Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 699 - 302: Cultivators Scattered Like Sand

"Indeed, Master possesses sharp insight."

Xiao Chengyi retreated a step, cupping his hands while speaking.

He genuinely revered his master, damn it all.

Yet, once he rose, he whispered, "Master, how shall we handle the ancestor after departure?"

"I’ve pondered it thoroughly. We’ll flatten two hundred feet of Profound Sky Island; with the island vanished, that old demon will evade discovery forever."

Master Xuanxiao concluded his words, dismissing the issue with a wave, "Fine, head out and make an appearance, lest folks believe my Profound Sky lineage lacks anyone to manage affairs."

"Yes, this disciple departs."

Freshly advanced to Core Formation, Xiao Chengyi turned into a streak of escape light and departed Profound Sky Island. Initially steady, his face twisted after flying over a hundred miles away.

... Master makes an excellent mentor, yet the issue lies in his readiness to forsake all.

In dire straits, he’d likely ditch even me, his disciple. Thus, preparing for every outcome is wise.

That old demon in the water prison is utterly untouchable. Even Master struggles with his temperament; approaching him would mean becoming his plaything. Plus, my Earth Spirit Root requires no spirit root purification method.

Lost in thought, Xiao Chengyi reached the Sect Protection Array’s boundary for a patrol, scanning for Demon Dao signs.

Everywhere he passed, Qi Cultivation Stage or Foundation Establishment Stage disciples alike hailed him as "Elder Zhaoyang" upon sight.

Such sensations invariably stirred a thrill within him.

...

Wangcheng Mountain, Alchemy Square.

Within Ji Yuan’s Cave Mansion, he and Liu Yuan sat composedly.

Though the news was processed, a lingering... bewilderment persisted for both.

"The situation stands thus; what’s fixed or past can’t be altered, so let’s weigh future repercussions and our own concerns."

Ji Yuan’s voice resonated deeply, prompting Liu Yuan’s swift reply:

"Exactly, simply put, we must prioritize ourselves."

Their eyes met post-exchange, banishing prior haze into sharp focus.

Liu Yuan began, "Currently, every Spirit Control Sect disciple in Alchemy Square is captured, while Corpse Transporting Mountain’s remnants wander aimlessly, fightless... Their sect’s destruction explains it, naturally."

"Thus, Shang Dong’s market defenses will surely slacken; Shangxi’s Demon Dao won’t miss the chance to strike."

"I concur." Ji Yuan nodded faintly, "Master Ice and Fire guards our market—a double-edged sword."

"True, his fame precedes him, having bested the Dark Venerable before. Shangxi’s top demon cultivators ’below Nascent Soul’ will rush to duel him magically. Our Alchemy Square then faces peril."

Liu Yuan’s words done, their gazes locked, thoughts aligned perfectly.

"I plan to return to the sect—you, Brother Ji?"

Liu Yuan sent this via divine sense.

"Same here. Two of Shang Dong’s Six Immortal Sects are obliterated; the surviving four can’t stay idle. Each holds escape routes, our Water Dragon Sect included."

Ji Yuan had plotted his return ages ago; lingering abroad felt perilously exposed. He yearned to hear Hua Yaoyue’s view back home.

Liu Yuan gave a nod.

"Plenty of cultivators likely think alike; calm seas allow all to hold the fort."

"But turmoil strikes, and all will crave home... Golden Core ones foremost."

"Depart now, or bide time?"

Ji Yuan asked.

"Two days more; avoid leading the flock. Master Ice and Fire’s temper—you know it; mass exodus might earn a mass dismissal. Slipping out amid chaos draws no eyes. Perhaps Junior Martial Uncle Li Xiao and Celestial Chef Uncle join the retreat."

Liu Yuan finished, eyeing Ji Yuan. Togetherness meant sharing insights.

They shared a grin, till Ji Yuan remarked:

"Brother Liu, I knew your sly side, but not to this degree."

"Likewise, Brother Ji—your cunning’s legendary too."

"What? Who spread such rumors about me? Point them out, and once I advance my cultivation, I will demand an explanation from them."

"Let me recall, it must have been the Third Elder, Master Xuanxiao, who said that."

Liu Yuan declared firmly.

"Hah, isn't it just because you're the Great Elder's disciple and have beef with the Third Elder?"

After enduring these massive incidents, the duo settled their choices and swapped teasing remarks through transmission, using it to unwind.

"By the way, Brother Ji, do you recall our first guard shift in Lishui City?"

"I remember clearly—how could I forget? We even faced a Demon Dao assault on the city that time."

Ji Yuan reflected fondly.

"Back then, I was super curious: were you really hurt that badly later, or just faking it?"

At these words, Ji Yuan shot a glance toward Liu Yuan.

"You were imitating me back then, and you still dare bring it up?"

"Wasn't it because we weren't close yet?"

Liu Yuan let out a chuckle, hastily switching topics: "I wonder what news comes from Li Changhe's end. The Li Family poured massive resources into this Alchemy Square, and now this disaster strikes..."

"Man proposes, Heaven disposes; nothing we can do."

Ji Yuan shook his head while sighing deeply.

The following day after their chat, word spread that Joy Palace disciples had slipped back to their sect in secret.

Those left were Corpse Transporting Mountain disciples. Some exited claiming to 'revive the sect,' others switched allegiance to different sects.

Soon enough, they departed alongside disciples from those sects.

Hence, two days onward, with cultivators streaming away, Ice and Fire Elder at last issued his command.

He announced that anyone wanting to leave should just go. Two of the Six Immortal Sects were wiped out; no sense guarding the market anymore.

Afterward, everyone needed to deal with their personal issues.

Against this chaotic scene, Water Dragon Sect finally dispatched its order.

All disciples operating outside must hurry back to the sect right away upon getting the message.

Gathering the whole sect's power to battle the Demon Dao!