Chapter 441-445: Empire's Hidden Saint (6.5k words)

"What is this..."

"He Zhenhao has broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage?"

Slightly sensing, Li Fan was somewhat surprised.

"In just over two months, this speed is faster than his last life."

"What happened?"

After checking the monitoring footage saved in the Transformation Dao Stone Crystal, Li Fan couldn't help but smile wryly.

Lately, He Zhenhao was indeed riding high on success.

Due to the news of his "guidance from senior Heavenly Sect members" that changed his fate circulating in the Cloud Mist Region, he was gaining widespread recognition.

Because of cultivating the Sitting Mountain Technique before, He Zhenhao had started building good relationships and expanding his network early on.

Due to his own aptitude in formations, the relationship with the members of the Array Pavilion was also decent.

Don't underestimate He Zhenhao just because he's a Foundation Establishment cultivator; his network of interpersonal relationships was not to be underestimated.

In the previous life, Li Fan could join the Wanxian Alliance thanks to He Zhenhao's efforts!

This time, He Zhenhao coincidentally modified a Yuan Infant technique that suited him well.

To the discerning eye, as long as there were no major changes, He Zhenhao achieving the Yuan Infant realm was practically a sure thing.

Being a Yuan Infant-level Array Master and a skilled socialite, He Zhenhao's status had truly changed drastically in the eyes of others.

People who came to visit him were endless, and He Zhenhao was generous in receiving them all, smiling warmly.

With the numerous gifts, he felt extremely comfortable and delighted.

His cultivation also advanced rapidly, breaking through to the late Foundation Establishment stage in no time.

During this process, the visiting cultivators couldn't help inquiring about information regarding the "ancient Heavenly Sect cultivator."

After all, his value had doubled in just one day.

Who wouldn't be envious of such good fortune?

If they could also curry favor with this figure...

Initially, He Zhenhao could still use excuses like "I haven't been in contact for a long time" or "I haven't seen this senior after that."

However, as the number of inquiring cultivators increased and their status became higher, He Zhenhao gradually couldn't handle it.

Because he refused to reveal any information about the Heavenly Sect cultivator, it started to cause dissatisfaction among some cultivators.

Accusations of He Zhenhao "hogging all the benefits" also began to emerge.

Even the Yuan Infant cultivator Chu Ming, who He Zhenhao had found through connections and helped Li Fan join the Wanxian Alliance in the previous life, started questioning He Zhenhao when he couldn't contact Li Fan.

Unfortunately, He Zhenhao genuinely didn't know where Li Fan had gone!

The Tianxuan Mirror couldn't make contact, and the communication talisman left no trace.

Facing the increasing pressure from cultivators, He Zhenhao was truly on the verge of tears.

He wished he could give a slap to his self from two months ago.

Letting him show off everywhere for no reason!

Watching the continuous greetings from He Zhenhao in the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan's lips curved slightly.

"Let the atmosphere brew for a bit longer; it's almost time."

"Five million contribution points are enough to support the first phase of the plan."

"But for now, let's make He Daoist friend handle it a bit more."

Li Fan then sensed the situation with the Foundation Establishment Master on the other side.

Li Chenfeng had already returned.

With him was a veiled woman in a green dress.

The three of them showed great respect for this woman, referring to her as the "Saint."

Since arriving in the Profound Yellow Realm, this Saint had never left the secret room on the island.

When Li Chenfeng entered and exited the secret room, Li Fan could see that she was manipulating a device similar to a celestial globe inside the secret room.

"Saint?"

Chapter 441: Imperial Hidden Sage

"It's interesting. The agreed-upon three months have passed, so let me, this 'Envoy of the Universal Alliance,' go and meet her."

From the woman in green, Li Fan didn't feel any danger.

Instead, he faintly felt a certain familiarity.

This familiarity was very faint, and even after searching through the memories stored in the Transformation Dao Stone, Li Fan couldn't figure out where it came from.

This made Li Fan even more intrigued.

He transformed back to his appearance from that day and swiftly flew to the target location.

In no time, he arrived above the island.

Upon closer inspection, Li Chenfeng and the others were already waiting at the entrance.

"Elder, please follow us."

Li Chenfeng whispered, leading Li Fan into the secret room.

While Li Fan's expression remained unchanged, he became somewhat cautious.

Staring at the woman sitting not far away, whose appearance was unclear, he asked, "Who is this?"

"I was entrusted by the Imperial Princess to come and see if the so-called 'Fairy Ruins' is true." Although the woman in green called herself an elder, her voice was crisp and charming, like that of a teenage girl.

"Oh? In that case, can you figure it out?" Li Fan observed the device in front of the woman with great interest.

A golden sphere in the center remained still, surrounded by many spheres of different colors moving irregularly in various orbits.

The woman in green shook her head with a sigh, "It seems like something is obscuring the existence of the 'Fairy Ruins,' making it impossible to detect."

"However, things have become even more unusual here."

Li Fan squinted, "More unusual here?"

The woman in green waved her hand, putting away the device.

"This is the 'Void Latitude and Longitude Determination Instrument' that the empire spent thousands of years to create. It can mark and lock its own position in the endless void, as well as survey the surrounding environment."

"Originally, it was intended to be used for leaving the Profound Yellow Realm and navigating in the void."

"Now, it's being used to detect the 'Fairy Ruins,' which can be considered making the most of it."

Li Fan listened quietly to the woman in green.

"Here, the main world of the Profound Yellow Realm..." There was a trace of nostalgia in the woman's eyes.

"The data mapped by the determiner is all chaotic here."

"It's as if there's a huge distorted field around, affecting space and interfering with the survey results."

"The observation results theoretically match what you said about the existence of that 'Fairy Ruins.'"

Li Fan said coldly, "I don't have a reason to deceive you in this matter."

The woman in green smiled gently, "No, you did deceive us."

Li Fan's eyes slightly narrowed, and his heart suddenly tightened.

"What do you mean?"

The woman in green looked towards the sky of the Profound Yellow Realm and said slowly, "Because even if the 'Fairy Ruins' indeed exists, after our empire leaves the Profound Yellow Realm, it won't be devoured by it."

"Not only us, but the many small worlds captured by the Ten Dao Sects back then won't be affected either."

Li Fan remained silent.

The woman in green continued, "Because we are not in the same time and space as the Profound Yellow Realm, completely connected only by the Fairy Extinction Channel."

"If we sever the connection with the Profound Yellow Realm, we will gain complete freedom."

"And the Profound Yellow Realm will eventually face destruction."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 442: Spiritual Light Breaks Through the Mist

Are the small worlds and the Profound Yellow Realm not in the same time and space?

While the woman in green was sizing up Li Fan with a smile that seemed to hold deeper meanings, Li Fan himself was deep in thought.

Is it true or false?

Is it a probe or a fabricated lie used as a bargaining chip in negotiation?

In the blink of an eye, Li Fan swiftly analyzed the situation.

Suppose the other party had already discovered that he was a complete fraud, then they wouldn't waste time here explaining anything. They would either choose to run away or set an ambush to capture him and force him to talk. In other words, to a large extent, this woman in green currently doesn't completely see through his identity.

After all, in the history of the Profound Yellow Realm, there had indeed been an event where small worlds united to counterattack the cultivation world. And whether the small worlds and the Profound Yellow Realm are in the same time and space, if he were truly an "Envoy of the Universal Alliance," he couldn't possibly be unaware.

Given that the life and death of the empire are at stake, this "Sage" shouldn't fabricate such an easily debunked lie.

Therefore, what she said might very well be the truth.

At least, it was the truth in the eyes of the woman in green.

This naturally raised a question.

Since the small worlds and the Profound Yellow Realm are not in the same time and space, why don't the cultivators of the Profound Yellow Realm choose to escape to various small worlds through the Fairy Extinction Channel when facing the threat of the "Fairy Ruins" and then cut off their connection with the Profound Yellow Realm?

If there is a possibility that Nascent Soul, Nascent Divinity, and Dao Fusion cultivators might not have enough spiritual energy inside the small worlds or lack the ability to sever the connection, then for the Eternal Life Ancestors, such restrictions could almost be ignored. So why don't the Eternal Life Ancestors run away?

The answer to this question could only be not afraid, not willing, and not able.

Not afraid? In the previous life, the "One-Minded Ancestor" chose to retreat in the face of the threat of the Soul-Locking Array, indicating that even the strong in the Eternal Life realm couldn't preserve themselves in the "Fairy Ruins." So, this possibility can be ruled out.

Not willing? In a righteous manner, sticking together in life and death. Fall together with the Profound Yellow Realm? From the perspective of the current cultivators in this realm, this would not be the choice of the current Eternal Life Ancestors.

Then there's only one answer left.

The Eternal Life Ancestors cannot leave the Profound Yellow Realm?

This thought, when it surfaced, made Li Fan feel absurd.

The strength of the cultivators in the Eternal Life realm is terrifying. How could...

However, Li Fan suddenly froze.

What if, what if this is true?

He had always had a question.

Why does the reversal of the principles of heaven and earth allow for eternal life?

Living beings in the world have an end to their lives. Even the rumored long-lived species are just slightly longer-lived than ordinary creatures.

If there is something in the Profound Yellow Realm that truly deserves the term "eternal life," it is probably the heaven and earth itself.

Why can the reversal of the principles of heaven and earth achieve a complete transformation?

To share the lifespan with heaven and earth using the body of a cultivator?

"The principles of heaven and earth, the reversal of the principles of heaven and earth..."

Suddenly, a scene flashed through Li Fan's mind.

In the previous life, when Ji Hongdao faced the aggressive Zhao Shijie, he said, "After becoming a 'Heavenly Ancestor,' one should no longer participate in mundane disputes."

"Heavenly Ancestor."

These two words were like a lightning bolt, tearing through the fog.

It made Li Fan notice the point he had overlooked for a long time.

Living beings in the world find joy in forgetting their troubles.

Living beings in the world must respect and practice the cultivation method taught by the Heavenly Ancestor.

These rules that go against common sense now exist between heaven and earth.

In other words...

After reversing the original principles of heaven and earth, the principles of cultivation taught by the Heavenly Ancestors have become the new principles of heaven and earth, becoming part of the world.

This also means...

Because of this reason, the Eternal Life Ancestors gain the same long-lasting lifespan as heaven and earth.

Likewise, because of this reason, the Eternal Life Ancestors cannot leave the Profound Yellow Realm.

Before reaching the Eternal Life realm, cultivators were like bandits who broke into a house and plundered recklessly. They stuffed their pockets with the furniture and treasures inside.

But some insatiable individuals drew the attention of the house itself.

They wanted to seize the nest, claim the house as their own.

They succeeded but triggered the ultimate countermeasure of the house.

The doors slammed shut, making them the owners of the house but also forever trapped inside.

"Is this the retaliation of heaven and earth?"

Li Fan suddenly realized.

Previously, Li Fan understood a principle.

Facing the rampant cultivators who plundered heaven and earth, the earth itself was not entirely defenseless.

Besides the sudden emergence of rules like the prohibition of practicing multiple immortal techniques and the descent of the earth's spirit to fulfill its duties against ordinary cultivators.

Faced with Eternal Life Ancestors powerful enough to threaten itself, heaven and earth chose an extreme response.

That is "if you can't beat them, join them."

It has to be said that this tactic is indeed effective.

After becoming Eternal Life Ancestors, their camp identity changed from cultivators to being part of heaven and earth.

Cultivators plundering heaven and earth without restraint, without moderation, could eventually lead to the depletion and decay of heaven and earth.

Eternal Life Ancestors, who are already integral with the world, must intervene to prevent such a thing for their own safety.

Therefore, there is a need for artificial control of the development of cultivators.

This is also one of the reasons why the number of cultivators cannot be too high.

Li Fan also thought about when the Ten Immortal Sects announced a reward for the Mysterious Heaven Mirror.

Claiming that anyone, solely with this mirror, could exchange it for an Eternal Life Ancestor position.

"It seems that in ancient times, the Eternal Life realm most likely stole the original principle of eternal life between heaven and earth using some method."

Li Fan pondered.

After careful consideration, Li Fan felt a bit disappointed.

The Eternal Life Ancestors of the Profound Yellow Realm seem to be a bit far from his ideal of "eternity."

They only gained longevity by relying on the power of heaven and earth, which doesn't truly belong to them.

"Pseudo-immortality..."

"But strictly speaking, it's not something particularly difficult to accept."

"After all, the Eternal Life realm in this realm is just an attempt by cultivators to extend their lives after the immortal path in the Profound Yellow Realm has been severed."

"And, it may not be impossible to go further."

Li Fan thought of the Eternal Life Ancestor, the founder of new laws, who disappeared in the previous life.

"This pioneer of establishing new laws might have taken a step ahead again, breaking free from the world's constraints."

"No wonder in the previous life, the Eternal Life Ancestor of the Five Elderly Council didn't show up for thousands of years. And facing the occasional wars between the two sides, the Eternal Life Ancestors of the Five Elderly Council never intervened."

"Because in the eyes of the Eternal Life Ancestors of the Five Elderly Council, since the Eternal Life realm cannot leave the Profound Yellow Realm, then the founder of new laws must still be somewhere."

"Only relying on a simple agreement to restrain them."

"Until later, they finally realized something was wrong. That's when they impatiently took action to probe..."

The effects of the Dao-Enlightening Pill had not completely disappeared.

With a flash of insight and a fortunate coincidence, Li Fan deduced a possible, logically consistent truth about the Profound Yellow Realm from the unintentional revelation by the woman in green.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 443: The Essence of Survival

In the Meteor Immortal Realm, the Beast Emperor Sanmo, the creature of wisdom, once told Lu Ya, "Even if you see it with your own eyes, many times it may not be the absolute truth."

Similarly, the conclusions Li Fan deduced now may not be absolutely correct.

It's like the blind touching the elephant; what is perceived may not be the whole picture of the matter.

But it is still part of the truth.

In his mind, the crystalline memory stone emitted a dazzling blue light, instantly recording the myriad thoughts that had been swirling.

Next, Li Fan had to consider how to deal with the woman in green.

Shortly after she finished speaking, Li Fan shook his head and replied, "The power of the Immortal Ruins is beyond the imagination of ordinary people."

"The existence that can distort even time and space brings unpredictable consequences."

"You say that by severing the Immortal Extinction Channel, you can break free from the shackles and be completely free."

"But this is only a theory. What will happen in practice? Who can guarantee?"

While speaking slowly, Li Fan discreetly observed the expression of the woman in green.

"After all, those places that left the Profound Yellow Realm before have all disappeared without a trace and cannot be contacted again."

"Whether they have truly become carefree or have already been destroyed within the Immortal Ruins, who knows."

"Otherwise, why would our World Union be able to recruit so many members?"

"Even if there is only a one-in-a-million chance of failure, it is too risky for the entire civilization."

Li Fan said with a slightly mocking tone.

The woman in green's smile gradually faded as she stared at Li Fan, as if trying to read something from his face.

However, Li Fan remained calm without any flaws.

Only then did the woman in green say, "You're right. That's also the reason why I returned to the Profound Yellow Realm this time."

"Currently, only a very small number of people in the Empire know about the existence of the Immortal Ruins. But there is no wall that the wind can't blow through. Once those conservative factions learn about this, the resistance we face in implementing the plan to leave the Profound Yellow Realm will be even greater."

"By then, even the prestige accumulated by the Empire's royal family over thousands of years may not be enough to execute this plan peacefully."

Li Fan asked, "So, are you here to seek help?"

The woman in green nodded and said, "The determination of the Empress to implement the plan to leave the Profound Yellow Realm remains unchanged. Even if there are some risks, we believe it's worth it."

"However, those detestable aristocrats in the Empire may not think the same way."

"To avoid internal strife, the Empire must expedite the progress of the plan."

She paused and continued, "While quickly exchanging for the Daoist techniques, we also need to accelerate the cultivation of resources for the Rift Realm Whales..."

Saying this, she handed over a jade slip.

With a sweep of his divine sense, Li Fan found a long list of items inside.

After searching in his memory, Li Fan discovered that although the unit price of these items was mostly not high, the total consumption was quite astonishing.

It's likely that more than five million contribution points in his hands wouldn't be able to cover it.

Li Fan's eyebrows slightly raised, saying, "If you join the World Union, the organization will naturally help as you've mentioned."

"But since you are determined to leave, our Union is not a charity."

The woman in green said, "As you said, leaving the Profound Yellow Realm may lead to destruction."

"Although the Empire is determined, it doesn't prevent us from hedging our bets."

Li Fan's eyes flashed, "You mean..."

"Yes, the Empire will draw a part of its power to join the World Union."

"As a continuation of the civilization of the Empire, they will still stay in the Profound Yellow Realm. If the Empire encounters unforeseen circumstances in the future, they can also serve as a branch to continue the legacy of the Empire." The woman in green's eyes were burning as she spoke frankly.

Hearing this, Li Fan couldn't help but sneer, "Are you not overestimating yourselves a bit? To avoid alerting internal personnel in the Empire, the power you draw out will certainly not be too much. Relying solely on these, I'm afraid it's far from enough to exchange for the items on this list."

The woman in green said calmly, "Envoy, you may have misunderstood. Since they are a continuation of the civilization of the Empire, all the technology the Empire currently possesses will naturally be preserved. After joining the Union, these technologies can also be shared with the organization."

"Not to mention anything else, just the value of the Beast God Armor alone, I think it's already worth more than half of the items on the list."

I didn't expect the other party to be so bold, daring to use all their mastered technology as bargaining chips.

Even if their claim of "all technology" might be discounted, just based on what Li Chenfeng saw in Li Fan's mind, it was enough to make Li Fan tempted.

Certainly, these technologies might not be helpful for Li Fan's cultivation realm, but the power system of the Empire, which is vastly different from the current Profound Yellow Realm, could significantly enhance Li Fan's foundation.

The saying goes, "Having many skills doesn't burden the body." Perhaps in a future reincarnation, the power to manipulate exotic beasts might come in handy.

Without much hesitation, after just a moment, Li Fan made a decision.

To deceive the Empire's entire technology.

Putting on a seemingly inexplicable appearance of being moved, Li Fan pondered for a moment and said, "This matter is of great importance and is not something I can decide."

"Let me go back and report. I will give you an answer later."

Li Fan's statement was within the expectations of the woman in green.

"The night is long, and dreams are many. I hope the envoy can make a decision as soon as possible."

Li Fan arched his hand and hurriedly left.

In the secret room, only the people from the Empire remained.

"Saintess, do we really have to use the core technology developed by the Empire over so many years as a bargaining chip?" Li Chenfeng asked somewhat unwillingly.

The woman in green did not immediately answer but frowned, looking up at the sky.

After setting up many prohibitions, she looked at Li Chenfeng and reprimanded, "Have you forgotten how I taught you?"

"Survival is the first priority for the development of civilization."

"Only by staying alive do technologies and cultures have meaning."

"If the civilization itself is extinct, what's the use of these even if they are glorious?"

Li Chenfeng still felt somewhat uneasy, "But..."

The woman in green interrupted him, "This matter has been discussed with the Empress, and the final decision has been made. There is no need for more words!"

Seeing this, Li Chenfeng had to reluctantly bow his head and agree.

"Just now, I couldn't see through that person. He's just an envoy, but it seems like this World Union really has some tricks."

The woman in green looked in the direction where Li Fan had left, and after a while, she softly said.

Li Chenfeng was surprised, "Saintess, with your cultivation level, can't you see through his details? What is his cultivation level?"

The woman in green was also puzzled, "On the surface, his realm may not be very high, but I always sense a faint dangerous aura from him."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 444: Self-Taught Without a Teacher

"In addition, there seems to be many hidden techniques on him, making it like seeing flowers in the mist, hard to fathom," the woman in green slowly said.

Li Chenfeng, Zhu Shaotang, and others were stunned at her words, feeling shocked.

They knew very well that the two sages, Green and Red, of the Empire, were powerful beings that had survived since ancient times.

The sages witnessed the Empire's transformation from a simple human settlement to the vast empire it is today.

The guidance of the sages played an indispensable role in the eyes of the people of the Empire.

In the eyes of the people of the Empire, the two sages were embodiments of power and wisdom.

But now, Sage Green actually claimed that she couldn't see through the envoy just now?

Thinking back to his reckless behavior in front of the envoy earlier, Li Chenfeng couldn't help but feel a sense of fear.

"Perhaps it's because I haven't returned here for too long. I'm somewhat uncomfortable after all," at this moment, Sage Green's somewhat melancholic sigh made Li Chenfeng breathe a sigh of relief.

Hundreds of miles away.

Feeling the intermittent and vague scenes of the undifferentiated killing intent, Li Fan was secretly surprised.

"It seems that this sage is not simple; he can vaguely sense and counteract the undifferentiated killing intent."

"Fortunately, my skills are superior."

Li Fan was more than willing to exchange the Empire's technologies, including the Beast God Armor, for contributions.

However, if he really had to cooperate and act out the play, doing it alone might not be enough to sustain this stage, making it easy to be exposed.

Moreover, with five million contributions, it was a bit tight to handle.

"It seems that it's time to advance my original plan."

With this in mind, Li Fan sensed the location of He Zhenghao.

While heading towards Liuli Island, he transformed back into the appearance of a disciple of the Ancient Heavenly Mechanism Sect.

...

He Zhenghao has been a bit troubled recently.

Watching the constant inquiries coming from the communication talisman, he completely sealed it into the storage ring, making things a bit quieter.

Now, he didn't even dare to step out of Liuli Island.

As the legend of his overnight wealth spread, more and more people wanted to inquire about Li Fan's information.

Some were skeptical and wanted to personally verify the authenticity of this master.

Some purely wanted to latch onto a powerful figure, hoping to replicate He Zhenghao's experience and ascend quickly.

There were even some who spoke inexplicable words and wanted to trade with him.

He was overwhelmed, trying to deal with it.

Under the guise of closed-door cultivation, he hid in the Liuli Island's mountain and star array, not daring to go out to meet people.

He Zhenghao was feeling quite bitter.

It's not that he deliberately procrastinated; it was because since he joined the World Immortal Alliance, the senior from the Heavenly Mechanism Sect disappeared without a trace, and he couldn't be contacted anymore.

He Zhenghao was also helpless!

Just as he was frowning and thinking about how to explain to his friends, a somewhat familiar aura quickly approached.

Passing through the protective formation of the mountain and star array, a reckless figure appeared in front of him.

"Hahaha, He kid, long time no see!"

Li Fan laughed heartily, appearing confident and self-satisfied.

He Zhenghao was initially stunned, then overjoyed.

It's just like asking and receiving.

"Senior, you finally came!" He almost wanted to cry and hug Li Fan's thigh.

"Huh? What's going on with you, little guy?"

With a light flick, keeping He Zhenghao several zhang away, Li Fan knowingly questioned.

After He Zhenghao finished pouring out all his grievances, Li Fan immediately put away his smiling face and scolded, "Deserves it!"

"You're already at the Foundation Establishment stage. Why don't you understand the principle of getting rich silently?"

"Having the Yuan Ying technique, just cultivate it well. Why do you have to show off to others?"

"If only close friends knew about it, it would be fine. But now, it's well-known to everyone!"

"Dead on your own, but you also implicated me!"

Li Fan's hair was all disheveled, looking extremely angry.

He Zhenghao trembled, afraid to answer.

Li Fan shook his head, glanced at He Zhenghao, his eyes filled with disappointment at the unteachable youngster.

As if about to fly away.

He Zhenghao suddenly panicked, "Senior, wait! Senior, save me!"

With a mournful face, he explained, "I didn't mean to show off intentionally. Perhaps it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished wish. I was so excited that day, I couldn't control myself."

"When I came to my senses, it had already spread, and it was too late for regrets."

In fact, He Zhenghao's state of mind was not so unbearable.

While emotional excitement and momentary impulsiveness played a role, it was more due to Li Fan's subtle manipulation and guidance on that day.

Seeing He Zhenghao's remorseful appearance, Li Fan secretly chuckled but still maintained a stern expression.

Coldly, he said, "Save you? How can I save you? You brought this on yourself. How can I help you when you willingly walked into your own demise?"

He Zhenghao's face became even more tearful, but seeing that Li Fan didn't immediately fly away, he knew there was still hope.

So, he quickly said, "The reason why these friends of mine are bothering me is merely because they want to be like me, receive guidance from seniors, and profit from it."

"Senior, you can use your divination ability and..."

Li Fan's face turned cold, "Joke, why should I help them? I have no relationship with them. How does it benefit me to use my abilities? Besides, using these abilities would also face backlash from heaven and earth. What's in it for me?"

With a sweep of his sleeves, Li Fan, with an unsatisfied expression, was about to leave.

He Zhenghao hastily stopped him, and with a flash of inspiration, he hurriedly said, "Sit Mountain Technique! Sit Mountain Technique! When I broke through to the late Foundation Establishment stage before, did you sense any feedback on my cultivation?"

Li Fan's face twitched slightly, and after a while, he said slowly, "It seems there was indeed such a thing."

He Zhenghao slapped his thigh, "Exactly! Senior, think about it. Nowadays, in the Immortal Alliance, techniques are exchanged through contributions."

"You help us earn contributions, and we use these contributions to purchase cultivation techniques."

"Doesn't this mean that you are indirectly passing on the art? You know, in today's cultivation world, there is no greater favor than passing on techniques!"

"Senior, if you use the Sit Mountain Technique and bestow this favor, you will surely receive strong feedback in your cultivation."

"Moreover, many of the friends who came after hearing the news are here."

"Senior, if you take action, help them all."

"Little by little, added together, it will be a huge force of cultivation!"

"By doing this, Senior, you should be able to quickly recover your cultivation from before, right?"

He Zhenghao seemed to have an epiphany, becoming more excited as he thought about it.

Li Fan nodded slowly, "Makes sense!"

"However... with so many people, my ability to use the divination is limited. How can I help each one individually?"

After thinking for a while, Li Fan decided.

Just then, He Zhenghao hit the jackpot.

Spontaneously, he said, "You can collect the contributions from those who want your help, manage them centrally."

"When you use your divination, find suitable investment methods to earn contributions, and then return them."

Li Fan was very satisfied, thinking, "Very good, He Zhenghao, you've learned to grab the opportunity."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 445: Wealthy Invitation

However, Li Fan's face was filled with a skeptical expression. "Would others easily transfer their contributions? I doubt it."

"I don't mind that! With this excuse, you can send away some of these people to avoid them constantly bothering me!"

Thinking this way, He Zhenghao said, "Senior, rest assured. During this period, there are too many cultivators questioning me. Even if only a very small portion of them are willing to transfer contributions to you, it is still a significant amount."

"Moreover, after senior displays divine abilities, and returns the contributions with interest, actions speak louder than words. In the future, more people will be willing to rely on senior."

He Zhenghao was full of confidence.

Li Fan contemplated for a moment, appearing in thought.

After a while, he nodded slowly, "It happens that recently I've seen many novel techniques in the Heavenly Mystery Mirror, and I can't wait to try them. Besides, in the current era of cultivation, various aspects indeed revolve around contributions."

"If you can really raise a substantial amount of contributions, I will help increase it several times. It would be well worth it."

Hearing Li Fan's casual words, He Zhenghao's eyes brightened.

After thinking about it, he quickly persuaded, "We won't need that much, we won't need that much!"

"You know, if we can increase the principal by half every year, those who are willing to entrust contributions to senior will definitely be attracted like moths to a flame!"

"As for the remaining, senior can keep it for yourself, consider it a reward."

"Of course, if senior can share a little with us, treat it as compensation for our hard work, that would be even better!"

He Zhenghao happily said.

"Are you satisfied with fifty percent a year?" Li Fan was initially surprised but then nodded, "That works too."

"So, this matter is tentatively settled. You go and contact your friends."

"Remember, only select those who are well-known. Contributions from cultivators with unclear backgrounds will not be accepted."

After giving a few more instructions, He Zhenghao, now excited, took out the previously sealed communication talisman and began responding to each one.

"Friend Zhang, there is now an opportunity for wealth in front of you. Are you willing to give it a try?"

...

"The first batch of contributions may not be much, but that's okay."

"One time of disbelief, two times of hesitation."

"Wait until the third and fourth times when they see everyone else making a fortune while missing out on the opportunity themselves."

"The fifth time, they will cry and beg to send their contributions."

Watching He Zhenghao busy beside him, Li Fan thought like this.

Don't misunderstand.

Although what Li Fan was doing in this world seemed like some kind of scam, in fact...

Li Fan truly had the ability to lead everyone to make big money.

Leaving aside the easy profit event of manipulating Spirit Mist Grass.

Just using the various information he gathered in the continuous cycles, he could anticipate and trade.

A fifty percent profit every year was effortless.

If Li Fan, an anomaly in the continuous cycles, couldn't achieve what even some naturally talented individuals could, then he might as well forget about seeking longevity and happily return to the Great Mystery, becoming a mortal instructor for the rest of his life.

To put it bluntly, for Li Fan, who possessed sufficient advanced information, asset appreciation was not difficult at all.

Of course, there were certain conditions.

For example, the overall scale of assets he controlled couldn't be too large.

For example, it shouldn't attract the direct sanctions of forces like the Heavenly Mystery Mirror.

But in fact, Li Fan had no intention of making too much noise.

His goal was only to enhance his own cultivation while gathering a group of somewhat useful forces.

And when it really expanded too much, beyond Li Fan's control...

The Red Flame Burning Sea, the Black Ink Annihilation World.

Chapter 446: A Hundred-to-One Deal

Once and for all.

With all the creditors dead, naturally, there was no talk of any debts.

He could openly claim these contributions as his own.

This was the preliminary plan.

As for the specifics, they would have to take it step by step.

After contacting everyone, He Zhenghao went to Wanxian Island to meet with his fellow cultivators.

It wasn't until half a day later that he returned with a radiant face.

At the same time, he brought back more than two hundred thousand contributions.

Contrary to Li Fan's expectations, when He Zhenghao made his request, the majority of cultivators had backed out.

After all, nobody's contributions were obtained effortlessly.

You, an "Ancient Celestial Mechanism Sect cultivator," could offer guidance, but when it came to giving away contributions...

Not many were willing.

Except for one cultivator named Zhou Peng, who immediately contributed fifty thousand, taking the lion's share.

Apart from him, the rest contributed less than five thousand each.

Even so, He Zhenghao was extremely excited.

With a solemn expression, he transferred the two hundred and thirty thousand contributions through the Heavenly Mystery Small Mirror to Li Fan.

He also didn't forget to transfer an additional hundred thousand from his personal treasury.

"Senior..."

He Zhenghao opened his mouth to say something but ultimately stopped.

He just stared at Li Fan with passionate eyes.

"Just five hundred thousand contributions after a year. It's a simple task! Rest assured!"

Throwing a communication talisman to He Zhenghao, Li Fan said, "If there's something urgent, I'll contact you. Don't disturb me at other times!"

He Zhenghao nodded repeatedly, excitedly holding the communication talisman.

Li Fan waved his hand and returned to Wanxian Island.

"There shouldn't be any problems..."

He Zhenghao muttered to himself.

Having been filled with passion before, He Zhenghao's mind gradually cooled down, and he couldn't help but feel anxious.

However, now that the die was cast, he could only pray that this senior of the Heavenly Mystery Sect wouldn't cause any trouble.

In the Heavenly Mystery Mirror.

Li Fan released several volumes of Lan Xiao's posthumous works.

While procuring the necessary supplies for the Empire, he patiently waited.

Sure enough, three days later, the Oracle Child contacted Li Fan to express gratitude.

"I have some rare books here, but I need a trivial favor from Senior." Li Fan said with a smile.

"Oh?" The Oracle Child was slightly stunned but still listened to Li Fan's request with interest.

"Interesting." It seemed like this fellow was involved in something secretive.

But the Oracle Child didn't mind this.

In this world, who didn't have a few secrets?

The Oracle Child lightly flicked his dust whisk, concealing his aura, and quietly arrived at Wanxian Island.

After meeting Li Fan, the two headed straight for the island where the Empire cultivators were located.

In a secret room, the Empire Saint, "Blue," was concentrating on drawing something. Suddenly, she stood up, looking towards the direction Li Fan and the Oracle Child were coming from, her expression turning serious.

When Li Fan and the Oracle Child descended on the island, her expression changed even more.

"The Multiverse Alliance does have some weight."