"Jiang Fan…" Zhu Zhiyou directly grabbed Jiang Fan, his face displaying obvious anxiety.
For a Level 6 Planet Master, particularly one like Zhu Zhiyou, is extremely rare. However, there is no other way; Jiang Fan emerged from the Council of Stars but not in the usual manner. From childhood to adulthood, nurtured by the Council of Stars, he doesn't carry the corresponding obligations typically associated with such upbringing.
If it were a few disciples like Zhu Zhiyou, accepted as apprentices from a young age and bound by unbreakable loyalty, other factions would not attempt to court them. Otherwise, they would face ridicule from the wider world.
But Jiang Fan is different. After winning the Stellaris Competition, although he was later taken as a disciple by the Lord of Oceatin, this apprenticeship isn't considered conventional, lacking the usual mentor-disciple bond. Moreover, it's crucial to note that Lady Sabrina didn't formally adopt him as a named disciple.
While nobody made much of it at the time, now opinions abound. Especially with Jiang Fan's remarkable talent, many influential figures are quietly critical. Does the Council of Stars not value him highly? Why isn't such an unprecedented genius made a direct disciple?
This situation has Zhu Zhiyou deeply concerned. Yet, there's little he can do. After all, the truth is what it is, and they are caught in it. Observing the enticing offers from other factions, some of which even tempt Zhu Zhiyou himself, adds to his anxiety.
"Speaker Zhu, please proceed," Jiang Fan said calmly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He feels remarkably at ease.
Without someone like the Protoss, Jiang Fan would be overwhelmed by the solicitations from numerous factions. But now that he has resolved to venture into an unknown domain, he regards these matters with detachment.
"The Lord of Oceatin adheres to strong principles," Zhu Zhiyou said hurriedly, fearing Jiang Fan might dwell on the matter. "Within the Council of Stars, she held the highest regard for you from the beginning. Due to her principles, all accepted disciples are treated equally. The disciples I accepted earlier were also initially registered before becoming named disciples. It's not that you're being treated differently. You can rest assured."
"I understand," Jiang Fan smiled. Lady Sabrina is indeed admirable.
"Upon your return," Zhu Zhiyou continued, "the Lord of Oceatin will formally accept you as a direct disciple. With the Council of Stars backing you, you needn't worry. All necessary resources will be provided for you. Even the position of Deputy Speaker..." Here, Zhu Zhiyou hesitated.
According to the Council of Stars' rules, becoming Deputy Speaker entails certain conditions, including parliamentary approval through voting. However, other factions have relaxed these conditions. If you're willing to join, you needn't concern yourself with such formalities.
Grimacing, Zhu Zhiyou pressed on, "Should you desire it, I'm prepared to offer you this position."