ràng wǒ zhǔ chí hé xīn qū yù de jiàn zào gōng zuò ？」
让我主持核心区域的建造工作？」
"Let me take charge of the core area construction?"
jiǎ xū hào jù diǎn nèi ， lǐ fán kàn zhe tū rán bài fǎng de xuē mù děng rén ， wēi wēi yī lèng 。
甲戌号据点内，李凡看着突然拜访的薛幕等人，微微一愣。
In the Jia Xu号 base, Li Fan looked at Xue Mu and others who had suddenly dropped by, slightly taken aback.
zhǐ xiǎng le xiǎng ， suí hòu biàn guǒ duàn jù jué le 。
只想了想，随后便果断拒绝了。
After a moment's thought, he decisively declined.
「 wǒ yě bú shì qiān xū ， zài láng huán bié yuàn kǎo hé de shí hòu ， wǒ yǔ tiān xuán jìng miàn de qīn hé shuǐ píng ， jiù shì xī sōng píng cháng 。」
「我也不是谦虚，在琅嬛别院考核的时候，我与天玄镜面的亲和水平，就是稀松平常。」
"I'm not being humble. During my assessment in the Langya Academy, my affinity with the Heavenly Xuan Mirror was just average."
「 zhè diǎn ， xuē mù dào yǒu kě yǐ wèi wǒ zuò zhèng 。」
「这点，薛幕道友可以为我作证。」
"This can be attested to by Friend Xue Mu," Li Fan said.
「 zhū wèi de hǎo yì ， zài xià xīn lǐng le 。 bù guò dí què néng lì yǒu xiàn ， dān bù dé rú cǐ zhòng rèn 。」
「诸位的好意，在下心领了。不过的确能力有限，担不得如此重任。」
"Your kind intentions are greatly appreciated, but I do indeed have limited capabilities and cannot bear such a heavy responsibility."
「 jiāng qián bèi zhèn dào shuǐ píng yuǎn gāo yú wǒ ， kě wèi shì dé gāo wàng zhòng 。 wǒ kàn chū méi yǒu bié tā gèng hé shì de rén xuǎn le 。」
「姜前辈阵道水平远高于我，可谓是德高望重。我看出没有别他更合适的人选了。」
"Senior Jiang's array arts proficiency is far above mine. He is well-respected. From what I see, there isn't anyone more suitable than him for the position."
lǐ fán chéng kěn dì shuō dào 。
李凡诚恳地说道。
Li Fan spoke sincerely.
míng wèi jiāng qí guì de yuán yīng zhèn fǎ shī ， kàn zhe zhōu wéi xiū shì yǒu xiē bù shàn de yǎn shén ， lián máng huí yìng dào ：「 lǐ fán dào yǒu shuō xiào le 。 nǐ de gòng xiàn dà jiā yǒu mù gòng dǔ ， wǒ zěn me gǎn ……」
名为姜其贵的元婴阵法师，看着周围修士有些不善的眼神，连忙回应道：「李凡道友说笑了。你的贡献大家有目共睹，我怎么敢……」
The array mage named Jiang Qigui, noticing the disapproving looks from the surrounding cultivators, quickly replied, "Friend Li Fan, you jest. Your contributions are evident to all; how could I dare..."
hái wèi děng tā shuō wán ， lǐ fán jiù wēi xiào zhe jiāng qí dǎ duàn ：「 jiāng dào yǒu bú yào wù huì ， lǐ mǒu suǒ yán ， jù jù zhēn xīn shí yì 。」
还未等他说完，李凡就微笑着将其打断：「姜道友不要误会，李某所言，句句真心实意。」
Before he could finish, Li Fan smiled and interrupted him, "Senior Jiang, don't misunderstand me. Every word I say is heartfelt."
「 zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī ， tiān xuán suǒ líng zhèn zuì hòu de jiàn zào chéng xù ， shì xū yào hé zhōng yāng zhèn shū jìn xíng gōu tōng ， yǐ biàn yú rì hòu bù duàn de tiáo shì de 。」
「众所周知，天玄锁灵阵最后的建造程序，是需要和中央阵枢进行沟通，以便于日后不断的调试的。」
"Everyone knows that the final construction phase of the Heavenly Xuan Locking Array requires communication with the central array hub for continuous adjustments in the future."
「 cǐ dí què bú shì wǒ shàn cháng zhī dào ， bú shì wǒ gù yì tuī cí 。」
「此的确不是我擅长之道，不是我故意推辞。」
"This isn't within my expertise; it's not a deliberate refusal on my part."
kàn zhe yǒu xiē yóu yù de jiāng qí guì ， lǐ fán bǔ chōng dào ：「 wǒ zhī jiāng qián bèi nǐ de yōu lǜ 。 wài wéi 、 nèi bù fǎ zhèn de jiàn zào ， chū lì duō 、 gòng xiàn què xiāng duì jiào shǎo 。」
看着有些犹豫的姜其贵，李凡补充道：「我知姜前辈你的忧虑。外围、内部法阵的建造，出力多、贡献却相对较少。」
Looking at the hesitant Jiang Qigui, Li Fan added, "I understand Senior Jiang's concerns. The outer and inner arrays require significant effort but yield relatively less contribution."
「 ér zhōng yāng hé xīn qū yù ， shí jì yòng bù zhe fèi duō dà lì qì ， dàn néng huò dé de gòng xiàn ， què xiāng duì yào duō hěn duō 。」
「而中央核心区域，实际用不着费多大力气，但能获得的贡献，却相对要多很多。」
"Meanwhile, the central core area requires minimal effort but offers much greater contributions."
「 cǐ shí jiē guǎn zhǔ chí gōng zuò ， yǒu qiáng xíng zhāi táo zi de xián yí 。 nǐ pà rì hòu bèi rén zhǐ zé ， shì yě bú shì ？」
「此时接管主持工作，有强行摘桃子的嫌疑。你怕日后被人指责，是也不是？」
"Taking charge now might seem like an attempt to snatch fruit prematurely. Are you worried about future criticism?"
jiàn lǐ fán méi yǒu zhē yǎn de jiāng zì jǐ xīn zhōng suǒ xiǎng jiǎng le chū lái ， jiāng qí guì lǎo liǎn wēi wēi yī hóng 。
见李凡没有遮掩的将自己心中所想讲了出来，姜其贵老脸微微一红。
Seeing Li Fan had revealed his thoughts without reservation, Jiang Qigui's face turned slightly red.
zhèng yù jiě shì ， què yòu tīng lǐ fán shuō dào ：「 hǎo jiào gè wèi zhī dào ， wǒ rú jīn yǐ jīng shì bàn gè shēn zi rù tǔ de rén le 。」
正欲解释，却又听李凡说到：「好叫各位知道，我如今已经是半个身子入土的人了。」
Just as he was about to explain, Li Fan continued, "To make this clear, I am already a half-dead man."
「 suǒ wèi dà bǐ jīn bǎng pái míng ……」
「所谓大比金榜排名……」
"The rankings on the Golden List..."
lǐ fán dùn le dùn ， huà jiě xīn zhōng wēi wēi yǒng qǐ de bù fèn 。
李凡顿了顿，化解心中微微涌起的不忿。
Li Fan paused for a moment, dispelling his slight resentment.
miàn sè tǎn rán dào ：「 wǒ gēn běn jiù shì háo bù zài hū 。」
面色坦然道：「我根本就是毫不在乎。」
He said frankly, "I couldn't care less."
「 wéi yī suǒ xī wàng de ， jiù shì néng zài shēn yǔn zhī qián ， jǐn liàng duō zuò xiē gòng xiàn bà le 。」
「唯一所希望的，就是能在身陨之前，尽量多做些贡献罢了。」
"My only hope is to contribute more before my demise."
「 wǒ suǒ kǎo lǜ de ， jiù zhǐ shì zuì yǒu xiào lǜ de zhèn fǎ jiàn zào fāng shì ér yǐ 。」
「我所考虑的，就只是最有效率的阵法建造方式而已。」
"What I consider is merely the most efficient way to build the array."
「 suǒ yǐ jiāng dào yǒu jiù bù bì tuī cí le 。」
「所以姜道友就不必推辞了。」
"So there's no need for Senior Jiang to decline. This important task can fall on no one but you."
「 rú cǐ zhòng rèn ， shě nǐ qí shuí ？」
「如此重任，舍你其谁？」
Saying this, Li Fan swept his gaze around, showing his sincerity.
shuō bà ， lǐ fán sǎo shì sì zhōu ， yǐ biǎo zì jǐ xīn yì 。
说罢，李凡扫视四周，以表自己心意。
Jiang Qigui, after hearing Li Fan’s heartfelt words, blushed deeply.
jiāng qí guì tīng wán lǐ fán de fèi fǔ zhī yán ， liǎn zhǎng de tōng hóng 。
姜其贵听完李凡的肺腑之言，脸涨的通红。
He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Li Fan.
shēn xī yì kǒu qì ， cháo zhe lǐ fán shēn jū yī gōng 。
深吸一口气，朝着李凡深鞠一躬。
"Since that's the case, I'll accept it with grace!"
「 jì rú cǐ ， wǒ biàn què zhī bù gōng le ！」
「既如此，我便却之不恭了！」
---
「 dìng rán bù fù dào yǒu hòu wàng 。」
「定然不负道友厚望。」
"I will certainly live up to your expectations."
jiāng qí guì chén shēng dào 。
姜其贵沉声道。
Jiang Qigui said solemnly.
lǐ fán wò zhù tā de shuāng shǒu ， kěn zhì wàn fēn ：「 jiē xià lái ， yào xīn kǔ dào yǒu le 。」
李凡握住他的双手，恳挚万分：「接下来，要辛苦道友了。」
Li Fan clasped his hands tightly and pleaded earnestly, "From now on, you must bear much hardship."
sān tiān hòu ， huáng fǔ sōng zài liǎng wèi hēi páo xiū shì de péi tóng xià ， lái dào le jiǎ xū hào jù diǎn 。
三天后，皇甫松在两位黑袍修士的陪同下，来到了甲戌号据点。
Three days later, Huafu Song arrived at the Jia Xu号 base accompanied by two black-robed cultivators. He had come as per Li Fan's message to deliver the Heavenly Xuan Mirror, which was also the central array hub.
cǐ xíng qián lái ， zhèng shì jiē dào le lǐ fán tā men de xùn xī ， jiāng tiān xuán jìng miàn 、 yě jiù shì zhōng yāng zhèn shū ， gěi sòng guò lái 。
此行前来，正是接到了李凡他们的讯息，将天玄镜面、也就是中央阵枢，给送过来。
"Meeting Senior Huafu!" Li Fan bowed.
「 jiàn guò huáng fǔ qián bèi ！」 lǐ fán xíng lǐ dào 。
「见过皇甫前辈！」李凡行礼道。
"You brat..." Huafu Song, the fat cultivator, looked at Li Fan with a complex expression.
「 nǐ xiǎo zi ……」 pàng zi huáng fǔ sōng kàn zhe lǐ fán ， yǎn shén yǒu xiē fù zá 。
「你小子……」胖子皇甫松看着李凡，眼神有些复杂。
"Good work!" He patted Li Fan on the shoulder and said no more.
「 gàn de bù cuò ！」 pāi le pāi lǐ fán de jiān bǎng ， huáng fǔ sōng yě méi zài duō shuō xiē shén me 。
「干的不错！」拍了拍李凡的肩膀，皇甫松也没再多说些什么。
He took out a damaged jade talisman, turned around, and completed its connection to the two black-robed cultivators' jade talismans.
qǔ chū yī méi cán quē de yù fú ， zhuǎn guò shēn qù ， gēn liǎng wèi hēi páo xiū shì shǒu zhōng de yù fú wán chéng pīn jiē 。
取出一枚残缺的玉符，转过身去，跟两位黑袍修士手中的玉符完成拼接。
A light screen unfolded, characters cascading like waterfalls.
zhǎn kāi de guāng mù zhōng ， wú shù zì fú pù bù bān shǎn guò 。
展开的光幕中，无数字符瀑布般闪过。
An imperceptible wave emitted from the screen, sweeping over the surroundings. It seemed to be an identity verification process.
yī dào wēi bù kě jué de bō dòng ， zì guāng mù fā chū ， sǎo guò zhōu biān 。
一道微不可觉的波动，自光幕发出，扫过周边。
After a moment, the wave withdrew, revealing a simple and delicate bronze mirror in the screen.
shì shì zài jìn xíng shēn fèn yàn zhèng 。
似是在进行身份验证。
Characters flowed into the mirror's surface, and the light screen vanished.
piàn kè zhī hòu ， bō dòng shōu huí ， yī méi yàng shì gǔ piáo 、 xiǎo qiǎo líng lóng de tóng jìng ， zì guāng mù zhōng xiǎn huà 。
片刻之后，波动收回，一枚样式古朴、小巧玲珑的铜镜，自光幕中显化。
Only the floating bronze mirror remained, emitting a faint Xuan light around it.
zì fú liú tǎng jìn jìng miàn zhōng ， guāng mù xiāo shī wú zōng 。
字符流淌进镜面中，光幕消失无踪。
Huafu Song’s expression turned serious as he continuously cast spells.
zhǐ shèng xià tóng jìng ， piāo fú bàn kōng ， zhōu wéi sàn fà chū qīng yōu de xuán guāng 。
只剩下铜镜，漂浮半空，周围散发出清幽的玄光。
He pointed at the center of the base, where the吞噬元白雾 was swirling.
huáng fǔ sōng shén sè níng zhòng ， jiē lián qiā jué 。
皇甫松神色凝重，接连掐诀。
Ripples spread across the misty sea, as if something in the depths of the white fog resonated with him.
cháo zhe jù diǎn zhī wài ， shì yuán bái wù zhōng yāng yī zhǐ 。
朝着据点之外，噬元白雾中央一指。
Li Fan narrowed his eyes; that should be the core area's position for the Heavenly Xuan Locking Array design.
wù hǎi fā chū zhèn zhèn lián yī ， fǎng fú zài bái wù shēn chù ， yǒu zhe shén me hé zài tā xiāng hù hū yìng 。
雾海发出阵阵涟漪，仿佛在白雾深处，有着什么和在他相互呼应。
Sure enough, a streak of green Xuan light broke through the white fog and straightened towards the Jia Xu号 base, directly hitting the suspended bronze mirror in mid-air.
lǐ fán wēi wēi mī yǎn ， nà yīng gāi shì shè jì zhōng tiān xuán suǒ líng zhèn de hé xīn qū yù wèi zhì 。
李凡微微眯眼，那应该是设计中天玄锁灵阵的核心区域位置。
Green sparks were entirely absorbed by the mirror. The surrounding green light gradually congealed and vanished.
guǒ bù qí rán ， piàn kè zhī hòu ， yī dào qīng sè xuán guāng ， huà pò bái wù 。
果不其然，片刻之后，一道青色玄光，划破白雾。
Finally, when no trace of arcane energy was visible around the mirror, it appeared as a common mundane object.
bǐ zhí cháo zhe xià fāng de jiǎ xū hào jù diǎn ér lái 。
笔直朝着下方的甲戌号据点而来。
Huafu Song finally exhaled in relief, taking out a red box from his pocket and placing the bronze mirror inside.
zhèng zhōng xuán fú kōng zhōng de tóng jìng 。
正中悬浮空中的铜镜。
Once the bronze mirror entered the box, the originally实体存在的 wooden box transformed into a red shadow, which then converged to form a red light point that flew to Huafu Song's forehead and settled there.
diǎn diǎn qīng máng ， jìn shù bèi tóng jìng xī shōu 。
点点青芒，尽数被铜镜吸收。
---
pán rào zhōu wéi de qīng guāng ， yě màn màn nèi liǎn ， xiāo shī bú jiàn 。
盘绕周围的青光，也慢慢内敛，消失不见。
Without explaining why he had just done what he did, Huafu Song said solemnly to everyone, "Until the central array hub is fully installed, I will oversee it."
zuì zhōng ， dāng tóng jìng zhōu wéi yì diǎn xuán ào de qì xī dōu méi yǒu xiǎn lù ， kàn shàng qù jiù wǎn ruò zuì pǔ tōng de fán wù zhī hòu 。
最终，当铜镜周围一点玄奥的气息都没有显露，看上去就宛若最普通的凡物之后。
"How long do you think this process will take, Senior Jiang?" asked Huafu Song.
huáng fǔ sōng zhōng yú sōng le kǒu qì ， cóng huái zhōng tāo chū yí gè zhū hóng sè de fāng zhèng mù hé ， jiāng tóng jìng zhuāng le qǐ lái 。
皇甫松终于松了口气，从怀中掏出一个朱红色的方正木盒，将铜镜装了起来。
Jiang Qigui replied without hesitation, "Within seven days, with everyone's effort, we can complete it."
ér dāng tóng jìng jìn rù mù hé zhī hòu ， nà yuán xiān yǒu shí tǐ cún zài de mù hé ， què shì zài zhòng rén de zhù shì xià ， xiān shì zhuǎn huà wèi le yī dào hóng sè xū yǐng 。
而当铜镜进入木盒之后，那原先有实体存在的木盒，却是在众人的注视下，先是转化为了一道红色虚影。
Huafu Song nodded slowly. "Time is of the essence. After completing the array here, I must head to other locations."
suí hòu cháo zhe zhōng yāng shōu jù ， huà zuò yí gè hóng sè guāng diǎn ， fēi dào huáng fǔ sōng de é tóu ， qī xī le xià lái 。
随后朝着中央收聚，化作一个红色光点，飞到皇甫松的额头，栖息了下来。
He looked at Li Fan, his expression easing slightly. "Thanks to Youngster Li Fan’s efforts, your array construction progress is among the fastest."
méi yǒu jiě shì gāng gāng nà fān zuò wéi shì wèi hé ， huáng fǔ sōng duì zhòng rén chén shēng shuō dào ：「 zhōng yāng zhèn shū zài ān zhì wán chéng zhī qián ， dū huì yóu wǒ lái kān guǎn 。」
没有解释刚刚那番作为是为何，皇甫松对众人沉声说道：「中央阵枢在安置完成之前，都会由我来看管。」
"According to what I know, the current leader, Tianchen Prefecture, has yet to complete the entire array and is still in the central core area's construction phase."
「 jiāng qí guì ， zhè ge guò chéng nǐ men dà gài xū yào duō zhǎng shí jiān ？」
「姜其贵，这个过程你们大概需要多长时间？」
"If you push harder, you might even surpass them..."
jiāng qí guì méi yǒu bàn fēn yóu yù ， huí dào dào ：「 qī tiān zhī nèi ， zhòng rén hé lì ， jiù kě wán chéng 。」
姜其贵没有半分犹豫，回到道：「七天之内，众人合力，就可完成。」
Just as Huafu Song was encouraging everyone, a sudden shout came from outside the meeting hall where the Heavenly Xuan Mirror was located.
huáng fǔ sōng huǎn huǎn diǎn tóu ：「 shì bù yí chí 。 cǐ chù zhèn fǎ wán chéng zhī hòu ， wǒ hái yào gǎn qù qí tā dì fāng 。」
皇甫松缓缓点头：「事不宜迟。此处阵法完成之后，我还要赶去其他地方。」
"What’s going on? Why did the first place suddenly gain so many points?"
shuō bà ， tā kàn xiàng lǐ fán ， liǎn sè yǒu xiē shū huǎn xià lái ：「 tuō lǐ fán xiǎo zi zhè me pīn mìng de fú ， nǐ men zhè chù zhèn fǎ de jiàn zào jìn dù ， yǐ jīng shǔ yú shì zuì kuài de yī pī le 。」
说罢，他看向李凡，脸色有些舒缓下来：「托李凡小子这么拼命的福，你们这处阵法的建造进度，已经属于是最快的一批了。」
"Now they've pulled ahead of second place!"
「 jù wǒ suǒ zhī ， mù qián jìn dù pái míng dì yī de tiān chén zhōu ， yě hái méi yǒu wán chéng zhěng zuò zhèn fǎ ， yīng gāi yě hái chù zài zhōng yāng hé xīn qū yù de jiàn zào guò chéng zhōng 。」
「据我所知，目前进度排名第一的天辰州，也还没有完成整座阵法，应该也还处在中央核心区域的建造过程中。」
The words fell on the ears of the cultivators present, causing their gazes to turn strange.
「 nǐ men rú guǒ jiā bǎ jìn ， néng fǎn chāo yě shuō bù dìng ……」
「你们如果加把劲，能反超也说不定……」
"Ah... still a bit late. But you have a chance at second place," Huafu Song said with a thick skin, as if nothing had happened.
zhèng dāng huáng fǔ sōng miǎn lì zhòng rén de shí hòu ， yì shì tīng wài ， tiān xuán jìng suǒ zài de fāng wèi ， yī dào jīng hū shēng què shì dǒu rán chuán le guò lái 。
正当皇甫松勉励众人的时候，议事厅外，天玄镜所在的方位，一道惊呼声却是陡然传了过来。
"Well, let's get going; time is of the essence." He instructed.
「 zěn me huí shì ？ zěn me dì yì míng yī xià zi jī fēn bào zhǎng zhè me duō ？」
「怎么回事？怎么第一名一下子积分暴涨这么多？」
Just as everyone was preparing to head to the central area of the array for the final work,
「 zhè xià chè dǐ gēn dì èr míng lā kāi chā jù le ！」
「这下彻底跟第二名拉开差距了！」
another shout caught their attention.
huà yǔ luò rù zài chǎng xiū shì ěr zhōng ， shà shí jiān kàn xiàng huáng fǔ sōng de yǎn shén dōu yǒu xiē qí guài 。
话语落入在场修士耳中，霎时间看向皇甫松的眼神都有些奇怪。
"Hey? Look! That Guo Ye Zhong, who has always been last, is moving!"
「 hē …… hái shì màn le yī bù 。 bù guò nǐ men zhēng gè dì èr ， hái shì yǒu xī wàng de 。」 huáng fǔ sōng liǎn pí dǎo shì hòu de hěn ， páng ruò wú shì dào 。
「呵……还是慢了一步。不过你们争个第二，还是有希望的。」皇甫松脸皮倒是厚的很，旁若无事道。
"Indeed. Although his points are pitifully few and he still ranks last, at least he's finally started working."
「 hǎo le ， shì bù yí chí ， gǎn jǐn chū fā ba 。」 tā fēn fù dào 。
「好了，事不宜迟，赶紧出发吧。」他吩咐道。
...
jiù zài zhòng rén zhǔn bèi qián wǎng zhèn fǎ zhōng yāng qū yù ， wán chéng zuì hòu de gōng zuò de shí hòu 。
就在众人准备前往阵法中央区域，完成最后的工作的时候。
Li Fan exchanged glances with Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui.
yòu shì yī dào jīng hū shēng xiǎng qǐ ， xī yǐn le lǐ fán tā men de zhù yì lì 。
又是一道惊呼声响起，吸引了李凡他们的注意力。
Both felt something was amiss.
「 yí ？ nǐ kàn ， nà ge yì zhí pái zài zuì hòu yī míng de guō yè zhòng dòng le ！」
「咦？你看，那个一直排在最后一名的郭叶仲动了！」
Guo Ye Zhong gaining points seemed to coincide with the completion of the first Heavenly Xuan Locking Array. Was there a connection?
「 dí què ， suī rán jī fēn shǎo de kě lián ， yī rán shì pái zài zuì mò wěi ， dàn hǎo dǎi yě zhōng yú shì kāi shǐ gàn huó le 。」
「的确，虽然积分少的可怜，依然是排在最末尾，但好歹也终于是开始干活了。」
Li Fan cast his gaze towards Huafu Song, seeking an answer.
……
……
The fat cultivator shrugged, looking as if he had no idea what was going on.
"Let me take charge of the core area construction?"
In the Jia Xu号 base, Li Fan looked at Xue Mu and others who had suddenly dropped by, slightly taken aback.
After a moment's thought, he decisively declined.
"I'm not being humble. During my assessment in the Langya Academy, my affinity with the Heavenly Xuan Mirror was just average."
"This can be attested to by Friend Xue Mu," Li Fan said.
"Your kind intentions are greatly appreciated, but I do indeed have limited capabilities and cannot bear such a heavy responsibility."
"Senior Jiang's array arts proficiency is far above mine. He is well-respected. From what I see, there isn't anyone more suitable than him for the position."
Li Fan spoke sincerely.
The array mage named Jiang Qigui, noticing the disapproving looks from the surrounding cultivators, quickly replied, "Friend Li Fan, you jest. Your contributions are evident to all; how could I dare..."
Before he could finish, Li Fan smiled and interrupted him, "Senior Jiang, don't misunderstand me. Every word I say is heartfelt."
"Everyone knows that the final construction phase of the Heavenly Xuan Locking Array requires communication with the central array hub for continuous adjustments in the future."
"This isn't within my expertise; it's not a deliberate refusal on my part."
Looking at the hesitant Jiang Qigui, Li Fan added, "I understand Senior Jiang's concerns. The outer and inner arrays require significant effort but yield relatively less contribution."
"Meanwhile, the central core area requires minimal effort but offers much greater contributions."
"Taking charge now might seem like an attempt to snatch fruit prematurely. Are you worried about future criticism?"
Seeing Li Fan had revealed his thoughts without reservation, Jiang Qigui's face turned slightly red.
Just as he was about to explain, Li Fan continued, "To make this clear, I am already a half-dead man."
"The rankings on the Golden List..."
Li Fan paused for a moment, dispelling his slight resentment.
He said frankly, "I couldn't care less."
"My only hope is to contribute more before my demise."
"What I consider is merely the most efficient way to build the array."
"So there's no need for Senior Jiang to decline. This important task can fall on no one but you."
Saying this, Li Fan swept his gaze around, showing his sincerity.
Jiang Qigui, after hearing Li Fan’s heartfelt words, blushed deeply.
He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Li Fan.
"Since that's the case, I'll accept it with grace!"
---
"I will certainly live up to your expectations."
Jiang Qigui said solemnly.
Li Fan clasped his hands tightly and pleaded earnestly, "From now on, you must bear much hardship."
Three days later, Huafu Song arrived at the Jia Xu号 base accompanied by two black-robed cultivators. He had come as per Li Fan's message to deliver the Heavenly Xuan Mirror, which was also the central array hub.
"Meeting Senior Huafu!" Li Fan bowed.
"You brat..." Huafu Song, the fat cultivator, looked at Li Fan with a complex expression.
"Good work!" He patted Li Fan on the shoulder and said no more.
He took out a damaged jade talisman, turned around, and completed its connection to the two black-robed cultivators' jade talismans.
A light screen unfolded, characters cascading like waterfalls.
An imperceptible wave emitted from the screen, sweeping over the surroundings. It seemed to be an identity verification process.
After a moment, the wave withdrew, revealing a simple and delicate bronze mirror in the screen.
Characters flowed into the mirror's surface, and the light screen vanished.
Only the floating bronze mirror remained, emitting a faint Xuan light around it.
Huafu Song’s expression turned serious as he continuously cast spells.
He pointed at the center of the base, where the吞噬元白雾 was swirling.
Ripples spread across the misty sea, as if something in the depths of the white fog resonated with him.
Li Fan narrowed his eyes; that should be the core area's position for the Heavenly Xuan Locking Array design.
Sure enough, a streak of green Xuan light broke through the white fog and straightened towards the Jia Xu号 base, directly hitting the suspended bronze mirror in mid-air.
Green sparks were entirely absorbed by the mirror. The surrounding green light gradually congealed and vanished.
Finally, when no trace of arcane energy was visible around the mirror, it appeared as a common mundane object.
Huafu Song finally exhaled in relief, taking out a red box from his pocket and placing the bronze mirror inside.
Once the bronze mirror entered the box, the originally实体存在的 wooden box transformed into a red shadow, which then converged to form a red light point that flew to Huafu Song's forehead and settled there.
---
Without explaining why he had just done what he did, Huafu Song said solemnly to everyone, "Until the central array hub is fully installed, I will oversee it."
"How long do you think this process will take, Senior Jiang?" asked Huafu Song.
Jiang Qigui replied without hesitation, "Within seven days, with everyone's effort, we can complete it."
Huafu Song nodded slowly. "Time is of the essence. After completing the array here, I must head to other locations."
He looked at Li Fan, his expression easing slightly. "Thanks to Youngster Li Fan’s efforts, your array construction progress is among the fastest."
"According to what I know, the current leader, Tianchen Prefecture, has yet to complete the entire array and is still in the central core area's construction phase."
"If you push harder, you might even surpass them..."
Just as Huafu Song was encouraging everyone, a sudden shout came from outside the meeting hall where the Heavenly Xuan Mirror was located.
"What’s going on? Why did the first place suddenly gain so many points?"
"Now they've pulled ahead of second place!"
The words fell on the ears of the cultivators present, causing their gazes to turn strange.
"Ah... still a bit late. But you have a chance at second place," Huafu Song said with a thick skin, as if nothing had happened.
"Well, let's get going; time is of the essence." He instructed.
Just as everyone was preparing to head to the central area of the array for the final work,
another shout caught their attention.
"Hey? Look! That Guo Ye Zhong, who has always been last, is moving!"
"Indeed. Although his points are pitifully few and he still ranks last, at least he's finally started working."
...
Li Fan exchanged glances with Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui.
Both felt something was amiss.
Guo Ye Zhong gaining points seemed to coincide with the completion of the first Heavenly Xuan Locking Array. Was there a connection?
Li Fan cast his gaze towards Huafu Song, seeking an answer.
The fat cultivator shrugged, looking as if he had no idea what was going on.