Huangfu Song steadily caught the teacup and tilted his head back to drink it.
“Now that you’ve had Brother Li’s tea, we are brothers from now on,” Dongfang Yao said with a satisfied nod.
“Brother Dongfang, you haven’t introduced me yet. Who might this be?” Huangfu Song glanced at Li Fan, who was sitting upright beside him, and asked tentatively.
“This is Li Fan,” Dongfang Yao said, raising his head. “I happened to meet him while comprehending the Dao in the Grand Vortex of Lingxu Prefecture. We hit it off instantly. When you mentioned this rare opportunity to earn contribution, I discussed it with him, and we decided to come together.”
A glint flashed in Huangfu Song’s eyes as he discreetly gave Li Fan another look.
Li Fan remained composed, cupped his hands, and said, “I’ve long heard of Brother Huangfu’s great name. It’s an honor to meet you!”
However, Huangfu Song did not display any particular enthusiasm. He merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
After some casual conversation, the straightforward Dongfang Yao finally got to the point.
“Huangfu, stop keeping us in suspense. What is this once-in-a-century opportunity for contribution you mentioned? Speak now!”
“I won’t hide it anymore.”
“The Immortal Alliance is about to issue an order encouraging all cultivators to explore deep into the White Mist. Not only will they provide the Samantabhadra True Boat needed for the expedition free of charge, but all treasures obtained during the exploration will belong entirely to the individual. The Immortal Alliance will not interfere in the slightest.”
“Furthermore, merely reporting the terrain and discoveries of the White Mist will earn contribution points, merits, and even access to top-secret cultivation techniques as rewards.”
…
Huangfu Song continued to explain the new policy of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance in great detail.
After he finished, Dongfang Yao still looked puzzled.
“Did I hear that right? Deep into the White Mist? Other than the White Mist itself, could there be anything else inside?”
Huangfu Song cast an exasperated glance at Dongfang Yao before explaining, “Within the White Mist, there exist Maze Zone. Each Maze Zone is vast, even larger than many Cave-Heavens or small worlds.”
“And that’s just the surface of what we’ve discovered. According to the latest investigations, many hidden rifts and passageways exist within the White Mist, leading to unknown destinations.”
“The higher-ups of the Immortal Alliance are extremely determined to explore the White Mist this time, and the rewards are unprecedentedly generous. Many cultivators who got wind of the news have already ventured into the mist ahead of time. Once the policy is officially finalized, they’ll report their findings and immediately claim their merit rewards.”
“Though we received the news a bit late, if we move quickly, we can still get a share of the rewards. If I hadn’t been waiting for you, Brother Dongfang, I would have set out seven days ago.”
Huangfu Song sighed and took a sip of tea, glancing at Dongfang Yao helplessly.
“Good brother, you’re really looking out for me!” Dongfang Yao slapped Huangfu Song’s shoulder forcefully, causing his round belly to wobble.
“So what are we waiting for? Let’s set off immediately! I’m practically broke. The resources I need to strengthen my physical body are ridiculously expensive!” He urged impatiently.
Huangfu Song rolled his eyes at Dongfang Yao. “The White Mist is full of dangers. Since we’re already late, a little more preparation won’t hurt. We need to be fully equipped before we go. We may not be extraordinary, but at the very least, we shouldn’t be a burden to the team.”
As he spoke, his gaze subtly swept over Li Fan.
Li Fan smiled slightly. “Since Brother Huangfu has said so, I won’t hide it either. My combat strength may be somewhat lacking, but I am quite wealthy. I can provide the Samantabhadra True Boat required for this journey, as well as artifacts that can temporarily resist the energy-draining effects of the White Mist.”
“If we encounter challenges beyond the Nascent Soul level during exploration, I will voluntarily withdraw so as not to put my brothers in a difficult position.”
…
Seeing Li Fan’s frankness, Huangfu Song was somewhat surprised. Meanwhile, Dongfang Yao was slightly dismissive. “What is Li Fan saying? So what if it’s a Nascent Soul cultivation? Am I not also at the Nascent Soul stage? When brothers work together, their strength can cut through metal. How could a mere Devouring Essence White Mist possibly stop us?”
Li Fan frowned and instead offered a word of caution. “I know that Brother Dongfang has an exceptionally strong physique, and even the spatial rifts within the Great Vortex couldn’t harm you. However, the depths of the White Mist are truly extraordinary. I once heard Brother Shuo mention that within the mist lies a Maze known as the Chizha Abyss. Even he must tread carefully, or else he risks falling to his doom. Brother Shuo possesses the combat power of the Soul Transformation stage and carries a protective artifact gifted by his mother. If even he says such things, then the dangers of the White Mist are self-evident.”
Huangfu Song and Dongfang Yao were momentarily stunned.
“Brother Shuo? Which Brother Shuo?”
Huangfu Song’s expression subtly changed. “Could it be…?”
Li Fan nodded slightly. “I won’t hide it from you two—Shuo Feng and I are close friends, and he has invited me to serve as a guest elder for the Xuan family.”
Dongfang Yao showed little reaction, but Huangfu Song suddenly stood up, his face full of shock.
“Brother Li, are you serious?”
Li Fan smiled. “I doubt there’s a single Nascent Soul cultivator in the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance who would dare impersonate a guest elder of the Xuan family.”
Upon hearing this confirmation, Huangfu Song’s attitude shifted immediately.
“Amazing! Why didn’t you mention this earlier, Brother Li? With your help, this expedition into the White Mist is sure to be a fruitful one!”
His words were full of flattery, while he subtly probed for more details regarding Shuo Feng.
After Li Fan revealed a few details, Huangfu Song finally confirmed the truth and became even more enthusiastic.
“With Brother Li’s assistance, our chances of success have increased significantly. We must set out as soon as possible!” Huangfu Song declared decisively.
“One day should be enough to prepare the necessary supplies,” Li Fan responded.
Dongfang Yao shrugged, indicating that he was ready at any time.
Thus, the three of them agreed to meet at the same place the next day.
After temporarily parting ways, Li Fan entered the Tianxuan Mirror, took out a communication talisman, and inquired with Shuo Feng about the Immortal Alliance’s decision to conduct a large-scale exploration of the White Mist.
Before long, Shuo Feng sent a reply.
“Oh, I think I did hear something about that. Why? Are you interested? There are too many strange and unpredictable things inside—there’s no need to take that risk. If you need contribution points or anything, I can speak with my family and increase your offerings instead. There’s no need to get involved in the chaos. If you die in there, it wouldn’t be worth it.” His tone remained as indifferent and carefree as always.
After declining Shuo Feng’s offer, Li Fan asked about the original species of the Heavenly Spirit Flower before ending the communication.
“A Maze…”
The thick White Mist was indeed eerie and filled with countless dangers.
In his past life’s knowledge alone, he had heard of the Chizha Abyss and the Chaotic Character Maze Zone.
In fact, the Eternal Immortal Fortress that guarded the Chizha Abyss was built from the severed hand of an Ancient Heavenly Sovereign who had fallen.
That severed hand of the Heavenly Sovereign had drifted out from within the White Mist.
This alone was proof of the immense danger and mystery hidden within.