Chapter 567: Chapter 539: The Past Returns Again

Regarding Li Fan’s oath of allegiance, the First Strategist neither agreed nor disagreed.

“You may go, prepare well for the completion ceremony. No mistakes must be made.” He said indifferently, still engrossed in the information on the case files before him.

Li Fan then bowed and excused himself.

Upon returning to his temporary residence, he called Gao Yuan over.

“City Lord, do you need something?” Gao Yuan asked obsequiously.

“The Immortal Alliance Headquarters have sent rewards. I am to serve as the Secret Word Envoy in the Governance Hall. From now on, you must adjust your address to me accordingly.” Li Fan’s tone was as casual as that of the First Strategist’s.

Initially taken aback, Gao Yuan didn’t have time to react before Li Fan continued, “Misthaven Elysian City is being rebuilt, with many duties to be performed. Hongxi and Zi Yun, the two God Transforming Immortal Monarchs, have still not returned from their missions, I will temporarily take over all governmental affairs of the Misthaven Sea.”

At this point, Gao Yuan finally snapped back to reality.

In his eyes, there was undiluted joy as he congratulated, “Congratulations to the Emissary! Your ability and achievements have been witnessed by all of us in the past six months. The absence of the Hongxi Island Owner is indeed fortunate for us, as we have you to take over the administration—it is our blessing!”

“You might not be aware, but in the past six months, every cultivator I have met has spoken highly of your methods and was full of praises.”

…

Li Fan smirked.

Although he was fully aware that Gao Yuan was bootlicking, who doesn’t love hearing positive words?

Li Fan waved his hand, interrupting Gao Yuan’s incessant flattery. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and gently sent it flying over.

“This is a list of the cultivators ranked roughly according to their contribution to the reconstruction of Misthaven City.”

“During the reconstruction of the new city, there are vacant positions in the city. I have a one-third quota for internal recommendations. Besides those cultivators who pledged loyalty on the day, there are still many vacancies. Take a look, who among these could be put to good use?” Li Fan crossed his arms behind his back and asked.

Gao Yuan took the thin paper filled with names. Although thin as cicada wings, it felt as heavy as a mountain in his hand.

His hand couldn’t stop trembling; even his breath became erratic.

Gao Yuan’s loyalty to Li Fan was for this very moment.

The ability to decide and change others’ destinies—this was the taste of power.

Knowing that this was Li Fan’s final test, Gao Yuan took a deep breath to calm himself.

His eyes scanned the list, and he quickly considered his options.

“Among these cultivators, my first recommendation is Fang Weihou. Although he is only a Golden Core cultivator, he is hardworking and meticulous. In the past six months, any tasks assigned to him have been accomplished ahead of time without fail. More importantly, he doesn’t have any background and has always relied on his own cultivation.”

“There is also a cultivator named Jia Jun. His ability is outstanding too…”

Gao Yuan continued to talk.

He had not been idle these past months.

Although he appeared to be idling and wandering around every day, his perspicacious eyes observed every movement of each cultivator.

Li Fan, relying on Gao Yuan’s evaluation of these cultivators, quickly reviewed their actions from his spirit consciousness through the Huadao Stone.

After a comparison, he slowly nodded.

It was no wonder that Gao Yuan had been guarding the gates of the Governance Hall for half his life.

His ability to assess people was indeed extraordinary.

Even Li Fan felt that he might not necessarily do better.

“Good job.” He rarely praised.

“I now have a clear understanding.” Li Fan pointed lightly, and dozens of names were circled on the paper in Gao Yuan’s hand.

“These people, notify them in advance to be mentally prepared. There must be no mishaps in tomorrow’s completion ceremony.” Li Fan instructed.

Gao Yuan wore a solemn expression, bowed to accept the order, and then left.

The next day.

Misthaven Elysian City was suspended high in the sky. From afar, one could see its Protective Array flickering periodically.

Nearly all the cultivators in the Misthaven Sea had gathered there.

People were looking up at this new city, engaging in conversations, filled with a myriad of emotions.

Amid the attention of the public, Li Fan, stepping on a Transforming God Puppet, made his appearance again.

“Welcome, Island Owner!”

Among the cultivators below, many simultaneously shouted in greeting.

Li Fan smiled and waved his hand: “Today, as the Misthaven Elysian City is officially rebuilt, my term as the acting Island Owner ends.”

“Fellow Daoists, you must not address me as such anymore.”

He looked up at the Elysian City and sighed: “With concerted efforts, you all have rebuilt this city in half a year, no small feat. I am proud to be a part of this!”

“Fellow Daoists, please accept my respect!”

Upon saying this, Li Fanbows to the cultivators present.

This stirred up a commotion among the Misthaven Sea cultivators.

Some cultivators looked panic-stricken and hurriedly returned the bow.

Others accepted it calmly, as if it was only natural.

Of course, most were just there to enjoy the show and didn’t care for Li Fan’s grandstanding.

But when Li Fan stood up straight and was about to speak again…

A light suddenly appeared from the distant horizon and swiftly arrived.

“Li Fan, acting Chief of Ten Thousand Immortals Island, heed the call!” A thin cultivator in Immortal Alliance uniform, holding a yellow decree, spoke solemnly.

His voice wasn’t loud but it was like rolling thunder, clearly reaching the ears of every cultivator present.

In an instant, silence fell around the Elysian City.

“He’s here!” Li Fan calmly floated forward and slightly bowed.

“Li Fan, the acting Island Owner of Misthaven Island, has diligently and tirelessly contributed to the construction of Misthaven City.”

…

It was exactly what he had read at the First Strategist’s place the day before.

However, when the representative of the Immortal Alliance’s Administrative Headquarters officially announced, the decree turned into a beam of golden light and flew towards Li Fan.

Just before it touched him, the golden gleam transformed into a well-fitted black Daoist Robe that automatically dressed him.

There were many mysterious patterns on the robe, drawn in golden lines.

An air of luxury immediately engulfed him.

“Congratulations to the Emissary!”

Once Li Fan wore the robe, there was a simultaneous exclamation from the crowd, as though this had been previously agreed upon.

Quite a few quick-thinking cultivators had already understood that this was probably the same as when Li Fan first became acting Island Owner; everything had already been decided.

Only they, the last group to understand, were left in the dark.

Those cultivators who were indifferent to Li Fan’s salute and ceremony earlier now wore expressions of regret.

To make up for their previous indifference, once the crowd quietened down, they too joined in the celebration.

“Congratulations to the Emissary!”

After the second round, the cheers didn’t cease.

The cultivators who were still silent and not saying anything were also forced to join in the cheering crowd.

The cry of “Congratulations to the Emissary” continued to echo in Misthaven Sea.