Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 768 - 322: Farewell, Eldest Senior Brother

"It wasn't until recently."

Ran Kui's gaze drifted upwards towards the imposing stone wall as he spoke. "I caught wind of information suggesting that he, along with several other cultivators who refused to yield, were all imprisoned at the former grounds of our Water Dragon Sect."

Ji Yuan's understanding began to form, grasping Ran Kui's underlying meaning.

"So, the last time you ventured back to the Water Dragon Sect, Senior Brother, your true intention was to uncover this very piece of information?"

"Precisely. Back then, I utilized the Transformation Talisman you provided to infiltrate their ranks. Indeed, I laid eyes on him, and a multitude of other cultivators who stood for righteousness."

Ran Kui’s fists tightened, his teeth gritted as the words tumbled out. "Those wretched demon cultivators subjected them to brutal torture... unimaginably severe torture..."

"And so, you come to me now, Senior Brother, with the desire to join forces and orchestrate their rescue?"

Ji Yuan bypassed pleasantries, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

"Yes."

Ran Kui confirmed with a nod. "They are men of integrity, prepared to embrace death over surrender. Previously, I was unaware, and thus helpless. But now that I know their whereabouts, if I fail to act and rescue them... my conscience will not allow it."

Ran Kui drew a deep, deliberate breath, exhaling a long, heavy sigh.

"However, I recognize that this undertaking is fraught with peril. Younger Brother, if you harbor reservations, I completely understand."

Ji Yuan offered neither immediate assent nor refusal. Instead, he rose and began a slow perambulation within the confines of the cave.

His steps were measured, his hands clasped behind his back.

Ran Kui observed him, his gaze fixed on Ji Yuan's retreating and advancing form, his own heart pounding with anticipation.

He desperately wished for Ji Yuan, his junior brother, to agree... for he could plainly see that Ji Yuan's cultivation had advanced to the Fake Pill Realm.

He had personally witnessed Ji Yuan's unique methods.

Remarkably diverse and effective.

His approach was always cautious, and his execution impeccable.

Should Ji Yuan lend his aid, the probability of success for this critical mission would undoubtedly surge by at least twenty percent.

Yet, a part of him also dreaded the prospect of Ji Yuan's agreement.

For this was no ordinary endeavor; the dangers inherent in this mission were more apparent than ever before.

The current circumstances were vastly different from the past. Previously, whenever they embarked on a mission, they had the unwavering support and protection of Master Hua Yaoyue as their bedrock. But now, with Hua Yaoyue gone, facing such perilous circumstances meant they could only depend on their own strength.

If they could truly rely on themselves...

They wouldn't be in this precarious situation.

Ji Yuan continued his thoughtful pacing within the cave for a considerable duration before clasping his hands together and turning to face Ran Kui. "Senior Brother, will it solely be the two of us undertaking this mission?"

"No,"

Ran Kui promptly stood, responding with urgency. "There are three others joining us. One of them, Younger Brother, you already know."

"Oh? And who might that be?"

"Senior Brother Qinghe."

"What? Him?"

Indeed, upon hearing the name, Ji Yuan displayed a notable degree of surprise.

Isle Master Qinghe, who had previously served at the Celestial Secret Hall, had been the one to recommend Ji Yuan to Hua Yaoyue. Ji Yuan, a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, had encountered him later in Lanshan City.

At the time, Ji Yuan had harbored suspicions about him, only to later learn the truth from Ran Kui.

He discovered that Qinghe, too, was secretly staunchly opposing the Demon Dao.

"Precisely. After our sect's dissolution, Senior Brother Qinghe aligned himself with me, and he has been actively working against the Demon Dao throughout these years. The intelligence regarding Ye Chen and the others being confined within the Water Dragon Sect originated from him."

Ran Kui hastened to provide clarification.

"It appears Senior Brother Qinghe possesses considerable capabilities."

"Indeed, he is exceptionally meticulous. Although his strength is somewhat lacking – after all these years, he remains at the late-stage Foundation Establishment – he will not offer significant assistance in this direct confrontation."

"And the remaining two?"

Ji Yuan continued his line of inquiry.

"The other two individuals are Daoist Su Huaimin, hailing from the Sword Ruins, and Daoist Shi Yan, from Corpse Transporting Mountain. Both are Fake Pill Cultivators, much like myself. With your Lifebound Magical Treasure at the early-stage Core Formation, you too are likely in the Fake Pill realm, correct?"

"Correct."

Ran Kui, being an insider, received no concealment from Ji Yuan.

"What about the opposing forces?"

Having assessed their own strength, Ji Yuan's next logical step was to comprehend the formidable opposition they would face.

"Regarding them..."

Ran Kui hesitated before speaking, "If we consider only the forces within the Demon Prison itself, there are three Core Formation Cultivators: one at the mid-stage of Core Formation and two at the early-stage. Additionally, there are six Fake Pill Cultivators."

Ji Yuan: "..."

Senior Brother, this plan borders on sheer recklessness. How could this possibly be distinguished from a suicide mission?

Nevertheless, maintaining the perspective of an insider, Ji Yuan still inquired, "Senior Brother, are you implying that there are forces beyond those of the Demon Prison involved?"

"Yes."

Ran Kui affirmed with a nod. "Should a full-scale conflict erupt, the demonic cultivators residing in the vicinity of the Water Dragon Sect would undoubtedly be drawn in. Conservatively estimated, we are looking at approximately ten Core Formation Stage demon cultivators."

Upon hearing this grim assessment, Ji Yuan could only shake his head in dismay.

"Master Brother, this is not feasible. If you are determined to seek death, at least choose a path with meaning. This current approach is utterly pointless."

Ji Yuan's words were blunt, yet he deemed them necessary as he perceived Ran Kui to be somewhat irrational.

"Actually..." Ran Kui did not react with anger to Ji Yuan's assessment. Instead, he continued, "I do possess a plan. I can lure away all the Core Formation cultivators in the vicinity, leaving only the forces of Demon Prison for us to contend with."

"As for Demon Prison, I will personally handle the mid-stage Core Formation demonic cultivator. Can Junior Brother Su Huaimin manage one of the remaining two early-stage Core Formation demonic cultivators? Younger Brother, can you take on the other?"

After a considerable period of contemplation, Ji Yuan finally responded, "If this strategy proves successful, I can indeed contend with one early-stage Core Formation demonic cultivator. But can Daoist Shi Yan from Corpse Transporting Mountain truly hold off all six Fake Pill cultivators?"

"That is impossible."

"No, no, no." Ran Kui emphatically shook his head. "Our initial objective must be to infiltrate Demon Prison and find a means to liberate some of Ye Chen's companions. Subsequently, we can scatter and attempt an escape, potentially delaying a few pursuers."

Ji Yuan resumed his seat, a hand massaging his brow.

"Master Brother, you intend to bestow upon them the Qi Blood Pill that I gave you, so they may rapidly recover their strength and join us in battle?"

"Precisely," Ran Kui confirmed without hesitation.

"During my previous excursion, I ascertained that while the exterior of Demon Prison is heavily fortified, the interior security is comparatively lax. I am confident in my ability to acquire the key... and secure the release of at least four righteous cultivators from the Fake Pill Realm."

"With their aid, we might stand a chance against the three Core Formation cultivators," Ran Kui concluded, his gaze shifting to Ji Yuan with a complex emotion.