Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 686 - 298: The Water Dragon Sect’s Ultimate Fate

Right as he opened his mouth to speak, a voice abruptly rang out in his mind, uttering just two straightforward words.

"Come over."

Ice and Fire Elder.

Ji Yuan figured an issue had arisen, so he stood up and announced: "Ice and Fire Elder is summoning me. If there's nothing urgent, please keep watch here while I go check."

"Go on, go on."

Liu Yuan flicked his hand dismissively.

However, right before Ji Yuan could depart, a sudden realization hit him... Was the Ice and Fire Elder calling him to join the Demon Hunting Squad yet again?

Most likely... not, hopefully.

The Ice and Fire Elder had summoned him twice before, making this the potential third occasion.

Anyway, he'd know once he arrived there.

Ji Yuan steered his Wind Willow Flying Boat onward, reaching the Alchemy Square main hall smoothly and without haste.

When he got there, he saw he wasn't the only one; Chang Kun from Sword Ruins was present too... the current leader of the Demon Hunting Squad.

Spotting him, Ji Yuan sensed his suspicion was spot on.

"He joins your Demon Hunting Squad starting now."

The Ice and Fire Elder’s expression looked rather grim, leaving zero space for debate, and the assignment came directly.

Hearing those words, Ji Yuan realized escape was impossible this time, but he lifted his hands anyway.

Before he could say anything, the Ice and Fire Elder bent forward a touch, leaning in as he whispered: "Planning to defy the command?"

"No, I wouldn’t dare."

Ji Yuan proactively showed his compliance, somewhat soothing the Ice and Fire Elder.

"So, what more do you seek?"

"I was wondering, could we bring one more into our Demon Hunting Squad? From what I’ve heard, squads at places like Huaishui Market and Jingcheng Market number seven or eight, while ours sticks at six."

"That way, I could tag along as backup, acting as a hidden ace in times of peril to surprise the foes."

Ji Yuan understood evasion was off the table.

Refusing outright wasn’t feasible, so opting for a middle ground made sense, keeping him away from the front lines... tagging with the group would just paint a target on his back.

"Oh?"

The Ice and Fire Elder refrained from instant rejection, hinting at possibility.

Seizing the moment, Ji Yuan sent a voice transmission to Chang Kun: "Senior Brother, won’t you back me up? Here’s our shot to strengthen the squad!"

Reacting a bit late, Chang Kun advanced, saluting with cupped hands: "Elder, Junior Brother Wu You’s idea makes perfect sense."

"Out with it, who’s the one you want?"

The Ice and Fire Elder questioned bluntly.

Chang Kun answered candidly, "Junior Sister Weichen of Medicine King Valley—her healing prowess is outstanding. With her on board... we’d face threats far more steadily."

"Fine then."

Ice and Fire Elder gave a nod, "I’ll summon her now."

Moments later, a soft green glow drifted in from beyond, settling down and shifting into a small girl in a green skirt, wafting a faint scent of herbs.

"Greetings, Ice and Fire Elder, Daoist Changkun, Daoist Wu You."

She saluted everyone with cupped hands and beamed cheerfully.

"You’re joining the Demon Hunting Squad alongside them from here on."

Toward others, the Ice and Fire Elder offered no leeway, issuing orders firmly.

"What? Join me?"

Medicine King Valley’s Weichen froze in shock, hastily indicating herself, "Answering the Elder, I’ve only just reached Peak of Foundation Establishment... I’d likely drag down my fellow Daoists."

"Don’t fret, you’ll only handle their healing."

Ice and Fire Elder gestured casually, "Done deal. Sort out the details yourselves."

With that, he turned into a streak of escaping light and vanished on the spot.

Ji Yuan and the rest exchanged glances, then departed in turn.

...

At the same time, post-departure, the Ice and Fire Elder headed to a certain Golden Core Zhenren’s dwelling.

No sooner had he taken a seat than the Ice and Fire Elder dug into the food—no chit-chat needed, he’d come purely to indulge.

"How’d it turn out? Did the kid consent?"

Celestial Chef Zhenren gnawed on a pork leg, grease trickling down.

"I gave the word; agreement or not, he’ll obey."

Ice and Fire Elder stated it plainly.

"That kid’s been sniffing around my domain recently, scheming to slip away. A little outing will show him the perils outside, making him glad to stick put at Alchemy Square."

Celestial Chef Zhenren tossed a bone aside offhandedly.

"Why give him such focus?"

Ice and Fire Elder munched on some stir-fried venison with curiosity.

"Ha."

Celestial Chef Zhenren let out a sneer, though it wasn't clear whom he targeted.

"Prior to my arrival here, Duocai requested that I care for his son, which was acceptable enough, yet he specifically ordered me to safeguard Isle Master Wuyou."

"Then Junior Brother Xuanshui approached me as well, pleading for me to shield Isle Master Wuyou."

"That was reasonable too."

"At last, right before departure, Wang... Senior Sister Wang You stealthily slipped onto my island. Unbeknownst to me, she materialized before my eyes, commanding me to protect Isle Master Wuyou and warning that any harm to him would bring the same fate upon me. What nonsense is this?"

The further Celestial Chef Zhenren vented, the deeper his resentment swelled, his hands quivering by the finish:

"If you were in the know, you'd recognize me as a Golden Core Zhenren; else, you'd assume I'm nothing but Isle Master Wuyou's lackey."

Ice and Fire Elder barely contained his chuckles, all while extending a hand to slap the flab upon his shoulder.