Chapter 870: Fate Suddenly Changes

Speaking of which, the reason for the drastic change in Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi's destinies was inextricably linked to Li Fan.

These two were originally proud and unwilling to be mere tools of the Wanxian Alliance just for cultivation methods. They preferred to risk life and limb exploring various sect ruins to find ancient cultivation techniques, rather than joining the Wanxian Alliance or the Five Elders Association and serving others.

Yet, in this life, their attitudes underwent a dramatic transformation.

The cause was that after Tianyang achieved Dao Assimilation, Li Fan ordered him to detonate the void in Qiling State. Subsequently, the Immortal-Mortal Miasma, which had been sealed within, returned and wreaked havoc upon the world. All cultivators were unable to escape the fate of being infected by the miasma. Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were naturally no exception. At that time, they were only at the Foundation Establishment stage. Not possessing any special physiques, their symptoms rapidly worsened after infection. Within a few days, they were on their last breath.

Just as the two brothers were preparing to face their end together, they unexpectedly received a free distribution of a special medicine from the Wanxian Alliance! The two, who originally harbored deep prejudices against the Wanxian Alliance, could no longer afford such thoughts in the face of life and death. They swallowed the medicine whole. The effect was immediate; within a few days, they had already shown some improvement. When the Wanxian Alliance distributed the second dose of the special medicine, it allowed them to completely overcome the calamity.

Having survived, Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi, grateful for the life-saving grace of the Wanxian Alliance, deeply reflected on their previous prejudices against the alliance. Subsequently, both joined the Wanxian Alliance. Perhaps it was truly a case of surviving a great disaster bringing future blessings. After joining the Wanxian Alliance, these two brothers sold all the miscellaneous items they had acquired through their adventures in cultivation to the Tianxuan Mirror, unexpectedly obtaining a vast sum of money. They directly exchanged it for two Golden Core cultivation methods and even had some surplus. With their accumulated experience, they broke through the Foundation Establishment stage and became Golden Core cultivators in a short period.

"The peculiarity of fate, to such an extent." After encountering these two unexpected individuals on Hai Xuan Island, Jishao Li spent some contribution points to understand what had happened to them. He then stepped forward to stop them after they got into an argument with members of the Mutual Aid Society.

"Although these two are a bit straightforward in their nature, their personality, once they commit to something, makes them exceptionally unlikely to turn back, which can also be an advantage in certain respects," Jishao Li mused. Facing Dao Xuanzi's insistence on leaving, Jishao Li showed no anger; instead, he posed a probing question.

"Why are the two fellow cultivators so angry? Did those people just say something truly wrong?" Dao Xuanzi paused slightly. Jishao Li said solemnly, "If what they said was incorrect, I would certainly make them apologize to both of you immediately." He continued, "However, I've heard other cultivators speak of their claims as well. While I don't wish to believe it, there's no smoke without fire. The Immortal Alliance has always been vague about how they actually achieve victory, which goes against common sense..." "Can you blame us for this?" "Or have the two fellow cultivators personally witnessed the front-line battles and are certain that our statements are incorrect?" Jishao Li's words instantly stunned Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi. They opened their mouths but could not think of any words to refute him.

Jishao Li smiled slightly. "Please, both of you, sit down. Our Mutual Aid Society is quite large now, and with more people, different ideas are bound to clash." He explained, "Therefore, seeking common ground while reserving differences is our fundamental principle. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts. If you believe someone is wrong, then present the facts, reason with them, and debate their points." He added, "To resort to insults at the slightest disagreement, how is that the conduct of a gentleman?" Jishao Li extended his hand and gently pressed the two, who were still trying to struggle, back into their seats.

Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi exchanged glances, feeling a sense of shock. Yet, they also felt that Jishao Li's words were not without reason. They were quite straightforward in their actions. After a moment of contemplation, they first apologized to the small group they had argued with earlier. Then they sat down and carefully observed Jishao Li. They had long heard of the leader of the Congyun Sea Mutual Aid Society, rumored to be exceptionally mysterious and possibly of significant background. However, they had not expected his strength to be unfathomable.

"Brother, I see he's clearly only at the Golden Core stage. Why are we completely unable to resist him?" Dao Xuanzi asked via spiritual transmission. Kou Hong narrowed his eyes. "He must be hiding his cultivation. As brothers, in a one-on-one fight, we might not be a match for those peerless prodigies. But together, we should be no weaker than anyone else at the same cultivation level!" Dao Xuanzi nodded slightly, somewhat relieved. "It must be so. So, he's actually at the Nascent Soul stage? It seems this Mutual Aid Society is indeed not simple."

The two listened intently to Jishao Li's speech. It covered, but was not limited to, the achievements of the Congyun Mutual Aid Society within a few short years, the lives and accomplishments of outstanding members, and the future plans for the society. Although none of it was substantial content, merely grand and empty words of encouragement, Jishao Li delivered it with great passion and expressiveness. Coupled with his modulated tone, its persuasive power was extremely potent. All the cultivators present were flushed with excitement, as if they could already envision their glorious future after joining the Mutual Aid Society. Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were also deeply attracted by the various benefits described by Jishao Li, instantly forgetting the unpleasant minor friction they had just experienced.

"It seems we've truly come to the right place," they thought, exchanging glances. After the speech, under the witness of the Red Dust Compassionate True Immortal, they officially joined the Mutual Aid Society. Another round of enthusiastic celebration ensued.

It wasn't until the crowd dispersed that they seemed to awaken from a dream. "Was that... a bit too rash?" Before they could ponder it further, Jishao Li quietly led the two into a secret room on the island. "Fellow Cultivator Ji, what is this...?" Kou Hong felt a surge of alertness. Jishao Li, however, showed a sincere expression and said, "Actually, what you two just said truly resonated with me. But to appease the crowd, I had no choice but to argue against it." He continued, "In today's world, cultivators as passionate and sincere as you two are a rare sight." Jishao Li bowed to them, expressing his apologies.

Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were caught off guard by this gesture and quickly returned the bow. "However, your passion has been pledged to the wrong allegiance!" At that moment, Jishao Li's expression suddenly changed, and he spoke coldly. The two were completely bewildered by Jishao Li's sudden shift in demeanor. "Fellow Cultivator Ji, what exactly...?" Jishao Li chuckled, "Haha, I know you joined the Wanxian Alliance because you were grateful for the life-saving grace of the special medicine." He then paused, "But as for what this so-called special medicine actually is..." "Please, both of you, see for yourselves!" With that, Jishao Li threw out a jade slip. Engraved within it was detailed information about the Heart-Intention Ascension Pill!

"Wan... Xian... Alliance..." After reading it, Kou Hong's eyes instantly became bloodshot, and his face flushed crimson.