Chapter 384: Li Fan Sets Up the Formation
Looking at the map, the distance between Li Fan and his destination almost spanned half of the Water Cave Heaven.
Li Fan estimated that if he relied solely on flying, it would take at least a month or two to reach there.
However, with the Escape Sky Shuttle, it wouldn't even take a day.
After just over seven hours, Li Fan arrived at the marked location.
His speed gradually slowed down, and the black-golden fluid around his body slowly recovered.
When Li Fan stopped, it reverted back to a small droplet-like object and was stored in his elixir field.
Li Fan surveyed his working environment for the next period of time.
Below was still an endless expanse of blue water.
Above, it seemed within arm's reach.
A giant tree branch extended from the sky, making intimate contact with the water-attribute heaven.
However, what surprised Li Fan was that the vibrant trees should have flourished even more after contact with water.
But the huge tree branch in front of Li Fan was completely desolate and decaying.
The gray-yellow trees were incomplete, riddled with many hollows.
They seemed like they could break and fall at any moment.
Whether it was an illusion brought about by Li Fan staring at them for a long time or not,
From those dead branches that had been gnawed on, he actually saw many fragmented human figures.
When he withdrew his gaze and looked again later,
That feeling disappeared.
Li Fan shook his head and took out the Heavenly Supervisor Record, carefully studying the construction plan again.
Just when he inspected the surroundings a moment ago, the plan had already been updated.
Five more cultivators had been added as his assistants, bringing along logistical supplies.
Li Fan didn't wait for them.
The Heavenly Supervisor Record emitted a radiance, pointing towards the sky.
After confirming the coordinate nodes, Li Fan immediately began constructing the Soul Locking Formation.
Unlike the time in the Abyss of Roars when he needed to guard against the devouring white mist and the abyssal demonic sounds,
There was hardly any danger in this water-attribute heaven.
The spiritual energy was dense, which was even more conducive to the formation construction.
Unrestricted, Li Fan was able to act freely.
After years of heavy training, Li Fan's speed in setting up formations in a normal state had once again improved.
As if it were an instinct engraved in his soul, there was no need for him to think at all.
With just a casual movement, wherever his intention went, the formation instantly formed.
Li Fan felt neither joy nor sorrow in his heart, just pushing forward the formation arrangement with an absolutely efficient and terrifying speed.
For a moment, he was lost in his work.
By the time the support group of five arrived, they saw Li Fan totally focused, constructing the Soul Locking Formation with unprecedented ease, as if he were freely splashing ink on a canvas.
They were not newcomers to formation construction.
But compared to the formation masters they had encountered before, both in terms of speed and gracefulness in setting up formations,
It was clear that they were far inferior to the current white-haired Golden Core formation master before them.
The five exchanged glances.
"Is this person really only at the Golden Core level?"
"Li Fan... seems somewhat familiar. Wait, could it be that Li Fan?"
"No mistaking it. He truly deserves to be the one who tirelessly fights on the front lines of formation construction until death. His proficiency in formations is simply astounding."
"Ah, it's our fortune to be able to cooperate with him."
The five communicated with each other using their spiritual senses.
Afterward, they didn't disturb Li Fan and instead began constructing their own base on the water's surface below.
Although they had heard that Li Fan was extremely hardworking and didn't need rest when setting up formations,
Having a foothold for special circumstances was still necessary.
Furthermore, the few of them couldn't withstand several years of continuous work without rest.
This work was also a piece of cake for them. With their combined efforts, a small base suspended above the water's surface was completed in just three days.
Afterwards, they began inspecting and verifying the formation units that Li Fan had already constructed according to the procedure.
The results even surpassed their expectations.
They had heard of some formation geniuses setting up formations swiftly in the past.
But the structure of the Soul Locking Formation was extremely complex, containing countless formation units.
Plus, external environmental factors could cause mistakes even for the most outstanding talents during construction.
But the formation Li Fan had laid down had absolutely no flaws.
He was tireless, efficient, and precise.
All of this was happening on a Golden Core cultivator who was advanced in age and on the brink of passing away.
It was simply inconceivable.
The five couldn't help but admire him deeply.
As time passed, the area where Li Fan had finished setting up the formation rapidly expanded outward.
With each completed formation node, the five became even more sincerely impressed by Li Fan.
Because this person was indeed as the rumors said.
Unfamiliar with the concept of fatigue, never resting for a moment.
As a result, even they, the five, were starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
But they didn't dare to have the slightest complaint.
And so, a year quietly passed by.
When the area covered by the completed formation extended to a radius of five thousand miles from the initial node,
The tasks originally assigned to Li Fan and his group were almost completed.
"Originally planned to be completed within three years, I didn't expect it to be finished in just one year," said Yan Hang, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator among the five, as he looked at the formations in the sky.
"Finally, we can take a good rest," he said, filled with exhaustion and weariness etched on his face.
The others nodded incessantly, in full agreement.
However, when Li Fan finished the final formation construction,
He paused in the air for a moment but showed no sign of resting.
Instead, he continued to extend the array towards the outer periphery.
"Master Li, what are you doing? That area is clearly no longer within our scope of work!" exclaimed Yan Hang, who had already prepared to relax.
"This..."
"Quick, look at the Heavenly Supervisor Record, the work plan has been updated!"
"Master Li actively requested assistance to help the surrounding formation masters set up formations?!"
"We must cooperate to the best of our ability and not slack off?"
With each person speaking, the hearts of the group sank.
Despair showed on their faces.
After a while, they finally recovered.
Yan Hang gritted his teeth and encouraged everyone, "If Master Li is working so hard, we have no reason to refuse."
"Brothers, let's hold on a little longer."
One of them sighed, "We have no choice but to do so. If we retreat now, it'll be a disgrace."
"I don't mind. What I'm worried about is Master Li. Haven't you noticed that he seems to be aging more rapidly?"
After this reminder, the others suddenly realized.
They carefully observed the figure not far away, still standing tall despite its aging appearance.
Everyone was shocked.
"It does seem to be the case."
"He didn't have many years left to begin with, and now, with such intense effort, his lifespan is being depleted even faster."
"What should we do?"
They exchanged glances.
"No, we can't just watch Master Li perish before our eyes."
"Report this situation immediately!"
Yan Hang said in a deep voice.