Chapter 496-500: Profound Sky Tightens the Seal (6k+ words)

The order came from the headquarters of the Wanxian Alliance's Political Affairs Hall, accompanied by a token as the acting island lord and detailed handover procedures, making it unquestionably authentic.

Officially, it was because of the "Assault on Wanxian Island" incident, and among the surviving system cultivators in the Congyun Sea, Li Fan held the highest position due to his rank.

Since the two Divine Sovereigns, Ziyun and Hongxi, couldn't return, the duty of the acting island lord naturally fell on Li Fan.

However, Li Fan felt no joy about this unexpected promotion.

After carefully reading the handover instructions, his brows furrowed.

Although the special envoy to the Hall of Martial Arts was a nominal position, in terms of rank, only cultivators at the Yuanying stage and above could hold it.

The rank was not low.

That wasn't the issue. However, in the vast Congyun Sea, among the system cultivators of the same rank who were not captured by the Five Elders, there were certainly many.

Why was this "heavy responsibility" specifically assigned to him, Li Fan?

Was it a test, a warning, or perhaps a pacification? Li Fan couldn't tell.

However, since the order had been issued, thinking too much was futile. When the enemy comes, meet them with readiness!

A cold light flashed in Li Fan's eyes as he flew towards the Congyun Sea.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Stone Linzhou, approaching the Congyun Sea, he once again encountered the obstruction of an invisible barrier.

Li Fan took out the communication talisman and infused it with spiritual energy.

A "Wan" character radiated from above, shooting towards the front barrier.

Ripples spread out, and Li Fan tried to extend his right hand. It felt as if there was an invisible substance attached to his arm, changing shape as he continued to reach forward.

Eventually, it became like a sticky bubble that burst when touched. With a contemplative expression, Li Fan then rushed towards the invisible barrier.

The next moment, Li Fan's main body had returned to the Congyun Sea.

Following the recorded location in the handover instructions, Li Fan flew at full speed. Four days later, he arrived at the destination.

A giant Dust Ferryboat with a familiar appearance was quietly hovering in the air.

On the deck, faint figures of many black-robed cultivators could be seen.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Fan flew towards the Dust Ferryboat.

As if they had long known of Li Fan's arrival, the black-robed cultivators did not come forward to intercept.

"Friend Li Fan, come here!" the moment Li Fan stepped onto the deck, a voice came from inside the Dust Ferryboat.

Li Fan walked towards the direction of the voice, discreetly assessing the black-robed cultivators around him.

Familiar with the cold and killing intent.

This should be the group of Soul Gods from the "Era," specially handling special tasks.

The predecessors of the "Time Sorcerers" who appeared after the establishment of the Profound Net in the previous life.

Not wanting to stir up trouble for now, Li Fan pretended to casually glance around, withdrew his gaze, and continued to walk inside.

Before long, he reached a room deep in the corridor and pushed open the door.

A white-haired young man was sitting in front of a long table, his expression solemn.

On the long table, many characters and images swiftly flashed by.

It seemed to have its own function to prevent outsiders from peeking. All that Li Fan saw was distorted and blurred.

"Island Lord Li, you've received the appointment letter; I won't go into detail here. I mainly emphasize three points."

"One, the reconstruction work must be completed within six months."

"Two, the budget for this project is limited, and you need to strictly control the overall material expenses. If the actual cost exceeds the approved limit, causing delays in construction progress, you will be responsible accordingly. Of course, if you can complete the task on time, it will certainly be a great achievement, and rewards will be inevitable!"

"The third point, which is the most important..."

White-haired youth looked up, staring at Li Fan.

Li Fan's heart skipped a beat as he noticed that the youth's eye sockets were completely empty, pitch black.

"In the letter of appointment, there's no formal written explanation. I won't admit to saying these words once I leave this room. However, it's something you must do. If there's any mishap..."

The white-haired youth snorted, lightly tapping the table.

A stream of light flew out from the long table, heading straight for Li Fan.

Li Fan blocked it with his hand, and as the light touched his body, it vanished.

At the same time, some information appeared in his mind.

"This is..."

Li Fan frowned slightly.

"The Profound Sky Sealing Array diagram," the white-haired youth seemed to perceive Li Fan's confusion and explained.

"Wanxian Island has been moved, and the bottom's Hidden Passage has been exposed. While building the new Congyun Immortal City, you need to inscribe the Profound Sky Sealing Array into the foundation of the city."

"With the guidance of the array diagram, you don't need to be proficient in formations. As an ancient cultivator, this should not be a problem for you." Without giving Li Fan a chance to refuse, the white-haired youth said.

"How should I address you?" Li Fan asked without agreeing, raising his eyebrows.

The white-haired youth stared at Li Fan with his gloomy eyes for a moment before saying, "First Scripture."

Li Fan's gaze slightly condensed.

This name, he had seen it before.

After cultivating for three years, forming a core as an ordinary person, slaying Yuan Ying, and surpassing Nascent Soul, he reached the pinnacle of Nascent Soul a few decades ago. Faced with an easily obtainable opportunity to achieve Dao unity, he resolutely gave it up because the world's soul was too weak, not meeting his expectations.

The legendary Son of the First Scripture.

Li Fan had long admired his name. Unexpectedly, today he could see him in person.

However, Li Fan was well-traveled, showing no change in expression, neither servile nor overbearing, and respectfully said, "So, it's the Son of the First Scripture!"

"Although it's an order from the Wanxian Alliance's Political Affairs Hall, sending me to be the acting island lord without clear explanations, and having me arrange the Profound Sky Sealing Array..."

"Sorry, but I can't comply!"

Li Fan spoke firmly.

The First Scripture couldn't help but frown.

Feeling the gradually heavy space around him, Li Fan's face remained unchanged.

He continued, "This matter is too suspicious, exuding a conspiratorial atmosphere everywhere. Who can guarantee that your Wanxian Alliance won't turn around and harm me?"

Hearing this, the First Scripture was stunned.

With a faint smile, he retracted his oppressive aura.

"Ah, you're worried about that..."

"That's really unnecessary."

The Son of the First Scripture stood up, walking to the side of the room.

With his movement, the entire ship's wall instantly became transparent.

As if standing in the clouds, the vast Congyun Sea appeared in front of the two.

"Lord Li comes from ancient times, perhaps you don't know that since the great calamity, strange existences called 'Anomalies' have emerged throughout the world."

"And among them, a few places have the most frequent and dense occurrences."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 497: Rebuilding Wanxian Island

"Congyun Sea, Luoyan Prefecture, Cangwu Abyss, Qianling Prefecture..."

Son of the First Scripture mentioned some place names that Li Fan may be familiar or unfamiliar with.

"The reason is that these places have 'Hidden Passages.'"

"The true nature of the Hidden Passages is not yet conclusive. But according to our research, if it's left exposed, the frequency of mysterious outbreaks in that region will increase dramatically."

"So, it must be suppressed with the Profound Sky Sealing Array."

Unexpectedly, Li Fan received an answer completely beyond his expectations from the First Scripture.

"When Wanxian Island was still there, we never discovered this Hidden Passage at the bottom of the island. It was just based on the annual reports of anomalies from the Congyun Sea Celestial Mechanism Hall that we inferred its existence."

"Who would have thought it would be at the bottom of the former preaching site of the Transmitter Heavenly Venerable."

"The great power of the Heavenly Venerable can still effectively seal the Hidden Passage even after thousands of years with just a tiny remaining force. But now that Wanxian Island is gone, this Hidden Passage must be sealed."

"The existence of anomalies is not a secret, but few people know that anomalies can also spread. To avoid panic and ensure the stability of the Wanxian Alliance, strict confidentiality is required."

Son of the First Scripture spoke calmly.

"All this secrecy is because of this?" Li Fan couldn't help but feel a bit speechless that this strange request was actually related to anomalies spread all over the world.

"Is it because of this?" The First Scripture looked at Li Fan coldly.

"Lord Li, don't underestimate anomalies. They are not as easy to deal with as you might imagine."

With a hint of implication in his words, he didn't elaborate further.

Li Fan, hearing this, retracted the disdain on his face and nodded slightly.

Changing the topic, he asked, "So, why was I suddenly appointed as the acting island lord? This Congyun Sea..."

First Scripture interrupted Li Fan's inquiry, shaking his head slowly, "It seems that during ancient times, internal deception within sects was quite severe. Lord Li is a bit overly suspicious."

"Rest assured, everything is done according to the established procedures."

"According to the regulations passed down since ancient times, when the overall structure of the Wanxian Alliance in a certain region is obliterated, the practitioner with the highest position among the surviving cultivators in that region automatically inherits the first administrative position."

"If there are multiple practitioners with the same position, the actual candidate is determined by combat ability."

"Lord Li, cutting down four Yuan Yings, although it's pretended to be using external objects, these excuses may fool others, but if you want to deceive us in the Wanxian Alliance, it's a bit too idealistic."

"For the killing power of every item sold in the Heavenly Mirror, we have a thorough and accurate assessment."

"Although you can indeed achieve Yuan Ying beheading, it's impossible to leave no trace like you did back then, clean and neat."

"Among the surviving practitioners in the Congyun Sea, your combat power ranks first. Who else but you to be the acting island lord?"

The First Scripture looked at Li Fan with a somewhat mocking smile as he replied.

Li Fan felt a bit solemn in his heart, making a somewhat embarrassed look on his face as if being exposed.

"So, I was thinking too much."

"In that case, I accept the position!"

He said candidly.

Whether true or false, the First Scripture's words had reached this point. If Li Fan didn't agree, he probably wouldn't be able to leave this room.

Seeing Li Fan being so sensible, the First Scripture nodded slightly in satisfaction.

"The blockade of the Congyun Sea will not be lifted until the completion of Congyun Immortal City."

"Of course, headquarters will send corresponding practitioners to assist in the reconstruction of Congyun Sea."

"But due to certain reasons, the quantity won't be too large. There will be only a small amount of support in several special areas, such as the long-distance teleportation array."

"The main reliance will be on yourselves."

"I will also send assistants to help you complete the reconstruction of the Immortal City."

"For the materials needed for the construction project, you can ask him for them."

"The relevant list of materials will be sent to you later. What you need to do most is to coordinate and plan the surviving practitioners in the Congyun Sea, guide and supervise the reconstruction of Congyun City as soon as possible."

...

Chapter 498: Correction of the Materials List

After explaining a bit, the First Scripture let Li Fan leave.

Later, a cultivator named Zhou Kebao found Li Fan and brought the approved list of materials.

"Lord Li, this is the detailed list of materials approved for this project. Please take a look." Smiling plumply, Zhou Kebao said to Li Fan.

Li Fan took the list and carefully examined it.

A long list of details, even a cursory look would take quite some time.

Various items, familiar and unfamiliar, made it all quite dazzling.

Only the names were labeled, without specific uses.

It looked confusing, and it was unclear.

Li Fan was a layman in many aspects, but when it came to formations, he couldn't escape Li Fan's eyes.

One of the most important functions of Congyun Immortal City is to connect teleportation array nodes in various places.

Including the long-distance teleportation formation, there were originally 11,687 teleportation formations on the original Wanxian Island.

Li Fan found the special material for building teleportation formations: "Mystic Void Stone," and calculated based on the quantity listed in the inventory.

After a moment, Li Fan indeed discovered something fishy.

If only the materials listed on the inventory were used, it wouldn't even meet the requirements for building all the small teleportation formations, let alone the long-distance teleportation formation.

Li Fan's face immediately darkened. "Friend Zhou, did you make a mistake with this list? Double-check it. Now!"

A blatant killing intent filled his eyes, without any concealment.

Zhou Kebao was first slightly stunned, then took the list, and looked at it again.

While checking, he mumbled, "Mistaken? Impossible, right? Could it be Lord Li, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, he heard Li Fan's cold voice, "Friend Zhou, I have pledged a military order in front of the First Scripture."

"If the task cannot be completed on time, the consequences will be quite severe."

"I am a person with a small mind. I won't forget any grievances!"

"If there is no hope of completing the task by then, I don't mind, I'll fight to the death with those who are secretly causing trouble!"

Zhou Kebao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hurriedly said, "Lord Li, don't get so agitated. Let me carefully check again!"

Having said that, he dared not look at Li Fan again and hurriedly left.

Li Fan coldly snorted and closed his eyes, waiting.

After a full half a day, Zhou Kebao returned with a brand-new list.

"Hehe, Lord Li's insight is truly keen! I did make a mistake!"

"The previous list was an initial budget, and compared to the final list, it did miss some materials."

Li Fan took the new list and found that the quantity of materials on it was more than half of what was listed just now.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 498: Li Fan's Plan

Li Fan squinted his eyes.

Seeing the significant difference between the detailed list brought by Zhou Kebao and the previous one, Li Fan calmed down, putting aside the idea of pretending to be angry for now.

A slight adjustment resulted in a fifty percent discrepancy in quantity.

This could only indicate that the actual quantity on the real list was much larger than what he had.

Although there were some irregularities and embezzlement happening within Wanxian Alliance, everyone at least tried to maintain some semblance of discretion.

However, to openly take kickbacks right in front of him, Li Fan, the acting island lord, and to consume such a large quantity of materials…

There was only one explanation: the group of people secretly causing trouble was specifically targeting him, Li Fan.

Yes, perhaps the process of him becoming the acting island lord was indeed legal and compliant.

However, that didn't prevent those with ulterior motives from seizing the opportunity and launching a conspiracy upon learning this news.

Maybe it was for Li Fan, or perhaps it was due to his substantial contribution value.

Up until now, Li Fan hadn't deliberately concealed anything related to the process of promoting Pu Xian Zhen Ye, suppressing other cultivators' contribution values, and reinvesting, etc.

Except for transactions with the empire, every transaction was traceable.

Without being overly precise, a rough calculation would reveal the astonishing amount of contribution value Li Fan currently possessed.

With interests involved, it was normal for him to attract attention.

Besides interests, there was also hatred.

Dantai Can, who suffered losses during the promotion of Pu Xian Zhen Ye, might also add fuel to the fire during this process.

Planning before action, thoughts raced in Li Fan's mind as he scanned the list again.

After a while, he nodded slightly and solemnly put away the list.

At the same time, he casually asked, "Friend Zhou, besides this detailed list, is there anything else to give me?"

"Nothing else, nothing else." Zhou Kebao had a big smile on his face, shaking his head repeatedly.

Seeing this, Li Fan coldly snorted but didn't confront him for the time being. He just arched his hand and said, "Rebuilding the immortal city is a significant matter, involving many aspects. I need to carefully plan how to proceed."

Li Fan contemplated for a while, pretending to think.

Then he said, "So, I'll make some preparations first. When the formal construction begins, I'll contact you again, Friend Zhou!"

Zhou Kebao patted his chest and agreed, "Certainly! Lord Li, if you have any requests, just let me know. I will fully cooperate and ensure the tasks assigned by the First Scripture are properly completed."

Li Fan didn't respond positively, just stared at Zhou Kebao with a chilling gaze for a while.

Afterwards, he left, brushing his sleeves and soaring away from the Dust Ferry in the sky.

Watching Li Fan gradually disappear, Zhou Kebao's smiling face slowly faded, replaced by disdain and mockery in his eyes.

"Let's see how you end up in half a year..." With a cold snort, he took out a communication talisman, contacting someone unknown and transmitting everything that happened here.

Little did Zhou Kebao, who thought he had Li Fan in the palm of his hand, know that every move of his was under the surveillance of the omnipresent divine perspective, falling under Li Fan's monitoring.

"Sure enough, something's fishy..."

"It seems that assistance from the First Scripture's side can't be counted on. To rebuild the Immortal City, I must rely on personnel under my control..."

Returning to his island form, Li Fan looked at Tianyang, who was standing blankly beside, watching the children leaving the boundary. He felt a bit relieved.

"With Tianyang's divine transformation strength presiding, at least it can deter the small fries, so there shouldn't be a big problem."

"However, it's still not enough..."

Li Fan took out a shining jade token engraved with the character "Wan" and carefully sensed it.

Chapter 498: Li Fan's Strategic Breakthrough

It was the island lord token handed to him along with the appointment letter for the acting island lord. Besides symbolizing the identity of the island lord, its most significant use was to allow Li Fan to view and communicate with all the cultivators under his jurisdiction.

In Li Fan's mind, a vast network of interpersonal relationships suddenly appeared.

At the top, naturally, was Li Fan himself.

Below, based on different departments like the Array Hall, Martial Hall, Celestial Mechanism Hall, as well as the guardians of various islands and external personnel from different departments, were listed accordingly.

Each node represented a cultivator.

Focusing his mind on a single node allowed him to view the corresponding cultivator's brief information and directly contact them.

"The number of cultivators within the system belonging to the Congyun Sea is unexpectedly large..."

Li Fan couldn't help but marvel.

Besides common positions, there were also some unheard-of and peculiar positions.

For example, "Feedback Collection Specialist for Congyun Sea Cultivators of Wanxian Alliance," "Liaison Officer for Congyun Sea stationed in Shilin Prefecture," "Earth Vein Supervisor," and so on.

One face after another emerged.

Many of these people Li Fan had seen before. Originally, he thought they were ordinary independent cultivators, but unexpectedly, they held the status of cultivators within the system.

Most of the nodes representing cultivators had dimmed, indicating either their demise or that they were in a state of being unreachable.

However, the remaining number of cultivators still alive was considerable.

"It seems that to rebuild the Immortal City, the main force must be selected from this group."

"However, the personnel are diverse, and I've only had casual interactions with them. How can I select suitable candidates?"

Li Fan furrowed his brows, excluding those cultivators who had already been captured by the Five Elders.

Among the remaining cultivators, he carefully browsed.

Suddenly, his gaze stopped on one of the cultivators.

"Huh, he is..."

An idea immediately flashed in Li Fan's mind.

---

Congyun Sea, a secretive cave unknown to others.

High Yuan, who was in seclusion, suddenly woke up from a nightmare.

On the day the Five Elders attacked Congyun Sea, forcibly taking away Wanxian Island, hundreds of cultivators perished.

However, High Yuan happened to be away on official business at that time, fortunately avoiding this catastrophe.

Just seeing the terrifying situation of those cultivators from afar left an indelible mark in his mind, becoming his inner demon.

"I didn't expect Wanxian Alliance to be so unbearable. They let an entire Immortal City be taken away without any response."

"Instead, they sealed Congyun Sea, venting their anger on their own people."

"I've been diligently guarding the entrance of the Bureau of Political Affairs for decades, and now this happens..."

"I might as well join the Five Elders..."

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, High Yuan couldn't help but think like this.

Just then, the communication talisman within the system that he thought would never be contacted again suddenly lit up.

High Yuan's heartbeat accelerated, thinking that his thoughts of defecting had been discovered.

As he nervously picked up the talisman and carefully examined it, a mysterious glow appeared on his face.

"Acting island lord, Li Fan?"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 499: The Taste of Power

Li Fan briefly explained the matter of rebuilding the Immortal City in Congyun Sea to High Yuan and invited him to meet.

Li Fan's tone was friendly, without the airs of an island lord, leaving High Yuan somewhat pleasantly surprised.

Having spent most of his life struggling within Wanxian Island, High Yuan knew that these so-called "acting" or "deputy" positions were often more challenging to deal with than formally appointed ones.

Although he didn't know why this renowned Celestial Mechanism Sect cultivator chose him, High Yuan understood that he was currently his top-level direct superior and couldn't afford to be disrespectful.

Quickly getting himself ready, High Yuan hurried to the agreed-upon meeting place.

As for defection...

That was just venting frustration.

Defection was impossible. Besides the high level of danger involved, High Yuan was still a member within the Wanxian Alliance system. If he truly defected to the Five Elders, without any special skills, he wouldn't fare better than he did now.

He wasn't that foolish.

Suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, High Yuan, during the journey, pondered the reasons why the newly appointed acting island lord wanted to meet him.

After a while, he finally arrived at the designated meeting place.

Tai'an Island.

The island protection array opened, revealing a passage, and High Yuan flew into the formation.

In his line of sight, Acting Island Lord Li Fan was seated in the front. Meanwhile, Tai'an Island's guardian, Zhou Qing'ang, stood nervously on the side, sweating profusely, appearing very tense.

It seemed like the two were discussing some sensitive topics, and upon High Yuan's arrival, they suddenly stopped.

Witnessing this scene, High Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

This guardian of Tai'an Island held a higher official rank than him. Surprisingly, he appeared so unsettled in front of Li Fan. It seemed that dealing with this ancient Celestial Mechanism cultivator was not as easy as it seemed.

High Yuan, who had experienced many people, immediately became cautious and respectfully approached, bowing.

"Greetings, Island Lord!"

"You're here," Li Fan said, looking at High Yuan, with a friendly smile.

"Do you know why I brought you here?" Li Fan asked.

Although High Yuan muttered in his heart, he replied without delay, "This one doesn't know."

"I heard that you were stationed at the entrance of the Bureau of Political Affairs before," Li Fan said after a moment of silence, making High Yuan feel a bit uneasy.

"Indeed, Island Lord," although he knew the other party was asking knowingly, High Yuan answered respectfully.

"How long have you been in this position?"

"For over ninety-eight years."

"A hundred years pass quickly. You've worked hard..."

"You've been in this position for a hundred years, and your position hasn't changed. Have you ever harbored grievances?"

"This one dares not." Although feeling a bit uneasy, High Yuan quickly shook his head, indicating his loyalty.

"Very well."

Li Fan nodded in approval and then moved on to the main topic.

"Every time a cultivator joins the system, they need to go through the questioning platform of the Bureau of Political Affairs. In daily affairs, you also need to visit the Bureau of Political Affairs occasionally. I presume you have some understanding of the cultivators within the Congyun Sea system, right?" Li Fan asked.

"Island Lord, I wouldn't dare exaggerate. However, basic information, I'm clear about it," High Yuan said, lifting his head slightly and observing Li Fan before adding, "At the very least, one cannot make mistakes. Furthermore, I need to understand who has a good temper, who has a background, and who can't be offended. These are all things I need to figure out."

"In our line of work, our status is lowly. If we don't have insight and offend the wrong people, there won't be a good outcome."

"That's good. Help me assess these cultivators and identify those who can be useful!" Li Fan ignored High Yuan's complaints and waved his hand. Suddenly, countless cultivator portraits, like stars, appeared in front of High Yuan.

"People who can be useful?" High Yuan was momentarily stunned. However, thinking about the grand project of rebuilding the Immortal City mentioned by the island lord, his heart started pounding.

"You also know that I just woke up recently, and I'm not familiar with the personnel in Congyun Sea. Suddenly taking on such a major task, I'm also uneasy, afraid of messing things up," Li Fan whispered ahead.

"To do a good job, we need a capable team. Since you have some understanding of them, you might as well help me strategize. In the future, when the foundation of the Immortal City is laid, I won't forget your contribution!"

Hearing this, High Yuan suddenly felt his throat dry. Looking at the cultivators he used to carefully greet, now standing in front of him, ready to be chosen by him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of power.

"...Is this the taste of power?"

His heart began to beat uncontrollably. His face turned red, and High Yuan felt a bit dizzy. However, he wasn't blinded by temporary glory. He knew that the bit of "power" in his hands was given by Li Fan. Until the construction of Congyun Immortal City was completed, all of this was still uncertain and fragile.

But...

If the Immortal City was successfully built, there would be a chance for this power to become real. The feeling of being able to manipulate fate at will was incredibly beautiful, making High Yuan unable to resist.

So, he silently vowed to make the most of this rare opportunity and undergo a transformation in his professional career.

He began to introduce the cultivators to Li Fan according to the list, one after another.

As time passed, Li Fan listened attentively to High Yuan's descriptions, feeling pleasantly surprised. The abilities of this former gatekeeper he had casually encountered during his induction into Wanxian Alliance far exceeded his expectations. High Yuan had detailed knowledge of each cultivator, even their temperaments and possible complex relationships.

"What a find."

As High Yuan continued his in-depth introduction, Li Fan became increasingly satisfied.

"Even small figures have their uses."

"This is where I can break through."

Li Fan selected suitable cultivators one after another, keeping their information in mind.

...

Half a month later.

All surviving system cultivators in Congyun Sea received a message from the acting island lord.

Seven days later, the ceremony for the reconstruction of Congyun Immortal City would be held at the original location of Wanxian Island.

Everyone must attend punctually.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 500: Congratulations to Island Lord Li

The name Li Fan was known to these people, but his appointment as the acting island lord was only known to a very few.

So when the message arrived, everyone was surprised, and some felt unconvinced. After all, despite Li Fan's ability to deduce the heavenly secrets, he was only at the Golden Core level. There were many Nascent Soul cultivators surviving in Congyun Sea. Why should he become the island lord?

People speculated that Li Fan's wealth might have played a role in his rise. And the grandiose reconstruction ceremony only added to the skepticism.

However, regardless of their thoughts, the position of acting island lord was issued and certified by the Wanxian Alliance headquarters. Even if they looked down on Li Fan in their hearts, they dared not defy the order.

Most people were waiting with an attitude of watching a good show, anticipating the day to come.

Soon, seven days passed, and a group of cultivators from Congyun Sea gathered at the old site of Wanxian Island.

Even some non-members of the system, upon hearing about this, came to join the excitement.

As people chatted and looked at the seemingly bottomless black hole in the sea, reminiscing about the past of Wanxian Island, emotions were stirred.

As time passed, more and more cultivators arrived to witness the event.

However, the main figure, Li Fan, had yet to appear, leading to some discussions in the crowd.

Just then, a radiant light flew from a distance, catching everyone's attention.

"To congratulate Dao Friend Li Fan on being appointed as the acting island lord of Wanxian Island, Tianyunzhou and the Oracle Sect present a copy of the 'Heavenly Fate Alchemy Book' as a token of goodwill!"

The light stopped above the crowd, revealing a handsome Daoist holding a feather duster. He sang a high note and threw a scroll into the air.

The scroll extended in the wind, and amidst the exclamations of the onlookers, it turned into a dragon, swirling in the sky.

Colorful radiance bloomed from the scroll, and then, before everyone's eyes, the 'Heavenly Fate Alchemy Book' disappeared.

The Daoist bowed slightly to the void, ignored the people below, and turned into a streak of light, flying away.

"Look, fellow cultivators, there seems to be something different here compared to before!"

"Of course, it is said that the 'Heavenly Fate Alchemy Book' can condense the luck and defy fate. With the protection of such a treasure, the reconstruction of the Immortal City is bound to be a success!"

"Hiss... Who is this Oracle Sect? How can they casually give away such treasures?"

Cultivators at the scene discussed fervently.

But before they could settle down, another streak of light came from the sky.

"To congratulate..."

"Tianyunzhou and Daoist Jingxuan, specially presenting the 'Town-Sea Azure Bull' as a token of goodwill!"

A young Daoist led a cyan bull and appeared before the crowd.

The bull lightly bellowed, and the laws of heaven and earth changed. Its body instantly became the size of a continuous mountain range.

"Moo!"

The sound of the bull echoed through Congyun Sea, then it turned into a cyan light, dispersing to various seas in all directions.

"Wow! Such a generous gift! With this treasure, Congyun Sea will be calm for at least three years!" A knowledgeable cultivator exclaimed.

"What is the relationship between this Daoist Jingxuan and Island Lord Li Fan?"

As the crowd was still full of doubt, more streaks of light arrived successively, bringing various congratulatory gifts.

Tianquanzhou Guangwu, Tianyuzhou Huangfusong...

All of them were powerful cultivators from the heartland of Wanxian Alliance.

"These people are at least at the Nascent Soul stage..." After some investigation, the cultivators present couldn't help but be amazed.

"It seems that our island lord has a deep background. No wonder he can take on such a responsibility with only Golden Core cultivation."

"Maybe not. These people did not personally come to the scene, just sent their subordinates with gifts. It's very likely that our island lord paid others to send these gifts, putting on a show!" However, some still held different opinions.

Amidst continuous discussions, the successive gifts gradually subsided.

Just when everyone thought that Li Fan, the island lord, was about to make an appearance, a magnificent airship broke through the sky.

Thirty-six Nascent Soul cultivators led the way, and a young cultivator in white, with sword-like eyebrows and extraordinary looks, slowly descended.

"From Tianzhu Zhou, Dantai Can congratulates Island Lord Li Fan!"

The thirty-six Nascent Soul cultivators spoke in unison.

The cultivators of Congyun Sea were momentarily silent, shocked by this unexpected arrival.

"Dantai Can? The Dantai family!"

Those who knew the background of the Dantai family couldn't help but be shocked.

Even those unfamiliar with Dantai Can were stunned by the thirty-six Nascent Soul cultivators.

From a distance, Zhou Kebao, who was observing on the Dust-Crossing Ship, stood up in disbelief.

"Dantai Can? How could he come here?" His eyes were filled with confusion. "It doesn't make sense at all!"

After a long time, a trace of horror flashed across Zhou Kebao's face.

"Could it be that they teamed up and set up a trap?"

In doubt, Zhou Kebao took out a communication talisman and quickly reported this unexpected situation to his associates.

As Dantai Can appeared, the atmosphere reached its climax.

Now it was time for Li Fan to show up.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

A loud rumbling sound came continuously from the distance, as if a primordial behemoth was rapidly approaching.

"Look! What is that?" A sharp-eyed cultivator followed the direction of the sound and noticed something unusual.

A colossal stone giant appeared on the horizon.

It stood in the Congyun Sea, with only half of its calves submerged in the water.

Although its body was extremely massive, its speed was astonishing.

Crossing the sea with each step, it caused ripples in the Congyun Sea.

In the blink of an eye, the stone giant was close to the old site of Wanxian Island.

Unaware cultivators thought it might be another surprise attack by the Five Elders, becoming nervous in an instant.

Feeling the aura emanating from the giant stone figure, the cultivators' faces turned pale.

"Peak Nascent Soul?"

As the stone giant approached, the immense pressure made some cultivators unable to resist taking out their treasures for defense.

At this moment, hundreds of cultivators led by Gao Yuan, He Zhenghao, and Zhou Qing'ang, as if rehearsed a hundred times, flew out together.

They bowed to the giant stone figure and said, "Welcome, Island Lord!"

"Hahaha, no need for formalities, everyone!" A hearty laughter came from the top of the stone giant.

As everyone looked closer, on top of the giant stone figure in the Nascent Soul realm, there stood a cultivator!

And this person was Li Fan!

A Nascent Soul Immortal Monarch, able to have Li Fan with only a Golden Core cultivation beneath him, was not something achievable through contribution points alone.

Being able to mobilize various powerful cultivators from the heartland of Wanxian Alliance, and even have Nascent Soul cultivators willingly be stepped on by him.

What background does Island Lord Li Fan truly possess?

Not to mention the cultivators of Congyun Sea present, even Dantai Can, who had maintained a calm expression on the flying ship, looked at Li Fan above with a hint of fluctuation in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)