurely rummage through the corpses scattered on the ground. He observed how effortlessly Lin Yang uncovered banknotes, medicinal pills, and an incredibly precious secret manual.

It was evident that Lin Yang possessed remarkable expertise in this sort of scavenging technique. Merely with a glance, one would discern his familiarity with such activities.

Already proficient in taking lives, Lin Yang's complexion grew paler with each passing moment. Anyone who realized that their possessions would be thoroughly looted after their death would experience a chill run through their veins.

He couldn't help but ponder if he, too, would suffer the same fate if he were to be killed.

Indeed, many experts had a habit of overconfidence, choosing to keep their valuables with them rather than at home.

Lin Shi clenched his teeth and swore silently in his heart that if he managed to survive this ordeal, he would surely never again hide all his possessions on his person.

Surprisingly, Lin Yang cast an intrigued glance at the objects in his hand. This time, he had come across a bottle of exceedingly precious Essence Revolving Pills.

However, the thought of Lin Gue's identity instantly granted him solace. Lin Gue was the son of an influential figure in the Law Enforcement Hall and possessed an elite status within the organization. Considering that he had embezzled his own father's belongings, it was no surprise for him to possess such a valuable item.

The other three corpses had also yielded a few pills, mostly low-quality ones. Lin Yang dismissed them without much thought, tossing them carelessly aside. Lin Shi's eyes widened in disbelief.

As elite disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall, they received a meager monthly salary consisting of just a bottle of low-grade Essence Revolving Pills. They cherished these pills and were hesitant to consume them. Yet, Lin Yang discarded them with a mere glance.

He was truly a prodigal son, squandering resources without a second thought.

A tinge of red entered Lin Shi's eyes. He discreetly swallowed a mouthful of saliva. If Lin Yang's intimidating aura hadn't cowed him, he would have immediately rushed forward, scooping up all the elixirs and stowing them away for himself.

"Do you want them?" A cold voice suddenly whispered next to his ear.

Startled, Lin Shi raised his head, his face turning even paler at the sight.

"Am I that terrifying?" Lin Yang approached with a slight smile playing on his lips.

Seeing the fear in Lin Shi's eyes, he couldn't help but laugh, his voice laced with a seductive tone. "You seem to crave these elixirs. Do you want them? If you do, they are all yours!"

Lin Shi's eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze fixated on the scene unfolding before him. The scattered bottles on the ground seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly allure, beckoning him closer. A mixture of desire and trepidation welled up inside him, and he couldn't help but unconsciously lick his parched lips.

There, lying before him, were four or five ancient bottles, each radiating a faint, ethereal glow. If he were to possess them, it would be equivalent to half a year's worth of his meager salary. The temptation was almost unbearable.

"The only condition is that you come with me," Lin Yang's voice broke through Lin Shi's inner turmoil, drawing his attention towards the source of his predicament.

Lin Shi's face blanched, his body feeling as heavy as a mountain as he contemplated his options. Following Lin Yang meant willingly stepping into the jaws of death. The Law Enforcement Hall had launched an extensive manhunt to capture this notorious young master, and aligning himself with him would surely seal his own fate.

Lin Yang's eyes narrowed, a cold smile playing on his lips as he watched the inner struggle reflected on Lin Shi's face. "Don't worry," he said, the promise of a sinister deal tainting his words, "I have never forced anyone to do what they don't want. I believe in winning people over with virtue. But if you refuse, well... I have another choice."

"What choice?" Lin Shi's voice wavered, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. Anything to escape from this terrifying man, he thought.

A dark chuckle escaped Lin Yang's throat. "It's simple," he said, his tone laced with malicious intent, "I will kill you and take what you have."

Fear coursed through Lin Shi's veins, his body trembling at the thought of his life being extinguished so callously. Was this what Lin Yang considered "winning people over with virtue"? Did he truly have a choice in the matter?

Lin Shi's expression twisted, his mind racing as he grappled with the weight of his decision. After what felt like an eternity, he reluctantly lowered the long saber in his hand, his body sinking to the ground in defeat. "Ninth Young Master, I beg you," he pleaded in a trembling voice, "spare my life. I have parents and children who depend on me. Following you will only lead to their demise. I implore you, let my family live."

A cold, calculating gleam entered Lin Yang's eyes as he toyed with a secret manual he had just plundered, his voice devoid of mercy. "I'm afraid I cannot spare you," he stated matter-of-factly. "Your ability to communicate with birds and beasts makes you a dangerous loose end. With you by my side, my location will always be at risk of exposure. And you know what they say about loose ends, right?"

Lin Shi's face drained of color, a sense of hopelessness washing over him. This sinister figure truly had no intention of allowing him to escape unscathed.

Lin Yang pressed on, his tone filled with sinister allure. "But joining me is not without its benefits," he continued, his eyes burning with a menacing intensity. "Just look at these pills, for example." He gestured towards the discarded elixirs with a nonchalant flick of his hand. "I assure you, I have an endless supply of such treasures. If you choose to follow me, you will have access to an abundance of wealth and power. And these secret manuals..." Lin Yang paused, his voice dripping with temptation as he threw a coveted manual, "Cold Moon Slash," in front of Lin Shi. "They hold the potential to change your destiny and secure a legacy for your descendants. Can you really afford to pass up such an opportunity?"

Lin Shi stared at the secret manual, his heart pounding with conflicting emotions. The allure of power and wealth mingled with the fear of betraying his own family. It was an impossible choice to make, yet he knew that refusing Lin Yang's offer would only lead to his own demise.

A twisted grin crossed Lin Yang's face as he read the turmoil in Lin Shi's eyes. "Don't worry about the Lin family," he sneered. "Once we're gone, I'll make sure they believe you are already dead. You can live in the shadows, hidden from their prying eyes."

Lin Shi's resolve crumbled under the weight of temptation and fear. With a heavy sigh, he whispered, "I... I am willing."

Lin Yang's smile widened, a chilling sense of triumph radiating from him.

"I will temporarily agree to appease him. When the opportunity arises, I will find a chance to escape from this menacing individual! Upon my return, I can still maintain my esteemed position within the Law Enforcement Hall! A carefree life awaits!" Lin Shi voiced his agreement, though optimism lit up his thoughts.

However, an hour later, Lin Shi's optimism evaporated entirely