Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 692 - 300: Old Demon Chou!

...Looks like I’m really on a collision course with Blood Luo Mountain. The moment I hit Nascent Soul Formation down the line, I’ll make Blood Luo Mountain give me answers!

Unable to purchase it, Ji Yuan opts to take matters into his own hands.

It boils down to one single word: kill!

Take slaying this bunch of demon cultivators, for example. Some bodies might end up ruined, but others will surely stay intact.

From Ji Yuan’s current grasp of the situation, teaming up with Liu Yuan and the rest for a pincer strike back then was possible.

If Chang Kun could just stall the Fake Pill Realm Empty Soul Wanderer briefly, things wouldn’t spiral out of control.

The only question is when exactly they’ll show up.

Thankfully, Ji Yuan has no pressing need to rush. A short wait won’t hurt, especially since his days in Baishou Town have been rather enjoyable.

Still, the silence from Chang Kun and company via communication talismans leaves Ji Yuan somewhat baffled.

When they split up, after all, Chang Kun and the others weren’t far from Baishou Town at all, so this much delay seems off.

Perhaps some other issue has held them back?

They couldn’t have run into peril, could they?

One main factor fuels Ji Yuan’s suspicion.

His communication talisman isn’t responding.

Yet right before heading out to check, a message suddenly came from Empty Soul Wanderer.

"Brother Qiu, if you’re free, come over."

With an invite from Empty Soul Wanderer, Ji Yuan had no choice but to go. Arriving at the wanderer’s place, he discovered not just him, but also close friend Luo Ma present.

"Greetings to Brother Soul, Brother Luo Ma."

Ji Yuan, at that instant, bore the rugged, bearded guise of Qiu Qianhai from his Ghost Seeking Cave days. He thus entered with a bold fist salute.

"Brother Qiu, take a seat; we’ll chat from there."

Ji Yuan settled in, and Empty Soul Wanderer lifted his hand, triggering the room’s barrier.

The display didn’t unsettle Ji Yuan, who held no fear of his true identity being exposed by Empty Soul Wanderer. It was likely just to discuss private business.

"Here’s the thing: I summoned you today because there’s a task that might require your help, Brother Qiu."

Empty Soul Wanderer explained with deliberation.

"Brother Soul, speak freely—your affairs are mine!"

Ji Yuan thumped his chest with a resounding bang to vow.

"Ah, that’s why you’re a true Demon Dao brother!"

Empty Soul Wanderer, buoyed by Ji Yuan’s resolute words, relaxed, returned to his chair, and continued: "Here’s the matter."

"Have you heard of the demon hunting squad, Brother Qiu?"

Ji Yuan, previously laid-back, got a shock from those words but kept his cool exterior while responding:

"I’ve heard some brothers mention it, saying it’s just a group organized by the orthodox side as a last stand, made up of peak Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"But with Brother Soul here, that so-called demon hunting squad is just a mob, weak as chickens and dogs!"

Ji Yuan swept his hand in a grand arc, proclaiming with heroic flair.

"Cough, cough."

Empty Soul Wanderer coughed swiftly to hide his unease. "Can’t phrase it quite like that; the demon hunting squad features prodigies from Shang Dong’s six schools, and they possess real power."

"Then, what did Brother Soul summon me for?"

Even as he spoke, unease began brewing in Ji Yuan’s heart.

...Had Chang Kun and the others already stepped into a trap?

Why else the ongoing lack of word?

It proves the Shangxi demon cultivators are full of tricks—ruthless, sly, and sharp, not a dimwit in sight!

Tough opponents indeed.

"Since Brother Qiu is so direct, I’ll cut to the chase. We’ve had our eyes on this demon hunting squad for ages, and I picked this spot for our base exactly to draw them in."

Empty Soul Wanderer spelled out the scheme plainly.

As Ji Yuan absorbed it, his heart clenched... Blast it, so that explains why elite hunters masquerade as bait!

Turning yourself into the lure.

Who but devils could dream up such a ploy!

Chang Kun and crew figured they’d cornered prime demon cultivator targets, blind to being the prey in the hunters’ sights!

Ingenious, utterly ingenious!

"Actually, not long ago, I had already made a move on that demon hunting squad. Unfortunately, I wasn’t strong enough to be completely sure, only managing to kill one. But back then, I knew that as long as we stayed here, they would definitely come back for revenge."

After Empty Soul Wanderer wrapped up, Luo Ma chimed in:

"Exactly as the boss foresaw, the demon hunting squad has returned, and we've been leading them in endless loops right around here."

...Ah, so that explains it—no wonder I couldn't get in touch with them.

Ji Yuan's suspicions vanished, supplanted by wariness and vigilance.

"So, what does Brother Soul intend... for old Qiu to handle?"

Ji Yuan questioned gravely.

"The matter stands like this: We've confined the demon hunting squad inside a valley formation, but for total assurance, we haven't made our move yet."

"That's why we want you and Luo Ma to head to our main base and summon three Fake Pill Realm experts here. With their help, we'll utterly overwhelm this demon hunting squad!"

A twisted, ghastly smile crept across Empty Soul Wanderer's face, far more repulsive than tears.

...Aren't demon cultivators meant to charge in recklessly?

How come every demon cultivator I've run into acts with such extreme caution?

You've already pinned the righteous cultivators in a formation, yet you're still plotting to bring over three Fake Pill Realm cultivators.