Li Chen looked over the crowd and said, "For now, you will remain in charge of your respective subordinates. Tomorrow, I will assess you personally and assign your duties according to your actual abilities."
He could not be bothered to explain anything to them. His current identity as a member of the Demon Race was impossible to explain, but as long as he promised them food, clothing, dignity, and freedom, he would soon win their hearts.
Sure enough, the craftsmen and slave workers soon settled down. Countless demons and nature spirits lurked in the boundless mountain forests, and they had no way to escape. Their only choice was to accept the new arrangements.
The next day, Li Chen summoned the Puppet Masters as promised, focusing on questioning and assessing the ten craftsmen to understand their circumstances.
The roster sent by the Duke's estate contained brief records of their registration, but Li Chen would not trust it unquestioningly.
After going through them, three people caught his attention.
"Guan Qingshan..."
A man past fifty nodded and bowed. "Your Majesty, that would be me."
Li Chen said, "You are a Puppet Master from the Central Tumen Guan Household in the Azure Sea Region, captured by expeditionary martial artists forty years ago?"
The man said, "That is correct."
Li Chen said, "I see it recorded here that you are skilled in construction techniques, proficient in laying all manner of basic magic arrays and restrictions, and have even directed construction projects?"
The man said, "As you can see, Luo Temple in the Pingqiu Kingdom was built under my direction, as were Wuchuan Dam and the Yan Clan's southern suburban residence."
Li Chen said, "Very good. You will head the construction workers renovating my mansion. Go and work out the overall construction plan, draw up the