Chapter 852: The Tycoon’s Choice and the Dispatched Candidate
Even though what Li Nian had given her was a "consumable," seeing the [item] Li Nian had handed over still left Lin Yu somewhat stunned.
After all...
Although this thing was a "consumable," to her, it was practically a permanent [item] redemption voucher.
Because of the 'Old Yao' identity, Lin Yu could genuinely utilize the 'Thief' abilities.
At the same time, Lin Yu also understood the truth behind why Li Nian didn't have to return the [items] she stole.
It was this [item] called [Swift Hands] that had been enhanced by the [Limit-Breaking Jue].
Although this [item] was already quite useful, Lin Yu knew that Li Nian gifting something like this into her hands carried far more symbolic weight.
[Zhu Ming: This is too precious, and... aren't you exposing your trump card to me by doing this?]
[Master Thief Anian: What does it matter? Sister Xia, you already know about my Limit-Breaking Jue and have already guessed that I frequently go to the Gray Domain.]
[Master Thief Anian: I know I've been used to hiding things before, but if there's someone I can be completely open with, honestly... it makes me feel relieved too.]
[Zhu Ming: But this item isn't exactly common for you either, right?]
[Zhu Ming: And it's a consumable... Even if you have quite a few Limit-Breaking Jues, if you keep burning through them, they probably won't last long.]
[Master Thief Anian: Don't worry, Sister Xia. Even though I can't remember exactly what happened, every time I come back from the Gray Domain, my Limit-Breaking Jues mysteriously multiply.]
[Master Thief Anian: Besides, the Gray Domain doesn't erase all my memories. When I recall it, I can still feel that obtaining these things seems to be relatively easy for me.]
[Master Thief Anian: Of course, now that I have that notebook Sister Xia Yue sponsored for me, who knows, maybe I'll even figure out how it all works!]
[Zhu Ming: Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony.]
[Zhu Ming: Anyway... thank you, A Nian.]
[Master Thief Anian: Oh come on, Sister Xia, don't be so formal!]
[Master Thief Anian: Anyway, I'll put real effort into investigating in the next dungeon - look forward to my report!]
With that, Li Nian sent a little character doing a "Go For It" cheering motion as a sticker.
Lin Yu replied with a similar cheering sticker, and the conversation ended there.
She let out a breath, a gratified smile spreading across her face.
Sure enough, just as she had anticipated...
Although Lin Yu had originally wanted to ask Li Nian to help investigate the Gray Domain's transactions and track down the mastermind behind that bounty...
Because her Zhu Ming identity and Li Nian's relationship were simply too close...
All she had to do was tweak things slightly, stir up Li Nian's guilt, and then present the [Ancient Notebook] to make Li Nian feel grateful.
In the end, the tables had turned, and it became Li Nian owing Zhu Ming a favor instead!
After all, the [Ancient Notebook] was a massive upgrade for this girl who regularly ventured into the Gray Domain.
Constantly going to the "Gray Domain" yet having only vague impressions of what happened there - that feeling alone was enough to make anyone uneasy.
Now, having an [item] that could bypass the "cognitive interference" and compile experiences from the "Gray Domain" was practically a divine artifact for Li Nian!
So, holding the [Ancient Notebook] given by "Sister Xia," even if it was only a loan, helping investigate in her next dungeon was absolutely no problem at all.
In fact, Li Nian felt even deeper guilt deep down for having concealed things about the "Gray Domain" from her.
She had instinctively guarded against Zhu Ming the same way she guarded against everyone else, never telling her that she actually had an extremely deep connection with the "Gray Domain."
But Li Nian never expected that the other party would be smart enough to pick up on this on her own.
What she never expected even more was...
After detecting this, the first thing the other party did was lend her an [item] that was highly targeted toward this world.
And from the description alone, Li Nian could tell that for her dear Sister Xia, this [item] was absolutely a "trump card"-level critical piece of equipment.
So because of that, Li Nian naturally wanted to show Zhu Ming her own trump cards as well, to make up for her previous concealment and be fully transparent in their friendship.
Combined with the desire to "compensate" and "thank" Zhu Ming for lending her the [item] free of charge, Li Nian ultimately chose to gift Lin Yu one of her most core [items].
And even after Lin Yu accepted the [item], Li Nian, as the giver, actually felt a sense of relief wash over her.
On the other side, Lin Yu, who had received the [item], had some expectations and predictions, but couldn't possibly fully understand Li Nian's entire mental journey.
She simply marveled that not only had the process gone smoother than expected, but there had even been an unexpected bonus at the end!
This left Lin Yu feeling extremely satisfied.
"With this [item], it looks like my trip to the Misty Islands will go much more smoothly."
Of course...
Although the timing for the Misty Islands trip hadn't been finalized yet - the Tycoon was still desperately trying to purchase that [item] ticket that would allow boarding the Sixth Island, and Lin Yu could see that many 'Order' members who were on good terms with the Tycoon were also privately helping him inquire about it.
After all, 'Order' understood the feud between the Tycoon and 'Lacan.' When the Tycoon relayed the information he'd gotten from Lin Yu to 'Order,' they were naturally more than happy to see the Tycoon give Lacan a massive headache.
Although regulations didn't explicitly permit them to directly help the Tycoon or encourage him to fight Lacan to the death in the [dungeon]... every single member of 'Order' knew what the right move was from an emotional standpoint.
Of course, they supported the 'Tycoon'!
Regardless of what exactly 'Lacan' was planning to do, he was a master and management-level figure of the 'Psychological Society' - so disrupting and foiling his plans was the optimal choice.
It was just that because 'Lacan' was too powerful, actually dispatching an 'Order' expert strong enough to fight him would be somewhat against protocol...
After all, the source of information was still far too vague right now; nobody dared guarantee this wasn't a trap.
Especially when it involved those madmen from the 'Psychological Society' who loved using themselves as bait.
And since the 'Tycoon' - a half-member of 'Order,' a genuine 'Fourth Tier' expert, and a 'Player' ranking near the top of the leaderboards - wanted to stop 'Lacan,' he naturally received support from nearly the entire 'Order.'
In fact...
Even though they couldn't send their top experts, 'Order' was considering dispatching a player with shallow seniority and not particularly strong strength, preferably around 'First Tier,' who would bring along life-saving [items] and follow that newcomer from 'Jiang'an Hall' and newly promoted management figure named 'Old Yao' to help out and scout the way!
In fact, the higher-ups of 'Order,' especially the few in Jiangcheng who were close to the 'Tycoon,' all felt a bit of regret.
"What a shame that 'Director' just got promoted to 'Second Tier' and is also wanted right now!"
"Otherwise, he would have been perfect for this mission - especially since he seems to have some connections with that 'Old Yao' guy; they might not even be too rusty working together!"