Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 738 - 314: Reunion with an Old Friend

Just as he was contemplating a quiet departure after settling the bill for the wine, a fleeting glance caught his eye, revealing a young man in a hurried retreat, his expression etched with evident worry.

This particular aura... it strikes a chord of familiarity.

Ji Yuan performed a cursory scan with his divine sense, yet detected nothing out of the ordinary at first.

He then concentrated his efforts, extending the reach of his mid-stage Core Formation divine sense across the vicinity. Instantly, the individual's carefully constructed disguise was seen through.

Upon this initial observation, Ji Yuan found himself inwardly pleased.

The reason for his delight was none other than the fleeing individual being an old acquaintance.

An acquaintance whose path had notably crossed his own.

It was the demon cultivator—Hu Li!

Ji Yuan's maiden encounter with Hu Li had occurred during a procurement of immortal materials.

Their second meeting transpired amidst the remnants of the Ancient Battlefield Ruins.

Now, circumstances dictated a third encounter.

Observing Hu Li's agitated and panicked demeanor, Ji Yuan could readily surmise the underlying cause.

And what could that be?

It stemmed, naturally, from the mention of an alias belonging to Ji Yuan's old friend.

During both their initial and subsequent meetings, Ji Yuan had adopted the name Qiu Qianhai.

And presently, that very name remained in use.

However, a question lingered: why had Hu Li sought refuge within the Jade Palace’s domain once more?

Their repeated encounters led Ji Yuan to believe their connection was deeply fated. Considering the span of time that had elapsed since their last significant interaction, the initial animosity had largely dissipated.

With this thought, Ji Yuan resolved to discreetly follow and observe.

After all, his schedule was rather accommodating these days.

He subtly affixed a divine sense mark upon Hu Li and proceeded to trail him at a leisurely pace.

Hu Li's path eventually led him to a secluded courtyard nestled within the city.

This appeared to be his established base of operations within Peony City.

Ji Yuan took up a position in a teahouse situated directly opposite the residence, simultaneously erecting a subtle array around the courtyard.

Yet, the efficacy of such a measure was ultimately inconsequential.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Ji Yuan employed his Heavenly Eye to scrutinize the array's inherent weaknesses before infiltrating it with his divine sense.

A brief inspection of the courtyard's interior revealed a surprising sight that momentarily stunned Ji Yuan.

For the courtyard was laden with an assortment of materials, including the likes of Evil Yellow Powder, Earth Tomb Water, Heavenly Spring Liquid, and the Black Demon Flower...

While not overtly valuable, these substances were undoubtedly uncommon.

The collective presence of these disparate materials pointed Ji Yuan toward a significant realization.

It seemed these immortal materials were intrinsically linked to the art of nurturing spiritual insects.

For instance, during his tenure at the Water Dragon Sect, Ji Yuan himself had acquired the Black Demon Flower from All Things Island with the express purpose of breeding Spirit-Devouring Bees.

Evil Yellow Powder, on the other hand, served a crucial role in the cultivation of a specific spiritual insect known colloquially as the "Marching Ant."

Earth Tomb Water was identified as an exceptional nutrient for sustaining "Corpse Bugs."

’Could it be that Hu Li has pivoted towards the path of insect cultivation? Wasn’t he previously an adept in array formations? Even though the Thirty-Six Thick Smoke Array was rather rudimentary, it still posed a considerable threat to cultivators unfamiliar with such techniques.’

Meanwhile, within the confines of the courtyard, Hu Li paced with palpable unease.

Ji Yuan could clearly discern the beads of cold sweat glistening on his forehead.

Hu Li’s gaze swept over the surrounding materials, betraying a clear internal struggle regarding the viability of an escape.

After all, Ji Yuan himself had previously been a witness to Hu Li’s adeptness in evading capture.

This time, encountering him was a stroke of fortune; allowing him to slip away again was simply not an option.

Consequently, Ji Yuan employed telepathy, and a voice, hauntingly reminiscent of a nightmare to Hu Li, instantly resonated within his mind.

The voice declared:

“I am in need of certain Foundation Establishment materials. I wonder if you happen to possess any, Daoist Hu?”

“Should you be unable to provide them, I may be compelled to request that Daoist Hu himself serve as the substitute material.”

The mere utterance of this voice sent an involuntary shiver down Hu Li’s spine.

His immediate reflex was to retrieve a Talisman Treasure from his storage pouch.

However, before he could even channel spiritual energy into it,

A figure materialized directly before him.

He blinked, and the figure vanished, taking with it the Talisman Treasure that had been clutched in his hand.

“A rather generous offering; I shall accept it, albeit with some reluctance.”

The voice, originating from behind him, caused Hu Li’s knees to buckle, and he promptly dropped to the ground.

Having secured both the Talisman Treasure and the Sky Shuttle, Ji Yuan turned his attention back to his “old friend,” who exhibited no further signs of resistance.

“Why have you ceased your attempts to flee?”

Ji Yuan inquired, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“I shall not flee again, senior. Never again.”

Hu Li lamented, “Senior, I harbor no ill will towards you. Why must you persist in tormenting me?”

“I, too, am curious as to why you perpetually find yourself crossing my path,”

Ji Yuan remarked, surveying his surroundings with a grin. “Tell me, if my intention was truly to end your life, do you imagine you would still be standing here?”

“You may rise.”

Upon hearing this, Hu Li hastily touched his face as if to wipe away imaginary tears, stammering, “Thank you, thank you.”

He stood and positioned himself behind Ji Yuan, offering an obsequious smile.

“Were you not an array cultivator previously? What has prompted your current interest in insect cultivation?”

Ji Yuan posed the question casually, his gaze drifting over the various immortal materials scattered around.

Hu Li, not daring to withhold any information, responded promptly: “Reporting to Senior, these items do not belong to me.”

"I recently became an apprentice to a demon insect cultivator from Shangxi and was tasked with gathering these items."

"Oh? An insect cultivator from Shangxi, you say?"

Ji Yuan's interest was piqued.

"Indeed, his name is Hundred Insects Old Immortal. He commands a multitude of rare insects. Though his cultivation is only at the early-stage Core Formation, he is quite famous in Shangxi. Rumor has it he can contend directly with mid-stage Core Formation demon cultivators, and even some late-stage cultivators show him respect."

Hu Li elaborated on the details.

"So, his strength is rather impressive."

A note of caution entered Ji Yuan's demeanor.

Hu Li continued, "Precisely. I have followed him for several years and have discovered a significant clue."

"Indeed? Do enlighten me."

"He appears to possess a unique heritage that allows him to cultivate and enhance rare insects from across the globe. His most renowned insect is the Marching Ant, which he has refined into a Scorching Fire Marching Ant, possessing immense power."

... Cultivate and enhance insects worldwide?

Such astonishing claims!

Ji Yuan's curiosity was fully engaged.

If he could acquire such a method, even if it couldn't directly improve his Spirit-Devouring Bees, simply finding a way to produce a Tier Three Bee King would be incredibly valuable!

"Therefore, by following him, you are seeking this unique heritage, aren't you?"

Ji Yuan narrowed his eyes, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at the enchanting demon cultivator before him.