Chapter 566: One Net to Catch Them All

"Did the Lord... truly say that?" He Zhenghao asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Gao Yuan also sounded a bit unconvinced: "Everyone knows that the Envoy's divination and spellcraft are infinitely profound. If he wanted to accumulate wealth, what method couldn't he use? Why would he stoop to acting like us? It would only diminish his standing!"

Seeing their reactions, "Zhou Qingang" snorted, "How could mere mortals like you two comprehend what the Lord is planning?"

"Nevertheless, to convince both of you, I shall reveal a bit more inside information."

He lowered his voice and whispered, "Not only has the Lord predicted the imminent end of the Battle of Tianling Province, but he has also foreseen that after the war, the Immortal Alliance will issue an order to recuperate and recover as quickly as possible."

"What?" He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan's spirits lifted, and they leaned in to listen intently.

"Zhou Qingang" slowly stated, "All Immortal Alliance cultivators will be able to purchase cultivation techniques from the Heavenly Profound Mirror at a discount."

"Although the divination involves a mystical artifact like the Heavenly Profound Mirror, there might be a slight margin of error in the results. However, according to the Envoy, it's roughly eighty to ninety percent accurate."

"Discounted cultivation techniques?" Both gasped at the news.

Yet, upon closer thought, it wasn't entirely unprecedented.

The last time such an event occurred seemed to be centuries ago, something they had only heard older cultivators mention by chance.

It was well-known that the contribution points required to purchase cultivation techniques accounted for the largest portion of a cultivator's expenditures throughout their career.

For He Zhenghao and his companions, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of contribution points might be insignificant.

But for most cultivators, accumulating such an amount would mean draining all their resources.

If the Myriad Immortal Alliance truly offered discounted cultivation techniques again, even if it were only an 80% discount, purchasing during that period would save a significant amount of contribution points.

One could easily imagine how frenzied cultivators would become at that time.

They would likely even borrow from every possible source to raise enough contribution points for the techniques.

After careful consideration, He Zhenghao's eyes lit up. He had a vague feeling that this was an opportunity.

However, his plan for how exactly to capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and make a fortune was still a bit hazy in his mind.

He scratched his ears and cheeks, his heart itching with anticipation.

Unable to contain himself, he urged repeatedly, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, stop teasing us. Please elaborate!"

Zhou Qingang smiled slightly: "It's simple! First, spread the word that the great war is about to end, and everything will return to normal."

"This is a 'now or never' opportunity. Those who still wish to secure a minor official position or a sinecure with contribution points should seize it immediately. There won't be such a good chance again in the future!"

"Of course, a slight increase in price would be perfectly reasonable, wouldn't it?"

"Second, announce that the fundraising plan will resume. This time, the publicity needs to be even grander."

"It will be for a period of five years, targeting a 200% return! And there will be no upper limit on the contribution points raised!"

As the long-standing manager of the fundraising plan, He Zhenghao's eyelids twitched upon hearing this.

He believed that the Envoy could certainly achieve a 200% return in five years. And it was conceivable that, building upon the results of previous fundraising rounds and Li Fan's official position as the Cloud Sea Envoy, this unlimited fundraising plan would undoubtedly attract an unimaginable amount of contribution points.

Especially those cultivators who had repeatedly tried to participate in Li Fan's wealth-generating schemes but had always been thwarted for various reasons.

Upon hearing this news, they would undoubtedly rush to hand over their contribution points immediately and eagerly.

After all, five years was neither a very long nor a very short period.

A few meditation retreats, and it would pass quickly. After emerging from seclusion, their wealth would instantly triple.

Such a good opportunity was incredibly rare to find!

Furthermore, Li Fan was the highest administrative official in the Cloud Sea region, so there was no fear of him fleeing!

"But in that case..." Gao Yuan also recognized the ruthlessness of the plan, a flicker of excitement in his eyes.

"Indeed, both methods are designed to empty cultivators' pockets in a short period."

Zhou Qingang said with a touch of smugness, "When they finally send all the wealth they've painstakingly accumulated over the years to us, they will suddenly hear that the Immortal Alliance has announced a cultivation technique discount plan."

"While they'll know it's an unmissable opportunity, they will truly have no spare contribution points left."

"What? They want to back out and retrieve their contribution points? They can, but a breach of contract fee will surely be required, right?"

"If they're truly penniless, that's fine; they can owe it for now. All they need to do is offer magical artifacts or rare heavenly treasures as collateral."

"And if they don't want to redeem their collateral but still wish to purchase techniques at a discount, we can lend them some! Everything is negotiable! The interest won't be much, just 20% per year—how benevolent!"

Zhou Qingang continued to speak, cackling sinisterly.

He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan listened, cold sweat dripping down their backs.

Once he finally finished his lengthy discourse, having laid out the entire plan.

Gao Yuan finally couldn't help but ask, "The Envoy's plan is truly brilliant, but there's one thing I don't understand. I hope Fellow Daoist Zhou can enlighten me."

Zhou Qingang tilted his head, watching him, and remained silent for a moment.

Only when he saw Gao Yuan becoming slightly unnerved did he say, "Heh heh, we've been colleagues for many years now. Brother Gao, just speak your mind!"

"From what I've observed of the Envoy's temperament, he isn't someone who places particular importance on wealth. Why has he suddenly acted so out of character this time, making one big move after another?"

At this point, He Zhenghao also chimed in, "Could it be that the Lord has a deeper scheme at play here? I also believe he wouldn't go to such great lengths merely for a few contribution points."

Zhou Qingang pondered for a long time without replying.

He appeared to be deep in thought.

Seeing this, He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan immediately knew they had guessed correctly. Their hearts raced, and they grew somewhat expectant.

After a while, Zhou Qingang finally made a decision and transmitted his thoughts directly via spiritual sense: "The Envoy did not explicitly tell me this; it is merely my own speculation."

"Consider it a mere conjecture for your amusement, and please, do not take it seriously!"

The two nodded repeatedly, indicating their understanding.

"It is highly probable that Immortal Monarchs Hongxi and Ziyun, both Soul Transformation stage cultivators, are returning to the Cloud Sea."

He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan's bodies subtly trembled; in that instant, they seemed to understand.

"Not only that, but it's likely that the Nascent Soul cultivators previously transferred from the Divination Hall and Formation Hall of Myriad Immortal Island will also return to the Cloud Sea soon."

"After all, the Envoy was appointed from above and has shallow roots here. And he himself is only at the Golden Core cultivation stage; facing those veteran Nascent Soul cultivators, he might not fare well."

"Therefore, the Envoy wants to use this method to build momentum for himself. If this speculation is true and they really do return, the Envoy might very well announce the forgiveness of the cultivators' debts to win their favor."

"If the speculation proves false, then the Envoy will still have profited handsomely with no losses."