As Li Fan was deep in thought, a somewhat chubby young man approached him from not far away.
The young man patted Li Fan on the shoulder, speaking with a sense of familiarity: "Brother, you seem unfamiliar. May I ask what position you hold in the Great Li, or perhaps you're a wealthy merchant from another continent?"
Li Fan brushed the young man's hand off his shoulder with a single slap, then coldly stared at him without saying a word.
The chubby young man immediately felt as if he was being watched by a venomous snake, a chill running down his spine.
Although he felt a bit embarrassed to be intimidated by just a look, the chubby young man had some discernment. Li Fan appeared ordinary, but there was an unmistakable aura of authority about him, suggesting he was someone accustomed to high status.
Not a simple person!
The chubby young man quickly concluded and wisely left.
Seeing this, the others realized that Li Fan was not very approachable, so no one else attempted to strike up a conversation with him.
As the lanterns flickered, the voices of the crowd grew quieter until everyone gradually fell asleep.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, before dawn, everyone was awakened.
A middle-aged man with a long beard, dressed in a blue robe, walked up to the group with his hands behind his back.
"I will take you to receive your household registration soon. Once you have it, you will officially become members of Glass Island," the middle-aged man said coldly, surveying the group.
Upon hearing his words, everyone showed signs of excitement.
"Remember, do not speak of things you shouldn't. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee your safety," the man added, squinting his eyes.
Everyone knew they were involved in something clandestine, so they all nodded in agreement.
Following the middle-aged man's instructions, Li Fan and the others changed into tattered clothes.
They were then taught a unified story.
"You are all residents of the Western Dayu Island. Due to a storm disaster, the island was destroyed, and you fled here. If anyone asks, this is what you say."
Everyone agreed without objection.
Afterward, under the watchful eyes of four or five men in black, the middle-aged man led the group through a hidden passage out of the cave and onto the surface.
They wound their way through the residential areas of the city, turning here and there for an unknown amount of time, until they finally arrived at a mansion.
Li Fan noticed that although their group was quite large, the island's residents mostly just glanced at them casually and then ignored them, clearly accustomed to such scenes.
Instead of entering through the main gate, a servant went inside to report, and shortly after returned to lead the group through a side door on the left into a large hall.
The hall was quite spacious, and before Li Fan and the others arrived, two or three groups, totaling over a hundred people, had already gathered there.
Even so, it did not feel crowded.
The middle-aged man signaled with his eyes for everyone to wait patiently.
Soon, it was Li Fan's group's turn.
"Steward Zhao!" the middle-aged man greeted.
"Are these all disaster victims coming to register?" Steward Zhao appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, somewhat aged, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp. After scanning the crowd, he said with a half-smile, "Sun Zhang, these disaster victims seem to be either rich or noble!"
Sun Zhang remained calm, merely sighing, "Indeed. They were all wealthy families from Dayu Island. Unfortunately, without the protection of an immortal master, natural disasters struck, and all their wealth and glory turned to dust. Now they have traveled far to seek refuge on our Glass Island."
With that, Sun Zhang discreetly handed something from his sleeve to Steward Zhao.
Steward Zhao glanced at it, accepted it, and then sighed, "The storm disaster ravaged us a few days ago, even affecting our Glass Island. The western islands suffered even more, with reportedly over two hundred islands razed to the ground, countless mortals perishing into the sea."
"Fortunately, the immortal master showed mercy, allowing us to aid the disaster victims. Your Treasure Pavillion's dedication is commendable! Rest assured, I will report truthfully to the island master. When the immortal master's rewards come down, you will certainly receive your share."
Sun Zhang was overjoyed upon hearing this and continued to offer compliments.
While listening, Steward Zhao processed the registration for everyone.
Before long, it was Li Fan's turn. Steward Zhao glanced at Li Fan, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"What is your name?" Steward Zhao asked.
"Li Fan," Li Fan answered truthfully.
"Here, drip a drop of your blood on this," Steward Zhao said, writing Li Fan's name on a rectangular object that seemed neither jade nor paper, then handed it over.
Li Fan bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall.
The blood seemed to gain a life of its own, seeping into the characters of Li Fan's name.
"Keep this spirit talisman safe; it will serve as your identification. For all matters on the island, such as obtaining work, receiving food, and undergoing inspections, you must present this spirit talisman. Do not lose it," Steward Zhao instructed, noticeably more cordial to Li Fan than to others.
This drew curious glances from Sun Zhang and the rest.
Uncertain of what Steward Zhao had discerned, Li Fan did not express further gratitude. He nodded, put away the spirit talisman, and stepped aside.
The registration process was efficient, and soon everyone had received their Glass Island household registration.
Everyone was visibly excited.
After leaving, they did not return to the previous cave but were instead taken by Sun Zhang to a courtyard in a residence.
"Now that you have your registration, you can sign the contract," Sun Zhang said to Su Changyu among the group.
Su Changyu carefully took out a thin piece of paper from his sleeve, then solemnly wrote his name in blood after biting his finger.
As soon as he finished signing, the paper ignited without fire, turning into a wisp of blue smoke that drifted away.
After burning, only a small remnant of the contract remained.
"As the saying goes, 'Three contracts and it's done.' Once we are completely settled, I will sign the final contract as agreed," Su Changyu said with neither arrogance nor humility.
"Hmph, dealing with you from the Outland is troublesome. If not for the... immortal master's sake, our Treasure Pavillion wouldn't engage in such a losing business," Sun Zhang snorted, somewhat dissatisfied.
However, he said no more and began instructing the group on matters to be mindful of on the island.
"All Glass Island residents can use their household registration spirit talisman to claim a residence. Although it's only in the remote northern outskirts of the island, at least it's a place to shelter from the elements. Additionally, for the first year after registration, you can receive a certain amount of food for free each month. Of course, if you're used to delicacies and can't stomach the free relief food, you can spend your own money to feast on the island."
...
After saying a lot, Sun Zhang paused to rest his dry throat, only to hear Su Changyu inquire.
"What should we do if we wish to cultivate?"
This was precisely what Li Fan was concerned about, so he perked up his ears to listen carefully.
(End of Chapter)