Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 748 - 1

"Hmm?"

"How does this individual dare to return?"

Ji Yuan's thoughts swirled with a touch of confusion; logically, given Hu Li's character, after being intimidated by him in Peony City previously, he should have fled without a backward glance.

Why did he choose to return to Hundred Insects Cave to court death?

However, upon further reflection, Ji Yuan surmised that the Hundred Insects Old Immortal, that ancient demon, had likely ensnared him with some sort of restrictive enchantment, preventing his escape.

With this notion, Ji Yuan retrieved the Hundred Insects Old Immortal’s storage pouch and examined its contents.

In mere moments, he discovered a crucial clue within.

"So that's how it is..."

Ji Yuan allowed a subtle smile to grace his lips.

At the mountain's base, Hu Li, receiving no reply, called out once more, "Disciple Hu Li pays his respects to the Old Immortal."

The mountain breeze carried his voice; Ji Yuan, upon hearing it, felt a stirring in his heart... well, since fate has decreed this encounter, let us offer him a fright.

Immediately, he contemplated for a moment and executed a technique, adopting the voice of the Hundred Insects Old Immortal, speaking in a profound tone, "Do you... acknowledge your transgressions?"

Hu Li, standing at the foot of the mountain, heard this and instinctively dropped to his knees, bowing repeatedly.

"Disciple... disciple has been diligently acquiring Immortal Talent for the Old Immortal far and wide. Disciple knows not of any guilt. If there is guilt, it can only be that the Immortal Talent gathered by this disciple is insufficient."

"Oh?"

Ji Yuan let out a cold laugh, "Was it not you who implored that Qiu Qianhai to come and slay me?"

Hearing this, Hu Li was so terrified his heart nearly imploded, scrambling forward in a trembling state.

A single thought consumed his mind... that blasted Qiu Qianhai, Qiu the ancient demon, how could he be so utterly without principle!

On the surface, all his words were pleasantries.

But in secret, he turns around and betrays me!

Fortunate indeed that I placed such trust in him!

To engage in such treachery is a profound disgrace to the entire Cultivation Realm!

Despicable, utterly despicable!

My past trust has been repaid with such a consequence; if I manage to survive this ordeal, I, Hu Li, shall never place my faith in another!

Ji Yuan observed his silence, confirming his suspicion that Hu Li was seething internally, and thus spoke again, "Why remain silent? Do you require me to present proof?"

"Old... Old Immortal, I implore you to investigate thoroughly!"

A thought flashed through Hu Li's mind, and he swiftly declared, "At that juncture, I was coerced by that old demon Qiu; it was... it was he who compelled me to speak as I did."

"He possesses Core Formation Cultivation; this disciple fell into his grasp with no means of resistance."

"Ah, so that is the situation."

Ji Yuan feigned stroking his beard as he spoke, "Then inform me, in what manner did he coerce you?"

"This..."

Hu Li hesitated for merely 0.01 seconds before articulating smoothly, "He and I have been acquainted for some time; when he unlawfully entered my abode, he immediately began interrogating me, demanding that I divulge the Old Immortal's whereabouts. The Old Immortal treats me as his own kin; how could I possibly betray him?

He menaced me with death, and I... I was left with no alternative but to furnish him with some fabricated intelligence, in hopes of deceiving him and preserving my life."

"Thus, this disciple hastened back to provide the Old Immortal with the news, that the ancient demon Qiu is cruel and engages in all manner of wicked deeds. The Old Immortal must not place his trust in him lightly, nor should vigilance be relaxed."

"So, you are rather considerate of me, are you not?"

Ji Yuan inquired in a deep tone, appearing quite pleased with this explanation.

"Indeed, the disciple's sincere devotion to the Old Immortal is something that Heaven and Earth themselves can bear witness to!"

Hu Li hastily affirmed his loyalty.

"Very well, if such is the case, you may ascend."

Ji Yuan uttered this while deliberately stepping forward a few paces, a precaution lest Hu Li, upon his arrival, fail to spot him immediately.

"Yes."

Hu Li, upon hearing the voice, felt a surge of relief and stood, dusting himself off. However, the grime upon him did not dislodge; instead, it seemed to adhere even more firmly.

At this juncture, he must ensure the Old Immortal witnesses his pitiable condition.

Perhaps it will stir some pity and lead to his reprieve.

Hu Li, brimming with expectation, guided his Flying Boat towards the entrance of the Hundred Insects Cave, situated midway up the mountain.

Yet, the moment he disembarked and laid eyes upon the all-too-familiar figure, he was instantly rendered speechless.

"Why, does Brother Hu not recognize me?"

Ji Yuan reverted to Qiu Qianhai's appearance and voice, inquiring with evident amusement, "Were you not just vehemently cursing me, Brother Hu?"

Hu Li's countenance was a study in peculiar emotions at this precise moment.

Fear, apprehension, dread, a sense of powerlessness... and even a flicker of indignation.

In the end, his resistance seemed to cease; his legs buckled, and he crumpled to the ground, spasming a few times before losing consciousness. He appeared to have been frightened into unconsciousness.

"Oh, you're quite adept at feigning unconsciousness."

Ji Yuan remarked, carefully raising his right index finger. An ice needle materialized before him.

"Go."

He uttered softly, and the ice needle shot forward, instantly piercing Hu Li’s left index finger. The sudden sensation jolted Hu Li awake. His upper body snapped upright, his right hand clutching his left, his expression contorted in pain, yet he dared not cry out. Sweat, like large peas, trickled down his face.

"Senior..."

Hu Li managed to speak after a moment of composure.

"This junior is no match for Senior. I submit. Whether you wish to kill me or torture me, do as you please."

Hu Li was genuinely convinced this time. If during their previous encounters, he had believed he possessed some skill to escape, this meeting had made him fully comprehend his dire situation. He thought he could escape? Who could possibly outwit this 'old demon' Qiu?

"Kill or torture?"

Ji Yuan observed his resigned demeanor, shaking his head. "I'm afraid dirtying my hands by killing you... though that sounds rather severe, it's simply that killing you serves no purpose."

As he finished speaking, he clasped his hands behind his back and turned to gaze towards the cave entrance.