Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 771 - 323: Ji Celestial Venerable Upholds the Right Path

At the forefront, Ran Kui retrieved a device resembling an array plate from his storage bag. Ji Yuan extended his divine sense over it, confirming the presence of array formations within. He also detected a technique akin to the Thousand Machines Technique, speculating it served as the ‘fuse’ for their plan.

"Is everyone prepared?" Ran Kui’s voice resonated within their mental seas. "Ready," came the chorus of replies from the group.

Against the backdrop of a dim yellow sky, a flicker of spiritual light flashed upon Ran Kui’s right hand as the array plate instantly disintegrated. Concurrently, north of the Starfall River, within Dongyu Mountain, a series of explosions erupted, followed by a tremor that shook the very heavens and earth. Though Ji Yuan could not witness such a distant event, an instinctual gaze drew him northward.

"Everyone, find a place to conceal yourselves nearby. I will scout the situation alongside the Core Formation Demon Cultivators," Ran Kui announced. As he spoke, he placed a conical hat, emitting a faint aura, upon his head, causing his presence to plummet to an almost imperceptible level. Even at this close proximity, Ji Yuan sensed him as merely a Qi Cultivation cultivator. Further away, his aura might have gone entirely unnoticed.

…This conical hat is quite effective. Such thoughts crossed Ji Yuan’s mind as he activated an escape technique, vanishing from his position. He deliberately put distance between himself and the group, finding a secluded spot. There, he withdrew the Yin Ghost Banner, which had been concealed within his sleeve, and released a portion of its aura. This allowed the Yin energy to mask his own presence. In the territory dominated by the Demon Dao, posing as a demon cultivator offered the greatest safety.

Meanwhile, Ji Yuan also extended his divine sense, keeping watch for any lurking demon cultivators in the vicinity. They waited for a period of slightly less than half an hour.

Soon, Ji Yuan observed three streaks of escape light flickering across the sky, traveling from south to north, continuing their journey further north. He also noted several auras ascending from the former location of the Water Dragon Sect.

…It appears Senior Brother’s strategy has proven highly effective, luring the nearby Core Formation Demon Cultivators towards the spirit vein of Dongyu Mountain. Lost in thought, Ji Yuan sensed Ran Kui’s returning aura. He promptly concealed the Yin Ghost Banner and turned to reunite with the others.

A moment later, Ran Kui, still donning his conical hat, rejoined the group. His voice carried a distinct note of triumph: "Success! The surrounding demon cultivators have all been drawn northward; we must seize this opportunity."

"Huaimin, let’s go."

"Understood." Su Huaimin stepped forward. Ran Kui swiftly applied a Transformation Talisman, crafted by Ji Yuan, onto him. Their auras underwent a dramatic shift, and their appearances were altered accordingly. In mere moments, they transformed from righteous cultivators into formidable demon cultivators. The two then departed as streaks of black light, heading toward the Water Dragon Sect, with the remaining trio, including Ji Yuan, following discreetly.

With fewer Core Formation cultivators overseeing the area, approaching the sect now felt considerably safer. Approximately an hour later, the three arrived at Cloud Rain Marsh, halting their progress at a desolate swamp. Swiftflame produced a bag of an unidentified powder from his storage bag and scattered it in a circle around them.

"This is Hundred Beast Powder, derived from the excrement of dozens of demon beasts. Sprinkling it around will mask our presence from other demon cultivators," Swiftflame’s voice transmitted into Ji Yuan’s mind sea. The trio then collectively turned their gazes northward. Ran Kui had previously mentioned that the prison was established on the original Four Directions Island, still a considerable distance away and out of sight.

Recalling that island, Ji Yuan’s thoughts drifted to an old acquaintance. *I wonder how Senior Sister Lu is faring these days?* Senior Sister Lu, of course, was none other than Lu Wan. During their time in Zengtou City, the two had been quite close, but after joining the Water Dragon Sect, they somehow drifted apart. When Ji Yuan was still in the Qi Cultivation stage, they had encountered each other several times. However, following Ji Yuan's breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, their contact had gradually ceased.

Given her cultivation level, it was improbable that she had been taken away by the Water Dragon Sect; thus, like most cultivators, she had likely been left behind. With her Qi Cultivation level, surviving in such an environment would undoubtedly be a perilous undertaking. Yet, on second thought, perhaps her lower cultivation actually enhanced her chances of survival?

Pondering this, Ji Yuan’s mind turned to another familiar figure. Han Feiyu. He too was absent from the migration list. However, with his capabilities, surviving within Cangluo would surely not be a difficult task. It was highly probable that he had already defected to the Demon Sect.

"Hey, what are you pondering about, Friend Changshou?" The voice of Isle Master Qinghe suddenly arose within Ji Yuan’s mind sea.

Ji Yuan’s gaze instinctively flickered toward him, only to realize the other wasn’t looking his way at all.

After a moment’s thought, he transmitted his voice, saying:

"I was merely contemplating how best to face our foe."

"It appears Friend Changshou is indeed quite prudent; no wonder you, a loose cultivator, could reach the Peak of Foundation Establishment. I am truly impressed."

"You are too kind, Friend Qinghe," Ji Yuan replied, his thoughts unrevealed.

Just as Ji Yuan assumed the conversation had concluded, Isle Master Qinghe’s voice continued, "Might I inquire how you came to know my Senior Brother Wu Dao?"

…Is it possible that Senior Brother Qinghe harbors doubts about me?

This senior brother is certainly cautious; it’s no surprise he’s managed to survive this long.

Therefore, Ji Yuan elaborated, briefly recounting how they met while confronting enemies on Shang Mountain and jointly resisting the Demon Dao.

"Brother Li’s courage and valor are truly commendable," Isle Master Qinghe offered yet another compliment.

Ji Yuan offered a smile and did not elaborate further.

"Brother Li, given the current state of the world, do you believe there is still hope for the righteous path?" Isle Master Qinghe’s voice persisted.

…Brother, you are speaking rather excessively.

"With the war looming, let us first center our minds," Ji Yuan deflected his inquiry.

Isle Master Qinghe presented an apologetic smile and also ceased his sound transmission.

Approximately half an hour later, a sudden explosion erupted from the vicinity of Four Directions Island.

Following the blast, demonic Qi surged towards the heavens, and two streaks of light ascended rapidly.

"It has begun! Let’s depart!" Swiftflame exclaimed in a hushed tone, swiftly mounting his flying sword and charging towards the west.

Ji Yuan followed suit closely.

Isle Master Qinghe tactfully retreated.

——

(This must be one of the rare instances of Ji Celestial Venerable acting selflessly; in any event, he shall remain silent for a considerable period after this.)