Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Qiu Qianhai, recovering in a blood pool, plots revenge against the Qin family and discusses his plan with a skeleton master. He aims to return to the Cangluo Continent within three years to avenge Ji Yuan's death. Meanwhile, Ji Yuan struggles to master his sword manual, hitting a cultivation bottleneck despite the Enlightenment Room's boost, and decides to seek information from Hu Li.
"Greetings, Elder."
Nowadays, Hu Li harbors no more resentment towards "Qiu Qianhai." Though the insect eggs within him remain an unresolved issue, these past months have been the most peaceful in his entire cultivation journey. With the Spirit Stones acquired from the treasury, his cultivation lacks any material worries. Protected by this Tier Three array and the reputation of the Hundred Insects Old Immortal, he has no fear of disturbances. He even boldly conversed with a Core Formation Demon Cultivator who recently paid a visit, something the former Hu Li would never have dared to imagine. However, he understands that these comforts are entirely due to "Elder Qiu," the figure standing before him.
"You have worked hard during this period," Ji Yuan stated, producing a bottle of Elixir and placing it on the table. "This should suffice for the next six months. After which, I will remove the insect eggs for you. If I happen to forget, be sure to remind me." Overjoyed by these words, Hu Li exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you, Elder!" As Hu Li moved to kneel, Ji Yuan raised him with a hand. "Enough, let's discuss the news you've gathered during your recent excursions?" Ji Yuan inquired, taking a seat beside him. To his surprise, Hu Li's initial report left him momentarily stunned. "Elder, the Sword Ruins... have been annihilated!"
"What?!" Ji Yuan was taken aback, barely believing his ears. "Did you say the Sword Ruins? Destroyed?" he repeated. "Yes, that occurred three months ago. It is said that the Three Demon Sects from Shangxi, along with some Nascent Soul Cultivators from Jiyuan Continent, ascended Shang Mountain. Then... then..." "What happened next?" "The Sword Ruins were eradicated. Reports suggest even the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, One Sword Master, could not escape. However, it is rumored he sacrificed himself to save Xu Sheng, who became the sole survivor. It is whispered that he fled overseas, though his destination remains unknown." Hu Li, not wishing to keep Ji Yuan in suspense, recounted everything in a single breath. Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan lightly tapped his right index finger against his knee.
...The Sword Ruins destroyed, the late-stage Nascent Soul One Sword Master deceased, with only Xu Sheng managing to escape. It appears the Sword Ruins pinned all their hopes on Xu Sheng? Perhaps they are merely awaiting Xu Sheng's breakthrough to Divinity Transformation to exact their revenge. This is indeed a possibility. Regardless, Xu Sheng is acknowledged as the most prodigious talent on Cangluo Continent within the last millennium. Having formed his Nascent Soul in a mere century, he might yet achieve Divinity Transformation.
'With the Sword Ruins gone, it signifies that the era of Shang Dong's six Immortal Sects has completely faded into history, and the last bastion of righteousness in the world's heart has vanished.' Indeed, upon receiving this news, Ji Yuan felt a distinct weight settle upon his heart. With the Sword Ruins obliterated, it seemed Shang Dong held little hope. 'I suppose the days will become even more arduous for my senior brother and the others,' Ji Yuan mused, a sense of distress welling up. Even Hu Li, a demon cultivator, let out a sigh. No matter his path, he was still a native cultivator of Shang Dong. Learning of these events now, it was impossible for him to remain entirely unmoved. However, these were matters Ji Yuan could not alter. Thus, he shifted the topic, choosing not to dwell further on it.
"Besides this, has anything else of note transpired?" "Yes," Hu Li nodded in haste. "The day after the Sword Ruins met their demise, Blood Luo Mountain made a significant announcement on Shang Mountain." "What major event?" "A Teleportation Array connecting Jiyuan Continent and our Cangluo Continent is set to open, with its designated location being Coastal City." "What?" To Ji Yuan, this piece of information was far more startling than the previous revelation. While the destruction of the Sword Ruins was troubling, it had been within Ji Yuan's realm of expectation. However, the Teleportation Array... its swift finalization was entirely unforeseen. It seemed the influence of Jiyuan Continent was indeed formidable. And the choice of Coastal City, wasn't that the hometown of his second senior brother? The vicinity where Ji Yuan had arranged to meet Liu Yuan and Ran Kui was not far from there. Now that a Teleportation Array was established, approaching it would not be simple. ...It appears a visit is warranted. They might have left behind some information, and it would be prudent to destroy that island to prevent future suspicions. 'But even if I go, it should be after my Fake Pill formation. If I encounter any Core Formation Realm cultivators there, I must ensure my own safety.'
"Oh, right, Elder, the items you requested I procure last time, I have managed to bring them back," Hu Li added, while presenting a Storage Bag with both hands. "The Iron Thread Ants are all contained within."
Ji Yuan casually accepted the item and gave it a look. "You've done well. Over the next few days, venture out again and gather more intelligence. Pay special attention to all matters concerning the Jiyuan Continent, no matter how trivial. I require comprehensive knowledge."
"Heh, consider it done, Elder. Leave it to me," Hu Li responded with a hint of youthful exuberance.
With no further instructions, Ji Yuan swiftly mounted the Frost Serpent and returned to the Hundred Insects Cave, his objective clear: to upgrade the Ant Nest.
From the ground, Hu Li observed the departure, a flicker of aspiration in his eyes.
'When will I, Hu Li, attain such formidable power?'
Upon reaching his Cave Mansion, Ji Yuan proceeded directly to the Ant Nest chamber. The surrounding Fire Marching Ants, having already acknowledged him as their master, did not retreat but instead congregated around him in greeting as he approached.
