The order came directly from the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s Governance Hall, accompanied by a deputy island master’s talisman and detailed handover instructions, making it unmistakably official.
The stated reason was due to the recent [Assault on Ten Thousand Immortal Island] incident, and within the surviving system cultivators in the Congyun Sea, Li Fan held the highest rank.
Since the two Soul Transformation True Monarchs, Ziyun and Hongxi, were unable to return for various reasons, it was natural for Li Fan to take over as the acting island master by default.
However, Li Fan felt no joy from this sudden “gift” falling from the sky.
After carefully reading the transfer instructions, his brow furrowed tightly.
Although the role of Special Steward of the Martial Hall was largely ceremonial, only Nascent Soul cultivators or higher could hold such a position based on rank.
The position itself wasn’t low in rank. There was no issue with that. However, in the vast Congyun Sea, there were certainly many cultivators of a similar rank within the system who had not been captured by the Five Elders Association.
So why was this “heavy responsibility” specifically handed to Li Fan?
In this life, he had no hidden backing or powerful connections.
Li Fan had no way of knowing.
But since the order had been issued, there was no point in overthinking. As the saying goes, “When soldiers come, you block them; when water comes, you dam it.”
A cold glint flashed in Li Fan’s eyes as he flew towards Congyun Sea.
As he neared the edge of Shilin Prefecture and approached the Congyun Sea, he was once again blocked by an invisible barrier.
Li Fan took out a communication talisman and injected spiritual energy into it.
A radiant “(萬)-Ten Thousand” character shot towards the barrier.
Ripples spread across the shield, and Li Fan reached out with his right hand. He felt as though an invisible substance clung to his arm, changing shape as he pressed forward.
Finally, it was like popping a sticky bubble. With some thought, Li Fan propelled his body through the invisible barrier.
In the next moment, Li Fan found himself back in the Congyun Sea.
Following the coordinates listed in the instructions, Li Fan flew at full speed. Four days later, he reached his destination.
A giant dust-ferrying ship, very familiar in appearance, quietly hovered in the air.
On the deck, the vague silhouettes of numerous black-robed cultivators could be seen.
After a moment of contemplation, Li Fan flew towards the ship.
It seemed the black-robed cultivators were already aware of Li Fan’s arrival, as they did not move to stop him.
“Daoist Li Fan, please come here!” As soon as he set foot on the deck, a voice came from within the ship.
Li Fan headed towards the voice, all the while discreetly observing the black-robed cultivators around him.
A familiar aura of coldness and bloodlust.
They were likely members of the [Era], those responsible for handling special matters.
They were the predecessors of the [Heavenly Artificers] who emerged after the establishment of the Tianxuan Net in his previous life.
Not wanting to stir up trouble for now, Li Fan merely took a quick glance and then retracted his gaze, continuing towards the inner chamber.
Soon, he reached a room deep in the corridor and pushed the door open.
A white-haired youth sat at a long table, his expression grim.
Characters and images flashed rapidly across the long table, as if equipped with some sort of anti-snooping mechanism. Everything Li Fan saw appeared distorted and blurry.
“Island Master Li, you’ve already received the appointment document, so I won’t repeat the details.”
Without looking up from the table, the white-haired youth continued, “I want to emphasize three main points.”
“First, the reconstruction work must be completed within six months.”
“Second, the budget for this project is limited. You need to strictly control the expenses for materials. If the actual cost exceeds the approved limit and delays the construction, you will be held responsible. However, if you can complete the task on time, you will be duly rewarded!”
“The third point, and the most important…”
At this point, the white-haired youth finally lifted his head and stared at Li Fan.
Li Fan’s heart skipped a beat as he realized that the white-haired youth’s eye sockets were completely hollow, filled with an eerie darkness.
“The talisman appointment doesn’t officially state this in writing. Once you leave this room, I will not admit to having said this. However, it’s something you must do. If there is any failure…”
The white-haired youth let out a cold snort and lightly tapped the table.
A stream of light shot out from the long table, heading straight for Li Fan.
Li Fan raised his hand to block it. As soon as the light touched his body, it vanished.
At the same time, new information appeared in his mind.
“This is…”
Li Fan frowned slightly.
“It’s the formation diagram for the [Xuantian Nether-Lock Formation],” the white-haired youth explained, noticing Li Fan’s confusion.
“When the Ten Thousand Immortal Island was relocated, the [Nether Passage] beneath it was exposed. You are required to inscribe the Xuantian Nether-Lock Formation into the foundation of the new Congyun Immortal City while constructing it.”
“With the formation diagram as a guide, you don’t need to be particularly proficient in formations. As long as you’re not completely ignorant of them, it should be manageable. As an ancient cultivator, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.” The white-haired youth spoke before Li Fan could refuse.
“How should I address you, Fellow Daoist?” Li Fan asked, furrowing his brow and not immediately agreeing.
The white-haired youth gazed at Li Fan with his hollow eyes before finally speaking, “Diyi Jinglun”
Li Fan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He had heard of this name before.
A mortal formed a Golden Core in three years of cultivation. A Golden Core that could cut down Nascent Souls and defeat Soul Transformation cultivators.
Decades ago, he had already reached the peak of Soul Transformation, yet he gave up the opportunity to integrate with the Dao, simply because the soul of heaven and earth was too weak and did not meet his expectations.
A legend among cultivators, known as Lord Jinglun.
Li Fan had long admired his name. He hadn’t expected to meet him in person today.
However, Li Fan remained composed, neither humble nor arrogant, and cupped his hands, “So, it’s the esteemed Lord Jinglun!”
“Although the order comes from the Governance Hall of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, asking me to be the acting island master and set up this Xuantian Nether-Lock Formation…”
“I’m afraid I cannot comply!”
Li Fan’s tone was firm.
Lord Jinglun frowned.
Feeling the space around him gradually becoming heavier, Li Fan’s expression remained unchanged.
He continued, “This situation is far too suspicious, filled with conspiracies at every turn. Who can guarantee that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance won’t cast me aside once I’ve served my purpose?”
Lord Jinglun was taken aback by his words.
Then, with a slight smile, he withdrew his oppressive aura.
“So, that’s what you’re worried about…”
“There’s no need for that.”
Lord Jinglun stood up and walked to the side of the room.
As he moved, the walls of the ship became transparent.
It was as if they were standing in the clouds, with the vast Congyun Sea stretching out before them.
“Island Master Li comes from ancient times, so you may not know this. After the Great Calamity descended, strange entities called [Aberrations] began to appear across the world.”
Lord Jinglun spoke slowly.
“And there are a few places where they appear most frequently and densely.”