Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 803 - 334: Liu Yuan’s Account of Sights and Stories from the Jiyuan Continent

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Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Ji Yuan discovered he was trapped within a massive continent-spanning array. He confirmed the array's existence using his divine eyes but found no flaws, resigning himself to waiting for the Mystic Door to open in three years. Meanwhile, on the Jiyuan Continent, Liu Yuan, now a Core Formation cultivator, received news about someone named "Old Demon Ji" who shares the same name as the Ji Yuan he knows, sparking his curiosity.

Zhenren Jinghong, a man of middle age with rather handsome features.

Within Liu Yuan's knowledge alone, there were quite a few Core Formation Stage Female Cultivators who harbored affections for him.

Yet, Zhenren Jinghong inexplicably found himself smitten with the plain-looking Kunyu Zhenren present, while Kunyu Zhenren held no romantic interest in him, viewing him solely as a friend.

This certainly constituted a rather uncommon little tale.

The one who had just transmitted voice to Liu Yuan was precisely this Zhenren Jinghong.

"You scoundrel, not only did you fail to mention such a significant achievement as Core Formation, but you didn't even send word after your success."

Zhenren Jinghong declared with feigned indignation:

"I was even considering gathering a few acquaintances to host a proper celebration for you."

Liu Yuan had already grown accustomed to the distinct accent of this Jiyuan Continent native; upon speaking, his own accent was, in fact, even more pronounced than Zhenren Jinghong's before him.

"Heh, with Brother Jinghong's connections, inviting a couple of friends might as well be inviting every Core Formation Cultivator in the entirety of the Land of the Far West."

"Those who comprehend the circumstances will understand, but those who don't might mistakenly believe that I, Liu, am plotting to attack the Black and White Divine Hall."

As Liu Yuan spoke, he had already picked up a portion of the pig's head meat from the table to accompany his wine.

"You rascal..."

Zhenren Jinghong couldn't help but chuckle.

Kunyu Zhenren, seated beside them, offered a gentle smile and remarked, "Some time ago, I heard that Old Demon Ji abducted yet another Fairy from Cloud Cliff Temple. Though the method remains unknown, that Core Formation Stage Fairy inexplicably remains infatuated with him even after his departure."

"It's likely some form of Demonic Skill; isn't that what their Demon Dao excels at?"

Liu Yuan commented nonchalantly.

"Unlikely. I suspect Old Demon Ji possesses genuine capabilities. If it were merely Demonic Skills, the Nascent Soul Patriarchs of this Holy Land wouldn't be powerless against him; one can only say the seeds of affection have truly taken root."

Zhenren Jinghong also shook his head, but swiftly began counting on his fingers.

"Let me tally... one from Cloud Cliff Temple, one from the Soul Refining Hall, and I heard there's another from the Black and White Divine Hall... Furthermore, when he was in the Land of the Far South, rumors suggested an entanglement with a Core Formation Stage Female Cultivator from Profound Snake Mansion."

"That makes four already."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan couldn't help but be somewhat taken aback; all he could exclaim was that Old Demon Ji truly lived up to his notorious reputation.

"Not solely those."

Kunyu Zhenren stated calmly, "Junior Brother is aware only of the women within this Holy Land's jurisdiction. In reality, the majority of those entangled with him are Loose Cultivators."

"This..."

Zhenren Jinghong was genuinely unaware of this fact.

Liu Yuan, whose chopsticks had been in constant motion, seized the moment between bites and sips to say, "If the opportunity arises, I must witness what Old Demon Ji truly looks like, to have so many Fairies captivated by him."

Kunyu Zhenren responded, "It is widely rumored that each time Old Demon Ji appears, his visage is concealed behind a blood-colored skull, rendering his true appearance indiscernible to others."

Zhenren Jinghong chuckled and remarked, "With Brother Liu’s striking appearance, you might very well become the next Old Demon Liu."

"I possess no interest in women."

Liu Yuan shook his head.

"What?!"

Zhenren Jinghong expressed great astonishment.

"Rest assured, I have even less interest in men." Liu Yuan shot him a sideways glance.

Kunyu Zhenren observed the two with a sense of helplessness. Where was the decorum befitting Golden Core Zhenrens? They behaved precisely like excitable youths.

She decided to speak for herself, "Currently, Old Demon Ji has been lingering within our Land of the Far West. Many speculate he intends to await the opening of this cross-continent Array and then teleport to Cangluo Continent."

"To Cangluo Continent..."

Liu Yuan appeared lost in contemplation.

Zhenren Jinghong nodded slightly. "Indeed. Judging solely by the individuals Old Demon Ji has antagonized here on Jiyuan Continent... only by escaping to Cangluo Continent can he possibly Cultivate in peace."

"He will likely need to alter his appearance and adopt a new identity."

The moment Zhenren Jinghong concluded his statement, Liu Yuan’s thoughts drifted elsewhere... If Brother Ji were to arrive and, unaware of the predicament, reveal his true name, what would be their course of action?

After some deliberation, Liu Yuan, who had initially intended to tour the Jiyuan Continent, finalized his decision.

Departure could not be immediate; the task was to await Ji Yuan's arrival. His presence was required until Ji Yuan was met, the situation thoroughly explained, and only then could departure commence... This was a precaution, a safeguard, to ensure Ji Yuan did not stumble into an ambush the moment he arrived.

With himself present, at the very least, a helping hand would be available.

The choice of city for this rendezvous had already been made by Liu Yuan.

He would head to 'West Border City,' situated within this Land of the Far West. As the most significant urban center in the region, it was the logical destination should Ji Yuan arrive on the Jiyuan Continent, the most likely place for him to choose for settlement.

'...'

Upon returning from the Ascension Gate to the territories of the Merfolk Race, Ji Yuan found a sense of profound stillness.

The majority of his time was dedicated to Cultivation within the confines of his personal Cave Mansion.

When the rigors of Cultivation left him truly fatigued, he would emerge to impart guidance to Lin Hu and the others, aiding them on their journey as Body Cultivators.

If boredom still lingered, he would venture out with a contingent of male Merfolk.

Any Sea Beast encountered would be met with his fists.

Subsequently, the Merfolk would eagerly move to collect the fallen creatures' carcasses.

Yet, as his encounters with Sea Beasts increased, Ji Yuan began to notice that the Demon Pills obtained from the Demon Beasts within Fallen Immortal Gully were, on average, smaller in size compared to those from Cangluo Continent.

Could this be a consequence of the 'use it or lose it' principle?

Regardless of the reason, Ji Yuan found his existence here to be quite fulfilling.

His excursions were always accompanied by Merfolk, attending him both before and behind.

Should he desire it, he could summon numerous female Merfolk to share his slumber.

All of them boasted exquisite figures and captivating appearances.

'...'

Two years elapsed.

On a particularly unremarkable deep night, Ji Yuan awoke from a profound dream, having acquired his second 'Pill Essence Fruit.'

This marked another significant stride towards the eventual accomplishment of his Core Formation.

However, upon awakening from that sleep, his gaze fell upon the second Pill Essence Fruit residing in his Storage Bag, and the rich aroma that still perfumed the air...

A sense of bewilderment still clouded his mind.

The dream itself had been exceedingly chaotic and deeply unsettling.

It commenced with a vision of his eldest senior brother, Ran Kui, meeting his demise. He dreamt of Ran Kui plunging into a lake, and his instinct to rescue him was immediate. Yet, upon reaching the water's edge, he discovered the figure submerged was not Ran Kui but Hua Yaoyue!