For Li Fan’s pledge of unwavering loyalty, the Diyi Jinglun merely gave a noncommittal nod.
“Go on now. Prepare well for the inauguration ceremony. No mistakes are permitted,” he said indifferently, eyes still focused on the documents before him.
Li Fan bowed deeply and took his leave.
Back at his temporary quarters, he summoned Gao Yuan.
“Lord City Master, you called for me?” Gao Yuan greeted him with a flattering smile, bowing deeply.
“The reward from the Alliance Headquarters has arrived. I will assume the post of ‘Secret Envoy of the Administrative Hall.’ From now on, address me accordingly,” Li Fan replied coolly, mirroring the tone of the Diyi Jinglun.
Gao Yuan was stunned for a moment. Before he could react, Li Fan continued, “The Immortal City’s reconstruction is ongoing, with many tasks left unfinished. With Lords Hongxi and Ziyun away, I will temporarily assume full responsibility over all affairs in Congyun Sea.”
Gao Yuan, finally regaining his composure, could barely contain his delight and said repeatedly, “Congratulations, Lord Secret Envoy! Everyone has witnessed your competence over these past six months. With you overseeing matters, the cultivators of Congyun Sea are indeed fortunate!”
“My lord, you might not be aware, but every cultivator I’ve encountered has nothing but admiration and faith in your abilities.”
Li Fan smiled knowingly.
Though aware of Gao Yuan’s flattery, who doesn’t enjoy hearing praise?
Waving a hand to interrupt Gao Yuan’s enthusiastic speech, Li Fan took a thin sheet of paper from his sleeve and handed it over.
“This is a list of cultivators ranked roughly by their contributions to the reconstruction of Congyun City.”
“Of the available positions in the new city, I hold one-third of the nomination quotas. Aside from those cultivators who pledged allegiance on the first day, several positions remain vacant. Review the list and see who is suitable,” Li Fan instructed, hands folded behind his back.
The list in Gao Yuan’s hand, though thin as cicada wings, felt as heavy as a mountain. His hands trembled, and his breathing grew rapid.
This was why he had sworn loyalty to Li Fan—to reach this day, to wield the power to shape others’ fates with a single word.
Recognizing this as Li Fan’s final test for him, Gao Yuan took a deep breath to steady himself.
Scanning the names, he quickly formulated a plan.
“Of these cultivators, I recommend Fang Weihou first. Though only a Golden Core cultivator, he’s diligent and meticulous. Every task assigned to him over the past six months has been completed flawlessly ahead of schedule. What’s more, he has no family background and has advanced purely on his own.”
“And this cultivator, Jia Jun, is highly capable as well…”
Gao Yuan spoke fluently and with confidence.
The past six months had not been idle for him.
Though he seemed to wander aimlessly each day, his watchful eyes took in the actions of every cultivator.
Li Fan silently matched Gao Yuan’s evaluations against scenes from his memory stone, which had recorded and monitored these cultivators’ actions over the past half-year.
After making a detailed comparison, he nodded slowly.
For someone who had stood guard at the Administrative Hall for so long, Gao Yuan’s judgment of people was indeed exceptional.
Even Li Fan had to admit that he might not have done better.
“Excellent,” Li Fan finally praised.
“I have all I need,” he said, gesturing with his finger. A dozen names on the list in Gao Yuan’s hand were circled.
“Inform these individuals in advance so they can prepare themselves mentally. Tomorrow’s ceremony must go without a hitch,” Li Fan instructed.
Gao Yuan nodded solemnly, accepted the command, and departed.
—
The Next Day
The Immortal City of Congyun hovered high in the sky. From afar, the glow of its protective barrier shimmered, clearly activated.
Almost every cultivator from Congyun Sea had gathered below, gazing up at the newly built city with a mix of wonder and reflection.
Amidst the expectant crowd, Li Fan stepped forward, riding on a Soul Transformation puppet.
“Welcome, Lord of the Island!”
Some cultivators below suddenly shouted in unison.
Li Fan smiled and waved a hand. “Today, the reconstruction of Congyun Immortal City is officially complete, and my role as Acting Island Lord ends here.”
“Fellow Daoists, from now on, please address me differently.”
Looking up at Congyun City in the sky, he sighed, “For all of you to unite and rebuild this city within half a year is no easy feat. I am honored to be a part of this achievement!”
“Fellow Daoists, please allow me to salute you!”
With that, Li Fan actually bowed deeply to the crowd of cultivators.
This caused a stir among the Congyun Sea cultivators.
Some looked panicked and hastily returned the salute.
Others accepted it calmly, feeling it was only proper.
And, of course, many simply watched, amused by what they saw as a mere show.
But just as Li Fan straightened and prepared to speak again…
From the distant horizon, a streak of light shot toward them.
“Acting Island Lord of Ten Thousand Immortals Island, Li Fan, hear your command!”
A thin cultivator, clad in the Immortal Alliance’s official attire, appeared, holding a yellow scroll with a solemn expression.
Though he spoke quietly, his words boomed like thunder, reaching every cultivator present.
In an instant, silence fell around the Immortal City.
“Here it is!” Li Fan moved forward, unhurriedly bowing slightly.
“To Acting Island Lord Li Fan of Congyun Island, who has worked tirelessly to supervise the reconstruction of Congyun City, commendations are bestowed.”
…
Just as he had seen the previous day in the presence of the Lord Jinglun.
But this time, as the representative from the Alliance’s Administrative Hall officially proclaimed the commendation, the scroll transformed into a golden glow that shot toward Li Fan.
As it neared him, the golden light turned into a close-fitting black robe, which automatically draped itself over him.
Intricate patterns woven in gold adorned the robe, exuding an aura of prestige.
“Congratulations, Lord Secret Envoy!”
As Li Fan donned the robe, a group of cultivators in the crowd—having arranged this beforehand—shouted together.
Some of the quicker-witted cultivators now realized that, just like Li Fan’s appointment as Acting Island Lord, this too had likely been prearranged.
Only they had been left in the dark.
Those who had previously ignored Li Fan’s gesture of respect now looked regretful.
In a bid to make amends, after a moment of silence, they joined in the cheering.
“Congratulations, Lord Secret Envoy!”
After a second round of cheers, more joined in.
Eventually, even those who had remained silent were pressured to join the chorus.
The collective cheers of “Congratulations, Lord Secret Envoy!” echoed through the Congyun Sea, spreading in all directions.