Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 685 - 298: The Final Fate of the Water Dragon Sect

"Over the last year, I've produced a grand total of 530 Celestial Thunder Seeds. After selling 18 to Liu Yuan, 512 remain in my possession for personal use—more than sufficient for the time being."

"Regarding Talisman Treasures, I carry 7 with me altogether. From offensive strikes and defensive shields to swift escapes, I'm fully equipped."

"My collection includes 3 Magical Treasures, plus my Lifebound Magical Treasure, totaling 4. Regrettably, in the last six months, no additional Void Nether Stones have come my way, halting any further growth."

"There's no helping it. Despite Li Changhe's efforts, we couldn't secure any. Such resources... are far too rare."

Wangcheng Mountain’s Alchemy Square.

Fresh from his seclusion, Ji Yuan assessed his current state.

Recently, bouts of anxiety had struck him more often, urging frequent self-checks to ready himself for a potential flight.

"The Flying Sword Communication sent to my master brought no reply. Likely, the issues are too delicate for this method. I must seek a chance to head back to the sect."

"It's not solely to meet my master; I also need to see Tu Yue and gather the accumulated goods. Too much time has passed without contact, and plenty must have built up by now."

A full year had slipped by without a return trip.

Though the [Chicken Cage] rested within the Mountain of Mind and Heart, granting Ji Yuan an unending flow of Tri-colored Spirit Eggs,

the [Pigsty] lingered on Wuyou Island. Its output of Profound Sun Blood Amber and Blazing Sun Bones served as prime aids for Body Refinement.

Not to mention the Spirit Stones and Thousand-year-old Spirit Milk from the [Spirit Vein].

Ji Yuan intended to retrieve them upon his return as well.

The deeper his thoughts delved, the stronger the urge to depart right away surged. Yet, after steadying himself, he realized travel wasn't wise at this juncture.

Liu Yuan's reports especially highlighted the surge in nearby Demon Dao unrest.

Their battle-hardened demon hunting squad had fallen into ambushes time and again.

Without that, Liu Yuan wouldn't keep exchanging Celestial Thunder Seeds with Ji Yuan so persistently.

’...Not to mention Celestial Chef Uncle. After preparing countless feasts for him, still no word.’

’Never mind, if he summons me next, I won't show up.’

Ji Yuan had hoped to use his bond with Celestial Chef Zhenren to pave a path back to the sect.

Yet, even after multiple cooking sessions where Celestial Chef Zhenren nodded enthusiastically over the dishes,

the moment the eating ended, all promises vanished from his mind.

For now, Ji Yuan could only shelve the idea, etching it firmly in his thoughts.

At last, he deactivated the buildings' influences, departed his dwelling, and resumed city guarding duties.

But no sooner had he arrived than Liu Yuan's message reached him.

"Where?"

"East."

"Wait for me."

Mere breaths later, Ji Yuan spotted Liu Yuan, hair whipping in the wind, soaring from the city depths to land nearby, then chugging a hefty swig of Unrivaled Wine.

Alcohol alone seemed able to revive his weary spirit.

"Phew—"

Liu Yuan breathed out the wine's aroma, shook his head vigorously, plopped down next to Ji Yuan, and at last sheathed his fiercely radiating Sword Qi.

"I think you need to practice a swordsmanship."

Ji Yuan couldn't help commenting on his disheveled look.

"What swordsmanship?"

Liu Yuan slumped against the city wall beside him.

"Drunken Swordsmanship: the drunker you get, the stronger you become; the more you drink, the drunker you get, the stronger you become."

Hearing Ji Yuan's response, Liu Yuan paused in surprise. "You know, I've actually mulled this over recently and might just invent one like that."

Ji Yuan pondered briefly before replying, "No problem, I'll help you then."

Ji Yuan readied himself to offer half his Storage Bag's Unrivaled Wine stash to Liu Yuan.

This brew's prime potency shone brightest in a heavy imbiber like Liu Yuan.

Besides, his Storage Bag held a generous reserve; daily sips barely dented it, and supplies kept increasing. Gifting some to a comrade posed no hardship.

"Sure."

Liu Yuan figured it was mere banter and paid it no heed, diving straight into the serious matter.

"Someone in our team died again."

"What?"

This revelation jolted Ji Yuan.

Over the previous half-year, the demon hunting team enjoyed smooth operations with fruitful hunts. They'd even aided in pincer attacks during Demon Dao assaults multiple times.

In this Alchemy Square, their fame had spread widely.

Surprisingly, even after so much time had passed, another death had occurred.

"Who?"

Ji Yuan quickly asked.

"Wang Luo of Corpse Transporting Mountain, together with his refined corpse, got ambushed by a Fake Pill Cultivator... Not a trace remained." Liu Yuan replied, shaking his head, his words coming out haltingly.

Right then, Ji Yuan grasped why Liu Yuan had returned to drink.

"Be careful out there."

That was all he managed to say.

Maybe it stemmed from another close companion's death, or perhaps the alcohol's effect. Either way, Liu Yuan looked reflective this time, staring at the clouds above as he spoke:

"Actually, from the moment I embarked on the path of cultivation, I knew it was a road of no return."

"Life and death like the wind, always beside me."

Observing the free-spirited and uninhibited Liu Yuan, Ji Yuan couldn't help feeling a trace of envy.

He desired that same freedom, yet embracing it freely usually involved confronting life and death, and at heart, Ji Yuan hesitated without full readiness.

In short, he still feared death.