The restoration work on the Nine Yang Celestial Sect's formation core had entered its second half. With the experience gained from the first phase, the process was proceeding quite smoothly.
On this day, Jiang Chen was just about to resume work when he received a report. The Panlong lineage had dispatched a convoy of Ling Shi, escorted personally by Clan Elder Yuan Chi, a senior elder of the family.
Upon hearing the report, Jiang Chen's heart stirred slightly, though his expression remained unchanged. He smiled and said, "Old Three Ji really does know how to lighten my burden."
As he spoke, Jiang Chen gathered a group of subordinates and headed outward.
Clan Elder Yuan Chi and his entourage of Panlong cultivators had already stacked the Ling Shi outside the perimeter.
For the entire restoration project, this batch of Ling Shi was merely a drop in the ocean. But for the Panlong lineage, it represented a considerable fortune.
"Subordinate Yuan Chi of the Panlong lineage pays respects to Young Master Jiang Chen."
"Respects to Young Master Jiang Chen."
Many among the Panlong group had met Jiang Chen before. Back before he had risen to prominence, he had been a frequent visitor to the Panlong clan, so none of them were strangers to him. Seeing Jiang Chen now brought a sense of familiarity and warmth. They felt that this Young Master Jiang Chen was genuinely approachable, and moreover, he was sworn brothers with their own Young Clan Leader.
Jiang Chen waved his hand warmly. "We're all one family here — no need for such formalities. I recognize quite a few familiar faces. Elder Yuan Chi, this isn't our first meeting, is it?"
Elder Yuan Chi answered with deep respect. "I used to see Young Master Jiang Chen frequently back in the Panlong manor. At that time, Young Master was still a talented young man. Now, after all these years, he has grown into the lord of all humanity. Yuan Chi is truly filled with the utmost admiration."
"You flatter me. It was merely a stroke of fortune and the right circumstances that allowed me to accomplish a few things. You are all Old Three Ji's people, so you are my own. I hear that this time you didn't just come to deliver Ling Shi — you also wish to study the formation and lend a hand, is that right?"
Elder Yuan Chi hastily replied, "Among the Panlong lineage, I am one of the few cultivators with some knowledge of formations. I humbly hoped for an opportunity to learn from Young Master Jiang Chen and improve my understanding."
"Excellent. I am in desperate need of talented people right now. Restarting this Myriad Spirits Divine Locking Formation involves countless threads of work — I certainly cannot handle it alone. I need talented individuals like yourselves to help, so that we can succeed sooner and erect a protective barrier for our human race."
Elder Yuan Chi bowed respectfully. "I am willing to serve the Young Master and the human race with all my humble abilities."
"Good. I'll introduce you to a formation master — you can learn from him. It will do you well."
Elder Yuan Chi nodded eagerly and, leading his group, was escorted toward Exalted Venerable Chongxiao.
Jiang Chen then turned to the other batch of Panlong cultivators, this group led by Elder He Gang. He Gang was the quiet sort — the type who could go an entire day without uttering a single word.
Seeing Jiang Chen, his heart raced with excitement. His weathered face flushed red as he managed to squeeze out five or six words: "Respects to Young Master Jiang Chen."
"You're He Gang. Another familiar face."
He Gang nodded with barely contained emotion. "I... I... the Young Clan Leader sent me to help."
"Mm, I've been informed. Take your people and patrol the outer perimeter of the formation. Remember — don't wander too far." Jiang Chen gave the instructions carefully.
Helping out was fine, but if they patrolled too far from camp and ended up spotted by the enemy, that would do more harm than good.
Jiang Chen didn't expect this group to contribute in any major way. They were simply extra pairs of eyes. If something truly happened, one more person meant one more voice to shout an alarm.
He Gang was a straightforward man who didn't overthink things. Upon hearing Jiang Chen's orders, he went straight to carry them out.
Jiang Chen returned to his tent, and his expression immediately turned grave.