Previously on Longevity through Upgrading Buildings...
Hua Yaoyue departs, leaving Phoenix Peach in Yun Qianzai's care and urging him to take her out to sea within three years. Meanwhile, Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao arrive at the grand West Border City, a marvel built into a mountain range. After disguising themselves and paying an entrance fee that limits their stay to three days, they learn about the city's strict rules and the city's guards. Mu Xueyao then procures two Black and White Divine Hall tokens.
"This is the residential permit for West Border City. I've secured it for one year. During this time, Brother Ji can explore the city at his leisure, and we can discuss any potential ventures later." Mu Xueyao conveyed these words through telepathy, placing a token into Ji Yuan’s hand.
With a casual sweep of his divine sense, Ji Yuan observed the token. It was intricately adorned with numerous restrictions, some of which appeared to be connected to the City Defense Array—resembling a mother-daughter array, perhaps? It was indeed quite fascinating, and Ji Yuan recognized these techniques were far beyond his current comprehension.
Ji Yuan made no inquiry about the number of spirit stones expended to acquire the one-year token. He understood that even if offered, Mu Xueyao would likely refuse any payment for it. It was best to simply accrue the debt and settle it all at a later juncture.
"Very well, allow me to guide Brother Ji through West Border City first." And so, Ji Yuan followed Mu Xueyao, and it took them over a month to merely complete a preliminary tour of West Border City. Many areas remained unvisited. He mused that a full exploration might indeed consume an entire year.
The pleasure quarters alone occupied an entire mountain. From its base to its summit, each successive level offered a distinct array of amusements. It would undoubtedly be a prime destination for male cultivators.
As for West Border City itself, it was segmented into four distinct layers. The first layer primarily served the mortal populace, with only a sparse scattering of cultivators. The second layer was largely populated by cultivators in the Qi Cultivation Stage. Within this layer, flight was restricted to those at the Foundation Establishment Stage and above; Qi Cultivation cultivators could not take to the air. The third layer predominantly comprised Foundation Establishment cultivators. Similarly, flight via Escape Light was reserved for Core Formation cultivators. The fourth and highest layer, situated closest to the summit, was a domain where even Core Formation cultivators found their aerial maneuvers restricted.
Moving further, Mu Xueyao explained that only Nascent Soul stage monsters could ascend to the very apex of the city. Other districts within West Border City also featured specialized zones. These included areas dedicated to Arrays, Elixirs, Talismans, and Beast Taming, among others. Additionally, several mountain ranges were designated specifically for cultivators to establish commercial enterprises. Every conceivable item or service was available within the city's confines.
Ji Yuan even stumbled upon a long-forgotten trade tucked away within these mountains... beautiful female cultivators operating small storefronts. However, they carried a distinct aura compared to the Kun cultivators he had encountered previously in Cloud Rain Marsh. These shopkeepers, at the very least, were cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Stage, each possessing unique talents. Whether they practiced some form of dual cultivation technique or delved into secret arts for personal amusement, Ji Yuan wasn't particularly captivated. He merely cast a passing glance before moving on.
Finally, Mu Xueyao led him to the towering central peak of West Border City. "This is the cultivation peak of West Border City, and it boasts the richest spiritual qi concentration in the entire city. Cultivators often choose to enter seclusion here when they are on the verge of a breakthrough."
Gazing at the imposing mountain before him, wreathed in clouds thick with spiritual qi, Ji Yuan felt a sense of awe. In that moment, he truly perceived the vast difference between the Jiyuan Continent and the Cangluo Continent. The sheer scale of West Border City alone dwarfed anything on the Cangluo Continent. Not to mention Black and White City, the gargantuan metropolis of Extreme Abyss, which he had yet to visit.
"Similar to the outer areas, the lowest tier is designated for Qi Cultivation cultivators seeking seclusion. It is the most economical option, costing 10 mid-grade spirit stones per month for cultivation practice." Mu Xueyao continued, "Above that are the accommodations for Foundation Establishment cultivators..." It was evident that Mu Xueyao possessed an intimate knowledge of West Border City, having spent considerable time there.
"The cave mansions for seclusion and attempting a Core Formation breakthrough are the most costly. Naturally, achieving Nascent Soul Formation would not be undertaken within the city itself."
"How many spirit stones are required to rent a cave mansion for a year to attempt a Core Formation breakthrough?" Ji Yuan had braced himself for a significant figure, but he was still taken aback by Mu Xueyao's response. "A year costs 10,000 mid-grade spirit stones!"
...Indeed, that was quite the exorbitant price. However, this figure was specifically for the cave mansions intended for seclusion and breakthrough attempts; ordinary residential cave mansions located outside these specialized areas were considerably less expensive.
After careful consideration and finding no superior alternative, Ji Yuan decided to rent a cultivation cave mansion within West Border City to establish a temporary base. Mu Xueyao, being a Core Formation cultivator herself, coincidentally became his neighbor, a situation Ji Yuan found somewhat vexing. Fortunately, she proved to be quite accommodating.
Given that Ji Yuan had numerous buildings to deploy, he naturally opted for the largest available cave mansion. Once settled, he began to contemplate his immediate future plans. The primary objective, above all else, was to achieve Core Formation.
He cast his spiritual sight over his storage bag's contents. "I have two Pill Essence Fruits presently; I could attempt Core Formation. However, I have a pseudo spirit root and have consumed many tri-colored spirit eggs. Erring on the side of caution, it is better to wait until the Spirit Field yields a third Pill Essence Fruit."
"It is merely a matter of a few more years. Considering my circumstances on this Jiyuan Continent, I can absolutely afford to wait."
"Additionally, I must continue gathering intelligence on Second Sister Du Wanyi and Liu Yuan. At the very least, I need to establish contact with one of them first."
"Beyond that, I need to learn more about the customs, the major powers, and the prominent cultivators on this Jiyuan Continent. This information is particularly vital."
"Furthermore, I have to keep collecting Void Nether Stones and materials required for building upgrades... These were challenging to gather on the Cangluo Continent, but now, on this larger Jiyuan Continent, it should not be an issue."
"As for accumulating the necessary spirit stones... after saving for so long, the time is ripe to utilize them. Nonetheless, such extensive acquisition demands prudence; it is best to employ the Transformation Talisman for each excursion."
"Fortunately, the intervening years before Core Formation can be dedicated to managing these affairs. Once successful, the building upgrades will propel my cultivation towards exponential growth."
...
After consolidating his plans, Ji Yuan began his cultivation path within West Border City.
Not long after, Mu Xueyao returned with new information.
Celestial Killer Mountain had declared that Old Demon Ji had not departed for the Cangluo Continent but was still lingering on the Jiyuan Continent, which spurred bounty hunters to intensify their hunt.
A thoroughly disguised Ji Yuan was naturally unconcerned by this development.
On this particular day.
While perusing the roster of Core Formation cultivators in West Border City, Ji Yuan suddenly noticed a name that sparked recognition.
