He Zhenghao’s worries naturally disappeared once the prices for stockpiled resources doubled.
"One hundred million contribution points, that's a hundred million contribution points!" He Zhenghao’s eyes were bloodshot, and he trembled uncontrollably.
The continuous surge in prices was a mental stimulus that made him feel as though he was soaring, almost reaching the heavenly realm.
He Zhenghao swore that he had never been this exhilarated in his life.
"When the secret envoy handed me the list of resources, he casually mentioned that, since I’m in charge of this fundraising, my profit share would rise from one percent to ten percent, unlike the previous three times..."
"In just one day, I earned more contribution points than I ever could in a lifetime."
His blood rushed to his head, and He Zhenghao felt his body nearly boiling over.
Courage surged within him; even the strict laws of the Immortal Alliance that he usually revered seemed less intimidating.
"Raise it! Let the price soar! Surely, I’m not the only one doing this. The law won’t hold us all accountable!"
"Besides, if the heavens fall, the secret envoy will take the hit. I’m only following orders!"
"There’s no way I’ll be blamed!"
He Zhenghao mumbled to himself, quickly convincing himself and erasing any remaining fear.
All he felt was ecstasy at the immense profit.
Throughout the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, there were quite a few cultivators like He Zhenghao, celebrating in high spirits.
In an unknown location...
"A great harvest, an absolute windfall. This profit directly covers all our past losses, with extra left over!"
"See? I told you, that guy Li Fan has some real skill, and we bet on the right horse this time! Following his lead, we’re eating well!"
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Lü, didn’t you staunchly oppose this plan last time?"
"Don’t spout nonsense! You must be mistaken!"
...
Zhou Kebao watched his companions’ expressions of excitement, feeling a thrill himself.
To date, he had already earned nearly two million contribution points.
Although he didn’t know the exact profits of the others, judging by their reactions, it must have been considerable.
"Li Fan’s ability to predict events is truly terrifying. To foresee this sudden and unprovoked outbreak of war..."
As for the reason behind the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s sudden declaration of war, Zhou Kebao and the others were still inquiring.
So far, no clear answer had surfaced.
"Ah, I was too cautious. If only I’d invested a bit more back then."
This thought suddenly flashed in Zhou Kebao's mind.
Just then, a voice rang out.
But now, in the face of such a critical crisis, he had abandoned his post and left the mess to his subordinates...
Wasn’t that going a bit too far?
The cultivators grumbled inwardly.
"Everyone!"
Gao Yuan, looking at the varied expressions on their faces, knocked on the table to get their attention.
"With the secret envoy absent, it’s time for us to step up," he said solemnly.
"Although the situation is unclear, there’s no doubt this war won’t end easily. We must prepare ourselves mentally."
"Especially since Congyun Sea borders the Five Elders Association. We must maintain constant patrols and guard against enemy cultivators."
Gao Yuan paused, seeing the worry on everyone’s faces, and tried to reassure them. "But don’t worry too much."
"After all, if the heavens fall, there will always be someone taller to hold them up. Since the Five Elders Association was completely defeated by us last time, they haven’t fully recovered yet."
"Even Nascent Soul cultivators are scarce among them. Their strength isn’t likely to force us to risk our lives."
The others found some comfort in his words and relaxed slightly.
However, Gao Yuan kept one thought to himself.
If it came to the point where the remaining cultivators of Congyun Sea had to fight on the front lines, the brutality of this war...
He shivered at the thought.
—
While the entire Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance was thrown into chaos by the sudden war notice, Li Fan was quite relaxed.
He drank from his cup filled with wine glowing with a faint blue light, raised his thumb in appreciation, and praised, "Excellent wine!"
"Such a fine brew, and with Fellow Daoist Sima here recounting thrilling tales from millennia ago. Life like this, what more could one ask for?"
Sima Changkong, his face flushed, replied, "Though we’ve only recently met, I feel like we’re old friends. The concept of ‘fate’ truly is a wondrous thing!"
"Come, let’s have another drink!"
With that, Sima Changkong tilted his head back and drank the wine.
"What story of the Xuanhuang Realm would you like to hear next?" he asked proudly.
"Though the ancient period is beyond record, I’m quite familiar with the history of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance since its re-establishment."
"I heard that about five hundred years ago, there was an uprising where small worlds united and launched a counterattack against the cultivation world."
"Please, do tell me about it!" Li Fan replied, half-dazed from the wine.
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