Chapter 541-545: Old Matters Resurface (6k+ words)

Regarding Li Fan's pledge of unwavering loyalty, the First Eccentric neither approved nor disapproved.

"Go then, prepare for the completion ceremony. Ensure there are no mistakes," he said indifferently, still fully focused on the information on the documents before him.

Li Fan respectfully took his leave.

Back in his temporary residence, he summoned Gao Yuan.

"Lord City Master, do you have something for me?" Gao Yuan said with a flattering expression, nodding and bowing.

"The rewards from the Immortal Alliance headquarters have been announced. I will be appointed as the [Secret Seal Envoy] in the Political Affairs Hall. From now on, you must address me properly and avoid using the wrong title," Li Fan, like the First Eccentric, spoke in a calm tone.

Gao Yuan was momentarily stunned. Before he could react, Li Fan continued, "With the reconstruction of the Immortal City, and the Nascent Divinity Immortal Lords Hongxi and Ziyun still absent, I will temporarily take full authority in handling all political affairs in the Cloud Sea."

Only now did Gao Yuan finally come to his senses.

His eyes couldn't conceal the ecstatic joy, and he repeatedly said, "Congratulations, Lord Envoy! Your abilities have been witnessed by everyone over the past six months. With Lord Envoy being able to manage political affairs in the absence of Island Lords Hongxi and Ziyun, it's a blessing for us cultivators in the Cloud Sea!"

"Lord Envoy may not be aware, but in the past six months, every cultivator I've encountered has praised and admired Lord Envoy's methods."

...

Li Fan smiled wryly.

Although he knew Gao Yuan was buttering him up, who wouldn't enjoy hearing flattering words?

Li Fan waved his hand, interrupting Gao Yuan's endless praises. Taking out a piece of paper from his robe, he gently tossed it over.

"This is a list of cultivators roughly arranged by their contributions during the reconstruction of Cloud City. I have one-third of the recommendation quota for the vacant positions in the new city. Besides those who surrendered on that day, there are still many vacancies. Take a look and identify usable individuals from this list," Li Fan said with his hands behind his back.

Gao Yuan received the paper filled with densely packed names. Though thin as a cicada's wing, the paper felt as heavy as a mountain in his hands.

His hands trembled continuously, and even his breathing became rapid.

Why did Gao Yuan pledge allegiance to Li Fan? Wasn't it for this day?

A single word could decide and change someone's fate. This was the taste of power.

Knowing that this was Li Fan's final test for him, Gao Yuan took a deep breath and calmed down.

As his gaze scanned the list, he quickly began to make calculations.

"I highly recommend Fang Wei from these cultivators. Although he's only a Golden Core cultivator, he is diligent and meticulous in his work. In the past six months, he completed every task assigned to him ahead of schedule. Moreover, he has no significant background and has relied solely on his cultivation for these years."

"There's also this cultivator named Jia Jun, who possesses outstanding abilities..."

Gao Yuan spoke eloquently.

He hadn't been idle over the past six months.

Although it seemed like he was wandering aimlessly every day, in reality, his eyes had observed almost every move of each cultivator.

Li Fan, based on Gao Yuan's evaluations of these cultivators, rapidly replayed the scenes he had monitored and recorded over the past six months in his mind.

After careful comparison, he nodded slowly.

Truly, someone who had stood guard at the entrance of the Political Affairs Hall for almost half his life possessed exceptional skills in discerning people.

Even Li Fan felt that he might not be able to do better.

"Very good," he rarely praised.

"I have a plan in mind." Li Fan pointed lightly, and dozens of names on the paper held by Gao Yuan were circled.

"For these individuals, you should inform them in advance and make sure they are mentally prepared. There must be no mistakes during tomorrow's completion ceremony," Li Fan instructed.

Gao Yuan's expression became solemn, and he bowed to receive the command before leaving.

The next day.

The Immortal City of Clouds towered high in the sky. Looking from afar, the occasional flashes of light indicated the activated defensive array surrounding it.

Almost all the cultivators from the Cloud Sea gathered here.

As they gazed up at the new city, chatting with each other and expressing various sentiments, in the midst of this widespread attention, Li Fan stepped forward once again, riding a Nascent Divinity puppet.

"Gong Ying Dao Zhu!"

Below, many cultivators suddenly shouted in unison.

Li Fan smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Today, the formal reconstruction of the Cloud Immortal City is completed, and my role as the acting Island Lord comes to an end."

"Fellow Daoists, please refrain from addressing me in this way in the future."

He looked up at the Cloud City in the sky and sighed, "Rebuilding this city in half a year with your concerted efforts is truly not easy. I share in the glory!"

"Fellow Daoists, please accept my bow!"

After saying this, Li Fan actually bowed to the cultivators present.

The cultivators in the Cloud Sea immediately stirred.

Some cultivators showed panic on their faces, quickly returning the gesture. Others accepted it calmly, seeming to take it for granted.

Of course, many were simply indifferent, not caring much about Li Fan's theatrics.

As Li Fan was about to speak again, suddenly, from the distant sky, a streak of light swiftly arrived.

"Li Fan, acting Island Lord of Wanxian Island, obeys orders!"

A slender cultivator, dressed in the uniform of the Immortal Alliance, holding a yellow decree, appeared with a solemn expression.

Although his voice was not loud, it resounded like thunder, clearly reaching the ears of all the cultivators present.

For a moment, silence enveloped the area around the Immortal City.

"Here it comes!" Li Fan casually flew forward, slightly bowing.

"Li Fan, acting Island Lord of Wanxian Island, has contributed diligently to the construction of Cloud City day and night."

...

Similar to what was seen yesterday at the First Eccentric's place.

However, this time, after the representative of the Immortal Alliance Political Affairs Hall officially announced it, the decree turned into a golden light, flying towards Li Fan.

Just before it touched him, the golden radiance transformed into a well-fitted black Daoist robe, automatically draping over him.

The robe was adorned with intricate golden patterns, exuding an air of nobility.

"Hail to the Envoy!"

Once Li Fan put on the robe, a group of cultivators in the crowd, as if prearranged, loudly shouted in unison.

Many quick-witted cultivators had already figured out that this matter was likely predetermined, just like when Li Fan acted as the acting Island Lord before.

However, the group of people who had been kept in the dark felt regretful.

In an attempt to remedy their previous indifference, after a moment of silence in the crowd, they also joined in the shouts.

"Hail to the Envoy!"

After the second call, it did not stop.

Therefore, even those who remained silent and unwilling to speak were forced to join the cheering crowd.

The cry of "Hail to the Envoy" echoed continuously and spread throughout the Cloud Sea.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 542: Disciples Spread Across the World

The celebratory cheers of the cultivators continued until Li Fan flew to Cloud City and personally opened the entrance to the protective array, gradually coming to an end.

"From now on, this place is our new home," Li Fan said with a smile.

The cultivators repeatedly nodded in agreement.

"All the facilities on the island remain the same, including the teleportation array and the Heavenly Profound Mirror. Fellow Daoists can experience them on your own; there's no need for me to elaborate further," Li Fan said loudly.

Just as some cultivators were eager to leave, Li Fan looked at them, smiled, and suddenly said, "The following cultivators, please come with me to the Political Affairs Hall."

"He Zhenghao, Gao Yuan, Zhou Qing'ang..."

"Fang Weihou..."

"Jia Jun..."

...

Like calling out a list of dishes, Li Fan rapidly recited the names of hundreds of people.

The cultivators who were about to leave stopped in their tracks.

In a sudden realization, they became nervous and attentively listened.

Those whose names were called out naturally rejoiced.

As for those not mentioned, they dared not show any unusual expression, only looking at the chosen ones with envy.

With the conclusion of his words, Li Fan led about a hundred people towards the Political Affairs Hall in the center of the city.

He left behind the cultivators whose spiritual senses continued to secretly communicate.

"What's the big deal? Fortune and misfortune are unpredictable. Don't be so arrogant; when Island Lord Hongxi returns, everything will be in vain."

"I don't think so. The Envoy clearly has some backing. Otherwise, how could he take over as the ruler of a province so easily?"

"That goes without saying. Can an ordinary cultivator step on a Divine Body puppet? Even if Island Lords Hongxi and Ziyun return, they would likely treat the Envoy with respect. Friend Zhu, I advise you to see the situation clearly and not provoke the Envoy."

"Humph! You may fear him, but I, Zhu Yongshou, am not afraid of Li Fan!"

...

Such discussions took place in various parts of Cloud City.

No one can please everyone. Li Fan naturally did not care about the discussions among the Cloud Sea cultivators.

At this moment, he appointed various vacant positions as planned.

Later, he reported the personnel appointments to the Wanxian Alliance headquarters and waited for approval.

After a busy day, Li Fan finally had some leisure time.

Thanks to the assistance of capable helpers like He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan, handling the city's affairs was not as challenging as it could have been.

Sitting in the Political Affairs Hall, in a room specially prepared for him, Li Fan closed his eyes slightly, sensing the various feedbacks of strength, varying in intensity, flowing into his dantian.

A faint surprise appeared on his face.

"I didn't expect that among my subordinates, someone would break through so quickly?"

Also, most of these people were originally poor cultivators from the Cloud Sea, and now, following me and working hard for half a year, they have finally achieved their wishes. They not only entered the Wanxian Alliance system but also obtained positions that are considered quite prestigious.

Under the excitement, breakthroughs in cultivation are also normal.

The saying goes, "When one person achieves the Dao, the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." They all rely on my support and have benefited from me.

Therefore, it is natural to have feedback cultivation from the "Sitting Mountain Technique."

Moreover, the intensity of this feedback...

Li Fan carefully sensed and became increasingly delighted.

"Although it's not as profound as transmitting the method, it's like recreating them."

"Furthermore, this path of cultivation is safer and more discreet than transmitting methods. Moreover, under the protection of the Wanxian Alliance system, it's open and aboveboard."

"I'm just a small envoy who joined halfway without a foundation."

"If a true ruler of a province had disciples and subordinates spread across the Wanxian Alliance..."

"The benefits are unimaginable!"

Li Fan's eyes shone, discovering a brand-new path of cultivation.

"As long as I can secure the position of the Secret Envoy, I can rely on these hundreds of trusted subordinates to rapidly enhance their cultivation."

"I can look forward to the matter of Nascent Soul formation."

"Wuxing Grand Immortal Realm..."

Thinking of this original goal, Li Fan frowned slightly.

The development of this life far exceeded his expectations. Many things took a completely different path from his previous life.

The battle between the Tianlingzhou and the subsequent forced relocation that originally led to the Five Elements Grand Immortal Realm might not happen.

However, without a large-scale war between the Wanxian Alliance and the Five Elders, during peacetime, it would be too difficult for Li Fan to take advantage of the situation.

"Train a soldier for a thousand days, use a soldier for a moment."

"It's time to send you out again, Friend Zhou Qing'ang."

After contemplating for a moment, Li Fan smiled, focusing his attention on Zhou Qing'ang.

At this moment, Zhou Qing'ang was surrounded by a group of cultivators.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Zhou Qing'ang, who had a close relationship with He Zhenghao and was highly valued by Li Fan, would have a bright future.

At this moment, if one didn't seize the last opportunity to build relationships, when else would they do it?

So, the cultivators who came to visit and curry favor were endless.

"Zhou Qing'ang" spent a considerable amount of effort to break free from the crowd.

By midnight, he quietly slipped out of Cloud City.

Heading straight to the rendezvous point.

---

"Political Affairs Hall, Supervisory Patrol. Chief, how about this position?"

"The authority is significant. Patrolling the four directions within the territory, handling any illegal activities with severity."

"Compared to guarding a small island, it's much more imposing!"

Zhou Qing'ang, facing the stone face, said with pride.

"Moreover, various confidential information that was previously inaccessible can now be easily obtained. It's like truly infiltrating the enemy's interior!"

"Chief?"

"Hmm? Why isn't the chief saying anything?"

"Zhou Qing'ang" looked at the silent figure across from him, feeling somewhat strange.

Still, it remained as silent as death.

Li Fan suddenly felt a hint of unease in his heart.

So, he stopped talking as well.

After a long time, the stone-faced figure finally spoke.

The voice was stern, filled with killing intent.

"You are not Zhou Qing'ang. Who are you?"

Li Fan's heart sank.

However, he still pretended to be somewhat astonished, saying, "Chief, what are you talking about? Just look at my face, it's absolutely genuine!"

"How can you suspect me? I have made significant contributions to the organization!"

"The secret information about the Wanxian Alliance's entrance exam questions and the unification of the Profound Yellow...," Zhou Qing'ang complained bitterly, listing his achievements.

"So, you've been impersonating me so early on..."

"Admireable!"

The stone-faced figure was not swayed by Li Fan's sophistry, and his voice was as cold as ice.

The previously anxious "Zhou Qing'ang" suddenly calmed down.

As if transformed into a different person, he asked calmly, "Oh? Where did I reveal a flaw?"

"Humph!"

The stone-faced figure sneered, "Your disguise is flawless. However, in all your calculations, you missed one point."

"When Zhou Qing'ang initially accepted the mission to infiltrate the Wanxian Alliance, he had an ultimate mission."

"Once he truly gained a key position within the Wanxian Alliance, he was to immediately discard his original undercover identity."

"Disappear completely, cut off contact with us to avoid discovery and potential failure."

"Only when the organization activates him at a critical moment..."

"So, you, who just joined and rushed to contact me, cannot possibly be the real Zhou Qing'ang."

The face spoke with a deep voice.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 543: Intention to Destroy the Wanxian Alliance

"So that's how it is," Li Fan nodded slightly, his face calm, but his tone carried a hint of regret. "A small neglect in a hundred precautions, a non-combatant's mistake."

"Humph, to deceive us for so long, truly impressive!" The face on the smooth stone revealed itself intermittently, indicating the turmoil within.

"I should have noticed something was amiss earlier. With Zhou Qing'ang's mediocre abilities, how could he achieve several remarkable feats in just a few years..."

"I was blinded by his abundant achievements, thinking it was just his extraordinary luck."

"Now, looking back, occasional luck could be explained, but such consistent good fortune..."

"Humph, Zhou Qing'ang is not someone destined for greatness," the face expressed a tinge of regret and said slowly.

Yet, the face kept staring at Li Fan, hoping to catch a triumphant expression on his face. However, Li Fan's expression remained unchanged, not showing a trace of unease even after being exposed. This made the stone-faced figure somewhat suspicious, and he slowly stopped speaking.

The underwater ruins fell into silence.

After a while, unable to contain himself, the face spoke in a deep voice, "Who are you, really?!"

"The entrance exam questions for the Wanxian Alliance, the events on the day Wanxian Island was sealed... These are all absolute secrets. Anyone who knows this is undoubtedly in a high position within the Wanxian Alliance. For a bit of contribution, they betrayed us..."

"Is it to gain trust, attempting to infiltrate us in reverse?"

After a meticulous deduction, the stone-faced figure concluded that Li Fan was a colleague.

"Relax, I'm not a spy for the Wanxian Alliance." Li Fan said casually, "On the contrary, my goal aligns with your Five Elders Association."

"Both of us are working for..."

"The destruction of the Wanxian Alliance!"

"What?" Li Fan's tone was light, but to the face's ears, it was like a thunderclap.

"You..." The face seemed to stand up in extreme shock, staring blankly at Li Fan.

After a moment, he quickly regained his composure but was full of disbelief. "Trying to deceive me again?"

Li Fan, seemingly indifferent to the other's reaction, continued, "The Wanxian Alliance is unjust, treating cultivators as cattle and horses, exploiting them wantonly. Although it seems that the Wanxian Alliance's rule is unbreakable, and all living beings are submissive, but..."

Li Fan's tone changed, revealing a sharp edge and a lofty spirit, "We cultivators defy the heavens. We are not afraid of the heavens, let alone a mere Wanxian Alliance!"

"Among the vast living beings, there are always some who would rather die than live as livestock, who would rather die in battle than be kept like animals!"

"Freedom or death!"

...

Reaching the peak of his momentum, even the face on the other side couldn't help but be moved by such passionate words.

At this moment, Li Fan suddenly changed his tone, "However, the Wanxian Alliance is powerful. Without the correct methods of struggle, acting recklessly would be akin to suicide."

"Although we are not afraid of death, we also don't want to waste our precious lives without making any contributions."

"So..." Li Fan looked at the face meaningfully.

On the smooth stone, the face fell silent for a while, then contemplatively asked, "So, you set your sights on our Five Elders Association?"

Li Fan admitted frankly, "Yes. Although from the current intelligence, your Five Elders Association doesn't seem to be a good group either. But the enemy's enemy is a friend."

Li Fan's tone was profound and straightforward, "Or perhaps, when two tigers fight, one must be injured. Let you dogs fight each other, struggle to the death. By then, we will step forward to clarify the situation and rebuild the universe!"

The face seemed to hear the most absurd words in the world, not even bothering to mock, just sneering, "So, you're a group of lunatics."

Li Fan didn't mind, speaking earnestly, "When the Supreme Master passed down his teachings in the past, aiming to establish a new law and change the world, I believe most people in the world thought he was an outright lunatic."

"After all, the strict rule of the ten major sects in the Immortal Dao back then is far from comparable to the current Wanxian Alliance."

"But where are the ten major sects of the Immortal Dao now?"

"Teaching the Law has been done, how can we know if our Overheaven Society..."

As if he had accidentally revealed something, Li Fan paused slightly, then changed his tone, "How can we know if we can't do it?"

The eyes of the face narrowed, deeply looking at Li Fan, without further comments.

"In a sense, we are natural allies, aren't we?" Li Fan continued.

"In fact, according to our current operational policy, there is currently no plan to be hostile to your Five Elders Association."

"We don't have any malicious intent. From the various pieces of intelligence I provided earlier, it can be seen that if we had any intention of obstructing you in secret, we could definitely make your Five Elders Association suffer a major loss without knowing it."

"The reason for contacting you through the identity of Daoist Zhou Qing'ang is simply that in the Wanxian Alliance's territory, neither your nor my identity can withstand the light. If someone suddenly comes looking for trouble, you might think your identity has been exposed and escape at the first opportunity."

"Hehe, I understand people like you very well."

"By the way, speaking of Zhou Qing'ang, I suddenly remembered. He is still alive. It's not impossible to let him go back to you."

Li Fan spoke eloquently, discussing openly.

The other's expression didn't look good, "That idiot, just let him fend for himself!"

After a while, the face suppressed its anger, endured the anger, and said in a deep voice, "After saying so much, do you still want to cooperate with us?"

Li Fan chuckled, asking in return, "Why ask questions you already know the answer to? Realizing that after Zhou Qing'ang's exposure, instead of immediately cutting off communication, you chatted with me for so long. Isn't it because you can't be sure of my identity and are also coveting the top-secret information I might provide?"

"It's not like the spy organization of the Five Elders Association is so idle, is it?"

The face sneered coldly but did not refute, tacitly agreeing with Li Fan's words.

"Alright, let's be open and honest. We recently obtained a new piece of top-secret information." Li Fan spoke slowly, observing the face's reaction.

As expected, the other's expression changed slightly, and a trace of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

"For him, whether I am the real Zhou Qing'ang, whether I am truly an undercover agent for the Five Elders Association, is not important at all. What matters is whether I can provide the secrets of the Wanxian Alliance to him."

Li Fan clarified his thoughts.

"No spy wants to maintain this identity for a lifetime. Achieve great achievements, retire after success. From now on, there's no need to live in fear, just enjoy peace and comfort. This kind of life is what they dream of."

"And I can help him achieve that."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 544: Single-Handedly Pushing Blood Battle

While thoughts surged in his mind, Li Fan didn't stop speaking.

With a serious expression, he said, "This matter is extremely important. After our evaluation, its significance goes beyond the prophecy of the Tianxuan Locking Spirit and the unity of the Xuanhuang."

"Moreover..." Li Fan looked at the face of the stone, which was now completely unsettled, and he smiled inwardly.

He continued, "If Wanxian Alliance is allowed to complete this matter without hindrance, it may change the power balance between the Immortal Alliance and your Five Elders Association completely."

"The overall strength of the Five Elders Association and Wanxian Alliance is already close. Even because of the existence of the Law-Teaching Celestial Venerable, it has been somewhat suppressed. If the power of Wanxian Alliance is further enhanced, from now on, your Five Elders Association might always be unable to lift its head, always in a disadvantageous position."

"This is something we don't want to see." Li Fan spoke truthfully.

"This is also why I'm in such a hurry to find you. I also know that a spy who contacts superiors so frequently will certainly arouse suspicion. But things happened suddenly, and I have no choice but to resort to this reluctantly." Li Fan sighed and shook his head.

"Is this true?" The tone of the face became very solemn. He thought that the other party would not deceive him in such matters; there must be substance in what was said.

But more important than the prophecy of the unity of Xuanhuang...

This seemed a bit too sensational.

You should know that since the last time he was the first to report the news of the prophecy within the organization, there have been continuous actions within the Five Elders Association. The treatment from the higher-ups has become unprecedentedly friendly. They even promised that as long as he achieved another equal merit, he could retire with honor, no longer struggling on the front line. Moreover, he could redeem his soul contract, becoming the most enviable "Free Monastic" among the group of Five Elders Association cultivators.

...

It can be seen from this that the prophecy of the unity of Xuanhuang is truly a matter of great secrecy.

But now, the mysterious cultivator in front of him, disguised as Zhou Qing'ang, claimed to have an even more important secret than that?

The face felt that his heart was pounding violently as never before.

Could it be that the opportunity to completely change his fate had come?

"What is it?" he asked eagerly.

Li Fan raised a forefinger, "As usual, ten million contribution points."

Before the face could speak, Li Fan explained, "The development of any organization cannot do without sufficient funds."

"Although we also don't want Wanxian Alliance to grow larger, causing an imbalance of power between us, all of this is predicated on ensuring our own existence and development first."

"Don't think it's expensive. Since you were willing to spend ten million contribution points last time..."

"Trust me, this time will definitely not be a loss."

Li Fan looked at the face with sincerity in his eyes, "Go and apply to the higher-ups. I'll wait here for your response."

The face hesitated for a moment but quickly disappeared from the stone.

Li Fan stood still, closing his eyes and waiting.

About the time of burning incense, the face reappeared, "It's approved above. How do we proceed with the transaction?"

Li Fan suddenly opened his eyes, "Soon, Li Fan, the Secret Envoy of the Congyun Sea, will restart the contribution point collection."

"Within three months, you only need to hand over ten million contribution points to He Zhenghao, who is in charge of the collection."

"Uh... let's use the alias Han Wuyou." Li Fan said.

"Wuyou?"

The face was startled and quickly shook his head, "Change the name. This one sounds a bit taboo."

Li Fan fell silent for a moment.

"Then it's Liu Yihang." He said again.

"That's fine. What about what you just said..."

Before the face finished speaking, Li Fan interrupted.

"The matter is urgent, and we can't delay. Since you've agreed, I can tell you now."

"As for if you breach the contract for the sake of this mere ten million contribution points..." 

Li Fan let out a deep laughter, "That can only mean we were mistaken. The Five Elders Association is not even qualified to be the opponent of Wanxian Alliance."

"This piece of information, consider it a free gift from us."

"I believe you will make the right choice."

Li Fan placed his hands on the smooth broken stone, transmitting the information he had fabricated in his mind using secret techniques.

"Wood Attribute Immortal Realm, in addition to the Xuan, there are four other major Immortal Realms?"

"Forming a Five Elements formation, and each Immortal Realm is extremely rich in various resources, like a completely new and thriving world?!" After a moment, the exclamation from the face echoed.

"Remember, within three months, ten million contribution points." Li Fan timely reminded, bringing the face, still in shock, back to reality.

Before the face could speak, Li Fan clapped his hands, shattering the broken stone into powder.

Afterwards, he proceeded to completely destroy this underwater ruin, covering all traces. Only then did he return to Congyun City in a swagger.

At this moment, in the Political Affairs Hall, the true Li Fan stood up.

"If everything goes as planned, the Five Elders Association, which has learned of the existence of the Five Elements Great Immortal Realm, will certainly not remain indifferent."

"There is a high probability that, like in the previous life, they will send joint cultivators to raid and seize the Five Elements Great Immortal Realm."

"Wanxian Alliance should also rise up to counterattack, and a great war is imminent."

"I remember that in the previous life, after the situation became tense, it was extremely fierce. Cultivators above the Yuan Infant stage were all transferred to the Tianling Prefecture battlefield."

"As a result, countless cultivators fell. Although in this life, I only show the cultivation of the Golden Core stage on the surface, I have slaughtered several joint Yuan Infant cultivators. Considering my demonstrated actual combat strength, there is still a high probability that I will be conscripted."

"The Tianling Prefecture battlefield..."

"It's better to stay away from it."

So Li Fan immediately summoned Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao, announcing two things.

The first thing was that he claimed to have sensed a rare and enormous opportunity about to come. Now, as the actual ruler of Congyun Sea, in the principle of seeking benefits for the cultivators of Congyun Sea, he decided to restart the contribution point collection plan.

This time, the collection limit was...

One hundred million.

When Li Fan uttered the words "one hundred million," He Zhenghao stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded, and took a long time to recover.

Gao Yuan, on the other hand, looked at Li Fan's eyes with fanaticism.

Before they could return to normal, Li Fan announced the second thing.

This contribution point collection was of great importance and must not be mishandled.

He needed to make sufficient preparations.

So, starting today, he would enter a deep closed-door cultivation state.

And close all contact methods, cutting off all disturbances.

He would not come out until everything was ready.

"This..." Hearing that Li Fan was going into closed-door cultivation while also collecting contribution points, these two seemingly contradictory commands, Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao both frowned, seemingly puzzled.

However, Gao Yuan was quicker to react and quickly said, "I will obey Master's orders."

"Master, rest assured, I will not fail the trust you have placed in me!"

Happy New Year to all the readers. Have a great year ahead...

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 545: Gao Yuan Can Judge People

He Zhenghao glanced at Gao Yuan, quickly expressing loyalty to Li Fan.

Li Fan remained indifferent and took out two small metal figurines resembling him from his storage ring, handing one to each of them.

"This is a Dividing Spirit Jade Slip, containing a strand of my divine sense, similar to half of a doppelganger."

"During my seclusion, I will cut off all contact with the outside world. If you really encounter an emergency, you can use this method to contact me."

Li Fan said calmly.

Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao carefully put away the metal figurines, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.

They were not unfamiliar with this Dividing Spirit Jade Slip. Usually, cultivators only entrusted it to very close and trusted juniors as a tool for careful guidance.

The fact that Master Secret Envoy gave us such an important item shows his absolute trust in us!

Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao were stirred in their hearts, expressing their gratitude again.

"You may leave." Li Fan nodded slightly without expression, then issued an order to dismiss them.

---

In the Political Affairs Hall, He Zhenghao was organizing the list of relevant cultivators.

Since Li Fan suddenly announced the temporary suspension of the contribution point collection plan after the last time, many cultivators who had hesitated and chosen to wait were now regretting their decision.

After all, Li Fan's fundraising plan had been implemented for several phases. Each time, the contribution points were returned with interest, and sometimes even delivered ahead of schedule. The concern that Li Fan might take the money and run away had never materialized.

So these cultivators, who had originally chosen to wait and see, began to gradually trust Li Fan.

They were still eagerly hoping to be included in the next phase of fundraising.

Who knew that Li Fan would decide not to continue.

"It seems that we were being too suspicious, thinking with small minds and doubting the gentleman. After all, Master Li is Master Li."

At that time, they all sighed in this way.

And when they heard that Li Fan had been appointed as the acting Island Lord of Wanxian Island, their worries were completely dispelled.

They knew that He Zhenghao was in charge of Li Fan's fundraising plan.

So these cultivators used various means to approach He Zhenghao.

They also sent small gifts, advising He Zhenghao that if Li Fan's fundraising plan restarted, they should be given priority consideration.

Observers had already done this, not to mention those who had tasted the sweetness in the previous phases of the fundraising.

They had already informed He Zhenghao in advance.

"Hehe, I was worried before that I couldn't handle so many people. Now, with a contribution limit of one billion, everyone can get a share." He Zhenghao joyfully listed one name after another, starting to send messages to them.

"Friend, the matter you entrusted to me earlier has made progress! I have obtained accurate information..."

Unlike He Zhenghao's excitement, Gao Yuan looked a bit puzzled.

He tapped his fingers on the table, squinting his eyes, seemingly contemplating something.

After a long time, He Zhenghao, who had been busy, stretched lazily, easing the fatigue from his body. Only then did he notice Gao Yuan's abnormality.

He couldn't help but ask with some surprise, "Brother Gao, what's going on with you?"

"I'm thinking about what deep meaning Master Secret Envoy has in giving us these two tasks this time." Gao Yuan said with a serious expression.

"Deep meaning? Didn't he make it clear? This..." He Zhenghao smiled first, not taking it seriously, thinking that Gao Yuan was overthinking.

But then, he was slightly stunned.

Looking around, he approached and lowered his voice, "Brother, what insight do you have?"

Gao Yuan's tone was deep, "Master Secret Envoy never does things without meaning once a plan is decided."

Chapter 545: Gao Yuan's Insight

"But the two tasks assigned to us this time are a bit strange," He Zhenghao said with some confusion.

"Strange? What are you talking about?" He Zhenghao was puzzled.

"Do you think, a billion contribution points, how much is it?" Gao Yuan didn't answer directly but asked in return.

"Much, of course, it's a lot." He Zhenghao felt inexplicable and naturally replied.

Gao Yuan chuckled, "A billion contribution points, I also think it's a number that is difficult to reach in a lifetime."

"But..."

"Brother He, think back. When Master Secret Envoy mentioned the number 'a billion,' did his tone and expression show any fluctuations?"

He Zhenghao couldn't help but be a little stunned.

He frowned and, after a moment, shook his head.

Gao Yuan said casually, "That's it. It seems like an ordinary matter, as casual as eating and drinking. Master Secret Envoy just mentioned it casually without much explanation."

"Instead, he repeatedly instructed us that he would go into deep seclusion and cut off all contact with the outside world."

"Is a mere billion contribution points worth such serious attention from Master Secret Envoy?"

Upon hearing this, He Zhenghao was about to refute. However, after careful consideration and recalling Li Fan's attitude towards money when they interacted before, he became somewhat hesitant.

After contemplating for a while, He Zhenghao nodded slowly, "There seems to be an issue. When I first met Master Secret Envoy, he demonstrated his incredible ability to make money within seven days."

"In less than seven days, the contribution points doubled. With such means, I'm afraid a billion contribution points, in the eyes of Master, is just a slightly larger number."

Gao Yuan nodded heavily, "Exactly. When Master was still a lone cultivator, he might not have attached much importance to this billion contribution points."

"Let alone now, when he is the de facto ruler of the Cloudmist Sea."

"I've never heard of a leader of any state going into deep seclusion just for a billion contribution points."

"What Master said about 'a matter of great importance that requires careful preparation' is just an excuse!"

A flash of light appeared in Gao Yuan's eyes as he spoke decisively.

He Zhenghao contemplated for a while, then slowly nodded in agreement.

"But what does Master mean by this? Now that Cloudmist City has just been completed, there is much to be done. Why did he choose to seclude himself at this time?" He Zhenghao asked, somewhat puzzled.

Gao Yuan, however, was confident, with a proud expression, "In my opinion, this is a test from Master Secret Envoy."

"A test?" He Zhenghao was a bit confused at the words.

"Yes." Gao Yuan was very confident.

"As you know, I have always been good at judging people. I only need to interact with someone for a while to understand them quite well."

"Master Secret Envoy..."

"Although I dare not say that I can fully see through him, there is one thing that is beyond doubt."

Gao Yuan lowered his voice, "Master, by nature, is free-spirited and will never willingly be bound by mundane affairs."

(End of this chapter)