Upon hearing Li Fan's words, He Zhenghao was slightly stunned, showing a look of confusion on his face.
However, Li Fan didn't give him any time to react or contemplate. In an instant, he maximized the ability of the **"True Self"** simulated **"Exquisite Heart"**, which was capable of enchanting hearts and minds.
"I am twenty-nine years old, in the late Foundation Establishment stage. Friend, what do you think of my talent?" Li Fan looked at He Zhenghao with intense scrutiny, demanding an answer.
"Exceptional talent, rare in the current generation," He Zhenghao couldn't help but respond.
"I made a small attempt and earned 600,000 contribution points in the investment in Spirit Mist Grass. While others went bankrupt, I became rich. Friend, what do you think of my abilities?" Li Fan asked again.
Seemingly hitting a sore spot, He Zhenghao looked at Li Fan with resentment before reluctantly replying, "Friend, your vision is sharp, and your intuition is keen. I am far inferior."
Li Fan continued, "Among ordinary cultivators in the Wanxian Alliance, most are like cattle and horses. Without power, without background, wanting to stand out is as difficult as ascending to the heavens. What do you think, Friend?"
He Zhenghao nodded, "What Friend said is true."
Taking advantage of the situation, Li Fan patted He Zhenghao's shoulder and spoke with deep concern, "Because of this, you and I should stick together more closely."
He Zhenghao felt that Li Fan's words made some sense, but before he could think further, Li Fan asked with genuine concern, "You've been a member of the Wanxian Alliance for quite a few years, haven't you?"
After some thought, He Zhenghao reminisced, "Yes, it's been almost a hundred and twenty years."
Hearing this, Li Fan shook his head repeatedly, "More than a hundred years, and only in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. I've heard you mention that you have some face on Wanxian Island. However, the connections you've diligently cultivated, how much effect do they really have on your cultivation? Probably minimal, right?"
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 unfounded.
"That's because the connections you've cultivated are all useless. If you still have value, they naturally treat you with a smile and courtesy. But if one day you lose your cultivation, how will they treat you? Moreover, their relationship with you is purely superficial. If it involves their own interests, hehe..." Li Fan eloquently induced.
He Zhenghao couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"In short, Friend, you haven't found the right backer. You've chosen the wrong person!"
"But if you follow me, it will be different."
"I value brotherhood and loyalty the most. Sharing blessings and facing difficulties together. Take the Yuan Ying technique you desire as an example..." Li Fan paused and diverted He Zhenghao's attention completely.
"If you wholeheartedly follow me, I can lend you 250,000 contribution points. You can use them to exchange and cultivate that technique, isn't that possible?" Li Fan said decisively.
He Zhenghao, upon hearing this, seemed as if he had been struck by lightning. His whole body trembled, and he became completely unsettled. "Is this true?"
"Hehe, I, Li Fan, always keep my word and never go back on my promises!"
"I heard that the Yuan Ying technique you desire, the **'Hidden Dragon Art of Mountains and Rivers'**, seems to be quite compatible with your extraordinary Foundation Establishment artifact, right?"
He Zhenghao nodded repeatedly, "That's right, if I can refine this technique, I will definitely achieve the Golden Core within fifty years. It's even quite certain that I will break through to the Nascent Soul realm."
After saying this, he eagerly looked at Li Fan, wanting to say more but hesitating.
"For 250,000 contribution points, if you have to accumulate them again, it will take quite a long time. If you can exchange for the technique early, break through to the Golden Core realm decades earlier, I'm afraid your future achievements will be completely different!" Li Fan intensified He Zhenghao's desire.
He Zhenghao's yearning in his eyes became even stronger.
After a while, after some contemplation, He Zhenghao finally said, "If Friend can lend me contribution points, I will definitely regard Friend as my leader in everything."
Li Fan chuckled and took out a golden scroll from his storage ring. With his hand as a pen, he quickly wrote several lines on it.
Afterward, he handed it to He Zhenghao with a smile, "Words alone are not enough. If Friend agrees, just sign on this **'Business Contract'**!"
This golden **'Business Contract'** was exactly the same as the one Li Fan had signed with Jiao Xiuyuan before.
It was said to be a simplified version of the **'Soul Contract'** from the Five Elders, which was circulated by the Five Elders Association. Once signed, the power of the contract would bind both parties, compelling them to act according to the stipulations in the contract.
He Zhenghao carefully read the terms of the contract.
"Hereby, cultivator Li Fan lends 250,000 contribution points to cultivator He Zhenghao with an annual interest rate of one percent. Both parties agree to settle the debt within fifty years."
"During this period, He Zhenghao and Li Fan formed an alliance with Li Fan as the core. Unless it significantly damages his own interests, He Zhenghao will fully accept Li Fan's requests and opinions in advance."
"Li Fan, in turn, should consider reducing the annual interest based on He Zhenghao's performance."
...
He Zhenghao's brows furrowed slightly but quickly relaxed.
In his view, the content of this **'Business Contract'** was not particularly harsh. It was even somewhat generous. After all, 250,000 contribution points were a substantial sum for a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Who would be willing to lend such a large amount of contribution points to a Foundation Establishment cultivator at such a low interest rate?
Moreover, there was also an opportunity to reduce the interest each year. All that was required was to do tasks for Li Fan. It was just a disguised form of employment. Compared to the **'Soul Contract'** from the Five Elders Association, which demanded unconditional servitude, this contract was quite fair.
With these thoughts, He Zhenghao hesitated for a moment and then slowly wrote his name on the **'Business Contract'**.
Seeing this, Li Fan's face showed a pleased expression.
The pen swiftly moved across the paper, and Li Fan signed his name.
With the stroke of the pen, the contract was sealed.
The golden light instantly divided into three parts, one part flying into the sky, while the other two parts entered Li Fan and He Zhenghao respectively.
"From now on, we are allies." Li Fan smiled, patting He Zhenghao's shoulder.
He Zhenghao also felt that Li Fan was becoming more amiable.
"Do you have the Tianxuan Small Mirror on your side? I'll transfer the contribution points to you," Li Fan said proactively.
"Yes, I do." He Zhenghao immediately took out the Tianxuan Small Mirror from his storage ring.
After a moment, the 250,000 contribution points were smoothly transferred.
He Zhenghao's face turned red with excitement, and he couldn't wait to exchange them for the **'Hidden Dragon Art of Mountains and Rivers'**. A golden jade slip appeared in his hands, the coveted Yuan Ying cultivation technique. He Zhenghao couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion.
Bowing respectfully to Li Fan, He Zhenghao said, "Many thanks, Friend!"
Li Fan squinted and waved his hand, "We are on the same side, no need to be so polite."
"Now that you have the cultivation technique, why not take a look at its effects? See if it's as suitable for you as I said. I'll guard you in your practice!" Li Fan suggested.
(End of this chapter)