While his mind was racing, Li Fan didn’t stop speaking.
He said with a solemn expression, “This matter is extremely important. Based on our assessment, its significance surpasses even that of the ‘Tianxuan Spirit Lock’ and the unification prophecy of the ‘Xuan-huang.’”
He paused, glancing at the stony face of his counterpart, whose composure had clearly been shaken. Li Fan smiled subtly and continued, “If we let the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance complete this unchallenged, it could completely tip the power balance between your Five Elders Association and the Immortal Alliance.”
“The strength between the Five Elders Association and the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance has always been on par. However, because of the presence of the Immortal Ancestor, the Immortal Alliance has had a slight upper hand. If the Immortal Alliance's power were to increase further, the Five Elders Association might forever remain underfoot, unable to regain ground.”
“This is something we don’t want to see,” Li Fan stated frankly.
“That’s why I’m here to find you so urgently. I understand that frequent communication from a spy to superiors may raise suspicion. However, the situation is pressing, and I had no choice but to reach out this way.” He sighed, shaking his head.
“Is this true?” The face in the stone grew even more serious. He didn’t believe Li Fan would deceive him on such a matter; surely, he must have some solid evidence.
But more important than the prophecy of ‘Xuan-huang’?
That was difficult to believe. Since he was the first to report the prophecy within their organization, the Five Elders Association had been taking significant action.
His superiors had also treated him more kindly, even promising that if he could perform a similar deed again, he could retire honorably from the front lines, redeem his soul contract, and become a “free cultivator”—the most enviable status among the Five Elders Association.
...
This illustrated the depth of the secrets tied to the unification prophecy. Yet now, this mysterious cultivator, hiding behind the guise of Zhou Qingang, claimed to know of something even more critical?
His heart pounded wildly, an unfamiliar sensation.
Could this be his chance to change his destiny?
“What is it?” he asked impatiently.
Li Fan held up one finger. “The usual price—ten million contribution points.”
Before the stone face could reply, Li Fan explained, “The development of any organization requires ample funding.”
“Though we too wish to prevent the Ten Thousand Immortals from becoming dominant, and you from losing your power balance, our first priority is to ensure our own survival and growth.”
“Don’t think it’s too much. Since you were willing to pay ten million contribution points last time...”
“Believe me, this time it’s worth it.”
Li Fan looked at the stone face earnestly. “Go on and request it from your superiors. I’ll wait here for your answer.”
After hesitating briefly, the face vanished from the stone.
“Most likely, as in my past life, they’ll send Dao Integration cultivators to launch a raid on the Five Elements Cave Heaven.”
“The Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance will likely respond fiercely, setting the stage for a massive battle.”
“I remember that in my previous life, the battle was brutal once it reached a deadlock. Every state’s Nascent Soul cultivators were pulled to the battlefield in Tianling State.”
“The death toll of cultivators was staggering. Though I officially have only a Golden Core cultivation, I did manage to kill several Nascent Soul cultivators. Given my true combat strength, it’s quite likely I’d be drafted.”
“The Tianling State battlefield... it’s best to keep my distance.”
With that in mind, Li Fan immediately summoned Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao and announced two things.
First, he claimed he felt an enormous, rare opportunity approaching. As the ruler of Congyun Sea, he was committed to ensuring the prosperity of all its cultivators, so he decided to relaunch the contribution collection plan.
This time, the upper limit of fundraising would be...
One hundred million.
Upon hearing this, He Zhenghao’s eyes widened in shock, frozen for a long moment.
Meanwhile, Gao Yuan looked at Li Fan with a fervent gaze.
Before they could regain composure, Li Fan announced the second matter.
The upcoming contribution collection was critical and had to be handled flawlessly.
So, effective immediately, he would enter deep seclusion.
All channels of communication would be closed to prevent any disturbances.
He would not emerge until everything was ready.
“This...” Hearing these seemingly contradictory orders, Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao frowned slightly, puzzled.
However, Gao Yuan reacted quickly and bowed. “As you command, my lord.”
“You can trust us—we won’t let you down!”
........................................................................
Read extra chapters on >>> /SpiritStonetranslation