Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Ji Yuan prepares to leave the Fallen Immortal Gully after successfully reclaiming the Merfolk's Ancestral Ground and helping them with resources. He distributes elixirs and artifacts before departing, leaving the Merfolk with a lasting monument to his generosity. Ji Yuan heads towards the Immortal Sect to await its opening.
'A true divine being,' Yu Yuan remarked, shaking his head.
He promptly began to ponder what sort of venerable title should be bestowed upon Ji Yuan’s statue.
Merely stating his true name would surely be insufficient.
As for a venerable title... Yu Yuan suddenly recollected a phrase he had encountered in an ancient tome during his youth.
'Among humankind’s cultivation, there exist those of great prowess, known as: Celestial Venerable.'
'In that case, let us designate him Ji Celestial Venerable.'
Yu Yuan gazed in the direction of the doorway, murmuring to himself.
Now, having departed from the Merfolk territory, Ji Yuan had a faint grasp of his intended course, flying directly eastward.
Regarding navigation, he had already traversed this path once before.
This time, without the Merfolk impeding his progress, his solitary journey was considerably swifter, easily bypassing any sea beasts that obstructed his way.
In a little over a day, Ji Yuan arrived at the 'underwater tunnel.' Upon passing through it, he would be in proximity to the Immortal Sect.
Yet, as he reached this point, Ji Yuan softly vocalized.
'This junior seeks an audience with the Holy Fish King.'
In a mere moment, the diminutive fish he had encountered previously reappeared before Ji Yuan.
'You youngster, you keep your word,' the Holy Fish King chuckled, though it was uncertain whether it was a mirthful or a sardonic sound.
Ji Yuan stood with his hands clasped, solemnly affirming, 'The promise I made to senior is something I dare not forget for even an instant.'
'When you reach the Jiyuan Continent, remember to deliver this item to that ancient serpent of the Profound Snake Mansion, also known as the Mansion Master, and inquire if he has forgotten the oath of yesteryear.'
The Holy Fish King concluded his statement with a cold laugh.
Subsequently, a flash of black light streaked by and settled at Ji Yuan’s feet, morphing into a substantial, grey-black scale.
A fish scale.
It was the Holy Fish King’s very own scale!
Ji Yuan grasped the implication almost immediately.
However, instead of retrieving it forthwith, he hesitated, articulating, 'I presume senior can perceive that, as a junior, my cultivation is low, and the Profound Snake Mansion is situated in the Far South Land, deep within the Ten Thousand Mountains. With my meager abilities, I fear ensuring its delivery will prove challenging.'
'It matters not. If it reaches its destination, it signifies that destiny permits it. If it falters midway... then it is the decree of heaven.'
Thus had the Holy Fish King spoken.
Ji Yuan, naturally, could no longer decline.
He refrained from employing spiritual power, electing instead to grasp the large fish scale with both hands.
Observing this, the Holy Fish King let out a sneer.
With a gentle flick of its fin, the fish scale transformed into a streak of luminescence, soaring directly into Ji Yuan’s storage bag.
He lacked the opportunity to even react.
'This...'
Ji Yuan's initial thought was that with such a display of skill, it would be effortless for the Holy Fish King to pilfer an item from his storage bag.
Yet, upon further reflection, let alone absconding with an item, seizing the storage bag itself would be comparatively simple.
Furthermore, how was the Holy Fish King capable of wielding arcane abilities in this environment without incurring any repercussions?
Could it be that individuals at the Nascent Soul Stage possess immunity to the Water Blade technique?
That seemed highly improbable.
'Merely a minor enchantment, nothing more. Proceed now. Should you succeed... perhaps that ancient serpent might bestow upon you some favor. Regardless, I have nothing further for you.'
The voice receded into the distance, and by the time Ji Yuan regained his composition, the Holy Fish King’s form had already vanished from sight.
He probed his storage bag with his divine sense and detected no alterations, save for the addition of the scale.
Only then did he feel sufficiently at ease to depart.
As for conveying the item to the Mansion Master of the Profound Snake Mansion, Ji Yuan surmised that even if he possessed the capability, he would be ill-advised to deliver it personally. It was far more probable that he would seek an opportune moment to enlist someone else for its transport.
To deliver it face-to-face... what if the Mansion Master targeted him for his survival within the Fallen Immortal Gully and apprehended him for intense interrogation? That would indeed present a significant predicament!
An indeterminate period later.
As Ji Yuan emerged from a cavern, he lifted his gaze.
A golden array pressed down upon the vast expanse of the Endless Sea.
...
Concurrently.
To the east of Coastal City on the Cangluo Continent, an immense pillar of snow-white light descended from the heavens, impacting a solitary island situated within the sea.
A formidable surge of spiritual Qi radiated outwards, but it was effectively contained by the protective array encircling the island, ultimately dissipating into the atmosphere as gentle spiritual Qi.
The cultivators within Coastal City had grown accustomed to such phenomena.
Only a select few newcomers remained astonished... The cross-continental teleportation array had been activated, signaling the arrival of someone from the Jiyuan Continent.
At this precise moment, upon the teleportation island, a young man adorned in a black robe, with hair the color of blood, alighted and surveyed his surroundings with evident curiosity.
'So, this is the Cangluo Continent?'
Hardly had the young man uttered these words when a voice, laced with mockery, echoed within his mind, 'Heh, what are you trying to feign now.'
Disregarding everything else, Qiu Qianhai fell in line with other cultivators, waiting before an early-stage Core Formation cultivator for registration and information recording.
This procedure was implemented to oversee individuals traveling between the two continents. While not entirely foolproof, it was a measure better than having no control at all.
’Name.’
Upon hearing the solemn-faced man inquire about the name of the person ahead of him, Qiu Qianhai couldn't suppress a smile.
Having previously adopted Lao Ji’s identity to cause mayhem across the Jiyuan Continent, he relished the prospect of returning to his own territory, the Cangluo Continent, and reclaiming his true self!
After all, while impersonating another could be advantageous, it lacked the true satisfaction that came with personal accomplishment, especially in battle!
Thus, when the long-faced official posed the question to him, Qiu Qianhai declared his name with distinct pride.
’Qiu—Qian—Hai!’
His bold proclamation instantly drew the attention of several patrolling Fake Pill cultivators nearby, who turned to fix their gazes upon him.
The Core Formation cultivator overseeing the registration was, of course, equally taken aback. In fact, he momentarily snapped the brush he was holding.
Frowning, he considered the situation for a moment before opting to convey a message to Qiu Qianhai via spiritual transmission.
’That name carries an ill omen, fellow cultivator. Perhaps you might consider a different one.’
Despite sensing an underlying issue, Qiu Qianhai's years of reckless living on the Jiyuan Continent had fostered a deep-seated arrogance. He retorted loudly:
’I will not change my name, whether moving or at rest; it is Qiu Qianhai, what is the problem?!’
He was merely an early-stage Core Formation cultivator at best; he had personally eliminated at least eight or ten such individuals on the Jiyuan Continent.
What was there to fear!
’Arrogant fool!’
This Core Formation cultivator hailing from Blood Luo Mountain had never endured such public disrespect from a mere Fake Pill cultivator, let alone in plain view of others.
Furthermore, he had extended a kind, unsolicited warning.
Instead, he was met with defiance and insult.
Enraged, the cultivator flipped his right hand, instantly activating and crushing dozens of communication talismans, each dispatching a singular, urgent message.
The message read…
’Qiu Qianhai has returned!’
He then transformed into a stream of light, ascending into the heavens with a menacing grin.
’You… dare to call yourself Qiu Qianhai?’
——
(Old Devil Qiu has triumphantly returned to his cherished homeland! Please support with monthly votes!)
