Chapter 1046: Balancing Benevolence and Authority

Chapter 1046: Chapter 1046: Balancing Benevolence and Authority

It’s truly a pity for those Upper-Rank Gods thrown into the lake as sacrifices.

If all of them were killed by Lin Yi, the benefits Lin Yi would gain would be unimaginable, even to himself.

After collecting all the spoils of war, and fully assimilating the divine power absorbed by the Soul-Breaking Skill, his divine power had successfully achieved a significant level breakthrough.

Opening his skill panel, Lin Yi could clearly see his Divine Power Level:

Wu: 10/6666!

Participating in this Secret Realm was thanks to the crucial intelligence obtained by Lin Yi’s subordinates by sheer chance, otherwise Lin Yi wouldn’t have known about such an important Secret Realm.

Initially, before entering the Secret Realm, Lin Yi had prepared himself mentally quite thoroughly.

After all, entering this Secret Realm meant facing mostly Upper-Rank God bigwigs, especially those from the Immortal King faction, who could easily crush Lin Yi with their Divine Power levels.

To say the least, without the help of Wo Zhiqi or the Great Saint, Lin Yi alone defeating such a God with overwhelming power was practically impossible.

Neither Lin Yi, Wo Zhiqi, nor the Great Saint expected Lin Yi to obtain the External Divine Artifact, Fu Xi Talisman, from the Secret Realm.

Yet, the reality was unbelievable.

Everything aligned just right, and given the power disparities between the Immortal King, Fu Xi Talisman, and Lin Yi, it’s not an overstatement to say it was a case of "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind," with the ant reaping the benefits.

Lin Yi acquired numerous Lifebound Divine Artifacts, including the Soul Banner of the God of Soul Gathering, capable of refining a substantial amount of Divine Artifact essence, which are extremely rare resources that can significantly enhance Lin Yi’s combat power.

However, the Secret Realm cannot be lingered in for long.

Lin Yi knew that the Immortal King’s faction would undoubtedly have special tools to monitor the life and death of his subordinates. Staying in this Secret Realm longer would inevitably draw significant pursuit.

Once discovered, even if successfully hiding in the Undead Space, there are formidable figures in the Immortal King’s faction who could drag Lin Yi out of that space.

So Lin Yi planned to bid a simple farewell and leave.

"Are you two here to pick me up? I can’t believe you haven’t chosen to leave yet."

Helben and Morris knew that Lin Yi’s use of "bigwigs" had no mocking intent, but it still sounded quite awkward.

Having ended everything, Lin Yi dismissed the River of Space-Time Condensation and flew out, carrying mechanical wings.

Judging by Lin Yi’s spotless attire, it was clear he won the battle with the Fu Xi Talisman, most likely with ease.

"I wouldn’t dare say we’re here to pick you up, we just wanted to witness your victory. We didn’t expect you to truly defeat the Fu Xi Talisman and emerge as the ultimate winner from a Secret Realm teeming with powerful beings."

"Given your talent, even facing a top-level Upper-Rank God at Level A, you probably have a chance to defeat them. Alright, now’s the time for you to act."

There was no exaggeration in Helben’s words; Lin Yi indeed achieved this impossible task flawlessly.

As for asking Lin Yi to act, Lin Yi was somewhat confused.

"Everything was just sheer luck; I don’t have such exaggerated power as you claim. About you asking me to kill you, that’s unnecessary. I can’t say for sure who you truly are, but I’m fairly confident. If you intended to betray me, you wouldn’t wait for me at the exit of the Secret Realm."

Lin Yi finished speaking and lightly waved his Origin Power infused hand in front of the two.

Hundreds of golden, glowing spheres of various sizes floated in front of Helben and Morris.

Yes, these items were the Secret Treasures Lin Yi brought out of the Secret Realm.

The Secret Treasures, although not as valuable as the Fu Xi Talisman, were still extremely precious.

Displaying these in front of the two was an offer for them to choose freely.

Helben and Morris’s power ranked mid-to-lower tier among nearly two hundred Upper-Rank Gods who entered the Secret Realm. Despite that, they still planned to assist the mistaken identity Lin Yi in acquiring treasures.

Such goodwill couldn’t be ignored by Lin Yi.

"You can either follow me, choosing anything you like, or leave taking anything as you wish. But once you leave, the camaraderie from entering the Secret Realm ends here. When we meet again, if our stances differ, I will show no mercy."

Lin Yi spoke calmly, and although the two felt Lin Yi’s Divine Power Level now surpassed theirs, it didn’t bring any pressure.

Helben and Morris shared a wry smile, feeling a sense of helplessness.

When strong conquer weak, they usually apply both benevolence and threats, offering one favorable and one threatening option.

Lin Yi’s approach was entirely different; both options were pressure-free. This damned charisma nearly moved Helben and Morris.

Unfortunately, both had rather chaotic tendencies, and betraying their boss was something they simply couldn’t do, no matter how much they wanted to follow Lin Yi.

"Haha, we’ll have to decline your generosity. We have always believed our boss treats us quite well. Asking us to betray them is something we can’t do, so, you see, we won’t take the items."

After Helben spoke, he and Morris gestured a farewell to Lin Yi before turning to leave.

Unexpectedly, as they turned around, they saw Lin Yi blocking their path.

Could it be that Lin Yi regretted it and planned to silence them forever?

Helben and Morris understood if that were the case.

With Lin Yi’s lower Divine Power Level, it’s only cautious to be prudent, even if these two hadn’t planned to report Lin Yi’s matters to their superiors.

Exchanging a glance, they withdrew all their auras and lowered their defenses.

Knowing Lin Yi’s capability, there was no suspense in capturing them, as this life was saved by Lin Yi, and they wouldn’t resist.

Unexpectedly, Lin Yi’s next words left the two caught between laughter and tears:

"Bigwigs, you can leave, but at least take one item each. By taking the items, we’d be colluding, and you’d be less likely to betray me, wouldn’t you agree?"

This wasn’t Lin Yi’s real intent.

"Trust but verify," and "verify before trust" were his approach.

Such actions aimed to fully understand the bond between both parties.

Lin Yi couldn’t afford to act like a saint; he didn’t want to add any psychological burdens in critical moments in the future.