“My hard-earned one million contribution points didn’t come easily. Besides, once this cycle of karmic backlash passes, who knows how long it will take.”
“I should be more cautious.”
After pondering for a moment, Han Yi decided that seeing is believing. Since he had faced setbacks everywhere in Yuandao State, he might as well return to Congyun Sea to investigate personally before making any decisions.
Thus, prompted by a spur of the moment to visit Yuandao State, Han Yi returned to his old stomping grounds after overhearing some intriguing news.
Upon his return to Congyun Sea, he was astonished by the heated discussions among cultivators about the “Fundraising Plan of the Lord Secret Envoy.” The intensity of the debate far exceeded his expectations.
Although not everyone blindly believed in it, a significant portion of Li Fan’s loyal followers did.
Believers and skeptics viewed each other as fools, each side eager to persuade the other. Amidst endless arguments, the topic only gained more traction, drawing many previously hesitant cultivators to participate.
However, watching this scene, as lively as oil on a raging fire, Han Yi couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.
Before he could delve deeper into the source of his unease, a piece of news swept through the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance like a storm. While it brought relief to countless cultivators, it also pushed the discussion about Li Fan’s fundraising plan to a new peak.
Once again, Master Li Fan’s predictions had come true!
Ever since Li Fan disseminated this information, people had been pulling strings and probing its authenticity, stirring a wave of public speculation. Yet, no concrete conclusions had been reached—until today. The prophecy had come true again!
While sharp-eyed individuals suspected that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had taken advantage of the situation to make a strategic retreat, it didn’t detract from the mythical status of Li Fan’s predictive prowess, which was elevated to a new pinnacle.
Many cultivators who previously believed that this large-scale fundraising plan was merely a scam for Li Fan to pocket one last sum before absconding began to waver in their skepticism.
Even those who had chosen to remain neutral were compelled by this ironclad evidence to join the fundraising frenzy.
Following trends is a human instinct.
Han Yi, still hesitant due to his lingering unease, was suddenly swayed by a new rumor.
It was said that the overwhelming enthusiasm of the cultivators had led to contributions exceeding the original plan. Consequently, the previously promised “no upper limit” fundraising might be prematurely halted.
The source of this rumor was unknown, but its vivid details immediately alarmed those who had yet to “get on board.”
Although the representative of the Lord Secret Envoy, He Zhenghao, promptly stepped forward to refute the rumor with righteous indignation, it couldn’t change the fact that the efficiency of collecting contributions was slowing. ŕ
Ironically, this only seemed to confirm the “rumor’s” credibility, driving the cultivators into even greater urgency.
Han Yi, too, couldn’t resist any longer.
In the fervent atmosphere, he acted impulsively, surrendering his remaining 910,000 contribution points.
When the cold sea breeze cleared his head, Han Yi regretted his decision.
“At the very least, I should have kept some as backup,” he lamented.
But it was too late. A contract had already been signed, and within the five-year lockdown period, the contribution points could not be withdrawn. In emergencies requiring urgent funds, a 30% penalty on the principal would be imposed, along with the forfeiture of any accrued interest.
The terms were severe, and few cultivators would choose this route unless absolutely necessary. According to He Zhenghao, these strict rules were meant to prevent malicious sabotage.
After all, Li Fan’s high-profile fundraising had amassed a substantial sum, attracting jealousy from certain individuals eager to smear his reputation and seize a share for themselves.
“With so many cultivators involved, and given that Li Fan is the current supreme ruler of Congyun Sea, there shouldn’t be any problems,” Han Yi tried to console himself, but his lingering unease remained. Penniless and uncertain of where to go, he aimlessly wandered Congyun Sea, lost in thought.
After an indeterminate time, Han Yi suddenly snapped out of his daze.
Surveying his surroundings, he felt a strange sense of familiarity. “This feeling… odd. I’m sure it’s my first time here,” he muttered, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes.
Thanks to his cultivation of the Heavenly Fortune Sutra, Han Yi’s sharp intuition wouldn’t allow him to dismiss this déjà vu.
He cautiously circulated his energy and surveyed the area.
“Huh?”
Moments later, his gaze fixed on a spot in the sky.
All beings possess their own destiny. Yet, in Han Yi’s vision, the seemingly empty space appeared strangely distorted.
“Something is hidden here!” Han Yi felt a surge of excitement.
Believing he had stumbled upon a great opportunity, Han Yi discreetly ensured no other cultivators were nearby. Confirming he was alone, he carefully ascended to the peculiar spatial distortion to investigate.
“Something’s definitely off!”
After several hours of observation, Han Yi was convinced of his discovery. Yet, no matter how he tried, he couldn’t find a way into the hidden space.
Aware that prolonged exposure increased the likelihood of being discovered, Han Yi grew anxious. Such a significant opportunity couldn’t be shared with others!
At that moment, a vague image flashed through his mind.
Stunned, Han Yi quickly mimicked the actions of the figure in his vision. He stepped back, then suddenly accelerated to his maximum speed, charging toward the distorted space.
A dark light enveloped him as he passed through.
In the next moment, Han Yi found himself standing before two enigmatic entities.
Azure Wind.
A broken sword.
His eyes turned blood red, and his mind descended into chaos.
Just as he was about to lose control and rush toward the fragments of the “Spirit of Heaven and Earth,” a faint glimmer from the feather in his dantian saved him once again.
Encased in its glow, Han Yi regained a shred of clarity.
Resolute, he averted his gaze from the extraordinary sight of Azure-Wind and the Broken Sword and unleashed his full cultivation to escape.
Soon, Han Yi fled the strange space, coughing up blood. The mystical feather in his dantian was badly damaged, its once-proud plumes now shriveled and listless.