Chapter 322: Fresh Crops

While Li Fan was worried about the future of the cultivators in the Myriad Immortals Alliance, the other students didn't share his high level of concern. In a blink, each of them was already invigorated, eager to begin.

"Master Ji, quickly tell us, how exactly is 'most contribution' calculated?"

"Yes, Senior Ji, there must be a specific quantifiable rule, right? Can the amount of effort also be considered an evaluation standard?"

Ji Hongdao looked at the now-motivated students and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. He cleared his throat lightly and began to explain to everyone.

"The core of the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array is, in essence, a newly formed mirror surface of the Heavenly Profound Mirror, and you have all personally witnessed its encapsulation process."

"Furthermore, the construction of the entire Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array began from the central core area. This means that from the very inception of the array, the entire construction process of the Spirit-Locking Array can, in essence, be perceived by the array's core, or rather, by the Heavenly Profound Mirror."

"Precisely, down to every single array unit, it is within the Heavenly Profound Mirror's control to know which cultivator personally set it up."

"The final results will be entirely based on the ranked data published by the Heavenly Profound Mirror, eliminating any possibility of deception, ensuring absolute fairness and impartiality."

Ji Hongdao spoke eloquently and passionately. "I know that everyone who has been recommended by their respective states to study at this Universal Manor possesses exceptional qualities. You are all young talents; who would be willing to always remain subordinate to others? To ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of their performance standing, and to better motivate your proactive engagement, your contribution to the construction of the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array in this grand competition will be displayed as real-time points."

"Furthermore, rankings will be based on these points and announced by the Heavenly Profound Mirror, accessible to everyone at any time!"

Upon hearing this, Li Fan, recognizing the familiar method, felt a jolt in his heart: "Good heavens, this is going to make these young array masters compete relentlessly."

Next, Ji Hongdao also announced the preliminary construction plan for the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Array. Initially, each cultivator would return to their hometown and begin constructing the Spirit-Locking Array with the assistance of local Strategy Halls and Martial Training Halls.

If their own progress was rapid, once all Spirit-Locking Arrays within their current state were completed, they could freely move to adjacent states to assist in construction. Because the Heavenly Profound Mirror comprehended everything, there was no need to worry about one's contributions being usurped while in a different location.

The moment all Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Arrays were completed across all territories of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, the array master with the highest points would be the ultimate winner.

As he meticulously explained the competition plan, a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of self-satisfaction flickered in Ji Hongdao's eyes. Just then, he suddenly heard someone call out.

"Senior Ji, I'd like to ask, since I am now homeless, what should I do? Where should I go?"

Ji Hongdao looked in the direction of the voice; the cultivator who spoke was indeed Li Fan. His expression darkened, and he rebuked, "You young fellow, are you mocking me? What do you mean 'homeless'? Naturally, you go back to where you came from..."

Instantly, Ji Hongdao seemed to remember something, and his words abruptly stopped. He looked at Li Fan again and stroked his chin. "That is indeed a problem..." He didn't answer directly. After a moment, he transmitted a message to Li Fan: "How about this, stay behind for a bit, and I'll discuss it with you in detail then." Li Fan, understanding the hint, said no more.

This small interlude caught the attention of the cultivators present. Some were unfazed. Others seemed to suddenly realize something, their faces showing shock. And some, who seemed to have long known about cultivators forgetting their past, remained calm.

It was only after Ji Hongdao continued explaining the competition procedures that he managed to draw everyone's attention back. One year later, the newly formed mirror surfaces of the Heavenly Profound Mirror would be transported to each state. Before that, all students were to return to their respective states to assist local branches in coordinating the collection of materials needed for array construction. Of course, some special array-setting materials would be centrally managed and distributed by the Myriad Immortals Alliance headquarters.

After hearing the general construction plan, the students returned to their respective manors and began contacting their relatives, friends, teachers, and elders. Li Fan, however, remained where he was. Besides Li Fan, another cultivator had not left. This person was Xue Mu, a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Perfection stage, and also one of the three members from Congyun Sea who participated in the training. However, he was not a disciple of Zhang Zhiliang, and Li Fan had only met him a few times and was not very familiar with him. As for the third person among the trio, they had previously failed the soul-pact sensing test and were eliminated. It was likely they had returned to Congyun Sea and subsequently perished during the catastrophe of the Ink-Slaying Apocalypse.

Xue Mu seemed to be experiencing the presence of the Carefree Heavenly Venerable for the first time, and the confusion and fear in his eyes had not yet dissipated. Ji Hongdao looked at the two, asking kindly, "Congyun Sea suffered a calamity, leaving you homeless. What are your plans for the future?"

Xue Mu pursed his lips and lowered his head, remaining silent. Li Fan, however, bowed calmly and respectfully replied, "I shall do as Senior instructs."

Ji Hongdao seemed somewhat satisfied with Li Fan's answer. He thought for a moment and said, "Now that the rules for the grand competition have been set, it's a fixed allocation of roles, one person per task. If we arbitrarily assign you to any state, taking points for building Spirit-Locking Arrays that others could have earned, it would certainly cause resentment and be disadvantageous to you."

"But if we don't let you participate in this competition, you certainly wouldn't be pleased."

"Hmm..." He paused, his gaze flickering for a moment, as if he were communicating with someone. A moment later, Ji Hongdao said, "I wonder if you would be willing to do this."

"Besides the various states, the Myriad Immortals Alliance also has many important Blessed Lands and small worlds that need to be fully covered by Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Arrays."

"Originally, these places were meant to be handled and constructed by us older cultivators."

"However, circumstances are unique, and there's no harm in requesting to transfer you over."

"It would also help alleviate some pressure on us." Ji Hongdao smiled: "Now, I don't have the same drive as you young people anymore."

"As for the points for constructing the Heavenly Profound Spirit-Locking Arrays, you needn't worry. The Myriad Immortals Alliance governs numerous Blessed Lands, and some of them are even comparable in size to an entire state."

"You can proceed with full confidence."

"What do you say?" After speaking, Ji Hongdao looked at Li Fan and asked softly.

"Blessed Lands? I wonder if there's a chance to access the Five Elements Grand Blessed Land." This thought flashed through Li Fan's mind the moment he heard Ji Hongdao's words. However, he didn't dare to dwell on it further. Only after Ji Hongdao asked did he solemnly reply, "It is indeed my wish."

Ji Hongdao nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Xue Mu: "What about you?"