Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 673 - 294: Tier-2 High-Grade Artifact Refiner

Ji Yuan remained oblivious to the events that followed.

After uttering those words, the frustrated Ice and Fire Zhenren chased him away, yet Ji Yuan felt nothing but joy at the dismissal.

Demon hunting squad?

That's a venture for the bold. Demon path techniques are unfathomably strange. An ordinary righteous cultivator flees at the mere sight of them, fighting only as a last resort, much like Ji Yuan had done.

Yet now, to hunt them down proactively and throw oneself into their midst.

How is that any different from begging for death?

True, this demon hunting squad boasts elites from Shang Dong.

But could Shangxi possibly lack its own powerhouses?

Ji Yuan was certain the squad would survive no longer than a month, since the demon path wouldn't respond right away in the initial period, allowing some early victories.

Once a month passed and the demon path mobilized, they'd surely assemble their own 'righteous hunting squads,' lying in wait near the six immortal sects or bustling Shang Dong markets to slaughter this righteous team.

In this light, the demon hunting squad had truly sparked a perilous precedent.

Soon enough, righteous and demon cultivators alike would prey on each other's promising disciples, leaving no one secure beyond their sects.

Such thoughts occupied Ji Yuan as he made his way to his Cave Mansion. Before he even reached it, the Ice and Fire Elder's voice transmission echoed in his mind once more.

...This timing was deliberate on his part.

He anticipated the Ice and Fire Elder had more to impart and chose not to delay contact until returning to his Cave Mansion.

'You boy... I truly can't decide if you're foolish or what!'

The Ice and Fire Elder kept his tone laced with exasperated disappointment. 'Do you even grasp what this demon hunting squad truly represents?'

'Junior does not know.'

Ji Yuan slowed his steps, replying mentally.

'During this righteous-demon war, Qi Cultivation cultivators serve as mere fodder, Foundation Establishment ones form the backbone, but Core Formation cultivators remain the true pillar. Shang Dong actually has fewer Core Formation experts than Shangxi, prompting the six immortal sects to devise this strategy.'

'It's meant to hone those at the peak of Foundation Establishment, propelling them toward core formation!'

'Boy, you have no idea. I was stunned by the treasures the six immortal sects revealed—their foundations run incredibly deep.'

The Ice and Fire Elder sighed in admiration. 'You did slay a Core Formation cultivator, but that Fire Python was gravely wounded already. Don't overestimate your prowess.'

'Geniuses emerge endlessly in the world; only by grasping every chance can one tread the great Dao.'

Hearing this, Ji Yuan realized the Fire Python Zhenren was still the Fire Technique practitioner at heart.

Had he become the Ice Technique version, his words would be far simpler.

Just one line.

'Study if you want, or get lost!'

Thus, Ji Yuan responded without delay. 'After fleeing the Demon Cave, junior hurried straight back to Alchemy Square and slew no Core Formation cultivator.'

'Moreover, even at peak Foundation Establishment, junior remains a full realm below Core Formation—how could I possibly kill one? Senior must have mistaken me.'

The Ice and Fire Elder let out a chuckle.

'If Fire Python Zhenren wasn't slain by you, then did I do it?'

'What? Fire Python Zhenren is dead? Junior truly had no knowledge of this. All junior knows is that he defected to the Demon Dao; back in the Demon Cave, he was the one who revealed my identity.'

Ji Yuan feigned profound shock, his act flawless.

'Heh, if you claim it wasn't you, then fine. Focus on pondering this demon hunting squad matter first.'

The Ice and Fire Elder dropped the topic of Fire Python Zhenren's death, shifting to the weightier issue.

'Yes.'

With a mental nod, Ji Yuan mulled it over seriously.

Joining the demon hunting squad to pursue demon cultivators was undeniably perilous, tantamount to dancing on the edge of life and death.

Ji Yuan refused such gambles; he had no desire to live in constant peril.

That was reason one.

Reason two: he held no fervent loyalty to the righteous-demon divide, viewing himself as a 'neutral cultivator' at best.

Or, to put a label on it... an evil cultivator.

Thus, he saw no point in risking his neck for the righteous cause.

The third concern was exactly what the Ice and Fire Elder mentioned: those invaluable core formation treasures.

Ji Yuan wondered—however potent, could they surpass the Pill Essence Fruit?

One Pill Essence Fruit every decade.

He could afford to wait decades for core formation, no need to stake it all now.

Choices abound endlessly, but life comes but once.

After deep reflection, he finally transmitted to the Ice and Fire Elder: 'Junior fears death too much and must disappoint senior's kind intentions.'

The Ice and Fire Elder had treated him well, so Ji Yuan opted for honesty over deceit.

'You're still banking on your master, eh? In cultivation, it all boils down to your own efforts.'

The Ice and Fire Elder offered this advice, then let out a sigh.

'Do as you will.'

With that, he retracted his divine sense, ceasing further persuasion.

Ji Yuan halted briefly but pressed on without turning back, striding into his Cave Mansion.

A soft 'bang' accompanied the closing door.

It seemed to sever him from the outside world.

Thanks to his recent exploits in the Demon Cave—and a minor injury—he'd been granted leave from duty rotations to recover at home.

He'd planned to inspect Fire Python Zhenren's storage bag for treasures first, but a transmission from Li Changhe arrived before he could delve in.