Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 800 - 333: Spirit Effect of Level 4 [Chaotic Burial Mound]

"Speaking of which, the Body Cultivation path is quite similar; the acquired Qi produces daily, so it's unwise to let it go to waste. I might as well inquire with Yu Yuan about any suitable locations nearby for body refinement."

"If I could even acquire their tribe's unique tattoo technique, that would be even more marvelous."

Having meticulously planned his upcoming cultivation endeavors, Ji Yuan spent a full three days within the comfort of the cave, thoroughly indulged by Tu Yue's attentive care and lost in deep sleep.

Three days eventually passed.

As he emerged from his cave mansion, clad in the formidable Spirit Devouring Armor, a noticeable shift in the merfolk's demeanor struck him; their gazes now held a certain fervent intensity.

What was once mere curiosity had transformed into an eager desire to whisk him away to their own abodes.

The female merfolk, in particular, directed gazes at Ji Yuan that left him feeling utterly overwhelmed.

Some were even contemplating making a move, intending to approach and engage him in conversation.

Seizing this opportune moment, Ji Yuan subtly extricated himself and made his way to Yu Yuan's cave mansion.

Compared to mere days prior, the merfolk tribe's current chief appeared remarkably revitalized, as if he had shed several years off his appearance.

With a moment's reflection, Ji Yuan could readily surmise the situation unfolding.

The merfolk tribe's very survival within the treacherous expanse of the Fallen Immortal Gully must have hinged upon the prowess of their strong male members.

Much like the individuals Ji Yuan had encountered outside previously, the merfolk depended on these formidable males for the crucial task of hunting sea beasts to sustain their sustenance.

Yu Yuan, in his younger days, must have possessed exceptional strength; otherwise, retaining the position of chief would have been an impossibility.

However, with age creeping in, his capabilities had inevitably waned.

This decline likely explained why Linhu had dared to openly challenge him during their previous encounter.

Currently, Linhu stood as the most accomplished warrior within the merfolk tribe and, barring unforeseen circumstances, was practically guaranteed to be the next chief.

Consequently, Yu Yuan's authority over the merfolk had diminished significantly.

But now!

Ji Yuan's arrival, coupled with the generous provision of numerous valuable items and equipment, had fundamentally altered the dynamics.

With such potent resources now in the hands of a leader like Yu Yuan, the restoration of his command over the tribe was an almost certain outcome.

Therefore, Yu Yuan greeted Ji Yuan's visit with an overwhelming, tearful enthusiasm.

He even took the initiative to usher Ji Yuan towards the honored guest seat, cordially inviting him to relax in comfort.

"May I inquire if the esteemed predecessor has pressing matters to attend to? And regarding the welcome banquet our tribe had prepared in your honor, it has yet to be held. Might we know when would be a convenient time for you to partake?"

Yu Yuan's previous informal address of "comrade" had commendably transformed into the respectful title of "esteemed predecessor."

This subtle shift reaffirmed Ji Yuan's growing conviction: Spirit Stones were indeed an immensely precious commodity!

Following this interaction, Ji Yuan successfully obtained the coveted Sea Map to the Immortal Sect from Yu Yuan.

Moreover, Yu Yuan repeatedly emphasized his willingness to personally arrange for experienced merfolk hunters to escort Ji Yuan directly should he decide to embark on his journey.

As for locations deemed suitable for body refinement, Yu Yuan claimed that none existed.

However, his reaction suggested otherwise; it implied the presence of certain unspoken reasons preventing him from divulging such information.

Ji Yuan, exercising his discretion, did not press the matter further, mirroring his approach to the inquiry about the tattoo technique.

Upon exiting Yu Yuan's residence, Ji Yuan observed a notable gathering of female merfolk near the entrance, accompanied by a peculiar, alluring scent permeating the surrounding seawater.

Ji Yuan, sensing the potential for unwanted attention, swiftly retreated to his own cave mansion without lingering.

In the subsequent period, Ji Yuan vividly experienced the overwhelming enthusiasm emanating from the merfolk tribe.

Initially, a few female merfolk would simply meander past his doorstep; however, as days progressed, their passive presence escalated.

They commenced bringing Ji Yuan gifts; some of the shyer ones presented beautiful stones or lustrous coral pearls.

Yet, a few bolder individuals... offered shells.

At first, Ji Yuan mistook these shells for mere decorative items, akin to pearls in their aesthetic appeal.

It wasn't until his Divine Sense discreetly observed several female merfolk that he perceived the true significance of these offerings. He then realized something was amiss.

These were demonstrably not ordinary shells.

They were unmistakably items of adornment worn on their chests!

Some time later, upon emerging from his cultivation state, Ji Yuan discovered several female merfolk already conspicuously displaying the allure of their figures outside his cave mansion.

Some arrived individually.

Others... even arrived accompanied by their own sisters!

Could it be that all merfolk embraced such overt displays of affection?

Ji Yuan's Divine Sense conducted a further investigation and confirmed that polygyny was indeed practiced among some merfolk.

Hmm... Ji Yuan, however, was not yet settled and harbored no immediate intention of extending his stay within the merfolk tribe.

Therefore, regarding Yu Yuan's subtle propositions for him to indulge and remain within the tribe, Ji Yuan chose not to engage.

Instead, he addressed the matter directly and openly with Yu Yuan.

Yu Yuan promptly instructed the lingering female merfolk to depart, concerned they might inadvertently offend Ji Yuan.

Meanwhile, Linhu, after a brief period of seclusion and a successful breakthrough, arrived directly at Ji Yuan's cave mansion, engaging in prolonged chatter and even repeatedly bowing in deference.

In response to this merfolk's earnest desire to become a disciple, Ji Yuan requested Yu Yuan to relay a specific message.

He conveyed that Linhu should cease his persistent presence, stating that guidance would be offered when Ji Yuan had free time, but continued lingering at the entrance would definitely preclude any such mentorship.

Upon receiving this message, Linhu swiftly departed.

Ji Yuan's life subsequently returned to a state of tranquil peace.

...

On a particular day.

Ji Yuan cast his gaze upon the tattered Sea Map, a document he had already studied exhaustively.

"Traveling eastward from our current position, one should encounter the territory of a Tier Four Sea Beast within approximately ten days. However, this timeframe represents a leisurely pace for the merfolk, while for a creature of that caliber, it could be but an instant to traverse."

"It is probable that the merfolk tribe established their settlement here precisely because of the formidable protection afforded by this apex predator."