Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 135 The Effects of Level 2 [Enlightenment Room]

Emperor Jianzong thoughtfully prepared the drawing methods for two second-tier talismans, the "Thousand Swords Talisman" and the "Copper Wall Talisman," for Ji Yuan.

As for the second-tier pill formula, Ji Yuan had already purchased the "Water Spirit Pill" formula from Wanwu Island in advance.

This is a prerequisite for upgrading the [Alchemy Room] to level 2. Ji Yuan needed it the most, so he naturally prepared it long ago.

Moreover, among these many second-tier pills, the Water Spirit Pill is not too difficult to obtain. Its effects are actually not much different from the Spirit Gathering Pill. However, the Spirit Gathering Pill can improve the cultivation speed of cultivators with all five attributes, while the Water Spirit Pill can only improve the cultivation speed of cultivators with the water attribute.

Ji Yuan's realm in alchemy and talismanic arts has reached the upper level of the first rank, just one step away from the second rank.

He initially tried to break through to the Dao of Alchemy in this Enlightenment Chamber, but after half a month, he was still just one step away from success.

On the contrary, it was the talismanic path that made a breakthrough first.

A successful "Copper Wall Talisman" allowed him to advance to the second-tier talisman master.

Good news: We can now try drawing second-tier talismans and earn spirit stones from those at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Bad news: The talisman room still cannot be upgraded.

[Upgrade Requirements: 20 Medium-grade Spirit Stones, 10 catties Mica Crystal Clusters, 1 Crimson Marrow Thunder Jade, Successfully Craft a Set of Five Elements Talismans (Not Completed)]

The upgrade requirements for Level 2 [Talisman Room] are relatively easy to meet, and you can try purchasing the ones you don't already have.

However, the Five Elements Talisman is a mandatory requirement.

Ji Yuan plans to return to the Water Dragon Sect in a few days to see if he can buy the talisman technique for the Five Elements Talisman.

Once the [Talisman Room] is upgraded to level 2, you will obtain the "Transformation Talisman," giving you another means of disguise.

When going out, there's no need to worry about being seen through by a Foundation Establishment cultivator's divine sense.

One month.

Ji Yuanfu Dao has made breakthroughs, but his alchemy is still in the process of experimentation.

Moreover, he only took some time to study the techniques and learned the third level of the "Canglang Sword Manual," "Nine Layers of Waves." In the future, if he were to fight someone, he would have another way to kill the enemy.

Unable to break through in alchemy, Ji Yuan had no choice but to shift the battlefield from the Enlightenment Room to the Alchemy Refining Room.

He continued refining first-grade high-quality Spirit Gathering Pills, accumulating alchemy experience in preparation for further advancement.

Ten days passed in this way, and Ji Yuan had used up all the medicinal herbs he had accumulated, so he had to take some time to return to the Water Dragon Sect.

He emerged from his secluded cave.

First, he took the minimum living allowance he had accumulated over this period from Tu Yue, intending to exchange it for spirit stones on Wanwu Island.

In the past month or so, the giant toad has also captured two early-stage second-tier demonic beasts. Their demonic cores are still intact, and it has eaten everything else that could be eaten.

Since it was inedible, Ji Yuan planned to take it to Wanwu Island to sell for money.

Every grain must be harvested and stored properly; we can't let any go to waste.

After finishing dealing with everything on the island, Ji Yuan summoned the Crimson Sky Boat and headed north towards the Water Dragon Sect.

Upon returning home, he once again went back to his residence on Chulong Island first.

Having been away from home for so long, I must check on how the cave dwelling is doing.

It has been over a year since he joined the Water Dragon Sect. Summer has arrived, and the two summer peach trees planted by his senior in his courtyard have ripened.

When he got home, he looked at the two lush peach trees, and the fist-sized, bright red summer peaches.

He casually picked one, cleansed it with magic, and ate it without thinking.

It's incredibly juicy and flavorful, with a strong peach taste and a subtle, refreshing quality.

Clearly, a great deal of effort must have been put into cultivating these two peach trees.

It's at least better than the two plants that Ji Yuan originally planted in Zengtou City.

After finishing the peaches, Ji Yuan rested at home for a while before summoning the flying boat to set off again, heading straight for Wanwu Island.

……

at the same time.

On an island resembling a phoenix, outside the Water Dragon Sect.

A woman in a fiery red dress suddenly opened her eyes. A flash of gold appeared in her narrow eyes, but she quickly returned to normal.

As if sensing something, she turned her head to look in the direction of Dragon Hatchery Island, and muttered to herself:

"My courtyard finally has new junior brothers and sisters?"

"In that case, let's go back and take a look."

With this thought in mind, she got up, summoned a fiery red flying boat, and instantly disappeared into the distance.

……

Ji Yuan has many matters to attend to on this trip to Wanwu Island.

He first went to the familiar Suspended Demon Shop to deal with the giant toad's harvest over this period. The demon core couldn't be sold, and the toad had eaten most of the other immortal resources, so the remaining ones naturally didn't fetch much money.

The remains of three early-stage second-tier demonic beasts were collected, but they couldn't even sell them for 30 mid-grade spirit stones.

Ji Yuan didn't feel like he had lost anything. In any case, the harvest that the giant toad brought back was no different from what he had found.

After selling all of these, he strolled around among the many shops on the island of all things.

They searched everywhere for the herbs they needed, as well as the ink and paper for drawing talismans. If they found something they liked, they would have to haggle with the shopkeeper for a while or compare prices from three different shops before making a purchase.

Cultivation is difficult, but earning spirit stones is even more difficult.

He understands that there's no need to spend money extravagantly; he knows the importance of saving when necessary and spending when appropriate.

As he walked, he came to the end of an alley. He looked up at the shops next to him and found them somewhat familiar.

The shop was already built in a corner, and with the door frame and walls made of black stone, plus a banner that looked like a spirit banner hanging by the door, it looked even more eerie.

Previously, Ji Yuan had searched everywhere for Xuan Yin Soil in order to upgrade his [Spirit Field], but couldn't find it, so he ended up buying it from this shop.

Upgrading a spirit field to level 3 requires Xuan Yin Soil, and the same applies to upgrading to level 4, only in much larger quantities.

Previously, 5 jin was enough, but now it takes 20 jin.

In addition, there is also Danyang soil.

Ji Yuan thought for a moment and then entered the shop. The shopkeeper was still the handsome white-robed cultivator.

When he saw that a guest had arrived, he stood up from the recliner. He was a little surprised when he saw Ji Yuan’s appearance, but he quickly realized what was going on.

"Fellow Daoist, I wonder if my Profound Yin Soil is still working well?"

"Fellow Daoist, you actually recognize me?"

Ji Yuan was quite surprised.

The man in white robes took out a feather fan from his storage bag, gently waved it, and smiled, "Fellow Daoist, your handsome appearance has left a deep impression on me."

"Damn it, he's got a good mouth, but I'm a man, bro..." Ji Yuan thought to himself, then smiled and remained silent.

The man in white immediately realized that Ji Yuan couldn't possibly dislike these formalities, so he quickly changed the subject and gave his name.

His name is Bai Piao.

After saying that, he emphasized that it was the "piao" in "drifting away from worldly affairs," not the "piao" in "freebie," and certainly not the "piao" in "old prostitute."

Since Ji Yuan had no conflict of interest with him, he naturally revealed his real name.

"Fellow Daoist Ji, is it because you still need this Profound Yin Soil?"

Bai Piao asked with a smile.

Ji Yuan needs it, but he doesn't plan to buy it now. It's too expensive, and he won't be able to upgrade the [Spirit Field] even if he buys it.

Spirit stones are scarce, so this good steel should naturally be used where it's most needed.

"No, I came to ask Fellow Daoist Bai, what exactly is this Danyang Soil?"

Ji Yuan, being extremely sensible, bowed to him with his hands clasped, adopting a posture of seeking guidance.

It wasn't that he didn't try to find it; he just flipped through many books but couldn't find it.

"Danyang soil?"

After a moment's thought, Bai Piao remembered.

"Danyang soil is the official name; many places don't call it that, but simply call it alchemical furnace ash."

Bai Piao explained with a smile.

"Is Danyang soil the same as alchemical furnace ash?"

Ji Yuan's eyes lit up. He really didn't know this, which explained why he couldn't find it no matter how hard he searched for the information.

"That's right. However, only the ash from alchemy furnaces used for making at least second-tier pills can be called Danyang Soil. It doesn't count as first-tier pills made from ordinary ingredients."

The ash from the alchemy furnace is the dregs of medicine after a failed alchemy attempt, which are then refined in the furnace and turned into ashes.

"I see. Thank you, Fellow Daoist Bai."

Ji Yuan bowed again. It seemed that when he started refining second-tier pills, all the failed dregs could be kept.

Unfortunately, I've failed far too few times. Who knows when I'll be able to gather 10 jin of Danyang soil? I'll probably have to find someone to buy some from then on.

After finding out about this matter, Ji Yuan was about to leave when he remembered something else.

The Yin Ghost still needs Yin items to upgrade.

During his time on Misty Island, Ji Yuan did try to create a place where yin energy would gather, such as a "mass grave" or a "morgue".

But perhaps because he didn't have enough corpses, he was always unsuccessful.

Left with no other choice, he had to turn his attention back to this sinister creature.

The person in front of me... Xuan Yin Soil is actually a Yin object, but its Yin energy is not that strong. Using it to cultivate Yin ghosts would be a waste of its potential.

Seeing that Ji Yuan seemed hesitant to speak, Bai Piao smiled and asked, "Fellow Daoist Ji, is there anything else you need?"

After thinking for a moment, Ji Yuan changed to a more tactful way of saying it.

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Bai has anything here, um... something with a bit more yin energy, more than the yin energy of Xuan Yin Earth would be good."

"Oh?"

Bai Piao's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and a hint of joy even appeared on her face.

He closed the door with a wave of his hand.

This action startled Ji Yuan, but also made him somewhat delighted... Could this guy really have one?

"Does this fellow Daoist require yin items?"

Bai Piao asked directly.

Ji Yuan remained silent; it was not a good time to admit it.

But to everyone's surprise, Bai Piao readily admitted, "I have it."

This frank attitude made Ji Yuan a little embarrassed. He cleared his throat, "Ahem, fellow Daoist..."

"Fellow Daoist Ji, there's no need to worry. We are both on the righteous path. Not everyone who cultivates Yin objects is a demonic cultivator. Some are simply doing it as a hobby. Besides, since you purchased the Profound Yin Soil, you must know that some herbs or spiritual plants can only be cultivated using Yin objects. So you don't need to worry too much."

"The sect is aware of our situation; it's an unspoken understanding. As long as you don't actually engage in any demonic acts, the sect won't interfere."

Bai Piao noticed Ji Yuan's worry and explained the situation in detail.

Ji Yuan breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

This is actually pretty much what he thought.

Otherwise, it would be utterly absurd to assume that anyone who uses yin objects is a demonic cultivator.

"That's good. I do indeed need some yin substances to cultivate medicinal herbs. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Bai has any?"

"How sinister do you need, Fellow Daoist Ji?"

Ji Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "The more sinister, the better."

Now that the Yin Ghost has reached the late stage of Qi Refining, its Yin Qi must be of high quality if it wants to continue to improve.

"this……"

Ji Yuan's answer clearly surprised Bai Piao as well. He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly activated a small isolation array in the room before taking something out of his storage bag.

"What do you think of this, Fellow Daoist Ji?"

Ji Yuan was already surprised enough to see him activate the formation, but what he held in his hand was even more astonishing.

What he held in his hand was a palm-sized black coffin, suppressed by several talismans used to ward off evil spirits.

The moment this thing was taken out, the temperature in the entire room seemed to drop by more than ten degrees. Even Ji Yuan, a body cultivator, felt a chill.

"Fellow Daoist Bai, what is this...?"

"I don't know what it is, it was dug out of the Tomb of Ten Thousand Corpses. I only know that it has extremely strong Yin energy. I think it should be able to meet your requirements."

"Then...can this coffin be opened?"

"I can't open it. I've tried. This black coffin is a single piece, carved from the same stone."

Ji Yuan took it with both hands. Even though he was manipulating it with his object manipulation technique, he could still feel the approaching chill... It must be a good thing. If this thing is used, the two Yin Ghosts will probably be able to grow to the peak of Qi Refining, right?

"It should be useful, but this good stuff probably isn't cheap, is it?"

Ji Yuan cautiously inquired about the price.

Bai Piao smiled and said, "I obtained this by chance. As for the price... I don't plan to use it to exchange for spirit stones. I want to exchange it for a second-tier demon core."

"A second-tier demon core?"

This price is not cheap. The price of a second-tier demon core is twenty or thirty mid-grade spirit stones.

"Yes, a low-grade second-tier one will do."

Bai Piao said with a smile, as if this second-grade low-level demon core would be very cheap.

Ji Yuan was naturally prepared to make the exchange, but not now. If he were to directly offer a second-tier demon core for the exchange now, it would make him seem too wealthy. So, after hesitating for a while, he finally returned the black coffin in his hand.

"How about this, Fellow Daoist Bai, give me a few more days so I can try to raise more money. If it really doesn't work, I can pay a deposit first."

Ji Yuan said through gritted teeth.

"No need for a deposit. We two get along well, so I'll naturally keep this for Fellow Daoist Ji."

Isn't it because this is a Yin item, making it extremely difficult to sell in the Water Dragon Sect? It sounds better than it's said... Ji Yuan thought to himself, while his face showed a very touched expression.

"Excellent! From now on, Fellow Daoist Bai will be my friend, Ji Yuan!"

"Brother Ji."

"Brother Bai!"

The two seemed to have hit it off immediately.

Bai Piao then put away the black coffin, removed the formation, opened the door, and returned to the sunlight. The two of them also returned to their previous calm demeanor, as if they were not the same people who had just been there.

Ji Yuan planned to wait until he returned to Misty Island before making the trade.

So he left first and went to the Treasure Pavilion at the highest point of Wanwu Island.

Once you're here, you can start trading openly.

So he sold the Water Dew, Blood Essence, and many talismans he had carved himself, as well as the pills he had refined.

They also sold some useless miscellaneous items they had received from Emperor Jianzong.

Emperor Jianzong didn't sell his flying boat. He was afraid that selling it would cause trouble, so Ji Yuan planned to find a city outside to deal with it later.

Even without selling the flying boat, just dealing with these things cost him nearly 40 mid-grade spirit stones, in addition to what he had previously obtained from Jian Zong.

After deducting the expenses for purchasing various medicinal herbs, he had 137 mid-grade spirit stones on him.

Unwittingly, they managed to scrape together another large sum of money.

Spirit stones definitely cannot be stored away; stored spirit stones are meant to be prepared for others... like Jianzong.

So Ji Yuan then went and replaced all the magical artifacts he always carried with him.

He replaced his original superior-grade Azure Flying Sword with a top-grade magic weapon-level flying sword called "Purple Lightning".

Not only is it much faster, but each attack also comes with a lightning effect, making it quite powerful.

The remaining high-grade magic weapon, the Spirit Water Needle, which he used for the sneak attack, was replaced by a low-grade magic weapon!

There is still only one of these magical flying needles, named the Mirage Needle.

The needles create illusions to confuse the enemy. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator might not be able to detect their presence if their divine sense is not strong.

The lethality is astonishing.

Of course, the price is also astonishing.

This was Ji Yuan's first time purchasing a spiritual artifact, and with the top-grade magic weapon flying sword, the two items together cost him a total of 96 mid-grade spirit stones.

The Mirage Needle alone cost him 80 mid-grade spirit stones.

But since it was all for the purpose of enhancing his own strength, Ji Yuan didn't feel bad about spending the money.

After he finished buying these things, he went to the Talisman Pavilion to inquire about the price of this set of Five Elements Talismans. But he was shocked when he asked.

There are three types of complete sets of Five Elements talismans.

One type is the Five Elements Attack Talisman.

One type is the Five Elements Protective Talisman.

Another type is the Five Elements Escape Talisman.

Of these three sets, even the cheapest Five Elements Protective Talisman costs 30 mid-grade spirit stones, followed by the Five Elements Attack Talisman, which costs 40, and the Five Elements Escape Talisman, which costs 50.

There's a reason why it's expensive.

For example, these five elemental amulets, when used together, can form a protective amulet array, greatly enhancing their power.

To upgrade the [Talisman Room], Ji Yuan had no choice but to grit his teeth and buy it, silently vowing that once he succeeded, he would disregard everything else and focus solely on earning back the money he had spent on the talisman.

After purchasing these items, he returned to Dragon Hatchery Island.

But before he even reached his doorstep, just as he was piloting the Crimson Sky Boat down from the sky, he discovered that someone was standing at his door, as if they had been waiting for him.

She was still a woman, dressed in a cross-collar ruqun made of crimson flowing cloud brocade. The silk fabric clung to her undulating curves, and nine-turn gold thread patterns were embroidered from her collarbone to her waist. As she walked, the light flickered among the snow-white peaks and valleys.

Her waist was slender, almost too small to be grasped in one hand.

As the evening breeze blew, her long, jade-like legs were exposed at the slit in her skirt.

Upon seeing this, Ji Yuan initially intended to step forward and ask, but when he sensed the woman's aura, he quickly cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Junior Ji Yuan greets Martial Uncle."

The only one who could be detected by him, a peak Qi Refining cultivator, was naturally a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Therefore, it is not inappropriate to call him "Uncle-Master".

Looking at the young man bowing before her, Feng Zhitao felt even better after seeing his face.

Thankfully, this time the person staying here isn't an old man; on the contrary, it's a handsome junior brother.

So she stepped forward with a grin and said, "Calling me 'Uncle-Master' would make me sound old."

After standing up, Ji Yuanfu suddenly had a flash of inspiration and cupped his hands again, saying, "Greetings, Senior Sister."

"Hmph, at least you have some discernment."

Feng Zhitao turned to look at the courtyard, her eyes filled with a hint of reminiscence.

"My name is Feng Zhitao, you should know that, right?"

"Senior Sister, you used to live in this courtyard?"

Ji Yuan had seen the inscription on the wall and had naturally heard of this name.

"Yes, I planted these two peach trees in the yard. It was because you ate them that I found out there was a new person in the yard."

"Hurry up and open the door, I want to go in and take a look."

Feng Zhitao urged.

Ji Yuan hurriedly agreed, then glanced at the panel to make sure all the architectural effects inside the house were turned off before opening the door and inviting Feng Zhitao inside.

As soon as Feng Zhitao entered, she picked a peach and took a delicious bite.

"Great, it tastes just like before!"

Ji Yuan stood aside and said with a smile, "Of course, since you joined the sect, Junior Brother has taken care of the two peach trees in every way. Every month, you also bury a few spirit stones under the peach trees for them to absorb."

Feng Zhitao looked him up and down.

"You like peaches too?"

"Of course. I still have two peach trees planted in my hometown of Yun Yuze. They taste very good, and my neighbor's kid often drools with envy."

Ji Yuan said very seriously.

Because what he said was the truth.

It's true that peach trees were planted, and it's also true that Wen Ling'er was drooling... even if it was from the sour taste.

Did you drool too?

"It seems we're somewhat destined to be together."

After finishing the peach, Feng Zhitao clapped her hands and said, "According to the tradition of our house, we must leave something for future generations."

"I left an alchemy manual for that old man back then, and he should have left one for you as well, so I don't need to give him another one."

"But since we're so destined to meet, I'll give you a gift too. Tell me, what do you need?"

"What a wonderful thing..." Ji Yuan thought for a moment and asked in return, "Senior Sister is an alchemist?"

"Exactly."

Feng Zhitao looked up and said, "You're a second-tier high-grade alchemist now? Do you want me to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill for you?"

"That's not impossible, but it will cost extra."

"No, no, no, how could I dare to hope for such a thing... It's just that I still can't find the trick to making second-tier pills, so I would appreciate it if you could give me some pointers, senior sister."

For Ji Yuan right now, the most important thing is naturally to refine a second-tier Water Spirit Pill, thereby upgrading this [Alchemy Room] to level 2.

"What? You can refine pills too?"

This truly surprised Feng Zhitao. It seemed that she and this junior brother did indeed have some kind of connection.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan spread his hands and smiled slightly, "As my senior sister also said, we are somewhat destined to be together."

(End of this chapter)