"It's one thing if no one investigates this matter. What I fear is that someone with ill intentions might seize this chance to scheme against me. That would truly be a disaster!" He Zhenghao's expression grew increasingly grim as he thought about it.
"Fellow Daoist He, there's no need to worry. I think it will be brought up during idle chatter at most. If someone truly wanted to use this against you, why would they speak of it so casually? They would surely take it directly to the upper echelons of the Myriad Immortals Alliance," Li Fan reassured him.
"However, to be safe, I advise you not to engage in such activities anymore," Li Fan added.
He Zhenghao sighed and nodded in agreement.
Then, Li Fan pretended to be very curious. "Since you knew helping mortals sneak across borders carried significant risks, why did you insist on doing it? Could the profits be so great that you'd disregard the risk of death?"
He Zhenghao gave a bitter laugh. "What great profits? For a single minor world, a trip there once every ten years only yields two to three thousand contribution points at most. It's just about accumulating small amounts over time."
Li Fan feigned astonishment. "Are you that short on contribution points, Fellow Daoist? You'd covet such a small amount?"
He Zhenghao's face flushed slightly. "Who would ever complain about having too many contribution points? Besides, I have my own difficulties."
He then explained the pros and cons of his cultivation technique and his plan to switch to a Nascent Soul technique.
After listening, Li Fan clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Over a hundred years, and you've only reached the mid-stage Foundation Establishment realm? That technique really isn't up to par. Better that you abandon it!
"Fellow Daoist He, changing techniques mid-way is a big decision. Though the cost is high, it's clearly worth it! I support you!
"How many more contribution points do you need to redeem that Nascent Soul technique?"
He Zhenghao shook his head with a sigh. "The technique I want to redeem is extremely extraordinary. Not only does it require 250,000 contribution points, but you also need a certain level of permissions just to search for and redeem it.
"Now, my permission level is almost sufficient, but I have a long way to go to accumulate the necessary contribution points. I still need about another hundred thousand points or so."
Li Fan nodded upon hearing this. So the technique catalog I usually see in the Tianxuan Mirror isn't complete.
"One hundred thousand contribution points is indeed an astronomical figure. Since joining the Myriad Immortals Alliance over a month ago, I've come to understand how difficult it is to accumulate contribution points. I heard the fish betting game was a chance to get rich overnight, so I took a gamble..." Li Fan sighed, wearing a frustrated expression.
"Fish betting? Heh, I was once obsessed with it long ago. But I haven't played in ages."
He Zhenghao said seriously, "Take my advice, it's best to avoid that thing. Neither of us has the knack or providence for it! It’s as good as throwing money away!"
Li Fan agreed wholeheartedly. "You're absolutely right, Fellow Daoist."
Then, Li Fan shifted the conversation, revealing his true intentions. "After much thought, I believe the investment method you mentioned earlier is more suitable for me..."
He Zhenghao looked pleased. "Heh, realizing this so quickly is proof that you have good judgment. Meanwhile, I wasted half my life before finally finding a reliable way to earn money.
"Don't worry, next time there's a big opportunity, I definitely won't forget you, Fellow Daoist!
But Li Fan said directly, "There’s no need to wait for next time! I've got a major money-making opportunity right now!"
"Oh? Is that so?" He Zhenghao sensed something amiss, and his expression shifted slightly. Still, he asked, "What opportunity?"
"To be honest with you, Fellow Daoist," Li Fan said confidently, "ever since you mentioned that investment method last time, I've been studying it in my free time. After a month, I feel I've grasped the essentials. To profit from price fluctuations, Spirit Mist Grass is the most convenient method.
"Its price consistently fluctuates between eighteen and twenty-two contribution points per stalk. If I buy large quantities when it's at eighteen contribution points and sell when it reaches twenty-two, wouldn't that yield substantial profits?" Li Fan spoke with assurance.
"Well... that logic isn't wrong," He Zhenghao admitted, unable to find flaws in Li Fan's reasoning.
Li Fan clapped his hands together. "Then now is the perfect time to buy! For some reason, Spirit Mist Grass prices have been steadily declining recently. They've already dropped to eighteen contribution points! Isn't this the absolute bottom? If we don’t go in now, then when?"
He Zhenghao felt his heart stir at Li Fan's words. "That makes sense!"
He immediately produced a Mini Tianxuan Mirror from somewhere, tapping it lightly to display the current price of Spirit Mist Grass.
"It really has dropped to eighteen contribution points!" he exclaimed in pleasant surprise.
Turning to Li Fan with appreciation, he said, "You’ve really got an eye for investment, Fellow Daoist!"
"Wait! How did it drop to eighteen?!" Suddenly, He Zhenghao's expression changed dramatically as he realized something. "I originally bought it at eighteen contribution points and never sold. Now it's dropped back to that price?"
Li Fan quickly interjected, "Ah, don't panic, Fellow Daoist. Things always bounce back after reaching an extremity. Now that Spirit Mist Grass prices have hit rock bottom, they're sure to rebound. They might even jump to twenty-three points! With prices this low, it's the perfect opportunity for us to increase our positions!"
"That makes sense! We must increase our positions!" He Zhenghao deeply agreed.
"Ah, but unfortunately," Li Fan sighed, "I lost most of my contribution points in that fish betting game. I wonder if Fellow Daoist He might lend me..."
Before Li Fan could finish, He Zhenghao shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, as you saw last time, I only have about a thousand contribution points left for usage. I really don't have any extra to lend you."
Li Fan wore a look of deep regret. "It would be such a shame to miss this major opportunity!"
He Zhenghao looked at Li Fan, obviously wanting to say something but hesitating.
Li Fan saw right through him and exclaimed joyfully, "Can you offer me guidance, Fellow Daoist?"
He Zhenghao still kept silent.
Li Fan spoke solemnly, "If you can help me this time, I will surely repay you handsomely in the future.
"I have a feeling that I'm not far from breaking through to the final-stage Foundation Establishment realm. I'll soon need to prepare for core formation.
"I urgently require a technique and must gather the points for it. If I miss this opportunity, who knows how long my cultivation will remain stagnant?"
This finally seemed to convince He Zhenghao.
After hesitating for a moment, He Zhenghao produced a dark green jade token and handed it to Li Fan.
Leaning closer, he whispered, "If you truly wish to seize this opportunity for your future, take this token to the outermost region of Myriad Immortals Island. Find a shop called Breeze Hall.
"Once inside, say nothing. Simply show them this token. If anyone asks, tell them I sent you.
"Outwardly, Breeze Hall appears to be a shop selling miscellaneous goods, but in truth, they secretly offer loans of contribution points, techniques, and other resources."
As Li Fan listened to He Zhenghao’s words, he smiled inwardly.
This is the one.