Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 674 - 294: Tier-2 High-Grade Artifact Refiner

"Brother, we’re all gathered with Junior Martial Uncle Li Xiao. Are you out yet? Hurry over if you are."

This abrupt message jolted Ji Yuan from his daze. He had only just received his assignments and hadn’t even paid proper respects to his martial uncle!

Truth be told, amid the world’s chaotic situation, one truly needed to lean on sect companions while journeying.

"Just stepped out, on my way now."

Once he sent the reply, Ji Yuan skipped exiting through the door entirely; he cast the Shadow-following Technique right away and vanished without a trace.

Within mere breaths, he materialized outside a dwelling in the Alchemy Square. The place lacked Hunting Owl Zhenren’s personal plaque, displaying the Water Dragon Sect’s emblem instead.

This instantly sparked a bit of affinity in Ji Yuan toward Junior Martial Uncle Li Xiao.

Though... he had previously beaten Li Xiao’s disciple badly, almost taking his life,

Li Xiao never pressed the issue, so Ji Yuan harbored no resentment.

On the cultivation path, such minor squabbles weren’t worth dwelling on.

As a Core Formation Cultivator, fussing over trifles like this was pointless.

Before Ji Yuan could even announce himself, Hunting Owl Zhenren’s voice echoed in his mind: "Enter straight away."

Ji Yuan stepped inside the chamber and quickly joined his fellow sect members from the Alchemy Square.

There was Hunting Owl Zhenren, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, plus ten Foundation Establishment experts from early stage up to Fake Pill level. Their matching Spirit Robes and the familiar vibes of Water Techniques

gave Ji Yuan, far from his roots, a comforting feeling of kinship.

Hunting Owl Zhenren Wang Er stood tall in a purple robe crackling with thunder and lightning, radiating an effortless aura of dominance even at rest. Spotting Ji Yuan’s arrival, he pivoted and declared:

"Perfect timing—Isle Master Wuyou is present too. Let’s settle the Water Dragon Sect’s internal plans."

"..."

Unlike the Ice and Fire Elder’s brief remarks,

Hunting Owl Zhenren’s dive into sect matters proved incredibly detailed, leading the group to huddle and deliberate for almost an hour before wrapping up.

They settled escape strategies if the Alchemy Square fell,

along with specifics like who handled the sect’s Flying Sword Communications.

An hour later.

Ji Yuan made his way back to his Cave Mansion, clutching over a dozen Communication Talismans.

Back inside, he triggered two arrays and multiple restrictions, then pulled a still-warm long whip from his Storage Bag.

In the prior clash, Ji Yuan focused solely on countering Fire Python Zhenren, so he hadn’t inspected his new treasure closely.

Now in his grip, the long whip felt nothing like a standard rope lash; its surface gleamed with scales reminiscent of the Fire Python.

Held tight, it resembled less a whip and more... a serpent.

Ji Yuan skipped further examination, seized it firmly, and started the refining process at once.

Moments later, details on the long whip flooded his mind... it was called the Crimson Wave Whip, forged from the toughest scales of the Tier Three Demon Beast, Crimson Chain Snake.

Its inner core came from myriad spiritual wood roots, masterfully braided by a Tier Three Spirit Weaver across a decade.

Sensing its power, Ji Yuan grasped why the Crimson Wave Whip pierced through the Heaven-cutting Sword array of nine united blades.

First off, it was a Golden Core Zhenren’s lifebound magical treasure, fueled by their essence.

Second, the Crimson Wave Whip packed real might.

In the Core Formation Realm, lifebound magical treasures like his Canglan Sword shone brightly; no reason others’ should pale in comparison.

Cultivators reached their levels through hard-earned effort—Ji Yuan’s path had been shorter, but that didn’t make him superior by default.

Hmm... barring the Mountain of Mind and Heart exception.

Gained post-Foundation Establishment, no cultivator lacking it could match up.

Unless he faced another who possessed it too.

At last, Ji Yuan refined the Crimson Wave Whip partially and tucked it away in his Storage Bag.

Full mastery would demand deeper refining and dedicated practice ahead.

Especially since Ji Yuan lacked whip skills; swords were his forte... rods weren’t bad either.

Next, he fetched Fire Python Zhenren’s Storage Bag from his demise, sweeping it with Divine Sense.

It sparked mild delight for Ji Yuan, nothing overwhelming.

The contents aligned with what he’d expect from a Golden Core Zhenren—solid, but no surprises.

Spirit Stones numbered few, roughly 6,000 Mid-grade ones.

Yet other goods filled it amply.

Wise cultivators avoided hoarding excess Spirit Stones in their Storage Bags anyway.

Enough for routine cultivation sufficed.

Apart from Spirit Stones, no other magical treasures lurked beyond the Crimson Wave Whip.

But a top-grade Spiritual Artifact caught his eye—one he needed: an offensive type.

With a mental command, Ji Yuan drew it forth.

It proved a typical flying saber treasure—the Fire Willow, a Willow Leaf Flying Saber.

This disappointed Ji Yuan a touch, as most components screamed fire attribute, ideal for Fire Cultivators.

For an Ice Cultivator like him, its power dipped a notch.

Still, for everyday needs, it worked fine since spiritual artifacts all ran on similar principles.

Against foes too tough for the Fire Willow Flying Saber, he’d unleash the nine-sword Heaven-cutting Sword or call Celestial Silkworm Zhenren long before.

After light refining, he powered the saber to loop the room several times.

Fueled by ice spiritual qi, it traced stunning red-and-blue arcs, a visual treat.

It would pair nicely with Ice and Fire Elder.

Right then, a surge of spiritual light blazed across Ji Yuan’s mind.

As though he’d seized a hidden truth, a monumental secret.