Longevity through Upgrading Buildings Chapter 822 - 340: Ji Yuan: "I’ve Become Old Demon Ji?!

However, right now, it’s hardly difficult to make a guess.

"Whether I’m Ji Yuan or not... Well, I am Ji Yuan."

"But from your words, it appears there’s another individual on the Jiyuan Continent who shares my exact name, also named Ji Yuan. This person has slain numerous people and angered many, thus earning the moniker 'Old Demon Ji'... By the way, I was overseas cultivating with my master until recently. My master passed away, which allowed me to return to the continent, so I’m not privy to many recent developments."

Ji Yuan articulated his thoughts in a single, flowing statement.

Mu Xueyao listened attentively, nodding vigorously.

"Yes, that must be it!"

Observing her expression, Ji Yuan discerned that she didn't quite believe him.

"What makes you so certain that I am that 'Old Demon Ji'?"

Ji Yuan massaged his temples, speaking with a weary tone.

"But... but, you are Brother Ji."

Mu Xueyao explained, counting on her small fingers: "You yourself stated you are Ji Yuan, and that Ji... 'Old Demon Ji' is also Ji Yuan. Brother Ji, have you forgotten? I saw you years ago, and you look exactly the same as you do now."

Mu Xueyao spoke as if the answer were utterly self-evident.

"What? You’re saying 'Old Demon Ji' looks precisely like me?"

If previous occurrences had led Ji Yuan to consider the shared name a mere coincidence, Mu Xueyao’s current words left him utterly astonished.

"Yes."

Mu Xueyao’s confusion deepened. "Otherwise, why would I mistake you for my Brother Ji? It’s because you both bear an identical resemblance."

"And what about your aura? Surely the aura wouldn’t be the same, right?"

"Uh... It’s been too long; I can’t recall precisely. However, I clearly remember your appearance, Brother Ji."

Ji Yuan forcefully suppressed his jumbled thoughts. "Alright, so you believe I’m that 'Old Demon Ji' because my name and appearance precisely match his."

"But those three cultivators at the Core Formation Stage we encountered earlier, did they also see 'Old Demon Ji'? Besides, appearances can be deceiving, can they not?"

Mu Xueyao nodded, then swiftly shook her head.

"Appearances and auras can indeed be faked, but true strength cannot. Brother Ji, you managed to escape from mid-stage Core Formation cultivators while still in the Fake Pill Realm, and you even managed to injure them. Who else, besides 'Old Demon Ji,' could possibly achieve such a feat?"

As Ji Yuan processed Mu Xueyao’s sharp retort, a headache began to throb.

"So, you’re suggesting that 'Old Demon Ji' not only shares my name and appearance but also possesses comparable strength?"

Mu Xueyao didn’t reply immediately; instead, she began counting on her fingers once more.

"Name is 'Old Demon Ji,' appearance is 'Old Demon Ji,' speaks like 'Old Demon Ji,' even strength is like 'Old Demon Ji'..." Mu Xueyao extended four fingers and then looked up, perplexity clouding her features, before exclaiming:

"So, you are 'Old Demon Ji'?"

"...It seems plausible, but I am not him."

Ji Yuan declared, instinctively rising to his feet and beginning to pace back and forth within the confines of the forest.

After several deep breaths, he silently commenced practicing the "Nine Pales Soul Calming Scripture," seeking to achieve complete mental tranquility.

He then located a sizable rock, sat down cross-legged, and addressed Mu Xueyao, who had followed him closely:

"Do not disturb me. Allow me to organize my thoughts."

"Alright, I will stand guard for you, Brother Ji."

Mu Xueyao readily agreed without any hesitation.

Witnessing her move to a nearby spot and place her complete trust in him by turning her back, Ji Yuan pondered for a moment before releasing the Hundred Insects Old Immortal.

The sudden appearance of the early-stage Core Formation Corpse Puppet out of thin air startled Mu Xueyao.

She spun around abruptly, took in the scene, then offered a sweet smile and once again turned her back to Ji Yuan, demonstrating her unwavering trust.

'She truly places her faith in me.'

Ji Yuan murmured internally and ceased his contemplation, redirecting his focus to the most immediate and pressing matter.

'Coincidence is simply impossible. While sharing the same name might be a coincidence, sharing the same appearance is absolutely not. Furthermore, the most critical element is the opponent’s formidable power.'

'My own strength stems from my breakthroughs, and the opponent is equally powerful, indicating they have undoubtedly undergone significant breakthroughs as well.'

'Who, then, could he be? Did my master deliberately arrange for him to cause trouble for me on the Jiyuan Continent, thereby accelerating my growth?'

'It’s a possibility, but highly unlikely. If my master had such intentions, she would have informed me. This method is not in line with her usual modus operandi.'

'Then, what could be the explanation?'

Ji Yuan remained silent, yet his mind was actively engaged in constructing elaborate scenarios.

For instance, perhaps he is genuinely a clone manifested by some immensely powerful being, with one clone existing on the Jiyuan Continent and another on the Cangluo Continent... Upon reaching maturity, the clone would be reabsorbed as sustenance for the original self.

'No, that line of thought is far too improbable, as it touches upon my deepest secret... the fact that I am a transmigrator.'

Next, Ji Yuan conceived another notion... could all of this merely be an elaborate dream?

An immense dream.

Or perhaps it was an illusionary realm he was experiencing after achieving the Refining Void stage, becoming a Combined Cultivator?

This thought surfaced but was swiftly dismissed by Ji Yuan.

Such speculations should not even be entertained. If he were to dwell on this thought and accept it in his heart, he would surely descend into madness! To put it simply, it's a descent into insanity. Neither here nor there, what in the world is transpiring?? Ji Yuan found himself unable to comprehend the situation, yet one fact stood undeniably clear. The Ji Yuan on the Jiyuan Continent must share some connection with him, as that individual knew of his appearance... otherwise, such a bizarre coincidence would be utterly impossible!

Finally, an utterly preposterous notion spontaneously surfaced in Ji Yuan’s mind. ’Could it be that, just as I wreaked havoc across the Cangluo Continent under Qiu Qianhai’s guise, he is now causing chaos on the Jiyuan Continent using my name?’ ’If that were the case, it would perfectly explain why he bears a name identical to mine, and even possesses the same appearance.’

However, this line of reasoning was quickly dismissed by Ji Yuan. The primary reason being that it was far too far-fetched. Qiu Qianhai was unequivocally long deceased. Furthermore, the teleportation array connecting the two continents had been sealed at that time, so how could he possibly have journeyed from the Cangluo Continent to the Jiyuan Continent? But what if he, too, had stumbled upon some unfathomable opportunity?

After considerable deliberation, Ji Yuan could only conclude... it was a possibility, albeit a highly improbable one. It was far more likely that the situation arose from some other, yet undiscovered, reason. ’It appears that moving forward, I can no longer operate under my own identity; even my appearance cannot be used freely, and I must continue to rely on a Transformation Talisman. Beyond my cultivation, I now have an additional objective. That is to unearth the scoundrel who is impersonating me!’

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