Chapter 61: The Wealth and Grandeur of the Haoran Alliance

Casually collecting another, and after gaining several dozen Dao Points, Wang Ran shifted his gaze back to Elder Zhao.

Elder Zhao shuddered all over; having just witnessed Wang Ran’s grand display, he dared not treat this prodigy of the Hall of Enforcement lightly.

After all, as an elder of the Servants’ Hall, his status was insignificant—so low, in fact, that at times it could hardly compare to these top-tier prodigy disciples.

Immediately, he forced a kindly smile onto his face and asked in a friendly tone, “Nephew, is there anything this old man can help you with?”

Wang Ran returned the courtesy and explained his wish to expand his residence, describing in detail the lavish decorations and furnishings he had in mind. Elder Zhao listened, dumbfounded by the sheer extravagance.

After a long moment, he wiped the sweat from his brow and interrupted, “Ne…nephew, what you’re asking is practically a complete reconstruction of the mansion. The sect does allow it, but I’m afraid I can’t offer you any discounts on the price. Are you sure you want to rebuild?”

Seeing Elder Zhao’s skepticism about his wealth, Wang Ran gave a casual wave of his sleeve. Instantly, a small mountain of spirit jade appeared—no less than thirty to forty thousand pieces.

“Will this suffice? Or shall I double it?” Wang Ran mused quietly, causing Elder Zhao’s eyelids to twitch.

Good heavens, where did this youngster come from? He’s unbelievably rich!

The more Elder Zhao considered it, the more convinced he became that this youth possessed unfathomable resources and depth, as if spirit jade meant nothing to him. He hurriedly approved Wang Ran’s request.

“Nephew, disciples from the Servants’ Hall will begin work on your mansion tomorrow. In three days at most, it will be complete!”

“Very good,” Wang Ran nodded in satisfaction.

Since the entire Fifth Mountain was built atop formation arrays, the construction could harness their power, making the process exceptionally swift.

Just as Wang Ran was about to leave the Eleventh Mountain, Jiang Xuexian and the other disciples returned to the Hall of Enforcement.

With them came word of all they had seen and heard there, and thanks to their eager retelling, the news spread throughout the Hall of Enforcement in the blink of an eye.

Many disciples were stunned, and whispers hummed through the halls.

“Could it be that Wang Ran really struck it rich?”

“There were rumors days ago that Wang Ran was a wealthy man, but since they came from Xu Ke, I didn’t believe them. Today, though, the story from the Servants’ Hall is detailed and convincing. Has Wang Ran really formed an alliance whose wealth rivals Chu Yingxuan’s?”

“I think it’s true. I know those people—they’re ordinary disciples. Without help, there’s no way they could have built a training chamber!”

“Good heavens—what sort of opportunity did Wang Ran stumble upon? Not only is his strength extraordinary, but he’s also so lavishly wealthy?”

The disciples were all deeply shocked, and the entire night was filled with heated discussion.

Some disciples who had not joined any faction found their thoughts stirring and began to consider Wang Ran’s alliance.

The next day, when disciples from the Servants’ Hall were seen on Fifth Mountain expanding Wang Ran’s mansion, the rumors of his immense wealth became even more credible.

Immediately, many prodigies made a special trip to Wang Ran’s residence to witness the expansion for themselves.

Naturally, Wang Ran would not miss the perfect chance to show off. He stepped forward and cupped his hands to those gathered around.

“Today, as my Hao Ran Alliance expands its headquarters, I thank you all for coming to show your support. My deepest gratitude.”

“Furthermore, the Hao Ran Alliance is newly established and now lacks manpower. If any of you are interested, you are welcome to join us. Regardless of cultivation, as long as you are a disciple of the Hall of Enforcement, all are welcome.”

“All who join will receive a grade-four spirit weapon, as well as monthly allocations of spirit talismans and spirit jade. I guarantee you will have the finest cultivation environment possible!”

Wang Ran’s words were irresistibly enticing, and many disciples were tempted—especially when they saw that Jiang Xuexian and the other three had already joined and now each held a grade-four spirit weapon, their gazes grew even brighter.

Still, doubts lingered. Grade-four spirit weapons were expensive—could Wang Ran really afford to give one to every recruit? Many hesitated, uncertain.

Sensing this, Wang Ran covertly signaled to his side.

Immediately, a delicate female disciple stepped forward, held up her spirit weapon, and called out, “Everyone, look! I only joined the Hao Ran Alliance yesterday, and today I already received my grade-four spirit weapon. Clearly, Senior Brother Wang means what he says, so there’s no need to worry about finances. These tens of thousands of spirit jade are nothing to him!”

This disciple was none other than Jiang Xuexian. Grateful to Wang Ran for helping her build her training chamber, she eagerly spoke in support.

All eyes turned to the weapon in her hand, their envy evident.

Wang Ran, however, stepped forward and, with mock humility, corrected her, “You flatter me, Senior Sister. It’s not quite ‘nothing’—let’s just call it a moderate expense.”

Seeing Wang Ran’s seemingly modest yet secretly pleased expression, Zhao Xiaobai in the crowd couldn’t help but smile.

The others, not noticing the subtlety, were so moved by Wang Ran’s words that their breathing quickened and shock filled their hearts.

“Ding! Congratulations to host Wang Ran for causing a severe mental shock to the Hall of Enforcement disciples. Awarded 20 Dao Points!”

“Ding! Congratulations to host Wang Ran for causing a severe mental shock to the Hall of Enforcement disciples. Awarded 15 Dao Points!”

…

The system’s prompts echoed in his mind, but Wang Ran remained calm, smiling at the crowd.

“I wish to join the Hao Ran Alliance!” At last, someone could restrain themselves no longer. A burly man stepped forward, rubbing his hands nervously. “Senior Brother Wang, is it really true that new members receive a grade-four spirit weapon?”

“Of course. As Chief of the Alliance, my word is ironclad,” Wang Ran replied, clapping his hands. His junior sister stepped forward, retrieved a grade-four spirit weapon from her storage pouch, and handed it to the disciple.

The disciple was overjoyed, bowing repeatedly in thanks.

Seeing this, the others no longer doubted—Wang Ran’s immense wealth was now unquestionable.

In no time, disciples flocked to join the Hao Ran Alliance like fish in a river, an unending stream.

In just three days, Wang Ran’s alliance grew to over sixty members, nearly matching Chu Yingxuan’s Chu Alliance, and immediately stealing the limelight, drawing attention from all sides.

Among the new recruits were several prodigies, elevating Wang Ran’s popularity to its peak.

After a few more days, Wang Ran, seeing that the situation had stabilized and that his alliance had become a major force in the Hall of Enforcement, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He entrusted management of the Hao Ran Alliance to Zhao Xiaobai and his junior sister, then returned to the Third Mountain to enter seclusion and cultivate.

In this world, martial strength reigned supreme. Wealth and influence were, in the end, external things; only by strengthening himself could he truly stand above all others.

Wang Ran’s cultivation had stagnated for some time, so once matters settled, he began a period of closed-door cultivation, preparing for future missions.

This time, he brought out the spirit core he had obtained at the last auction, intending to fully absorb and refine it.

Seated cross-legged beneath the waterfall on the Third Mountain, Wang Ran focused his mind. The Eternal Dao-Questing Technique and Diamond Glass Body circulated slowly, and his seclusion began.

On the second day of Wang Ran’s seclusion, on the northern shore of the Sole Sovereign Sect—

Within a certain cave residence, a sudden rumble shook the air with astonishing force.

Outside the cave stood several disciples from the Hall of Enforcement, each brimming with arrogance—prodigies, every one.

But at this moment, their faces were pale, and they stared at the cave in terror.

A fierce aura burst forth, sweeping in all directions with tangible pressure.

Suddenly, it was as if the mountain gate had been violently smashed open—a thunderous crash, and it collapsed in ruins. A figure strode out, accompanied by a laugh brimming with utmost pride.

“Hahaha! Today, my Dao of the North Sea reaches perfection! Now I shall defeat all the prodigies under heaven to celebrate my divine power!”