Chapter 844: Open Branches and Spread the Immortal Alliance (Please Vote!)

"There was no attempt to use this rare opportunity to elevate the family disciples," Li Fan thought, a trace of doubt flashing in his mind. "Could it be that they are truly treating everyone equally and fairly?"

However, based on his understanding of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, things might not be so simple. "Consider it from another angle," he mused, his eyes flickering. "Perhaps these so-called Thirty-three Immortal Electors aren't a good thing at all. That could be why these influential families intentionally avoided it."

This speculation coincidentally aligned with his premonition regarding Wei Qizheng's fate. "Thirty-three Dao Integration cultivators, without the Long-Life Heavenly Venerate acting, would certainly constitute a force capable of influencing the course of a battle."

"What exactly is the Myriad Immortals Alliance trying to achieve?" Li Fan's interest was piqued. Based on the information he currently possessed, the Heavenly Venerate of Dharma Transmission had perhaps temporarily departed the Xuanhuang Realm for unknown reasons, leaving behind only a sliver of his divine consciousness. He would only return if widespread chaos erupted or if the Xuanhuang Realm faced imminent destruction.

Ostensibly, the Myriad Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Council seemed equally formidable. In truth, without the restraint of the Heavenly Venerate of Dharma Transmission, the Myriad Immortals Alliance was at a severe disadvantage against the Five Elders Council, which boasted five cultivators at the Long-Life realm.

"Just as in the 114th generation they attempted to create the Xuan Net to resist the Long-Life Heavenly Venerate," a flash of understanding crossed Li Fan's mind, "this generation's Thirty-three Immortal Electors must similarly be related to forging a power capable of contending with the Long-Life realm."

"Both sides have made their moves; it remains to be seen how this game of chess will unfold!" Previously, the Five Elders Council had also attempted to contact him.

However, Li Fan had ignored all such attempts. The resources he had acquired from the Five Elders Council were currently sufficient. Li Fan decided to first observe the evolving situation before making any further plans.

He meticulously memorized the information of over three hundred cultivators on the list he held, then crushed the paper to dust. His divine consciousness once again enveloped the Five Elements Grand Grotto-heaven. At this moment, he had successfully advanced to the Perfected Golden Core stage.

He had officially begun the process of devouring the Five Elements Grand Grotto-heaven. Tentacles formed from the Heavenly Root extended through the gaps between the grotto-heavens, spreading into each elemental grotto-heaven and temporarily lying dormant. The Five Elements Grand Grotto-heaven was immensely vast; he first needed to accumulate power and cultivate a sufficient number of Heavenly Root tendrils.

Only then could he fully absorb the grotto-heaven in one go. There were no shortcuts; only a slow, painstaking effort would suffice. The sole fortunate aspect was that this Five Elements Grand Grotto-heaven had not yet nurtured an existence akin to a Heavenly Dao consciousness. Even its instinctive defense mechanisms were remarkably weak, making Li Fan's infiltration exceptionally smooth.

Within the distinct five elemental grotto-heavens, a dense network of roots, resembling apocalyptic clouds, slowly expanded. Time flew by.

The millions of contribution points spent by his clone, Ji Shaoli, had certainly not been in vain. On the day the final appointments were announced, a joyous atmosphere once again filled Haixuan Island. "Tianyun State, Strategy Formation Hall."

He Zhenghao was inexplicably excited, his mind racing with thoughts. Although it was only the lowest-ranking active formation master position, Tianyun State was located in the central heartland of the Immortal Alliance. Both the remuneration and future prospects were incomparable to being a guardian in the Congyun Sea.

"Joining the Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Society that day was truly the most correct decision I've ever made," he thought. "Even if it's just a small step, I've finally taken it! One day, I will return to Tianyu State gloriously!" As He Zhenghao's emotions surged, the thought of "Ruoshui…" crossed his mind just as Ji Shaoli's figure reappeared before everyone.

Knowing that Ji Shaoli had undoubtedly played a significant role in securing their appointments, the cultivators quickly bowed, expressing their profound gratitude. "Haha, we are all family; there's no need for formalities," Ji Shaoli said, waving his hand.

"However…" He then shifted his tone. "Since you are all about to leave the Congyun Sea, there are some matters I no longer need to conceal."

Everyone's hearts tightened, understanding that the mysterious Mutual Aid Society was about to unveil its true nature. They listened intently. "The Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Society is merely a small branch of the Xuanhuang Mutual Aid Society, located within the Congyun Sea region."

"Our Mutual Aid Society's influence extends throughout the entire Xuanhuang Realm. So, even if you relocate elsewhere, you needn't worry about being without the organization." This revelation was something everyone had already anticipated.

After all, how could a mere small, regional organization possibly know the major examination questions in advance? Ji Shaoli's gaze swept over the crowd. Seeing their calm reactions, he nodded in satisfaction.

"However, it's important to clarify that some degree of competition exists among the Mutual Aid Societies in different states. Since all of you joined through me, for the next ten years, your status within the organization will remain linked to the Congyun Sea branch." He continued, "For this reason, the leaders of other regional branches will not contact you for the time being. Until this period expires, I will continue to be your direct point of contact and liaison." Ji Shaoli slowly explained, "While it's a bit inconvenient, it's necessary to prevent unhealthy competition."

Upon hearing this, the cultivators showed no outward signs of distress. However, a Golden Core cultivator named Yu Hongjian finally could not resist asking, "Fellow Daoist Ji, what exactly was the original intention behind the establishment of this Mutual Aid Society? Surely, it's not merely for mutual assistance, is it?"

As he spoke, the same unspoken question arose in everyone's eyes. "Exactly," Yu Hongjian added softly. "Since joining, we have continuously received assistance from the organization, yet we've never had a chance to contribute… It truly makes one uneasy."

Ji Shaoli smiled faintly. "Rest assured. Your current strength is still too weak; simply focus on cultivating diligently. There will come a day when the organization needs you." Although Ji Shaoli only possessed Golden Core cultivation, no one present objected to his assertion that "your strength is too weak."

After all, those present had witnessed cultivators who were implicitly Dao Integration experts acting with utmost deference in front of Ji Shaoli. It was clear that Ji Shaoli was far from as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Likewise, Ji Shaoli's words, while seemingly reassuring, actually left them feeling even more apprehensive. Everyone knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. The Mutual Aid Society's assistance to them was virtually akin to a new lease on life.

Although no tasks had been assigned yet, what if one day the Mutual Aid Society truly needed their "help"? The cultivators exchanged subtle, imperceptible glances.

However, at this point, there was no turning back. They deeply suppressed the unease in their hearts, daring not to reveal the slightest trace of it. Instead, they focused on discussing and strategizing for any scrutiny they might encounter upon taking up their new positions.

Time passed. Within ten days, the five cultivators successively bid farewell and departed to take up their posts in their respective states. For a time, Haixuan Island became somewhat desolate.

Meanwhile, Ji Shaoli looked at a piece of news, a hint of surprise in his expression. Zhong Shentong, whom he had been closely monitoring, had unexpectedly achieved a breakthrough.

***

Last month's total monthly votes were 19,163, which means I owe 19 extra chapters based on the "1,000 votes for one extra chapter" promise. I've already released chapters up to 7,000 votes, leaving 12 chapters still owed. I'll begin repaying this debt tomorrow.

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