Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 730 - 312: Finally Meeting Second Sister

"Mortal Realm?"

Ji Yuan inquired in response.

He was aware that within several regions of Shang Dong, nations composed of mortals existed, yet these areas were typically characterized by scant Spiritual Qi. Cultivators rarely felt inclined to venture there.

Furthermore, protracted stays in such locales tended to contaminate one with excessive chaotic auras, making subsequent advancement in cultivation increasingly arduous.

Consequently, despite the apparent intensity of the conflict between the righteous and demonic factions, its influence on these mortal realms remained largely superficial.

As Ji Yuan understood it, mortal realms akin to the birthplace of Phoenix Peach and the former location of the Ice and Fire Elder were still functioning adequately in the present day.

Cultivators generally avoided setting foot in these places.

However, here was Du Wanyi, a cultivator at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, expressing her desire to reside permanently within a mortal realm.

What could this possibly imply?

It suggested that she was effectively abandoning her path of cultivation, preparing to… await her demise in that very mortal realm.

How could such a thing come to pass?

Ji Yuan recollected that during their time in Zengtou City, Du Wanyi’s resolve in pursuing the Dao had been exceptionally firm, even after her affiliation with the Water Dragon Sect.

This very conviction had driven her to risk death in her attempt to breach the Nine Nether Cave Heaven.

Yet, how had events escalated to this current point?

"Indeed, she resides in a mortal realm known as the Xi Kingdom, situated to the southeast of our Water Dragon Sect. Her location is Qingqiu City, within that Xi Kingdom," Isle Master Youlan disclosed Du Wanyi’s whereabouts in a single breath.

"Very well, I shall remember this," Ji Yuan replied, rising to his feet and offering a solemn salute to Isle Master Youlan.

"You are most gracious, Junior Brother," Isle Master Youlan quickly stood and returned the gesture, then posed another question: "Shouldn’t you have departed with the Sect? Why do you still linger on our Cangluo Continent?"

Ji Yuan refrained from using the pretense of not being selected by the Sect, as he wished to avoid any misinterpretation concerning Hua Yaoyue.

Therefore, he stated plainly:

"While some elect to depart, it is natural that others choose to remain."

"It is a perfectly normal occurrence, nothing extraordinary about it."

Isle Master Youlan found herself unable to suppress her admiration for Ji Yuan upon hearing his words.

Indeed, precisely as Cao Xiangyu had observed earlier, Isle Master Youlan had not been presented with the opportunity to leave; had such a chance arisen, she undoubtedly would have accompanied the Water Dragon Sect to the Desolate Ancient Continent.

Yet, Ji Yuan now possessed that very opportunity and still opted to forgo it.

Reflecting from her own standpoint, Isle Master Youlan felt she could not have emulated such a decision.

While she might falter, others could succeed, and that was truly commendable.

"Your actions, Junior Brother, evoke my deepest admiration," Isle Master Youlan declared.

"Enough, Senior Sister, there’s no need for such effusive praise," Ji Yuan interjected with a smile, swiftly steering the conversation in a new direction. "And why have you yourself not ventured further afield, Senior Sister? Why are you lingering near the Sect? This region is fraught with peril, particularly for disciples of our Water Dragon Sect."

Upon this mention, Isle Master Youlan’s demeanor shifted noticeably.

"It is a lengthy and unfortunate tale; suffice it to say, your Senior Sister was regrettably blind and fell prey to deception…"

Subsequently, Ji Yuan listened intently as Isle Master Youlan recounted her harrowing experience.

In essence, Isle Master Youlan had already retreated a considerable distance. However, a junior sister from the Water Dragon Sect recently sought her out, claiming to have discovered a hidden treasure repository left by the Sect, which purportedly contained tens of thousands of Spirit Stones.

Receiving this news, Isle Master Youlan was naturally enticed. After a period of deliberation, she resolved to accompany the junior sister back to claim the purported riches.

To her dismay, subsequent to their departure from the Water Dragon Sect, that junior sister had already sworn allegiance to the Medicine King Valley.

She had been acting under the instructions of Cao Xiangyu, contacting Isle Master Youlan as part of the plan.

The remainder of the events required little explanation.

Isle Master Youlan realized the extent of the betrayal and fled for her life, eventually stumbling upon Ji Yuan in this location.

"I can only attribute it to my own blindness at the time, falling victim to such a despicable scheme!" Isle Master Youlan lamented, clenching her left fist. "Should I ever cross paths with her again, I shall undoubtedly end her life!"

For cultivators, an inherent inclination towards acquiring wealth was almost inevitable.

Ji Yuan, uncertain of how to respond to such a declaration, simply offered, "The world is in turmoil presently, Senior Sister. You ought to seek a secluded place to lie low and address this matter at a later juncture."

"Hmm, having endured this ordeal, I have found a measure of peace," Isle Master Youlan stated with a nod.

"Had I not encountered you today, Junior Brother, I might well have met my end right here."

"Very well, I have other engagements, as I must confer with some of my senior brothers. Thus, I cannot linger here for long. I have already ascertained that there are no Demon Dao strongholds in the immediate vicinity. You should be relatively safe hiding here, Senior Sister," Ji Yuan said, producing the Protective Talisman that Cao Xiangyu had intended to use but ultimately did not, and presenting it to her.

"Please accept this, Senior Sister; it might save your life during critical moments."

Isle Master Youlan, taken aback by his declaration, quickly refused, "It is already a great fortune to have been rescued by you today, Junior Brother. How could I still desire your treasure? Please keep it."

"This item holds little use for me; Senior Sister, kindly accept it. If I genuinely required it, why would I offer it to you?"

Noticing Ji Yuan's earnestness, Isle Master Youlan, who was in dire need of a Protective Talisman, accepted it with both hands.

"Then, I humbly thank you, Junior Brother."

Witnessing her acceptance, Ji Yuan felt reassured.

"In that case, I shall depart now, Senior Sister. Take care."

Ji Yuan joined his hands in a respectful gesture and then turned to leave. Once outside, he retrieved the Disordered River Array, contemplated for a moment, and then erected a Tier Two Illusion Array for Isle Master Youlan's protection.

Having completed these arrangements, Ji Yuan first journeyed north, traveling for several days before finally arriving near the vicinity of the Water Dragon Sect.

Masquerading as a Demon Cultivator, he fit seamlessly into the surroundings; he became just another face in the throng.