After picking up Li Yuan, Lin Yu’s escape naturally slowed, but fortunately, the Scorpio gang members trailing them weren’t particularly swift, unable to catch up immediately. Likewise, Lin Yu couldn’t shake them off quickly.

Thus, the chase ensued with the Scorpio gang members hot on their heels. Throughout, they weren't spared from a variety of ranged attacks including bricks, sticks, and even slippers – dishonorable sneak attacks that threw Lin Yu off his stride, dodging left and right but never getting hit by even a third of the projectiles.

As a brick narrowly missed and smashed onto the asphalt ahead, Lin Yu couldn’t help but sigh with regret – such a pity it hadn’t landed on Li Yuan; it would’ve given him something to stew about.

Li Yuan, feeling the weight of numerous near-misses, finally coughed and suggested, "Cough cough, Little Dragon, just put me down, I can run on my own."

He thought enduring a beating by the Scorpio gang would be better than this harrowing escape. At least by surrendering, he could protect his head from severe injuries rather than risking a fatal blow on the run.

"No way," Lin Yu firmly refused Li Yuan's suggestion, assertively proclaiming, “We're almost on our territory!” “Once we’re there, call the brothers to wipe them out!”

Perhaps it was the exhaustion from dodging bricks or the realization they were nearing their own ground, but Li Yuan stopped insisting on running alone and instead started making grand promises to encourage Lin Yu to sprint faster.

Stolen novel; please report.

Regardless of Li Yuan’s provocations, Lin Yu maintained a pace that kept them just out of the Scorpio gang's reach, frequently checking behind them and attempting to catch projectiles aimed at him – hoping one might take out his irksome passenger.

Despite their efforts, their pursuers began to falter, unable to keep up or aim accurately anymore. Just a few more blocks and they’d reach the Black Blood gang's stronghold, Lin Yu grew impatient. Li Yuan hadn’t shed a drop of blood despite the barrage of screams at every close call… it was intensely unsatisfying.

Upon discovering their pursuers had significantly thinned, Lin Yu felt a surge of anticipation – dealing with a dozen exhausted gang members should be manageable.

So, Lin Yu decided, “Li Yuan, you’re in for it now!”

As they neared their destination, Lin Yu "accidentally" tripped, sending both tumbling to the ground, providing their now-exhausted pursuers a final chance to catch up. Quickly getting back to his feet, Lin Yu didn’t wait for Li Yuan to plead; instead, he rushed over, lifting him up while breathlessly proclaiming his loyalty, “Uncle, don't worry, I’ll never leave you behind!” “Today we live together or die together!”

“Good lad, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you,” Li Yuan’s voice trembled, unsure if it was from being moved or fear of the Scorpio gang catching up.

But when the Scorpio gang finally approached, Lin Yu’s “protective” shove sent Li Yuan directly into the path of another gang member. Timing his push so Li Yuan couldn't dodge or retaliate, a merciless strike landed on Li Yuan’s shoulder.

A blood-curdling scream echoed through the alley, much to Lin Yu’s twisted satisfaction, “Uncle!!!”

Lin Yu kicked away an attacker, charging towards Li Yuan with feigned panic, “Uncle, are you alright?”

“Never mind me, stop them!” Li Yuan, in agony, still prioritized the larger threat of the approaching gang members.

Lin Yu outwardly mirrored Li Yuan’s urgency but secretly sneered. Ignore him? How could he? Today, he’d ensure Li Yuan wouldn’t get off easily.