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With the announcement of the materials required for the Purifying Spirit Pool, the surface of Jade Island remained calm, but beneath it, the currents were already stirring.
Even some ordinary people who didn't care about the matter knew that the major forces on the island were now searching for something called Star Sea Sand.
Li Fan's secret inquiries had been fruitless, but on this day, he welcomed an unexpected guest.
It was Xiao Heng, whom Li Fan had met when he first arrived in the Cultivation World, at the Liji Boundary.
"Feel free to sit down," Li Fan said, pouring him a cup of tea.
Xiao Heng looked around Li Fan's current residence, his eyes filled with envy and nostalgia.
"I wonder what brings you here, young friend?" Li Fan asked in a friendly tone, as he had a good impression of Xiao Heng.
Xiao Heng first scanned the surroundings warily, then leaned in and whispered, "I heard that Brother Li has also been looking for Star Sea Sand recently?"
Li Fan's eyes narrowed. "That's right. I'm already old, and if I want to cultivate, I can only rely on the Purifying Spirit Pool. How did you know about this?"
Xiao Heng swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, when the Immortal Master descended upon Dali, he promised that if we could gather all the materials he needed, he would take a group of people to the Grand Cultivation World. Among these materials was Star Sea Sand."
Li Fan was taken aback, then asked with some confusion, "Is that so? Why do I have no memory of this?"
Previously, Li Fan had also asked the people from Dali, and they all claimed to be unaware, which was why he asked this question.
Xiao Heng looked a bit embarrassed. "During the Proclamation to the World, several items on the list were already removed, reserved for the major families of Dali. The item assigned to my family to collect was Star Sea Sand."
Li Fan nodded slowly.
"Speak your terms," Li Fan said straightforwardly.
Seeing Li Fan's directness, Xiao Heng felt a bit embarrassed, his face turning red as he explained, "When you paid for Changyu's burial, you did me a great favor. I shouldn't be asking for anything, but life on Jade Island is truly hard. I don't have your capabilities, and I still live in the slums on the outskirts, working hard every day just to make ends meet..."
Xiao Heng rambled on, and Li Fan smiled gently, interrupting him.
"No need to say more. I understand your difficulties. I am determined to obtain this item, so if you can provide a lead, feel free to make your requests, and I will do my best to fulfill them."
Xiao Heng was deeply grateful. "Thank you, Brother Li."
He paused, then said with a sigh, "Actually, this item is not that rare. It's just that the Immortal Master's terminology is different from ours. Of course, if it weren't for the detailed descriptions of the materials that came with the list, I wouldn't have known that Star Sea Sand is actually meteoric iron."
Li Fan listened carefully, then suddenly understood. "Star Sea Sand... I see. But is any meteoric iron sufficient? Are there any other specific requirements?"
"Yes, yes," Xiao Heng nodded repeatedly, then slowly detailed the specific requirements.
"First, the meteoric iron must have a good appearance; it can't be pitted and rough. Second, each piece must weigh at least fifty pounds. And then..."
Li Fan listened intently, memorizing every detail.
After Xiao Heng finished, Li Fan didn't forget his promise.
"Speak your requests."
Xiao Heng whispered, "I only want a decent courtyard and a slightly easier job. Of course, if I could have a few maids, that would be even better."
Li Fan had braced himself for Xiao Heng to make grand demands, but seeing how easily he could be satisfied, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
"I didn't expect the son of the Southern Town King to have such modest requests. How about adding a bit more? I still have some influence in Tianbao Tower."
Xiao Heng politely declined. "I know my limits. Being well-fed and well-housed, and not having to work so hard, is enough for me. If I suddenly had wealth that would make others envious, it could bring disaster."
Li Fan nodded, not pressing further.
After a few more pleasantries, Xiao Heng took his leave.
"Do you have any plans to cultivate? After all, you've gone through so much trouble to come to the Grand Cultivation World; it would be a waste not to make the most of it," Li Fan asked suddenly as Xiao Heng was leaving.
"We'll see. I have no interest in cultivation. Reading the *Xuanhuang Purifying Heart Spell* makes me drowsy, and it's unclear how long it will take to completely cleanse the miasma," Xiao Heng replied listlessly, turning and leaving without looking back.
After seeing Xiao Heng off, Li Fan hurried to Tianbao Tower.
Meeting with Yin Yuzhen, Li Fan repeated Xiao Heng's account of the Star Sea Sand.
"Star Sea Sand is meteoric iron? That simple?" Yin Yuzhen was surprised. "Is this Xiao Heng trustworthy?"
"He shouldn't be lying," Li Fan affirmed.
"But we should still verify it," Li Fan added. "Didn't you say that the Chamber of Commerce Envoy from the Ten Thousand Flowers Chamber of Commerce will soon be visiting Jade Island? We can use that opportunity to confirm the information."
"That's a good idea," Yin Yuzhen agreed. "If we can save some costs, that would be even better."
"Regardless, we should secretly start purchasing the required meteoric iron. Not many people know about this yet, but that might change soon. Additionally, when purchasing, we should mix it with other items to avoid drawing attention and causing confusion. At the same time, we can spread false information about Star Sea Sand in the market to muddy the waters."
Li Fan thought for a moment, then patiently instructed her.
To ensure the slot for the Purifying Spirit Pool, Li Fan needed to make meticulous plans.
"Uncle, you are truly remarkable. I only knew you were a Spiritual Treasure Body, but I didn't expect you to have such skills," Yin Yuzhen said, her eyes filled with curiosity as she saw Li Fan's well-organized arrangements.
"What did you do before?" Yin Yuzhen couldn't help but ask.
"I taught people to read," Li Fan replied evasively.
Yin Yuzhen looked unconvinced.
"Alright, I'll leave this to you. I need to cultivate. Don't disturb me unless there's an emergency. Oh, and take care of the things I promised Xiao Heng," Li Fan said finally, then left Tianbao Tower.
"Great fortune, why is it always great fortune?" Yin Yuzhen stood there, feeling puzzled as she watched Li Fan leave.
Since meeting Li Fan, every task she had assigned to him had always been accompanied by a great fortune omen.
This almost made Yin Yuzhen doubt the effectiveness of her Seeking Good and Avoiding Evil ability.
Before meeting Li Fan, she had never encountered a great fortune omen.
On the contrary, when she had wanted to take the Dust-Departing Pill and start her cultivation journey, she had foreseen immense danger and certain death, a clear omen of great misfortune.
(End of Chapter)