Hearing Li Fan's words, He Zhenghao was slightly stunned, his face showing a hint of confusion.
However, Li Fan didn't give him time to react or think. In an instant, he fully activated the heart-beguiling ability of the "Seven Aperture Exquisite Heart" simulated by the [Truth] technique.
"I, at the age of twenty-nine, am in the late Foundation Establishment stage. What, fellow Daoist, do you think of my talent?" Li Fan gazed at He Zhenghao, pressing for an answer.
"Extraordinary talent, rarely seen in this world," He Zhenghao couldn't help but reply.
"In the Spirit Mist Grass speculation, I earned a whopping 600,000 contribution points, bankrupting others while getting rich myself. What do you think of my abilities?" Li Fan asked again.
Seemingly hitting a sore spot, He Zhenghao gave Li Fan a resentful look before reluctantly replying, "Fellow Daoist has a keen eye and sharp intuition. I am far from comparable!"
Li Fan continued, "Within the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, ordinary cultivators are like cattle and horses. Without power or background, it's difficult to stand out. What do you think?"
He Zhenghao nodded, "Fellow Daoist's words are correct."
Li Fan then patted He Zhenghao's shoulder and spoke with sincerity, "It is precisely because of this that you and I should stick together."
He Zhenghao felt that Li Fan made some sense, but before he could ponder further, Li Fan asked with concern, "You've been a member of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for quite a few years, haven't you?"
He Zhenghao thought for a moment, with a nostalgic expression, "Yes, it's been almost over a hundred years."
Li Fan, shaking his head repeatedly, said, "Over a hundred years, and you're only at the mid Foundation Establishment stage. I've heard you mention before that you have some influence on Ten Thousand Immortals Island. But, does the network you've painstakingly built really have much effect on your cultivation? I'm afraid it's negligible."
He Zhenghao was about to retort, but his mouth opened and closed without producing a single word.
Because what Li Fan said was indeed not groundless.
"That's because the relationships you've cultivated are all useless. If you have value, they will treat you politely. But if one day you lose your cultivation, how will they treat you? Moreover, these relationships are only surface-level. If it involves their own interests, hehe..." Li Fan insinuated.
He Zhenghao couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"In short, fellow Daoist, you haven't found the right backing; you've associated with the wrong people!"
"But if you follow me, it will be different."
"I value brotherhood and loyalty. I believe in sharing fortune and facing adversity together." Li Fan spoke eloquently.
"Take, for example, the Nascent Soul technique you desire..." Li Fan paused, diverting He Zhenghao's attention completely.
"If you wholeheartedly work under me, I'll lend you 250,000 contribution points. You can exchange it for the technique and cultivate it. How about that?" Li Fan stated firmly.
He Zhenghao, upon hearing this, seemed as if he had been struck by lightning. His whole body trembled, completely losing his composure. "Is what you're saying true?"
"I, Li Fan, always keep my word and never go back on my promises!"
"I heard that the Nascent Soul technique you fancy is quite compatible with your Foundation Establishment artifact, right?"
He Zhenghao nodded repeatedly, "Yes, that technique is called 'Mountain and River Hidden Dragon Technique.' If I can cultivate this technique, I am certain to achieve the Golden Core stage within fifty years. Even breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm is almost guaranteed."
After saying that, he looked at Li Fan eagerly, as if wanting to say more but hesitating.
"250,000 contribution points; if you, fellow Daoist, were to re-accumulate them, you would have to waste a lot of time, right? If you can redeem the technique early and break through to the Golden Core realm a few decades earlier, your future achievements will be completely different!"
The longing in He Zhenghao's eyes grew stronger.
"If fellow Daoist loans 250,000 contribution points to me, I will definitely consider you my superior in all matters from now on," He Zhenghao finally said after much thought.
Li Fan chuckled, took out a golden sheet of paper from his storage ring, and quickly wrote several lines on it with his hand.
Later, smiling, Li Fan handed it to He Zhenghao, "Words alone are not enough. If fellow Daoist agrees, sign on this 'Commercial Contract.'"
This golden "Commercial Contract" was exactly the same type that the clone had signed with Jiao Xiuyuan before.
It was said to be a simplified version of the Five Elders Association's "Soul Contract." Once both parties signed, they would be bound by the contract's power and act spontaneously according to the agreed terms.
He Zhenghao carefully read the terms in the contract.
"Cultivator Li Fan loans 250,000 contribution points to cultivator He Zhenghao at an annual interest rate of one percent."
"Both parties agree to settle the debt within fifty years."
"During this period, He Zhenghao will form an alliance with Li Fan, with Li Fan as the core. As long as they don't significantly harm his own interests, He Zhenghao will fully accept Li Fan's requests and opinions."
"Li Fan, based on He Zhenghao's performance each year, should consider reducing interest at his discretion."
...
He Zhenghao frowned slightly but quickly relaxed.
In his opinion, the content of this "Commercial Contract" was not too harsh.
It was even somewhat favorable.
After all, 250,000 contribution points were a considerable sum for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Who would be willing to lend so many contribution points to a Foundation Establishment cultivator at such a low interest rate? Moreover, there was a chance to reduce the interest each year.
All he needed to do was work for Li Fan.
It was just a disguised form of employment.
He Zhenghao thought that compared to the "Soul Contract" from the Five Elders' Association, which required unconditional dedication, this contract was much more generous.
After hesitating for a while, he slowly wrote his name on the "Commercial Contract."
Seeing this, Li Fan's face lit up.
With a stroke of his pen, he signed his own name.
With the ink settled, the contract was established.
The golden light instantly transformed into three parts, one flying into the sky.
The other two parts entered Li Fan's and He Zhenghao's bodies respectively.
"From now on, we are on the same side." Li Fan smiled, patting He Zhenghao's shoulder.
He Zhenghao also felt that Li Fan became more cordial.
"Do you have the Tianxuan Minor Mirror? I'll transfer the contribution points to you," Li Fan offered.
"Yes, yes." He Zhenghao immediately took out the Tianxuan Minor Mirror from his storage ring.
After a moment, 250,000 contribution points smoothly entered He Zhenghao's possession.
He Zhenghao's face turned red with excitement, eager to exchange for the "Mountain and River Hidden Dragon Technique."
A golden jade slip appeared in his hand. After finally obtaining the Nascent Soul technique, He Zhenghao couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
Bowing to Li Fan, He Zhenghao said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist!"
Li Fan squinted and waved, "We're all on the same side, no need to be polite."
"Now that you've obtained the technique, why not check its effects? Is it as suitable as you said? I can watch over you!" Li Fan suggested.