Chapter 382: 凡以命布阵

Looking at the map, the distance between Li Fan and his destination spanned almost half of the Water Cave-Heaven. Li Fan estimated that if he relied solely on his own flying ability, it would take at least one or two months to reach it. However, with the Sky-Fleeing Shuttle, it didn't even take a full day. In just over seven hours, Li Fan arrived at the marked location.

His speed gradually slowed, and the black-gold fluid surrounding his body slowly dissipated. When Li Fan came to a stop, it reverted to a small, droplet-shaped object and was stored in his dantian.

Li Fan surveyed his work environment for the coming period. Below him stretched an boundless expanse of azure water. Above, seemingly within arm's reach, a branch extending from the colossal inverted tree on the celestial canopy made intimate contact with the water-element cave-heaven. What surprised Li Fan, however, was that a vibrant tree, upon contact with water, should logically become even more vigorous. Yet, the enormous branch before him appeared completely withered and decayed.

The tree was yellowish-gray, incomplete, and riddled with numerous holes. It looked as if it could break and fall at any moment. Li Fan wondered if it was an illusion caused by staring at it for too long. From the remaining branches, gnawed away by stillness, he surprisingly saw many incomplete "human" figures. He averted his gaze, and when he looked again, that sensation had vanished.

Li Fan shook his head, took out the Supervisor's Record, and meticulously reread the construction plan. Just as he was surveying the surroundings, the plan had been updated. Five additional cultivators were on their way to assist him, bringing logistical supplies.

Li Fan didn't wait for them. The Supervisor's Record emitted a beam of light, pointing it towards the sky. After confirming the coordinate node, Li Fan immediately began constructing the Spirit-Locking Array. Unlike the Chizha Abyss, where he constantly had to guard against the Soul-Devouring White Mist and the Abyssal Demonic Sounds, this water-element cave-heaven presented almost no danger. The rich spiritual energy here also greatly facilitated array construction.

Unhindered, Li Fan was able to work to his full potential. After several years of intensive training, Li Fan's array-laying speed in normal conditions had once again improved significantly. It was as if it were an instinct etched deep into his soul, requiring no thought. He effortlessly laid down arrays, completing them in an instant wherever his thoughts reached. Li Fan felt neither sorrow nor joy, merely pushing forward with the array's deployment at an incredibly efficient and astonishing pace. For a time, he became lost in his work.

When the five-person support team arrived, they witnessed Li Fan completely absorbed, constructing the Spirit-Locking Array as if casually splashing ink. This wasn't their first time participating in array construction. However, the array masters they had encountered before, whether in terms of array-laying speed or elegant execution, clearly couldn't compare to the white-haired Core Formation array master before them.

The five exchanged glances. "Does this person truly only have Core Formation cultivation?""Li Fan... he seems familiar. Wait, could it be *that* Li Fan?""It must be. He truly lives up to his reputation as someone who fights on the frontline of Spirit-Locking Array construction until death. His proficiency in array-laying is simply astonishing.""Hmph, it's our fortune to be able to cooperate with him this time."

The five communicated with each other using their divine senses. They then didn't disturb Li Fan, instead beginning to construct their outpost on the water below. Although they had heard that Li Fan was incredibly dedicated and didn't need rest when laying arrays, a foothold for emergencies was still necessary. Besides, they themselves couldn't endure several years of continuous work without rest. This work was familiar to them; with their combined efforts, a small outpost suspended over the water was completed in just three days.

Afterward, they began to follow the procedure, checking and verifying the array units that Li Fan had already completed. The results further astonished them. They had heard how quickly some array formation geniuses could lay arrays in the past. However, the Spirit-Locking Array had an incredibly complex structure, comprising countless array units. Combined with external environmental factors, even the most talented individuals would inevitably make mistakes during construction. Yet, the array Li Fan laid down had not a single error. Tireless, efficient, precise. All this was displayed by a Core Formation cultivator who was visibly aging and nearing the end of his life. It was simply unbelievable. The five were filled with admiration.

As time passed, the area where Li Fan had completed array deployment rapidly expanded outwards. With each successive array node completed, the five grew more deeply impressed by Li Fan. For this man truly was as the rumors described him. He seemed to know no fatigue, working without a moment's rest. This caused the five of them to work continuously, finding it somewhat difficult to bear. Yet, they dared not voice a single complaint.

Thus, a year quietly passed. When the completed array area extended to cover a five-thousand-li radius from the initial node, the task originally assigned to Li Fan and his team was nearing completion.

"It was originally planned for completion within three years, but who knew it would be finished in just a year," sighed Yan Hang, one of the Nascent Soul cultivators, looking at the array in the sky. He was utterly exhausted, his face etched with weariness. The others nodded repeatedly in agreement upon hearing this.

However, after Li Fan completed the final array construction, he paused in the air for a moment, but showed no intention of resting. Instead, he continued to extend the array outwards.

"What is Master Li doing? That's clearly beyond our scope of work!" Yan Hang, who had been preparing to relax, couldn't help but exclaim."This...""Quick, check the Supervisor's Record! The work plan has been updated!""Master Li has volunteered to assist surrounding array masters in laying arrays?!""We are to cooperate fully and not slack off?"

The group spoke one after another, their hearts sinking instantly. Despair washed over their faces. After a long while, the five finally recovered. Yan Hang gritted his teeth and encouraged them: "Master Li is working so hard, we have no reason to say no.""Let's push ourselves, brothers, and hold on for a bit longer."One of them sighed: "There's no other way. If we back out now, we'll probably be ridiculed.""I don't mind. My main concern is Master Li. Haven't you noticed he seems to be aging more rapidly?"

With this reminder, the others suddenly realized. They carefully observed the figure not far away, which, though aged, remained remarkably upright. A shock ran through everyone's hearts. "It does seem so.""He already doesn't have many years left to live, and pushing himself this hard will indeed double or even more the consumption of his lifespan.""What should we do?" They exchanged glances."No, we can't just stand by and watch Master Li perish before us.""Report this situation immediately!" Yan Hang said gravely.