Therefore, Pan Cheng has been troubled by these issues a lot. To put it bluntly, no one wants themselves, including the people in their hometown, to be like this for generations to come.

Although he's nominally a viscount, nobody really treats him like a nobleman; they're lucky if they think of him as a village chief...

Unfortunately, his abilities weren't really that great; at the very least, he didn't know how to resolve the current situation.

Originally, he had pinned his hopes on Luo Yu, but now he has found a better option in Xu Shi.

What he didn't expect was that Xu Shi's attitude was so good, basically providing him with free help all along... The issue of technology blockade that was most troubling him was actually addressed by the other party in such a way, and even brought it up on his own initiative, which really surprised him.

My God, how can there be such a good person as Brother Xu?

"Brother Xu, are you really... that trusting of me?"

He's a straightforward person, and after thinking about it, he still asked the question.

Xu Shi smiled; of course, he knew what Pan Cheng was thinking.

However, he wasn't worried at all. Firstly, he reasoned that it would have been better to ask sooner rather than later, as the facilities were already quite extensive. Secondly, he wasn't afraid at all. Not only were there dozens of ships hidden in the shadows ready to be deployed at any time, but his two daughters were still in his hands...

Of course, an even more important reason is that Pan Cheng is a very honest person.

As the lord of an island, he couldn't be truly simple-minded and physically strong, but compared to others, he was indeed quite naive.

He has always been kind to me—which is of course related to the fact that my group saved his life, but even so, it is not impossible for a poor and treacherous person to turn around and bite me, right?

Or, to put it another way, the more likely scenario is that he and Cheng Gujian had a relationship of half-trust and half-doubt, a relationship of exploitation.

Therefore, Pan Cheng's attitude has already saved him a lot of trouble, so he doesn't mind supporting him. In fact, Xu Shi thinks that his Brother Pan is very similar to Ding Jun, but compared to Ding Jun, Pan Cheng is more pure.

Besides, as I said before, building Silver Pine Island isn't just beneficial to the locals; it also helps him a lot... A complete overseas base will have a far-reaching impact.

Of course, what you think in your heart and what you say are not the same thing; some things are just tacit understandings between everyone.

“If Brother Pan asks me that, I will have absolutely no such concerns.”

Therefore, Xu Shi's answer was, "As for the exchange program mentioned before, we'll have to wait until things settle down here before we can implement it."

Then comes the next step: to upgrade further and bring this place up to the same level as Night City... However, Xu Shi also knows that this is not easy. It's like jumping from the medieval era to the highly information age. No matter how much you shorten the process, it can't be done overnight. If you can't even walk, you can't run.

"I am already very grateful that you have helped Silver Pine Island to this extent."

Pan Cheng nodded repeatedly. To be honest, if they hadn't already become sworn brothers, he wouldn't have refused to call him godfather...

However, he didn't forget to confirm another matter, "By the way, Brother Xu, are you going to wait until all of this is settled before going to the Imperial City, or are you planning to leave soon?"

"I can't delay for too long; I'll probably set off in the next few days."

Xu Shi didn't hide anything from him, "These two things can be done together... Has there been any progress on the information I asked Brother Pan to help me find out?"

Yes, yes.

Pan Cheng said earnestly, taking out several parchment scrolls and handing them to him, "These contain information about the recent situation in the Empire."

Xu Shi took it and looked at it; it was pretty much what he had expected.

Because he and Cheng Gujian were openly bound together, even if the other party didn't say anything, the people would spontaneously believe that the royal family deserved credit for defeating the sea god.

With this honor in hand, the royal family has been enjoying considerable prestige lately, even showing a trend of overshadowing the Papacy.

However, the Vatican did not collapse so easily. With its large number of believers, it had managed to minimize the negative public opinion against it, and many people still maintained their faith in them, or rather, in the so-called God.

Overall, the changes aren't too significant; it's just a change from a 40/60 split to a 60/40 split.

But clearly, this incident has disrupted the original balance to some extent.

“I also sent people to spread the news in various places according to your idea, to tell everyone that all of this is thanks to you, Brother Xu.”

Pan Cheng added, "I wouldn't dare say that everyone who listens will believe it completely, but at least 30% or 40%?"

"It's more than I expected, thank you for your help, Brother Pan."

Xu Shi was quite satisfied with what he heard. There are few people who don't believe in public opinion. As long as a foundation is laid, a little encouragement at the right time will turn it into a raging fire that can't be extinguished.

Although the person hasn't arrived yet, the necessary preparations still need to be made.

"Not at all, compared to your contributions to Silverpine Island, this is really just a small favor."

Pan Cheng quickly waved his hand, "So, Brother Xu, you've made up your mind to confront the Royal Family and the Holy See head-on?"

"I guess so."

Xu Shi didn't deny it, and even asked in a feigned manner, "There might be some people hurt at that time... Brother Pan won't mind, will he?"

"You mean him... sigh."

Pan Cheng smiled helplessly. Of course, he knew who Xu Shi was referring to. "Actually, I don't know what to say... but maybe he really has grown up and has his own ideas? Brother Xu, you don't need to worry about me. Just do what you want to do."

"In the end, all I care about now are Xiaofeng, Xiaoling, and Silver Pine Island... Of course, what you're doing isn't easy, so please take good care of yourselves."

As he himself said before, he has made his choice.

Since it's impossible to be perfect in every aspect, the only option is to stick to the decision that's most beneficial to oneself.

"With Brother Pan's words, I feel relieved."

Xu Shi also smiled. Of course, even if Pan Cheng really didn't want to, it wouldn't change anything.

After all, his first target was the Vatican; a dog in distress deserves a good beating!

Now, it's almost time to return to the imperial capital. His injuries have healed, and he has handed over all the necessary preparations.

It's just a tiny little tail left.

For example...

"It's about time, Chen Qin has woken up. Would you like to come and see her?"

Suddenly I remembered that Xie Qingyan's new ability is to transform into an octopus girl, so that can be considered fulfilling my promise and adding a bit of Cthulhu to the story, right?

Yes, that's it.

(End of this chapter)