While Li Fan was deep in thought, a somewhat chubby young man sidled up to him.
The young man clapped Li Fan on the shoulder with an air of overfamiliarity. “Brother, you look unfamiliar. What office did you hold in Great Li? Or are you a wealthy merchant from some province?”
Li Fan swatted the young man’s hand from his shoulder, then fixed him with a cold, silent stare.
The chubby youth instantly felt as if a venomous serpent had locked eyes with him, and a chill crept up his spine.
Though he felt a bit ashamed to be intimidated by a mere look, the young man had some discernment. Li Fan appeared ordinary, but there was an undeniable aura of authority about him, the kind that came from long years in a position of power.
In an instant, the youth reached the conclusion that this was not someone to be trifled with and wisely withdrew.
The others, witnessing this, understood that Li Fan was not particularly approachable, and so no one else attempted to speak with him afterward.
As the lanterns flickered, the murmurs of the group gradually softened. One by one, they all fell asleep.
The night passed without incident.
Before dawn broke the next day, they were all roused from their slumber.
A middle-aged man walked toward them. He had a long beard and wore blue robes.
“I will take you to register for residency shortly. Once completed, you will officially become residents of Liuli Island,” the man said coolly, his gaze sweeping over the group as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Hearing his words, the crowd buzzed with excitement.
“Remember, do not say anything you are not supposed to. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee your safety,” the man added, narrowing his eyes.
Everyone understood the clandestine nature of their arrangement and nodded in agreement.
Following the middle-aged man’s instructions, Li Fan and the others changed into sets of ragged, worn-out clothing.
They were then taught a uniform cover story.
“You were all residents of Dayu Island in the west. Your island was destroyed in a storm, forcing you to flee here as refugees. If anyone asks about your past, that is what you will say.”
No one voiced any objection.
Then, led by the middle-aged man and under the watchful eyes of four or five large men in black, the group filed out of the cavern through a hidden passage, emerging above ground.
They wound through the residential districts of the city for what felt like an eternity before finally arriving at the front of an official compound.
Li Fan noted that although their group numbered several dozen, the island’s residents mostly gave them only cursory glances before looking away, clearly accustomed to such happenings.
They did not enter through the main gate. After a servant went inside to announce their arrival, he returned and led them through a side entrance on the left into a large hall.
The hall was spacious. Two or three other batches of people—over a hundred in total—had already gathered before Li Fan’s group arrived. Even so, it did not feel crowded.
The middle-aged man gave them a look, signaling for them to wait patiently.
Soon, it was Li Fan’s group’s turn.
“Manager Zhao!” the middle-aged man greeted.
“Are these all refugees here to register?” Manager Zhao appeared to be in his fifties or sixties. Though somewhat aged, his eyes were unusually sharp. After scanning the crowd, he said with a faint, knowing smile, “Sun Zhang, these refugees all seem rather wealthy or noble, don’t they?”
Sun Zhang didn’t fluster. He simply sighed. “Indeed. They were all from wealthy and influential families on Dayu Island. A pity they lacked the protection of an Immortal Master. When disaster struck, all their wealth and glory turned to dust. They could only travel thousands of li to seek refuge here on Liuli Island.”
As he spoke, Sun Zhang pulled something from his robes and discreetly passed it to Manager Zhao.
Manager Zhao glanced at it, pocketed the item, and then sighed. “The stormfloods have been fierce these past days. Even our Liuli Island was affected by it. The western islands suffered far greater losses. Rumors say over two hundred islands were completely scoured flat. Who can count how many mortal souls have returned to the sea?
“Fortunately, the Immortal Master is merciful, ordering us to aid the refugees. It is a good thing your Tianbao Pavilion is taking this so seriously! Rest assured, I will report this truthfully to the Island Master. When the Immortal Master’s rewards are distributed, your share will certainly not be forgotten.”
Hearing this, Sun Zhang was overjoyed and launched into a stream of flattering remarks.
Manager Zhao listened with half an ear as he processed the registration paperwork for the group.
Before long, it was Li Fan’s turn. When Manager Zhao looked at Li Fan, a strange light flickered in his eyes.
“What is your name?” Manager Zhao asked.
“Li Fan,” Li Fan answered truthfully.
“Come. Place a drop of your blood here.” Manager Zhao’s brush moved with swift, flowing strokes, writing the words “Li Fan” on a rectangular object. It resembled both jade and paper, yet was neither. He then handed it over.
Li Fan bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall.
The blood, as if possessing a spirit of its own, seeped into the two words.
“Keep this spirit talisman safe. From now on, it is your proof of identity. You must present it for all matters on the island—receiving work assignments, collecting rations, undergoing inspections, everything. Do not lose it.” Unlike his attitude with the others, Manager Zhao was noticeably more cordial with Li Fan, offering an extra word of advice.
This drew sidelong glances from Sun Zhang and the others.
Uncertain what Manager Zhao had seen in him, Li Fan didn’t offer any extra thanks. He simply nodded, stored the spirit talisman away, and walked off to the side.
The distribution of residence permits was smooth and efficient. Soon, everyone in the group held their Liuli Island spirit talismans.
Excitement was plain on every face.
They left the place but did not return to the previous cave. Instead, Sun Zhang led them to the large courtyard of a residence.
“Now that you have registered, it’s time to sign the contract,” Sun Zhang said, addressing Su Changyu from the group.
Su Changyu carefully withdrew a thin sheet of paper from his robes. He then bit his finger and solemnly wrote his name in blood.
The moment the signature was complete, the thin paper ignited without any flame, transforming into a wisp of blue smoke that drifted away.
After it burned, only a final small fragment of the contract remained.
“The contract is only complete after three stages. Once we are fully settled in the future, I will sign the final part as agreed,” Su Changyu said, his tone neither subservient nor arrogant.
“Hmph. Dealing with your ilk is always troublesome. If not for... the Immortal Master, our Tianbao Pavilion would never engage in such an unprofitable venture,” Sun Zhang snorted, clearly dissatisfied.
But he didn’t say anything more on the matter. Instead, he began instructing everyone on the things they needed to pay attention to while living on the island.
“All registered residents of Liuli Island may use their spirit talismans to claim a dwelling. It will be in the remote northern outskirts of the island, but at least it’s a place to shelter from the wind and rain. Furthermore, for the first year after registration, you may collect a set amount of rations each month free of charge.
“Of course, if you’re accustomed to delicacies and find this complimentary ration not to your taste, you’re welcome to spend your own money to dine lavishly elsewhere on the island.”
After a lengthy speech that left his throat parched, Sun Zhang paused to catch his breath.
Suddenly, Su Changyu’s voice cut through the silence with a question.
“May I know how we should proceed if we wish to pursue cultivation?”
This was precisely what Li Fan had been waiting to hear. He pricked up his ears, listening intently.