Chapter 542: Misfortune and Blessing Are Hard to Predict

At an undisclosed location, a group of cultivators, led by Long Yueyou and including Zhou Kebao, had gathered to discuss Li Fan's recent activities.

Since their last encounter, where Li Fan had outmaneuvered them and forced them into cooperation, a sense of unease lingered among them, even if they didn't outwardly mention it. After all, they were all influential figures in their own right. Failing to outwit Li Fan and instead being outmaneuvered by him was a blow. Losing money was minor; losing face was a much greater concern!

Even though they had officially established a "friendly cooperative" relationship, this didn't stop them from secretly sabotaging Li Fan—"the fat sheep"—at opportune moments to vent their frustrations. Consequently, they paid close attention to Li Fan's every move. News of him commissioning He Zhenghao to raise a massive amount of contribution points and then extensively purchasing materials naturally didn't escape their notice.

“Gentlemen, what are your thoughts? Should we follow Li Fan's lead and purchase along with him, or...?”

“Heh, you want to get rich by riding on his coattails?” one person scoffed disdainfully. “It's well known that this man is utterly treacherous and cunning. Think back to his past actions—when has a grand display from him not been a calculated plot to trick others?”

“It hasn't been long since everyone suffered huge losses with the Puxian True Leaves. Surely, no one has forgotten that?”

“Ah, Fellow Daoist Zhu, you can't put it that way,” another person countered. “Times have changed. Li Fan now holds an official position as the Secret Envoy of Congyun City. How could he act as recklessly as before? If he were to maliciously disrupt the market again or undermine the stability of the Immortal Alliance, would headquarters let him off the hook?”

At these words, most of the cultivators present nodded in agreement.

“Precisely! In my opinion, he must have foreseen something, which explains such a large-scale operation. You must remember that the fundraising plan managed by He Zhenghao has been in place since Li Fan first appeared. In the early days, Li Fan gained a significant reputation, and this fundraising plan was closely tied to it. It's practically his trademark! I don't believe he would do anything that would harm his own reputation!”

“Let's follow him! When it comes to financial strength, can those rabble-rousers possibly compare to what we can collectively muster?”

The cultivators bickered amongst themselves, but for a time, the majority seemed willing to follow Li Fan's lead and synchronize their actions with his. This showed that despite their animosity towards Li Fan, they still had considerable faith in his abilities.

While the discussion was heated, Zhou Kebao remained silent, his brow furrowed in thought.

Seated in the center, Long Yueyou, whose lips held a faint smile but whose face retained its solemn authority, observed Zhou Kebao's demeanor and then asked, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, what is your view on this matter?"

To everyone's surprise, Zhou Kebao responded without the slightest hesitation: "Without a doubt, we can refer to Li Fan's procurement list and acquire the same materials."

Long Yueyou's face showed a flicker of surprise at Zhou Kebao's decisiveness. However, he didn't interrupt but continued to listen patiently.

“The prices of these items should see a considerable increase soon.”

Zhou Kebao's expression grew more puzzled: "But here's what puzzles me. If all the materials on this list simultaneously rise in price..."

“If such a thing truly happens, then there's only one possible explanation.”

“That a large-scale war is about to erupt.”

Zhou Kebao flicked his finger, and a luminous screen materialized in the air. Numerous characters appeared on the screen, forming a list that was identical to the one Li Fan had given He Zhenghao.

At Zhou Kebao's words, everyone fell silent. They stared at the flickering characters on the screen, a mix of shock and doubt on their faces.

“War? With the Five Elders Council? Surely not. It's been years since there was a real conflict. Although the border situation has been tense recently, it shouldn't escalate to actual warfare, should it?”

“Exactly! Not long ago, the Five Elders Council blatantly seized the entire Myriad Immortals Island. And we still endured it, didn't we? If war really broke out, it would mean breaking all norms, wouldn't it?” The initial reaction of most cultivators present was disbelief.

“Has anyone heard any rumors recently? Anything amiss? If it truly came to war, surely all parties below wouldn't be completely unprepared.” Long Yueyou, now exceptionally serious, inquired.

A brief silence followed. Then, cultivators successively took out their communication talismans, activating their channels to gather information. Without exception, they all eventually shook their heads, having found nothing.

“Strange...” Zhou Kebao grew even more perplexed.

The cultivators all looked at Long Yueyou, awaiting his final decision.

Long Yueyou's eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, recalling his past interactions with Li Fan, he still felt unable to fully grasp the man.

He then made up his mind.

“Better safe than sorry. Li Fan truly has some capabilities.”

“He must have foreseen something about the future. We should just follow his lead this time!”

Noticing some reluctant expressions among the group, Long Yueyou chuckled, "Gentlemen, proceed with your purchases without worry."

“I've reviewed the materials on this list. While they might not be frequently used, they are fortunately stable in price and can be stored for long periods.”

“Even if this turns out to be another one of Li Fan's traps, we won't lose much.”

“Of course, if you're still concerned...”

“Should an unforeseen event occur, our Long family can purchase all the materials you've acquired at your original purchase price.”

“I guarantee you will incur no further losses!” Long Yueyou stated solemnly.

Hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

Because Long Yueyou hadn't spoken for himself, but for the Long family.

This implied...

Seeing the cultivators' surprised, then delighted, expressions as they processed his words, Long Yueyou's face filled with pride as he declared, "Indeed, my elder brother recently had the good fortune of breaking through to the Dao Integration realm."

“After some maneuvering, he is about to be transferred to the Ministry of Governance headquarters.”

“The relevant orders are about to be issued, so even if I hadn't mentioned it, you all would soon come to know.”

Upon hearing Long Yueyou's personal confirmation, the cultivators present were ecstatic.

It was well known that this small faction had become deeply intertwined over the years, practically functioning as a single entity. They rose and fell together, and among them, Long Yueyou held the most dominant position.

The Long family possessed immense power, with connections spanning across all states of the Immortal Alliance.

Their only regret was the absence of a true pillar of support within their ranks.

But now, with Long Yueyou's brother ascending to the Dao Integration realm and being transferred to the Immortal Alliance headquarters, this sole weakness would also be rectified.

A Dao Integration cultivator at the Ministry of Governance headquarters was undoubtedly at the very pinnacle of the Immortal Alliance's power structure.

They all offered their heartfelt congratulations to Long Yueyou.

“Brother Jiuyuan, after long years of dormancy in the harsh and desolate Tianling State, is finally poised for a meteoric rise. This is truly cause for celebration!”