「 méi yǒu chèn cǐ nán dé de jī huì ， ràng jiā zú dì zǐ dù jīn 。」
「没有趁此难得的机会，让家族弟子镀金。」
"There's no chance to let the clan disciples refine their essence."
「 nán bù chéng zhēn de yī shì tóng rén 、 gōng píng gōng zhèng ？」
「难不成真的一视同仁、公平公正？」
"Is it really fair and impartial?"
lǐ fán xīn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī yí lǜ 。
李凡心中闪过一丝疑虑。
Li Fan's mind flashed with a hint of doubt.
bù guò ， cóng tā duì wàn xiān méng de liǎo jiě lái kàn ， shì qíng huò xǔ bìng méi yǒu zhè me jiǎn dān 。
不过，从他对万仙盟的了解来看，事情或许并没有这么简单。
However, based on his understanding of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, things might not be as simple as they seemed.
「 huàn gè jiǎo dù sī kǎo 。」
「换个角度思考。」
"Think from another angle."
「 huò xǔ zhè suǒ wèi de sān shí sān xiān xuǎn zhě ， bìng bú shì hǎo shì 。 zhè xiē jiā zú zhī rén ， cái tè yì bì kāi 。」
「或许这所谓的三十三仙选者，并不是好事。这些家族之人，才特意避开。」
"Perhaps these so-called thirty-three selected immortals aren't good news. These clan members are deliberately avoiding them."
lǐ fán mù guāng shǎn dòng 。
李凡目光闪动。
Li Fan's gaze flickered.
zhè zhǒng cāi cè ， yòu qià hǎo gēn zì jǐ xīn zhōng duì yú wèi qí zhèng jié jú de yù gǎn duì shàng le 。
这种猜测，又恰好跟自己心中对于卫奇正结局的预感对上了。
This guess coincided perfectly with his premonition of Wei Qi-zheng's ending.
「 sān shí sān míng hé dào ， cháng shēng tiān zūn bù chū ， jué duì suàn de shàng yī gǔ néng gòu zuǒ yòu zhàn jú de lì liàng le 。」
「三十三名合道，长生天尊不出，绝对算的上一股能够左右战局的力量了。」
"The thirty-three who achieve the Way of Union—without the Longevity Heavenly Venerable appearing, they definitely count as a force that can sway the outcome of this war."
「 wàn xiān méng jiū jìng xiǎng gàn shén me ？」
「万仙盟究竟想干什么？」
"What exactly does the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance want to do?"
lǐ fán bù jīn lái le xìng qù 。
李凡不禁来了兴趣。
Li Fan became intrigued.
cóng mù qián suǒ zhǎng wò de xìn xī lái kàn ， chuán fǎ huò xǔ yīn wèi mǒu zhǒng yuán yīn ， yǐ jīng zàn shí lí kāi le xuán huáng jiè 。
从目前所掌握的信息来看，传法或许因为某种原因，已经暂时离开了玄黄界。
From the information he had gathered so far, the transmission of teachings might have left the Xuanhuang Realm for some reason and was temporarily absent.
zhǐ shì liú le dào xīn shén 。
只是留了道心神。
Only his heart essence remained.
zhǐ yǒu fā shēng 【 luàn 】， yì huò zhě xuán huáng jiè kuài yào huǐ miè zhī lèi de shì qíng ， cái huì gǎn huí lái 。
只有发生【乱】，亦或者玄黄界快要毁灭之类的事情，才会赶回来。
He would only return if there were a [chaos] or if the Xuanhuang Realm was on the brink of destruction.
wàn xiān méng gēn wǔ lǎo huì ， biǎo miàn shàng kàn shàng qù qí gǔ xiāng dāng 。
万仙盟跟五老会，表面上看上去旗鼓相当。
The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance appeared to be evenly matched with the Five Elders Council on the surface.
shí zé méi yǒu chuán fǎ tiān zūn de zhì yuē ， miàn duì yǒu wǔ wèi cháng shēng jìng qiáng zhě de wǔ lǎo huì ， chǔ yú jué duì de xià fēng 。
实则没有传法天尊的制约，面对有五位长生境强者的五老会，处于绝对的下风。
In reality, without the constraint of the Heavenly Venerable of Transmission, they faced five Longevity Realm experts in the Five Elders Council and were at a severe disadvantage.
「 jiù xiàng 114 shì shì tú chuàng zào xuán wǎng ， duì kàng cháng shēng tiān zūn yī yàng 。」
「就像114世试图创造玄网，对抗长生天尊一样。」
"Just like how the 114th World tried to create the Xuan Network to oppose the Longevity Heavenly Venerable."
「 zhè yī shì de sān shí sān xiān xuǎn zhě ， bì rán yě gēn 【 chuàng zào chū néng gòu gēn cháng shēng jìng xiāng kàng héng de lì liàng 】 yǒu guān 。」 lǐ fán xīn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī míng wù 。
「这一世的三十三仙选者，必然也跟【创造出能够跟长生境相抗衡的力量】有关。」李凡心中闪过一丝明悟。
"The thirty-three selected immortals of this world must be related to creating forces that can counter Longevity Realms," Li Fan's mind illuminated with understanding.
「 shuāng fāng dōu yǐ jīng lào zi ， jiù kàn zhè yī pán qí ， jiū jìng xià de rú hé le ！」
「双方都已经落子，就看这一盘棋，究竟下的如何了！」
"Both sides have already made their moves. Let’s see how this game plays out!"
cǐ qián ， wǔ lǎo huì nà biān yòu céng shì tú lián xì 。
此前，五老会那边又曾试图联系。
Previously, there had been attempts by the Five Elders Council to contact him, but he ignored them all.
bù guò quán dōu bèi lǐ fán wú shì le 。
不过全都被李凡无视了。
The resources obtained from the Five Elders Council were sufficient for now.
cóng wǔ lǎo huì huò qǔ de zī yuán ， yǐ jīng zàn shí gòu yòng 。
从五老会获取的资源，已经暂时够用。
Li Fan decided to observe the development of the situation before making further plans.
lǐ fán jué dìng xiān kàn kàn jú shì de fā zhǎn zǒu xiàng ， zài zuò xià yī bù dǎ suàn 。
李凡决定先看看局势的发展走向，再做下一步打算。
He memorized every detail about the more than three hundred cultivators on his list.
jiāng shǒu zhōng míng dān shàng sān bǎi duō míng xiū shì de xìn xī ， quán dōu láo láo jì zài xīn zhōng 。
将手中名单上三百多名修士的信息，全都牢牢记在心中。
Then, Li Fan crushed the information into pieces and once again enveloped himself in the Five Elements Great Caverns.
suí hòu lǐ fán jiāng qí niē de fěn suì ， xīn shén zài dù lǒng zhào wǔ xíng dà dòng tiān qǐ lái 。
随后李凡将其捏的粉碎，心神再度笼罩五行大洞天起来。
At this moment, he had successfully advanced to Golden Core Perfection.
cǐ kè ， tā yǐ jīng chéng gōng jìn shēng dào le jīn dān yuán mǎn 。
此刻，他已经成功晋升到了金丹圆满。
The process of devouring the Five Elements Great Caverns began.
zhèng shì kāi shǐ le tūn shì wǔ xíng dà dòng tiān de jìn chéng 。
正式开始了吞噬五行大洞天的进程。
The roots of heaven and earth transformed into tendrils that spread through each attribute cavern, temporarily潜伏下来.
tiān dì zhī gēn huà zuò de chù shǒu ， shùn zhe dòng tiān zhī jiān de jiàn xiē ， màn yán dào měi yí gè shǔ xìng dòng tiān zhī zhōng ， zàn shí qián fú xià lái 。
天地之根化作的触手，顺着洞天之间的间歇，蔓延到每一个属性洞天之中，暂时潜伏下来。
The vastness of the Five Elements Great Caverns required him to first accumulate strength and cultivate enough roots before he could swallow it whole. There was no shortcut; only a painstaking effort would do.
wǔ xíng dà dòng tiān shí zài guò yú guǎng kuò ， wéi yǒu xiān jī xù lì liàng ， péi yǎng chū zú gòu duō de tiān dì zhī gēn de gēn xū 。
五行大洞天实在过于广阔，唯有先积蓄力量，培养出足够多的天地之根的根须。
Fortunately, this Five Elements Great Cavern had not yet given birth to any existence akin to Heavenly Dao consciousness or even a weak resistance mechanism.
cái néng yī jǔ jiāng dòng tiān tūn rù 。
才能一举将洞天吞入。
Thus, Li Fan's invasion proceeded smoothly.
bìng wú jié jìng kě zǒu ， wéi yǒu shuǐ mó gōng fu 。
并无捷径可走，唯有水磨工夫。
The dense network of roots spread like the gloom of an impending apocalypse in the vastly different attribute caverns.
wéi yī zhí de qìng xìng de shì ， zhè wǔ xíng dà dòng tiān ， shàng hái méi yǒu yùn yù chū lèi sì yú tiān dào yì shí de cún zài 。
唯一值得庆幸的是，这五行大洞天，尚还没有孕育出类似于天道意识的存在。
Time passed swiftly.
jiù lián běn néng de fǎn kàng jī zhì ， dōu shí fēn chán ruò 。
就连本能的反抗机制，都十分孱弱。
Indeed, the million contribution points thrown by Season Shao-er were not wasted. When the final assignments were announced, Haixuan Island once again buzzed with joy.
suǒ yǐ lǐ fán de rù qīn ， yì cháng de shùn lì 。
所以李凡的入侵，异常的顺利。
"Cloud Array State, Strategy Formation Hall."
zài jiǒng yì de wǔ shǔ xìng dòng tiān zhōng ， mì mì má má de gēn xū ， rú tóng miè shì de yīn yún ， màn màn kuò sàn kāi lái 。
在迥异的五属性洞天中，密密麻麻的根须，如同灭世的阴云，慢慢扩散开来。
He Zheng-hao was overwhelmed with excitement and his mind raced with thoughts. Although he held the lowest position as an array mage, being in the central region of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance meant better prospects than staying at Cunyun Sea.
shí guāng fēi shì 。
时光飞逝。
"Joining the Cunyun Sea Mutual Aid Association was the most correct decision I ever made."
fēn shēn jì shào lí zá chū qù de shàng bǎi wàn gòng xiàn dù ， guǒ rán bú shì bái huā de 。
分身季绍离砸出去的上百万贡献度，果然不是白花的。
"Even if it's just a small step, I've finally taken it! One day, I will return to Tianyu State in glory!"
dāng zuì zhōng rèn zhí gōng bù de nà tiān ， hǎi xuān dǎo shàng zài dù yáng yì qǐ le huān kuài de qì fēn 。
当最终任职公布的那天，海轩岛上再度洋溢起了欢快的气氛。
"If only Water..."
「 tiān yùn zhōu ， cè zhèn táng 。」
「天运州，策阵堂。」
Just as He Zheng-hao's emotions surged, Season Shao-er reappeared before them.
hé zhèng hào xīn zhōng gèng shì jī dòng mò míng ， nǎo hǎi zhōng sī xù wàn qiān 。
何正浩心中更是激动莫名，脑海中思绪万千。
Knowing that he had exerted significant effort in assigning positions, everyone immediately bowed and expressed gratitude.
suī rán zhǐ shì zhí wèi zuì dī de zài zhí zhèn fǎ shī ， dàn tiān yùn zhōu chǔ yú xiān méng zhōng yāng fù dì ， wú lùn shì dài yù hái shì qián tú ， dōu bù kě gēn cóng yún hǎi de zhèn shǒu tóng rì ér yǔ 。
虽然只是职位最低的在职阵法师，但天运州处于仙盟中央腹地，无论是待遇还是前途，都不可跟丛云海的镇守同日而语。
"Haha, we're all family. No need for such formalities," Season Shao-er waved his hand dismissively.
「 dāng rì jiā rù cóng yún hǎi hù zhù huì ， zhēn shì wǒ cǐ shēng zuò guò de zuì zhèng què jué dìng 。」
「当日加入丛云海互助会，真是我此生做过的最正确决定。」
"However..."
「 jí biàn zhǐ shì yī xiǎo bù ， dàn wǒ zhōng jiū shì mài chū qù le ！ zǒng yǒu yī tiān ， wǒ yào fēng fēng guāng guāng de huí dào tiān yǔ zhōu ！」
「即便只是一小步，但我终究是迈出去了！总有一天，我要风风光光的回到天禹州！」
He then changed the subject: "Since you are all leaving Cunyun Sea soon."
「 ruò shuǐ ……」
「若水……」
"There's something I should tell you now."
zhèng dāng hé zhèng hào xīn cháo qǐ fú de shí hòu ， jì shào lí de shēn yǐng zài dù chū xiàn zài zhòng rén miàn qián 。
正当何正浩心潮起伏的时候，季绍离的身影再度出现在众人面前。
Everyone's attention sharpened as they anticipated the revelation of this mysterious mutual aid association.
zhī dào jì shào lí dìng rán zài fēn pèi zhí wèi de guò chéng zhōng chū le dà lì de zhòng rén ， lián máng xíng lǐ ， biǎo dá gǎn jī zhī qíng 。
知道季绍离定然在分配职位的过程中出了大力的众人，连忙行礼，表达感激之情。
"The Mutual Aid Association in Cunyun Sea is merely a small branch of the Xuanhuang Mutual Aid Association. Our organization has influence throughout the Xuanhuang Realm, so even if you go elsewhere, you won't be without support."
「 hē hē ， dōu shì yī jiā rén ， bù bì kè qì 。」 jì shào lí bǎi le bǎi shǒu dào 。
「呵呵，都是一家人，不必客气。」季绍离摆了摆手道。
Everyone had expected as much.
「 bù guò ……」
「不过……」
After all, how could a regional organization manage to leak out such crucial information?
jǐn jiē zhe ， tā huà fēng yī zhuǎn ：「 jì rán zhū wèi jiē xià lái ， dōu yào lí kāi cóng yún hǎi le 。」
紧接着，他话锋一转：「既然诸位接下来，都要离开丛云海了。」
Season Shao-er's gaze swept over them, and seeing their calm reactions, he nodded in satisfaction.
「 nà me yǒu yī xiē qíng kuàng ， wǒ yě bù bì zài yǐn mán le 。」
「那么有一些情况，我也不必再隐瞒了。」
"However, it needs to be mentioned that each state's mutual aid association still has some competitive relations. Since you all joined through me, your identities within the organization will remain tied to Cunyun Sea for ten years."
zhòng rén xīn zhōng yī lǐn ， zhī dào shén mì de hù zhù huì jí jiāng jiē kāi miàn shā ， dāng xià zǐ xì líng tīng qǐ lái 。
众人心中一凛，知道神秘的互助会即将揭开面纱，当下仔细聆听起来。
"For this reason, other regional leaders won't contact you until the term is over. Until then, I'll continue handling your affairs."
「 cóng yún hǎi hù zhù huì ， bù guò shì xuán huáng hù zhù huì zài cóng yún hǎi dì qū de xiǎo xiǎo fēn zhī 。」
「丛云海互助会，不过是玄黄互助会在丛云海地区的小小分支。」
"Though it may be troublesome, preventing恶性 competition is necessary," Season Shao-er explained.
「 wǒ men hù zhù huì de shì lì biàn bù xuán huáng jiè gè chù 。 suǒ yǐ jí biàn nǐ men qù le bié chù ， yě bù yòng dān xīn méi le zǔ zhī 。」
「我们互助会的势力遍布玄黄界各处。所以即便你们去了别处，也不用担心没了组织。」
Upon hearing this, no one showed any unusual reactions.
zhòng rén duì yú cǐ shì ， zǎo yǒu yù liào 。
众人对于此事，早有预料。
However, a Golden Core cultivator named Yu Hong-jian couldn't help but ask: "Friend Daoist Season, what was the original intention behind establishing this mutual aid association?"
bì jìng néng gòu tí qián zhī xiǎo dà kǎo shì tí ， yòu zěn me kě néng shì gè xiǎo xiǎo de qū yù xìng zǔ zhī néng gòu zuò dào de ？
毕竟能够提前知晓大考试题，又怎么可能是个小小的区域性组织能够做到的？
"Can it really just be about mutual assistance?"
jì shào lí mù guāng sǎo guò zhòng rén ， jiàn zhòng rén jù shì hěn píng jìng ， mǎn yì de diǎn le diǎn tóu 。
季绍离目光扫过众人，见众人俱是很平静，满意的点了点头。
This question triggered similar doubts in everyone's eyes.
「 bù guò xū yào shuō míng de shì ， gè zhōu hù zhù huì ， bì jìng hái cún zài yì diǎn jìng zhēng guān xì 。 ér nǐ men ， jiē shì cóng wǒ zhè lǐ rù huì de 。 suǒ yǐ ， shí nián zhī nèi ， nǐ men zài zǔ zhī zhōng de shēn fèn ， réng rán shǔ yú cóng yún hǎi fēn zhī 。」
「不过需要说明的是，各州互助会，毕竟还存在一点竞争关系。而你们，皆是从我这里入会的。所以，十年之内，你们在组织中的身份，仍然属于丛云海分支。」
"Yes. We've always received support from the organization without ever contributing anything..."
「 yīn wèi zhè ge yuán yīn ， qí yú qū yù de fù zé rén ， zàn shí bú huì gēn nǐ men lián xì 。 zhí dào qī mǎn zhī qián ， dōu shì réng rán yóu wǒ gēn nǐ men duì jiē fù zé 。」
「因为这个原因，其余区域的负责人，暂时不会跟你们联系。直到期满之前，都是仍然由我跟你们对接负责。」
"We feel a bit uneasy," Yu Hong-jian said weakly.
「 suī rán má fán le diǎn ， bù guò wèi le fáng zhǐ è xìng jìng zhēng ， yě shì bì yào de 。」 jì shào lí huǎn huǎn jiě shì dào 。
「虽然麻烦了点，不过为了防止恶性竞争，也是必要的。」季绍离缓缓解释道。
Season Shao-er smiled slightly: "Don't worry. Your strength is still too weak now, so just focus on cultivation."
zhòng rén wén yán ， bìng méi yǒu biǎo xiàn chū shén me yì cháng 。
众人闻言，并没有表现出什么异常。
"There will be a day when you are needed by the organization."
zhǐ shì yǒu yī míng jiào zuò yù hóng jiàn de jīn dān xiū shì ， zhōng jiū shì rěn bú zhù wèn dào ：「 jì dào yǒu ， bù zhī zhè hù zhù huì chuàng lì de chū zhōng ， jiū jìng shì shén me ？」
只是有一名叫做郁鸿鉴的金丹修士，终究是忍不住问道：「季道友，不知这互助会创立的初衷，究竟是什么？」
Even though Season Shao-er was only at the Golden Core stage, no one questioned his words about their weakness in front of him.
「 zǒng bù néng ， zhēn de zhǐ shì hù bāng hù zhù ba ？」
「总不能，真的只是互帮互助吧？」
After all, everyone present had seen cultivators who seemed to be on the brink of achieving the Way of Union and treated Season Shao-er with great respect. Clearly, he wasn't as simple as he appeared.
cǐ yán jì rán ， zhòng rén yǎn zhōng dū shì yǒng xiàn chū tóng yàng de yí huò 。
此言既然，众人眼中都是涌现出同样的疑惑。
In reality, while this reassured them, it also left them feeling uneasy about their future obligations.
「 duì a 。 rù huì zhì jīn ， wǒ men dōu yì zhí shòu dào zǔ zhī bāng zhù ， què cóng lái méi yǒu chū lì de dì fāng ……」
「对啊。入会至今，我们都一直受到组织帮助，却从来没有出力的地方……」
Who knew that there was no free lunch in the world?
「 shí zài yǒu xiē yú xīn nán ān a 。」 yù hóng jiàn ruò ruò dì shuō dào 。
「实在有些于心难安啊。」郁鸿鉴弱弱地说道。
The mutual aid association's support had been almost like a second life to them.
jì shào lí wēi wēi yī xiào ：「 fàng xīn 。 rú jīn nǐ men de shí lì hái tài ruò ， zhǐ guǎn nǔ lì xiū xíng biàn shì 。」
季绍离微微一笑：「放心。如今你们的实力还太弱，只管努力修行便是。」
Although no tasks had been assigned yet,
「 zǒng yǒu zǔ zhī xū yào nǐ men de yī tiān 。」
「总有组织需要你们的一天。」
But if the mutual aid association ever needed their "help"...
jí biàn jì shào lí zhǐ yǒu jīn dān xiū wèi ， dàn shì zài chǎng què méi rén duì tā shuō 「 nǐ men shí lì tài ruò 」 yǒu yì yì 。
即便季绍离只有金丹修为，但是在场却没人对他说「你们实力太弱」有异议。
Everyone exchanged glances, but it was too late to turn back now. They suppressed their unease deeply and did not show any signs of it.
bì jìng zài chǎng zhòng rén ， kě dōu shì jiàn guò yǐn yǐn shì hé dào qiáng zhě de xiū shì ， zài jì shào lí miàn qián dōu bì gōng bì jìng de yàng zi 。
毕竟在场众人，可都是见过隐隐是合道强者的修士，在季绍离面前都毕恭毕敬的样子。
Instead, they discussed possible inspections during their tenure.
xiǎn rán jì shào lí ， jué bù xiàng biǎo miàn kàn shàng qù zhè me jiǎn dān 。
显然季绍离，绝不像表面看上去这么简单。
Time passed.
tóng yàng ， jì shào lí zhè yī fān huà ， kàn shì ān fǔ le zhòng rén 。
同样，季绍离这一番话，看似安抚了众人。
Within ten days, the five people bid farewell and left for their respective states to take up their posts.
shí zé gèng shì ràng tā men xīn lǐ méi dǐ le 。
实则更是让他们心里没底了。
The island of Haixuan became somewhat quiet.
shéi dōu zhī dào ， tiān xià méi yǒu bái chī de wǔ cān 。
谁都知道，天下没有白吃的午餐。
Season Shao-er read a message with an expression of surprise. The person he had been keeping an eye on, Zhong Shen-tong, had mysteriously broken through.
hù zhù huì duì tā men de bāng zhù ， jī hū ēn tóng zài zào 。
互助会对他们的帮助，几乎恩同再造。
---
suī rán xiàn zài ， yì zhí méi yǒu rèn wù xià dá 。
虽然现在，一直没有任务下达。
Last month's total monthly votes were 19,163; I promised to add one more chapter for every thousand votes.
dàn ruò zhēn yǒu yī rì ， hù zhù huì xū yào tā men de 「 bāng zhù 」……
但若真有一日，互助会需要他们的「帮助」……
I'll aim for 7,000 votes and need twelve more chapters. Starting tomorrow, I will start repaying my debt.
zhòng rén wēi bù kě jué de hù xiāng kàn le yī yǎn 。
众人微不可觉的互相看了一眼。
At the same time, in the new month, please support me with monthly votes.
"There's no chance to let the clan disciples refine their essence."
"Is it really fair and impartial?"
Li Fan's mind flashed with a hint of doubt.
However, based on his understanding of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, things might not be as simple as they seemed.
"Think from another angle."
"Perhaps these so-called thirty-three selected immortals aren't good news. These clan members are deliberately avoiding them."
Li Fan's gaze flickered.
This guess coincided perfectly with his premonition of Wei Qi-zheng's ending.
"The thirty-three who achieve the Way of Union—without the Longevity Heavenly Venerable appearing, they definitely count as a force that can sway the outcome of this war."
"What exactly does the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance want to do?"
Li Fan became intrigued.
From the information he had gathered so far, the transmission of teachings might have left the Xuanhuang Realm for some reason and was temporarily absent.
Only his heart essence remained.
He would only return if there were a [chaos] or if the Xuanhuang Realm was on the brink of destruction.
The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance appeared to be evenly matched with the Five Elders Council on the surface.
In reality, without the constraint of the Heavenly Venerable of Transmission, they faced five Longevity Realm experts in the Five Elders Council and were at a severe disadvantage.
"Just like how the 114th World tried to create the Xuan Network to oppose the Longevity Heavenly Venerable."
"The thirty-three selected immortals of this world must be related to creating forces that can counter Longevity Realms," Li Fan's mind illuminated with understanding.
"Both sides have already made their moves. Let’s see how this game plays out!"
Previously, there had been attempts by the Five Elders Council to contact him, but he ignored them all.
The resources obtained from the Five Elders Council were sufficient for now.
Li Fan decided to observe the development of the situation before making further plans.
He memorized every detail about the more than three hundred cultivators on his list.
Then, Li Fan crushed the information into pieces and once again enveloped himself in the Five Elements Great Caverns.
At this moment, he had successfully advanced to Golden Core Perfection.
The process of devouring the Five Elements Great Caverns began.
The roots of heaven and earth transformed into tendrils that spread through each attribute cavern, temporarily潜伏下来.
The vastness of the Five Elements Great Caverns required him to first accumulate strength and cultivate enough roots before he could swallow it whole. There was no shortcut; only a painstaking effort would do.
Fortunately, this Five Elements Great Cavern had not yet given birth to any existence akin to Heavenly Dao consciousness or even a weak resistance mechanism.
Thus, Li Fan's invasion proceeded smoothly.
The dense network of roots spread like the gloom of an impending apocalypse in the vastly different attribute caverns.
Time passed swiftly.
Indeed, the million contribution points thrown by Season Shao-er were not wasted. When the final assignments were announced, Haixuan Island once again buzzed with joy.
"Cloud Array State, Strategy Formation Hall."
He Zheng-hao was overwhelmed with excitement and his mind raced with thoughts. Although he held the lowest position as an array mage, being in the central region of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance meant better prospects than staying at Cunyun Sea.
"Joining the Cunyun Sea Mutual Aid Association was the most correct decision I ever made."
"Even if it's just a small step, I've finally taken it! One day, I will return to Tianyu State in glory!"
"If only Water..."
Just as He Zheng-hao's emotions surged, Season Shao-er reappeared before them.
Knowing that he had exerted significant effort in assigning positions, everyone immediately bowed and expressed gratitude.
"Haha, we're all family. No need for such formalities," Season Shao-er waved his hand dismissively.
"However..."
He then changed the subject: "Since you are all leaving Cunyun Sea soon."
"There's something I should tell you now."
Everyone's attention sharpened as they anticipated the revelation of this mysterious mutual aid association.
"The Mutual Aid Association in Cunyun Sea is merely a small branch of the Xuanhuang Mutual Aid Association. Our organization has influence throughout the Xuanhuang Realm, so even if you go elsewhere, you won't be without support."
Everyone had expected as much.
After all, how could a regional organization manage to leak out such crucial information?
Season Shao-er's gaze swept over them, and seeing their calm reactions, he nodded in satisfaction.
"However, it needs to be mentioned that each state's mutual aid association still has some competitive relations. Since you all joined through me, your identities within the organization will remain tied to Cunyun Sea for ten years."
"For this reason, other regional leaders won't contact you until the term is over. Until then, I'll continue handling your affairs."
"Though it may be troublesome, preventing恶性 competition is necessary," Season Shao-er explained.
Upon hearing this, no one showed any unusual reactions.
However, a Golden Core cultivator named Yu Hong-jian couldn't help but ask: "Friend Daoist Season, what was the original intention behind establishing this mutual aid association?"
"Can it really just be about mutual assistance?"
This question triggered similar doubts in everyone's eyes.
"Yes. We've always received support from the organization without ever contributing anything..."
"We feel a bit uneasy," Yu Hong-jian said weakly.
Season Shao-er smiled slightly: "Don't worry. Your strength is still too weak now, so just focus on cultivation."
"There will be a day when you are needed by the organization."
Even though Season Shao-er was only at the Golden Core stage, no one questioned his words about their weakness in front of him.
After all, everyone present had seen cultivators who seemed to be on the brink of achieving the Way of Union and treated Season Shao-er with great respect. Clearly, he wasn't as simple as he appeared.
In reality, while this reassured them, it also left them feeling uneasy about their future obligations.
Who knew that there was no free lunch in the world?
The mutual aid association's support had been almost like a second life to them.
Although no tasks had been assigned yet,
But if the mutual aid association ever needed their "help"...
Everyone exchanged glances, but it was too late to turn back now. They suppressed their unease deeply and did not show any signs of it.
Instead, they discussed possible inspections during their tenure.
Time passed.
Within ten days, the five people bid farewell and left for their respective states to take up their posts.
The island of Haixuan became somewhat quiet.
Season Shao-er read a message with an expression of surprise. The person he had been keeping an eye on, Zhong Shen-tong, had mysteriously broken through.
---
Last month's total monthly votes were 19,163; I promised to add one more chapter for every thousand votes.
I'll aim for 7,000 votes and need twelve more chapters. Starting tomorrow, I will start repaying my debt.
At the same time, in the new month, please support me with monthly votes.