NOVPUBSpeaking of which, the destinies of Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi underwent such tremendous changes because...
This matter is inseparable from Li Fan.
The two of them were originally proud and arrogant, unwilling to be the oxen and horses for the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals for the sake of Techniques.
They would rather risk life and death exploring various Sect Ruins to find ancient Techniques than join the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals or the Five Elders Organization to work for others.
But in this life, their attitudes had undergone a complete reversal.
The cause was when Tianyang achieved Unity-Path, Li Fan ordered him to detonate the void in Banner Ridge State.
Subsequently, the Immortal-Ordinary Miasma sealed within returned and ravaged the world once more.
All Cultivators couldn’t escape the fate of being infected by the Immortal-Ordinary Miasma.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were, of course, no exception.
At that time, they were merely at the Foundation Establishment Stage. They weren’t of any special constitution; after infection, the symptoms rapidly worsened.
After just a few days, they were hanging by a thread.
Just when the two brothers were preparing to depart for the Yellow Spring together...
They surprisingly received specialty medicine distributed freely by the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals!
The two, who had deep prejudices against the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, could no longer care for that in the face of life and death.
They swallowed the medicine whole.
The effects were immediate, and within a few days, they started to show some improvement.
By the time the second dose of the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals’ specialty medicine was distributed, they had completely overcome the tribulation.
The revived Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi had received a great lifesaving favor from the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals.
They deeply reflected on their previous prejudices against the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals.
Afterward, they both joined the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals.
Perhaps it was indeed true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
After joining the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, the two brothers sold all the assorted items they had collected during their Cultivation adventures to the Tianxuan Mirror and received a huge sum of money.
They directly exchanged it for two Golden Core Techniques and even had money to spare.
With their accumulated experience, they managed to break through the Foundation Establishment Phase and become Golden Core Realm Cultivators within a short period.
"Such are the marvels of fate," he mused.
On Haixuan Island, after encountering these two unexpected individuals, Ji Shaoli spent some contribution points to clear up the events that had happened to them.
And after they had a dispute with the members of the Cooperative Society, he stepped in to stop them.
"Although these two may be somewhat blunt in nature, this type of character that doesn’t turn back once committed to something is indeed an advantage in some aspects," thought Ji Shaoli.
Confronted with Dao Xuanzi’s determination to leave, Ji Shaoli wasn’t irritated but instead posed a soul-searching question.
"What exactly is angering the two esteemed Daoists? Did these individuals really speak wrongly just now?" he asked.
Dao Xuanzi was slightly taken aback.
Ji Shaoli said earnestly, "If what they said is incorrect, I will definitely have them apologize to you immediately."
"However, their statements are something I have also heard from other Cultivators. Although I’m reluctant to believe it, there’s rarely smoke without fire. And the Immortal Alliance has always been vague about how exactly they claim victory, which goes against common sense..."
"Can we really be blamed for this?"
"Or is it that the two esteemed Daoists have personally witnessed the front lines of the battle and are certain that our statements are wrong?"
Ji Shaoli’s words left Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi speechless.
The two opened their mouths but couldn’t think of any words to refute.
Ji Shaoli smiled slightly, "The two of you, please take a seat. Our Cooperative Society is quite large now, and with many people, it’s inevitable that different ideas will clash."
"That’s why ’seek common ground while preserving differences’ is our basic principle for handling affairs."
"Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts. If you think someone is wrong, then lay out the facts and reason with them, and refute their arguments."
"To resort to cursing as soon as there’s a disagreement—Is that what a gentleman would do?" Ji Shaoli stretched out his hand and pressed the still struggling pair back into their seats.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi exchanged glances, feeling somewhat shocked but also finding Ji Shaoli’s words not without merit.
They had always acted freely and, after a moment of contemplation, they first apologized to the small group they had previously confronted.
Then, they sat down again, carefully sizing up Ji Shaoli.
They had long heard of this principal figure of the Misthaven Cooperative Society and the mysteries surrounding him, likely indicating a significant background.
Yet, they hadn’t anticipated his strength to be so unfathomable.
"Brother, I see that he clearly only reached the Golden Core Cultivation Level. How is it that he could leave us with no power to resist?" Dao Xuanzi asked through transmitted message.
Kou Hong’s eyes narrowed: "He must have hidden his true cultivation base. On our own, we might not stand a chance against those peerless geniuses, but together, we should be no weaker than anyone else at the same realm!"
Dao Xuanzi also nodded slightly, feeling relieved and said, "That must be it. So he could actually be at the Nascent Soul Stage? It seems this cooperative is indeed no simple matter."
The two of them listened intently to Ji Shaoli’s presentation.
It included, but was not limited to, the achievements of Misthaven Cooperative Society over the past few years, the exemplary members and their life stories, as well as the future plans of the society, and so on.
Although none of it was substantial content—mostly grandiose and hollow words of encouragement—Ji Shaoli’s eloquent delivery, mixed with his modulating tone, was extremely persuasive.
All the attending cultivators were flushed with excitement, as if they had already seen the beautiful future awaiting them after joining the cooperative.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were also deeply attracted by the benefits described by the other party, instantly putting the previous unpleasant friction behind them.
"It seems we’ve truly come to the right place."
The two exchanged glances, each thinking the same thing.
Following the presentation and under the witness of the "Crimson Compassionate Immortal," they were officially inducted into the cooperative.
A passionate celebration ensued.
When the crowd dispersed, they finally came to their senses as if awakening from a dream.
"Was that a bit hasty?"
Before they had the chance to think it over, the two were quietly pulled by Ji Shaoli into the secret room on the island.
"Ji Daoist friend, what are you..." Kou Hong grew alert.
But Ji Shaoli showed a sincere expression and said, "Actually, I deeply agreed with the points you two made earlier. But in order to quell the public’s anger, I had to resort to some sophistry just now."
"In today’s world, it’s rare to see cultivators who are as passionate and genuine as you two," he continued.
Ji Shaoli bowed to the two, conveying his apologies.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were caught off guard by this maneuver and hastily returned the gesture.
"However, the zealous loyalty you both possess has been pledged to the wrong cause!" At that moment, Ji Shaoli’s expression changed as he spoke coldly.
The two were completely confused by Ji Shaoli’s sudden shift in demeanor.
"Ji Daoist friend, what in the world..."
Ji Shaoli said, "Hehe, I know you joined the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals out of gratitude for the life-saving efficacy of their miracle medicine."
"But what this so-called miracle medicine really is..."
"Have a look for yourselves!"
With that, Ji Shaoli threw out a Jade Scroll.
Inscribed within were all the detailed information regarding the Intention to Ascend an Immortal Pill!
"Alliance... of... Thousands... of... Immortals..."
After reading, Kou Hong instantly flushed crimson with rage, his eyes blazing with fury.
