Upon hearing Li Fan’s words, He Zhenghao froze for a moment, confusion flashing across his face.
Li Fan gave him no time to recover. He immediately pushed the bewitching power of the Seven-Apertures Exquisite Heart, simulated through Return to Truth, to its very limit.
“I’m a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator at twenty-nine,” Li Fan said calmly, his gaze burning into He Zhenghao. “Fellow Daoist, what do you think of my talent?”
“Exceptionally gifted. Such talent is rare in this world,” He Zhenghao found himself answering.
“I earned six hundred thousand contribution points from investing in Spirit Mist Grass. While others went bankrupt, I profited.” Li Fan continued smoothly. “What do you think of my capabilities?”
This seemed to strike a sore nerve. He Zhenghao shot him a resentful glance before replying, “You have sharp vision and keen intuition. I am far inferior.”
Li Fan did not pause. “Within the Myriad Immortals Alliance, ordinary cultivators are treated like cattle and horses. Without backing or influence, rising in power is as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Do you agree?”
He Zhenghao nodded unconsciously. “That is the truth.”
Li Fan placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice solemn. “That is precisely why we must band together for warmth.”
He Zhenghao felt there was some logic to Li Fan's words, but before he could ponder further, Li Fan asked casually, “You’ve been with the Myriad Immortals Alliance for many years now, haven’t you?”
“Nearly a hundred,” He Zhenghao replied after a brief pause, a hint of nostalgia surfacing.
Li Fan shook his head. “A century, yet still only mid-stage Foundation Establishment. You claim to have some standing on Myriad Immortals Island, but how much has that network actually helped your cultivation? Very little, I imagine.”
He Zhenghao opened his mouth to retort, then fell silent. He couldn’t refute it.
“That’s because you’ve been cultivating useless connections,” Li Fan continued patiently. “While you still have value, they smile and flatter you. But if you were to lose your cultivation, would they even spare you a glance? Their friendliness is only skin-deep. When their own interests are involved...” Li Fan let the implication hang.
He Zhenghao sank into thought.
“In short, Fellow Daoist, you haven't found the right backer. You've been following the wrong people! Li Fan concluded.
“But follow me, and everything changes. I value brotherhood above all, sharing both fortune and hardship.”
His words came with righteous fervor, one after another, leaving no room to breathe.
“Take that Nascent Soul technique you want but can’t obtain...” Li Fan paused, capturing He Zhenghao’s full attention.
“If you follow me wholeheartedly, lending you 250,000 contribution points to redeem it is entirely possible.”
He Zhenghao trembled as though struck by lightning, his composure shattering.
“Y-You’re not bluffing me?”
Li Fan laughed lightly. “I, Li Fan, always keep my word.”
“I’ve heard the Nascent Soul technique you fancy is highly compatible with your Foundation Establishment Curio?” Li Fan asked casually.
He Zhenghao nodded repeatedly. “Exactly. It’s called the Mountain River Hidden Dragon Art. If I could switch to cultivating it, I would certainly reach Golden Core within fifty years. As for breaking into the Nascent Soul realm, success would be virtually guaraneed.”
As he spoke, he looked at Li Fan with eager, almost pleading eyes, clearly wanting to say more yet holding himself back.
“Two hundred and fifty thousand contribution points,” Li Fan said slowly. “If you had to accumulate them again from scratch, it would take an immense amount of time. But if you redeem the technique early and break through to Golden Core decades sooner, your future achievements would be completely different!”
The longing in He Zhenghao’s gaze intensified.
After a long silence and careful deliberation, he finally spoke. “If you’re willing to lend me the contribution points, I’ll follow your lead in all matters from this day forward.”
Li Fan chuckled. He reached into his storage ring and produced a shimmering sheet of golden foil. Using his finger as a brush, he swiftly inscribed several lines before handing it over with a smile.
“Empty words carry no weight. If you’re serious, sign this Commercial Contract.”
This was the same type of Commercial Contract Li Fan’s avatar had once signed with Jiao Xiuyuan. It was rumored to originate from the Five Elders Council, and was a simplified version of their Soul Contracts. Once signed, both parties would be bound by its power, compelled to abide by its terms.
He Zhenghao read the clauses carefully:
Cultivator Li Fan agrees to lend 250,000 contribution points to Cultivator He Zhenghao at an annual interest rate of one percent.
Both parties shall complete full repayment within fifty years.
During this period, He Zhenghao and Li Fan shall form an interest-based alliance with Li Fan at its core. Provided no severe harm comes to his own interests, He Zhenghao shall comply with Li Fan’s requests and accept his guidance.
Li Fan may reduce the annual interest rate based on He Zhenghao’s yearly performance.
He Zhenghao's brow knitted slightly before quickly smoothing out.
In truth, the terms were far from harsh—if anything, they were generous.
After all, two hundred and fifty thousand contribution points were an astronomical sum for a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Who would lend such an amount to him at such low interest?
There was even room for interest reductions.
All he needed to do was work under Li Fan. It was just labor in another form, nothing more.
Compared to the Five Elders Council’s Soul Contracts, which demanded unconditional servitude, this arrangement was lenient indeed.
After only brief hesitation, He Zhenghao slowly signed his name.
Li Fan’s expression immediately brightened. With bold, flowing strokes, he added his own signature. As the final mark settled, the contract flared with golden light, which split into three streams—one shooting skyward, while the other two flowed into Li Fan and He Zhenghao respectively.
“From this moment on,” Li Fan said with a smile, patting He Zhenghao’s shoulder, “we’re on the same side.”
He Zhenghao found himself viewing Li Fan with newfound warmth.
“Do you have a Mini Tianxuan Mirror?” Li Fan asked. “I’ll transfer the contribution points now.”
“Yes—yes!” He Zhenghao hurriedly retrieved it from his storage ring.
Moments later, the transfer was completed.
Seeing the balance update, He Zhenghao’s face flushed with excitement. Without hesitation, he redeemed the Mountain River Hidden Dragon Art.
When the golden jade slip appeared in his hand, his emotions surged uncontrollably. The Nascent Soul technique he had coveted for so long was finally his.
He bowed deeply to Li Fan. “Thank you, Fellow Daoist.”
Li Fan waved it off. “No need for formalities. We’re on the same side now.”
Then he smiled slightly. “Since you’ve obtained the technique, why not test it immediately? Let’s see whether it truly suits you as perfectly as you claimed. I’ll stand guard for you.”