Chapter 817: Intimidating the Five Elders Council

Li Fan also understood why neither the Myriad Immortals Alliance nor the Council of Elders could freely traverse the earth veins. It wasn't a matter of technical capability. Rather, it was because traversing the earth veins would inevitably provoke attacks from the ancient earth vein trees. The three ancient trees still retained the memory of Ruomu being besieged by cultivators in the past. While they didn't harbor the same extreme hatred for cultivators as Ruomu did, their demeanor was far from welcoming. They might not actively seek trouble, but when cultivators tried to push their luck or gain an advantage, they naturally became unwilling. Li Fan's immunity to attacks was purely due to the ancient trees showing deference to Lin Ling.

The ancient earth vein trees, rooted deeply in the Profound Yellow Earth, were so intertwined that a forced conquest against them could very well cause the entire land to collapse. If that happened, countless cultivators would perish instantly. Furthermore, with spatial teleportation technology available, the need for earth vein power wasn't particularly critical. Consequently, both the Myriad Immortals Alliance and the Council of Elders opted to turn a blind eye.

“In the future, communicate more with the seniors,” Li Fan instructed, looking at the earth vein branch in Lin Ling’s hand. This earth vein branch was far more precious than the withered branch Ximen Yu had found in the earth vein surge. Beyond accelerating Lin Ling's growth when used by her, it could also instantly transport one to any location permeated by earth vein energy. It was somewhat similar to Shang Tianci’s Heavenly Scenery Gourd teleportation method, except Shang Tianci had to personally collect each Profound Yellow wonder into his gourd, whereas the ancient earth vein trees had already extended their roots to every corner of the Profound Yellow Realm.

“It’s a pity only Lin Ling can use it,” Li Fan thought with a hint of regret. Lin Ling obediently absorbed the earth vein branch into her chest.

With the brief interlude over, Li Fan turned his attention to serious matters. He first set up a protective formation around them, then had Lin Ling temporarily conceal herself. Next, he took out a jade talisman and crushed it. A unique wave instantly emanated, spreading towards Jiushan Province. Li Fan closed his eyes and waited.

The Council of Elders had clearly been awaiting this signal for a long time. Before long, several figures swiftly approached. Among them was Yu Dayi, the Council of Elders' spy whom Li Fan had previously contacted. Having not met for some time, Yu Dayi’s cultivation had remarkably advanced from the Golden Core realm to the mid-stage Nascent Soul. This was clearly a reward for the significant contributions made possible by the intelligence Li Fan had provided earlier.

He spotted Li Fan’s figure from a distance, his face alight with pleasant surprise. As they drew near, he gestured for his companions to stop. He then proceeded alone to meet Li Fan.

“Fellow Daoist, it’s been a long time!” Yu Dayi greeted, cupping his hands.

Li Fan surveyed him, then let out a strange, cackling laugh. “It seems the intelligence provided by our Myriad Realms Alliance is still somewhat useful.”

“You’re too modest, Fellow Daoist. It’s far more than just useful…” Yu Dayi chuckled. “Speaking of which, when we successfully occupied Jiushan Province last time, your organization seemed to have secretly contributed as well.”

“Two consecutive instances of assistance, yet you’ve asked for nothing in return…” A hint of doubt appeared on Yu Dayi’s face.

“It’s merely to gain the trust of your Council of Elders,” Li Fan replied nonchalantly. “I know that even now, some within your Council of Elders still believe that the so-called Myriad Realms Alliance is merely a fabrication of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, sacrificing a little to deceive more…”

Yu Dayi’s face immediately flushed with embarrassment.

“Suspicion is normal. But it doesn’t matter; as our cooperation deepens in the future, all mistrust will dissipate,” Li Fan said with a gloomy laugh, his tone brimming with confidence.

Yu Dayi ignored the other details, his eyes lighting up only when Li Fan mentioned “cooperation.” Li Fan did not disappoint him. He casually tossed over a jade slip. Yu Dayi’s eyelids twitched as he caught it, his face betraying an uncontrollable surge of ecstasy. The jade slip contained nothing less than the weaknesses of the Myriad Miles River and Mountain Formation, which the Myriad Immortals Alliance had only recently altered.

“Another extraordinary feat!” Yu Dayi thought, his heart pounding with excitement.

However, Li Fan’s next words instantly dampened his enthusiasm: “Although we can provide you with the secrets of the Myriad Immortals Alliance’s defensive formations, rendering their defenses virtually useless to you, our Myriad Realms Alliance still advises against launching a major offensive right now. Even if you could muster enough power to instantly crush the Myriad Immortals Alliance’s resistance in a short period, it would still not be advisable. Our suggestion is to wait,” Li Fan said meaningfully.

“Why is that?” Yu Dayi couldn't help but ask, perplexed.

Li Fan didn’t answer; he simply extended his index finger and pointed to the sky. Yu Dayi remained somewhat bewildered.

“Go back and report my words. They will naturally understand what I mean,” Li Fan said calmly. “When the time is right, we will inform you.”

Yu Dayi opened his mouth, but offered no rebuttal. Li Fan then tossed another jade slip to him.

“Our Myriad Realms Alliance has already shown sufficient sincerity. Now, it’s up to your Council of Elders to demonstrate yours.”

Yu Dayi examined the list of resources enumerated in the jade slip, his heart pounding involuntarily. “These are perhaps too…”

“Just report it. Unless they are foolish, I believe they will agree to all of it,” Li Fan stated, his tone arrogant.

Yu Dayi subtly glanced behind him. The five accompanying cultivators there were awaiting his command. With a single command from him, they could instantly move to apprehend this mysterious cultivator.

“Four Nascent Soul cultivators, one Soul Transformation cultivator.”“The opponent is merely a Golden Core cultivator.”“By all accounts, the odds are heavily in our favor.”

Yu Dayi’s heart began to stir with temptation. “If we simply capture him and then use secret methods to turn him, we could learn many more secrets about the Myriad Realms Alliance…”

At that very moment, Yu Dayi was on the verge of issuing the command. However, he caught Li Fan’s glance—a fearless, enigmatic smirk that wasn’t quite a smile. His heart tightened once more. After much consideration, Yu Dayi ultimately abandoned the idea. The unpredictable aura emanating from Li Fan was one factor. The primary reason, however, was that the Myriad Realms Alliance had, to date, only initiated contact unilaterally with the Council of Elders. Should anything go wrong and lead to animosity with them, the loss would far outweigh any potential gain. After all, while resources had a price, intelligence was priceless.

In a flash, many thoughts raced through Yu Dayi’s mind. Ultimately, he sighed inwardly with regret, then cupped his hands. “Fellow Daoist, please return in seven days. You will surely receive a satisfactory reply.”

“Good! I hope your Council of Elders doesn’t act foolishly. Otherwise, we might have to seek out new partners,” Li Fan said, clapping his hands.

Lin Ling, who had been hidden nearby, finally revealed herself. Upon sensing Lin Ling’s aura, Yu Dayi’s pupils sharply constricted.