Chapter 584

Chapter 584: A Thousand Times the Gratitude

Shi Zhan thought for a moment and said, “First, let the Nine Phoenix ship discard the least valuable spirit ore.”

“Keep the spirit ore that we need the most.”

“Time is also spirit stones; this gain and loss is quite significant,” Shi Zhan continued.

“Understood, Minister,” the Golden Core youth behind Shi Zhan said, lowering his head.

“Fei Xing, I remember you graduated with full honors and were the top of the first-generation disciples, right?” Shi Zhan asked, having served as the principal of that academy back in the day.

“Yes, thanks to the cultivation of the dynasty, I never dared to slack during my time at the academy,” Qian Fei Xing replied.

“Next time when the Nine Phoenix ship returns, you’ll be the ship’s vice officer.”

“Having your talents wasted near me is not the best use—you should excel in more important places,” Shi Zhan said with a smile.

Currently, all important positions in the Nine Phoenix Dynasty were held by puppets, and Feng Chang Ning wanted to reform this; Shi Zhan was the pioneer of that effort.

“Ah, a ship’s vice officer! Minister, I feel this transition is quite big,” Qian Fei Xing said, feeling somewhat troubled.

As the only Star Ship of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty, he understood its significance very well.

“I know what you’re worried about; every puppet up there is no different from an ordinary person, and they are all loyal to the Nine Phoenix Dynasty.”

“Once you become the vice officer, you will earn corresponding respect on the Nine Phoenix ship; puppets are easier to get along with than ordinary people,” Shi Zhan encouraged.

“Don’t fear doing it poorly; the only real fear is not trying at all.” Shi Zhan turned and patted Qian Fei Xing’s shoulder before leaving.

Just then, his communication artifact vibrated; it was Feng Chang Ning summoning him.

In the imperial city of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty, a grand hall stood where Feng Chang Ning sat gracefully on the Dragon Throne.

“Master, there’s no need for such formalities,” Feng Chang Ning said, signaling a palace maid to bring a chair for Shi Zhan to sit on.

“Your Majesty, what have you called me for?” Shi Zhan asked.

“Just now, the National Master visited me to discuss that according to the current pace, ten years from now, our Nine Phoenix Dynasty will have gathered enough spirit ore for our first Star Ship.”

“With the National Master personally refining it, within fifty years, our Nine Phoenix Dynasty will have our own Star Ship.” Feng Chang Ning said slowly, glancing at Shi Zhan with a meaningful look.

Shi Zhan understood the implication in Feng Chang Ning’s eyes immediately.

“I understand Your Highness’s intention; fifty years is enough to train a group of excellent new Star Ship crew members,” Shi Zhan said.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Master. Although those puppets are also citizens of our Nine Phoenix Dynasty, they are still lacking in some aspects.”

“Entrusting certain matters entirely to them poses some risks,” Feng Chang Ning said subtly, but the core point was clear.

She was not completely at ease with the puppets.

“I understand Your Majesty’s meaning; this matter I will take charge of,” Shi Zhan assured.

At that moment, as Feng Chang Ning sat on the Dragon Throne, she suddenly realized that the person who once viewed her as everything had seemingly changed his attitude towards her.

Looking at Shi Zhan’s expression, Feng Chang Ning felt that, at this moment, he genuinely regarded her as a Little Sister he had watched over since childhood.

“Thank you for your hard work, Master,” Feng Chang Ning nodded.

“Your Majesty, I have something to discuss with you,” Shi Zhan said, glancing at the palace maids and guards beside Feng Chang Ning.

“Everyone, please step back; I will have some intimate words with my Master,” Feng Chang Ning instructed, waving her hand.

In a moment, the entire hall was left with only Shi Zhan and Feng Chang Ning, surrounded by a soundproof Formation that enveloped the palace.

“What do you want to say, Master?” Feng Chang Ning looked at Shi Zhan, feeling pleased about the change in someone who was once closest to her.

Deep inside, she also felt a sense of relief.

“I want to know the National Master’s attitude towards the Grand Elder,” Shi Zhan said with a serious expression.

After observing the National Master’s actions since encountering Feng Chang Ning, Shi Zhan understood that the National Master was a person who would do anything to achieve his goals.

And since Xu Fan bore half of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty’s Merit and Fortune, anyone who became the National Master would see Xu Fan as a thorn in their side.

“The National Master’s attitude towards the Grand Elder…” Feng Chang Ning paused at this point.

“It should be a desire to eliminate him quickly!”

Both were no longer kids, so Feng Chang Ning planned to speak honestly.

“I also want to know Your Majesty’s thoughts,” Feng Chang Ning asked again.

“The Grand Elder has given me the grace of recognition and has strongly supported me during my difficult times.”

“The Nine Phoenix Dynasty owes more than eighty percent of its current state to the Grand Elder,” Feng Chang Ning slowly stated.

“The Grand Elder enjoys half of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty’s Merit and Fortune. How does Your Majesty want to handle this?”

Shi Zhan looked at Feng Chang Ning and asked. To be honest, the Nine Phoenix Dynasty’s strength now had generally surpassed that of the previous Hidden Spirit Sect.

Back then, he viewed the Sea Ship, a remarkable creation, as a wonder; now the Nine Phoenix Dynasty had six Sea Ship fleets.

Even the unheard-of Star Ship, capable of mining in the Extreme Void Domain, was represented by one in the Nine Phoenix Dynasty, and puppets at the Core Formation stage were countless.

With such strength, they had already far surpassed the previous Hidden Spirit Sect.

Given this situation, Shi Zhan couldn’t help but suspect that Feng Chang Ning might have the idea of eliminating the Hidden Spirit Sect.

“I know what you’re thinking, Master; don’t worry, I won’t stoop that low.”

“What the Grand Elder gave me, I will return a thousandfold.”

“As for the Grand Elder enjoying that half of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty’s Merit and Fortune!”

“I’ll wait until the Grand Elder ascends, then reclaim it.”

“I possess the magical power of inheriting the fortune of the dynasty, which can bind me to this world. All cultivators of the Nine Phoenix Dynasty can remain here permanently.”

“For our dynasty, a thousand years is something I can wait for,” Feng Chang Ning declared powerfully.

“What about the National Master?” Hearing Feng Chang Ning’s words, Shi Zhan felt relieved but asked another concern.

“The Nine Phoenix Dynasty cannot do without the National Master, now or in the future.” Feng Chang Ning’s tone became somewhat somber.

“Actually, I’ve spoken to the National Master about this matter, but based on his reaction…”

Feng Chang Ning sighed.

“I’ll find a time to talk to the National Master; I’ve spent some time in the Hidden Spirit Sect.”

“The feeling the Grand Elder gives me is like a brilliant river of stars; no matter how high one stands, one can only gaze up from the mundane world.”

“Even though our dynasty is stronger than the previous Hidden Spirit Sect, I feel the National Master cannot match the Grand Elder.”

“If a dispute arises between the two sides, it would bring only harm and no benefit,” Shi Zhan said.

“I understand everything you said, Master; I’ll talk to the National Master later,” Feng Chang Ning replied.

“It’s best so. If given the chance, I’d like to return to the Hidden Spirit Sect and see how our hometown’s small world is doing now,” Shi Zhan murmured.

Upon hearing Shi Zhan’s words, Feng Chang Ning immediately said, “If you want to go, I can have the Nine Phoenix ship take you there.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Grand Elder; I have many things I want to ask.”

“Then once I finish taking care of things here, let’s set off with the next Nine Phoenix ship.”

Shi Zhan’s eyes lit up.