Chapter 554: All perishing for profit

Angry Squid:

“No more wine?”

That day, Li Fan, who was about to invite his companion for another round of drinks, received this reply. His face filled with surprise.

Sima Changkong's face flushed slightly, and he seemed about to speak but then hesitated. Finally, he scratched the back of his head and said somewhat awkwardly, “In Congyun Sea, I don't have many close acquaintances, so I haven't prepared much. Brother Li has also been a guest for quite some time...”

Li Fan counted on his fingers and said in surprise, “I didn't realize time passed so quickly; a year has gone by in a blink.” He said somewhat apologetically, “Since Brother Sima finds my presence bothersome, it's time for me to leave. However, before I go, please tell me the raw materials for brewing that wine. I'll go gather some for you, brother...”

Before he could finish, Sima Changkong's face turned beet red, and he quickly waved his hand, “Brother Li, what are you saying? It's not that I'm complaining, it's just...” Sima Changkong wanted to explain but, for some reason, shook his head and gave up in frustration. “Never mind. Brother Li, please wait for me at home for a few days. I'll be back soon!” With that, he hurriedly left without waiting for Li Fan's response.

“This Sima Changkong is quite an interesting character,” Li Fan said with a faint smile, watching Sima Changkong's retreating figure.

During this past year, although he had never left his residence, Li Fan was not unaware of what was happening outside. His clone, Zhou Qing'ang, was utterly swamped with work.

Putting aside various trivial matters, the most crucial task was the monthly list of summoned cultivators. That's right, even though Congyun Sea's strength was severely weakened, the Immortal Alliance headquarters still issued conscription orders. Fortunately, considering Congyun Sea's actual situation, most of the conscripted cultivators didn't have to go to the battlefield themselves. They primarily participated in logistics and operational tasks. Even so, no one could guarantee that the war's scale wouldn't suddenly expand again, causing them to become collateral damage. Therefore, no one wanted to be conscripted to Tianling Prefecture. Assigning names to this list naturally became a thorny task.

Originally, this matter should have been decided by Li Fan, as the Secret Envoy. Since Li Fan had “gone into seclusion,” theoretically, He Zhenghao, Gao Yuan, and other trusted aides authorized by Li Fan should have jointly discussed and made the decision. However, He Zhenghao was known for being a pleaser, while Gao Yuan excelled at playing both sides and being universally agreeable. Neither of them wanted to do something that would offend people. If the person died on the battlefield, so be it. But if they didn't die and returned with military merits, wouldn't that create a mortal enmity for no reason?

So, the two secretly approached the relatively reclusive “Zhou Qing'ang” and asked for his help. “Zhou Qing'ang” naturally flatly refused. There was no reason for him to take on this burdensome task.

However, He Zhenghao soon pulled out his trump card. “Fellow Daoist Zhou, please look here.” He mysteriously took out a scroll and unrolled it before “Zhou Qing'ang.”

“Liu Yihang, ten million contribution points.”“Zhou Peng, eight hundred thousand contribution points.”“Sikong Yi, three hundred thousand contribution points.”

Li Fan glanced at the familiar names on the scroll, paused, and then, feigning ignorance, asked, “What is this?” He Zhenghao lightly coughed, “This is the contribution points register from my fundraising plan last year. The one-year term is up, and it's time to return the principal and interest. Fortunately, with the Secret Envoy's guidance, I gradually sold off all the hoarded supplies when their prices rose to more than three times their original value. In the end, I sold everything for approximately...” He Zhenghao paused, an undisguised look of triumph on his face: “Three hundred fourteen million five hundred seventy thousand contribution points.”

Li Fan cooperatively gasped, “So much? I only heard that wartime supplies were in short supply, but I didn't expect the prices to become so outrageous. Doesn't the Myriad Immortal Alliance regulate this?” “Regulate? How can they regulate it? Business is about mutual consent. If you don't want to, you don't have to buy it! Anyway, one more point of preparation means one more chance of survival on the battlefield. If you don't buy, plenty of others will!” Unlike a year ago when he might have been flustered, He Zhenghao was completely nonchalant about “Zhou Qing'ang's” reaction, speaking carelessly.

Li Fan merely shook his head slightly, offering no further comment on the matter. “So, what's the meaning of showing me this, Fellow Daoist He?” Li Fan asked, feigning bewilderment, after glancing at the scroll again.

He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan exchanged glances, then surveyed their surroundings before casually setting up a concealment formation. Only then did they feel at ease. He took out a brush and circled five names on the scroll. Then, over each of these five names, he drew a heavy diagonal stroke.

Li Fan then pretended to realize something and exclaimed, “These cultivators died in the Battle of Tianling Prefecture!?” “Lower your voice, lower your voice!” He Zhenghao was startled and quickly stopped the shouting Li Fan. “This matter must not be publicized. I'm only telling you because I consider you one of us, Fellow Daoist Zhou,” he said with a hint of complaint. Li Fan nodded repeatedly, indicating that he understood. “So, these people's principal funds are now unclaimed?” he whispered.

A hint of excitement gleamed in He Zhenghao's voice: “Precisely. I secretly made inquiries, and these individuals I've circled indeed perished on the Tianling Prefecture battlefield. Furthermore, they didn't leave any wills. The principal for the five individuals totals three hundred thirty thousand contribution points, plus their rightful dividend of three hundred thirty thousand...”

Li Fan quickly interrupted him: “Didn't it increase by three times? Why only three hundred thirty thousand in dividends?” He Zhenghao snorted, “Three hundred thirty thousand is already this much only because the Secret Envoy, in his benevolence, adjusted the dividend ratio. According to the original agreement, only a 50% profit of the principal was required annually. But His Excellency is merciful, so I didn't say much more. In short, these six hundred sixty thousand contribution points are now unclaimed. As long as fellow Daoist steps forward and helps resolve this matter, they will be yours,” He Zhenghao said, his voice full of temptation.

“Zhou Qing'ang” was clearly tempted. However, he still appeared somewhat hesitant. “Won't anyone find out? Taking money from the dead is a bit taboo. And does the Secret Envoy know about this?” Li Fan intentionally asked.

He Zhenghao's eyes flickered, and he patted his chest, assuring him, “Fellow Daoist Zhou, rest assured, the list of fundraising participants is top secret; only a few of us know. It absolutely will not be leaked. And I've already asked the Secret Envoy; he said I could handle this matter myself,” He Zhenghao stated confidently.

“Is that so...” Li Fan stared at He Zhenghao for quite some time. He only averted his gaze when the other man began to feel a chill down his spine. “In that case, leave this matter to me,” Li Fan agreed.

He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with joy.

(End of chapter)