Hearing Wang Chengan's urgent words, Lin Yun, contrary to expectations, grew even calmer.
"Speaking of which, I find it very strange. Senior claims to be acting for the greater good, so you should be feeling a great sense of gravity. Yet, I cannot detect the slightest hint of it in your tone. Could it be that these matters are merely trivial to you, Senior?"
Sure enough, after being questioned by Lin Yun, Wang Chengan instantly grew nervous. He never would have imagined that this young man was still scrutinizing his every word and action.
"Young man, in the end, you have too little experience. I have weathered too many great storms and have long since come to see life and death with indifference. What's more, having been sealed in this place for so many years, why should I still care about such trivial details?"
Wang Chengan, of course, knew what Lin Yun was suspecting. But at this moment, he was still able to deliver his answer in a calm and unhurried manner, as if all of this was truly insignificant to him.
But in Lin Yun's heart, his words only fueled his suspicion. Paired with the appearance of the statue he had seen earlier, it felt as if the truth of the matter was on the verge of being revealed. He just lacked sufficient proof.
"In that case, if I were to shatter this statue, what do you think would happen?" Lin Yun asked, curiously appraising the sculpture before him. "Senior's divine soul is imprisoned here by this formation, yet among so many, you are the only one who survived?"
Hearing Lin Yun's casual tone, Wang Chengan's heart tensed. "Young man, these are all things that happened in the past, far too long ago for you to concern yourself with. Your most pressing task now is to quickly release me so I can help you repair the formation."
His tone was unconsciously becoming rushed. After all, the facade he had maintained earlier was under the assumption that he was in a safe position. But the current situation was vastly different. It was clear Lin Yun wasn't joking; he was truly preparing to tamper with the statue. If that was the case, Wang Chengan needed to quickly think of the best way to resolve this.
"I know you still harbor doubts about me, but on account of the fact that I have not deceived you before, you should at least give me a chance to prove myself. You know the current state of the Nether River Dragon Palace. If we let it be, it will cause big trouble!"
Knowing what Lin Yun was thinking, Wang Chengan did his best to stop him. He didn't realize, however, that his very attitude was only strengthening Lin Yun's conviction. A moment ago, Lin Yun was still worried about how much of Ezu's warning was credible, but now, he no longer had such thoughts. It seemed the statue was indeed Wang Chengan's vulnerability. As long as he successfully destroyed it, Wang Chengan would likely have no chance to bring disaster to the world.
At this thought, Lin Yun no longer hesitated. He raised his longsword high.
Just then, Wang Chengan hurriedly cried out, "Young man, I know what you're thinking, but this matter is not as simple as you believe. I advise you to think it over again!"
As he spoke, he was stretched to his absolute limit. This was not as easy as he had imagined. This seemingly simple young man was, in fact, not easy to deal with at all.
"If you truly destroy this statue, what will you do if, by some chance, it has no effect on me at all?"
Lin Yun had indeed considered this possibility before, but he knew now that he had no other choice.
"Heh, if that's the case, then we shall wait and see!"
Seeing that Lin Yun's attitude was still so resolute, with no intention of negotiating, Wang Chengan's heart clenched with anxiety. He had never thought he would one day encounter such a difficult young man.
Helpless, Wang Chengan's voice took on a pleading tone. "I admit, I did conceal some things from you before, but I can guarantee that there was absolutely no malicious intent. I only hoped that I might one day be able to leave this damned place." He spoke with such sincerity, it almost seemed that this was his only goal.
But Lin Yun knew this man was just spouting nonsense.
"I have never met you before, so I have no way of knowing what your true purpose is. But out of self-preservation, I cannot act according to your wishes. Therefore, it is only right and proper that I eliminate you now."
Lin Yun glanced at Qin Xiyan beside him. Their eyes met. Both had made their decision.
Wang Chengan was still begging bitterly. "I know you came to the Nether River Dragon Palace this time only to find some treasures. Others may not be able to help you, but I have some methods to assist you in finding these things, as long as you are willing." His voice trembled as he spoke. He knew this was his only way to persuade Lin Yun now.
But it was a pity.
Lin Yun had no intention of listening to his one-sided story. In his heart, he had already sentenced him to death.
"You can only blame yourself for trying to deceive me from the very beginning with impure motives. Besides, since you have been sealed here for so long, even if you die, it will have no impact on the world."
After saying this, Lin Yun felt no more psychological pressure. The sword in his hand fell.
The statue shattered at the sound.
Lin Yun had expected Wang Chengan to become furious after he destroyed the statue, perhaps even roaring at him in a flustered rage. But the result was that Wang Chengan became incredibly calm. In fact, not a single trace of emotion could be heard in his tone, as if everything was under his control.
"You brat. Your self-righteous cleverness will only be your own undoing," Wang Chengan said with a triumphant laugh.
A moment ago, he truly had no way of dealing with Lin Yun. But the instant the statue shattered, Lin Yun naturally felt that dangerous aura once more. He had been wondering why that aura had vanished after he entered the palace. Now, hearing Wang Chengan's unbridled laughter, everything became clear.
This man had been planning this from the very beginning. He wanted Lin Yun to break the statue.
But what Wang Chengan found strange was that after he escaped, Lin Yun showed no signs of anger. On the contrary, he just looked at Wang Chengan calmly, his face a mask of tranquility, as if this, too, was all within his expectations.
Even Qin Xiyan had never expected Lin Yun to react in such a way.