The armored vehicle came to a stop with a creak.
Aunt Xiang was the first to step out, looking thoroughly put out. Ironhide followed close behind with his head hanging, while Gao Gong sauntered out last.
The two guards at the entrance saw Gao Gong, their eyes lighting up as they gave him a fervent salute.
"Salutations, Tribal Advisor."
"Tribal Advisor?"
"That was the position the Great Elder personally bestowed upon you at the Cable Sacrifice Ceremony. You have the right to participate in all the tribe's affairs, great or small. Within the tribe, your status is second only to the Great Elder."
"Second to the little woman? At her height, what position would I have to take to be below her?"
Gao Gong waved casually. "All right, carry on with your duties."
"Yes, Advisor!"
Everyone Gao Gong encountered along the way treated him differently now, with even greater respect. Before, it had merely been the respect owed to a savior. Now, however, there was something akin to worshiping a powerhouse.
Gao Gong had only been gone for four days, yet the recycling station had changed drastically. Outside were some crude open-air processing machines, while inside the abandoned building were more advanced mechanical devices. Everyone was busy, and the faint outline of a production line could even be seen.
"Not bad."
Gao Gong walked up to a warehouse, and the tribal guard stationed there hurriedly saluted.
Inside the warehouse, a member of the former Mechanic Squad was counting equipment.
"How are things going?"
The member froze when he saw Gao Gong. His expression remained fairly calm, but he began reporting seriously.
"During the few days you were away, we purchased nearly 280,000 mechanical coins' worth of supplies. The detailed list is as follows: advanced alloys..."
Gao Gong waved his hand.