Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 754 - 319: Jiyuan Continent—Old Demon Ji

Sensing the downward gazes, Ji Yuan mentally directed the Frost Serpent to lower its head, and he too cast his eyes below.

"Greetings, Elder... Elder Qiu!"

Hu Li, observing the imposing Jiao Dragon Head, felt an overwhelming pressure and couldn't resist bowing deeply, kneeling with profound respect.

"Very well, you may rise."

With those words, Ji Yuan guided Monday in a circuit around the entirety of Profound Crystal Mountain.

The mountain winds swept past the Frost Serpent, carrying a distinct chill.

Finally, Ji Yuan experienced the sensation he had longyearned for—riding a dragon.

Yet, it felt insufficient. He desired to be the focal point, to descend from the heavens astride a dragon, much like his grand entrance in Peony City during the cultivators' assembly, with his feet planted firmly on the Frost Serpent. Such a spectacle would be truly magnificent... However, he wasn't Second Senior Brother Yun Qianzai; prudence was still necessary.

One couldn't solely focus on ostentation.

Therefore, after a brief display for Hu Li, Ji Yuan steered Monday back towards the Hundred Insect Cave.

The pursuit of secluded practice needed to continue.

His intention was to leverage this period and, in one decisive move, reach the Fake Pill stage!

But before immersing himself in cultivation, he entrusted Hu Li with an additional assignment.

This involved periodically venturing outside to acquire necessary items, such as the iron thread ants vital for upgrading the Ant Nest, and to gather intelligence.

While dedicated practice was crucial, staying informed about the world's affairs was equally essential.

Otherwise, upon emerging from seclusion, he would be as clueless as a blind man.

He'd genuinely have no idea what was transpiring in the world.

Upon his return to the Hundred Insect Cave, Tuesday also approached him.

Previously, such behavior was unthinkable; it would have remained hidden, maintaining a low profile. But now... Ji Yuan sensed it had finally advanced to Tier Three, becoming a complete entity and consequently gaining a measure of confidence.

In essence, it perceived its newfound strength and no longer felt the need for excessive caution. Its current wariness was deliberate, not mere apprehension, as evidenced by its vigilant guarding of the cave entrance while Ji Yuan was out on Monday.

This development was... quite positive.

Ji Yuan gently patted its forehead before proceeding with the two Frost Serpents toward the inner sanctum of the cave mansion.

As he passed the Ant Nest, he made sure to toss in some Immortal Talent mingled with Spirit Stone powder; they still required sustenance.

Ji Yuan then inquired about the desires of the two Jiao Dragons. Both expressed a preference against returning to the Spirit Beast Bag, wishing instead to roam freely around Profound Crystal Mountain.

Ji Yuan granted their request but sternly warned them against causing any destruction.

Failure to comply would result in their capture and confinement, one by one.

The two Frost Serpents departed with apparent joy, while Ji Yuan settled alone in the Scripture Pavilion, lost in quiet contemplation. Previously, his skills allowed him to contend evenly with cultivators in the early stages of Core Formation.

Now, with the addition of two Tier Three Jiao Dragons, and should he ascend to the Fake Pill Realm himself.

Confronting a cultivator in the mid-stage of Core Formation might not be entirely out of the question.

However, extreme caution would be paramount. Unless absolutely unavoidable, he should refrain from engaging with a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator... After all, those who reach this stage have refined their Lifebound Magical Treasures.

Cultivators possessing Lifebound Magical Treasures are in a completely different league compared to those without.

Furthermore, if he could nurture spirit pets, other cultivators were equally capable of doing so.

In such a scenario, if a spirit pet could effectively engage the Frost Serpents, he would be left to face the mid-stage Core Formation cultivator alone... In that event, his only recourse would be to flee.

Prudence is the utmost priority.

Upon encountering a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, the first course of action must be to escape!

Lost in thought, Ji Yuan's gaze drifted upwards to the inscription materializing on the stone wall.

["Canglan Nine Tribulations Sword Manual"]

[Proficiency: 98/100]

The final few points toward complete proficiency felt as arduous as scaling the heavens, yet there was no alternative; even with the aid of the Enlightenment Room, progress was agonizingly slow.

The remaining increments would have to be acquired through the passage of time.

Thus, Ji Yuan recomposed himself once more, entering a state of deep cultivation.

"..."

"Having frequented several marketplaces, this particular one stands out for its tranquility, with the majority of its cultivators being alchemists or talisman makers, individuals who generally eschew conflict."

A flying sword descended, halting before the market entrance. From it disembarked a female cultivator clad in black robes, possessing a rather unappealing appearance—dark skin, uneven eyes, and a flattened nose.

The only aspect worthy of commendation was her cultivation level.

Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, a rarity within this particular market.

Moreover, her demeanor appeared respectable; despite Foundation Establishment cultivators being exempt from entrance fees here, she still offered a low-grade Spirit Stone.

"Greetings, Fore... Forefather."

The fourth-tier Qi Cultivation guard promptly offered a salute.