Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 757 - 319: Jiyuan Continent—Old Demon Ji!

Nevertheless, within this bloody pool, the wounds adorning his body were mending at an astonishing rate.

"Heh, you first antagonized Xuanqing Gate, then Tingtao Pavilion, and even Tiangong Valley. You didn’t even spare Soul Refining Hall, and now you’ve arrived here to provoke Celestial Killer Mountain… I must say, your persistence in surviving is truly admirable."

A chilling voice resonated through the cavern.

The individual submerged in the blood pool let out a soft chuckle, "Without sufficient pressure, how can a disciple ascend so rapidly?"

"Moreover, it was only Soul Refining Hall and Xuanqing Gate where I provoked the Nascent Soul stage monstrosities; the others were merely Core Formation cultivators, hardly a cause for concern."

As he uttered these words, a gesture of his hand ensued, and a gleaming golden Treasure Armor materialized in his grasp.

"Indeed, this Celestial Killer Mountain is brimming with countless treasures. Furthermore, was it not your own counsel, Master, to embark on this venture and plunder Celestial Killer Mountain? Why do you now cast blame upon me?"

A spectral grey mist coalesced within the cave, from which a skeletal figure emerged and began to stroll.

This skeleton ambled to and fro beside the crimson pool, articulating its words with deliberate slowness:

"This time, even the formidable Black and White Impermanence of the Black and White Divine Hall have journeyed to the Cangluo Continent. The connection of the teleportation array is bound to succeed, a coveted opportunity that Celestial Killer Mountain will scarcely wish to forgo. Their focus will be entirely consumed by the array formation, and as long as you do not overstep your bounds, they shall pay you no heed."

"Heh, I, Qiu Qianhai, am quite aware of this. And furthermore, I shall require their very array to make my return to the Cangluo Continent."

With his declaration, Qiu Qianhai ascended from the depths of the blood pool. With a single stride forward, he was already enveloped in a resplendent, blood-hued magic robe.

His hair, his attire, and a striking vertical mark upon his brow, all pulsed with a sanguine hue, bestowing upon him an exceptionally sinister appearance.

Raising his right hand, he extended a finger, upon which a crimson flame ignited at its tip. With a casual flick, he sent this fiery orb backward, and it plunged into the waiting blood pool.

Instantly, the entire pool erupted into a roiling inferno, transforming into a veritable sea of fire.

He then proceeded with a slow gait towards the stone wall, extending his hand and etching two characters into its surface.

"Forty-eight."

Having inscribed the numerals, he fixed his gaze upon them, seemingly lost in profound contemplation.

From behind him, the skeleton observed his posture with an expression of quiet satisfaction.

After a prolonged moment of silent scrutiny, Qiu Qianhai reached out and erased the markings.

"I have been absent for forty-eight years now. Within three more years at the absolute latest, I shall be able to return to the Cangluo Continent. And then…"

Qiu Qianhai then declared, bringing his hands together with a sharp clap, "The Qin Family of Zengtou City? Hah! After I have dispatched Ji Yuan, I shall extract the divine souls of their entire lineage and refine them for a period of forty-nine years!"

Despite the venomous nature of his pronouncements, his outward demeanor remained impeccably calm.

The skeleton let out a dry chuckle, "Worry not about the Qin Family. Upon your triumphant return, even among the ranks of the Water Dragon Sect, few shall possess might comparable to yours."

"What consequence does that hold? Lao Ji remains deceased."

With these words, Qiu Qianhai’s composure finally faltered, a subtle shift betraying his inner turmoil.

"Very well. Once you have avenged Ji Yuan’s spilled blood, your path to achieving Core Formation will be one of serene progression."

The skeleton continued its measured pacing within the cave, its hands clasped behind its back:

"You have amassed a multitude of adversaries in this realm, thereby obstructing any possibility of peaceful cultivation. Upon your return to the Cangluo Continent, dedicate yourself to cultivating in tranquil seclusion and strive for the earliest possible condensation of your Nascent Soul."

The mention of Nascent Soul condensation caused Qiu Qianhai to pause briefly, after which he responded with a solemn affirmation:

"Yes."

"When you attain the Nascent Soul stage, it shall be the opportune moment for you to exact vengeance on my behalf, my disciple. What say you?"

The skeleton slowly rotated its head, a faint creaking sound emanating from its neck as it finally brought its gaze to bear upon Qiu Qianhai.

"It is only right, and it shall indeed come to pass."

"Keekeekee."

A pleased, rasping laugh escaped the skeleton’s throat.

"…"

"Damn it all, why can’t I just break through this final increment of proficiency?"

Deep within the cavern, Ji Yuan’s gaze remained fixed upon the stone wall before him, a palpable sense of agitation emanating from his being.

[Canglan Nine Tribulations Sword Manual]

[Proficiency: 99/100]

This minuscule final segment of proficiency should, by all reasonable estimations, require no more than three months to fully internalize. Yet, after the passage of nearly four months, it still eluded his grasp.

His cultivation had encountered a formidable bottleneck.

However, the Enlightenment Room itself possessed a peculiar attribute: when confronted with a cultivation bottleneck, it generously bestowed a 20% comprehension boost.

Thus, with this amplified comprehension, why was he still incapable of grasping the final piece?

It could only be attributed to one factor… the Enlightenment Room's current level was insufficient. In any case, he refused to concede that his own comprehension was lacking.

Since his dedicated efforts had yielded no tangible results, Ji Yuan resolved to depart and seek some diversion.

During this period, Hu Li had undertaken two expeditions and had presumably amassed a considerable trove of valuable intelligence.

It was now an opportune moment to ascertain the current state of the world.

Ji Yuan emerged from his Cave Mansion, soaring into the sky.

Upon the peak of Profound Crystal Mountain, a slumbering Frost Serpent stirred, its gaze fixing on Ji Yuan as it swiftly approached.

The serpent bobbed and weaved, clearly awaiting Ji Yuan's instructions.

Without even needing to glance, Ji Yuan knew the serpent before him was Monday, ready for duty.

As for Tuesday, Ji Yuan spotted it too, playfully toying with aquatic life in a nearby brook.

A Rank Three serpent possessed formidable adaptability, capable of traversing the heavens or concealing itself within the smallest streams.

Its size was a mere matter of its will.

Ji Yuan mounted Monday, allowing the serpent to carry him over the rugged terrain. After a significant journey, they reached the base of Profound Crystal Mountain, where Ji Yuan found Hu Li residing in a modest dwelling.

At this moment, Hu Li was indeed dedicating himself to a path of intense cultivation.

Furthermore, his cultivation had yielded results; Ji Yuan's divine sense confirmed Hu Li stood at the precipice of the Foundation Establishment Peak.

It appeared his breakthrough was imminent.

Upon sighting Ji Yuan's arrival, Hu Li promptly clasped his hands together in a respectful salutation.