“Exactly,” Li Fan nodded approvingly as Liu San eagerly answered his question.
“The current world of cultivation, after enduring several catastrophes of heaven and earth, has seen cultivators’ lifespans drastically reduced compared to our time,” Li Fan explained.
“Furthermore, life-extending treasures have become exceedingly rare. Even a pill that extends life by a mere century can drive cultivators into a frenzy.”
“If we can resume mass production of the ‘Longevity Pills’ and exchange them for cultivation techniques suitable for all sect members, there is hope for our future.”
Li Fan spoke confidently, his tone steady and assured.
“It’s nothing more than revisiting an old craft,” Liu San chimed in. “As long as we have enough manpower, it’s not a difficult task.”
As he spoke, he retrieved a jade bottle from his storage ring.
“Here, I have nine high-grade Longevity Pills that the sect master previously rewarded me with. Each of them can extend life by approximately 600 years.”
“You, young master, should take these and exchange them for spirit… ahem, what’s it called now? Contribution points?”
Liu San, however, voiced his concern. “Young master, as you mentioned, these Longevity Pills are extremely valuable. Selling them occasionally might be fine, but if we do so frequently, won’t it attract unwanted attention?”
Li Fan agreed with a nod. “You’re absolutely right, Elder Liu. That’s precisely why it’s not suitable for us to handle the transactions directly.”
“I’ve mentioned this before—I’ve established a connection with Fellow Daoist Zhou Qingang. He has a powerful background and can manage everything on our behalf. We only need to share a portion of the profits with him.”
Although Liu San frowned slightly, he refrained from commenting further.
Li Fan continued, “This is only a temporary solution. In the future, we will undoubtedly rebuild the Medicine King Sect.”
“But it must be done gradually and with caution.”
Hearing this, Liu San nodded in agreement.
“Elder Liu, stay inside the Medicine King Cauldron for now. I’ll head back and exchange the pills for cultivation techniques. Once we’ve awakened some disciples, we can discuss further plans.”
After informing Liu San, Li Fan exited the Medicine King Cauldron.
However, the explanation he gave Liu San was merely to appease him. The Longevity Pills were not going to be casually traded.
With his current contribution points, Li Fan had more than enough to acquire the cultivation techniques necessary to revive disciples capable of refining Longevity Pills. 𝐑₳ℕО𝖇Èʂ
Still, the identity of “Li Fan, a cultivator of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect” would be discarded after the fiery battle of Crimson Flame burning the Sea.
Yet, the disciples of the Medicine King Sect still held value.
The question was how to ensure their identities were “cleansed” without linking them to Li Fan or each other.
After some thought, Li Fan decided to use a “divide and conquer” strategy.
Through his alternate persona, Zhou Qingang, he sought out Gao Yuan.
“Fellow Daoist Zhou, what brings you here?” Gao Yuan was surprised.
Ever since Zhou Qing’ang had become the spokesperson for the secret envoy, he had essentially become the de facto ruler of the Congyun Sea region.
Both Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao had to consult Zhou Qingang on major decisions.
Moreover, Zhou Qingang’s work ethic—handling everything meticulously and personally—had reached an almost intimidating level, earning him the lord secret envoy’s deep trust.
It was rare to see Zhou Qingang leave his administrative hall, let alone visit someone personally. Gao Yuan was naturally caught off guard by this sudden visit.
With a slight smile, Zhou Qing’ang said, “No need to be nervous, Fellow Daoist Gao. It’s just a small matter that I need your help with.”
Gao Yuan looked puzzled. Thinking You’re in a higher position than me—what could you possibly need my help with?
Zhou Qing’ang spoke to himself, saying, “I have a friend who accidentally discovered a hidden secret realm. Inside this secret realm, a group of cultivators was frozen in slumber. After awakening them and asking a few questions, it was revealed that they had originally hidden there to escape the pursuit of the Ten Great Immortal Sects. However, due to an accident, they ended up trapped in slumber…”
At first, Gao Yuan listened attentively, but as Zhou Qingang continued his tale, Gao Yuan’s expression grew increasingly strange.
Finally, when he heard Zhou Qingang express his intention to “arrange” for this group of cultivators to join the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, his face turned grave with alarm.
Nevertheless, being a man of tact and prudence, he did not question Zhou Qingang outright. Instead, he forced a reluctant expression and said, “Isn’t this a bit too convenient?”
“I wonder, what is the identity of this friend of yours, Fellow Daoist Zhou? Can he be trusted?”
“These people… could they be spies sent by them?” He gestured toward the direction of the Five Elders Association as he tentatively inquired.
Zhou Qingang chuckled and replied firmly, “Fellow Daoist Gao, you’re overthinking. I, Zhou Qingang, swear on my life that these people absolutely cannot be spies from the Five Elders Association!”
“You can rest assured!”
“It’s just that my friend doesn’t want the news about this secret realm to leak. If these cultivators were to join the alliance through normal channels, it would be impossible to keep the matter hidden. So, they entrusted me…” Zhou Qingang showed a knowing expression.
“Of course, there will be benefits. I know that Fellow Daoist Gao, in order to exchange for cultivation techniques, has practically exhausted his resources and can hardly afford to activate the [Spirit Awakening] state lately. Such a golden opportunity presented to you—you can’t miss it.”
Hearing this, Gao Yuan was slightly tempted. Zhou Qingang explanation, while not entirely convincing, was plausible enough.
However, Gao Yuan still had some reservations.
“What about the Envoy, my lord…”
Zhou Qing’ang waved dismissively. “Such a trivial matter does not need to trouble the Secret Envoy. Recently, the Secret Envoy has just recovered his Nascent Soul cultivation and is preparing to make another breakthrough to a higher realm.”
Gao Yuan was startled.
This was significant news. The higher the Secret Envoy’s cultivation, the more secure their standing would be. However, neither he nor He Zhenghao was aware of this development. Clearly, the Secret Envoy trusted Zhou Qingang more than anyone else.
If the Secret Envoy knew that Zhou Qingang was engaging in these backdoor dealings behind his back…
A thought flashed through Gao Yuan’s mind.
Once it appeared, it became impossible to suppress.
“Since Fellow Daoist Zhou has said so, I can’t refuse,” Gao Yuan said after a brief pause, his eyes flashing with cunning. “Let me know before you bring those cultivators here. I’ll personally handle their admission procedures into the alliance.”
“Great! Great!” Zhou Qing’ang left, satisfied.
Gao Yuan, however, paced back and forth as if caught in a dilemma.
In the end, he gritted his teeth and made up his mind.
He used the Fragmented Spirit Jade Slip left by the Secret Envoy to contact Li Fan.
“Lord Secret Envoy, I have something to report,” Gao Yuan said, his tone full of flattery.
“Speak,” Li Fan’s voice was cold, making Gao Yuan’s heart sink as a sense of foreboding crept over him.
Nevertheless, the arrow was already notched on the bowstring, and he had no choice but to proceed. Summoning his courage, he reported Zhou Qingang’s actions.
In response, there was only silence.
This silence made Gao Yuan increasingly uneasy.
“I understand,” Li Fan finally spoke after a long pause.
“However, Gao Yuan…”
“Little Zhou is right. Don’t bother me with such trivial matters in the future.”
Gao Yuan’s heart sank.
“And I hope you understand: unity is the most important thing.”
With that, Li Fan fell silent again, leaving the flustered Gao Yuan standing there, at a loss for what to do.
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