"Lin Yun," the leader called, his voice low and gravelly, "we have a proposal for you."
Lin Yun's eyes slowly opened, glowing with a dangerous light. His gaze locked onto the group of devil sect leaders, his expression cold and unwelcoming. He stood to his feet with a smooth, effortless motion, his presence instantly filling the cavern. His voice was calm but carried an edge of danger.
"I'm not interested," Lin Yun said, cutting through the leader's words before he could go further.
The devil sect leader chuckled, shaking his head. "You haven't even heard us out yet, Lin Yun."
"I don't need to," Lin Yun responded curtly. "I'm not going to align myself with the likes of you. I have no interest in whatever schemes you're concocting."
The leaders exchanged glances, and another one, a pale-skinned man with a sinister smile, stepped forward. "You might want to reconsider, Lin Yun. This concerns Wang Li."
At the mention of Wang Li's name, Lin Yun's expression tightened imperceptibly, though he maintained his cold composure. His hand flexed at his side, the tension in his body becoming more noticeable. The leader noticed the subtle reaction and pressed on.
"Wang Li has been growing in influence," the leader continued, his voice smooth and insidious. "He's seduced women from different sects, consolidating power as he goes. He's growing stronger, Lin Yun. Soon, he will have complete control over the Wind Spirit Sect and many others."
The words hung in the air like poison, slowly seeping into Lin Yun's mind. He remained silent for a moment, weighing the information. His thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—anger, jealousy, resentment. Memories of Wang Li's betrayal, of how he had crushed Lin Yun's dreams and destroyed the Lin Family branch, bubbled to the surface.
Wang Li's actions had left Lin Yun a pariah, abandoned by his own family, forced to fend for himself in a world that had turned its back on him.
But still, Lin Yun did not want to join hands with the devil sects. He despised them just as much as he despised Wang Li. His voice was laced with venom as he responded, "Why should I care about Wang Li's women? That's his business, not mine."
The leader's smile widened, sensing the turmoil within Lin Yun. "Ah, but it's not just his business, is it? Every woman he seduces, every sect he sways—he's growing stronger, more untouchable. You want revenge, don't you? You want to take everything from him, make him suffer like he made you suffer."
Lin Yun clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His mind was at war with itself. He didn't trust the devil sects. They were manipulative, treacherous, and evil. But the mention of Wang Li's rising power had struck a nerve. He hadn't considered just how far Wang Li might go, how much more influence he could amass if left unchecked.
Can you let him keep growing stronger while you do nothing?"
Lin Yun's mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. On one side, his conscience urged him to walk away, to find another way to take revenge without succumbing to darkness. But on the other side, his hatred for Wang Li consumed him, whispering that this was the only way. That without help, without the power the devil sects could offer, he would never have his revenge.
Wang Li would continue to rise, untouchable and invincible, while Lin Yun remained powerless and forgotten.
His hands trembled at his sides as he stared at the leaders of the devil sects. His hatred roared in his ears, drowning out the voice of reason, until finally, he couldn't resist any longer. With a deep breath, Lin Yun closed his eyes, pushing aside his conscience as he let his hatred consume him.
When he opened his eyes again, they burned with cold, ruthless determination.
"Fine," Lin Yun said, his voice cold and resolute. "I'll join you. But know this—I'm only doing this to destroy Wang Li. Once he's dead, our alliance is over. I will not become one of you."
The leaders of the devil sects smiled, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction. They had succeeded in swaying Lin Yun to their side, and with him, they gained a powerful asset—one driven by hatred and vengeance.
The pale-skinned leader nodded approvingly. "Of course, Lin Yun. We only want to help you achieve your goal. Wang Li will fall by your hand, and when he does, you'll be free to walk away."
Lin Yun's gaze was hard and unyielding as he stared at the leaders of the devil sects. His heart was heavy with the decision he had made, but the burning desire for revenge had outweighed his conscience. In that moment, Lin Yun knew that he had crossed a line—one he could never uncross.
The devil sect leaders stepped back, bowing slightly as they took their leave. "We'll be in touch, Lin Yun," one of them said before disappearing into the shadows of the cave, leaving Lin Yun alone with his thoughts.
As the echoes of their departure faded, Lin Yun stood in the center of the cavern, his mind racing.
He had made his choice, and there was no turning back. His hatred for Wang Li had won, and now, he would stop at nothing to destroy him. The darkness that had once lurked on the edges of his soul now wrapped around him, pulling him deeper into its grasp.
For better or worse, Lin Yun had made his pact with the devil. And soon, Wang Li would pay the price.