Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 749 - 318: Strange Insect "Elixir of Immortality"! [2-in-1, Monthly Ticket Request]

"Alright, follow me and I'll have you introduce me to your old master’s Cave Mansion."

Hu Li scrambled up with haste, his eyes alight with eagerness.

"Senior Qiu Qian, what brings you here? And what about the old master?"

"Him? How do you suppose he's faring? Is he dead, or perhaps out for a stroll?"

Confronted with such a perilous inquiry, Hu Li clenched his teeth. Unwilling to commit to a choice, he simply voiced his genuine thoughts.

"Naturally, I hope he is dead!"

"In truth, after encountering you in Peony City, Senior, I had contemplated fleeing. But regrettably, that old fiend poisoned me. If I do not consume the Antitoxic Pill promptly, the eggs within me will hatch, and I shall become sustenance for those abhorrent insects, trapped in a state of living death."

"For such an ancient demon, I certainly desire his demise."

Leading the way, Ji Yuan let out a chuckle as he listened.

"Then consider him dead."

"Is... is that truly the case?"

Hu Li practically bounded forward with excitement, exclaiming, "I knew it, Senior! Your power is unmatched, your victories absolute wherever you tread!"

"Ha, no, no, no. I, Qiu Qianhai, am a person devoid of heart and compassion, responsible for countless wicked deeds."

Ji Yuan listened, feeling rather pleased with this admission.

"Senior, please do not jest with this junior. I am merely striving to survive; nothing holds more importance than remaining alive."

"Very well, come along and elucidate these matters for me."

"Yes, Senior. Pray, observe these Fiery Red Flowers. The old demon utilized them to cultivate his Blazing Fire Marching Ants. A few seeds remained, and he instructed me to plant them here..."

"..."

One day and one night later.

Having thoroughly surveyed the entirety of Profound Crystal Mountain, Ji Yuan reappeared at the entrance of the Hundred Insects’ Cave. Trailing behind him, Hu Li, whose throat had grown parched from incessant talking, seized the moment. He retrieved a flask of Spirit Liquid along with some Earth Treasure from his Storage Bag, took a restorative sip, and his previously weary form instantly revitalized.

It was no wonder he had prattled on for so long.

Primarily, the old demon had left behind a multitude of items. In his desperate bid for survival, Hu Li had meticulously detailed every single object of even slight utility that they encountered.

He even elaborated extensively on how the Hundred Insects Old Immortal employed each specific item.

Once these introductions were concluded and they had returned to the entrance of the Cave Mansion.

Ji Yuan then pivoted and inquired, "Did the Hundred Insects Old Immortal possess any associates in this region of Shang Dong?"

Should any such connections exist, they would have to promptly abscond with the goods. Conversely, if not... Ji Yuan mused that Profound Crystal Mountain was, in fact, rather appealing. With the formidable reputation of the Hundred Insects Old Immortal serving as a guise, remaining here in secluded cultivation for a period would be preferable to perpetually living in trepidation on some desolate overseas isle.

"No, after suffering betrayal from a former disciple, the old demon placed his trust in no one, having grown accustomed to a solitary existence."

Hu Li responded. He then contemplated for a moment before adding, "Furthermore, his temper was notoriously foul. I recall a few early Golden Core stage demon cultivators who sought him out, ostensibly to propose a joint venture for acquiring a treasure, only to be unceremoniously cursed away by him."

"How long have you been in his service?"

Ji Yuan inquired further.

"From the moment the old demon established himself in Shang Dong, I have been under his employ."

Hu Li stated truthfully.

"You should understand that my demise would be of no benefit to you." Ji Yuan cast a glance at him, his eyes narrowing into a smile.

Hu Li quickly raised his right index finger and declared with utmost sincerity, "I, Hu Li, do hereby swear that if, over the past two days on Profound Crystal Mountain, I have uttered even a single falsehood to Senior, may I perish without a burial site!"

As the solemn vow was uttered, a sudden clap of thunder echoed through the sky.

Yet, Hu Li remained unharmed. Only then did Ji Yuan feel a sense of reassurance. However, upon further reflection, he recognized the subtle implication within Hu Li's declaration... referring specifically to the past two days, and only on Profound Crystal Mountain.

This suggested that falsehoods might have been spoken prior to this period.

"You were prepared for this outcome, weren't you."

Observing Hu Li's swift and decisive oath, Ji Yuan remarked.

"Well... this junior comprehends Senior's disposition. Without making this vow, the efforts of the past two days would have been rendered entirely futile."

Hu Li bowed deeply, his words still holding the ring of truth.

"Very well, here is your supply of Antitoxic Pills for the coming year."

Ji Yuan stated, tossing a Jade Bottle towards him. "I intend to enter closed-door cultivation within Profound Crystal Mountain. Maintain a vigilant watch for me outside, and inform any who arrive that the Hundred Insects Old Immortal is in seclusion."

Hu Li eagerly caught the Jade Bottle with both hands, a discernible gleam of joy flickering in his eyes.

"Yes, I shall adhere strictly to Senior’s command!"

Possessing a year's worth of supply meant he could dedicate himself to steady cultivation throughout the next twelve months.

"Don't worry, as long as you diligently serve me, when the time comes for me to depart from Profound Crystal Mountain, I will certainly assist you in expelling those parasitic eggs."

Ji Yuan painted a grand, albeit absentminded, picture for him.

"Alright..."

Regardless of whether Hu Li genuinely believed him or not, he chose to act as if he did, immediately dropping to his knees and prostrating himself on the ground.

"The Spirit Stone Elixirs and similar items stored upon that mountain are yours to use as you see fit. My only request is that no one be permitted to disturb my seclusion," Ji Yuan stated, gesturing for him to depart.

Upon hearing this, Hu Li's delight intensified.

Once Hu Li had departed, Ji Yuan retrieved the Flags of the Inverted Rivers Array and positioned them around Profound Crystal Mountain. Following the establishment of this formation, he planted the Yin Ghost Banner atop the mountain's peak, thereby setting up the Yin Ghost Array.

At long last, he also gained comprehension of Profound Crystal Mountain's protective array.

This array was known as the "Sharp Gold Mountain-moving Array," a defensive formation that drew upon the power of Golden Earth and possessed a subtle lethal edge – a truly rare artifact.

Ji Yuan first located the Array Plate for this formation within the Hundred Insects Old Immortal's Storage Bag, subsequently refining it. Employing his PWoang Divine Eyes, he then pinpointed the previously damaged nodes and dedicated several days to their meticulous repair.

Having finalized these arrangements, he retreated to the Hundred Insects' Cave, preparing himself for a period of secluded cultivation.