Chapter 456-460: Trivial Matters Don't Go as Planned (6k+ words)

Looking at Li Fan's experiences in the previous lives, in the Sea of Crimson Flames event, any cultivator attempting to use the Crimson Flames Path would ultimately end up on a path of death.

The power of the world-ending fate bestowed upon Mo Sha was truly terrifying.

Cultivators who just formed the path were powerless before it.

"Tianyang's actual combat strength is probably not even as good as Zhang Zhiliang from the previous life. I won't let him throw his life away."

"The puppet body, different from an ordinary person. There might be other ways to enhance combat power besides breaking through realms."

"Although the cost is high, after the collapse of the Sea of Clouds and my escape with the funds, it should be enough for me."

After some contemplation, Li Fan ultimately gave up the plan to let Tianyang attempt the path and focused on observing and protecting him.

Fifteen days later.

As all the resources within the "Return Departure Revert Formation" were exhausted, Tianyang also completed his final transformation.

The puppet body was perfectly replenished, and his cultivation stabilized at Nascent Soul perfection.

"Tianyang's combat relies mainly on his brute force. We need to find a way to refine it further."

After completing his cultivation, Tianyang stood up silently and followed behind Li Fan.

Li Fan took out the prepared clothing from the storage ring and dressed him while also imparting the "Concealing the Sky with One Hand" technique.

"Young junior, from now on, you will learn this technique. Once you've mastered it, you can act together with me." Li Fan instructed.

Tianyang nodded silently, earnestly delving into the study.

With only a hint of instinct, the Heavenly Machine Sect's techniques were somewhat complicated for Tianyang. Fortunately, with Li Fan's careful guidance and his single-minded focus, he would eventually master them.

While Tianyang diligently improved himself under Li Fan's guidance, Li Fan shifted his attention to Lingwu Island.

He made a silent trip to Lingwu Island, quietly locking down the island with his No-Phantom Killing Intent.

Then, he returned to the Heavenly Mirror, quietly purchasing Spirit Mist Grass and patiently waiting.

Soon, it was the day of the previous life's dragon-whale exotic beast attack on Lingwu Island.

However, for some reason, until sunset, the dragon-whale did not appear.

Li Fan's heart suddenly harbored a bad premonition.

As he feared, even after three days had passed, Lingwu Island remained safe and sound.

Li Fan finally confirmed that the variables he brought to the Xuanhuang Realm nearly a year ahead of time could not be avoided.

Without rushing into action, Li Fan carefully investigated the news of the disappeared exotic beast.

A creature of its strength, comparable to a Foundation Establishment cultivator, with its emerging spiritual wisdom and the ability to strengthen itself through continuous devouring, should not just disappear without a reason.

After half a day of searching, with no results, Li Fan finally obtained the answer through anonymously offering a reward task.

As it turned out, the exotic beast had been killed not long ago by a Foundation Establishment alchemist named Yue Zaisen.

All valuable materials on its body were taken by him.

He even sent a message, asking if Li Fan needed any parts, which could be sold at a low price.

Li Fan inquired casually and bought several segments of whale bones.

After completing the transaction, Li Fan chatted with the other party, attempting to learn the reason for his actions deviating from previous lives.

It wasn't a confidential matter. Without any precautions, Yue Zaisen soon revealed the information to Li Fan.

It turned out that he decided to go to various places at the bottom of the Sea of Clouds to search for materials because he was entrusted by his good friend Mu Rong to create a top-tier defensive magic weapon.

As for why Mu Rong, who was initially fine, suddenly had the whimsical idea to equip himself with a defensive magic weapon, Yue Zaisen did not inquire.

"Mu Rong..." Li Fan interrupted the communication, his expression changing.

Chapter 456: Trivial Matters Don't Go as Planned

This name was not unfamiliar to him. There had been some interactions. This person was Chen Ying's assistant. In the previous life, before Chen Ying went to the Five Elements Grand Celestial Realm, he left his contact information for Li Fan, telling him to contact him directly if he had any questions.

"Could it be that he saw Chen Ying purchasing many life-saving treasures and developed a certain sense of crisis? Is that why he took this action?"

"It's also possible that Chen Ying said something to him..."

Li Fan felt a sense of helplessness in his heart.

In any case, the dragon-whale didn't attack Lingwu Island. To correct history to its intended trajectory, Li Fan needed to take action personally.

"The risk is not small, and what needs to be done must leave no traces." Li Fan did not act hastily but carefully planned in his mind.

"Impersonate a exotic beast? Or use the power of the Five Elders Association?"

"The likelihood of exposure is high for both."

"Perhaps, there's no need to insist on Spirit Mist Grass. As long as the demand is stable and the herbs or spiritual plants only grow in specific areas, it should be enough."

"Let's look for similar existences first."

Li Fan's mind moved, carefully searching in the Heavenly Mirror.

There were quite a few targets that met the criteria. Li Fan added restrictions, focusing on those with abnormal recent price fluctuations.

The options meeting the requirements were very few.

Li Fan scrutinized them one by one, finally fixing his gaze on a spiritual plant named "Universal Virtue True Leaf."

This herb had a relatively long growth cycle and was rarely used in normal times. Its primary use was to make a talisman called "Wise Discernment."

In the era before the Heavenly Mirror Locking Spirit Array was born, the Five Elders Association's spies were omnipresent. Most of them, like Zhou Qing'ang, mastered techniques that could change, even deceiving the White Jade Questioning Heart Platform.

The Wise Discernment talisman, when first invented hundreds of years ago, had made significant contributions. It exposed many spies from the Five Elders Association, including figures like Zhou Qing'ang.

Hence, a customary rule was established. Before entering certain key locations of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, one had to pass the verification of the Wise Discernment talisman.

Although the Five Elders Association learned from their mistakes and improved the methods of their spies, the Wise Discernment talisman lost its effectiveness.

However, using the talisman became a kind of habit.

The people of the Five Elders Association naturally couldn't openly declare that the Wise Discernment talisman had lost its effectiveness.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance also did not make any decisions to remove the Wise Discernment talisman.

Moreover, behind the production and manufacturing of the Wise Discernment talisman, a chain of interests had formed.

For various reasons, the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance still needed a considerable quantity of Universal Virtue True Leaves each year.

Recently, for some unknown reason, the stable price of Universal Virtue True Leaves had slowly started to drop.

Li Fan frowned slightly.

He remembered that in the previous life, with the skyrocketing price of Spirit Mist Grass, the prices of other spiritual herbs in the market also rose.

Universal Virtue True Leaf, however, was an exception.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 457: True Leaves Conceal a Plot

The price of Universal Virtue True Leaves had always been stable, and there had even been instances of it unexpectedly dropping.

Even when the Heavenly Mirror caused a market collapse due to the Spirit Mist Grass, its price remained firm, without significant fluctuations.

"Universal Virtue True Leaves..."

The blue light of the Dao Stone in his mind flickered, and Li Fan began searching for information on it.

After a moment, Li Fan showed a slightly interested expression.

According to Li Fan's subsequent memories, after the turmoil caused by the Spirit Mist Grass, with the continuous extraction and release of abundant by-products from the Five Elements Grand Celestial Realm, the prices of almost all spiritual herbs in the market had experienced a significant drop.

However, Universal Virtue True Leaves was an exception.

In the following decades, the price of Universal Virtue True Leaves had steadily risen.

However, due to its rarity, not many cultivators paid attention to it.

So, Li Fan, who had earned a fortune in the Spirit Mist Grass event and then focused most of his energy on building the Heavenly Mirror Locking Spirit Array, naturally overlooked it.

Now that the Spirit Mist Grass turmoil seemed unlikely to happen again, Li Fan needed to find alternatives and clearly noticed the unusual aspects of Universal Virtue True Leaves.

In the previous life, Li Fan remembered that after the popularization of the Heavenly Mirror Locking Spirit Array, the Wise Discernment talisman had gradually been phased out. However, its price remained consistently high, indicating that it likely had other undisclosed uses.

"All these abnormal signs indicate that someone is scheming behind the scenes."

Li Fan pondered carefully on the feasibility of his methods for attacking Lingwu Island, artificially inflating the Spirit Mist Grass prices and using Universal Virtue True Leaves as a substitute.

"Regardless of which method, the ultimate result will undoubtedly cause considerable turmoil. The Heavenly Mirror Pavilion will inevitably investigate."

"Based on the final handling of the situation in the previous life, operating freely in the market, buying low and selling high within the allowed rules."

"But if maliciously disrupting the market, causing economic turmoil, that's hard to say. You might be accused of undermining the stability of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance."

"Even if I have the 'Only Heaven Can Cover the Hand' technique, it may not withstand scrutiny."

Li Fan contemplated seriously and gradually made a decision.

"However, I still need to see if Universal Virtue True Leaves can truly work."

He didn't hesitate.

Li Fan threw all the Spirit Mist Grass he had previously purchased at any cost onto the market and, in turn, began purchasing Universal Virtue True Leaves.

In the Heavenly Mirror, the current price of Universal Virtue True Leaves was stabilizing at around 280 contribution points per piece.

Li Fan went all-in with a million contribution points, sweeping the market.

Quickly, the available stock in the market visibly decreased at an astonishing rate.

At the same time, its price slowly began to rise.

Erasing the previous decline, it returned to a normal price level of around 300 contribution points.

Li Fan remained calm and continued to increase his purchasing efforts.

Another million contribution points were thrown in.

301, 302...

The price of Universal Virtue True Leaves was about to break through 305.

At this moment, its price suddenly started to plummet before their eyes.

Instantly, dropping from over 300 to 292 contribution points.

"This situation indicates that someone has released a large quantity of Universal Virtue True Leaves into the market."

"The Heavenly Mirror judged that supply exceeded demand, causing the price to plummet in a short time."

"Interesting."

Chapter 458: Hidden Scheme

A glint flashed in Li Fan's eyes, and he temporarily halted his actions, pondering carefully.

"Why manipulate the price of Universal Virtue True Leaves when holding a large quantity? What's the purpose?"

"Last time during the turmoil of Spirit Mist Grass, while the prices of various herbal medicines soared, Universal Virtue True Leaves remained stable. It's almost certain that someone has established a form of monopoly."

"Is victory within grasp?"

Soon, recalling a specific operation from his past life, Li Fan vaguely thought of a possibility.

Li Fan abruptly stood up, left the Heavenly Mirror, and headed straight for the Thousand-Mile Hall.

Outside, he heard Jiao Xiuyuan's dissatisfied complaints: "Didn't we agree on getting this Flying Star Plate? I worked hard to dig it out, and now you say you don't want it?"

"People nowadays, can't they conduct business with a bit of integrity?"

Li Fan interrupted with a smile, "If no one wants it, I'll take it!"

Jiao Xiuyuan, who was initially complaining, suddenly showed joy upon hearing Li Fan's words.

He quickly exclaimed, "Deal! Fifteen hundred contribution points, fixed price! No backing out!"

Saying this, he handed over a rusty copper plate.

Li Fan scanned it and found nothing special. However, based on past experiences, he paid the amount and stored it carefully in his storage ring.

"Fellow Daoist Jiao, forget about these trivial matters. I came to you this time for a big deal!"

Li Fan spoke seriously, and at this moment, Jiao Xiuyuan recognized him.

Thinking that he had come to inquire about the sale of the "Illusory Stone Eye," Jiao Xiuyuan's dark face showed a trace of embarrassment.

"Ah! It turns out to be Fellow Daoist Li Fan! I'm really sorry about the Illusory Stone Eye; maybe..."

Li Fan waved his hand to interrupt, "Let's not talk about that. Fellow Daoist Jiao, what I just said is serious."

"If you miss this opportunity, I'm afraid your Dao Heart will shatter, and your puppet will be severely damaged!"

Hearing Li Fan's exaggerated words, Jiao Xiuyuan's face changed instantly.

He put away the smile on his face and, with a serious expression, observed Li Fan closely. Jiao Xiuyuan closed the main gate of the Thousand-Mile Hall.

"Fellow Daoist Li Fan, what are you talking about?" he asked.

"Do you know about Universal Virtue True Leaves? Recently, its price has been somewhat abnormal. You should be aware. Take a look."

Li Fan answered, and Jiao Xiuyuan closed his eyes, contemplating.

After a moment, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

At this point, Li Fan informed Jiao Xiuyuan of his recent actions.

"How does Fellow Daoist see this?" Li Fan asked, with a tone of assessment.

Jiao Xiuyuan contemplated for a moment and said, "If my guess is correct, the other party should have borrowed a certain quantity of Universal Virtue True Leaves from somewhere. They probably also happen to have some excess inventory themselves."

"So, by flooding the market with a large amount of Universal Virtue True Leaves and temporarily lowering the price, they intend to repay a small portion and make a profit."

Jiao Xiuyuan provided his judgment.

Li Fan clapped his hands, "Great minds think alike; that's what I was thinking too."

Jiao Xiuyuan frowned, a bit dissatisfied, "Is this the big deal you were talking about? I didn't see it."

Li Fan revealed a mysterious smile.

"If, and I say if."

"When the other party absolutely has to repay the Universal Virtue True Leaves, and the total circulating quantity on the market is insufficient for them to repay, what do you think will happen?"

Jiao Xiuyuan suddenly couldn't understand the meaning behind Li Fan's words.

He stared blankly for a moment.

After a while, a glint flashed in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 458: The Immortal Alliance and the Mighty Mouse

Jiao Xiuyuan said with some excitement, "Are you saying that even if someone sells them the PuXian True Leaves at an outrageous price, they would have to reluctantly buy them to fulfill the agreement?"

"If we preemptively take up the majority of the market share for PuXian True Leaves, it will force them..."

"It's probably easy to make multiple times the profit!"

"Wonderful!" Understanding the key point, Jiao Xiuyuan slapped his thigh and couldn't help but exclaim.

"Friend Jiao is indeed a business genius!" Li Fan nodded and praised.

Not taking Li Fan's compliment to heart, Jiao Xiuyuan's expression changed as he carefully pondered for a moment. The excited look on his face gradually disappeared, and he shook his head, saying, "Friend, your idea is indeed brilliant, but it seems too idealistic."

"What if the contract signed during the borrowing of PuXian True Leaves includes clauses that allow repayment with equivalent contribution points?"

"What if the other party, risking breaching the contract, is unwilling to buy back the PuXian True Leaves?"

"There are too many uncontrollable factors, and the risk is too high."

Li Fan seemed unconvinced, "Is there any business in the world without risks? Compared to the potential profits, I think it's worth a try."

Jiao Xiuyuan's expression changed slightly, and just as he was about to respond, Li Fan said, "Moreover, I believe that even if the other party gives up competing with us and actively withdraws, the large quantity of PuXian True Leaves we acquire will still result in more gains than losses."

"Why do you say that, friend?" Jiao Xiuyuan raised an eyebrow, somewhat skeptical.

Li Fan's mouth revealed a hint of a smile as he extended his right index finger.

In an instant, a crystal-clear regular icosahedron die appeared out of thin air.

Continuously rotating rapidly, it reflected many fragmented scenes.

After a moment of hesitation, Jiao Xiuyuan recognized the treasure in Li Fan's hand and exclaimed, "Heaven and Earth Universe Die?!"

Just as he was about to examine the images on the die in detail, Li Fan quickly put it away.

"I deduced this matter, and it should be close to the truth." Li Fan said seriously.

Seeing Li Fan's confident appearance, Jiao Xiuyuan couldn't help but hesitate.

"Let me inquire further." After saying that, the puppet controlled by Li Fan seemed to lose its main consciousness and fell completely silent.

Li Fan didn't rush and stood quietly on the side, patiently waiting.

This wait lasted for a day and a night.

When vitality returned to Jiao Xiuyuan's body, he suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a joyful expression, "There's a chance!"

"Oh? What did friend inquire about?" Li Fan asked with keen interest.

Approaching, Jiao Xiuyuan lowered his voice, "According to reliable information, the ones manipulating the price of PuXian True Leaves behind the scenes are several Nascent Divinity cultivators, led by Dantai Can from Tian Shu Prefecture."

"Their backgrounds are more or less related to the headquarters of the Immortal Alliance."

"And the Wise True Identification Symbols used everywhere are basically monopolized by them."

"Dantai Can..." This surname was too distinctive, making Li Fan think of the Array Dao genius who died tragically in the previous life, Dantai Tao.

"Could it be the same family?" Li Fan speculated in his mind, but his face remained unchanged, continuing to listen.

Jiao Xiuyuan spoke incessantly, "The reality is somewhat different from what we speculated. Due to their control over the production line of Wise True Identification Symbols, these people have a large stockpile of PuXian True Leaves."

"The Immortal Alliance only collects a limited number of Wise True Identification Symbols each year, and the profits are too slow. So, these people have come up with some crooked ideas."

"Some of them used a portion of the PuXian True Leaves they held as collateral to borrow a large amount of contribution points from the Qing Feng Hall."

"At the same time, the remaining people borrowed PuXian True Leaves from the Qing Feng Hall in the opposite direction."

"In this back-and-forth, PuXian True Leaves returned to their hands. At the same time, they gained equivalent contribution points through arbitrage."

...

Li Fan, hearing this, frowned slightly and interrupted Jiao Xiuyuan, "I remember, the interest of the Qing Feng Hall is not low, right? How much can they profit from doing this? Moreover, with the contribution points in hand, why go the extra mile and lend out the PuXian True Leaves again?"

Jiao Xiuyuan smiled and said, "This is why I said there's an opportunity."

"Because, in reality, these PuXian True Leaves belong to the property of the Immortal Alliance."

"The Wise True Identification Symbols involve the secrets of the Immortal Alliance, so they naturally need to implement control measures."

"Dantai Can and his group are just individuals who, due to their respective backgrounds, obtained positions responsible for manufacturing the Wise True Identification Symbols."

"Every once in a while, the Immortal Alliance headquarters sends people for routine inspections."

"Although there are internal connections to know the news in advance, the surface work still needs to be done. At least on the books, there shouldn't be too much deficit."

Jiao Xiuyuan snorted lightly, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Even though the profits of this business are already frighteningly high, they are still not satisfied."

"They arbitrarily mortgage them, exchange for huge contribution points, manipulate leverage, and cause trouble in the market."

"And these people all have strong backgrounds and well-informed information. So, they are invincible and make a lot of profits. They don't even care about the Qing Feng Hall's interest."

"Let's not talk about anything else; just talking about these PuXian True Leaves, almost the entire Immortal Alliance's inventory is in their hands. Manipulating the prices is just a piece of cake. Harvesting ignorant cultivators is simply effortless."

Li Fan nodded slowly, understanding the methods of Dantai Can and his group.

In essence, it was embezzling the Immortal Alliance's strategic resources, exchanging them for contribution points, and then using internal information to buy low and sell high, profiting for themselves.

"With such charges, it's not small. Friend Jiao, you've investigated this so clearly; your skills are almost reaching the heavens!" Li Fan, coming back to his senses, praised.

Jiao Xiuyuan waved his hand, "It's just that these people are truly outrageous, too arrogant! Not only are they not strict with confidentiality, but they also treat these matters as something to brag about in casual conversations. That's why I could find out."

"Otherwise, with such a private matter, how could I know!"

Li Fan smiled and didn't dwell on this matter. Instead, he discussed with Jiao Xiuyuan the feasibility of targeting the Dantai Can group.

"In this way, my previous concerns are no longer a problem."

"Regardless, they will definitely try to reclaim the PuXian True Leaves. Even if they have to risk everything, they must do so."

"Otherwise, once exposed, even the backers behind them won't be able to save them."

"At that time, it won't be a matter of bankruptcy. Facing death, it's an outcome they can only seek but won't obtain."

Jiao Xiuyuan's face showed a cold light, decisive in his words.

"Good!" Li Fan applauded, with an approving look on his face.

"The only worry is that the two of us, with limited strength, may not necessarily be a match for the opponents."

"If we can't defeat the enemy in one blow, once they react, our plan might fall apart."

Suddenly, Jiao Xiuyuan said.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 459: The Immortal Alliance Hears My Name

"At this time, it's the moment for your thousands of puppets to come into play," Li Fan said mysteriously, whispering for a moment.

Jiao Xiuyuan's eyes lit up at his words, nodding repeatedly.

At the same time, in the Immortal Alliance's city defenses and various sect ruins in the wilderness:

Countless faces began telling stories to those around them.

The protagonist of these stories was an ancient cultivator who had awakened after a thousand years of sleep.

This person possessed the secret arts of the Ancient Heavenly Mechanism Sect, wielded the treasure "Heaven and Earth Qiankun Die," and could understand Yin and Yang, comprehend creation, and even fathom time, foreseeing the future.

If one could receive his guidance, various opportunities would be easily obtainable.

Not to mention altering destiny, becoming wealthy overnight would be a trivial matter.

He Zhaohao from the Congyun Sea was a living example.

If you don't believe it, just inquire and you'll know!

In Jiao Xiuyuan's description, Li Fan was portrayed as a highly skilled individual, comparable to an ancient transcendent being.

Such exaggerated words were not believed by most cultivators.

They shook their heads, thinking it was just another second-generation immortal boasting for personal reputation, creating a sensational story.

However, there was still a very small number of cultivators who became interested in Li Fan.

They inquired about the specific situation from Jiao Xiuyuan.

At this point, Jiao Xiuyuan remained tight-lipped.

How could curiosity be easily extinguished when it was aroused? Under the itching curiosity, many cultivators approached friends in the Congyun Sea for inquiries.

To their shock, it seemed that this matter was not false.

In the Congyun Sea, there were indeed a group of cultivators who, with Li Fan's guidance, were making huge profits.

Unable to contact Li Fan, they turned to He Zhaohao and the cultivators who participated in Li Fan's first recruitment.

At this moment, He Zhaohao was a bit at a loss, with countless inquiries flooding in, making him bewildered.

He could only instinctively reply.

The rest of the participating cultivators were the same.

Thus, the news was confirmed.

Some people were disappointed because the first recruitment only had a measly contribution of 200,000.

It seemed like an obvious trick to rob Peter to pay Paul, something they could easily do themselves.

However, some people, after researching the list of participating cultivators, secretly rejoiced, thinking they had found a rare opportunity.

Because they discovered a cultivator named Zhou Peng on the list.

Although Zhou Peng's cultivation level was not high, he had a close relationship with the Elder Suns of the Heavenly Mechanism Hall in the Congyun Sea.

The name of Elder Sun Qixuan was known even to cultivators outside the Congyun Sea.

If Li Fan was really a fraud, would Zhou Peng be so foolish?

From the fact that Zhou Peng almost bet his entire fortune each time he participated in the recruitment, this ancient Heavenly Mechanism Sect cultivator was probably not simple!

So, after another round of screening, even though the number of cultivators inquiring about Li Fan's contact information decreased, their enthusiasm increased.

In the Qianli Hall, listening to Jiao Xiuyuan's feedback, Li Fan sat calmly, showing no change in expression.

Allowing public opinion to ferment for more than ten days, when the public's discussion about Li Fan gradually began to decline.

"Friend Jiao, it seems we can proceed to the next step of the plan," Li Fan said in a deep voice.

"Right, let's see my skills," Jiao Xiuyuan grinned, and his aura once again fell silent.

At the same time, all over the Immortal Alliance, whether cultivators were watching the excitement or desperately seeking Li Fan's contact information.

They all received new information from Jiao Xiuyuan.

Recently, there were too many cultivators wanting to come forward; Master Li Fan was really unbearable.

Facing numerous accusations of being a "scammer," Li Fan decided to prove his strength.

So, he entrusted Jiao Xiuyuan to pass on a unified message.

The time was set for three days later.

As soon as this news came out, it caused a sensation.

Those who believed in Li Fan were faintly looking forward to it.

In the midst of it all, those who believed Li Fan was a fraud were full of disdain, eagerly awaiting his embarrassment.

Regardless of belief, the topic was at its peak.

Along with those cultivators who were merely spectating.

For a moment, the majority of mid-to-low-level cultivators within the Immortal Alliance were looking forward to Li Fan's performance three days later.

As for those Nascent Soul and above existences, they weren't very concerned about these trivial matters.

Only a few idle ones cast their gaze.

In the discussions among the cultivators, the agreed-upon time finally arrived.

Outside the usually deserted Qianli Hall, it was now crowded with people.

They eagerly watched Jiao Xiuyuan, awaiting Li Fan's speech.

Countless Jiao Xiuyuan puppets moved uniformly, with consistent expressions.

He scanned the crowd with a solemn expression.

Clearing his throat, Jiao Xiuyuan said in a deep voice, "Friend Li Fan has stated that in order to prove he is not a fraud and to defend the honor of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, he is willing to sacrifice his lifespan and activate secret arts. He has successfully foreseen the future once again!"

Jiao Xiuyuan's words paused slightly, captivating the attention of everyone present.

After a moment, he loudly continued, "He has seen that not long from now, an item called 'Universal Tranquil Leaf' will experience a skyrocketing price! It has even caused a shock throughout the entire Immortal Alliance!"

With that, silence fell around.

Before everyone could react, Jiao Xiuyuan flashed back into the Qianli Hall.

Then, with a bang, the main gate closed tightly.

Regardless of external calls, there was no response.

"Universal Tranquil Leaf? What is this thing? A sudden price surge? Is it true or false..." Most of the onlookers were bewildered and skeptical.

However, some quick-minded individuals had already rushed back to the Tianxuan Mirror to search for and check its price.

To their amazement, they found that at the moment Jiao Xiuyuan made the announcement, the price of Universal Tranquil Leaf had surged from 265 points and was still rising.

"Stay rational! It must be because too many people bought it in an instant that the price went up."

"This Li Fan, the scammer, must have stocked up a large inventory early on, waiting for everyone to drive up the price before releasing the goods!"

Some savvy analysts tried to persuade the nearby cultivators with calm reasoning.

But the rise in price was happening right before their eyes.

If the price were to fall later, as long as they sold before the decline, they could still make a small profit, right?

More people watched the price of Universal Tranquil Leaf increasing and, in the end, couldn't resist trying to buy some.

Perhaps each person's purchase amount wasn't too large, but the overall number of cultivators was considerable.

So, the upward trend in the price of Universal Tranquil Leaf accelerated.

In a short period, it rose from 265 points to 300 points.

While Li Fan and Jiao Xiuyuan were also frantically buying.

In a courtyard somewhere in the Tianxu Province:

"Dantai Friend! Trouble! Quickly check the price of Universal Tranquil Leaf! It's 310..."

"No, it's 320 now!"

By the time Dantai Can came to his senses, the price had already reached 340 points.

"Not good!"

"Forget about the price, quickly buy all the Universal Tranquil Leaves available on the market!"

He urgently instructed.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 460: Another Turbulence

In order to better manipulate prices and make profits, Dantai Can and his group released almost half of the Universal Tranquil Leaves into the market, creating an illusion of commodity circulation. This strategy aimed to attract unaware cultivators and harvest them.

However, at this moment, the Universal Tranquil Leaves, which had been their source of profit, became a double-edged sword for them.

Almost the instant when cultivators frenziedly scrambled for Universal Tranquil Leaves, Dantai Can realized that if they didn't take measures, they would face a perilous situation!

Therefore, Dantai Can made a decisive decision, ordering the full-scale retrieval of Universal Tranquil Leaves at any cost.

Stimulated by this action, the price of Universal Tranquil Leaves rose at a speed that cultivators couldn't comprehend.

In almost an instant, it surged from over three hundred points to four hundred points, seemingly without a limit.

This extremely abnormal scene left the onlooking cultivators dumbfounded.

"Something's off!" This thought involuntarily flashed through everyone's mind.

"Could it be that this Universal Tranquil Leaf grass has some unknown uses?"

In a flurry of thoughts, those who had already bought in were secretly grateful, eagerly watching the continuing rise in its price.

Even those who had initially considered Li Fan's prophecy as a scam were now, although still skeptical, seeing people around them getting rich instantly, and they were getting eager to join the buying frenzy.

Watching this frantic situation, Dantai Can and his group became displeased.

If this continued, it was likely that all their profits from these years would be wiped out!

"Dantai Friend..."

Dantai Can waved his hand, "This time, we can only admit defeat! Continue the repurchase!"

"As long as we survive this, we won't worry about running out of fuel under a green mountain."

A hint of ferocity flashed across his handsome face.

The others, with no better option, gritted their teeth and continued to contend with the increasingly crazed cultivators.

Time slowly passed, their contribution points flowing like water, but the debt they owed was too great.

Like a hole that couldn't be filled.

Even though they were all well-off individuals, they gradually found themselves in a bit of a predicament.

However, seeing Dantai Can still not speak or change his mind, they wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads and nervously continued repurchasing.

The tense atmosphere almost solidified the air.

At this moment, Dantai Can took out a continuously flashing communication symbol. After checking, his expression slightly eased.

After sending a message, he regained a calm and composed demeanor.

Seeing this, the others thought something had changed, and they also breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time.

In the Qianli Hall of the Misty Cloud Sea.

In the previous large-scale purchases, Li Fan and Jiao Xiuyuan, who had taken the initiative, had already bought a large number of Universal Tranquil Leaves at a low price.

They were now smiling as they watched its price skyrocket.

At the same time, following the principle of safety first, Li Fan cautiously sold a portion of the Universal Tranquil Leaves.

Under Li Fan's persuasion, Jiao Xiuyuan gradually sold off a small amount as well.

The two were discussing their next plan when suddenly, Jiao Xiuyuan's expression froze.

After a moment, he smiled and said to Li Fan, "Dantai Can sent a message, do you want to listen?"

"Listening won't hurt." Li Fan replied casually.

"Cough..."

Imitating Dantai Can's voice, Jiao Xiuyuan said, "Brother Jiao, leave room for maneuver in your actions, and we'll meet again in the future. Can you sell me some face this time?"

Li Fan chuckled.

However, he didn't make a rash decision. Instead, he asked Jiao Xiuyuan, "What do you think, Brother Jiao?"

Jiao Xiuyuan chuckled, saying menacingly, "Just a junior from the Dantai family. Is he worthy of discussing 'face' with me?"

"If their ancestor personally comes, perhaps it would be more fitting!"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 461: Calm After the Storm

Li Fan applauded without further inquiry, praising, "Friend Jiao, truly imposing!"

The conversation shifted, and Li Fan unexpectedly said, "However, there's no harm in agreeing to their terms!"

This statement greatly surprised Jiao Xiuyuan.

Jiao Xiuyuan stared at Li Fan, "You don't seem like someone with a soft heart. Why the sudden act of kindness?"

"Not at all," Li Fan shook his head. "It's just to make another profit!"

When it came to business, Jiao Xiuyuan became interested and asked eagerly, "What do you mean?"

"In the previous deductions, I not only saw the skyrocketing price of Universal Tranquil Leaves but also foresaw that this turmoil would have a significant impact. Eventually, the official intervention of the Wanxian Alliance will be forced to calm the situation," Li Fan explained slowly.

"Moreover, we won't have to wait too long."

"Oh? Are you implying that soon the price of Universal Tranquil Leaves will drop again?" Jiao Xiuyuan immediately grasped the idea.

"But the specific timing cannot be accurately predicted; it might happen in the next moment. If, before the Wanxian Alliance intervenes, we don't sell all the Universal Tranquil Leaves we have, the excess may become a burden after the price collapses."

"So, why not negotiate a suitable price with Dantai Can and sell our entire stock to them before that happens?"

"This way, we reduce the risk, make another big profit, and at the same time, make Dantai Can owe us a favor."

Li Fan explained the plan.

Jiao Xiuyuan's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily, "Friend Li Fan, you're truly a business genius! Let's do as you suggest!"

He immediately closed his eyes, apparently eager to respond to Dantai Can.

Li Fan, on the other hand, stared at the constantly fluctuating prices in the Tianxuan Mirror, calculating how to deal with the impact this turmoil would bring.

After a short time, Jiao Xiuyuan awakened from his petrified state.

"It's done. Dantai Can has agreed to accept all our Universal Tranquil Leaves at a rate of 1300 contribution points per plant. Additionally, they promised to fulfill our three requests within their capabilities."

"I believe it's already at the limit they can endure. I took the liberty of signing a contract with them."

Jiao Xiuyuan explained.

"No problem, it's a small matter." Li Fan nonchalantly handed the Universal Tranquil Leaves in his hand to Jiao Xiuyuan to complete the transaction.

Li Fan glanced at the current price of Universal Tranquil Leaves in the Tianxuan Mirror.

It was 930 points per plant and still rising, showing no sign of a downturn.

"On the surface, Dantai Can and his group seem to be making a profit. However..."

Li Fan sneered inwardly, simultaneously waiting for the final verdict from the Tianxuan Mirror.

Just after Jiao Xiuyuan sent a message confirming the completion of the transaction.

In the presence of all the cultivators in front of the Tianxuan Mirror, a familiar yet cold mechanical voice echoed in their minds.

Just like Li Fan had heard in his previous life.

"Due to the recent abnormal fluctuations in the price of Universal Tranquil Leaves and to ensure the stable and harmonious development of the Wanxian Alliance, the following announcement is made."

(End of this chapter)