Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 716 - 308: All Good Things Must Come to an End

As Ji Yuan accepted it, Master Xuan Shui regarded him with a complicated expression, then murmured softly:

"Nephew, the ancestor and I personally decided on this list."

Holding the Jade Scroll, Ji Yuan appeared to foresee the Sect Leader's impending question.

"Thank you, Uncle Master and Ancestor, for your efforts."

"Yet, your name isn't included."

Upon Master Xuan Shui's words, Master Geng's eyes flashed with a touch of bitterness. "As soon as I received the list, I questioned Senior Sister Wang You right away."

... What had she replied?

Ji Yuan refrained from inquiring, for Master Xuan Shui soon let out a sigh before continuing: "It turns out we've always misjudged you, nephew. Who would have imagined... who would have thought that we elders are the ones fading with time."

With those words, Master Xuan Shui advanced to clap Ji Yuan's shoulder, afterward turning to take a seat nearby.

"I recall when I first joined the sect, my master once instructed me that in the fierce contests among cultivators, it all boils down to holding onto that vital breath. Lose it, and one's cultivation journey essentially concludes. Back then, he claimed his own breath had scattered, marking the end of his path."

"But mine hadn't, he declared me the sect's hope for tomorrow. Now, however, it feels like my breath has scattered too. The sect's future rests with you youngsters."

Ji Yuan stayed quiet.

He simply wondered what Hua Yaoyue had told Master Xuan Shui to stir such emotions in him.

After voicing this, Master Xuan Shui fell silent, apparently awaiting Ji Yuan's reply.

With no choice, Ji Yuan responded: "The world teeters on collapse; at times, one must step forward, and certain duties demand fulfillment."

These words stunned Master Xuan Shui, who stared at him in shock before rising abruptly.

He then slipped off a Jade Ring from his left thumb and offered it to Ji Yuan reverently with both hands.

"Uncle Master, what's this..."

Witnessing this, Ji Yuan quickly got to his feet as well.

Rather than reply at once, Master Xuan Shui fixed Ji Yuan with a grave stare for a prolonged moment, then intoned solemnly: "Fifth-generation Sect Leader of Water Dragon Sect, Feng Xiao, summons sixth-generation disciple Ji Yuan—are you here?"

"Disciple is here."

The ceremony's gravity compelled Ji Yuan to clasp his hands and bow toward Master Xuan Shui.

"Accept this command!"

Master Xuan Shui proclaimed resolutely, promptly placing the Jade Ring into Ji Yuan's grasp.

"Hmm?"

Ji Yuan lifted the Jade Ring for a closer look.

Pale green in hue, the ring boasted a sleek surface that felt wondrously soothing to touch, engraved all around with a True Dragon. Though termed a Jade Ring, it resembled donning a live True Dragon upon one's finger.

"This is the Sect Leader's Token of Water Dragon Sect. From this moment, Ji Yuan, you serve as the sixth-generation Sect Leader of our Water Dragon Sect."

Master Xuan Shui announced with a beaming smile, stroking his beard, his entire frame visibly easing, even straightening from its prior stoop.

"To Golden Core cultivators, this Sect Leader's Token holds little practical value—just a badge of authority. Possessing it marks one as Water Dragon Sect's leader."

"Yet for a Foundation Establishment cultivator such as yourself, nephew, it offers real utility, housing a defensive formation inside. When triggered, it summons a Water Dragon for protection, strong enough to shield against a mid-Golden Core expert for about the duration of one incense stick. It then recharges gradually via sun and moon essence, becoming available again roughly every three years."

Ji Yuan had initially viewed it as a heavy responsibility, but this revelation sparked his interest.

Still, as he spoke, Ji Yuan extended his palms outward.

"Doesn't this... Uncle Master, isn't it just a burden?"

"Rest assured, I've handled all other matters. You merely need to bear the title, nephew. Should Cangluo Continent's crisis shift and the moment feels ripe, then rise in Water Dragon Sect's name, declare we never retreated—that suffices. Leave the rest to me."

Master Xuan Shui dismissed his concerns with a wave and a chuckle.

"Besides, our sect's heritage has relocated to Desolate Ancient Continent. Even if you wanted to act, you'd lack allies and resources. Prioritize your survival above all."

"And this Sect Leader's Token..."

Ji Yuan raised it once more to inspect.

"Ah, this one."

Master Xuan Shui remarked while retrieving another Sect Leader's Token from his Storage Bag, slipping it onto his left thumb. "The fourth Sect Leader once misplaced his, so he crafted extras afterward. We have spares."

Ji Yuan: "..."

"But rest assured, nephew. I will report your appointment as the sixth generation Sect Leader to the ancestor, and give you a separate plaque in the Ancestral Hall. Even if I pass it on, it will be to the seventh generation Sect Leader. Just please don’t pass the title down any further."

"Alright then."

Ji Yuan gazed upon the Sect Leader’s Mark, deeming it of little practical value.

He could view it as acquiring yet another Magical Treasure, specifically a reusable Defensive Treasure.

"We will depart in three days. During these days, if there are any questions, you can ask me anytime."

Master Xuan Shui concluded his words with a slight nod, then his figure shifted into Escape Light, departing from Wuyou Island.

Ji Yuan infused Spiritual Qi into the Sect Leader’s Mark, refined it briefly, and slipped it onto his left thumb. With just a mental command, the mark morphed into a vivid water-blue five-clawed True Dragon that shielded him securely.

The sensation evoked memories of the Water Dragon Technique for Ji Yuan—its second layer, "Sea Dragon Armor," delivered precisely the identical effect.