Chapter 1304 - 739: Rejuvenation Surgery (Part 2)

If he showed even the slightest dissatisfaction or rebellion, then he was disloyal.

During the victory speech, Zebert felt unhappy for a moment and even had thoughts of killing Gu Hang. However, his ’sensible’ behavior slightly improved his impression score, at least enough for Zebert to consider further ’testing.’

But... now it seems necessary to reconsider this matter.

Testing must still be done.

He could not trust an ambitious person with no loyalty to the Empire to continue growing on the frontier.

The lesson of the Iron Armor is still fresh in memory.

But for now, it’s limited to predictions.

Some extreme pressure tactics with a difficult nature seem unnecessary.

Otherwise, how to deal with pushing a loyal minister to rebellion?

He considered the Empire’s long-term plans, definitely not out of worry of forcing someone to the point of execution and being reciprocally exchanged one for one.

Thinking of this, he told his administrative consultant, "Approve Gu Hang’s request for an audience. Check my schedule to see when I have time, and arrange a meeting with him."

...

"Your Excellency, it is a great honor to meet with you."

Looking at Qi Bodu sitting on the high platform, Gu Hang bowed his head respectfully, hunched over, and greeted humbly.

Proper etiquette was fully observed, demonstrating Gu Hang’s respect, but he handled it well without appearing too fawning or servile. His head was slightly raised, and his eyes occasionally showed sharpness.

Every move, every expression, was meticulously designed.

Zebert was a proud person, very concerned about others’ attitudes; however, too much flattery would seem fake, making him feel that the other person was treating him like a fool.

The current situation was just right.

Zebert was aware that most people in front of him, not just Gu Hang, but also others, were putting on an act.

But acting well is also a form of respect.

Nodding slightly, Zebert just called Gu Hang to stand up, while a servant beside him carried a tray and delivered an item next to him.

Gu Hang’s voice sounded timely, "Esteemed Prime Minister, this is the Star Ripple Gold Crystal."

Zebert’s expression showed slight surprise.

He knew this item.

This crystal is born in the core of a nebula, a violent furnace of energy and matter, with energy so vast it’s unimaginable. It can resonate with the holder’s spiritual power, and by probing even a trace of spiritual power into it, one can feel a vast and boundless power source surging within.

This power can be guided to enhance one’s spiritual abilities, allowing weak spiritual fluctuations to become turbulent instantly; it can also be injected into a spaceship’s energy core, enabling the ship to burst out with high-speed navigation in an instant; or even release a powerful energy shield in times of crisis, fending off various cosmic dangers.

Its practical effect is significant, but in reality, few people use it this way.

It’s too rare, too expensive, too extravagant to be used as a consumable—and crucially, even on ships worth protecting, it might not offer sufficient protection.

The Star Ripple Gold Crystal is mostly used for personal protection and... as jewelry.

It looks like a shining heart encircled by starlight, oval-shaped, about the size of an adult’s fist. Its surface shimmers with colors like deep blue, purple-gold, and emerald, these luminescences flow like the flowing waters of star rivers within the crystal, slowly intertwining, transforming as if narrating ancient cosmic legends. The luminescence’s speed and trajectory change gently when turned, creating mysterious star maps showcasing various aspects of the universe, such as the magnificent scenery of a supernova explosion or the strange spectacle of space-time distortion near a black hole.

It’s truly an astonishing visual value.

As material for crafting portable treasures, it’s excellent.

Of course, as the Imperial Prime Minister, Zebert didn’t lack similar items and possessed even better ones.

Yet, its value was enough to place it in Zebert’s collection cabinet.

Regarding this gift, Prime Minister Zebert was reasonably satisfied.

His mood improved somewhat.

He engaged in a period of calm conversation with Gu Hang, exchanging stories of experiences on Holy Terra and the Alliance.

Subsequently, their topic gradually turned to serious matters during their casual chat.

Their conversation first touched upon the Psychic Cultivator’s Association.

"Are you planning to become the next Chief Grand Mentor?"

When Zebert asked this, Gu Hang was prepared, revealing a smile, and confidently answered, "It’s in the plans, hard to refuse such enthusiasm."

"Well, work hard, you might be chosen as a High Lord one day?"

"It’s quite tough for a Chief Grand Mentor to become a High Lord."

"With your abilities, you might achieve it?"

When saying this, Zebert’s smile was inscrutable, lacking much kindness.

Gu Hang seemed not to hear, instead saying, "If it really happens, I would also rely on your Excellency’s guidance, as the Psychic Cultivator’s Association follows your lead. After all, even if I become Chief, I can’t stay long on Holy Terra."

Gu Hang’s words clearly indicated his intention to eventually leave Holy Terra, with no plans for a long stay.

Upon reconsidering the message, was he selling the Psychic Cultivator’s Association to the Prime Minister?

No, it’s not that simple.

Because Zebert didn’t need it.

If he wanted to completely control the Psychic Cultivator’s Association, with Margaret’s allegiance, it would be easy. He didn’t do it because he also viewed the Psychic Cultivator’s Association as a useless entity with no significance for him. He needed neither their high-status position nor their feeble actual strength. On the contrary, keeping them as a trash bin seemed a better choice.

Gu Hang’s intention might be to develop the Psychic Cultivator’s Association well, remotely control it, and have a strong Psychic Cultivator’s Association cooperate obediently with him?

Stroking his chin, Zebert found it somewhat intriguing.

Abandoning the most dissatisfying ’supreme governing body of Imperial Spirit Ability Users’ position, and developing a more powerful Psychic Cultivator’s Association on its own, it seems not so useless.

Through them, he could accomplish many things.

After all, although he’s the de facto Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s power theoretically shouldn’t reach above the Tribunal. He’s striving for full authority, still on the way, not yet achieving it, and sometimes the Tribunal doesn’t act obediently.

Having an alternative is not a bad thing.

Of course, the premise is Gu Hang could indeed strengthen the Psychic Cultivator’s Association.

Moreover, all he thought of is just his interpretation. Was Gu Hang’s simple words truly meant to express this?

Gu Hang said with a smile, "The Psychic Cultivator’s Association can surely be developed, having Empire’s regular funding, Alliance’s support, and I also have some insights into nurturing and training Psychics, please rest assured, Prime Minister."

"Hmm." Zebert lightly stroked his chin.

Gu Hang continued, "For many matters, the Alliance has enough capability to assist you in problem-solving. What the Psychic Cultivator’s Association can handle, it will do; what it cannot, the Alliance will do its utmost for you."

This was a more blatant promise.

Zebert finally showed some smiles.

He didn’t fully trust, but neither did he disbelieve entirely.

At least, it was a good beginning.

And when he wanted to delve deeper into topics about the Alliance, taxes, and how to ensure Gu Hang’s words could be realized, another matter mentioned by Gu Hang entirely drew his attention away.

"By the way, Your Excellency, in the Psychic Cultivator’s Association, I once saw a rather complex technology."

"This technology is somewhat related to the Rejuvenation Surgery."

"With the assistance of Spiritual Power, it can perform a sixth Rejuvenation Surgery after the fifth, and notably, the effect would be better than the standard Rejuvenation Surgery."

"It’s just too difficult, no Spirit Master has mastered it in recent thousands of years. I’m quite interested, currently studying it, but it requires numerous experiments and considerable funding, now I’m struggling to find sponsors."