Chapter 129: In This Life, I Shall Be Your Guardian! (Third Installment!)

In the heat of the match, Lin Zijin let out a quiet sigh of relief as she saw the person who had suddenly popped up scramble back into cover after being hit by her shot.

Moments earlier, while racing on her vehicle in the distance, Lin Zijin had heard the commotion near the airdrop where Yang Hao was positioned and immediately sensed that something was wrong. Her heart tightened when she saw Yang Hao’s health bar drop significantly. Without a second thought, she raced over to provide support.

Fortunately, she made it in time. The Goddess of Luck was on their side after all. Seeing that Yang Hao’s health had been restored, the heavy burden in Lin Zijin’s heart began to lift.

"I'm coming to pick you up!"

Once Yang Hao’s health was back to full, Lin Zijin put away her weapon and hopped onto the motorcycle beside her.

"I’ll protect you!"

Hearing those familiar words from Yang Hao, Lin Zijin replied softly, "Okay!"

A surge of warmth flooded her heart. It was a short, simple phrase, but she had heard him say it countless times since they were children. Even though he had repeated it endlessly, she alone knew it was a promise he would never break. He would protect her. He had said so.

Fixing her gaze on the airdrop, a gentle curve played on her lips. She started the motorcycle and roared toward him.

The commentators, Xiao Qi and Xiao Mo, along with the spectators watching the broadcast, were stunned by her actions. What was she doing? Even though many had guessed her intent, they couldn't help but feel anxious, and many even doubted her success.

Although Lin Zijin’s opening shots had intimidated those near the airdrop, it did not mean they would stop fighting. Her current maneuver was undeniably walking into the tiger’s den. The others feared the weapon in her hands, but once she mounted the motorcycle, her primary advantage was stripped away. Without a gun in hand, the threat she posed in the eyes of her opponents diminished significantly. Yang Hao was already trapped; was Lin Zijin going to throw herself into the same danger? To the onlookers, this seemed irrational.

It was too dangerous! No one could guarantee whether she would live or die once she entered that zone. The risk factor was simply too high. She was courting disaster!

In an instant, Lin Zijin’s actions drew the attention of everyone else in the match. They never expected her to make such a move at this moment. Was she tired of living? Even with her formidable skill, if she charged in, these people would not simply stand by. The fangs they had just retracted would soon be bared again.

No one would show her mercy. Everyone wanted to win. Furthermore, when the players near the airdrop saw Lin Zijin racing toward them, they were overcome with excitement.

*Slay the god!*

The thought struck almost everyone simultaneously. Lin Zijin’s skill, fame, and status were incomparable; to the audience and even to some of the players, she was like a god. Recalling her achievements and the legends she had built, most could only look up to her. She had climbed too high—to a point that felt unreachable. Even among professional players, she remained an existence that was difficult to surpass.

However, an opportunity now lay right before them. If they killed her, they might become famous overnight!

The thought grew like wild weeds in their minds, impossible to extinguish. As long as they could take her down, even if this were just an exhibition match, the person who achieved the kill would see their popularity skyrocket online. Who among those signed up for this event wasn't chasing exposure? Originally, they had been content just to show their faces and gain a few followers, but with this scene unfolding, the urge deep within them could no longer be contained.

Kill Lin Zijin, become famous in a single battle, watch their popularity soar... Faced with such temptation, no one could resist.

And so, they opened fire. With one accord, they aimed their sights at Lin Zijin. The surrounding area was suddenly filled with the roar of gunfire.

Racing through the hail of bullets, Lin Zijin felt the pressure mount, yet her eyes remained fixed on Yang Hao with unwavering resolve. She would not retreat! Even if it meant death, she would not turn back. It was not just because of her own persistence, but because he had once said he would protect her. She trusted him.

Because of that trust, she would not yield.

Watching the developments, the audience felt their hearts skip a beat.

"The Goddess is in danger, pull back!"
"Are these people crazy?"
"This is trouble; she's being targeted!"
"First Brother Huoyou, now the Goddess... sigh..."
"Those animals!"

As Lin Zijin’s situation became increasingly perilous, the viewers felt their tension spike. They couldn't understand why she would do this, knowing it was a suicide mission. Unconsciously, everyone turned their eyes to Yang Hao, who was hunkered down behind the airdrop. In a flash, they seemed to understand. But was it worth it? Doing this could very well cost her everything. They just didn't understand.

At the commentary desk, Xiao Qi and Xiao Mo were at a loss for words. In their view, Lin Zijin’s behavior was far too impulsive—it didn't fit her usual rational and calm demeanor. She had seemingly lost her cool.

At that same moment, Yang Hao noticed the situation. Feeling the pressure mounting on Lin Zijin, his gaze darkened. Seeing the people around them scrambling to take their shots, a surge of fury rose in his heart.

In an instant, Yang Hao leaned out from behind the airdrop, his 98K in hand. With cold, piercing eyes, he instantly aimed down his scope, his crosshairs drifting briefly before locking onto a target.

*Bang!*

The shot rang out. A bullet, carried on a sharp gust of wind, struck true. As the round pierced the level-two helmet of his opponent, a kill notification instantly flashed across the screen.

He pulled the bolt to reload. The moment the round was chambered, Yang Hao flashed out again. With a pre-aimed shot, he locked onto the head of another player.

*Bang!*

Another shot fired. Another player fell!

Two consecutive 98K warnings sent the nearby shooters into a panic. The gunfire gradually weakened, though some still couldn't resist the temptation. Yet, those who tried to press their luck fell one by one under Yang Hao’s gun. Not a single one was spared.

Watching the figure drawing ever closer to him, the chill in Yang Hao’s eyes began to dissolve, replaced by infinite tenderness.

*I will protect you for the rest of your life.*