Chapter 570: Han Yi Meets Qing Feng

"It wasn't easy to accumulate these million contribution points, and who knows how long it will take for this wave of karmic backlash to pass," Han Yi mused. "I should be more cautious."

After pondering for a moment, Han Yi decided that seeing was believing. Since he was repeatedly thwarted in Yuandao State, it would be better to return to Congyun Sea, investigate thoroughly, and then make a decision. Thus, Han Yi, who had come to Yuandao State on a whim, returned to his old stomping ground after hearing some unexpected news.

Upon his return to Congyun Sea, he found that the fervor among the cultivators discussing "Lord Envoy's fundraising" plan far exceeded his imagination. While not everyone blindly believed, a significant portion were devoted followers of Li Fan. Believers and non-believers regarded each other as fools, each determined to convince the other. Amidst the continuous arguments, the topic's popularity only grew day by day. This, in turn, drew in a large number of cultivators who had initially chosen to observe, prompting them to participate. However, as he witnessed this fiery, bustling scene, a strange chill suddenly ran through Han Yi's heart.

Yet, before he could deeply investigate the source of his unease, a piece of news swept across the entire Myriad Immortals Alliance in an instant. It caused countless cultivators to sigh in relief and simultaneously pushed the discussion surrounding Li Fan's fundraising plan to its peak: a truce was to be declared between the Myriad Immortals Alliance and the Council of Five Elders. Li Fan, Grandmaster Li's prediction had once again come true!

Ever since Li Fan spread the news that day, people had continuously sought connections to inquire about its authenticity, and public opinion surged. But there had never been any definitive confirmation. Until today, the prophecy was fulfilled once more! Although perceptive individuals could see that the Myriad Immortals Alliance's official stance seemed to be opportunistically taking advantage of the situation, this did not prevent Li Fan's divinatory arts, which had already gained a legendary reputation, from being elevated to another pinnacle.

Many cultivators who had previously been convinced that this large-scale fundraising plan was definitely Li Fan's attempt to make a final fortune and flee, now felt their convictions waver. And those cultivators who had initially chosen to wait and see, now, faced with such undeniable facts, chose to join the large-scale fundraising efforts. Following the crowd is a human instinct.

Originally, Han Yi was still hesitant due to his inner unease. But then, a rumor suddenly emerged. It claimed that because the cultivators were overly enthusiastic, the collected contribution points had exceeded the original target. Therefore, it was highly likely that the fundraising, which had originally promised "no upper limit," would be terminated prematurely.

The source of this rumor was unknown, yet it was detailed and believable, immediately causing panic among those who hadn't yet invested. Although He Zhenghao, Lord Envoy's representative, immediately stepped forward and righteously refuted the rumor, it couldn't change the fact that his efficiency in collecting contribution points was visibly slowing down. This, ironically, seemed to confirm the rumor's authenticity. Consequently, the cultivators instantly became even more anxious.

At this moment, Han Yi could no longer hold back. Swept up by the incredibly fervent atmosphere, he impulsively handed over all 910,000 contribution points he had left. When the cold sea wind brought him to his senses and he came to, he felt a twinge of regret.

"No matter what, I should have at least kept some in reserve for myself," Han Yi lamented.

However, at this point, regretting it was useless. Both parties had already signed a contract; once submitted, the contribution points could not be retrieved during the five-year lock-up period. If, due to a matter of life and death, contribution points were urgently needed, then 30% of the principal amount had to be paid as a breach of contract fee. Furthermore, the promised high interest could no longer be realized. The loss was simply too great; almost no cultivator would choose to do this unless absolutely forced. According to He Zhenghao, such strict regulations were also in place to prevent malicious sabotage by unscrupulous individuals. Because Li Fan had so ostentatiously raised contribution points and amassed a large sum of funds, he had already incurred the envy of certain individuals. They were trying every possible method to tarnish Li Fan's reputation and then attempting to replace him and get a share of the profits.

"So many cultivators have participated, and Li Fan is still the current supreme ruler of Congyun Sea; there shouldn't be any problems, right?" The lingering sense of loss in Han Yi's heart persisted, and after much thought, he still couldn't pinpoint the source of the issue. He could only comfort himself in this way. Now penniless once more, Han Yi felt a momentary bewilderment. Unsure where to go, he aimlessly wandered through Congyun Sea, his mind adrift.

After an unknown period, Han Yi suddenly awoke with a start. He quickly scanned his surroundings, feeling as though he had been to this place before. "This feeling..."

"Strange, I'm sure this is my first time here." A hint of solemnity flashed in Han Yi's eyes. However, having cultivated the 'Heavenly Fortune Scripture,' his spiritual perception was acute, so he didn't dismiss the fleeting sense of déjà vu. He slowly circulated his cultivation technique, looking around. "Hmm?"

A moment later, his gaze fixed on a certain spot in the sky. Every living being in the world has its own destiny. But at this moment, in Han Yi's vision, what was originally an empty area now appeared distorted and anomalous. "Something is hidden here!" Han Yi's heart instantly stirred with excitement.

Believing that his luck had turned and he had discovered some fortuitous opportunity, Han Yi first discreetly checked for other cultivators nearby. Once he confirmed he was alone, he carefully flew high into the sky, approaching the anomalous space, and began to observe it closely. "Something is indeed amiss!"

After half a day, Han Yi confirmed his suspicion. However, no matter how he tried, he couldn't find a way to enter this hidden space. The longer he stayed there, the greater the chance of being discovered by other cultivators. How could such a significant opportunity be shared with others? Thus, Han Yi gradually grew a little impatient.

Just then, a blurry image flashed through his mind again. Han Yi was instantly stunned. Ignoring where this inspiration came from, he narrowed his eyes and mimicked the movements of the cultivator in the image. First, he created some distance, then accelerated to extreme speed, slamming into the concealed area in the air. A black light flashed across his body. The next moment, Han Yi saw two entities standing quietly within the space: Green Wind and Broken Sword. His eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and his mind became a chaotic mess. Han Yi was on the verge of losing control, about to charge towards the Essence of Heaven and Earth.

Just then, the Xuanbird Feather in his dantian intervened once more to save him. A faint light enveloped Han Yi, allowing him to temporarily regain a sliver of his rationality. A look of determination flashed in his eyes as he turned his head away, no longer looking at the bizarre scene of Green Wind and Broken Sword trapped within the space. Instead, he activated his full cultivation and fled rapidly towards the outside. Soon after, Han Yi escaped from that strange space. He continuously spat out fresh blood, and the Xuanbird Feather was severely damaged, its feathers shriveled and appearing listless.