jù dà shí rén ， shēn chū yòu shǒu ， lǐ fán fēi zhì qí zhǎng xīn 。
巨大石人，伸出右手，李凡飞至其掌心。
A giant stone figure stretched out its right hand, and Li Fan flew to the palm.
suí hòu shí rén jiù zhè me pěng zhe ， jiāng lǐ fán zhì yú zhòng rén miàn qián 。
随后石人就这么捧着，将李凡置于众人面前。
The stone figure then held him in place, presenting him before everyone.
lǐ fán sǎo guò zài chǎng mì mì má má de xiū shì ， miàn sè zhèng zhòng ， dào ：「 qián bù jiǔ ， wǒ shòu qián bèi shǎng shí ， dé dài lǐ dǎo zhǔ zhī zhí ， fèng mìng chóng jiàn cóng yún xiān chéng 。」
李凡扫过在场密密麻麻的修士，面色郑重，道：「前不久，我受前辈赏识，得代理岛主之职，奉命重建丛云仙城。」
Li Fan swept his gaze over the densely packed cultivators present. His face was serious as he said, "Not long ago, I received recognition from a senior and was entrusted with the acting position of island lord. My mission is to rebuild Cloud Sea Immortal City."
「 wǒ běn shēng xìng xián sǎn ， què zhòu rán dé cǐ zhòng rèn ， zì jué yā lì chóng chóng 。」
「我本生性闲散，却骤然得此重任，自觉压力重重。」
"I originally had a laid-back nature, but suddenly being given such an important task has put me under immense pressure," Li Fan continued.
「 kě yòu bù gǎn gū fù xiān méng hé qián bèi suǒ tuō ， gù zài jīng lún gōng zi miàn qián lì xià jūn lìng zhuàng ， yǐ bàn nián wéi qī 、 fù jiàn xiān chéng 。」
「可又不敢辜负仙盟和前辈所托，故在经纶公子面前立下军令状，以半年为期、复建仙城。」
"However, I dare not fail the trust placed in me by the Immortal Alliance and my seniors. Therefore, before Jinglun Young Master, I made a military pledge to rebuild the city within half a year."
「 shí jiān jǐn ， rèn wù zhòng 。 dàn wǒ xiāng xìn ， zài wǒ men cóng yún hǎi xiū shì de qí xīn xié lì zhī xià ， bì dìng néng yuán mǎn wán chéng mù biāo 。」
「时间紧，任务重。但我相信，在我们丛云海修士的齐心协力之下，必定能圆满完成目标。」
"The time is tight, and the tasks are heavy. But I believe that with our united efforts as Cloud Sea cultivators, we will surely accomplish this goal," Li Fan said confidently.
「 yī zhōu xiān chéng ， bèi rén lǔ zǒu ， shí zài shì wén suǒ wèi wén ！」
「一州仙城，被人掳走，实在是闻所未闻！」
"It's unheard of for an entire Immortal City to be taken away!" Li Fan pointed at the large void below. "As long as this ruin exists, it is a source of shame for us Cloud Sea cultivators!"
lǐ fán zhǐ zhe xià fāng de jù xíng kōng dòng shuō dào ：「 zhè chù fèi xū cún zài yī rì ， dōu shì wǒ men cóng yún hǎi xiū shì liǎn shàng mǒ bù qù de chǐ rǔ ！」
李凡指着下方的巨型空洞说道：「这处废墟存在一日，都是我们丛云海修士脸上抹不去的耻辱！」
"I hope all of you can help me wash this shame away!" With that, Li Fan bowed deeply towards everyone.
「 hái wàng zhū wèi yǔ wǒ ， yī xuě cǐ chǐ ！」
「还望诸位与我，一雪此耻！」
The cultivators were moved, either out of genuine respect or forced to return the courtesy.
shuō bà ， lǐ fán cháo zhe zhòng rén ， shēn shēn yī gōng 。
说罢，李凡朝着众人，深深一躬。
"Once the reconstruction of the Immortal City is complete, I will be here to reward and punish those who have contributed. We shall celebrate together!"
zhòng xiū shì fēn fēn dòng róng ， huò shì zhēn xīn shí yì 、 huò shì bèi pò ， yǐ lǐ hái zhī 。
众修士纷纷动容，或是真心实意、或是被迫，以礼还之。
After straightening up, Li Fan spoke loudly again. His voice echoed across the surroundings, lingering long after he finished speaking.
「 xiān chéng chóng jiàn wán chéng zhī rì ， wǒ dāng hái zài cǐ chù ， jiǎng gōng fá zuì 、 yǔ zhū wèi tóng qìng ！」
「仙城重建完成之日，我当还在此处，奖功罚罪、与诸位同庆！」
Everyone looked at Li Fan with various expressions.
lǐ fán zhí qǐ shēn zi hòu ， yòu lǎng shēng shuō dào 。
李凡直起身子后，又朗声说道。
"Gao Yuan!"
shēng yīn biàn chuán sì yě ， yú yīn huán rào ， jiǔ jiǔ bù sàn 。
声音遍传四野，余音环绕，久久不散。
After a moment of silence, Li Fan suddenly called out.
zhòng rén kàn zhe lǐ fán ， shén sè gè yì 。
众人看着李凡，神色各异。
"Presenting orders for the reconstruction of the Immortal City!" Gao Yuan flew out, his face flushed red.
「 gāo yuǎn ！」
「高远！」
"Please read them," Li Fan instructed.
chén mò piàn kè zhī hòu ， lǐ fán hū de chū shēng dào 。
沉默片刻之后，李凡忽的出声道。
"Yes!"
「 xiǎo rén zài ！」 gāo yuǎn hóng guāng mǎn miàn de fēi chū 。
「小人在！」高远红光满面的飞出。
Gao Yuan swept his gaze around proudly and cleared his throat. He took out a scroll from his storage ring and infused it with spiritual energy to read aloud.
「 tì wǒ xuān dú ， cǐ cì chóng jiàn xiān chéng rén shì diào lìng ！」 lǐ fán jiāo dài dào 。
「替我宣读，此次重建仙城人事调令！」李凡交代道。
"I hereby appoint He Zhenghao of Lustrous Isle as the Chief Inspector, responsible for overseeing all material requisitions and expenditures during the reconstruction."
「 shì ！」
「是！」
"Appoint Pei Duo of Sea Communication Island as the Commander-in-Chief, in charge of security matters throughout the reconstruction process."
gāo yuǎn dé yì de sǎo guò sì zhōu ， qīng le qīng sǎng zi ， cóng chǔ wù jiè zhōng qǔ chū yī juàn shū lù ， jiāng líng lì zhù rù shēng yīn ， jié lì lǎng dú le qǐ lái 。
高远得意的扫过四周，清了清嗓子，从储物戒中取出一卷书录，将灵力注入声音，竭力朗读了起来。
"Wen Qianang of Peaceful Island is appointed as the General Commander, coordinating communication among various departments involved in the reconstruction."
「 zhēng liú lí dǎo zhèn shǒu hé zhèng hào ， wèi zǒng jiān chá ， tǒng lǐng 、 jiān guǎn chóng jiàn xiān chéng guò chéng zhōng yī qiè wù zī lǐng qǔ 、 xiāo hào shì yí 。」
「征琉璃岛镇守何正浩，为总监察，统领、监管重建仙城过程中一切物资领取、消耗事宜。」
...
「 zhēng hǎi tōng dǎo zhèn shǒu péi tuó ， wèi zǒng dū tǒng ， zǒng lǐng chóng jiàn xiān chéng guò chéng zhōng hù wèi shì yí 。」
「征海通岛镇守裴陀，为总都统，总领重建仙城过程中护卫事宜。」
As each order was read out, the faces of the cultivators present turned increasingly complex.
「 zhēng tài ān dǎo zhèn shǒu zhōu qīng áng ， wèi zǒng zhǐ huī ， xié tiáo chóng jiàn xiān chéng guò chéng zhōng gè bù gōu tōng shì yí 。」
「征泰安岛镇守周青昂，为总指挥，协调重建仙城过程中各部沟通事宜。」
They realized that these named individuals were none other than those who had just welcomed Li Fan.
……
……
Thus, everyone suddenly understood.
suí zhe yī dào dào rén shì diào lìng bèi xuān dú ， zài chǎng xiū shì de liǎn sè quán dōu biàn dé wēi miào qǐ lái 。
随着一道道人事调令被宣读，在场修士的脸色全都变得微妙起来。
So you knew all along about Li Fan's acting position as island lord and quickly submitted to him?
yīn wèi tā men fā xiàn ， zhè xiē bèi diǎn míng de xiū shì ， hè rán zhèng shì gāng gāng qǐ shēn yíng jiē lǐ fán de nà qún rén 。
因为他们发现，这些被点名的修士，赫然正是刚刚起身迎接李凡的那群人。
And this Li Fan is really not being discreet; he’s only promoting his own people!
yú shì zhòng rén huǎng rán dà wù 。
于是众人恍然大悟。
Look at He Zhenghao, Pei Duo, Wen Qianang—none of them had reached the peak of Golden Core. Their status was even above some Foundation Establishment cultivators. Was that appropriate?
gǎn qíng nǐ men yī zǎo jiù zhī dào lǐ fán dān rèn dài lǐ dǎo zhǔ de shì ， rán hòu fēn fēn tóu chéng le ？
感情你们一早就知道李凡担任代理岛主的事，然后纷纷投诚了？
Although the cultivators grumbled internally, they also felt a twinge of regret for not acting sooner.
ér zhè lǐ fán zuò shì yě tè bù dì dào ， jìng rán háo bù zhē yǎn ， wéi qīn shì jǔ ！
而这李凡做事也忒不地道，竟然毫不遮掩，唯亲是举！
After Gao Yuan finished reading the list, he returned to the crowd, and Li Fan smiled: "The reconstruction of the Immortal City is an enormous task. My thoughts may be incomplete."
qiáo qiáo hé zhèng hào 、 péi tuó 、 zhōu qīng áng zhè xiē rén ， zuì gāo yě bù guò shì jīn dān diān fēng 。
瞧瞧何正浩、裴陀、周青昂这些人，最高也不过是金丹巅峰。
"Moreover, with so many talented individuals in Cloud Sea, some positions might have been overlooked. Therefore, I appoint Gao Yuan as the Chief Attendant. If anyone wishes to contribute to the reconstruction, they can come to him," Li Fan said.
dì wèi shèn zhì hái zài nà xiē yuán yīng xiū shì zhī shàng ， zhè hé shì ma ？
地位甚至还在那些元婴修士之上，这合适吗？
This statement immediately perked up those cultivators who had been disappointed by their missed opportunities.
zhòng rén suī rán fù fěi ， dàn shì yě shēng chū le 「 wèi shén me zì jǐ bù jī líng diǎn 、 zǎo diǎn xíng dòng de 」 huǐ yì 。
众人虽然腹诽，但是也生出了「为什么自己不机灵点、早点行动的」悔意。
"Everyone!" Li Fan concluded.
míng dān xuān dú wán bì hòu ， gāo yuǎn huí dào rén qún ， ér lǐ fán yě shì lù chū wēi xiào ：「 chóng jiàn xiān chéng ， gōng chéng hào dà 。 wǒ zhī sī liáng ， dìng rán yǒu suǒ bù zú 。」
名单宣读完毕后，高远回到人群，而李凡也是露出微笑：「重建仙城，工程浩大。我之思量，定然有所不足。」
"The Five Elders' sudden attack has caused significant losses for Cloud Sea."
「 ér qiě cóng yún hǎi nèi ， rén cái jǐ jǐ ， nán miǎn yǒu suǒ yí lòu 。 gù wǒ rèn mìng gāo yuǎn wèi zǒng cháng shì ， ruò yǒu zì gào fèn yǒng 、 yuàn wèi chóng jiàn xiān chéng xiào lì de ， dōu kě yǐ lái zhǎo tā 。」
「而且丛云海内，人才济济，难免有所遗漏。故我任命高远为总常侍，若有自告奋勇、愿为重建仙城效力的，都可以来找他。」
"The administrative hall, strategic array hall, martial arts hall..."
cǐ yán yī chū ， yuán běn yīn wèi cuò shī liáng jī ér xīn zhōng yǒu xiē bù mǎn de xiū shì men ， dùn shí huó luò le qǐ lái 。
此言一出，原本因为错失良机而心中有些不满的修士们，顿时活络了起来。
"It's almost a total wipeout! This has left many positions vacant, and we can't even handle our regular affairs properly," Li Fan said with a sigh. He swept his gaze over the crowd, full of hope as he said, "I hope that through your efforts, Cloud Sea will soon regain its former glory!"
「 zhū wèi ！」 lǐ fán zuì hòu yòu zǒng jié dào 。
「诸位！」李凡最后又总结道。
Whether or not Cloud Sea had ever been glorious was unclear to most cultivators, but what Li Fan meant was clear:
「 wǔ lǎo huì tū xí ， wǒ men cóng yún hǎi kě wèi shì sǔn shī cǎn zhòng 。」
「五老会突袭，我们丛云海可谓是损失惨重。」
With so many positions vacated due to the Five Elders' attack, his current hundred people couldn't fill them all! Anyone with the ability, step forward!
「 dǎo shàng bù zhèng táng 、 cè zhèn táng 、 yǎn wǔ táng ……」
「岛上布政堂、策阵堂、演武堂……」
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
「 jī hū kě yǐ shuō shì quán jūn fù mò ！ dǎo zhì rú jīn xǔ duō zhí wèi kòng quē ， wǒ men cóng yún hǎi lián zhèng cháng shì wù dōu wú fǎ yuǎn zhuǎn qǐ lái 。」
「几乎可以说是全军覆没！导致如今许多职位空缺，我们丛云海连正常事务都无法远转起来。」
By now, several eyes had already shifted towards Gao Yuan. They were secretly pondering how to deal with this rising star of Li Fan's.
shuō dào zhè lǐ ， lǐ fán wēi wēi yī dùn 。
说到这里，李凡微微一顿。
After saying some encouraging words, Li Fan declared that the ceremony was complete and announced that the reconstruction work would begin tomorrow.
tàn le kǒu qì ， mù guāng sǎo guò zhòng rén ， mǎn huái qī dài de shuō dào ：「 qī wàng néng zài zhū wèi de nǔ lì xià ， jǐn kuài chóng xiàn cóng yún hǎi zhī róng guāng ！」
叹了口气，目光扫过众人，满怀期待的说道：「期望能在诸位的努力下，尽快重现丛云海之荣光！」
Dantai Can on the flying boat noticed this and left without waiting for the crowd to disperse or even greeting Li Fan. His expression seemed grim.
cóng yún hǎi yǒu méi yǒu róng guāng zhòng xiū shì bù qīng chǔ ， dàn shì lǐ fán huà lǐ de yì si kě shì míng míng bái
丛云海有没有荣光众修士不清楚，但是李凡话里的意思可是明明白
However, most cultivators were so engrossed in their fantasies of glory that they paid little attention to this scene.
bái ：
白：
Li Fan watched Dantai Can's receding figure with a smile.
yīn wèi wǔ lǎo huì tū xí ， dǎo shàng kōng chū de zhí wèi kě shì duō zhe nà ！ wǒ mù qián shǒu dǐ xià zhè bǎi lái hào rén ， gēn běn tián bù mǎn kòng quē ！ nǐ men shuí yǒu néng lì ， gǎn jǐn guò lái ba ！ jī huì nán dé ， děng dào bàn nián hòu xiān chéng jiàn chéng ， yī qiè kě jiù wǎn le ！
因为五老会突袭，岛上空出的职位可是多着那！我目前手底下这百来号人，根本填不满空缺！你们谁有能力，赶紧过来吧！机会难得，等到半年后仙城建成，一切可就晚了！
His guess was right—Shen Yi Zi, Jingxuan, Guangwu, and Huayufeng had all been invited by Li Fan through contributions. As for the rising star of the Dantai family, he wasn't related to Li Fan in any way and even harbored some resentment. He couldn't be bought with contributions.
zhòng rén xīn zhōng fēn fēn huǎng rán 。
众人心中纷纷恍然。
He came to celebrate because of a contract Dantai Can was forced to sign during the previous dispute with Jiao Xiuyuan. He would fulfill three requests within his capabilities.
shì a ， mù qián zhè xiē zhí wèi ， kě quán dōu shì xiē wèi le chóng jiàn xiān chéng ér chuàng zào chū lái de 「 xū zhí 」。
是啊，目前这些职位，可全都是些为了重建仙城而创造出来的「虚职」。
So, despite Dantai Can's covert sabotage, he still had to attend Li Fan's celebration.
shén me zǒng dū tǒng 、 zǒng jiān chá ， tīng shàng qù hǎo tīng ， shí zé quán lì lái yuán zhǐ yuán yú lǐ fán dài lǐ dǎo zhǔ de 「 shòu quán 」。
什么总都统、总监察，听上去好听，实则权力来源只源于李凡代理岛主的「授权」。
As a prodigy, he considered himself highly and was now humiliated by Li Fan. Such a humiliating matter wouldn't be openly admitted.
xiān chéng chóng jiàn wán chéng zhī rì ， zhè xiē zhí wù yě jiù shī qù le jià zhí hé yì yì 。
仙城重建完成之日，这些职务也就失去了价值和意义。
Thus, in some people's eyes, Dantai Can's contradictory actions were very strange.
fǎn dào shì lǐ fán suǒ shuō de 「 jiǎng gōng fá zuì 」， cái shì zhòng tóu xì 。
反倒是李凡所说的「奖功罚罪」，才是重头戏。
And the worsening of his relationship with Dantai Can was not something Li Fan cared about.
rú guǒ néng zài chóng jiàn xiān chéng de guò chéng zhōng lì xià gōng xūn ， huò dé wàn xiān méng tǐ zhì nèi zhí wù de huà ……
如果能在重建仙城的过程中立下功勋，获得万仙盟体制内职务的话……
After all, he would eventually discard his identity as a Heaven Mechanism Sect cultivator. Debt was heavy and could crush one.
niàn jí cǐ chù ， yī zhòng xiū shì de xīn tiào dùn shí jiā sù qǐ lái 。
念及此处，一众修士的心跳顿时加速起来。
The immediate priority was to build Cloud Sea Immortal City well.
rù zhí dà kǎo de nán dù shì fēi cháng gāo de ， ér zhèng shì rù zhí wàn xiān méng hòu xiǎng yào shēng qiān ， gèng shì nán shàng jiā nán 。
入职大考的难度是非常高的，而正式入职万仙盟后想要升迁，更是难上加难。
Although he had gained people's support by leveraging the situation and solving the problem of having no one available, there was still a critical issue: the special materials controlled strictly by the Immortal Alliance, which couldn't be obtained even with contributions.
lǐ dǎo zhǔ shuō de méi cuò ！ zhè shì gè qiān zǎi nán féng de jī huì ！
李岛主说的没错！这是个千载难逢的机会！
Li Fan recalled Jiao Xiuyuan's words: "The quantities on the list are correct; they can build a floating Immortal City."
cǐ shí yǐ jīng yǒu bù shǎo mù guāng qiāo qiāo kàn xiàng le gāo yuǎn ， tā men zài àn zhōng sī suǒ gāi zěn me gēn zhè wèi lǐ dǎo zhǔ miàn qián de hóng rén dǎ jiāo dào 。
此时已经有不少目光悄悄看向了高远，他们在暗中思索该怎么跟这位李岛主面前的红人打交道。
"But..."
yòu shuō le xiē xǔ miǎn lì zhòng rén de huà ， lǐ fán fāng cái xuān bù cǐ cì yí shì yuán mǎn jié shù ， míng rì qǐ xiān chéng chóng jiàn gōng zuò zhèng shì kāi gōng 。
又说了些许勉励众人的话，李凡方才宣布此次仪式圆满结束，明日起仙城重建工作正式开工。
"Without any mistakes,"
fēi zhōu shàng de tán tái càn jiàn zhuàng ， jìng rán shì bù děng rén qún sàn qù 、 yě méi yǒu hé lǐ fán dǎ zhāo hū ， jìng zhí yù zhōu fēi lí 。
飞舟上的澹台灿见状，竟然是不等人群散去、也没有和李凡打招呼，径直御舟飞离。
"In actual construction, there will inevitably be material losses due to errors,"
kàn qí liǎn sè ， sì hū jí wéi yīn chén 。
看其脸色，似乎极为阴沉。
"Some things I can buy cheaply from friends,"
bù guò xiū shì men dà dǐ chén jìn zài jiàn gōng lì yè de huàn xiǎng zhōng ， zhè yí mù bìng méi yǒu yǐn qǐ duō shǎo rén de zhù yì 。
不过修士们大抵沉浸在建功立业的幻想中，这一幕并没有引起多少人的注意。
"But some special materials are strictly controlled by the Immortal Alliance and cannot even be purchased with contributions."
A giant stone figure stretched out its right hand, and Li Fan flew to the palm.
The stone figure then held him in place, presenting him before everyone.
Li Fan swept his gaze over the densely packed cultivators present. His face was serious as he said, "Not long ago, I received recognition from a senior and was entrusted with the acting position of island lord. My mission is to rebuild Cloud Sea Immortal City."
"I originally had a laid-back nature, but suddenly being given such an important task has put me under immense pressure," Li Fan continued.
"However, I dare not fail the trust placed in me by the Immortal Alliance and my seniors. Therefore, before Jinglun Young Master, I made a military pledge to rebuild the city within half a year."
"The time is tight, and the tasks are heavy. But I believe that with our united efforts as Cloud Sea cultivators, we will surely accomplish this goal," Li Fan said confidently.
"It's unheard of for an entire Immortal City to be taken away!" Li Fan pointed at the large void below. "As long as this ruin exists, it is a source of shame for us Cloud Sea cultivators!"
"I hope all of you can help me wash this shame away!" With that, Li Fan bowed deeply towards everyone.
The cultivators were moved, either out of genuine respect or forced to return the courtesy.
"Once the reconstruction of the Immortal City is complete, I will be here to reward and punish those who have contributed. We shall celebrate together!"
After straightening up, Li Fan spoke loudly again. His voice echoed across the surroundings, lingering long after he finished speaking.
Everyone looked at Li Fan with various expressions.
"Gao Yuan!"
After a moment of silence, Li Fan suddenly called out.
"Presenting orders for the reconstruction of the Immortal City!" Gao Yuan flew out, his face flushed red.
"Please read them," Li Fan instructed.
"Yes!"
Gao Yuan swept his gaze around proudly and cleared his throat. He took out a scroll from his storage ring and infused it with spiritual energy to read aloud.
"I hereby appoint He Zhenghao of Lustrous Isle as the Chief Inspector, responsible for overseeing all material requisitions and expenditures during the reconstruction."
"Appoint Pei Duo of Sea Communication Island as the Commander-in-Chief, in charge of security matters throughout the reconstruction process."
"Wen Qianang of Peaceful Island is appointed as the General Commander, coordinating communication among various departments involved in the reconstruction."
...
As each order was read out, the faces of the cultivators present turned increasingly complex.
They realized that these named individuals were none other than those who had just welcomed Li Fan.
Thus, everyone suddenly understood.
So you knew all along about Li Fan's acting position as island lord and quickly submitted to him?
And this Li Fan is really not being discreet; he’s only promoting his own people!
Look at He Zhenghao, Pei Duo, Wen Qianang—none of them had reached the peak of Golden Core. Their status was even above some Foundation Establishment cultivators. Was that appropriate?
Although the cultivators grumbled internally, they also felt a twinge of regret for not acting sooner.
After Gao Yuan finished reading the list, he returned to the crowd, and Li Fan smiled: "The reconstruction of the Immortal City is an enormous task. My thoughts may be incomplete."
"Moreover, with so many talented individuals in Cloud Sea, some positions might have been overlooked. Therefore, I appoint Gao Yuan as the Chief Attendant. If anyone wishes to contribute to the reconstruction, they can come to him," Li Fan said.
This statement immediately perked up those cultivators who had been disappointed by their missed opportunities.
"Everyone!" Li Fan concluded.
"The Five Elders' sudden attack has caused significant losses for Cloud Sea."
"The administrative hall, strategic array hall, martial arts hall..."
"It's almost a total wipeout! This has left many positions vacant, and we can't even handle our regular affairs properly," Li Fan said with a sigh. He swept his gaze over the crowd, full of hope as he said, "I hope that through your efforts, Cloud Sea will soon regain its former glory!"
Whether or not Cloud Sea had ever been glorious was unclear to most cultivators, but what Li Fan meant was clear:
With so many positions vacated due to the Five Elders' attack, his current hundred people couldn't fill them all! Anyone with the ability, step forward!
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
By now, several eyes had already shifted towards Gao Yuan. They were secretly pondering how to deal with this rising star of Li Fan's.
After saying some encouraging words, Li Fan declared that the ceremony was complete and announced that the reconstruction work would begin tomorrow.
Dantai Can on the flying boat noticed this and left without waiting for the crowd to disperse or even greeting Li Fan. His expression seemed grim.
However, most cultivators were so engrossed in their fantasies of glory that they paid little attention to this scene.
Li Fan watched Dantai Can's receding figure with a smile.
His guess was right—Shen Yi Zi, Jingxuan, Guangwu, and Huayufeng had all been invited by Li Fan through contributions. As for the rising star of the Dantai family, he wasn't related to Li Fan in any way and even harbored some resentment. He couldn't be bought with contributions.
He came to celebrate because of a contract Dantai Can was forced to sign during the previous dispute with Jiao Xiuyuan. He would fulfill three requests within his capabilities.
So, despite Dantai Can's covert sabotage, he still had to attend Li Fan's celebration.
As a prodigy, he considered himself highly and was now humiliated by Li Fan. Such a humiliating matter wouldn't be openly admitted.
Thus, in some people's eyes, Dantai Can's contradictory actions were very strange.
And the worsening of his relationship with Dantai Can was not something Li Fan cared about.
After all, he would eventually discard his identity as a Heaven Mechanism Sect cultivator. Debt was heavy and could crush one.
The immediate priority was to build Cloud Sea Immortal City well.
Although he had gained people's support by leveraging the situation and solving the problem of having no one available, there was still a critical issue: the special materials controlled strictly by the Immortal Alliance, which couldn't be obtained even with contributions.
Li Fan recalled Jiao Xiuyuan's words: "The quantities on the list are correct; they can build a floating Immortal City."
"But..."
"Without any mistakes,"
"In actual construction, there will inevitably be material losses due to errors,"
"Some things I can buy cheaply from friends,"
"But some special materials are strictly controlled by the Immortal Alliance and cannot even be purchased with contributions."