A Taste of Power

Li Fan briefly explained the matter of rebuilding the Congyun Sea's immortal city and invited Gao Yuan to meet with him. His tone was warm and friendly, without the slightest air of an Island Master. This left Gao Yuan feeling rather flattered. Having spent more than half his life toiling on Wanxian Island, Gao Yuan knew well that those with titles like "Acting" or "Deputy" were often far harder to deal with than officially appointed superiors. Though he did not know why this renowned Heavenly Mechanism Sect cultivator had chosen him, Li Fan was currently his highest-ranking direct superior. Gao Yuan could not afford to be negligent. He hastily tidied himself up and hurried toward their agreed meeting place. As for defecting... That had been nothing more than venting. Defecting was out of the question. Setting aside how perilous it was, Gao Yuan was at least part of the establishment within the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals. If he truly fled to the Five Elders Association without any specialized skill, would life there be any better than it was now? More likely, once whatever useful information he carried was squeezed dry, he would simply be cast aside and ignored. He was not that foolish. Suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his head, Gao Yuan spent the journey pondering why this newly appointed Acting Island Master wanted to see him. After a long time, he finally arrived at their rendezvous. Tai'an Island. The Island-Protecting Grand Formation parted, opening a passage, and Gao Yuan flew inside. Upon entering, he saw Acting Island Master Li Fan seated up ahead. Meanwhile, Zhou Qing'ang, the garrison of Tai'an Island, stood rigidly off to the side, sweating profusely and looking exceedingly nervous. The two appeared to have been discussing a sensitive matter, but they abruptly fell silent the moment Gao Yuan arrived. Taking in the scene, Gao Yuan felt his heart sink. In rank and grade, the garrison of Tai'an Island was a step above him. For someone of Zhou Qing'ang's standing to appear so thoroughly unnerved before Li Fan suggested that this ancient Heavenly Mechanism cultivator was truly formidable. Gao Yuan, having dealt with countless people over the years, immediately went on high alert. He stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Island Master!" "You're here." Li Fan looked at Gao Yuan and offered a gentle smile. "Do you know why I summoned you here?" Li Fan asked. Gao Yuan felt a flurry of apprehension, but his response came swiftly: "This humble one does not know." "I heard that previously, you stood guard at the entrance of the Administration Hall?" After a brief silence—just long enough to make Gao Yuan uneasy—Li Fan finally spoke. "Replying to Island Master, that is indeed true." Though he knew Li Fan was asking what he already knew, Gao Yuan still answered respectfully. "How long have you served in that post?" "A little over ninety-eight years." "A century has flitted past in the blink of an eye. You have worked hard..." "Having served for a hundred years without a single transfer, have you ever harbored resentment in your heart?" "This humble one would never dare!" Gao Yuan's chest tightened, and he shook his head vigorously to profess his loyalty. "Very good." Li Fan nodded in approval before turning to the main topic. "Every cultivator entering the establishment must pass the trial of the White Jade Heart-Interrogation Platform in the Administration Hall. In daily affairs, they must also visit the hall from time to time. Presumably, you have at least some understanding of the cultivators within the Congyun Sea's establishment?" Li Fan asked. "Replying to Island Master, I dare not brag, but I certainly know their basic information." Gao Yuan raised his head slightly to glance at Li Fan, then added, "At the very least, I never mistake a face. Beyond that, I made sure to learn the ropes—who has a good temper, who has backing and connections that must not be crossed. In my line of work, status is lowly. If one lacks eyes and offends someone who shouldn't be offended, there is never a good end." "Very well. Help me take a look at these cultivators and tell me who among them can be put to use!" Ignoring the undertone of grievance in Gao Yuan's words, Li Fan gave a broad wave of his sleeve. A dense, star-like constellation of cultivator portraits instantly materialized before Gao Yuan. "Put to use?" Gao Yuan froze for a moment. Then, recalling the grand endeavor of rebuilding the immortal city that the Island Master had mentioned earlier, his heart began to thump wildly. "As you know, I awakened not long ago and am not familiar with personnel across the Congyun Sea," Li Fan said quietly from ahead. "Suddenly thrust into this great responsibility, I too feel quite apprehensive, dreading that I might botch the undertaking. "As the saying goes, 'an artisan who wishes to do good work must first sharpen his tools.' To see this task through smoothly, I must assemble a capable team. "Since you have some understanding of these people, why not advise me? "When the immortal city lays its foundation in the days to come, your contributions will certainly not be forgotten!" Hearing this, Gao Yuan felt his throat go dry. Looking at the cultivators he once had to greet with trembling care, now arrayed before him for his personal selection... In the past, he could only gaze up at them in deference, yet now he held the power to sway their fates. With just a single word from him, they could be chosen for the inner circle that would help this new Island Master forge his legacy. ... *Is this the taste of power?* His heart began pounding furiously, refusing to calm down. His face flushed red, and as a surge of emotion swelled within him, Gao Yuan felt almost lightheaded. Even so, he was not blinded by fleeting, illusory glory. He understood clearly that what little "power" he held at this moment was entirely bestowed by Island Master Li. Before Congyun Immortal City was actually built, all of this remained a castle in the air—alluring on the surface, but prone to crumbling into nothingness at the slightest misstep. Yet... If the immortal city were successfully erected, this power would become real. The intoxicating sensation of casually steering the destinies of others was simply too wonderful. Having tasted it for the first time, Gao Yuan found himself completely hooked. He silently swore to do everything in his power to seize this rare opportunity and achieve a true transformation in his life's path. Without delay, he began introducing the cultivators to Li Fan one by one according to the roster, going into meticulous detail. Time trickled past. Li Fan listened tirelessly to Gao Yuan's explanations, pleasant surprises mounting within him. The capabilities of this gatekeeping cultivator—whom he had only met by chance while joining the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals in his previous life—far exceeded his expectations. Not only did Gao Yuan know the basic details of each cultivator like the back of his hand, but he also had insight into their temperaments and the intricate web of connections lurking behind them. *I really struck gold this time.* The deeper Gao Yuan's explanations went, the more pleased Li Fan grew. *Even minor figures have their uses.* *And this is precisely the leverage I need to break through the impasse.* One suitable cultivator after another was selected and committed to Li Fan's memory. ... Half a month later. Every surviving establishment cultivator in the Congyun Sea received a missive from the Acting Island Master. In seven days, at the former site of Wanxian Island, the Congyun Immortal City Reconstruction Ceremony would be held. All personnel were strictly required to attend on time.