Chapter 319: Chapter 189 Joining Red Whale Island, The Beginning of a New Life_2
The first disciple, Cao Rui, looked at his master, Red Whale Daoist, with confusion.
"Foolish."
"Do we still have the privilege to be picky on Red Whale Island?"
"It’s already quite good that a Foundation Establishment cultivator is willing to join us."
"Currently, the influence of Red Whale Island is steadily declining."
"One Honored Guest Elder after another is leaving."
"Up to now, there are only five Honored Guest Elders left."
"However, we still control twenty Tier Two islands."
"Most of these Tier Two islands don’t have a Foundation Establishment cultivator to guard them."
"Now we’ve offered most of the benefits in hopes that they will be loyal and diligent."
"As the saying goes, ’Heavy rewards bring forth brave men.’"
"Having given so many advantages, why worry about them not being dedicated?"
"Moreover, the most important matter on Red Whale Island currently isn’t these trivial benefits but cultivating the next Golden Core."
"If a new Golden Core doesn’t appear soon, once my lifespan runs out, can you hold onto such a large territory?"
"When that time comes, forget Fire Copper Island, even Red Whale Island will belong to others."
Red Whale Daoist sighed lightly.
"I’m sorry, Master."
"Even though Master has already prepared many resources for me."
"I’m still unable to advance to the Golden Core."
The first disciple, Cao Rui, spoke with regret upon his face.
Although he was a Ninth-Layer Foundation Establishment cultivator, he still had no idea how far away he was from the Golden Core.
If he were to dangerously push for a breakthrough, he would surely face death and destruction.
"If you can’t achieve Golden Core, you can still become a Fake Pill Zhenren."
"If everything goes smoothly, perhaps there’s still hope for you."
Red Whale Daoist spoke softly, as if plotting something.
...
Meanwhile, Jiang Fan and Su Weiwei had arrived at Fire Copper Island.
This island spans fifty square kilometers.
It has a mountain range running through the island.
The famed Red Refining Fire Copper Ore Vein lies deep within this mountain range.
The island is also home to a large number of cultivators and mortals.
They are mostly mine workers on the island.
A small town naturally formed over time, with a population exceeding fifty thousand.
Before Jiang Fan arrived at Fire Copper Island, the cultivators and mortals on the island had been informed of a new Island Master coming to take office.
Therefore, when Jiang Fan and Su Weiwei arrived, they immediately prepared a grand welcome.
"Welcome, Lord Island Master, to Fire Copper Island."
Steward Yang He respectfully spoke to Jiang Fan.
He had already verified their token, which was indeed unique to Red Whale Island.
Previously, Red Whale Island had also sent messages about the appearance and name of the new Island Master.
Given their display of Foundation Establishment strength, it left little room for impersonation.
"Where is my residence?"
Jiang Fan directly asked, not bothering with pleasantries.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was an upper-class leader.
He did not need to establish relationships with lower-class individuals.
"Lord Island Master,"
"Your residence is at the summit of that Red Refining Mountain ahead."
"It is the source of the Tier Two Spirit Vein."
"The residence above was built by the former Island Master Sun Hao."
"If Lord Island Master is dissatisfied, we can rebuild the residence."
Steward Yang He immediately responded.
Evidently, Fire Copper Town is situated at the base of that mountain.
The Island Master’s residence stands atop the mountain, high above, overlooking the populace.
Ordinary island residents do not have the privilege of approaching the Island Master’s residence.
"No need for renovation, the existing residence is quite alright."
"But what’s the story with the former Island Master? Why did they leave?"
Jiang Fan didn’t have high demands for his residence; as long as it was livable, it was fine.
Since it had been built by someone else, he saw no need for reconstruction; it was convenient to move in directly.
He was now more curious about the situation with the former Island Master.
"It’s said the former Island Master embezzled a large number of resources from Fire Copper Island and fled out of fear of being exposed, leaving their whereabouts unknown."
"Therefore, Fire Copper Island has been without a new Island Master for quite some time."
Steward Yang He did not hold anything back and spoke frankly.
"Ran away?"
Jiang Fan blinked his eyes, not expecting such a situation to unfold.
But upon reflection, it’s not surprising.
After all, if the benefits are substantial enough, betrayal is not unthinkable.
Given that Red Whale Island is currently on the decline.
Even if someone defected, Red Whale Island is powerless to pursue them and has no choice.
Therefore, Red Whale Island is cautious about recruiting Honored Guest Elders and does not accept just anyone.
No wonder Red Whale Daoist personally conducts interviews, perhaps fearing the recruitment of unsuitable Foundation Establishment cultivators, causing another situation like Fire Copper Island.
"Lord Island Master,"
"We have the financial accounts from over the years on Fire Copper Island. Would you like to examine them?"
Steward Yang He continued.
"No need, everything shall continue as usual."
"You will proceed just as you have before."
"As long as I can complete the annual tasks, that will suffice."
"If you fail to complete them, then you’ll be held accountable."
Jiang Fan said calmly.
"Yes, Lord Island Master."
Upon hearing this, Steward Yang He and the others were all overjoyed.
They exchanged glances.
Truth be told, they were most worried about an overly hands-on Island Master; that would leave them with no benefits to gain.
Now it seemed the new Island Master was relatively easygoing.
Moreover, he was an ascetic.
Meaning their days ahead should be quite favorable.