Chapter 108: Genuine Benefits Matter Most

Lin Li remained seated there without a hint of concern because he was supremely confident in himself.

Moreover, Luo Shanhe and the others by now should have come to terms with reality.

Even if they truly killed Lin Li, it would not change the outcome of this matter—in fact, they would only fall into Ye Aotian’s trap.

If it were merely the Four Guardians accompanying them, Lin Li would never have taken such a risk.

But with Luo Shanhe added to the mix, the plan became feasible.

The Four Guardians were not the sharpest, but Luo Shanhe knew this young master intimately.

He also understood exactly what the young master would do under the current circumstances.

Even if they managed to eliminate Lin Li now, it wouldn’t mend their tarnished reputation in Ye Aotian’s eyes.

That was why Lin Li said it was their freedom to choose their course of action, and he would not interfere, because Luo Shanhe knew Lin Li had already seen through this.

At that moment, Lin Li said no more, merely smiling gently as he gazed at Luo Shanhe.

As the Four Guardians prepared to strike, Luo Shanhe waved his hand impatiently.

“Rascals! What exactly do you intend to do?”

The Four Guardians froze for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.

“Strategist, what do you mean by this?”

“This brat isn’t the young master at all. He deceived us to use us for his own ends.”

“If we don’t act now, won’t it be too late?” the Wind Guardian said anxiously.

Luo Shanhe sneered coldly. “Even if you kill Mr. Lin now and bring his head before the young master, do you think the young master would forget all that we’ve done before?”

“Don’t forget, you were the fiercest attacker against the young master’s weak point.”

The Wind Guardian was speechless.

But he knew that position was Ye Aotian’s vulnerability, and he had spared no effort in attacking it.

Ye Aotian’s grave injuries were largely thanks to him.

Luo Shanhe then turned to the Thunder Guardian.

“And you—you even spat on Ye Aotian after he was wounded.”

“Rain Guardian, you cursed Ye Aotian for being too handsome, which annoyed you so much you kicked him twice. Have you forgotten all this?”

Bit by bit, Luo Shanhe laid out the evidence of their crimes. The five men standing there broke out in cold sweat.

They now realized that their own deeds were enough to condemn them beyond redemption.

Ye Aotian had not executed them outright—that was already a mercy.

Luo Shanhe sighed as he looked at them.

“Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t want this. But since it has come to this, do you think we have any other options?”

“Besides, look at the life we’ve lived under the Star Palace.”

“Following Mr. Lin, we’ve had our fill of luxuries. He has never shortchanged us.”

Luo Shanhe was indeed a clever man. After some reflection, he quickly realized he had no other choice left.

The only path before him was clear.

Either cooperate with Lin Li and do everything possible to shatter Ye Aotian’s schemes,

or stake his life on the hope that Ye Aotian would show mercy.

That hope was as slim as winning the lottery.

After some consideration, Luo Shanhe decided to change his stance.

Though he understood the Star Palace’s immense power, and that in a head-on clash they were no match,

they had no other options now.

“If we truly betray the Star Palace, they won’t spare us either,” the Electric Guardian whispered nearby.

It was precisely because they knew the Star Palace’s ruthlessness that so many endured hardship under its rule but dared not turn their backs.

The Star Palace’s methods were too unpredictable. None could say when they might meet death by its hand.

“I know the Star Palace won’t let us go, but at this point, even siding with Ye Aotian is a dead end.”

“At least Mr. Lin treats us well. So why not stay here and enjoy our final moments?”

With that, Lin Li’s plan had come to fruition.

Even if they later explained everything to Ye Aotian, they would never waver again.

Seeing the five men’s worried faces, Lin Li smiled and stood.

“I know this is a challenge for you all.”

“But under these circumstances, you needn’t worry so much.”

He stepped forward and gently patted each on the shoulder.

“The Star Palace is indeed powerful, and Ye Aotian is formidable, but haven’t I already got them under my control?”

“So rest assured, follow me, and I guarantee you will stand undefeated.”

“Whether it’s Ye Aotian or the Star Palace, they all have their weaknesses.”

Luo Shanhe was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.

He hadn’t pondered deeply before, but now recalling his exchanges with Lin Li, cold sweat broke out on his back.

Lin Li was no ordinary man; his knowledge of the Star Palace was vast.

Otherwise, he could not have convinced them so completely.

Thus, Lin Li’s claim that he could take on the Star Palace was entirely plausible.

“Mr. Lin, from now on, we’re completely yours. We only ask that you don’t forget us in whatever you do next,” Luo Shanhe declared, kneeling before Lin Li.

The Four Guardians, seeing this, did not hesitate and quickly followed suit.

Lin Li laughed as he helped them to their feet.

“Rest assured, as long as I live, none of you will suffer any injustice.”

“The petty Star Palace will soon learn the consequences of crossing me.”

With that, Lin Li’s plan had succeeded. Ye Aotian had suffered a setback at their hands, and for a long time, he would think twice before acting rashly.

This granted Lin Li a precious moment to catch his breath.

Moreover, winning over Luo Shanhe and the others more than doubled Lin Li’s chances of victory.

What remained now was to see what other moves Ye Aotian might have left.

But from the looks of it, that seemed unlikely.

...

Meanwhile, Ye Aotian was enduring great misery.

This element was never part of his original plan.