Sikong Yi skeptically eyed Han Wuyou, his face full of disbelief: "I've heard of He Zhenghao. Nowadays, he's quite a prominent figure in the Congyun Sea. You're just at the Qi Condensation stage—how could you have any connection with him?"

Han Wuyou stroked his goatee with pride and said, "My methods are far beyond what you can imagine, Daoist friend. How exactly I accomplished it is not convenient to explain, but there's no need for you to doubt its authenticity."

Seeing that Bai Li Chen and Si Kongyi still appeared unconvinced, Han Wuyou sneered, "Well, I knew you wouldn't believe me so easily."

With that, he tossed over a communication talisman. "This is a communication talisman from Senior He Zhenghao. You can try it yourself and see if I'm exaggerating."

Si Kongyi held the talisman with a solemn expression and gently sensed it.

Sure enough, it displayed the image of He Zhenghao.

He tried sending a greeting, but unfortunately, Senior He Zhenghao seemed busy and only responded with an automated reply.

Even so, it confirmed that Han Wuyou wasn’t lying.

Han Wuyou retrieved the talisman and continued his persuasive speech, "The 100,000 contribution points in your hands will be squandered in no time. How much will be left after one year? Two years? Three years?"

"But if entrusted to Senior He Zhenghao, who will pass them to Master Li Fan, it will be a different story. Perhaps you're unaware, but investments handled by Master Li Fan yield at least a 50% return annually."

Sikong Yi's breath caught.

Bai Li Chen’s clone couldn't help but exclaim, "50% annual return? How is that possible!"

He quickly calculated, "Doing nothing would earn at least 50,000 points in profit annually."

"And if the profits are reinvested with Master Li, in just six years, 100,000 contribution points will grow to 1,000,000 contribution points..."

"Hiss..."

A million contribution points.

The thought of such a vast number made Sikong Yi feel dizzy.

At one time, he believed that 100,000 contribution points would be the ultimate goal of his life. Who could have imagined that he might one day possess a million?

Once the desire took root, it became impossible to suppress.

Although logic told him such explosive returns were highly unrealistic, the many tales of Master Li Fan’s feats across the cultivation world weren't fabrications.

Master Li was currently at a level that Sikong Yi could not even hope to reach. Who’s to say that such incredible abilities weren’t real?

Sikong Yi’s heart was stirred.

Han Wuyou, noticing the expression on Sikong Yi’s face, knew he had won him over.

"Daoist Han, please come in and explain the details," Sikong Yi invited Han Wuyou into his cave abode, eager to inquire about the specifics of the investment.

As Han Wuyou explained, Sikong Yi listened with increasing excitement, regretting that he hadn't met Han Wuyou earlier, lamenting the missed opportunities for wealth.

"Although I’m eager to immediately hand over the 100,000 contribution points to Master Li for investment, it's still premature."

After a moment of contemplation, Bai Li Chen sighed, "The Cloud Water Heavenly Palace relic has been sealed for thousands of years. The dangers within must be unimaginable. I’m not confident I can successfully retrieve the Cloud Water Atlas."

"Moreover..."

After hesitating for a while, Bai Li Chen decided to tell the truth: "I fear there may still be descendants of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace in the world!"

Han Wuyou's expression changed slightly upon hearing this: "Is that true?"

Bai Li Chen then explained what he had sensed while cultivating the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Sword.

Han Wuyou pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "In my opinion, the person may not necessarily be a descendant of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace. It's quite possible they stumbled upon this technique by chance from some relic."

Bai Li Chen smiled bitterly, "Even if that's the case, it can't be proven. To be honest, Daoist Han, I didn't even dare approach the island."

Han Wuyou paced back and forth, seemingly deep in thought.

After a long pause, he spoke, "If you trust me, Daoist, point me to the location of the island. I will take care of this matter for you!"

"However, if I succeed, I want 40% of the 100,000 contribution points!"

Sikong Yi and Bai Li Chen both looked up sharply, staring at Han Wuyou.

After a while, Bai Li Chen said in a deep voice, "If you can truly eliminate that cultivator of the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Sword, then what’s the harm in giving you 40%?"

"Deal!"

Afterward, Sikong Yi took Han Wuyou to the vicinity of the island.

"What do you think?"

"There’s indeed a dangerous aura lurking on the island." After observing for a while from afar, Han Wuyou frowned.

"However..." Han Wuyou's tone suddenly changed, "It's not a big problem!"

Si Kongyi was surprised.

Han Wuyou coldly remarked, "In today's cultivation world, the lives of cultivators may not be as valuable as you think."

"Daoist, return to your cave and await my good news!" With that, Han Wuyou cupped his hands and departed swiftly.

Si Kongyi watched him leave, his expression unreadable.

Instead of returning to his cave, he hid near the island, waiting in ambush.

Three days later, a shadow moved swiftly toward the island.

Simultaneously, a cultivator flew out from the island to confront the figure.

After a brief standoff, they engaged in an intense battle.

The terrifying power of the fight stunned Sikong Yi, who was observing from the shadows.

"Han Wuyou really has some skill. Judging by this level of power, at least a Nascent Soul stage cultivator is involved!" Sikong Yi’s excitement grew.

After watching for a while, he feared being discovered by the powerful combatants and quietly left, returning to his cave.

Two days later, Han Wuyou visited again.

"Daoist Bai Li, you can resume cultivating the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Sword now!" Han Wuyou declared proudly.

"I spent a fortune enlisting a senior to handle this matter. Don't let me down during the expedition to Cloud Water Heavenly Palace!" Han Wuyou’s tone was full of meaning.

Bai Li Chen, thrilled, immediately began cultivating again.

His foundation from the 'Taishang Primordial Sutra' was still intact, and within half a day, he had returned to his pre-scattering state.

After sensing his surroundings, he found that the other cultivator who practiced the same technique had indeed disappeared!

"Daoist Han, you truly have impressive methods!" Si Kongyi was overjoyed and grew even more convinced of Han Wuyou's abilities.

Han Wuyou stroked his goatee with satisfaction and said, "In today's cultivation world, brute strength alone won't get you far. You need connections and backing!"

Si Kongyi nodded repeatedly in agreement.

The three of them carefully discussed the plan, and as the day of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace's opening drew closer, their preparations were complete.

Together, they set off for the center of the Congyun Sea.

By then, many cultivators had already gathered outside the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace, eager to witness the event.