Chapter 849: The Choice of Identity
In Lin Yu's memories of the "Tycoon," he clearly remembered one thing...
The "Tycoon" and "Lacan" had a grudge.
The two had once encountered each other in the same dungeon, and Lacan had caused the deaths of nearly an entire dungeon's worth of players.
This wasn't exactly difficult to investigate, and it wasn't even a secret within "Jiang'an Hall."
And clearly...
The Tycoon had always been extremely bothered by this, to the point of holding an eternal grudge.
Because Lin Yu also remembered the attitude the Tycoon had displayed when mentioning this matter—no matter how one looked at it, it absolutely couldn't be called forgiveness or letting go.
So when Lin Yu informed the Tycoon of this news under the identity of "Old Yao," he didn't focus primarily on the possibility of an anomaly occurring in the "Misty Islands" the way "Heavenly Artisan" had reported to "Fish."
Instead, he emphasized the "Lacan" angle.
And sure enough...
The Tycoon took the bait almost instantly.
"Where did you get this information? Since it's not accurate, how reliable do you personally think it is?"
Seeing the Tycoon's reply, Lin Yu could almost feel his urgency through the screen.
Just as expected...
Given the personality and consistent behavior patterns the "Tycoon" had displayed, even if facing off against Lacan again might hold no benefit for him whatsoever...
If there was a chance to clash with Lacan one more time, the Tycoon would absolutely not give up that opportunity.
The people who died in that dungeon back then must have included brothers and subordinates the Tycoon deeply valued.
Whether based on loyalty or pride...
The Tycoon had never once forgotten that dungeon.
So after confirming the Tycoon's reaction was completely as he had predicted, Lin Yu deliberately didn't reply immediately.
He acted as if he had genuinely gone to investigate in his capacity as "Old Yao," and only replied to the Tycoon a few minutes later.
"A 'friend' tipped me off. Although he isn't a member of the 'Psychological Society,' he does have a certain understanding of them."
"He's trustworthy and won't deceive me, but what he heard wasn't precise information either, so I'd personally estimate... this information is only about fifty percent reliable."
The Tycoon's reply popped up immediately.
"I understand. This information is very valuable. I'll launch an investigation."
A moment later, another message from the Tycoon arrived.
"Old Yao, if I'm going to intercept Lacan, and there's a good chance we'll actually run into him... would you mind coming with me?"
Looking at the Tycoon's words, Lin Yu felt this was almost entirely within his expectations.
But he still pretended to be surprised and asked.
"Why?"
"Boss, it's not that I'm scared, but I'm only 'First-Tier.' What help could I possibly be?"
The Tycoon quickly provided an explanation.
"We're going to the 'Misty Islands' to intercept Lacan. He must be going there for some 'thing.' I haven't figured out the exact purpose yet, but it means he'll appear at a specific location in the Misty Islands at some point."
"If Lacan were directly entering the Misty Islands through a high-tier Player's [privileges], that would actually be fine—I could go confront him myself."
"But I've already investigated thoroughly. Lacan... should be planning to enter the Misty Islands through a dungeon."
"In other words, he's obtained some kind of special entry-type [item] and intends to join a specific dungeon to find whatever he needs."
Lin Yu wasn't surprised by the Tycoon's answer.
If it weren't for this kind of approach... then Moss wouldn't have come knocking on his door!
Moss was only 'Second-Tier' and hadn't unlocked the [Map] privilege.
She must have found some kind of entry [item], and it had to be one with at least two uses before she would extend an invitation to him.
And based on Old Zheng's testimony and Lin Yu's understanding of the Misty Islands, the reason for doing this was also quite clear.
In the Misty Islands realm, it was extremely difficult for players to move between islands.
Getting to certain specific islands was even more challenging.
Old Zheng's legacy was confirmed to be hidden on "Sixth Island"—an island ranked so high that it was inherently difficult to reach.
There were very few 'Third-Tier' players who had unlocked the [Map] privilege, and among those who could leave direct [Map] coordinates on the top ten islands of the Misty Islands, and happened to have the Sixth Island... even if no one in the entire 'Player' community met that condition, it was entirely possible.
On the contrary...
Items like the entry ticket used to go to the "Land of Certain Death" last time, or the tickets 'Fluoxetine' had distributed, were probably much easier to obtain.
And the Tycoon's purpose in bringing "Old Yao" along based on this point was simple.
"As a 'Fourth-Tier' player, if I use an [item] to enter a dungeon, there's a high chance I'll be severely suppressed and weakened, and I might even be unable to use most of my [items]... So, I need you to hold the [item] and enter that specific dungeon first, and then I'll follow based on your coordinates!"
"Because Lacan will definitely do the same—he won't personally use the [item] to enter either, but will instead find some 'First-Tier' or 'Second-Tier' member of the 'Psychological Society' to use it... After all, the lower the average strength of the dungeon's participants, the lower the overall dungeon difficulty will be... Based on that consideration, to prevent the 'Death Game' from adjusting the dungeon's difficulty itself and pulling in too many powerful Misty Islands natives, he'll do the same."
"Furthermore, if the 'Psychological Society' sends a 'First-Tier' player, then if 'Third-Tier' and 'Fourth-Tier' players from other organizations go, they'll also suffer even more terrifying suppression."
"This is dangerous, but... Old Yao, I'll do my absolute best to ensure your safety. I will definitely arrive before that bastard does."
"And I'll provide you with sufficient guarantees, and I definitely won't treat you unfairly—of course, if you don't want to participate, that's fine too."
Looking at the Tycoon's words, Lin Yu let out a breath.
"Heh... just as expected. Although it hasn't been long, in a sense, Old Yao has already become the Tycoon's most trusted confidant among the 'First-Tier' players."
And synthesizing the Tycoon's words, the thoughts in Lin Yu's mind were gradually becoming clearer.
"In that case... it really is worth giving it a try—under the identity of 'Old Yao.'"
So Lin Yu replied to the Tycoon once more.
"No problem, boss. As long as you get your hands on that entry [item], feel free to contact me anytime."
"No need to worry about guarantees. I might not be as powerful as my friends, but I'm no helpless pushover either... At the very least, I'm very confident in my ability to survive!"
Lin Yu then added another line.
"Of course, I'm still very grateful for the generous rewards you mentioned, boss!"
And the Tycoon's reply popped up again.
"Old Yao... you're truly my good brother! Having you is like Emperor Liu Bei gaining Zhao Zilong, or Li Shimin meeting Yuchi Gong!"
"Don't worry—I definitely won't treat you unfairly!"