Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 2: Luck

Ordinary low-grade spirit fish usually fetch prices from 8 to 15 low-grade spirit stones.

The reason the Hanblood bass commands such a high price lies in the unique cold attribute within its blood, rendering it prime material for talisman crafting.

Ji Yuan never anticipated that this upgrade would transform the sole semi-spirit fish in his pond into a true spirit fish.

It appears this came as a lucky bonus from the pond's upgrade, triggering a critical success.

Regardless, acquiring this Hanblood bass resolves his immediate crisis.

Ji Yuan refuses to resort to a loan with exorbitant interest, yet he has no desire to perish... Having transmigrated into the dream cultivation world of every man, who would want to die here?

Thus, the next step involves bringing the Hanblood bass to the fish cage for sale in exchange for spirit stones.

Ji Yuan sat beside the fish pond, eyeing the spirit fish confined in the shallow waters... Selling it outright wouldn't do; a malicious onlooker spotting it could spell trouble.

In this unpredictable cultivation world, caution is essential before attaining sufficient strength.

Therefore, the optimal plan is to head to Cloud Rain Marsh first, feigning a fresh catch.

Time to act.

In the expansive Cloud Rain Marsh, a single tail flick from this Hanblood bass would leave Ji Yuan far behind. But now, it's confined to this tiny pond.

Ji Yuan employed the 'Water Arrow Technique,' which the original host hadn't fully mastered, and effortlessly struck and slew the Hanblood bass in one strike.

Once the spirit fish perished, he swiftly hauled the corpse onto the shore and applied hemostatic powder to stem any additional bleeding.

Then, peering outside the door and confirming no one around, he loaded the spirit fish's body onto the weathered fishing boat, concealing it in the water tank.

The family once possessed a primary magical artifact fishing boat, but it vanished in Cloud Rain Marsh.

After some thought, Ji Yuan rapped on the door of Old Man Huang's yard next door.

'What, decided to go after Liu Lai?' Old Man Huang inquired, flashing a grin with his toothless maw.

'I've decided. I'll head back to Cloud Rain Marsh. Elder Huang, please watch over the house. If anyone asks, say I'm out fishing.'

'Fine, stay alive if you can.'

Aware he wasn't truly seeking Liu Lai, Old Man Huang lost interest.

'Mm.'

Ji Yuan climbed aboard the fishing boat, thrust the oars, and the creaky vessel glided into the boundless Cloud Rain Marsh.

Old Man Huang lounged against the doorframe, gazing at his retreating figure, and let out a heavy sigh.

'Heartless Cloud Rain Marsh is set to claim yet another drowned soul.'

'...'

A short time later, Ji Yuan looked back, and upon losing sight of the shore entirely, he anchored at a nearby islet, cultivating there for half a day before steering directly toward the fish cage in Zengtou City.

If asked about Zengtou City's most bustling spot, the men's brothel might top the list.

Coming in second would be this fish cage.

Especially this shoreline fish cage, where returning fishermen typically gather.

Though it's merely mid-afternoon, around three or four, the area teems with people.

'Brother Ye, great catch with that sword yellow fish—another ten spirit stones. How about treating the brothers to some fun tonight?'

'A mid-stage first-level spirit fish appeared in Huishui Bay, injuring several folks.'

'Did Han Feiyu advance to the eighth level of Qi Cultivation? He's surely entering the Water Dragon Sect—another prodigy from Zengtou City.'

'...'

Amid the buzz of conversations, Ji Yuan wasted no time, hauling the Hanblood bass right to the Water Dragon Sect disciple handling acquisitions and dropping it into the fish basket.

The emergence of the Hanblood bass noticeably hushed the surrounding murmurs.

'Hanblood bass? Haven't spotted one in ages, have we?'

'Damn, snagged by a second-level Qi Cultivation cultivator? Must've trod in some serious dog shit luck!'

'...'

Upon seeing the Hanblood bass, the Water Dragon Sect disciple perked up a bit. 'Fine quality, blood preserved nicely too. I'll give you 18 low-grade spirit stones.'

What?!

Spirit stones!

This offer stunned Ji Yuan. He'd figured 15 low-grade spirit stones would suffice, yet here were three extra.

Only when the disciple dumped the spirit stones into his palm did Ji Yuan snap back and promptly ask:

'I need to settle the Immortal Residence fee. Can I handle it here?'

Both fish cage and Immortal Residence fees fall under Water Dragon Sect management. Fishermen planning deeper ventures into Cloud Rain Marsh often prepay the next month's residence fee on-site.

'Sure.'

The Water Dragon Sect disciple replied flatly.

'Room B16.'

Ji Yuan stated his lodging, and the disciple pulled out a jade scroll, glancing over it. 'Two months overdue, six spirit stones total.'

'Take them.'

Parting with a third of his fresh spirit stones brought Ji Yuan no pain, only sweet relief.

Now, eviction from Cloud Rain Marsh and homelessness were off the table.

With the rent cleared, Ji Yuan smiled and cupped his hands to the gawking fishermen nearby.

'Just luck, pure luck.'

Then he slipped into the throng, nimbly threading through and vanishing.

After putting some distance from the fish cage, Ji Yuan checked behind, and satisfied no tails followed, he exhaled deeply.

Luckily, the market stays fairly secure, particularly in daylight.

Sensing the spirit stones in his pouch, Ji Yuan eyed his interface. Purely for building upgrades, his funds could handle several.

Yet upgrading buildings sans other supplies falls short.

For instance, the fish pond demands ample semi-spirit fish for peak performance.

The idle 'pigsty,' yielding a hundred pounds of flesh in seven days while body-tempering, needs spirit dolphins... another cost.

The smartest move now: snag some semi-spirit fish to activate the 'fish pond' feature.

Even without evolving to spirit fish, the 20% growth boost guarantees no loss.

For buildings, Ji Yuan eyes the 'chicken cage' upgrade next.

A few Qinghuang chickens would yield spirit eggs to fuel his cultivation and allow fasting.

Huge savings.

Act on it. Previously, such spirit stones fueled talismans or elixirs for perilous Cloud Rain Marsh dives.

Now... Ji Yuan mused.

Let you brave the deadly risks. I'll stay home, farm fish, and tend chickens.

Soon, Ji Yuan returned home on the old fishing boat, laden with five semi-spirit fish and three Qinghuang chickens bearing demon beast blood traces.

Old Man Huang, puffing a dry pipe at his doorstep, stared at the bountiful return and rose in shock:

'You rascal, sold your body?'

Your whole family sold their bodies... Ji Yuan twitched his lips. 'Luck struck—a badly wounded early-stage spirit fish.'

'You truly hit the dog shit jackpot.'

Envy laced Old Man Huang's tone.

Ji Yuan's tale wasn't unknown in Zengtou City, merely uncommon.

As Ji Yuan hauled fish and chickens inside, Old Man Huang sneered inwardly... Youth, so naive—flush with cash and splurging without stashing for next month's Immortal Residence fee.

Does he believe injured spirit fish drop monthly?

Yet gazing at the foggy Cloud Rain Marsh, Old Man Huang harbored a daring notion.

Perhaps I ought to venture into Cloud Rain Marsh myself?

——

(Debut novel from an 18-year-old newbie—seeking tons of views, recs, and monthly votes!)