Li Fan had no intention of taking the exam himself. After all, for him, there were many more convenient methods to enter the Myriad Immortals Alliance system.
Moreover, his primary mission in this life was to reach the Nascent Soul realm using the Five Elements Grotto-Heavens.
Joining the Myriad Immortals Alliance would only add another layer of shackles, hindering his movements.
He just needed to wait patiently for another month and a half.
While cultivating, Li Fan carefully pondered the possible variables that might arise in the future.
Time flowed slowly onward.
During this period, in order to avoid arousing suspicion, Li Fan invited He Zhenghao to Tai’an Island as a guest several times.
Each time, he activated the island’s array barrier, and the two would converse late into the night.
Knowing He Zhenghao’s temperament well, Li Fan naturally steered their conversations in ways that pleased him most.
After several such meetings, He Zhenghao came to regard “Zhou Qing’ang” as a trusted confidant.
In the course of their talks, He Zhenghao repeatedly spoke with pride about how he had once received guidance from an “ancient cultivator of the Heavenly Mechanisms Sect.” A single investment, he claimed, had completely reversed his fortunes and altered his destiny.
Now, having cultivated that Nascent Soul technique, he was already on the verge of forming his Golden Core.
On the surface, Li Fan displayed unreserved envy. He praised He Zhenghao lavishly and repeatedly entreated him to remember him the next time such a lucrative opportunity arose.
Unable to withstand Li Fan’s persistent wheedling, He Zhenghao finally agreed.
Only then did Li Fan reveal a satisfied smile.
Aside from this, the Congyun Sea remained calm, with no unusual disturbances.
Soon, only three days remained before the official start of the entrance examination.
After arranging yet another lengthy discussion with He Zhenghao and seeing him off, Li Fan abruptly rose to his feet.
The time has come.
He quietly flew toward the meeting place agreed upon with the stone-face.
Following the same procedure as before, he soon located the rendezvous point.
Once verification was complete, the face abruptly manifested.
“Well? Did you obtain the examination questions?” There was a rare trace of tension and anticipation in its voice.
Li Fan, likewise, looked like he could barely suppress his own excitement.
He nodded, withdrew the jade slip containing the first day’s examination questions, and placed it upon the fractured stone.
A yellow radiance enveloped the jade slip, and the face’s image grew indistinct.
A moment passed.
“Excellent! Remain here. In three days, we shall have our answer.”
Before Li Fan could reply, the face vanished, unable to conceal its eagerness.
The yellow glow gradually faded. This time, however, the fractured stone did not crumble.
Li Fan looked at it, his gaze unfathomably deep.