Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 697 - 302: Cultivators Scattered Like Sand
Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Wan You Island, Water Dragon Sect.
For the very first time, Kong Xifeng, the Water Dragon Sect's ancestor, arrived to implore Hua Yaoyue.
Yet Hua Yaoyue refused to permit her entry onto the island, opting instead to converse right there on the sandy beach.
Hua Yaoyue wasn't scorning this Nascent Soul cultivator.
The reason was straightforward... Hua Yaoyue simply found nothing admirable in her at all.
Speaking of power, she possessed none whatsoever.
With any real power, the Water Dragon Sect wouldn't have declined into such ruin, and Kong Xifeng wouldn't keep coming back to beg Hua Yaoyue repeatedly.
As for determination, she had even less.
Possessing true determination would have spared the Water Dragon Sect heavy losses, allowing it to safeguard most of its foundations before embarking on the ocean journey to the Desolate Ancient Continent.
"So, ancestor, got any wisdom to share?"
Previously, Kong Xifeng would have fired back sharply at Hua Yaoyue's taunting words.
But this day... it was like she hadn't registered a single thing.
Her right hand shook as it clutched the cane, "Corpse Transporting Mountain... how... how did it turn out, and Spirit Control Sect defected to Shangxi—that Ten Spirit who betrayed us, even though we always saw him as family."
Observing Kong Xifeng's demeanor, Hua Yaoyue grasped her thoughts immediately.
"You're aged, but don't lean on me as your crutch. I've stated it clearly: Water Dragon Sect holds no ties to me."
"Guiding you to the Desolate Ancient Continent and securing Taiyi Immortal Sect's acceptance was already my greatest kindness."
Hua Yaoyue's harsh declaration swiftly sobered Kong Xifeng.
"Are you... really this heartless?"
Hearing those words, Hua Yaoyue let out a mocking laugh, "Ancestor, after centuries or even millennia of life, must you speak like a child?"
Kong Xifeng gave a faint nod, looking rather dejected.
"I get it."
"Regarding your queries, I can provide answers."
"What then?"
"I've examined Corpse Transporting Mountain's legacy—it's decent, and Shangxi's Demon Dao forces have likely eyed it for ages. No shock they struck first."
"Spirit Control Sect's defection is simpler still. Didn't you tangle with Shang Court's folks before, never suspecting one hailed from Mei Manor, while another plotted to throw Water Dragon Sect into the meat grinder?"
As Hua Yaoyue spoke, a fleeting look of embarrassment crossed Kong Xifeng's features, swiftly concealed.
"Past mistakes stay buried, but now... I'd never yield to Shangxi's Demon Cultivators."
...That's only because you've secured an escape route.
Hua Yaoyue held back those words, issuing a direct send-off instead.
"Fine, nothing more? I'm leaving."
"Hold on."
Kong Xifeng hurriedly halted Hua Yaoyue's departure.
"What now?"
Kong Xifeng's face contorted briefly, and after a prolonged hesitation, she resolved herself and uttered, "Why not gear up and depart for the Desolate Ancient Continent right away?"
"You're consulting me."
Hua Yaoyue shot her a look.
"Then we set off immediately!"
Kong Xifeng slammed her cane into the earth with force, declaring gravely, "Shang Dong's six Immortal Sects can't hold out, much less us four Immortal Sects of Shang Dong."
"Corpse Transporting Mountain's fall has everyone's focus pinned there perfectly."
"Shangxi's Three Demon Sects need time to devour Corpse Transporting Mountain entirely and integrate Spirit Control Sect. Water Dragon Sect can exploit this window... to flee south."
Gazing at this Kong Xifeng, who seemed to be convincing both Hua Yaoyue and herself, Hua Yaoyue at last replied.
"Truth be told, no better moment exists short-term to leave than right now. Miss it, and I won't lift a finger for you."
"Alas." Kong Xifeng heaved a heavy sigh, adding, "But departing now seems disloyal somehow—we agreed the six Immortal Sects would unite, and... besides, it feels like profiting off Corpse Transporting Mountain's disaster."
"Had you not grasped every chance before, would you be here now?"
Hua Yaoyue sneered, "Decide sharp, don't take too many—if escape fails, you'll forever be Water Dragon Sect's ultimate traitor, Kong Xifeng."
"Don't worry."
Kong Xifeng nodded faintly, "I'll handle it personally."
"Mm."
Kong Xifeng departed, yet Hua Yaoyue stayed behind. She lingered there, immersed in deep contemplation for an extended period.
"..."
At the same time.
Far below one of the Water Dragon Sect's islands.
Inside a shadowy aquatic cell, a dark figure flitted wildly, releasing a shrill, raspy cry.
"Huang Tian, if you don’t hurry up, the moment I break free, you’ll be the first I swallow whole!"
"Devour you!!!"
That tormented shriek from the shadow, raspy and piercing, resounded through the water prison, audible even beyond its walls.
On the island's surface.
Master Xuanxiao, third elder of the Water Dragon Sect, snapped open his eyes while meditating.
A frown creased his face; he paused briefly, then lifted the seal on his Cave Mansion and sent a voice transmission.
"I have urgent business to handle. If anyone seeks me, tell them I’ve left the island."
With those words, he morphed into a streak of escape light, squeezing through a narrow rock fissure, following the crack deep into the earth.
Moments later, he emerged right in front of the water prison.
