Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 801 - 333: Spirit Effect of Level 4 [Chaotic Burial Mound]

Regarding this Tier Four Sea Beast, the Merfolk Race refers to it as... the Holy Fish King.

Ji Yuan was unaware of its exact meaning; however, Yu Yuan provided a real-time translation of the sea map for him.

Holy Fish King?

It's possible it should be pronounced 'Holy Fish King'.

This is because Yu Yuan's live translation was a phonetic one... Nevertheless, that detail isn't crucial; the truly important aspect is the undersea passage that runs directly through the Holy Fish King’s domain.

It winds and meanders, curves and twists.

This route leads straight to the Immortal Sect.

After meticulously memorizing this sea map in his mind, Ji Yuan pondered and resolved to visit the Immortal Sect first. Without reaching his destination... even if he were to continue cultivating amongst the Merfolk Race, he would not find peace of mind.

To ensure a smooth departure, he first gathered all the buildings he had recently established. Only then did he approach Yu Yuan to convey his intention to set off.

Yu Yuan made all the necessary arrangements with great care. Coincidentally, the guide assigned to him was the same Patterned Wolf Merfolk that Ji Yuan had encountered previously.

His designation was Red Wolf.

Furthermore, Ji Yuan observed that Red Wolf had undergone special training from Yu Yuan for a period, enabling him to now speak a rudimentary form of the Human Race language.

At the very least, he could comprehend Ji Yuan's meaning.

However, his speech was halting, requiring Ji Yuan to often guess his intentions.

Still, this was acceptable, as it wouldn't lead Ji Yuan astray.

Before their departure, Yu Yuan issued numerous instructions to Red Wolf, all in the Merfolk Race language. Ji Yuan couldn't discern them clearly but surmised they likely pertained to the potential dangers and taboos of the upcoming journey.

Once the instructions concluded, Ji Yuan, accompanied by Red Wolf, embarked on their journey.

The operation was conducted with considerable discretion, ensuring minimal disturbance to the Merfolk populace.

Emerging from that passage and returning to the familiar Fallen Immortal Gully, Ji Yuan immediately heightened his vigilance. He suppressed all his mana and also inspected his Spirit Devouring Armor.

After confirming everything was in order, he proceeded eastward.

The stretch from the Merfolk Race settlement to the Holy Fish King’s territory was remarkably safe. Even when confronted by obstructing Tier Two Sea Beasts, Ji Yuan dispatched them with a single punch.

It was only upon entering the Holy Fish King’s territory that Ji Yuan exercised caution, following Red Wolf into a formation resembling an undersea tunnel.

As described by the Merfolk Race, this passage offered a secure route through the Holy Fish King’s domain, leading directly to the Immortal Sect.

The Merfolk Race themselves occasionally utilized this tunnel for transit, exiting near the Immortal Sect to explore the outer sea.

The accuracy of this route was assured.

However, the moment Ji Yuan stepped into this tunnel, within the Fallen Immortal Gully's uncharted depths, a small, unassuming mountain resting on the seabed suddenly opened its eyes.

"Human... Human Race?"

With a peculiar sound, a palm-sized, azure Spirit Fish emerged from within the mountain, rapidly vanishing from sight.

Ji Yuan journeyed through this undersea tunnel, finding it even more secure than the waters outside, encountering not even a single Tier One Sea Beast. Consequently, he urged Red Wolf onward, slightly increasing their pace.

This was the territory of a Tier Four Demon Beast... it was best to pass through swiftly.

According to the sea map's details, the traversal of this tunnel was projected to take a full month.

Yet, merely half a month later... Ji Yuan suddenly felt an immense pressure bearing down on him.

This pressure was intensely familiar!

And the one following him, Red Wolf, instantly froze, immobilized.

Nascent Soul pressure!

It was undeniably Nascent Soul pressure!

The Tier Four Sea Beast was making its presence known!

Ji Yuan’s Divine Soul stirred, and the Soul Suppressing Bell vibrated gently, allowing him to rapidly shrug off the oppressive sensation.

"Huh?"

A questioning sound echoed in his ears.

Without a moment to spare for investigation, he observed in the water ahead, swimming towards him, a palm-sized... fiery red Spirit Fish.

Could this be the Tier Four Sea Beast that rivaled a Nascent Soul cultivator?

Ji Yuan didn't hesitate, promptly cupping his fists in salutation towards the small fish.

"Greetings... Greetings, Holy Fish King."

The Spirit Fish circled him, eventually halting directly in front of him, its gaze humanly scrutinizing him from head to toe.

"Human Race? In the Fallen Immortal Gully, no Human Race has been seen for millennia; this is quite rare. Considering the Treasure Armor you are clad in... it is understandable how you managed to survive within the Fallen Immortal Gully."

The Spirit Fish vocalized.

Ji Yuan immediately responded, "Should Senior find favor with it, this Junior is willing to present this Treasure Armor to Senior."

After all, it was composed of Spirit-Devouring Bees; at most, some would be lost, and they were replaceable. However, a lost life was beyond replacement.

"This item holds no value for me. Furthermore, having existed for thousands of years, I have not cultivated the habit of preying upon juniors."

"Senior... is truly impressive!"

Ji Yuan exhaled a slight sigh of relief. It appeared this Tier Four Sea Beast was potentially amenable to communication.

"Are you traveling to the Immortal Sect, or perhaps returning to the Jiyuan Continent?" the Holy Fish King inquired.

Ji Yuan cupped his hands, responding, "Your perception is truly keen, Senior; nothing escapes your notice."

"Hehe, as anticipated from the clever Human Race."

The Holy Fish King's taunt left Ji Yuan feeling quite ashamed.

"It is not yet the time for the Immortal Sect's opening. Journeying there now would be in vain."

"This... Junior was merely planning to scout ahead. If it proves unfeasible, I will return at a later time," Ji Yuan confessed truthfully.

"Hmm, it appears you will need to make the journey again in two years; let it rest for now. The next time you traverse this area, summon me once; there is an item I require you to transport out."

The Holy Fish King vanished following his pronouncement, leaving only a lingering voice within the tunnel.

"Remember, remember!"

Ji Yuan realized his lapse in acknowledgement only afterward and quickly bowed.

"To serve you, Senior, is Junior's highest honor!"

Much later, Ji Yuan straightened, discovering the clothing beneath his Spirit Devouring Armor was thoroughly drenched in cold sweat.

Being so close to a Nascent Soul stage monster, defenseless, had indeed rattled Ji Yuan profoundly.

Yet, fortunately, the Holy Fish King seemed amenable to discourse, possibly due to his need for assistance with an item extraction... Otherwise, he might have casually ended Ji Yuan's life and consumed him.

After regaining his composure, Ji Yuan roused Red Wolf, and the two continued their eastward journey.

Upon completing nearly three months of travel, Ji Yuan finally arrived at the precipice of the Fallen Immortal Gully, the designated location of the Immortal Sect.

Ji Yuan gazed upon the imposing 'mountain range,' towering ten thousand feet high, and the shimmering pale-gold light barrier crowning its summit.

"So... I have genuinely arrived at a gully?"