The title of Earl and the position of Mountain People’s Lord, both overtly and covertly, handed the entire South Ridge over to Ian.
Even for a Prophet, this gesture is extremely generous... Generally speaking, Prophets from major powers reside in a city, enjoying national-level treatment.
But Ian, being a noble himself, was elevated in rank and granted territory, which is a privilege among privileges.
"If it weren’t for the vague feeling that there’s something odd behind him, such a person becoming emperor would leave me a hundred percent satisfied — granting wealth and power without being stingy, fully supporting once deciding to use you... Axel seems more capable in this regard than Inega II."
Murmuring in his heart, in reality, Ian takes another document from the official, then raises his eyebrows: "The restrictions on the Supreme Spirit Sect have also been completely lifted..."
"Sir, the Prophet founding a religion was originally permitted."
The official from the Spirit Wisdom Institute explained: "The sects of various nations rise and fall like tides. Some are cults, but others are tacitly approved as orthodox, most backed by Fourth or Fifth Energy Levels or Prophets... You, being an authentic Prophet, establishing a sect and educating the populace is truly your duty."
"As long as it complies with the Empire’s regulations and needs, this Supreme Spirit Sect, born from the Dragon God’s faith, is indeed your qualification and responsibility."
Ian nodded slightly; it seems the Empire has secretly investigated the tenets and origins of the Supreme Spirit Sect thoroughly, but this was also why he did not conceal it.
The purpose was to mislead the Empire into believing he aimed to gather the ancient Dragon God faith to lead the Mountain People — from the Empire’s perspective, a Prophet, regardless of his intentions, inevitably reunites the Mountain People, who originally drifted outside the Empire, bringing them back into the Empire’s system.
Though governance appears challenging now, after the Prophet’s passing, the land and forces would ultimately integrate back into the Empire.
As a millennium-spanning great empire, the Setar Empire possesses ample patience and is willing to bestow privileges upon the ’Prophet.’
This is why Ian considers Axel a good emperor from this perspective... capable, strong-willed, generous, and bold.
But from another angle...
"Allowing the Spirit Wisdom Institute to conduct so many experiments that regard human life as insignificant."
With his gaze slightly lowered, Ian sighs inwardly: "I truly can’t grasp what Axel truly wants. If he really upholds Inega II’s ideals as he claims, then what kind of ideals are those?"
"Never mind, people in this Terra place are all crazy; pondering these people is less fruitful than thinking about his own matters."
"I wonder how Shasha and my little brother are doing recently, and Green Pupil (the Aether Crystal Dragon)..."
With a mental impulse, Ian waved his hand, dismissing the officials, stating he wished for some tranquility, and the others prudently retreated.
At this moment, Ian has synchronized his mind with the Crystal Dragon and Shasha, sensing what they are doing.
The ocean’s breath greeted him, and surprisingly, Shasha and Green Pupil acted together, roaming in the open sea.
Uncertain if it’s good or bad, at least this time, Shasha is not leading Green Pupil around to playfully collide with ships... On the contrary, Shasha is guiding the young Crystal Dragon through various maritime regions.
[This one, tasty] Shasha introduces to the Crystal Dragon regarding a swordfish with dark red iron stripes on its body, while Green Pupil nods earnestly: [This one, tasty!]
[This one, bash the shell, lots of meat] Shasha says regarding a giant clam, and the Crystal Dragon knowingly nods: [Lots of meat! Bash the shell!]
[This one, all bones, not tasty!][Not tasty!]
Shasha, like a benevolent elder brother or a patient elder, tirelessly imparted knowledge about the Southern Sea regions to Green Pupil.
And Green Pupil diligently learns, absorbing Shasha’s knowledge, growing rapidly.
Ian nodded with satisfaction.
Originally, Shasha always had a carefree nature, and Ian didn’t want to force it to change its disposition. Unexpectedly, with Green Pupil as a younger companion, it willingly reined in its casual behaviors, seriously starting to set an example.
And Green Pupil is obedient and compliant, earnestly learning without being difficult despite being a Crystal Dragon, while Shasha is merely an Iron Armor Shark, sincerely learning all necessary knowledge. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novᴇlfire.net
For Ian, Shasha and Green Pupil are pivotal elements in his arrangements in the Southern Sea.
As Yafada said, he wants to see what kind of brilliance Ian’s ambitions and dreams can unfold; he would promote the formation of the Empire’s Southern Ridges Special Economic Zone with his strength, and unquestionably, the Southern Sea around Harrison Port is the core of the economic zone.
There is no Third Energy Level Sea King nearby, but there are several Second Energy Level Sea Beasts. Suffice it to say, the natives still have a Tenglan Giant Eel; safety cannot be fully guaranteed.
Therefore, in Ian’s plan, Shasha and Green Pupil must advance to the Third Energy Level within ten years.
This is actually not difficult: Green Pupil himself is an Aether Crystal Dragon with astounding potential, making advancement to the Third Energy Level quite easy with Ian’s nurturing.
Meanwhile, Shasha is already at the Second Energy Level and possesses an inheritance, and together with the True Dragon Technology Ian obtained, Shasha will inevitably transform, embarking on a path distinct from conventional Iron Armor Sharks.