Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 753 - 318: The Strange Insect "Elixir of Immortality"! (2-in-1, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Possessing this Winter Insect grants one the possibility of reliving their life. Even if unemployed, it could be traded or gifted to cherished friends and family; such options are readily available.

However, the Winter Insect's efficacy relies solely on voluntary consumption; if it perishes due to external forces, its existence becomes utterly meaningless.

If only the Winter Insect possessed the ability to resurrect one on the spot with full restored strength... or perhaps, like the Spring Autumn Cicada, it could restore one's youth to an earlier state, that would be even more exceptional.

"Furthermore, who could have fathomed that this minuscule Cangluo Continent, merely nurturing a Core Formation Cultivator of such a small stature, would harbor an insect capable of shaking the entirety of the Human Realm?"

"Indeed, opportunities are truly inscrutable, and their significance should never be underestimated."

"One can never be certain when a seemingly ordinary adversary might conceal a heaven-sent boon, thus, when engaging anyone, it is paramount to unleash one's full might and resolve the conflict with utmost haste."

"Also, never belittle opponents whose cultivation base is inferior to your own, for just as I can vanquish cultivators from higher realms, others may possess the same capability to transcend realms and defeat me. Life is singular, and succumbing to deceit would undoubtedly invite immense trouble."

Reflect upon your actions thrice each day.

Ji Yuan, through the profound influence of the Winter Insect, meticulously contemplated his current predicament.

At last, his gaze returned to the interior of the coffin.

Within, the withered Winter Insect lay dormant and still, while at each of the stone chamber's corners, four distinct artifacts were positioned.

Spring ushers in prosperity to every valley, Summer paints the land with a hundred blooming flowers, Autumn gathers a thousand fruits in harvest, and Winter meticulously stores countless grains.

These artifacts distinctly represented the four cardinal seasons.

Through intricate runes, these items were interwoven, channeling their essence into the blood-infused coffin.

Yet, these artifacts possessed the capability only to preserve the Winter Insect's current stagnant state. As for awakening it from its profound slumber... well, Ji Yuan was entirely unaware of how to proceed.

Even the Hundred Insects Old Immortal would likely be devoid of such knowledge; had he possessed it, he would have undoubtedly consumed the Winter Insect himself, reverting to his youthful prime.

"If only my Master had not departed; she might possess the wisdom to awaken this Winter Insect."

Ji Yuan mused on this thought, then began to strategize on how to safely transport the Winter Insect.

After a period of considerable deliberation, he conjured forth the Mountain of Mind and Heart, entered its confines, designated a space within the Cave Mansion, and activated the potent magical treasure. A formidable suction force rapidly drew all contents from the cavern into the protected space of the Cave Mansion.

Within the mystical confines of the Mountain of Mind and Heart, Ji Yuan's gaze fell upon the successfully retrieved Winter Insect, and a profound sense of relief washed over him.

It was a great fortune to have managed its retrieval.

Upon reaching Jiyuan Continent, he would diligently seek a method to awaken the Winter Insect.

With that resolved, Ji Yuan emerged, reabsorbing the magical treasure back into his Dantian.

... A mystical insect ranked fourth within the entire Human Realm.

If this entity could be roused from its dormancy, Ji Yuan surmised it would stand as the most invaluable treasure, second only to his own burgeoning abilities.

Having exited the cavern, Ji Yuan proceeded to return to the preceding cavern where the Fiery Army Ants were housed.

After repeated internal debate, he ultimately decided on collecting these as well.

If they remained unused, he could nurture them temporarily and seek to trade them when a suitable opportunity presented itself.

The precise moment Ji Yuan secured the Fiery Army Ants, words materialized promptly upon his status panel.

A new structure... has manifested!

[Ant Nest: lv1 (inupgradeable)]

[Spirit Effect: Ant swarm reproduction rate +30%; recovery speed +20%; advancement probability +5%.]

[Upgrade Conditions: Low-grade Spirit Stones×50; cultivate an Ant King, ant swarm population reaches 1000; Iron Thread Ant corpse×1. (Unmet)]

Upon observing the newly appeared structure, Ji Yuan's initial reaction was not one of elation, but rather a deep contemplation regarding whether the [Ant Nest] could potentially be integrated with the existing [Beehive].

He pondered this possibility, but the system panel offered no discernible response.

... Could this indicate the existence of further structures yet to be discovered?

The Celestial Craft Square had originated from the amalgamation of four distinct buildings: Pill Array Talisman, hence, even with differing levels, a fusion prompt would have appeared.

Yet, in the current scenario, the absence of any prompt implied that a crucial building remained missing.

Ji Yuan deliberated further but could not pinpoint the identity of the missing component, so he refrained from hasty actions.

The matter of fusion was not of immediate consequence.

Primarily, the [Beehive] and the [Ant Nest] exhibited striking similarities.

Hmm... perhaps it would be prudent to proceed with an upgrade, and observe what unique Spirit Effect would be bestowed upon the Fiery Army Ants once the [Ant Nest] attained level two.

If the resultant effects proved advantageous, then both structures would be retained.

At most, a greater expenditure of resources would be required.

With the presence of the [Spirit Vein], Ji Yuan harbored no anxieties concerning resource limitations.

"It is simply that the Iron Thread Ant proves elusive to locate; it would be wiser to defer the upgrade until after my seclusion concludes."

Having meticulously concluded these affairs, Ji Yuan sought out a secluded cave, activated the potent Spirit Effects of both the [Scripture Pavilion] and the [Enlightenment Room], and commenced preparations for his upcoming seclusion, with the express objective of elevating his cultivation to the coveted Fake Pill Realm in the near future.

With his Mana further amplified, bolstered by countless magical artifacts and Lifebound Magical Treasures, he could potentially rival early-stage Core Formation cultivators even without resorting to body cultivation methods.

Under the Spirit Effect of the [Enlightenment Room], Ji Yuan found serenity, quickly immersing himself in the contemplation of the Sword Manual.

An indeterminate time later, he was abruptly jolted from his cultivation by a powerful fluctuation of Spiritual Qi emanating outwards.

His senses instinctively guided his gaze towards the source of this spiritual artifact's surge.

Could that stone chamber… has the Frost Serpent finally achieved a breakthrough?!

Has it reached Tier Three?!

Ji Yuan sprung to his feet, his eyes alight with overwhelming joy.

However, his elation swiftly waned.

The current breakthrough belonged to Tuesday, the more gifted one, while Monday had yet to ascend. He decided to wait until both Frost Serpents had advanced before assessing the situation.

Restraining his eagerness, he resumed his seated position.

He surmised that Tuesday, having broken through, would likely adopt a reclusive demeanor, perhaps coiling into its smallest form.

While pondering, Ji Yuan extended his Divine Sense to observe.

The reality mirrored his imagination precisely.

Tuesday, post-breakthrough, sported scales that gleamed with enhanced brilliance, its aura exuding a subtle yet discernible pressure.

Its Jiao Dragon head appeared increasingly formidable, projecting an air of stern authority without outward anger.

In essence, it bore a much closer resemblance to a true dragon.

At that moment, it was coiled in the cave's corner, its size comparable to a millstone. It raised its head towards Monday, who was still undergoing its advancement, giving the impression of a frozen sculpture.

Yet, Ji Yuan could discern from the residual Spiritual Qi within the cave that Tuesday was actively acting as a guardian for Monday!

"Thankfully, my efforts in raising it were not in vain."

"This breakthrough to a Tier Three Demon Beast has truly diminished its timidity."

With these thoughts, Ji Yuan withdrew his Divine Sense, persisting in his seclusion.

Meanwhile, far below Profound Crystal Mountain.

Hu Li stared upwards at the mountain summit, his expression one of utter shock. Could this aura signify the old Demon Cultivator's cultivation advancing once more?

How incredibly enviable, possessing such profound talent!

After a brief period of self-muttering, Hu Li recommenced his cultivation.

Yet, scarcely a few days passed before he perceived another potent wave of Spiritual Qi surging from the direction of the mountain peak.

This subsequent wave seemed to merge with the first, its overwhelming power rendering him incapable of even rising.

"This… this is a Demon Beast!"

Overwhelmed by the pressure, Hu Li dared not lift his head. Suddenly, however, a resonant roar echoed from above.

A sound akin to the majestic song of a dragon.

He hazarded a guess as to its origin, mustering his strength against the oppressive aura to look upwards.

What greeted his eyes was a young man clad in black robes, standing atop the head of a colossal, ice-blue Jiao Dragon. The young man held his hands slightly raised, as if basking in the gentle morning sun.

——

[Ding, congratulations to Ji Celestial Venerable for acquiring the key item "Winter Insect."]

(An unrewarded guess: Who will ultimately make use of the Winter Insect.)