Chapter 659

Chapter 659: Ten Thousand Year Jade Heart

“True form, I’ve got a great idea.”

Xu Fan, who had been lounging around, was caught off guard.

“What idea? You’re not thinking of bringing Second Clone here, are you?”

“Well, isn’t he the expert in crafting Star Ships and other treasures?”

“Let him repair this and gain some experience. Who knows, he might even be able to craft a Ten Thousand Star Ship someday,” First Clone suggested.

“You’ve got a point there.”

Xu Fan stroked his chin, deep in thought.

Seeing an opportunity, First Clone added, “Imagine if we actually built a Ten Thousand Star Ship. We could trade with other middle thousand worlds in the outer realms.”

“You do realize the benefits, right?”

Xu Fan nodded in agreement.

“You’re right, but since we’re already here, you might as well focus on the task at hand.”

“Once we’re back, I’ll share this memory with you,” Xu Fan said, smiling at First Clone.

Changing plans on the fly wasn’t Xu Fan’s style.

Just then, a flash of light appeared, and Ming Kong stood before them.

“Grandmaster, how long will it take to repair this Ten Thousand Star Ship?” Ming Kong asked with a polite smile.

“I estimate it’ll take about 15 years,” Xu Fan replied confidently.

Truth be told, ten years would be enough; the extra five years were for First Clone to study the Ten Thousand Star Ship and gather data for replication.

“Thank you, Grand Elder.”

A pure white talisman appeared in Ming Kong’s hand.

“This is my Avatar Jade Talisman, a small token of my gratitude. Once the grandmaster repairs the Ten Thousand Star Ship, there will be a generous reward waiting.”

“If you ever face a danger that even my Avatar Jade Talisman can’t handle, I’ll come in my true form to protect you.”

“Though I’m not as strong as Upper Zun, I’m more than capable of safeguarding you in this realm.”

Ming Kong’s calm demeanor instantly made Xu Fan feel secure.

Is this what it’s like to be protected by the human race’s best? Xu Fan even considered taking the Avatar Jade Talisman for a stroll around Four Phase City.

Then, a question popped into Xu Fan’s mind.

“Elder Ming Kong, you’re the battle template of our human race.”

“Who holds that position in the beast race?” Xu Fan asked curiously.

“The Grand Elder of the Golden Devourer Tiger Clan, and an ancient creature known as the Purple Jade Flood Dragon.”

“Unless there’s a rising star, it’s likely just those two,” Ming Kong replied after a moment’s thought.

Suddenly, Ming Kong’s expression shifted slightly, and he clasped his hands toward Xu Fan. “There’s something urgent in the Extreme Void Domain that requires my attention.”

“I’ll send someone over. If you need anything, just let them know,” Ming Kong said before vanishing into a shower of starlight.

“Just focus on your work here. I’ll be waiting for you on Hidden Spirit Island for your victorious return,” Xu Fan said with a smile.

As soon as he finished speaking, the young man who had greeted Xu Fan earlier appeared and led him away.

Hidden Spirit Island, underground space.

The second clone, who had been playing a game, took off his helmet and grinned at Xu Fan. “Looks like First Clone got stuck doing the work over there,” he said.

The second clone seemed relieved that he hadn’t gone along.

“It’s for repairing the Elder Council’s Ten Thousand Star Ship. I should’ve taken you with me,” Xu Fan said, sounding a bit regretful.

“What’s there to regret? You can just share the memories with me when you get back,” the second clone replied.

“With all the experience we’ve got, is there anything we can’t figure out at a glance? If there is, we’ll just take a second look,” the second clone said, clearly proud of himself.

Xu Fan laughed. “I told First Clone the same thing.”

The second clone gave Xu Fan a look that said, “You get me.”

Then, a jade sphere about the size of a billiard ball appeared in the second clone’s hand.

“This is something I’ve been saving for years. Consider it yours now.”

“What’s so special about this?” Xu Fan asked as he took the jade sphere and scanned it with his consciousness.

After a moment, he put it away with a serious expression, realizing it was something best enjoyed in private.

“Where’d you even get this stuff?” Xu Fan asked.

“When I’ve got some free time, I wander around Lin Sen Fairy City and stumble across these little treasures,” the second clone said with a smirk.

“This is just the basic version. The advanced one can project a physical form. Want it?”

Xu Fan shook his head.

“Just looking is enough. If I actually got involved, it’d be… well, you know.”

Even though it felt the same, Xu Fan didn’t want to deceive himself.

“Suit yourself. Let me know if you change your mind,” the second clone said.

With that, he put his helmet back on and returned to the virtual world.

Just then, Grape’s voice echoed through the space.

“Master, the fleet collecting disasters in the Extreme Void Domain has returned.”

Xu Fan’s interest was immediately piqued. This was the first time the mining Star Ship fleet had returned since he’d woken up.

On the plain behind the main peak, five massive Star Ships slowly descended into their designated spots.

Below, a large number of transport puppets waited to move the spirit ore.

At that moment, Swift Thunder Beast Sovereign, along with his wife and three Fire Cloud Bird spirits, transformed into human forms and approached Xu Fan.

“Greetings, Grand Elder. Congratulations on your return from seclusion,” they said.

“Rise. You’ve worked hard mining in the Extreme Void Domain for so long,” Xu Fan said warmly.

“It’s nothing. For the Hidden Spirit Sect, this little hardship is worth it,” Swift Thunder Beast Sovereign replied with a smile.

After years at the Hidden Spirit Sect, he’d grown used to the life here.

With a warm family and demanding work, the rewards were more than enough.

After another thousand years of hard work, he could finally afford a celestial tool for his son.

The three Fire Cloud Bird spirits behind him wore similar expressions.

In the demon race, survival of the fittest was the rule, and serving a stronger power was an honor.

“What did you bring back this time?” Xu Fan asked.

“Ten Thousand Year Jade Hearts, though there aren’t many,” Swift Thunder Beast Sovereign said, holding out a jade box.

“No need to give it to me. Just store it in the treasure vault,” Xu Fan said after a quick glance.

The Ten Thousand Year Jade Hearts were barely enough to forge a single celestial tool.

“This Ten Thousand Year Jade Heart can be used to craft a Heavenly Demon Holy Jade, perfect for your son,” Xu Fan said.

“When you’re close to earning enough points, I’ll have First Clone forge it for you,” he added with a smile.

“Thank you, Grand Elder!” Swift Thunder Beast Sovereign and Qing Bird Spirit said gratefully.

Getting a celestial tool was one thing, but getting one tailored to their needs was another.

If they’d stayed hidden in the demon race with their son, they might never have been able to secure such a treasure in their lifetimes.

“And you three little Fire Cloud Birds, keep working hard, and you’ll see the benefits in time,” Xu Fan said.

He painted a picture that grew more enticing by the moment.

“How long does it take to neutralize a disaster now?” Xu Fan asked.

The grand formation carved into the five Star Ships by the second clone was a universal array.

Neutralizing disasters required five Great Ascension Level beast kings or respected elders to work together, and their proficiency played a role too.

“Reporting to the Grand Elder: currently, it takes an average of eight years to neutralize a disaster, even with Lord Grape’s assistance.”