jì shào lí cǐ yán yī chū ， dùn shí zhèn jīng sì zuò 。
季绍离此言一出，顿时震惊四座。
Upon these words, Ji Shao's announcement immediately stunned the entire gathering.
yào zhī dào ， yuán běn dìng yú tóu jiǎng nà wǔ bǎi wàn gòng xiàn dù ， yǐ jīng shì jué dà duō shù xiū shì yī bèi zi jī lěi dōu wú fǎ qǐ jí de le 。
要知道，原本定鱼头奖那五百万贡献度，已经是绝大多数修士一辈子积累都无法企及的了。
To understand, originally, the 5 million contribution points for the head of the fish had already been beyond what most cultivators could accumulate in a lifetime. And now, within such a short period, their assets were to double?
ér jiù zài zhè me duǎn shí jiān nèi ， shēn jiā hái néng fān bèi ？
而就在这么短时间内，身家还能翻倍？
He Zhenghao was even shocked into standing up: "Brother Ji, are you not joking?"
hé zhèng hào gèng shì dāng chǎng jīng dé zhàn le qǐ lái ：“ jì xiōng ， méi shuō xiào ba ？”
何正浩更是当场惊得站了起来：“季兄，没说笑吧？”
Ji Shao's expression changed as he said seriously, "How can I be one who speaks nonsense!"
jì shào lí miàn sè yī biàn ， yán sù dào ：“ jì mǒu yòu qǐ shì kōng kǒu shuō hú huà zhī rén ！”
季绍离面色一变，严肃道：“季某又岂是空口说胡话之人！”
Realizing his mistake, He Zhenghao apologized respectfully with clasped hands. "It was my rashness."
hé zhèng hào yě zì jué bù tuǒ ， gǒng shǒu zhì qiàn dào ：“ shì xiǎo dì wǒ táng tū le 。”
何正浩也自觉不妥，拱手致歉道：“是小弟我唐突了。”
With Ji Shao’s renewed affirmation, the cultivators present began to look at him with a hint of fervor.
dé dào le jì shào lí de zài dù qīn kǒu chéng rèn ， zài chǎng xiū shì kàn xiàng duì fāng de yǎn shén ， yǐn yǐn biàn dé yǒu xiē huǒ rè qǐ lái 。
得到了季绍离的再度亲口承认，在场修士看向对方的眼神，隐隐变得有些火热起来。
At least a million contribution points—let alone in the Cloud Sea Region, that would be considered wealth beyond measure.
zuì shǎo qiān wàn gòng xiàn dù ， bié shuō zài cóng yún hǎi 。
最少千万贡献度，别说在从云海。
"Brother Ji, no more teasing! What is it you've gathered us here for today?"
nǎ pà shì xiān méng zhōng yāng hé xīn zhōu yù ， yě dōu suàn de shàng fù yù zhī bèi le 。
哪怕是仙盟中央核心州域，也都算的上富裕之辈了。
"Yeah, isn't this just showing off your wealth?" The cultivators discussed among themselves.
“ jì xiōng ， bié mài guān zi le ！ jīn tiān bǎ wǒ men zhào jí lái cǐ ， jiū jìng suǒ wèi hé shì a ？”
“季兄，别卖关子了！今天把我们召集来此，究竟所谓何事啊？”
Ji Shao waved his hand, and they all fell silent again. Their gazes focused on him as he awaited his speech.
“ shì a ， zǒng bù néng tè dì shì gēn wǒ men xuàn fù de ba ？”
“是啊，总不能特地是跟我们炫富的吧？”
"War is imminent; the situation is unclear. We must make early plans."
zhòng rén yì lùn fēn fēn 。
众人议论纷纷。
"A single person's strength cannot face a changing situation. Therefore, we need to act together," Ji Shao declared firmly.
jì shào lí yī bǎi shǒu ， yòu quán dōu sù jìng xià lái 。
季绍离一摆手，又全都肃静下来。
The cultivators exchanged glances, unsure of what this "acting together" meant.
shì xiàn quán dōu jí zhōng zài tā de shēn shàng ， děng dài zhe jì shào lí de fā yán 。
视线全都集中在他的身上，等待着季绍离的发言。
"Mutual aid and support, unity in action. Sharing information, facing difficulties collectively!" Ji Shao looked around, his words resounding with conviction.
“ dà zhàn jiāng qǐ ， jú shì wèi míng ， xū zǎo zuò móu huà 。”
“大战将起，局势未明，需早做谋划。”
However, the people present were not easily swayed by a few simple words. They wore puzzled expressions, waiting for Ji Shao to continue.
“ yī rén zhī lì ， miàn duì biàn jú ， wèi miǎn lì yǒu bù dǎi 。 gù ér ， wǒ men xū bào tuán xíng dòng 。” jì shào lí zhǎn dīng jié tiě dào 。
“一人之力，面对变局，未免力有不逮。故而，我们需抱团行动。”季绍离斩钉截铁道。
"As a group, naturally, those with higher cultivation levels are more beneficial to the collective. I know some of you have been unable to purchase suitable techniques due to lack of funds, thus stagnating in your current realm."
zài chǎng xiū shì miàn miàn xiāng qù ， bù zhī zhè suǒ wèi de “ bào tuán ” yòu shì hé yì 。
在场修士面面相觑，不知这所谓的“抱团”又是何意。
"And fortunately, I have enough extra contribution points..."
“ hù bāng hù zhù ， tuán jié yī zhì 。 xiāo xī gòng xiǎng ， yǒu nán tóng dāng ！” jì shào lí huán shì sì zhōu ， zhì dì yǒu shēng 。
“互帮互助，团结一致。消息共享，有难同当！”季绍离环视四周，掷地有声。
At this point, some clever people present had already guessed what Ji Shao was about to say but still found it hard to believe, staring at him intently.
bù guò zài chǎng zhī rén ， dōu bú shì huì bèi jiǎn dān jǐ jù huà jiù bèi gǔ huò de nián qīng xiǎo huǒ 。
不过在场之人，都不是会被简单几句话就被蛊惑的年轻小伙。
"So, any brother willing to join our [Mutual Aid Society] can borrow the required contribution points for exchanging techniques."
miàn lù yí huò zhī sè ， děng dài zhe jì shào lí de xià wén 。
面露疑惑之色，等待着季绍离的下文。
"No interest is charged; you just repay over time. Even tasks posted by the [Mutual Aid Society] can offset or reduce some of your debt."
“ zuò wéi yí gè tuán tǐ ， zì rán shì tuán tǐ nèi chéng yuán de xiū wèi yuè gāo ， duì jí tǐ jiù yuè yǒu lì 。 wǒ zhī dào ， zài zuò yǒu xiē rén ， yīn wèi náng zhōng xiū sè ， wú fǎ gòu mǎi hé shì de gōng fǎ 。 suǒ yǐ jìng jiè yě jiù yīn cǐ yì zhí tíng zhì bù qián 。”
“作为一个团体，自然是团体内成员的修为越高，对集体就越有利。我知道，在座有些人，因为囊中羞涩，无法购买合适的功法。所以境界也就因此一直停滞不前。”
Although not a free gift, this interest-free loan without collateral left the cultivators eager.
“ ér zhèng hǎo ， wǒ yòu yǒu zú gòu duō de kòng yú gòng xiàn dù ……”
“而正好，我又有足够多的空余贡献度……”
"Given my limited assets, I must consider everyone here. Thus, the maximum contribution points any person can borrow is capped at 100,000!"
huà shuō dào cǐ chù ， zài chǎng yǒu xiē cōng míng rén ， yǐ jīng cāi dào le jì shào lí jiē xià lái yào shuō de huà 。 bù guò réng rán shì yǒu xiē nán yǐ zhì xìn ， sǐ sǐ dīng zhe duì fāng 。
话说到此处，在场有些聪明人，已经猜到了季绍离接下来要说的话。不过仍然是有些难以置信，死死盯着对方。
"Of course, as you complete more tasks within the [Mutual Aid Society], your borrowing limit will increase. Other benefits may also be available..."
“ suǒ yǐ ， fán shì yuàn yì jiā rù wǒ men 【 hù zhù huì 】 de xiōng dì ， wǒ dōu kě yǐ xiān jiāng duì huàn gōng fǎ suǒ xū de gòng xiàn dù jiè gěi tā 。”
“所以，凡是愿意加入我们【互助会】的兄弟，我都可以先将兑换功法所需的贡献度借给他。”
Ji Shao continued to explain the various mechanisms of the [Mutual Aid Society].
“ bú yào lì xī ， zhǐ xū rì hòu màn màn cháng huán jí kě 。 shèn zhì ， gèng kě yǐ tōng guò wán chéng 【 hù zhù huì 】 fā bù de rèn wù ， dǐ xiāo 、 jiǎn miǎn yī bù fèn zhài wù 。”
“不要利息，只需日后慢慢偿还即可。甚至，更可以通过完成【互助会】发布的任务，抵消、减免一部分债务。”
"Joining the [Mutual Aid Society] does not require any binding contracts. If you no longer wish to stay, just repay your debts and leave at any time."
suī rán bú shì bái sòng ， dàn shì méi yǒu dǐ yā 、 wú xū lì xī de jiè kuǎn ， yě ràng zài chǎng xiū shì xīn dòng bù yǐ 。
虽然不是白送，但是没有抵押、无需利息的借款，也让在场修士心动不已。
"Borrowing contribution points requires no additional obligations."
“ yóu yú wǒ mù qián zī chǎn yǒu xiàn ， yào kǎo lǜ dào zài zuò de zhū wèi xiōng dì 。 suǒ yǐ zàn dìng měi rén néng gòu jiè qǔ de gòng xiàn dù shàng xiàn ， wèi shí wàn ！”
“由于我目前资产有限，要考虑到在座的诸位兄弟。所以暂定每人能够借取的贡献度上限，为十万！”
"But anyone who deliberately violates the rules will be punished by all members of the [Mutual Aid Society]!"
“ dāng rán ， suí zhe zài 【 hù zhù huì 】 nèi wán chéng rèn wù de yuè duō ， yǐ hòu néng gòu jiè qǔ de shàng xiàn yě jiù yuè gāo 。 shèn zhì hái huì yǒu qí tā yōu dài ……”
“当然，随着在【互助会】内完成任务的越多，以后能够借取的上限也就越高。甚至还会有其他优待……”
Ji Shao's expression turned serious as a hint of killing intent emerged.
jì shào lí kǎn kǎn ér tán ， chǎn shù zhe guān yú 【 hù zhù huì 】 de zhǒng zhǒng yùn xíng jī zhì 。
季绍离侃侃而谈，阐述着关于【互助会】的种种运行机制。
This caused several cultivators to shudder inwardly.
“ jiā rù 【 hù zhù huì 】， bú yào qiú qiáng zhì qiān dìng rèn hé qì yuē 。 rú guǒ bù xiǎng dài le ， zhǐ xū huán qīng huì nèi zhài wù ， yě kě yǐ suí shí tuì chū 。”
“加入【互助会】，不要求强制签订任何契约。如果不想待了，只需还清会内债务，也可以随时退出。”
"I knew you, Brother Ji, were not an ordinary person. You've proposed such bold ideas..."
“ jiè gòng xiàn dù ， yě bù yòng zuò rèn hé dī yā 、 yuē dìng 。”
“借贡献度，也不用做任何低压、约定。”
"This [Mutual Aid Society], I join!"
“ bù guò ， ruò yǒu è yì pò huài guī zé zhě ， dāng yóu hù zhù huì xiōng dì gòng zhū zhī ！”
“不过，若有恶意破坏规则者，当由互助会兄弟共诛之！”
The first to respond was Peiduo, the Golden Core Realmperfect cultivator guarding Hai Tong Island. Li Fan had once met him briefly in a previous cycle of reincarnation.
jì shào lí miàn sè sù rán ， shā qì wēi xiǎn 。
季绍离面色肃然，杀气微显。
Having reached the Golden Core Realm over a decade ago but still lacking the contribution points for an Immortal Core technique, let alone finding a suitable primordial cave to consume, he was eager and agreed without hesitation upon this divine opportunity.
ràng zài chǎng bù shǎo xiū shì àn zì sè biàn 。
让在场不少修士暗自色变。
Even if there were constraints within the [Mutual Aid Society], he would accept them!
“ wǒ jiù zhī dào ， jì dào yǒu nǐ bìng fēi fán sú rén wù 。 jū rán néng tí chū zhè bān dà dǎn de shè xiǎng ……”
“我就知道，季道友你并非凡俗人物。居然能提出这般大胆的设想……”
Entering the Golden Core realm as soon as possible could change his life entirely!
“ zhè 【 hù zhù huì 】， wǒ jiā le ！”
“这【互助会】，我加了！”
Ji Shao clapped in approval. "Splendid! Brother Pei, rest assured; I will not let you down as a second member of the [Mutual Aid Society]!"
dì yí gè xiǎng yìng de ， nǎi shì hǎi tōng dǎo zhèn shǒu 、 jīn dān jìng jìng yuán mǎn péi tuó 。
第一个响应的，乃是海通岛镇守、金丹境境圆满裴陀。
The first member referred to Ji Shao himself.
zhī qián de lún huí zhōng ， lǐ fán hái céng gēn tā yǒu guò yí miàn zhī yuán 。
之前的轮回中，李凡还曾跟他有过一面之缘。
Seeing Ji Shao's lips move slightly, it seemed he was speaking with Peiduo. After listening, Peiduo's body trembled violently, his face filled with disbelief, staring at Ji Shao intently.
cǐ rén yǐ jīng jīn dān yuán mǎn shí duō nián ， nài hé hái méi yǒu zǎn gòu duì huàn yuán yīng gōng fǎ suǒ xū de gòng xiàn dù 。 gèng bié tí zhǎo dào hé shì de dòng tiān tūn shì le 。
此人已经金丹圆满十多年，奈何还没有攒够兑换元婴功法所需的贡献度。更别提找到合适的洞天吞噬了。
Ji Shao smiled and interrupted him. However, the excitement on Peiduo’s face could not be hidden from the others.
bái bái cuō tuó dà hǎo guāng yīn ， rú hé xīn zhōng bù jí ？
白白蹉跎大好光阴，如何心中不急？
He stood up to sit beside Ji Shao and turned to look at the other cultivators who had yet to make a decision.
cǐ fān yù dào le tiān cì liáng jī ， tā zì shì bù jiǎ sī suǒ ， jiù dāng chǎng dā yìng le 。
此番遇到了天赐良机，他自是不假思索，就当场答应了。
Although curious about what benefits Ji Shao had promised, they did not rush to join the [Mutual Aid Society].
jiù suàn jiā rù 【 hù zhù huì 】 zhōng ， yǒu shén me yuē shù 、 xiàn zhì ， tā yě rèn le ！
就算加入【互助会】中，有什么约束、限制，他也认了！
After all, no one dared guarantee that Peiduo was not working with Ji Shao in some elaborate scheme.
néng zǎo yī rì tà rù yuán yīng jìng ， yǐ hòu de rén shēng dōu kě néng dà bù xiāng tóng ！
能早一日踏入元婴境，以后的人生都可能大不相同！
No one spoke up as Ji Shao continued. "There's no urgency. You can come find me whenever you decide."
jì shào lí gǔ zhǎng ér zàn yuē ：“ tòng kuài ！ péi dào yǒu fàng xīn ， zuò wéi 【 hù zhù huì 】 de dì èr gè chéng yuán 。 wǒ dìng rán bú huì kuī dài nǐ ！”
季绍离鼓掌而赞曰：“痛快！裴道友放心，作为【互助会】的第二个成员。我定然不会亏待你！”
"But there are some things I must say upfront," he added.
dì yí gè chéng yuán ， suǒ zhǐ de zì rán jiù shì jì shào lí zì jǐ le 。
第一个成员，所指的自然就是季绍离自己了。
"Those who join first will have various advantages. The later you join, the more you may need to strive for what was initially free."
zhǐ jiàn jì shào lí zuǐ chún wēi dòng ， sì hū zài duì péi tuó shuō xiē shén me 。
只见季绍离嘴唇微动，似乎在对裴陀说些什么。
Though the words were vague, they carried a sense of compulsion.
ér péi tuó tīng hòu ， shēn qū jù zhèn ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì nán yǐ zhì xìn zhī sè ， sǐ sǐ dīng zhe jì shào lí 。
而裴陀听后，身躯剧震，脸上满是难以置信之色，死死盯着季绍离。
By the end of that day's banquet, including Peiduo, six cultivators chose to be among the first to join the [Mutual Aid Society].
jì shào lí wēi wēi yī xiào ， shēn shǒu jiāng duì fāng yù shuō de huà dǎ duàn 。
季绍离微微一笑，伸手将对方欲说的话打断。
"Brother He, do you reconsider?"
rán ér ， péi tuó liǎn shàng nà xīng fèn zhì jí de shén qíng ， què shì mán bù guò zài chǎng zhòng rén 。
然而，裴陀脸上那兴奋至极的神情，却是瞒不过在场众人。
Ji Shao smiled at He Zhenghao as he was about to leave. "Brother Ji, I will think it over and give you a response soon!"
tā qǐ shēn lái dào jì shào lí shēn páng zuò xià ， huí guò tóu lái kàn xiàng zài chǎng yī rán méi yǒu zuò xuǎn zé de xiū shì 。
他起身来到季绍离身旁坐下，回过头来看向在场依然没有做选择的修士。
Ji Shao did not insist further.
yī zhòng rén děng ， suī rán duì yú jì shào lí jiū jìng xǔ le shén me hǎo chù shí fēn hào qí 。
一众人等，虽然对于季绍离究竟许了什么好处十分好奇。
After other cultivators dispersed, Ji Shao looked at the six remaining ones: two Golden Core Realm, four Foundation Establishment Realm.
dàn què yě méi yǒu zhí jiē bèi chōng hūn le tóu nǎo ， chǎo zhe yào jiā rù hù zhù huì 。
但却也没有直接被冲昏了头脑，吵着要加入互助会。
Reactivating the [Great Void Eight Extremes Dragon Annihilation Array], he sealed the island.
bì jìng ， shuí yě bù gǎn bǎo zhèng zhè péi tuó shì bú shì gēn jì shào lí ， lián shǒu yǎn le yī cháng xì 。
毕竟，谁也不敢保证这裴陀是不是跟季绍离，联手演了一场戏。
Satisfied with their nods, Ji Shao said, "Good. You all are our founding members of the [Mutual Aid Society]."
yóu yù zhī jiān ， jìng rán méi yǒu dì èr gè rén kāi kǒu 。
犹豫之间，竟然没有第二个人开口。
"Brother Ji, does the [Mutual Aid Society] not impose any binding contracts?" asked Xingxin, a mid-stage Golden Core Realm cultivator.
jì shào lí yě bù zháo jí ， ér shì róu shēng dào ：“ yě bù jí yú yī shí 。 zhū wèi shén me shí hòu jué dìng le ， kě yǐ zài lái zhǎo wǒ 。”
季绍离也不着急，而是柔声道：“也不急于一时。诸位什么时候决定了，可以再来找我。”
Ji Shao smiled derisively. "What constraints? They're more reliable than the benefits themselves. I created this society for mutual aid and support, to weather hardships together."
“ bù guò yǒu xiē chǒu huà ， yào shuō zài qián tou 。”
“不过有些丑话，要说在前头。”
Xingxin nodded without replying.
“ xiān rù huì zhě ， gè fāng miàn yǒu yōu dài 。 yuè chí rù huì ， yuán běn kě néng miǎn fèi huò dé de ， kě néng xū yào zì jǐ nǔ lì qù zhēng qǔ le 。”
“先入会者，各方面有优待。越迟入会，原本可能免费获得的，可能需要自己努力去争取了。”
The others remained silent, not commenting.
huà suī rán shuō de yǔ yān bù xiáng ， dàn shì què yǒu zhe bī pò gǎn 。
话虽然说的语焉不详，但是却有着逼迫感。
Only Peiduo could no longer contain his curiosity.
dāng zhè rì yàn qǐng jié shù zhī hòu ， bāo kuò péi tuó zài nèi ， yī gòng yǒu liù míng xiū shì ， xuǎn zé shuài xiān jiā rù 【 hù zhù huì 】。
当这日宴请结束之后，包括裴陀在内，一共有六名修士，选择率先加入【互助会】。
With Ji Shao's nod of approval, he eagerly asked, "Brother Ji, you mentioned earlier that you would provide a free Immortal Core realm..."
“ hé dào yǒu ， bù zài kǎo lǜ xià me ？”
“何道友，不再考虑下么？”
"Is it true or false?"
jì shào lí kàn zhe jí jiāng lí qù de hé zhèng hào ， wēi xiào zhe wèn dào 。
季绍离看着即将离去的何正浩，微笑着问道。
(End of Chapter)
"?"
Upon these words, Ji Shao's announcement immediately stunned the entire gathering.
To understand, originally, the 5 million contribution points for the head of the fish had already been beyond what most cultivators could accumulate in a lifetime. And now, within such a short period, their assets were to double?
He Zhenghao was even shocked into standing up: "Brother Ji, are you not joking?"
Ji Shao's expression changed as he said seriously, "How can I be one who speaks nonsense!"
Realizing his mistake, He Zhenghao apologized respectfully with clasped hands. "It was my rashness."
With Ji Shao’s renewed affirmation, the cultivators present began to look at him with a hint of fervor.
At least a million contribution points—let alone in the Cloud Sea Region, that would be considered wealth beyond measure.
"Brother Ji, no more teasing! What is it you've gathered us here for today?"
"Yeah, isn't this just showing off your wealth?" The cultivators discussed among themselves.
Ji Shao waved his hand, and they all fell silent again. Their gazes focused on him as he awaited his speech.
"War is imminent; the situation is unclear. We must make early plans."
"A single person's strength cannot face a changing situation. Therefore, we need to act together," Ji Shao declared firmly.
The cultivators exchanged glances, unsure of what this "acting together" meant.
"Mutual aid and support, unity in action. Sharing information, facing difficulties collectively!" Ji Shao looked around, his words resounding with conviction.
However, the people present were not easily swayed by a few simple words. They wore puzzled expressions, waiting for Ji Shao to continue.
"As a group, naturally, those with higher cultivation levels are more beneficial to the collective. I know some of you have been unable to purchase suitable techniques due to lack of funds, thus stagnating in your current realm."
"And fortunately, I have enough extra contribution points..."
At this point, some clever people present had already guessed what Ji Shao was about to say but still found it hard to believe, staring at him intently.
"So, any brother willing to join our [Mutual Aid Society] can borrow the required contribution points for exchanging techniques."
"No interest is charged; you just repay over time. Even tasks posted by the [Mutual Aid Society] can offset or reduce some of your debt."
Although not a free gift, this interest-free loan without collateral left the cultivators eager.
"Given my limited assets, I must consider everyone here. Thus, the maximum contribution points any person can borrow is capped at 100,000!"
"Of course, as you complete more tasks within the [Mutual Aid Society], your borrowing limit will increase. Other benefits may also be available..."
Ji Shao continued to explain the various mechanisms of the [Mutual Aid Society].
"Joining the [Mutual Aid Society] does not require any binding contracts. If you no longer wish to stay, just repay your debts and leave at any time."
"Borrowing contribution points requires no additional obligations."
"But anyone who deliberately violates the rules will be punished by all members of the [Mutual Aid Society]!"
Ji Shao's expression turned serious as a hint of killing intent emerged.
This caused several cultivators to shudder inwardly.
"I knew you, Brother Ji, were not an ordinary person. You've proposed such bold ideas..."
"This [Mutual Aid Society], I join!"
The first to respond was Peiduo, the Golden Core Realmperfect cultivator guarding Hai Tong Island. Li Fan had once met him briefly in a previous cycle of reincarnation.
Having reached the Golden Core Realm over a decade ago but still lacking the contribution points for an Immortal Core technique, let alone finding a suitable primordial cave to consume, he was eager and agreed without hesitation upon this divine opportunity.
Even if there were constraints within the [Mutual Aid Society], he would accept them!
Entering the Golden Core realm as soon as possible could change his life entirely!
Ji Shao clapped in approval. "Splendid! Brother Pei, rest assured; I will not let you down as a second member of the [Mutual Aid Society]!"
The first member referred to Ji Shao himself.
Seeing Ji Shao's lips move slightly, it seemed he was speaking with Peiduo. After listening, Peiduo's body trembled violently, his face filled with disbelief, staring at Ji Shao intently.
Ji Shao smiled and interrupted him. However, the excitement on Peiduo’s face could not be hidden from the others.
He stood up to sit beside Ji Shao and turned to look at the other cultivators who had yet to make a decision.
Although curious about what benefits Ji Shao had promised, they did not rush to join the [Mutual Aid Society].
After all, no one dared guarantee that Peiduo was not working with Ji Shao in some elaborate scheme.
No one spoke up as Ji Shao continued. "There's no urgency. You can come find me whenever you decide."
"But there are some things I must say upfront," he added.
"Those who join first will have various advantages. The later you join, the more you may need to strive for what was initially free."
Though the words were vague, they carried a sense of compulsion.
By the end of that day's banquet, including Peiduo, six cultivators chose to be among the first to join the [Mutual Aid Society].
"Brother He, do you reconsider?"
Ji Shao smiled at He Zhenghao as he was about to leave. "Brother Ji, I will think it over and give you a response soon!"
Ji Shao did not insist further.
After other cultivators dispersed, Ji Shao looked at the six remaining ones: two Golden Core Realm, four Foundation Establishment Realm.
Reactivating the [Great Void Eight Extremes Dragon Annihilation Array], he sealed the island.
Satisfied with their nods, Ji Shao said, "Good. You all are our founding members of the [Mutual Aid Society]."
"Brother Ji, does the [Mutual Aid Society] not impose any binding contracts?" asked Xingxin, a mid-stage Golden Core Realm cultivator.
Ji Shao smiled derisively. "What constraints? They're more reliable than the benefits themselves. I created this society for mutual aid and support, to weather hardships together."
Xingxin nodded without replying.
The others remained silent, not commenting.
Only Peiduo could no longer contain his curiosity.
With Ji Shao's nod of approval, he eagerly asked, "Brother Ji, you mentioned earlier that you would provide a free Immortal Core realm..."
"Is it true or false?"
(End of Chapter)