Chapter 822: Congyun Mutual Aid Association
Chapter 822: Congyun Mutual Aid Association
"?"
Ji Shaoli's words left everyone utterly astonished.
To put things in perspective, the five million contribution points from the grand prize of the fish gambling was already a sum that most cultivators could never hope to accumulate in their entire lives.
And he'd managed to double that fortune in such a short time?
He Zhenghao was so stunned he shot to his feet. "Brother Ji, you're not joking, are you?"
Ji Shaoli's expression hardened. "I am not one to make idle boasts!" he declared solemnly.
Realizing his blunder, He Zhenghao quickly cupped his hands in apology. "Forgive me, I was out of line."
With Ji Shaoli's direct confirmation, the gazes of the other cultivators fixed on him, a subtle fervor burning in their eyes.
That was a considerable sum not just in the Cong Yun Sea, but even in the core prefectures of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. It was enough to be considered truly wealthy.
"Brother Ji, don't keep us in suspense! Why exactly have you gathered us all here today?"
"That's right. Surely you didn't call us here just to flaunt your fortune?"
The cultivators began to murmur among themselves.
Ji Shaoli raised a hand, and the room once again fell silent.
All eyes were fixed upon him, waiting for what he had to say.
"A great war is upon us, and the future is uncertain. We must start planning now."
"A single person's strength is not enough to face the coming storm. Therefore, we must band together," Ji Shaoli's tone was firm and decisive.
The cultivators exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what he meant by "banding together."
"We will help one another and stand united. We will share information and face any hardship as one!" Ji Shaoli declared, his gaze sweeping across the room, his voice ringing with conviction.
But these were not naive youths, easily swayed by a few powerful words.
Skepticism was plain on their faces as they waited for him to elaborate.
"As a collective, our strength depends on the cultivation of our members. The stronger you are, the stronger we are. I know that some of you," he continued, "are held back because you lack the funds to purchase suitable cultivation techniques. Your progress has stalled as a result."
"As it happens, I have more than enough contribution points to spare..."
At this, the sharper cultivators in the room began to guess where he was going, but they could hardly believe it. They stared at him, their eyes wide with anticipation.
"Therefore, for any brother who wishes to join our Mutual Aid Association, I am willing to lend you the contribution points needed to acquire your techniques."
"There will be no interest; you need only pay me back gradually over time. You can even complete tasks for the Mutual Aid Association to reduce or even eliminate your debt."
It wasn't a handout, but the offer of a loan with no collateral and no interest was enough to make every cultivator in the room's heart pound with excitement.
"My own funds are not infinite, and I must consider everyone here. Therefore, for now, the loan cap for each member will be one hundred thousand contribution points!"
"Of course, the more tasks you complete for the Mutual Aid Association, the higher that limit will become. And there will be other perks as well..."
Ji Shaoli spoke with confidence and ease, laying out the various mechanisms of how the Mutual Aid Association would operate.
"Joining the Mutual Aid Association will not require you to sign any binding contracts. If you ever wish to leave, you are free to do so at any time, provided you have settled your debts."
"There will be no collateral required for the loans, no formal agreements."
"However," he added, "anyone who maliciously breaks these rules will be hunted down by every brother in this Association!"
Ji Shaoli's expression was grim, a faint murderous aura emanating from him.
The palpable threat made many cultivators in the room subtly pale.
"I knew you were no ordinary man, Daoist Ji. To propose such a bold vision..."
"I'm in! I'll join this Mutual Aid Association!"
The first to respond was Pei Tuo, the guardian of Haitong Island and a cultivator at the peak of the Golden Core realm.
In a previous timeline, Li Fan had met him once before.
The man had been at the peak of the Golden Core realm for over a decade, yet he still hadn't managed to save enough contribution points for a Nascent Soul technique, let alone find a suitable grotto-heaven to absorb for his breakthrough.
How could he not feel the anxious sting of watching his best years slip away for nothing?
Faced with this heaven-sent opportunity, he agreed on the spot without a second thought.
Whatever restrictions or limitations came with joining the Mutual Aid Association, he was ready to accept them!
If he could reach the Nascent Soul realm even one day sooner, his entire future could change!
Ji Shaoli applauded. "Excellent! Rest assured, Daoist Pei, as the second member of our Mutual Aid Association, you will not be treated unfairly!"
The first member, of course, being Ji Shaoli himself.
Ji Shaoli's lips moved slightly, seemingly transmitting a message to Pei Tuo alone.
Upon hearing it, Pei Tuo's entire body trembled, his face a mask of utter disbelief as he stared intently at Ji Shaoli.
Ji Shaoli simply smiled and raised a hand, cutting off the words that were about to burst from Pei Tuo's lips.
But the look of sheer, unadulterated excitement on Pei Tuo's face was impossible to hide from the others.
He rose, took a seat beside Ji Shaoli, and turned to face the other cultivators who remained undecided.
Though the crowd was burning with curiosity about the promise Ji Shaoli had made.
They weren't so reckless as to be swept away by the excitement and immediately clamor to join.
After all, no one could be sure that Pei Tuo and Ji Shaoli weren't simply putting on an act.
A wave of hesitation washed over them, and not another soul spoke up.
Ji Shaoli didn't seem concerned. "There's no need to rush," he said in a gentle tone. "You can come find me whenever you've made up your minds."
"But I must give you a word of warning."
"Those who join early will receive preferential treatment. The later you join, the more you may have to work for benefits that were once freely given."
His words were vague, but they carried an undeniable sense of urgency.
By the end of the banquet, a total of six cultivators, including Pei Tuo, had chosen to join the Mutual Aid Association.
"Daoist He, are you sure you won't reconsider?"
Ji Shaoli asked with a smile, looking at He Zhenghao as he was about to leave.
"Don't worry, Brother Ji. I'll give it some more thought when I get back. I'll have an answer for you soon!" He Zhenghao promised.
Ji Shaoli didn't press the matter.
After the other cultivators had departed, Ji Shaoli turned to the six who remained.
Two at the Golden Core realm, and four at Foundation Establishment.
He reactivated the Great Desolate Eight Extremes Dragon Extinction Array, sealing the island off from the outside world.
Ji Shaoli surveyed the group and nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. You are now the founding members of our Mutual Aid Association."
"Daoist Ji, is it really true? There are no binding contracts in this association?" asked another of the six, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator named Xiang Xin.
Ji Shaoli chuckled. "What bond could be stronger or more reliable than that of shared interest? As I said, the purpose of this association is for us to help each other, to profit together, and to weather the coming storm as one."
Xiang Xin nodded without a word.
The others also remained silent, their expressions unreadable.
Only Pei Tuo could no longer contain himself.
After receiving a permissive glance from Ji Shaoli, he asked eagerly, "Brother Ji, what you said before... about providing me with information on an unclaimed Nascent Soul grotto-heaven..."
"Was it really true?!"
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