He Zhenghao's self-congratulatory voice emerged from the communication spirit talisman.
"Zhang Zhiliang is an eccentric character. Persuading him took significant effort on my part.
"Of course, the required contribution points are somewhat higher than the ten thousand points I previously mentioned you'd need to get a place under Gong Boyu.
“But it’s still just thirteen thousand contribution points.
"This is a rare opportunity. If you're interested, Fellow Daoist, contact me quickly!"
The communication spirit talisman then fell silent.
"Only three thousand contribution points more? No problem. Thank you, Fellow Daoist!" After only a moment's consideration, Li Fan gave He Zhenghao his confirmation.
On one hand, this was to get closer to Zhang Zhiliang and eventually find a way to become his formal apprentice.
On the other hand, it was the perfect opportunity to officially join the Myriad Immortals Alliance. Entering the system came with numerous benefits.
Compared to the over ten thousand contribution points that vanished in the blink of an eye during closed-door cultivation, these thirteen thousand points were an excellent investment.
The moment he sent his reply, He Zhenghao responded immediately: "In that case, to avoid complications, Fellow Daoist, please hurry to the Dao Transmission Plaza and wait for me there.
"I'll first take you to meet Zhang Zhiliang. Then we'll quickly secure the position.
"Keep in mind, though it's just a minor array maintenance role, many Foundation Establishment cultivators have their eyes on this position!"
Li Fan replied: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Fellow Daoist!"
He then left the Tianxuan Mirror and headed to the Dao Transmission Plaza to meet He Zhenghao.
Upon arrival, he found He Zhenghao already waiting.
"You've taken great pains, Fellow Daoist!" Li Fan said to He Zhenghao.
"Haha, there’s no need for that. Since I'm the one who referred you to the Myriad Immortals Alliance, it's only natural that I look after you.
"Besides, mutual benefit and all that. Who knows, I might need your help with something someday!"
He Zhenghao waved his hand dismissively.
He then continued, "Zhang Zhiliang isn't on Myriad Immortals Island right now. Recently, an island suddenly emerged from the depths in the western region of the Congyun Sea. Zhang Zhiliang, Gong Boyu, and the others are all currently on that island.
"Who knows when they'll return? It might even take a year or more. We’ll meet them first to secure the position."
Li Fan nodded.
“An island emerging from the sea? And several array masters from the Strategy Array Hall are already there? Did they discover some sect ruins?” Li Fan asked as he followed He Zhenghao toward a tree-like teleportation array.
He Zhenghao shook his head: "Not sect ruins, just an ordinary island.
"For some unknown reason, the entire island sank into the sea over three thousand years ago. Now it has resurfaced.
"The strange thing is, this island appears to have originally been an island of the Myriad Immortals Alliance with an assigned guardian, yet no records about it can be found.
“The island protection array reactivated after the island emerged, and the protective arrays from that era are quite different from current ones. So several array masters from the Strategy Array Hall went to check it out," He Zhenghao explained.
Through the teleportation array, the two arrived at a massive island that resembled a primeval forest, filled with various types of trees. This place was at least ten times larger than Liuli Island.
"That island is located about five hundred li west of Spiritwood Island."
Li Fan and He Zhenghao conversed as they flew toward their destination.
"Could arrays from three thousand years ago truly be more advanced than modern ones? Why would array masters travel there specifically to examine them?" Li Fan voiced his confusion.
He Zhenghao chuckled. "Fellow Daoist, you may not be aware, but the protective arrays commonly used within our Myriad Immortals Alliance are not static.
"The Myriad Immortals Alliance has always been at odds with the Five Elders Council. If a fixed array system remained unchanged for over a century, it would risk having its operational mechanisms leaked. After that, it could be easily dismantled on a large scale.
"Thus, protective arrays undergo minor revisions every two hundred years and major overhauls every one thousand years.
"Minor revisions refer to keeping the foundational logic unchanged while adjusting the finer details of the array's layout.
"Major overhauls involve completely rebuilding the array from scratch. The previous array is then sealed away and never used again," He Zhenghao explained slowly.
"Therefore, the three-thousand-year-old protective array operating on that island is a rare treasure. Its power may be mediocre, but those skilled in arrays will be able to learn much from it, even reverse-engineering the corresponding Myriad Immortals Array."
Li Fan was taken aback. "The corresponding Myriad Immortals Array?"
He Zhenghao hesitated briefly before lowering his voice to explain, "This Myriad Immortals Array isn't the one on Myriad Immortals Island. Rather, it refers to the true Myriad Immortals Array formed with the protective arrays of all cities and islands within a province acting as nodes, and the array at Central Island or Lingtian City as its core.
"When this Myriad Immortals Array is fully activated, it covers an entire province. Its power is unimaginable, rumored to have slain Dao Unity Immortal Venerables.
"However, the resources it consumes are astronomical. It can only be activated with permission from the Myriad Immortals Alliance headquarters.
"It's typically used only during invasions by the Five Elders Council or in times of great war."
Li Fan, who had just begun to grasp the basics of arrays, imagined the scene in his mind and couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath.
"No wonder the Myriad Immortals Alliance goes to such lengths to construct protective arrays in nearly all cities within its territory. So there's another layer to this consideration."
Just then, He Zhenghao added cheerfully, "We've speculated in private that this might not even be the complete form of the Myriad Immortals Array. The true form is likely the colossal array that uses each fully activated provincial Myriad Immortals Array as a node, its scope covering all territories of the Myriad Immortals Alliance.
"However, this is purely speculation among a few of us during our leisure time. Such an array would be too terrifying. If activated, it would likely cause catastrophic damage to the entire cultivation world."
Li Fan fell silent after hearing this.
Given the way the Myriad Immortals Alliance operates, this ultimate form of the Myriad Immortals Array certainly exist.
While the Xuanhuang World is basically divided between the Myriad Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Council, they are able to maintain a surface-level peace. Those elusive Eternal Heavenly Venerables are likely a key factor for this, and the existence of this ultimate Myriad Immortals Array is likely another critical factor.
Lost in thought, Li Fan remained silent for the rest of their journey.
Before long, the island that had sunk and resurfaced came into view.
From a distance, Li Fan could already sense the lingering aura of dampness clinging to the island.
Remarkably, most of the structures remained intact. Yet after a millennium submerged beneath the sea, their surfaces were thick with algae and azure moss.
Along the streets, countless fish separated from their aquatic home flopped and twitched in desperate struggle for survival.
Beyond the island's edge, Li Fan could vaguely discern a golden array barrier.
I wonder what catastrophe caused this island to sink three thousand years ago, and why has it suddenly reemerged now?