Chapter 171: 171- BT [2]

"Fang Chen," Fang Yuan called, his voice steady yet tinged with that warmth only reserved for kin.

Before long, his uncle appeared. After the usual greetings, Fang Yuan leaned back, folding his hands behind his back with a relaxed air. "How is the spirit pond doing?"

Fang Chen chuckled, his eyes bright. "It is thriving, Clan Head. To be honest... the spirit gathering formation you had me set there is so potent that even I, an old man, find myself wishing I could stay inside forever. Cultivating within it feels like bathing in pure springwater."

At that, Fang Yuan’s lips curved into a smile, half pride, half amusement. "The ingredients for those flags aren’t exactly rare. If you truly wish for it, Uncle, I can prepare another set for you."

But then his words trailed off.

His smile froze for an instant as he fell silent, gaze flicking absently toward the horizon.

Inside, he was speechless. Wait. Didn’t I also obtain a superior spirit gathering formation?? How did I forget about that...

A helpless sigh stirred in his chest, though he quickly smoothed it away, leaving only the composed, benevolent air of the perfect Clan Head.

Fang Chen, unaware of the whirlwind of thoughts running through his nephew’s mind, asked with a hint of curiosity, and perhaps a little desire."You can prepare a set for me?"

Fang Yuan’s lips curved into a calm smile.

"It won’t be as potent as the one here," he said, his gaze briefly sweeping over the spirit pond, "after all, this one sits within a spirit pond itself."

Fang Chen nodded thoughtfully, then hesitated before speaking again. "Clan Head... if you truly can prepare a second formation, may I be so shameless as to request it be placed in the cultivation caves we have? Even a little extra spirit energy in the surroundings would be... greatly appreciated."

Fang Yuan’s smile deepened, warm yet controlled, a mixture of pride and quiet amusement.

He regarded his uncle for a long moment, noting the sincerity in the elder’s eyes, before giving a subtle nod.

"Why not keep it for yourself? Can you tell me why?" Fang Yuan asked, his voice calm but carrying a hint of amusement, the corner of his lips tugging upward.

Fang Chen blinked, a faint blush creeping across his face.

"Well... the spirit energy here is already so abundant, and... I thought, perhaps, others could benefit as well," he admitted, a touch of humility threading through his words.

Fang Yuan’s gaze softened, though a spark of teasing danced in his eyes.

"Huh. So you’re not selfish, then. Very noble of you," he said, his tone light, yet carrying an undertone that suggested he was already thinking several steps ahead.

He paused, tapping a finger against his chin. "But..." His lips curved into a faint, sly smile. "If I were in your shoes, I might’ve just hoarded it all for myself. You’d be surprised how much easier life gets with a bit more spirit energy."

Fang Chen chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I... suppose I could have..."

Fang Yuan shook his head slightly, amusement flickering across his face. "Ah, well. Since you’re this generous, I’ll make the second set for you. But don’t expect me to go easy if you suddenly decide to get greedy."

Fang Chen laughed, relief and gratitude mingling in his expression. "Of course, Clan Head. I’d never..."

Fang Yuan gave a small, composed nod, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Now, I’m going into seclusion. I’ll prepare the spirit gathering formation for you once I emerge. In the meantime... I expect you to do the usual."

"Nephew! You can’t do this to me!" Fang Chen exclaimed, throwing up his hands, his voice a mix of frustration and amusement.

Fang Yuan’s laughter, light and teasing, carried softly through the air. "You’ll survive, Uncle. Don’t worry."

And with that, he vanished, flowing like a shadow into the depths of the spirit mine that cradled the pond, leaving Fang Chen standing there, hands still raised, a mixture of exasperation and admiration on his face.

Fang Chen shook his head, letting out a long, measured sigh, and drew in a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.

He straightened his posture, then turned toward a group of Fang family guards standing nearby.

"I want you to go inform Elder Jingyi that Protocol 2A is active once again," he instructed, his tone calm but carrying an undercurrent of quiet authority.

The guard inclined his head respectfully and slowly disappeared from view, moving with disciplined efficiency.

Fang Chen’s gaze drifted back to the land they were tilling, eyes scanning the earth, the workers, the tools strewn about.

His lips pressed into a thin line, and a faint furrow appeared between his brows.

"You’re still like a kid, Fang Yuan..." he muttered under his breath, the words laced with exasperation. "So many reckless, irresponsible actions all at once... it’s such a mess cleaning up after you."

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, letting out another sigh as a dull headache began to thrum behind his temples.

Fang Chen rubbed at his shoulders, stretching the stiff muscles along his back, letting out a long, slow breath as he surveyed the enormous pit before him.

The royal family still hadn’t sent a single messenger regarding the kidnapped third princess. The weight of uncertainty pressed on him, subtle but persistent.

This huge expanse of dug earth, what purpose did it serve? He and Elder Joshua had no clue. Only Fang Yuan could know, and now the young master had vanished into seclusion without a single word.

And of course... He was certain of it. Fang Yuan had undoubtedly probably left a trail of unfinished paperworks in his wake.

Fang Chen cracked his neck, stretching his bones deliberately, and allowed a wry smile to tug at the corner of his lips.

He pivoted and strode toward Elder Joshua, his gaze sharp, calculating, playful even.

"If I’m going to be in a pickle..." he mused under his breath, voice low, almost amused. "Might as well have two of us in it, right?"

His eyes flicked toward Elder Joshua like a predator sizing up its partner in mischief.