Li Fan found many unprocessed Glass Pearls in the stomach of the horned dragon.
They were likely remnants after the horned dragon devoured a school of Glass Fish.
"It seems that ever since I took down that giant Glass Fish, the situation for the Glass Fish has become precarious," Li Fan pondered to himself.
In addition to the Glass Pearls, there were also half a piece of coral and a shiny fish bone among other assorted items.
Li Fan didn't care whether he recognized them or not; he packed everything up.
Finally, after checking once more to ensure he hadn't overlooked anything, he quietly departed.
The journey back to Ten Thousand Immortals Island was uneventful, and he returned safely.
After submitting the remains of the horned dragon, Li Fan exchanged the items he had scavenged from its stomach for contribution points.
In total, he received 320 points.
Following this, after a round of identification, the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals confirmed that the horned dragon he submitted was indeed the one that had attacked the island previously.
Thus, he received a task reward of 2000 points.
Adding the remaining 450 points from before, Li Fan currently had a total of 2770 contribution points available.
"With this many contribution points, I should be able to select a satisfactory cultivation technique."
At present, Li Fan lacked a means to conceal his own aura, which would aid him in tracking others.
Such techniques were relatively rare, but for a cultivator at the Qi Refinement stage, 2770 contribution points were definitely sufficient.
Li Fan began his selection in the Heaven's Mystery Realm.
At this moment, within the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals, the task of hunting the horned dragon, which had once left many Foundation Establishment cultivators at a loss, had actually been completed by a Qi Refinement cultivator.
This unusual occurrence immediately attracted the attention of many.
Especially the group that had initially united to issue the task, who were filled with confusion.
"Qi Refinement late stage, Li Fan? Who is he? Wasn't it said that the horned dragon could withstand attacks from Golden Core cultivators? How did Li Fan manage to hunt it down?"
"Could it be that this person concealed his cultivation level?"
"This friend must be a new addition to our Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals. How could he hide his cultivation level in front of the Profound Mirror?"
"It is indeed certain that he is at the Qi Refinement late stage. I had someone confirm it; he was only recently recommended by He Zhenghao to join our Alliance."
"Oh? Then how did this person accomplish it?"
"Could it be that he possesses a rare treasure?"
The fact that a Qi Refinement cultivator achieved something that even Foundation Establishment cultivators could not help but lead to wild speculation.
At this moment, a disdainful voice interrupted.
"Stop guessing; the latest insider information is that this kid just got lucky." This statement immediately drew sideways glances.
"Zhou Peng, what do you mean by that?"
"Yeah, lucky? How could that be?"
Zhou Peng sighed, "I also find it hard to believe, but the facts are as they are."
"The remains of the horned dragon were sent to Elder Gongsun at the Heavenly Mechanism Hall for analysis. The conclusion reached was that this horned dragon had fought with at least three other giant sea beasts before its death."
"Most of the wounds on its body were inflicted by these giant beasts."
"Before it died, the horned dragon was already exhausted. Even without that kid's intervention, the horned dragon wouldn't have survived for long."
Once Zhou Peng finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent.
Although it was a bit hard to believe, everyone had heard of Elder Gongsun's name from the Heavenly Mechanism Hall.
Thus, his conclusion was considered quite credible.
"It is said that the horned dragon showed signs of transformation into a dragon. Perhaps that is why it attracted the covetous eyes of other giant beasts."
"That makes sense. For beasts that can devour and evolve, those awakened with ancestral bloodlines are indeed a great supplement."
"Ah, this Qi Refinement kid is so lucky. It's truly enviable; that's 2000 contribution points!"
Those around nodded in agreement.
Li Fan had long been prepared for the potential impacts of completing the horned dragon bounty task.
However, he was not afraid at all.
Because no matter how one looked at it, the horned dragon died due to mutual slaughter among giant beasts. He had merely stumbled upon an opportunity by chance.
To earn 2000 contribution points, taking a little risk was worth it.
Setting this matter aside, after some time spent searching and comparing, Li Fan confirmed his target technique.
The Shadow Following Technique.
The essence of this technique was embodied in the four characters of "shadow following."
The technique excelled in tracking and concealment.
Once a target was locked on, it could follow them like a shadow, making it difficult for them to escape.
It could even hide like a shadow in the darkness, rendering the target oblivious.
With such divine efficacy, the price was naturally steep.
1800 contribution points.
Li Fan did not hesitate and directly purchased it.
Just as he was about to enter seclusion for cultivation, he suddenly received a communication from He Zhenghao via a spiritual talisman.
"Li Fan, my friend! Ah, I didn't expect that the one who hunted the horned dragon was really you! I thought it was just another cultivator with the same name and level as you!"
"It was someone asking me about your situation that confirmed it was indeed you who killed that horned dragon!"
He Zhenghao appeared exceptionally excited.
"Good, good, good! Finally, you've avenged me! You have no idea, every time I close my eyes these days, I see the price of Spirit Mist Grass plummeting."
Li Fan fell silent for a moment before replying, "It was just luck. I happened to come across the horned dragon fighting with other giant beasts while doing the task, so I took advantage of the opportunity."
Not long after the message was sent, He Zhenghao quickly replied.
"Luck is also a part of strength. Your talent and fortune are extraordinary; the future must hold great prospects for you!"
Li Fan was still considering how to respond when He Zhenghao sent another message.
"By the way, I have something to ask of you. Would you be willing to help me?"
"Oh? What is it?"
"Well, I would like to ask you to act as a guardian for Glass Island. What do you think?"
"Act as a guardian?" Li Fan was somewhat curious.
He Zhenghao quickly explained.
"Because of the Spirit Mist Grass incident, I lost most of my savings over the years. I can see that I'm getting further away from the Yuan Ying technique I want to exchange for, and I'm really reluctant about that."
"Recently, a few friends discovered an ancient cave mansion and invited me to explore it together. They said this cave mansion should have been sealed before the great calamity descended, and there must be many rare treasures inside. It’s even possible that there are several techniques as well."
"If we can obtain something from it, it would help to make up for my losses. So I decided to take a gamble."
Li Fan thought for a moment and did not give an immediate answer but instead asked, "How long would you need me to act as a guardian?"
He Zhenghao replied quickly, "Not long. At least one or two years, at most three or four years."
(End of Chapter)