Chapter 599

Chapter 599: Grudges and Kindness

When Xu Fan saw Shi Zhan, he immediately understood the purpose of the Star Ship’s arrival.

“As Feng Chang Ning’s right-hand man, you should be enjoying great success right now. What brings you here?” Xu Fan asked with a smile.

“It’s not as great as the Grand Elder makes it out to be,” Shi Zhan replied with a mix of laughter and tears.

“Lately, the speed at which I gather Merit and Fortune has been increasing rapidly. It seems the Nine Phoenix Dynasty can now develop without my help,” Xu Fan remarked, glancing at Shi Zhan.

“But without the Grand Elder’s assistance, the Nine Phoenix Dynasty would never have reached such a scale,” Shi Zhan expressed gratefully.

“It’s just a transaction; nothing more to say about it,” Xu Fan replied casually.

“A deal is a deal. You once helped Feng Chang Ning, and that’s a bond of kindness,” Spirit Cut interjected earnestly.

“Alright, enough with the unnecessary talk. What brings you here this time?” Xu Fan asked.

“I came to see the Grand Elder and to bring greetings from Feng Chang Ning. She has many questions she wants to ask you,” Shi Zhan said, handing a jade slip to Xu Fan.

Xu Fan’s spirit swept over the jade slip, and his expression began to change.

After a moment, Xu Fan slowly spoke, “Interesting, she is someone who can get things done.”

Shi Zhan remained silent beside him, his face showing not a trace of emotion.

Shi Zhan directly handed the jade slip back to Xu Fan.

“I’ve responded to all the empress’s questions inside; you can take it back for her to see,” Xu Fan said with a smile.

“Great,” Shi Zhan accepted the jade slip.

“You didn’t come just to see me, did you?” Xu Fan waved his hand, setting out a tea set and starting to boil water for tea.

“I came to ask if the National Master has already made a move against the Grand Elder,” Shi Zhan hesitated but finally asked.

Xu Fan nodded, unfazed. “He has been here, but I felt like he was insulting me.”

“He just sent a few puppets to assassinate me,” Xu Fan said lightly, as if it were an insignificant matter.

“What does the Grand Elder think of the National Master?” Shi Zhan asked seriously.

“A very powerful artifact master, but unfortunately, he has created karma with me.”

The National Master of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty was now on Xu Fan’s little notebook.

“Will the Grand Elder…?” Shi Zhan left the rest of his question unspoken.

“Not for now. I know he is very important to your Nine Phoenix Dynasty. The more he helps you, the more Merit and Fortune I gain here.”

“So there’s no need to worry; I won’t suddenly act against him.”

“Besides, your old acquaintance has probably already started making plans regarding this matter.”

“Like how I see you now.”

Xu Fan’s mouth curled into a grin.

“I know Feng Chang Ning has always wanted to mediate between you and the National Master.”

“My coming here is just the first step,” Shi Zhan said.

“Please tell Feng Chang Ning to focus on developing her dynasty and not to worry about me.”

“I won’t let my issues with the National Master affect her,” Xu Fan said, waving his hand dismissively.

To Xu Fan, the National Master was like a rebellious but talented employee—someone whose skills were invaluable to the company, even if they were a bit stubborn. Sometimes, you just had to let the donkey pull the mill its own way.

“I understand,” Shi Zhan nodded.

Xu Fan smiled faintly and gave Shi Zhan a once-over.

“Seems like you never even touched that book I gave you.”

He sighed, making Shi Zhan feel like he’d wasted Xu Fan’s kindness.

Shi Zhan scratched his head awkwardly under Xu Fan’s gaze.

“I’ve let go of my feelings for Feng Chang Ning. Now, I just see her as a Little Sister I can protect,” Shi Zhan said, forcing a bitter smile.

His only comfort was that the person he cared for didn’t have anyone else by her side.

Is this what it means for a hopeless romantic to finally move on? Xu Fan wondered.

“Well, when it comes to love, there are only two reasons it doesn’t work out,” Xu Fan said with a hint of regret.

“What reasons?” Shi Zhan asked, curious.

“Either there’s no attraction, or there’s just no spark.”

“You’re clearly the second case. Feng Chang Ning doesn’t see you that way,” Xu Fan said with a chuckle.

As he spoke, Xu Fan couldn’t help but think of the old saying: forcing something won’t make it sweet, but it might still quench your thirst.

Shi Zhan exhaled in relief.

“Grand Elder, I’ve reached the Transformation Stage. Can I continue learning the techniques and methods of the Outer Sect?” Shi Zhan asked, getting to the point.

“Of course! You’ll always be an elder of the Outer Sect.”

“If you ever tire of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty, the Hidden Spirit Sect’s doors are always open,” Xu Fan said without hesitation.

“Thank you, Grand Elder,” Shi Zhan said, bowing respectfully.

After finishing his tea, Shi Zhan took his leave.

Xu Fan watched him go and muttered, “He’s truly a hopeless romantic.”

When it comes to love, as long as the person you care about is nearby, how can you just let go?

“Grape, any activity on that Star Ship?” Xu Fan asked.

“A few invisible surveillance puppets descended, but they’ve been captured,” Grape reported.

“As expected. They’ll probably try something else, so stay alert,” Xu Fan said.

“Understood.”

A month later, a Star Ship modified from a giant beast race warship took to the skies.

On the Ten Thousand-Mile Giant Lake, Xu Fan and Wang Yulun were fishing.

“Did that lovestruck Shi Zhan leave?” Wang Yulun asked.

“After brushing up on the Outer Sect’s techniques and methods, he’s gone,” Xu Fan said, tossing a handful of fish food into the lake.

“Sometimes, I just don’t get it. How do people like them not end up together?” Wang Yulun mused, looking genuinely puzzled. To him, it seemed inevitable that a man and a woman spending time together would grow close.

“…Where do you come up with these ideas?”

“Not everyone’s like you, falling for every person you meet.”

Just then, Wang Yulun’s fishing rod jerked sharply, and he reeled in a massive blue-tailed big fish.

His first instinct was to glance at Xu Fan.

“Don’t look at me. The fish is fine—no tricks, nothing inside it,” Xu Fan said with a grin.

“Perfect! I’ll take this back and have Qianer cook it for me.”

“Finally, a normal catch,” Wang Yulun laughed, his mood lifted by the ordinary fish.

But as he celebrated, a massive wave erupted from the lake, and a Nascent Soul-stage water snake shot out, snatching the blue-tailed fish before Wang Yulun could secure it.

Xu Fan casually reached out and tapped the air.

In an instant, a strange power froze the snake in place.

“Is this snake normal? Guess I’ll have to settle for snake soup,” Wang Yulun said, staring at his empty fishing hook.

“With me, a Void Refinement stage cultivator, sitting here, and this little Nascent Soul snake still dares to show up. What do you think—normal or not?” Xu Fan quipped.