Chapter 812: Mutual Aid Society of the Clustered Clouds

Ji Shaoli's words instantly shocked everyone present.

One must know that the five million contribution points for the original Fish Head Prize were already an amount most cultivators couldn't hope to accumulate in a lifetime. And now, within such a short time, his wealth had doubled?

He Zhenghao was so stunned that he stood up immediately. "Brother Ji, are you serious?"

Ji Shaoli's expression changed, and he said solemnly, "Am I someone who would speak nonsense?"

He Zhenghao also realized his impropriety, clasped his hands, and apologized, "My apologies for my rashness."

With Ji Shaoli's renewed personal confirmation, the cultivators present looked at him with subtly heated gazes. Ten million contribution points at the very least—not to mention in Congyun Sea, even in the central core regions of the Immortal Alliance, that would be considered wealthy.

"Brother Ji, stop keeping us in suspense! Why have you called us all here today?"

"Yes, you can't have gathered us just to show off your wealth, can you?"

Everyone started discussing animatedly.

Ji Shaoli waved a hand, and silence fell upon them again. All eyes were on him, awaiting Ji Shaoli's words.

"A great war is about to begin, and the situation is unclear. We must plan ahead," Ji Shaoli stated unequivocally. "A single person's strength is insufficient to face such changes. Therefore, we must act as a group."

The cultivators present exchanged glances, unsure what this "acting as a group" truly meant.

"Mutual assistance, unity. Sharing information, facing difficulties together!" Ji Shaoli declared, his voice resonating as he looked around.

However, those present were not young men who would be easily swayed by a few simple words. They looked doubtful, waiting for Ji Shaoli to continue.

"As a group, it is naturally more beneficial for the collective if its members have higher cultivation levels. I know that some of you here, due to limited funds, have been unable to purchase suitable cultivation techniques. As a result, your cultivation progress has been stagnant."

"And coincidentally, I have a surplus of contribution points..."

At this point, some shrewd individuals present had already guessed what Ji Shaoli was about to say. Yet, they still found it hard to believe, staring intently at him.

"Therefore, for any brother willing to join our Mutual Aid Society, I can first lend them the contribution points needed to exchange for cultivation techniques."

"There will be no interest; you simply need to repay it gradually in the future. Moreover, you can even offset or reduce a portion of your debt by completing tasks issued by the Mutual Aid Society."

Although not a free gift, the loans—without collateral or interest—made the cultivators present incredibly tempted.

"As my current assets are limited, and I must consider all of you brothers here, the temporary maximum amount of contribution points each person can borrow is set at one hundred thousand!"

"Of course, the more tasks you complete within the Mutual Aid Society, the higher your borrowing limit will become in the future. There will even be other preferential treatments..."

Ji Shaoli spoke eloquently, explaining the various operational mechanisms of the Mutual Aid Society.

"Joining the Mutual Aid Society does not require signing any mandatory contracts. If you wish to leave, you can withdraw at any time after settling any outstanding debts within the society."

"No collateral or specific pledges are required when borrowing contribution points."

"However, if anyone maliciously violates the rules, they will be dealt with jointly by all brothers of the Mutual Aid Society!" Ji Shaoli's expression turned stern, a hint of murderous intent emerging. This caused many cultivators present to subtly change their expressions.

"I knew it, Fellow Daoist Ji, you are no ordinary person. To propose such a bold idea..."

"This Mutual Aid Society, I'm joining!"

The first to respond was Pei Tuo, the guardian of Haitong Island and a cultivator at the perfected Golden Core Stage. In a previous reincarnation, Li Fan had even met him once. This person had been at the perfected Golden Core Stage for over ten years but still hadn't accumulated enough contribution points to exchange for Nascent Soul cultivation techniques, let alone find a suitable Cave-Heaven to assimilate. How could he not be anxious, having wasted so much valuable time? Having encountered such a heaven-sent opportunity, he naturally agreed on the spot without hesitation. Even if there were any restrictions or limitations upon joining the Mutual Aid Society, he would accept them! To enter the Nascent Soul Stage even a day earlier could make all the difference in his future life!

Ji Shaoli applauded and praised, "Excellent! Fellow Daoist Pei, rest assured. As the second member of the Mutual Aid Society, I will certainly not treat you unfairly!" (The first member, of course, referred to Ji Shaoli himself.)

Ji Shaoli's lips moved slightly, seemingly whispering something to Pei Tuo. Upon hearing it, Pei Tuo's body trembled violently, his face filled with disbelief as he stared fixedly at Ji Shaoli. Ji Shaoli smiled faintly and raised a hand to interrupt what the other party was about to say. However, the extreme excitement on Pei Tuo's face could not escape the notice of those present. He rose and sat down beside Ji Shaoli, then turned to look at the cultivators who still hadn't made a choice.

Although everyone present was very curious about what benefits Ji Shaoli had promised, they didn't immediately lose their heads and clamor to join the Mutual Aid Society. After all, no one could guarantee that Pei Tuo wasn't colluding with Ji Shaoli to put on a show. Amidst their hesitation, not a second person spoke up.

Ji Shaoli was not in a hurry, and said softly, "There's no rush. When you've made up your minds, you can come find me again."

"However, there are some unpleasant truths that I must state upfront."

"Those who join first will receive preferential treatment in various aspects. The later one joins, the more one might have to strive to obtain what could have originally been acquired for free."

Although the words were vague, they carried a sense of compulsion.

When the banquet concluded that day, a total of six cultivators, including Pei Tuo, chose to be among the first to join the Mutual Aid Society.

"Fellow Daoist He, won't you reconsider?" Ji Shaoli asked, smiling, as he watched He Zhenghao about to leave.

"Rest assured, Brother Ji, I will go back and give it some thought. I'll give you my answer very soon!" He Zhenghao promised solemnly.

Ji Shaoli did not press him.

After the other cultivators dispersed, Ji Shaoli looked at the six cultivators who had stayed: two at the Golden Core Stage and four at the Foundation Establishment Stage. He reactivated the Great Desolate Eight Extremities Dragon Slaying Formation, sealing off the island.

Ji Shaoli looked at them and nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. You six will be the founding elders of our Mutual Aid Society."

"Fellow Daoist Ji, is it true that no contracts or restrictions are enforced within this Mutual Aid Society?" asked another cultivator among the six, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator named Xiang Xin.

Ji Shaoli chuckled. "What restraint could be more solid and reliable than self-interest itself? As I said, the original intention of creating the Mutual Aid Society is for everyone to help each other, mutually benefit, and overcome this tribulation together."

Xiang Xin nodded without replying. The others also remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Only Pei Tuo could no longer contain himself. After receiving a confirming glance from Ji Shaoli, he eagerly asked, "Brother Ji, you mentioned earlier that you would provide me with information about an ownerless Nascent Soul Cave-Heaven... Is that truly real?!"