The cheers of the cultivators continued until Li Fan flew to Congyun City and personally opened the entrance to the protective formation. Only then did the celebration gradually quiet down.
“Everyone, from this day onward, this will be our new home,” Li Fan said with a smile.
The cultivators all responded in agreement.
“All the facilities on the island are as they were, including the teleportation formation and the Tianxuan Mirror. Feel free to explore them; there’s no need for further explanation,” Li Fan announced loudly.
Some cultivators could hardly wait and began leaving immediately.
Seeing this, Li Fan smiled slightly and suddenly spoke again, “The following friends, please come with me to the Administrative Hall.”
“Zheng Hao, Gao Yuan, Zhou Qingang…”
“Fang Weihou…”
“Jia Jun…”
The cultivators who had initially intended to leave stopped in their tracks, realizing something important was happening. Their faces were tense, listening attentively.
Those called were overjoyed, while those who were not didn’t dare show discontent, only casting envious looks at those chosen.
Having secured Li Fan, who was officially a Secret Envoy but effectively the acting Island Lord, they saw a boundless future.
After speaking, Li Fan led a grand procession of over a hundred people to the Administrative Hall at the center of the city.
Only the cultivators left behind exchanged thoughts silently.
“What’s so impressive about him? The rise and fall of fortune is uncertain. Don’t forget, if the Lord Hongxi returns to the Island, it could all come to nothing for Li Fan.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. The Secret Envoy clearly has strong backing. Otherwise, there’s no way he’d be granted authority over an entire region.”
“Isn’t that obvious? How many ordinary cultivators could subdue a Soul Transformation puppet? Even if the Island Lord Hongxi and Ziyun returned, they’d have to treat the Secret Envoy with respect. Fellow Daoist Zhu, I suggest you recognize the situation before provoking the Secret Envoy.”
“Hmph! You may fear him, but I, Zhu Yongshou, do not fear Li Fan!”
Similar conversations echoed throughout Congyun City.
It’s impossible to be liked by everyone. Li Fan was no exception.
However, Li Fan was entirely unconcerned with the opinions of the Congyun Sea cultivators.
At that moment, he began assigning positions to fill vacancies, then reported the personnel appointments to the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for approval.
After a full day’s work, Li Fan finally had a moment of rest.
Thanks to the help of assistants like He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan, managing city affairs was much easier.
Sitting in a specially prepared room within the Administrative Hall, Li Fan closed his eyes slightly, sensing the different degrees of cultivation feedback flowing from his dantian.
A look of mild surprise crossed his face.
“I didn’t expect some of my people to break through so quickly?”
“Most of these individuals came from humble backgrounds in Congyun Sea. Following me for the past six months, they finally attained their dreams, advancing not only within the Immortal Alliance system but also securing substantial positions.”
“Given their excitement, breakthroughs in cultivation are natural.”
“As they say, ‘When one rises, those around them rise as well.’ All of them have received my assistance and favor.”
“This has resulted in feedback cultivation through the ‘Mountain Sitting Technique’.”
“And this feedback…”
Li Fan carefully sensed it, feeling increasingly delighted.
“Though not as potent as the merit gained from teaching a technique, it’s still akin to rebirth.”
“And this path of cultivation is safer and more discreet than spreading techniques. It’s also protected by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance’s system, legitimizing the process.”
“I may only be a mid-level Secret Envoy, with no strong foundation.”
“But if I were the ruler of a region, with disciples and former aides spread throughout the Alliance…”
“The benefits are unimaginable!”
Li Fan’s eyes sparkled as he realized he’d discovered a promising new cultivation path.
“As long as I hold the Secret Envoy position, I can swiftly advance my cultivation through these hundreds of loyal followers.”
“I can even consider forming a Nascent Soul.”
“The Five Elements Great Cave Heaven…”
Thinking of his initial goal, Li Fan frowned slightly.
This life’s trajectory had far surpassed his expectations, diverging from the events of his past life in many ways.
The battle in Tianling Province that forced the Five Elements Great Cave Heaven to relocate might not happen at all.
However, without a war between the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Association, it would be extremely difficult for Li Fan to achieve anything under the radar.
“Training troops for a thousand days, to use them in a single moment.”
“It’s time for you to take the stage again, Daoist Zhou Qingang.”
After a moment of contemplation, Li Fan smiled, focusing his attention on Zhou Qingang.
At that moment, Zhou Qingang was surrounded by a group of cultivators.
It was clear to any observer that Zhou Qingang, with his close relationship to He Zhenghao and his favored position with Li Fan, was on the path to rapid advancement.
If one didn’t seize the opportunity to establish good relations with him now, then when?
As a result, numerous cultivators kept visiting and offering gifts.
It took “Zhou Qingang” a good deal of effort to finally extricate himself.
Late at night, he slipped out of Congyun City, heading towards the meeting point.
——
“Administrative Hall, Inspector of Surveillance. Chief, how about this position?”
“It grants significant authority, allowing one to patrol all four corners of the region and deal harshly with any unlawful acts.”
“Far more imposing than merely guarding a small island!”
Zhou Qingang spoke to the stone face on the shattered rock, looking smug.
“And now, all the secrets I couldn’t access before are within easy reach. I’ve truly infiltrated the enemy’s core!”
“Chief?”
“Hm? Why aren’t you responding, Chief?”
Seeing no reaction from his counterpart, “Zhou Qingang” felt something was amiss.
An ominous feeling crept into Li Fan’s heart.
He fell silent as well.
After a long while, the stone face finally spoke, its voice cold and filled with murderous intent.
“You are not Zhou Qingang. Who are you?”
Li Fan’s heart sank.
However, he continued to feign confusion, saying with a hint of surprise, “Chief, what are you talking about? Look at this face of mine—absolutely genuine!”
“How could you doubt me, given my merits for the organization?”
“Those entry test questions for the Immortal Alliance, the classified information on the Union of Xuan-huang…”
Zhou Qingang recounted his accomplishments with an air of grievance.
“So, you replaced him much earlier than I thought…”
“Impressive!”
The stone face showed no signs of being swayed by Li Fan’s arguments. Its tone was as cold as ice.
The previously flustered “Zhou Qingang” suddenly grew calm, as if transformed into someone else, and asked quietly, “Oh? What was my flaw?”
“Hmph!”
The stone face sneered, “Your disguise is flawless, but you overlooked one crucial detail.”
“When Zhou Qingang first accepted the infiltration mission into the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, he was given a final directive.”
“If he were to secure a significant position within the Alliance, he was to immediately sever all ties with us.”
“To remain entirely hidden, avoiding any contact with us to prevent exposure, until he was needed for a critical operation…”
“So, the fact that you came to contact me right after your appointment proves you are not the real Zhou Qingang.”
The stone face’s voice was low and severe.