Chapter 574

“Did the lord truly say that?” He Zhenghao asked, somewhat hesitantly.

Gao Yuan also seemed skeptical. “Everyone knows that the Lord Envoy’s mastery of divination techniques is extraordinary. If he wanted to amass wealth, there are countless methods at his disposal. Why would he stoop to such actions? It’s beneath his status!”

"Zhou Qingang" snorted at their reactions. “The Lord Envoy’s ambitions are not something the likes of you two could fathom.”

“But fine, to put your doubts at ease, I’ll reveal a little more of the inside story.”

Lowering his voice, Zhou Qingang whispered, “The Lord Envoy not only foresaw that the war in Tianling Prefecture is about to end, but he also predicted that after the war, to restore vitality and expedite recovery, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance will issue a decree.”

“What decree?” He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan perked up, eagerly listening.

Zhou Qingang slowly continued, “Every cultivator in the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance will be allowed to purchase techniques from the Tianxuan Mirror at a discount.”

“Although divination involving artifacts like the Tianxuan Mirror may result in minor discrepancies, according to the Lord Envoy, this outcome is highly likely.”

“Discounted techniques?” The two gasped audibly upon hearing this.

After reflecting, however, they realized it wasn’t without precedent.

The last time such an event occurred was centuries ago, and only a few elder cultivators had ever mentioned it.

For cultivators, the contribution points required to purchase techniques are one of the largest expenditures in their careers. Techniques often cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of contribution points—a figure insignificant to someone like He Zhenghao, but for most cultivators, it’s a fortune accumulated at great personal cost.

If the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance truly reopens discounted purchases of techniques—even at a 20% discount—it would save an enormous amount of contribution points during this period. It’s easy to imagine how frenzied the cultivators would become. Borrowing or selling off assets to gather enough points to buy techniques would be inevitable.

After considering this, He Zhenghao’s eyes lit up. He faintly sensed a tremendous opportunity, though his exact plan to capitalize on it remained unclear. Scratching his head, he grew increasingly restless and urged, “Fellow Daoist Zhou, stop teasing us. Tell us the details!”

Zhou Qingang smirked. “It’s simple! First, spread rumors that the war is ending and everything is returning to normal.”

“Opportunities like this don’t come twice. If anyone still wants to use contribution points to secure a position or rank, now is the time. Such chances won’t come again!”

“Of course, slightly increasing prices is entirely reasonable, isn’t it?”

“Second, announce the relaunch of the fundraising campaign, but make it grander this time.”

“This time, set the term to five years with a promised 200% return. Moreover, allow contribution points to be invested without an upper limit!”

As the person who had been managing the fundraising campaigns, He Zhenghao couldn’t help but twitch at these words.

A 200% return in five years was entirely achievable in his mind, especially with the Lord Envoy’s abilities. Considering the prior fundraising successes and the Lord Envoy’s high-ranking position as a Secret Envoy of Congyun City, this unrestricted fundraising campaign would undoubtedly attract unimaginable contributions. 𝐫�

Particularly those cultivators who had missed out on the previous opportunities due to various reasons—they would scramble to invest at the first hint of this news.

After all, five years isn’t long. Many cultivators could easily retreat into closed-door cultivation, and by the time they emerged, their wealth would have tripled.

Opportunities like this are rarer than a lantern in the dark!

Moreover, with Li Fan as the highest administrator of the Congyun Sea region, there was no risk of him fleeing with the contributions.

“But this...” Gao Yuan noticed the ruthlessness in this plan, his gaze flickering with unease.

“Indeed. Both methods aim to empty the cultivators’ pockets in the shortest time possible,” Zhou Qingang said smugly. “Once they’ve handed over all their hard-earned savings, they’ll hear about the Alliance’s discounted technique policy.”

“They’ll recognize it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, yet have no contribution points left to act.”

“What’s that? Want to withdraw your investment? Sure, but the penalty fees must be paid, right?”

“Even if they’re broke, we’ll accept collateral—artifacts, rare materials, anything will do.”

“And if they’re desperate to buy discounted techniques, we could even lend them points! With interest, of course. A modest 20% per year—how reasonable!”

…

Zhou Qingang grinned wickedly as he elaborated, leaving He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan drenched in cold sweat.

When Zhou Qingang finally finished his lengthy explanation, Gao Yuan couldn’t help but ask, “The Lord Envoy’s plan is brilliant, but I have one question. Please enlighten me, Daoist Zhou.”

Zhou Qingang tilted his head, silently pondering before replying, “We’ve worked together for years, Brother Gao. Speak freely.”

“In my understanding of the Lord Envoy’s character, he doesn’t seem overly concerned with wealth. Why the sudden shift to such large-scale operations?”

He Zhenghao agreed. “Indeed, could it be that the Lord Envoy has deeper motives? I, too, believe he wouldn’t go to such lengths merely for contribution points.”

Zhou Qingang remained silent for a long time, seemingly deep in thought. Seeing this, He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan felt their suspicions confirmed, their anticipation growing.

After a while, Zhou Qingang finally made a decision. Using divine sense to transmit his voice, he said, “The Lord Envoy did not explicitly state this to me; it’s merely my own speculation.”

“Take it as an amusing guess, and do not treat it seriously!”

The two quickly nodded, promising discretion.

“It’s highly likely that Immortal Monarchs Hongxi and Ziyun are returning to the Congyun Sea.”

He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan were stunned, clarity dawning on them instantly.

“Not just that. The Nascent Soul cultivators previously dispatched from the Tianji Hall and Formation Hall of the Ten Thousand Immortal Island are likely returning soon.”

“The Lord Envoy, after all, was appointed from above and has shallow roots here. Furthermore, his own cultivation is only at the Golden Core stage. Facing those seasoned Nascent Soul cultivators, he might find it hard to maintain his authority.”

“Thus, the Lord Envoy plans to use this opportunity to consolidate his influence. If my guess is correct, when they return, he’ll likely forgive the cultivators’ debts to win their loyalty.”

“And if my guess is wrong, the Lord Envoy will still profit immensely, suffering no loss either way.”