Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 723 - 309: Golden Core Body Cultivator!!!
Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Before him, this Spirit Vein presented a far more pleasing sight. The stones boasted smoother edges, the terrain was remarkably level, and lining both sides of the Spirit Vein were countless Spirit Stones. Some had already sprouted, easily pluckable, while a greater number remained concealed within the rocks, their faint glimmers igniting Ji Yuan's intense desire. 'What is this?' he mused. 'This is my future fortune!' After surveying the entire Spirit Vein, Ji Yuan entrusted the daily task of Spirit Stone collection to Tu Yue. With the Spirit Vein secured, Ji Yuan considered a major objective achieved. He knew that no matter how deep into seclusion he went or how unexpected delays arose in the future, his fundamental resource needs would be met. Shortly thereafter, he withdrew from the Mountain of Mind and Heart, returning his Lifebound Magical Treasure to his Dantian. With the Thunder Shock Marsh directly ahead, the next course of action was clear: preparation for a breakthrough. Ji Yuan extended his Divine Sense over the Profound Sun Blood Amber within his Storage Bag, then swept his senses across the surrounding mountains. Confirming he was unobserved, he willed the array to close, then stepped decisively into the Thunder Shock Marsh. Beneath the curtain of purple lightning, Ji Yuan retrieved a piece of Profound Sun Blood Amber from his Storage Bag, consumed it, and proceeded deeper into the treacherous marsh.
...
Simultaneously, on the higher reaches of Ice and Fire Island, above the tempestuous region, two figures stood amidst the clouds. Had Ji Yuan been present, he would have undoubtedly recognized one of them as his long-admired acquaintance, Mei Manor. Though, Ji Yuan's thoughts primarily concerned his Demon Pill. Beside Mei Manor stood an elder Daoist, his face youthful despite crane-like hair, clad in a faded Daoist robe, his arms clasped behind his back. Together, they observed a colossal tower ship, a flying boat, traversing the skies outside the storm zone, charting a course directly south.
'Who would have imagined the Water Dragon Sect would be the ones ultimately chosen to depart,' Mei Manor remarked with a click of his tongue. 'Departure itself isn't shocking; what's surprising is their apparent confidence that the Taiyi Immortal Sect would accept them,' the old Daoist replied, shaking his head. 'Should the Taiyi Immortal Sect refuse, they're merely hastening their demise. However, that old hag Kong Xifeng is not one to take gambles lightly. If she's chosen this path, she must have already secured assurances from the Taiyi Immortal Sect.' Mei Manor then added, 'Speaking of which, the Joy Palace also reached out to me, expressing a desire to relocate to the Desolate Ancient Continent.' 'And why don't you assist them?' the old Daoist inquired with a hint of playful suggestion. 'If I possessed such influence, would I still be contending here in the insignificant Cangluo Continent?' Mei Manor shot back. 'Besides, you, Spirit Communication Master, if you had been willing to intercede, this situation might not have escalated so rapidly. At the very least, Spirit Control Sect's surrender might have been reconsidered.' The Spirit Communication Master chuckled, stroking his beard. 'Oh, so now you're placing the blame on me.' Noticing Mei Manor's serious expression, the Spirit Communication Master dropped his jovial pretense. 'Very well, tell me, what would have been the outcome if I had intervened?' 'It certainly wouldn't be as dire as it is now,' Mei Manor stated promptly. The Spirit Communication Master immediately countered, 'But it would ultimately be futile, wouldn't it? Even if we combined forces on Shang Dong's behalf, we could, at best, intimidate the Nascent Soul cultivators of Shangxi. However, in a conflict of this magnitude, the Nascent Soul cultivators clearly wish to abstain from fighting. The Gold Core and Foundation Establishment cultivators below stand no chance, and the outcome would remain unchanged. Furthermore, the Jiyuan Continent remains an unpredictable factor.' 'Mei Manor,' the Spirit Communication Master concluded, shaking his head and glancing at the departing tower ship, 'you possess keen insight into many matters, yet in others, your vision is surprisingly clouded. It is only due to our several hundred years of friendship that I offer these words.' If anyone else had spoken thus, Mei Manor might have dismissed it. But coming from the Spirit Communication Master, a late-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, he listened intently. He then struggled slightly before articulating, 'I simply cannot reconcile myself to the idea of my elder brother and sister-in-law's legacy falling entirely into the hands of that deranged woman.' 'You cannot reconcile yourself to it, and then what?'Spirit Communication Master tucked his hands into his sleeves, gazing southward. "Do you truly believe Kong Xifeng and the Water Dragon Sect’s Core Formation cultivators genuinely wish to abandon their homes and journey afar?" "Sometimes, it isn't merely a matter of refusal." "There are times when one must concede their own inadequacy, much like your current predicament; your skills are simply outmatched by that woman, leading you to be chased to Ice and Fire Island like a stray dog." Mei Manor balled his fists, the veins on his forehead standing starkly, but he quickly reined in his emotions. Suddenly, a realization seemed to dawn upon him. "Old ghost, do you have a scheme in mind?!" Mei Manor abruptly turned his head to face his old companion. If there wasn't a plan, this old specter wouldn't have uttered such biting remarks. As he rightly stated, if no solution exists, nothing will change. "A plan isn't quite the right word, perhaps more like some notions." Spirit Communication Master chuckled, stroking his beard. "Share them with me." "You have traversed the Cangluo Continent for years as a Nascent Soul cultivator, yet you seem to have forgotten your fundamental nature... you are a demon, a true scion of the Demon Race." Spirit Communication Master observed Mei Manor's eyes light up. "You've integrated with the human cultivators, but in truth, human intentions are far from straightforward; they are excessively intricate." "So, you propose we venture to the Endless Sea, reunite the Demon Race, and then launch a counteroffensive against the Cangluo Continent, transforming it into our Demon Race's dominion, is that it?!" Mei Manor declared, his fists clenched, his previously unfocused gaze now sharpening. "I did not state such a thing." Spirit Communication Master gave a low laugh. "However, while I was in deep seclusion beneath the waves, certain sea beasts conveyed that the Master of the Sea Ruins on Jiyuan Continent has passed away, and the position is currently vacant." "Sea Ruins..." Mei Manor murmured, his gaze shifting eastward. "Indeed, it appears it is time for a journey." He then retracted his gaze, scrutinized Spirit Communication Master from head to toe, and inquired with a wry smile: "What advantage do you stand to gain by inciting me, old ghost?" Spirit Communication Master let out another chuckle. "Take a guess." "I shall not guess." Mei Manor shook his head, but continued, "At the very least, your suggestion resonates with my own inclinations. Though, old ghost, I am curious about one matter: how many of your avatars are presently within the Cangluo Continent?" Spirit Communication Master continued his laughter: "Guess again." "I shall not guess." Mei Manor still shook his head, then abruptly seemed to recall something. "Speaking of which, I encountered that Ice and Fire Elder not long ago; he bore a striking resemblance to you." "He is not me." This time, it was Spirit Communication Master who shook his head. "Hehe." "..." The grand sun traverses its path, day and night unceasing. Purple lightning descended year after year into the depths of the Thunder Shock Marsh. At this precise moment, deep within the Thunder Shock Marsh, a powerfully built man, his upper body bare and his hair dishevelled, floated in the void. His form drifted weightlessly, and torrents of thick purple lightning struck him, yet he appeared utterly unaffected. "Thunder Forging Body," he proclaimed, spreading his arms wide, sensing the immense power coursing within him, his eyes ablaze with unparalleled excitement. "Is this a physique that rivals the Golden Core cultivators' Bone Forging Realm?" "The sensation of power is truly magnificent!" Ji Yuan exclaimed, his right hand suddenly clenching, pulverizing thousands of lightning bolts. —— (Yesterday, I was extended an invitation to attend Han Old Devil’s Nascent Soul Formation ceremony, which consumed a considerable amount of time. I initially thought today’s update would be impossible, but thankfully, I put in extensive overtime last night, thus avoiding any disruption to our sect's crucial affairs. Fortunate indeed! Please, fellow Daoists, do not hesitate to cast your monthly votes to offer support. To aid Ji Celestial Venerable in achieving Nascent Soul Formation swiftly.)