Chapter 265: Anyone Can Be the Chess Player!

A group of people exchanged remarks, debated for several minutes, and finally made the final decision.

Some chose to act alone, some chose to follow, and others just went with the flow.

Lin Yifan watched silently, not saying a word.

Ruan Qingtan, standing beside him, hesitated before speaking:

"Captain, aren't you going to persuade everyone? I think if we unite, our chance of clearing the trial is a bit greater."

Lin Yifan shook his head and said lightly:

"There is no need for that; here, none of us can guarantee tomorrow, so everyone will naturally make different choices."

"I don't want to interfere with others' decisions, because I cannot bear that much responsibility, so whatever they choose is their own heart's direction."

Unconsciously, Lin Yifan realized that he had already become the de facto leader of the District.

Although this feeling of a single call rallying many is pleasant, he also knows that those who follow do so because they see you as strong enough to lead them to survive.

But Lin Yifan has seen too much horror in this world; he is self‑aware and knows he cannot shoulder such heavy responsibility.

So, he does not want to make any decisions for others; he only makes his own decisions!

Nevertheless, in the end, the majority chose to go with him to the place where the anomaly appeared.

Lin Yifan said nothing about it.

He just kept pressing forward.

When they arrived nearby, they found that many other Survivors had already gathered around the tower.

Obviously, although some had earlier decided to act individually, everyone was ultimately drawn to the suddenly appearing tower.

"Lin Yifan!" He had just halted when a familiar voice suddenly reached his ears.

He whirled around and saw Aeri Liya, who had been moving separately earlier.

She was accompanied by several companions, all looking fine and cheerful, as if they had gained something.

"It's such a relief that you're all okay." Aeri Liya saw Lin Yifan, exhaled in relief, and hurried forward, saying:

"Earlier we saw the Red Moon's altitude dropping, and thought you…"

Lin Yifan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked coolly:

"Princess Aeri Liya, I recall you said earlier that you had all withdrawn; why are you here now?"

"Could it be that you've changed your mind, that Xiao Yang returned to help us?"

Aeri Liya's expression stiffened for an instant, but she quickly recovered, brushed her hair back and said:

"Yes! I thought we were friends, and likely allies in the future; to just walk away would betray friendship, so we turned back."

At that point she coughed lightly twice, as if covering something.

Then she added, "But seeing you safe is truly wonderful; did Luo Tas and Moris not make things difficult for you?"

However, Aeri Liya's facial changes were all captured by Lin Yifan, who was watching her intently.

At that moment, how could he still be confused?

What friends? What allies?

All of it is nonsense!

Aeri Liya clearly saw the alliance between the Dark Night Divine Cult and the Red Moon Divine Cult; humans are all weak, so she didn't want to take risks.

But why didn't she just leave?

That's an interesting point!

Lin Yifan said calmly, "They… although there's some friction, it's still within controllable limits, and they have already left the Initial Domain, so they won't threaten me."

Aeri Liya said instinctively without thinking:

"That's impossible! The Initial Domain has been sealed by Red Moon's power; now no one can get out…"

"So you came back because you couldn't leave!" Lin Yifan sneered, took two small steps back, and said coldly:

"Princess Aeri Liya, it seems your so‑called 'friendship' is no more than that." Lin Yifan's voice grew cold, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

Aeri Liya's face stiffened, clearly realizing she'd misspoken. She hurriedly explained, "No, Lin Yifan, you've misunderstood! I was only worried about your safety, so I…"

"Enough." Lin Yifan raised his hand, cutting her off, his tone flat yet unquestionable, saying coldly:

"Since everyone has their own considerations, let's each go our own way! We don't need false allies."

Aeri Liya bit her lip, a trace of regret flashing in her eyes, but she said nothing more.

The companions behind her exchanged glances; the atmosphere grew awkward.

Ruan Qingtan gently tugged Lin Yifan's sleeve and whispered, "Captain, now is not the time for internal strife. The tower's appearance is strange; we need more information."

Lin Yifan came to himself, inhaled deeply, suppressed his displeasure, and nodded, "You're right."

He no longer paid attention to Aeri Liya's party, turned and gazed at the black colossal tower that rose into the clouds.

The tower's body was entirely jet‑black, its surface etched with bizarre runes, faintly exuding an unsettling aura.

Hundreds of Survivors had already gathered around the tower, but everyone kept a distance; no one dared to approach rashly.

"When did this tower appear?" Lin Yifan asked softly.

Ruan Qingtan shook her head, "Unclear, but according to others, it suddenly appeared after Red Moon's power sealed the Initial Domain. Some speculate it might be the only way out."

Lin Yifan squinted, scrutinizing the tower's details. Suddenly, his gaze lingered on a bronze door at the tower's base.

A faint light seeped through the doorway, as if beckoning people closer.

Yet for some unknown reason, Lin Yifan felt an indescribable unease, as if something terrifying lay within.

"Captain, should we go and take a look?" Ruan Qingtan, standing beside him, suggested nervously.

Lin Yifan pondered for a moment, about to answer.

Suddenly a commotion arose, and a man stepped slowly from the crowd toward the tower's door.

The man wore a silver mask, revealing only a pair of cold eyes; he was clad in black Leather Armor, each hand gripping a dagger—one blade pointing forward, the other backward.

"Who is this person?" Lin Yifan frowned, and he felt a hint of threat emanating from that person.

That alone shows this person is very strong!

"It's Yin Mian!" Among the people on Ai Rui Li Ya's side, someone immediately shouted, "How could he be here? Doesn't he never take part in Initial Domain's resource gathering?"

Lin Yifan turned his head, glanced at the person who spoke, and asked, "What is this person's background?"