Chapter 1101 - 918: Heavy Utilization_2

Shi Chun said, "You don't need to be nervous. Like I said before, no one has done this before, and if it's not done well, it's not your fault. Rest assured, as long as you do your best, even if things don't work out, you won't be held accountable. Summarizing the failed experiences for everyone is good too."

Before the task was even started, a disclaimer was given. Seeing Lord Commander so considerate of his subordinates, Old Chai was slightly moved. He quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed, saying, "I dare not slack off and will do my utmost."

Shi Chun pressed his hand down, signaling him to sit, and asked, "How do you plan to start?"

Old Chai felt a bit awkward. He had just heard about it and had no clue how to start. However, he had the ability to listen between the lines and hurriedly asked for advice, "I am willing to hear your insights, my lord."

Shi Chun, after taking a sip of tea, didn't beat around the bush and said, "Organize your people and head to the Western Continent as soon as possible. Visit the top demon kings there first; those with strength usually have more valuable businesses."

There wasn't much time, and he didn't want the Phoenix Clan to delay things. He was preparing to apply strong pressure on the Phoenix Clan if they didn't want the location of Jin Zhan's burial site; other demon cultivators might be interested.

The reason for sending Old Chai was naturally because he was dispensable.

Simply put, he didn't expect Old Chai to accomplish anything. He merely sent someone to pressure the Phoenix Clan. There was no need to send a capable person; those capable were reserved for real tasks.

His words seemed reasonable, but Old Chai felt a bit timid upon hearing them. He didn't know why his lord would first send him to the Demon Realm, but he dared not question the lord's decision. However, he expressed some concerns, "Indeed, sir, the difference between humans and demons means communication might differ. My influence is insignificant; if I go knocking on their doors, those demon kings might not even bother to see me. I fear not even seeing them would delay important matters."

Shi Chun calmly said, "That was in the past. Soon some rumors about the Phoenix Clan and us will surface. You'll learn of them later, and then those demon kings will be curious. Hearing my people have come to visit, the probability of them seeing you is quite high. If one doesn't see you, another will. Just visit them one by one. As I said, if things don't work out, it's not your fault. Feel free to exercise your talents. As long as you don't violate the heavenly rules, I'll back you up in everything. Don't worry about handling your city affairs; you can arrange someone yourself or let Feng Chi help you out."

With words reaching this point, Old Chai had no reason to refuse. Feeling solemnly honored, he didn't expect his lord to appreciate him so much, entrusting such important matters concerning the future and fate of Dingnan Prefecture entirely to him, he felt genuinely touched by being recognized.

Standing up and stepping back again, his eyes reddened slightly, filled with gratitude, bowed deeply, and said, "Chai Wenwu will dedicate himself unto death for this mission!"

Shi Chun raised his hand again, signaling him to sit, "Drink tea, drink tea. After finishing your tea, organize your people and set off as soon as possible. The expenses needed for this journey can be requested from Feng Chi. As long as objectives are achieved, don't be afraid to spend money, I've said this."

Indeed, he wasn't short of the money for winning hearts and covering truths. Moreover, the money spent was from the Dingnan Prefecture's account.

By the time discussions about the Phoenix Clan's leader personally meeting with Shi Chun started to spread on the streets, City Lord Chai Wenwu had already departed with a carefully selected team of a hundred, with the determination not to disgrace the mission.

The population introduction and free housing projects in Dingxi and Dingbei prefectures continued to progress fervently, with significant changes happening daily.

Returning to the Phoenix Clan, Feng Xi felt uneasy, unable to sleep through the nights, frequently pacing and pondering on a luxurious terrace.

More troubling were the rumors emerging, claiming that the Phoenix Clan intended to support Shi Chun as the Domain Master of Heavenly Domain, causing occasional inquiries about its authenticity.

What could have been easily dismissed as pure rumor now placed him in a dilemma, the whispers at the Xun Gate before Shi Chun's were like a curse echoing repeatedly in his ears.

A figure flew down onto the terrace, an elderly man with a bent back, leaning on a cane. His face was lined with wrinkles, giving off a profound, stagnant aura, though the glimmer of his eyes remained unchanged.

The visitor was Feng Huanchu, the Grand Elder of the Phoenix Clan!

Also the previous clan leader and the only person in the Phoenix Clan who could approach Feng Xi without prior notice.

Seeing the visitor was him, Feng Xi respectfully saluted before speaking, "Grand Elder, why have you come out?"

Feng Huanchu, leaning on his cane, moved slowly and said, "Heard some rumors saying you personally went to the Heavenly Domain's Dingnan Prefecture, with gossip claiming the Phoenix Clan plans to support this Shi Chun as the Domain Master of the Heavenly Domain. What's the matter?"

Although he didn't handle specific clan affairs anymore, he still held the power to inquire about clan matters.

Feng Xi pondered for a moment. Some things he hadn't intended to share with others, but since this elder was alerted, and some matters couldn't be handled by him alone, clan support was needed. After careful consideration, he used sound transmission to recount in detail his previous visit to the Heavenly Domain's Dingnan Prefecture to meet Shi Chun.

Initially, Feng Huanchu listened placidly, showing no reaction to the insolent words of Shi Chun. However, when Shi Chun's parting words at the Xun Gate were mentioned, his drooping eyelids suddenly opened wide, exclaiming, "Jin..."

He barely uttered a word before realizing he'd blundered, swiftly switching to sound transmission, "Jin Zhan? Are you sure he mentioned Jin Zhan?"

Feng Xi smiled bitterly, "It's likely true. He mixed with the Golden-haired Rat Clan; could it be wrong? Once he spoke those words, it's hard not to suspect him being connected to the theft of the 'Beidou Refusal Array' on the Divine Mountain. Jin Zhan undoubtedly would have a way to take away the 'Beidou Refusal Array.'"

Though the 'Beidou Refusal Array' theft was serious when that name escaped Shi Chun's lips, did it matter anymore? Let alone being unable to prove he'd done it, even if you could, would you dare make a big deal out of it?

Unless you only want to retrieve the 'Beidou Refusal Array' and disregard all else.

Although Feng Huanchu was deep and serene, even he couldn't maintain calmness now, his eyes flickering intensively as he said, "So, it means those rumors were spread by him, an insignificant Commander daring to control the Phoenix Clan's head. Such audacity, is he tired of living? How do you plan to handle it?"

Feng Xi said, "He's wearing the guise of a Heavenly Court Official now, making it hard to deal with."

Feng Huanchu snorted, "Then let our Phoenix Clan's officials in the Heavenly Court figure out a way to expel him from there before taking action, just find a good excuse, even at a cost."

Feng Xi shook his head, "Grand Elder, there's something you don't know. Currently, Shi Chun is under a protection period, and covert methods can hardly touch him. The Heavenly Court stewards will not let anyone easily harm him due to his significant role in hastening the Heavenly Domain's prosperity. Even if he commits some out-of-line actions now, the Heavenly Court might turn a blind eye. It's genuinely hard to target him now."

After understanding the underlying implication of the words, Feng Huanchu asked, "So, are we to let him control everything? Are we really contemplating moving some assets over?"

Feng Xi: "The difficulty now isn't about moving some assets over; it's the rumors he spread. The individuals of high stature investigating the truth of the rumors outnumber each other, and now disclaiming them as false rumors, what's it like if we later move Phoenix Clan assets to support and prove it true?"

At that moment, someone called out from afar outside the building, "Report!"

Feng Xi turned and said, "Enter."

A person quickly stepped inside, surprised that the reclusive Grand Elder was also present. After saluting them both, he reported, "Clan leader, Shi Chun has suddenly sent a group to the West Niu, visiting the Mad Demon Bi Dao, led by someone called Chai Wenwu, supposedly to attract the Mad Demon to bring industries into the Heavenly Domain's Dingnan Prefecture."