“Congyun Sea, Luo Yan Province, Cangwu Abyss, Qianling Prefecture…”

As Lord Jinglun spoke, he mentioned some names that were either familiar or foreign to Li Fan.

“The reason behind it all is that these locations harbor the 'Passages to the Nether'.”

“We haven't yet concluded what exactly the nature of these Nether Passages is. However, based on our research, if these passages remain exposed, the frequency of strange occurrences in that province will drastically increase.”

“Therefore, we must use the 'Xuantian Nether-Lock Formation' to suppress them.”

The answer Li Fan received from Lord Jinglun was completely unexpected.

“When Ten Thousand Immortal Island was still around, we never discovered this Nether Passage beneath the island. However, based on the annual reports from the Tianji Hall of Congyun Sea regarding the number of strange events, we determined that there must be one here.”

“Who would have thought it would be at the bottom of the location where the Immortal Venerable of the Dao Transmission once preached.”

“Even a trace of the Immortal Venerable's power, after a thousand years, could still effectively seal the Nether Passage. But now that Ten Thousand Immortal Island is gone, this passage must be blocked.”

“Although the existence of these strange phenomena is no secret, few know that they can spread. To prevent panic and ensure the stability of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, strict confidentiality is required.”

Lord Jinglun spoke unhurriedly.

“All this secrecy... just because of this?” Li Fan couldn’t help but feel speechless at the unexpected connection between the bizarre request and the strange occurrences across the world.

“You think it's only because of this?” Lord Jinglun glanced coldly at Li Fan.

“Island Master Li, don't underestimate the strangeness. They are not as easy to deal with as you might imagine.”

His words carried a deeper meaning, but he chose not to elaborate.

Hearing this, Li Fan put away his disdainful expression and nodded slightly.

Changing the subject, he asked, “Then why was I suddenly appointed as the Acting Island Master? And what about this Congyun Sea…”

Lord Jinglun interrupted Li Fan's question, shaking his head slowly: “It seems that in ancient times, sects were riddled with internal strife. Island Master Li, you’re being overly suspicious.”

“Rest assured, everything is proceeding according to protocol.”

“As per ancient regulations, when the entire structure of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance in a certain region is destroyed, the highest-ranked surviving cultivator in that area automatically inherits the primary administrative position.”

“If there are multiple cultivators with the same rank, the one with the higher combat power will be selected.”

“You, my friend, have slain four Nascent Soul cultivators. Even if you claim to have done it with external help, such explanations may fool others, but trying to deceive us, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, is a bit too optimistic.”

“We have meticulously evaluated the power of every tool sold from the Tianxuan Mirror.”

“While it's possible for a Golden Core cultivator to defeat a Nascent Soul, doing it as cleanly and without leaving a trace like you did—impossible.”

“Among the surviving cultivators of Congyun Sea, your combat power is unmatched. Who else but you could be the Acting Island Master?”

Lord Jinglun looked at Li Fan with a half-smile as he explained.

Li Fan felt a heavy weight in his heart, and on his face, he forced a look of embarrassment, as if his secret had been exposed.

“It seems I've been overthinking it.”

“In that case, I accept the responsibility!”

He calmly replied.

Regardless of how much truth there was to it, Lord Jinglun’s words had reached this point. If Li Fan refused any longer, he feared he wouldn't be leaving that room alive.

Seeing Li Fan’s compliance, Lord Jinglun nodded in satisfaction.

“The blockade of Congyun Sea will not be lifted until Congyun Immortal City is fully rebuilt.”

“Of course, the headquarters will also send cultivators to assist in the reconstruction of Congyun Sea.”

“However, due to certain reasons, the number of reinforcements won't be large. They will only provide limited support in specific areas like the long-distance teleportation formation.”

“The main responsibility will still rest on you.”

“I will also assign a deputy to help you complete the reconstruction of the Immortal City.”

“You can request any materials needed for the construction from him.”

“The detailed list of required resources will be given to you shortly. Your primary task is to coordinate and oversee the surviving cultivators of Congyun Sea to expedite the rebuilding of Congyun Immortal City.”

...

After giving these instructions, Lord Jinglun finally allowed Li Fan to leave.

Later, a cultivator named Zhou Kebao found Li Fan and brought the approved materials list.

“Island Master Li, this is the detailed list of approved materials for the project. Please review it.” The chubby Zhou Kebao smiled as he handed the list to Li Fan.

Li Fan took the list and carefully examined it.

It was a long and detailed list. Even a rough scan would take considerable time.

The various items, both familiar and unfamiliar, were dizzying.

Only their names were listed, with no explanation of their specific purposes.

It left one feeling lost and confused.

Li Fan was no expert in most areas, but anything related to formations did not escape his sharp eye.

One of the most important functions of Congyun Immortal City was its network of teleportation formation.

The original Ten Thousand Immortal Island had 11,687 teleportation formation, including the long-distance teleportation formation.

Li Fan found the special material needed to construct these teleportation formation: 'Darkvoid Stone'. Based on the quantity listed, he did some quick calculations.

Moments later, Li Fan indeed found something amiss.

The materials listed were insufficient even to construct the small teleportation formation, let alone the long-distance one.

Li Fan's face darkened immediately: “Daoist Zhou, did you make a mistake with this list? Please check it again.”

His eyes flashed with an unmasked killing intent.

Zhou Kebao was initially stunned, then quickly took the list and rechecked it.

As he examined it, he muttered under his breath, “A mistake? Impossible... Could it be that Island Master Li…”

Before he could finish, he heard Li Fan coldly say: “Daoist Zhou, I made an oath before Lord Jinglun.”

“If the task isn't completed on time, my fate will be grim.”

“I’m a small-minded person who holds grudges!”

“If there’s no hope of completing the task, I won't mind dragging down those who sabotaged it.”

Zhou Kebao wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly pounded his chest: “Island Master Li, no need to be so agitated. I'll check it thoroughly again!”

With that, he hurried away, not daring to meet Li Fan’s gaze.

Li Fan snorted coldly and closed his eyes, waiting.

It took nearly half a day before Zhou Kebao returned with a brand new list.

“Hehe, Island Master Li, your sharp eyes are truly impressive! There was indeed an error!”

“The previous list was only a preliminary budget. The final list includes significantly more materials.”

Li Fan took the new list and saw that the amount of resources was indeed over 50% more than the previous one.