Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 770 - 323: Upholding the Dao with Ji Celestial Venerable

Ji Yuan contemplated for a moment before speaking.

"Rest assured, I shall first detonate the spirit vein. Should the demon cultivators near the Water Dragon Sect be drawn away, we will proceed. If not... we will devise another strategy. After all, as you’ve rightly pointed out, Junior Brother, even if I were to perish, it must not be in vain."

Ran Kui rubbed his hands together as he replied.

"Just as Master instructed, survival is key to slaying more demon cultivators. I fully grasp this principle."

Observing Ran Kui's understanding, Ji Yuan felt a measure of relief.

"Very well, and what of Senior Brother Qinghe and the others? When shall we make our move?"

"They are presently awaiting us in an underground cavern near Black Mountain City, anticipating our arrival. If you require further preparations, Junior Brother, we can depart immediately to rendezvous with them."

Ran Kui’s voice held a note of eagerness.

Ji Yuan swiftly reviewed his current situation: the scattered islands situated across the sea had been entirely evacuated. At the Hundred Insects Cave within Profound Crystal Mountain, nothing remained except for the mountain-protecting array, a gift from the Hundred Insects Old Immortal, which had not been taken.

"All preparations are complete."

"Excellent, then let us set forth without delay."

Ran Kui, having eagerly anticipated this moment, stood up promptly upon hearing Ji Yuan's confirmation.

Shortly thereafter, a streak of escape light ascended from the Clear and Deep Cave, hugging the terrain as it journeyed towards the northwest.

Given that the Clear and Deep Cave lay to the south of the Water Dragon Sect, Ran Kui merely needed to traverse for approximately ten days via escape light to reach the vicinity of Black Mountain City.

It was there, within an underground cavern, that he convened with the other three individuals.

Qinghe appeared much the same, save for an increased presence of white hair upon his head.

It seemed he had undergone considerable hardship during this intervening period.

As for Su Huaimin, this marked Ji Yuan's inaugural encounter with him.

However, the disciples hailing from the Sword Ruins invariably projected a similar aura: a celestial bearing, a sword sheathed at the hip, exuding the essence of a sword cultivator clad in green robes.

Sheyan, from Corpse Transporting Mountain, presented an ordinary facade, yet the accompanying corpse, seemingly composed of magma, possessed a distinctly unusual appearance.

"This individual is..."

Qinghe inquired with curiosity, his gaze fixed upon the unfamiliar, green-robed elder before him.

Ji Yuan had already conferred with Ran Kui during their journey; initially, he had opted against revealing his true identity.

A decision would be made regarding a full reveal when the moment demanded a display of their utmost strength.

Consequently, he had employed a Transformation Talisman to assume the guise of this elderly, green-robed man.

Ran Kui wholeheartedly endorsed Ji Yuan's precautionary approach; in this world, one could scarcely exercise too much caution.

"Ah, this is a fellow loose cultivator I encountered recently, his surname is Li, and his given name is Changshou. Upon learning of our undertaking, he graciously volunteered to lend his aid."

Ran Kui provided the introduction.

Su Huaimin stepped forward upon hearing this and bowed to Ji Yuan.

"Friend, your selflessness is commendable."

Ran Kui proceeded to introduce Ji Yuan to the others, and after a round of mutual greetings, they gathered as a cohesive unit.

This operation had been conceptualized by Ran Kui, and with his cultivation level being the highest among them, he naturally assumed the mantle of leadership.

"Following our established strategy, I will commence by detonating the spirit vein of Dongyu Mountain. Once the Core Formation Demon Cultivators in proximity to the Water Dragon Sect are lured away, Brother Su and I will infiltrate the Demon Prison to liberate our captured comrades."

Ran Kui articulated the plan, his gaze encompassing Ji Yuan, Sheyan, and Qinghe.

"At that juncture, I shall require the assistance of you three to provide support from the exterior. Upon our successful egress, we shall collectively confront the demon cultivators entrenched within the Demon Prison."

"Understood."

Ji Yuan responded in a deep tone.

Sheyan continued, "Then we shall adhere to the original arrangement: Brother Wu Dao will engage the mid-stage Core Formation Blood Nightmare Old Fiend, while Su and I will contend with the early-stage Core Formation Granny Xuan Sha and the Venomous Flood Dragon Venerable."

"As for those Fake Pill cultivators... their fate will depend on how many righteous comrades you manage to release from within, Brother Wu Dao, and it might also necessitate Brother Changshou exerting himself further."

Having concluded his remarks, Sheyan turned his attention to Ji Yuan, addressing him with a solemn expression.

Ji Yuan had initially been prepared to confront a Core Formation Demon Cultivator himself, but upon hearing Sheyan's proposition...

"Very well, my friend Changshou possesses considerable strength; should Brother Sheyan find himself at a disadvantage, he may seek his aid."

Ran Kui had already given his consent.

Regardless, the prospect of Ji Yuan facing a Core Formation demon cultivator filled him with apprehension.

Any misfortune befalling his junior brother here would cause him infinitely more pain than his own demise.

"Him?"

Sheyan observed the individual known as 'Li Changshou,' whose cultivation was merely at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and pondered: could a cultivator at this stage possibly withstand an opponent in the Core Formation realm?

Such a notion was utterly preposterous.

If such a scenario arises, he would consider himself fortunate if the person didn't turn to me for assistance.

However, adhering to the principle of showing respect, Sheyan still managed a nod and clasped his hands in greeting towards Ji Yuan.

"In that event, I shall have to trouble Friend Changshou for support," he stated.

"It will be no trouble at all," Ji Yuan replied, stroking his beard with a smile.

"Hmm."

With everyone having voiced their agreement, Ran Kui turned his attention to the individual with the lowest cultivation level, Isle Master Qinghe.

"Junior Brother, your cultivation is not yet sufficient. Should a conflict arise, remember to maintain your distance and prioritize your own safety," Ran Kui advised.

In a confrontation where even the least powerful cultivator was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, Isle Master Qinghe's late-stage Foundation Establishment was indeed comparatively low.

"Heh, rest assured, Senior Brother. Over the years, while I may not have mastered much else, I have become exceptionally skilled in survival techniques," Qinghe responded.

As Qinghe spoke, the smile on his face gradually vanished. "However, I do implore you all to be cautious, my friends."

He then clasped his hands towards them once more.

"Indeed, we have no time to waste. Everyone shall rest for one more day; we will initiate our move tomorrow evening!"

Ran Kui made the final decision.

Following this, the group spent the remainder of the day within the cave, adjusting their breathing and restoring themselves to their peak physical and spiritual condition.

"..."

The following evening arrived.

Emerging from the cave, the assembled group quietly proceeded nearly a hundred miles to the northeast, eventually halting their advance at the periphery of a vast marsh.