Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 807 - 335: Bearing Ten Thousand Demonic Arts

"Building the structure so high, are you perhaps worried the Demon Beast won’t be able to find its way in?"

Ji Yuan couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark in his mind, while his Divine Sense cautiously investigated the double-opening stone gate.

A fissure was observable.

His Divine Sense could penetrate it; as long as he didn't forcefully breach the stone gate, the impact would be negligible.

Before long, the interior of the Merfolk Ancestral Land became visible within Ji Yuan's mind's eye.

The ground was covered in countless shattered stones, which, upon closer examination, were revealed to be remnants of former Merfolk statues, all of them now broken.

The expanse was immense, nearly spanning half the area of a Merfolk territory.

It was so vast that even Ji Yuan’s Divine Sense could not encompass the entire space.

Consequently, he had not spotted the other stone gate that Yu Yuan had mentioned; it was highly probable that this gate was also constructed from a Divine Sense-blocking stone.

Visible only to the naked eye, imperceptible to Divine Sense.

And where was that Tier Three Demon Beast?

He couldn't detect it anywhere.

Just as Ji Yuan was contemplating this, his Divine Sense detected the seawater within beginning to churn turbulently, even causing the debris on the ground to be swept away.

Soon, the image of the Tier Three Demon Beast materialized within his Divine Sense's vision.

Its dimensions were not substantial—this could perhaps be attributed to some form of spatial compression—standing at just over ten feet in height.

Its entire form bore a resemblance to a plesiosaur, yet it was covered in scales akin to those of a Serpent, and its limbs terminated in sharp claws.

Its head was also shaped like that of a Serpent.

"This creature should be a demon beast belonging to the Dragon Species, but its precise lineage remains unknown; there are no records of such a Demon Beast on the Cangluo Continent."

"As for its combat prowess... It should be at Early-Tier Three, at most Mid-Tier Three. Defeating it should not pose significant difficulty."

"However, to be absolutely certain, I must ascertain if any other Demon Beasts are present within this cavern."

With these thoughts, Ji Yuan's body contorted and squeezed through the crack in the stone gate.

Covering a distance of nearly twenty miles in mere moments, he swiftly and silently reached the double-opening stone gate on the far side.

But the instant he arrived, his Divine Sense completed its sweep of the entire cave.

Within, there was only this solitary Tier Three Demon Beast.

Furthermore, just as Ji Yuan came to a halt, the Demon Beast sensed his presence. It dug its limbs into the ground and charged forward, colliding with the stone gate and sealing the last remaining opening.

"Roar—"

A ferocious roar echoed from beyond the gate.

Ji Yuan remained perfectly still, though a hint of bewilderment flickered in his gaze.

This was because, moments ago, when the Tier Three Demon Beast made its impact, he had detected an exceptionally potent fluctuation of Spiritual Qi.

Yet, no Water Blade had materialized.

What conclusion could be drawn from this?

It could only imply that the Merfolk Ancestral Land, much like their inhabited areas, permitted the utilization of Mana!

At that realization, Ji Yuan finally understood why this aquatic beast had been able to hold this territory for such an extended period.

Even if other Tier Three Demon Beasts were to launch an assault, this creature could employ Spiritual Qi while sheltered within the Ancestral Land, whereas its challengers would be forced to depend solely on their physical strength, all while remaining vulnerable to Water Blade ambushes.

Possessing such an advantage, it had naturally maintained its dominant position.

"... It is indeed fortunate that Mana can be employed here; I have been eager to test the newly acquired Yin Corpse Demon Fire."

Sensing the faint wisp of emerald green flame residing within his Dantian, Ji Yuan's heart swelled with keen anticipation.

Gazing at the imposing stone gate before him, he placed his hands upon it, then exerted his strength.

"Heave—"

Ji Yuan uttered a low growl, and the stone gate before him, along with the long-necked Serpent that was blocking it, were shoved outwards.

As he observed the gate creaking open,

Ji Yuan ceased applying force and instead began to silently chant an incantation, drawing forth a sliver of Mana from his Dantian.

Even before the surrounding Water Blades could manifest, he had already transformed into a wispy black mist, effortlessly slipping through the gap in the gate.

Upon reappearing, he found himself within the cavernous space beyond the gate.

Witnessing his form materialize from seemingly nowhere, the long-necked Serpent displayed a momentary flicker of surprise.

But it quickly regained its composure, opening its maw to unleash a torrent of azure dragon's breath.

Ji Yuan advanced, positioning himself beside its head, and launched a punch that sent the long-necked Serpent staggering backward.

"Oooh—"

The Serpent emitted a pained cry from its throat, simultaneously seizing the opportunity to lash out with its formidable foreclaws at Ji Yuan.

Two massive, water-blue claws materialized instantly within the submerged environment.

Ji Yuan was compelled to disengage and retreat.

Meanwhile, as his right hand formed a sword-like gesture with his index and middle fingers, Spiritual Light pulsed brilliantly in his hand, and three nascent Flying Swords shot forth.

"Swish—"

"Swish—"

"Swish—"

The trio of Flying Swords sliced through the water with incredible speed, reaching the long-necked Serpent in an instant.

The Grade Three Demonic Beast held its posture steady, its lengthy neck swerving a few times to ward off the incoming sword embryos.

As sparks erupted and scattered everywhere, Ji Yuan retrieved the three sword embryos, remarking, "Those scales are incredibly tough."

Let's see how you fare against this!

With a summon from his right hand, the Yin Ghost Banner materialized in his grip, which he then drove into the earth.

The Yin Ghost Array instantly took shape.

Two fake Pill Realm Yin Ghosts materialized and lunged towards the long-necked Serpent.

"It's a shame I didn't bring Hundred Insects Old Immortal; with him here, I might not have needed to lift a finger."

As this thought registered in Ji Yuan's mind, another miraculous treasure appeared in his hand.

It was a Thousand Needles Basket!

Although this artifact had suffered some injuries during the prior clash, it had been fully restored thanks to Ji Yuan's diligent care with the Essence-Intensifying Salve over an extended period.

Consequently, as it was deployed, dozens of flying needles shot out from the basket, slicing through the water and striking the long-necked Serpent.

Immediately, the entire cavern echoed with a chorus of metallic clinks.

This was accompanied by a burst of fiery sparks.

The long-necked Serpent cried out in pain, a wail emanating from its throat as it recoiled backward.

Ji Yuan gave chase without hesitation.

However, the long-necked Serpent soon reached its limit. It gaping its blood-red maw wide, unleashing a torrent of ice-blue dragon's breath that dispersed the flying needles and compelled Ji Yuan to dodge.

Seeing him retreat, the long-necked Serpent gave a slight tremor.

Its form instantaneously bifurcated into four.

It transformed into four serpents that then lunged towards Ji Yuan.

"Illusion Realm?"

Ji Yuan composed himself, once again wielding the Thousand Needles Basket, and a volley of silver needles flew out, striking each long-necked serpent and producing a resounding metallic clash.

They're all real?!

This is utterly impossible!

The two Yin Ghosts latched onto one serpent's back, biting ferociously, but their efforts yielded little effect.

Upon witnessing this, Ji Yuan promptly activated the Yin Ghost Array, dissolving into the black mist.

What remained was a solitary ghostly green flame.

"Go!"

When Ji Yuan reappeared, he was standing by the Yin Ghost Banner.

In turn, he recalled the two Yin Ghosts.

Glancing behind him, he witnessed a sea of green fire descending.

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