CHAPTER 391: THE 32-MAN GRAND FORMATION

"Because it's not me—"

Jiang Ye's eyes were resolute as he answered decisively: "So it can only be you."

"..." Lin Jing's eyelids twitched slightly, thinking to himself what kind of reasoning was this.

However, when he recalled Jiang Ye's gaze when he "reported" Ouyang, he felt the biggest flaw probably lay with Ouyang.

The fact that he would team up with Ouyang was suspicious in itself.

And if between him and Ouyang, someone was carrying some shady mission...

Then the greater probability was that the mission belonged to him, while Ouyang was just a decoy.

In other words—Ouyang was the open piece, while Lin Jing was the hidden piece.

Because given their respective strengths, when they teamed up, this two-person team could only be led by Lin Jing.

Ouyang didn't have enough authority to influence Lin Jing's decisions.

So to put it bluntly...

It meant something similar to Jiang Ye's answer—

Among the nearly 30 A District players present, no one else could bear the weight of being a "chess piece," including Ouyang, Lu Fang, and Bai Ruowan who had successively produced array disks.

The only two possibilities were "Zhou Qiming" and Lin Jing.

That's why Jiang Ye said, not me, only you.

Wait... not just that!

Something suddenly flashed through Lin Jing's mind.

His gaze re-examined this "Zhou Qiming" before him.

Actually, when they met outside the black ice domain, he had sensed that this Zhou Qiming was somewhat different from before.

At this moment, after this round of thinking...

Lin Jing suddenly spoke in a relatively certain tone:

"You and Jiang Ye have probably formed some kind of firm alliance, right?"

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to say just now that besides me it could only be you.

After all, their A District still had Jiang Ye.

If he hadn't connected with Jiang Ye, or even established mutual trust between them.

This Zhou Qiming should have been more suspicious of Jiang Ye, even if Jiang Ye wasn't in this black ice domain...

Wait!

Jiang Ye, not in this black ice domain...?

Lin Jing's eyes flickered, his thoughts growing increasingly profound.

His gaze swept over this "Zhou Qiming" before him again, and the Wu Wang and Salvation mecha behind him...

Wu Wang's identity was clearly a Reincarnation Ghost.

But that Salvation mecha...

If "Zhou Qiming" was really Jiang Ye impersonating someone, how could he be together with Salvation?

It couldn't be that Jiang Ye could impersonate Zhou Qiming and even deceive Salvation, could it?

Thinking this, Lin Jing's gaze swept over those old classmates of Jiang Ye.

He felt that among those low-profile old classmates, there might be one or more who were Jiang Ye's disguises, playing dumb and eating the tiger?

However, he didn't try to identify them, quickly shifting his gaze back to "Zhou Qiming."

Seeing he didn't answer, Lin Jing didn't press further.

With a flip of his hand, he also produced an array disk similar in style to those of Feng Cheng, Ouyang, and others.

Also a palm-sized disc with small circular holes arranged on it.

Then, Lin Jing answered Jiang Ye's previous question:

"Perhaps I am an A District chess piece, but this array disk doesn't come from the mysterious existence of the tombstone area you thought, nor from Lin Ling." 𝘳𝘢ΝỐ𝐁ËȘ

Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

Lin Jing didn't keep him in suspense, stating directly: "My array disk should come from the 【Array Grandmaster】."

This sounded like stating the obvious.

Because all array-type items undoubtedly originated from the 【Array Grandmaster】.

However, Jiang Ye detected the deeper meaning in his words—

Lin Jing wasn't saying his array disk fundamentally came from the 【Array Grandmaster】.

But rather...

It was personally bestowed by the 【Array Grandmaster】!

Array Grandmaster...

Jiang Ye had known about this professional permission player before.

When Zhang Minghan followed the Defenders team to explore the Abyss Restricted Zone, Xiao Bai said the "Ghost Valley Soul Shepherd Formation" beneath the irradiated soil was arranged by the apartment bosses inviting the Array Grandmaster.

Later, that Ghost Valley Soul Shepherd Formation array disk from the Array Grandmaster was specifically requested by the Card Grandmaster.

But before, Jiang Ye only knew about the array disk and had no real concept of the Array Grandmaster.

But now...

Jiang Ye looked at Lin Jing, asking repeatedly:

"Are you sure the other party is the Array Grandmaster? Where did he give you the array disk? And what did he arrange for you to do?"

While interrogating like this, his gaze also swept over the array disks in Ouyang, Bai Ruowan, and Lu Fang's hands.

It could basically be confirmed—

Since the 【Array Grandmaster】 was no longer just a background figure...

Then the issue of real and fake array disks in their A District was most likely the work of the 【Array Grandmaster】.

So, what was that mysterious grandmaster trying to achieve by creating real and fake array disks?

Lin Jing might know.

However...

He didn't answer any of Jiang Ye's several questions.

Lin Jing's gaze swept over the dark blue flames completely enveloping him.

He slightly raised a hand, tentatively extending a fingertip beyond the flame's coverage.

A very simple action, as if truly just testing.

The next second, he withdrew his hand, then looked at "Zhou Qiming," raising an eyebrow:

"I thought you'd prioritize asking me why I'm not afraid of Lightburn."

What seemed like an ordinary question actually carried the subtext—

Since I'm not afraid of Lightburn, why must I answer your questions?

Ouyang, Lu Fang, and Bai Ruowan who possessed array disks all voluntarily admitted to being chess pieces, while Lin Jing who also had an array disk was pointed out by Jiang Ye precisely because he feared no Lightburn.

Jiang Ye thought he probably wasn't truly immune to Lightburn.

But used some method...

Back then even Salvation was easily infected with Lightburn...

So Lin Jing's method of isolating Lightburn... either came from the Defenders' Alliance or from the mysterious tombstone area existence.

Jiang Ye pondered internally, but his expression remained unchanged.

He raised an eyebrow: "Yes, you fear no Lightburn, which is why I didn't confront you directly from the start."

"But now..." Jiang Ye's gaze swept over Feng Cheng and others, then casually waved the map marking the other 12 chess pieces, "I hold your 25 chess pieces."

This statement shocked everyone present again!

What did that mean?

Wasn't Lin Jing an A District chess piece?

Why say "your 25 chess pieces"?!

Jiang Ye's old classmates were confused and muddled in their thoughts;

with limited perspective, their shock couldn't compare to others.

Like mountain children who don't recognize luxury cars or brands, they could only absorb knowledge confusedly to broaden their horizons.

But those cross-regional big shots suddenly sized up Lin Jing, countless thoughts flashing through their minds.

Lin Jing's expression also darkened slightly.

After a moment of silence, he said something similar to what Zhao Dongliu said earlier:

"You should also hope these 26 chess pieces successfully deploy the formation."

Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow: "So you think I won't destroy your 25 chess pieces?"

"..."

Lin Jing took a deep breath, gave him another profound look, especially glancing at Salvation behind him, then finally obediently answered his previous series of questions:

"The Array Grandmaster, he should be considered... as giving me the array disk in 4444 Apartment's underground graveyard, specifically, in the resurrection coffin of the underground graveyard."

Resurrection coffin again.

Jiang Ye recalled Zhou Qiming's memories where he also obtained "opportunities" and "guidance" in resurrection coffins...

This phenomenon made him quite dissatisfied.

After all, as Administrator 4444, Jiang Ye naturally viewed the entire 4444 Apartment as his property.

Including that underground graveyard, which should theoretically belong completely to him.

But coincidentally, the tombstone area of the underground graveyard harbored mysterious and eerie existences.

Besides that mysterious existence, there might be other ghostly things!

And besides the hidden big shots in the tombstone area, the resurrection coffins in the graveyard were also places apartment bosses could freely intervene!

Now learning that even the Array Grandmaster could intervene freely...

This damn well made Jiang Ye very unhappy!

It also made him deeply realize—

So-called "administrators" were not the true masters of the apartment!

No wonder this permission identity was considered cannon fodder among apartment forces by big shots.

Superficially, they were independent permission identities.

But essentially, they were more like temporary identities differentiated from the 【apartment boss】!

For Jiang Ye to completely control the apartment, he needed to become the apartment boss!

Oh right...

Jiang Ye also thought—

The Array Grandmaster helped apartment bosses arrange formations around the Abyss Restricted Zone.

And the Array Grandmaster could intervene in resurrection coffins in the underground graveyard, most likely thanks to the apartment bosses.

So, from this perspective...

This 【Array Grandmaster】 seemed to be on good terms with the apartment forces?

Jiang Ye pondered internally, trying to outline the 【Array Grandmaster】's image more clearly.

And Lin Jing answered the second question:

"He arranged for me to cooperate with, or rather assist, 25 cross-regional players in jointly setting up a large formation in this black ice domain."

"Additionally, he told me that A District, including me, had 7 array disks set up. Meaning..."

His gaze swept over Ouyang and those other players who admitted to being chess pieces, then said to Jiang Ye:

"The array disks in their hands aren't 'fake array disks.' Rather, A District originally needed to jointly operate 7 array disks."

"According to the Array Grandmaster, he would arrange for these array disk holders to enter the black ice domain one after another."

"And the 25 cross-regional players, under their respective 9999 administrators' instructions, wouldn't easily attack A District players before completing their mission."

"During their search for A District chess pieces, they would naturally obtain 7 chess pieces."

"They might think these 7 array disks were one real and six fake."

"Rather than risking distinguishing real from fake, it would be better to have all 7 array disks operate together when jointly setting up the formation."

"After all, these array disks' deployment restrictions lie in different chess grids, and with chess grid spaces this large, deploying multiple array disks simultaneously isn't a problem at all."

"Of course, the possibility of you suspecting 'fake array disks' also having effects needed consideration..."

"So my existence is to guide you toward achieving the effect of A District operating 7 array disks simultaneously during formation deployment."

After Lin Jing finished, Jiang Ye followed up:

"So, if I had tried to distinguish real from fake array disks among Ouyang, Bai Ruowan, and Lu Fang just now, you would have tried every means to suggest I use all three array disks regardless of authenticity?"

Lin Jing nodded, simultaneously turning to look at Zhao Dongliu: "You should have received similar instructions, which is why you deliberately suggested the possibility of real and fake array disks earlier."

Zhao Dongliu, having recently experienced Lightburn pain, had now regained that unflappable composure of remaining calm even if Mount Tai collapsed before him.

His expression unchanged, he only glanced subtly at Lin Jing while nodding: "Yes. After all, this Zhou Qiming is an outsider, while us chess pieces requesting simultaneous operation of all real and fake array disks had a high success rate."

"However, I didn't know about your existence beforehand."

Here, Zhao Dongliu suddenly glanced at the black cloth stuck to his hand, then at "Zhou Qiming."

After a moment of silence, he suddenly said to Lin Jing:

"If Zhou Qiming hadn't exposed you, you would have guided 6 array disks to jointly participate in the large formation's operation."

"And your seventh array disk would serve as a hidden piece, evading everyone to operate secretly."

He deliberately pointed this out, actually to curry favor with Jiang Ye.

But even without him saying it, Jiang Ye had already thought of it.

Under Jiang Ye's forceful coercion, Ouyang, Bai Ruowan, and Lu Fang all voluntarily admitted to possessing array disks.

And since 7 array disks needed simultaneous operation, them revealing their array disks was part of the plan all along.

They were supposed to reveal them.

But Lin Jing didn't reveal his, instead being pointed out by Jiang Ye...

So simply—

Among the 7 array disks, the other six operated openly.

While Lin Jing would secretly operate his seventh array disk during formation deployment.

This wasn't hard to guess;

Jiang Ye looked at Lin Jing.

Lin Jing also sighed, essentially admitting it.

So clearly, that large formation requiring 32 people to jointly operate, deployed in the black ice domain...

Lin Jing was the key element.

The benefits from finally operating the formation would likely fall into his hands.

So Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow again: "The reason for having you operate the array disk secretly in the shadows was probably to allow you to silently harvest the formation operation benefits, right?"

Sigh...

Lin Jing sighed again: "I was indeed required to bring back an item..."

He originally didn't want to say more, but Jiang Ye's gaze was too sharp.

And the Salvation mecha behind him silently stepped forward.

Lin Jing pondered a moment, then continued by taking out a glass bottle:

"Supposedly that item is very large, too conspicuous. And because of its special nature, it's easily detected..."

"So the Array Grandmaster gave me this bottle, telling me to put it in this bottle the moment it appears."

"Then die on the spot, resurrect in the coffin, and deliver the bottle to him."

"As for what exactly the item is, I don't know..."

Lin Jing glanced at Wu Wang before continuing: "It's most likely the item this Reincarnation Ghost mentioned, that Lin Ling used to lure the Guiwen..."

So, that would be...

The Three Life Stone Staff!

Meaning, according to Lin Jing, Zhao Dongliu and others' statements, as long as the 32 people holding array disks jointly deployed the formation in the black ice domain, they could summon the 【Three Life Stone Staff】 at Lin Jing's location!

However...

Jiang Ye didn't dare directly believe Lin Jing's statement.

Because this statement could also be bait to lure him in!

It was even likely that even if he made Lin Jing wear the 【Mask of Deceit】 and say it again, the mask wouldn't fall off.

Lin Jing wasn't lying...

But the truth he spoke could still be bait!

True big shots didn't need to reveal the truth to chess pieces...

They just needed to ensure the chess pieces acted according to their instructions!

So the 【Array Grandmaster】 only needed to ensure 32 people jointly deployed the large formation.

But whether the final result was the 【Three Life Stone Staff】 appearing or some other effect...

Except for the Array Grandmaster who designed the formation, the information others received could all be false!

So regarding the large formation requiring 32 people to operate, Jiang Ye wasn't sure whether he should comply with the 【Array Grandmaster】's wishes and deploy it...

But it didn't matter.

The formation preparation here wasn't complete—

Of the 26 regional big shots, 12 were currently prepared in advance, with 5 including Lin Jing in this chess grid.

And of the 6 designed as fake chess pieces, only Ouyang, Bai Ruowan, and Lu Fang three were present.

So...

They were still missing 9 + 3 = 12 people.

Thinking this, Jiang Ye directly said to Zhao Dongliu:

"You should be able to directly summon the missing 9 people among the cross-regional 25, right?"

Zhao Dongliu nodded.

Jiang Ye turned to Lin Jing: "You should have ways to quickly get the missing 3 people among the fake chess pieces here, right?"

Lin Jing also nodded.

Jiang Ye: "Then take action, let's gather all 32 people first."

Meanwhile...

The two light clones brought back by Salvation to the Doomsday Apartment Salvation Organization headquarters were naturally also released by Salvation.