Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 162 [Mass Gravesite: lv1] (Seeking monthly votes)

"Han Feiyu has become the disciple of the sect leader's uncle?"

This surprised Ji Yuan somewhat, and he immediately recalled some things that Du Wanyi had told him a few days ago.

Du Wanyi said that Han Feiyu and Feng Yichen and the others seemed to have accepted some other mission. After entering the Nine Nether Cave Heaven, they went straight to Ghost Dragon Lake.

He had just returned from the Nine Netherworld Cave Heaven when he was unexpectedly taken in as a disciple by True Person Xuan Shui.

I reckon they've probably completed that task.

"right."

As Li Changhe spoke, he led Ji Yuan into the pavilion atop the mountain.

The mountains here are quite high, perhaps due to the Li family's protective island formation, so much so that the clouds and mist are all below these mountains, and cranes can occasionally be seen soaring in the clouds, and rainbows hang in the distance.

Damn, no wonder it's an island founded by veterans of the game's launch... Ji Yuan thought to himself.

But the fact that the Li family named the island Li Family Island is enough to explain everything.

Ji Yuan also remembered that when he first joined the Water Dragon Sect and was wandering around the entire Boundless Swamp, he had passed through this area.

However, the island was not discovered at the time.

But when he came here today, he actually saw the island.

"Come on, I know you don't like the limelight, so I didn't make a big fuss for you. Otherwise, we would have had to bring out the grandeur of the Li family, paving the way for thirty miles of clouds with gold and stone to invite you to our door."

"No, no, no, this is fine."

Ji Yuan was telling the truth.

On the way here, he was worried that the Li family's pomp and circumstance would be too great and he wouldn't know how to deal with them.

This is much better now, since there are no other outsiders around, so it's like having a get-together with Li Changhe.

Standing atop this hill, Ji Yuan could see the entire Li Family Island through the thin mist.

This island is enormous; Ji Yuan estimates it's even bigger than his Misty Island.

From the shore to the mountaintop, the terrain rises higher and higher, with numerous houses and caves scattered throughout.

The houses along this shore are the most numerous.

Rows upon rows of trees.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a small town.

"Are these all members of your Li family?"

Ji Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, our Li family has been here since the founding of the Water Dragon Sect. Over a thousand years have passed, and this number of people is actually considered small."

"The Huang family's population is three times that of our Li family."

The Huang family had three founders of the Water Dragon Sect at that time, all of whom were Nascent Soul stage experts.

One of them was the first sect leader of the Water Dragon Sect at that time. The other two were Ancestor Li Changhe and Ancestor Huang.

The Huang family, which is the lineage of the current Third Elder.

Ji Yuan didn't know what to say, so he just smiled.

Li Changhe didn't dwell on the topic. He immediately gestured for Ji Yuan to sit down, and after they were both seated, he said in a somewhat annoyed tone:

"You little rascal, you're such a waste of such a great opportunity as the island opening ceremony, you just let it pass by."

"My Li family is planning to do something big to recoup some of the gifts we've given out over the years."

Ji Yuan chuckled and said, "Then Brother Li, hurry up and form your core! Hold a Core Formation Ceremony. At that time, not only will it be a major event for your Li family, but even for our Water Dragon Sect, it will be a top-notch event."

"I'd like to, but I've only been at the peak of Foundation Establishment for a little over ten years. I haven't even seen a glimpse of Core Formation yet."

Li Changhe rubbed his temples and said with a hint of helplessness, "By the way, how's your comprehension of the 'Sword Canon' going? Is it going smoothly?"

"It's alright, but it's too mysterious and difficult to understand."

Li Changhe laughed, "Don't worry, once you've crafted your first sword embryo, you'll understand why our Li family's 'Sword Manual' is hailed as the Water Dragon Sect's number one technique."

"I'm really looking forward to it."

"..."

The two chatted and laughed.

Before long, Li Changhe sent a message to inform Ji Yuan, and Ji Yuan witnessed firsthand the true power and influence of a Nascent Soul family.

First, the pavilion on the mountaintop suddenly transformed into a tower, and then dozens of beautiful and well-proportioned female cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining appeared, disguised as banquet attendants, carrying various fruits and dishes, and entered one by one.

The banquet was moved from the first floor to the second floor.

Ji Yuan didn't say anything about it being too wasteful; he just silently counted, from front to back, a total of one hundred and eight dishes.

Only after each of the maids in pink dresses bowed and smiled as they took their leave before Ji Yuan did he say helplessly, "Brother Li, you are being far too kind."

"You only get this treatment because it's your first time here. If you want to try our Li family's 'Immortal Feast' again next time, forget about it."

Li Changhe rolled his eyes. "I don't usually get to eat at this Immortal Banquet. It's specially prepared for entertaining distinguished guests."

"Stop talking, just eat!"

Ji Yuan could naturally sense that the ingredients used in the fruits and dishes were extremely luxurious... This meal would probably cost several hundred mid-grade spirit stones.

"eat!"

Ji Yuan wasn't a pedantic person. Since the Li family had already served the dishes, how could he not eat them?

The banquet lasted from day to night, and then from night to day again.

Whenever he had eaten enough, Ji Yuan would stop and cultivate for a while to refine the abundant spiritual energy in his body.

He didn't feel ashamed at all; there was nothing shameful about improving one's strength.

And since Li Changhe is the same, it doesn't matter at all.

After circulating his spiritual energy to refine the food, he had been eating for two whole days. There were still some fruits left over, but Ji Yuan couldn't eat that much at once, so he asked Li Changhe if he could pack them up.

"These were prepared for you anyway. Do with them as you please. Don't even mention taking them with you; you can even take them back to feed your pigs, and no one will say a word."

Li Changhe, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his stomach, waved his hand and said.

Ji Yuan thought back to the spirit pigs he raised on Misty Island and felt that they didn't deserve to eat such good food; it was a waste.

After Ji Yuan collected the remaining spiritual fruits, Li Changhe snapped his fingers, and the pavilion, which was originally divided into two floors, shrank and transformed into a pavilion located on the mountaintop.

Ji Yuan and the other person returned to their original positions smoothly and naturally.

Perhaps sensing the curiosity in Ji Yuan's eyes, Li Changhe took the initiative to explain, "This entire mountain has actually been refined into a spiritual artifact. Although it's not very useful, it can still be used to play some tricks."

To refine this entire mountain into a spiritual weapon, that would require a weapon refiner of several ranks… Ji Yuan asked curiously, “And this spiritual weapon is controlled by sound?”

As he spoke, he snapped his fingers.

"Cough cough."

Li Changhe blushed, "Of course not, it was just something I did on the spur of the moment."

Ji Yuan: "..."

So you were just showing off. I thought it was a magical artifact controlled by voice... Ji Yuan thought to himself, then carefully inquired about the situation inside the door.

Many things are extremely difficult for outsiders to find out, but for Li Changhe, they are no different from common sense.

For example, the Ghost Dragon Lake in the Nine Netherworld Cave Heaven is something that outsiders can't find out about no matter how hard they try, but Li Changhe immediately told him after hearing Ji Yuan's confusion.

"The Nine Netherworld Cave Heaven is actually the site of the Shang Ting Sect, the number one sect in the Canglu Continent back then. Ghost Flood Dragon Lake is its core area. Many secret treasures are left there. Every time it is opened, the sect leaders of each generation will send their disciples to Ghost Flood Dragon Lake to see if they can take some treasures back. After all, the treasures there are much more valuable than Foundation Establishment Pills."

"I see."

After listening, Ji Yuan nodded in understanding.

In a daze, he suddenly saw a streak of blue light rise from a house on Lijia Island, trace an arc across the sky, and finally fall straight down into the pavilion on the mountaintop, transforming into a portly man in brocade robes.

Upon seeing his appearance, Ji Yuan immediately stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:

"I have met my Uncle-Master Duocai."

Li Gang put one hand behind his back and patted his belly with the other, saying with a smile, "Nephew, just call me Uncle Li, there's no need for such formalities."

"Yes, greetings, Uncle Li."

Ji Yuan readily accepted good advice.

Li Gang smiled and nodded: "I heard from Changhe that he invited a friend to his home, so I came to check on him. It's alright, my dear nephew, you all chat, I'll just come and leave, haha."

Ji Yuan knew he was acting.

He also knew that Ji Yuan knew he was acting.

But the two of them had no choice but to continue acting.

So Ji Yuan nodded in agreement.

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Gang was about to leave when he seemed to remember something. He slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, right, I heard that you are also practicing our Li family's 'Sword Manual'. I happen to have a copy of the insights left by our Li family ancestors. You can take it back and study it carefully. It might be helpful for your cultivation."

As Li Gang spoke, he used his spiritual power to hand over a thick booklet.

Ji Yuan quickly accepted the gift with both hands and thanked him repeatedly.

Then, seeing that Li Gang really seemed to be leaving, he said, "Uncle Li, please wait."

"Is there anything else, my dear nephew? Please speak freely."

Li Gang waved his hand dismissively, as if nothing was a problem.

"This is what my master asked me to bring to you."

Ji Yuan handed over the jade slip that Hua Yaoyue had given him with both hands.

Upon seeing this, Li Gang's eyes lit up immediately. He reached out and took it, and with a quick scan of his divine sense, he instantly understood.

"Okay, okay."

He said it three times and then laughed loudly three times, the laughter echoing throughout the entire Lijia Island and lasting for a long time.

Li Changhe, who was sitting next to him, stood up in astonishment. He had never seen his father so happy before. Damn it, the last time he was this happy was probably when I was born.

"Nephew, please go back and tell Senior Sister Wangyou that I will definitely come to thank you in a few days."

"Yes."

Ji Yuan nodded and noted it down.

Li Gang then transformed into a streak of azure light and left the mountain.

Seeing this, Li Changhe didn't know what had happened, but he could guess that what Ji Yuan had given him must have been of great benefit to Li Gang, or rather, to the Li family.

"Thanks, Brother Ji."

Li Changhe gently swirled the spirit wine in his cup, then drank it all in one gulp.

"Brother Li, you're too kind."

After saying that, Ji Yuan also finished the drink in his glass in one gulp.

"Since you're not going to hold this island opening celebration, I'll give you a small gift as a congratulatory gift for your successful Foundation Establishment." Li Changhe said, tossing over a talisman.

Ji Yuan subconsciously took it and glanced at it.

Talisman!

It's another talisman from the Sky-Piercing Shuttle!

"This one is new, I haven't used it yet. This talisman is enough to support you for three uses," Li Changhe said with a smile.

He knew that if he offered something else, Ji Yuan might not accept it.

However, he would definitely accept the talisman that came with the Sky-Piercing Shuttle.

That is indeed the case.

Holding the talisman in his hand, Ji Yuan couldn't bring himself to say "no." After thinking it over, he could only sigh and say, "Thank you, Brother Li."

"It's okay, we're like family."

Seeing that Ji Yuan had put away the talisman, Li Changhe also revealed a relaxed smile.

"By the way, Brother Li, isn't it said that refining talismans will damage magic weapons? How come the Escape Shuttle talisman..." Ji Yuan hesitated before speaking.

"Magic treasures can be repaired after they are damaged. Just ask a Golden Core cultivator to help you refine a talisman. It's just a matter of paying them. If they refuse, it's probably because you haven't paid enough. Coincidentally, the Golden Core cultivator who owns the Sky-Piercing Shuttle is extremely easy to bribe."

Li Changhe explained with a smile.

"I see."

After some more casual conversation, Ji Yuan finally said he had to leave.

After a few persuasive attempts, Li Changhe sent Ji Yuan away from Li Family Island.

The banquet was a great success, with both hosts and guests enjoying themselves.

After leaving Li Family Island, Ji Yuan first went to Forget-Worry Island and told Hua Yaoyue everything that had happened on the trip, including Li Gang giving him enlightenment and Li Changhe giving him talismans.

After learning about it, Hua Yaoyue said "It's nothing" and let Ji Yuan leave.

This matter is settled.

Ji Yuan did not stay at the Water Dragon Sect, but he did not return directly to Misty Island. Instead, he went to Red Leaf City first.

In the past few months, in order to build his own "corpse-raising ground", he has been ordering the corpses of Qi Refining cultivators from several cities around Yunyuze.

Previous deliveries were still not enough.

So he recently ordered another batch from Red Leaf City, probably more than a dozen.

With these added, it should be enough.

Ten days later, Ji Yuan returned to Misty Island after retrieving the corpses from Red Leaf City. As before, he buried the corpses in the [Corpse-Raising Ground].

After waiting for a while, no words appeared on the gloomy mountain forest.

"That shouldn't be the case. I've buried at least a hundred bodies. Surely it shouldn't be too late." Ji Yuan looked at the forest enclosed by a fence.

"Could it be that there are no tombstones?"

Ji Yuan acted immediately, using his Purple Lightning Flying Sword to carve several planks of wood and casually sticking them onto the graves of several corpses.

In the blink of an eye, Ji Yuan seemed to sense something.

Looking up, he saw a line of white text that only he could see finally appear in the sky above the forest.

However, the newly generated building was not the [corpse-raising ground] that Ji Yuan had expected.

Its name is [Mass Burial Mound]!

The text floating above the head reads "[Mass Grave: lv0]".

Ji Yuan immediately brought up the control panel and found the newly generated building.

[Mass Gravesite: lv0 (Upgradeable)]

The next line shows the effects of a level 1 mass grave.

[Mass Gravesite: lv1]

[Effect: Increases Yin energy concentration by 100%; the more corpses buried, the denser the Yin energy.]

[Upgrade Requirements: Bury the corpses of 10 Qi Refining stage cultivators. (Completed)]

A simple and effective solution.

It can actually double the yin energy in this place.

The upgrade conditions are good too. Finally, I don't have to covet my spirit stones anymore. All I have to do is bury the corpse... It's fucking great.

Ji Yuan made a decision and immediately chose to upgrade.

Aside from the panel flashing briefly as the system upgraded from 0 to 1, there were no unusual phenomena in the building itself.

Ji Yuan continued to look at the effects and upgrade requirements of the level 2 [Mass Burial Ground].

[Mass Gravesite: lv2]

[Effect 1: Yin energy density +200%; There is a small chance that corpses in this area will undergo resurrection, becoming corpse puppets for you to control.]

[Spiritual Effect 2 (Deadly Return to Zombie Land): The mass grave can consume corpses to upgrade the Corpse Puppet's level.]

[Upgrade Requirements: Bury 100 Qi Refining stage corpses, 10 peak Qi Refining stage corpses, and 1 Foundation Establishment stage corpse. (Not yet achieved)]

A level 2 [Mass Grave] already has two magical effects?!

Especially the second one.

The "Dead Ground Returns to Zombie" ability can consume corpses to improve the level of the Corpse Puppet.

Doesn't this mean that Tu Yue is saved?

She can finally break through to the sixth level of Qi Refining, and this [Mass Burial Mound] can directly produce corpse puppets for me to use... This saves me a lot of trouble.

Ji Yuan had no more to say after considering this matter.

This mass grave must be upgraded as soon as possible, and most importantly, it no longer requires spirit stones to level up.

Corpses of Qi Refining stage cultivators are easy to find; they can all be bought.

Even those at the peak of Qi Refining are no exception.

It's this Foundation Establishment stage corpse... The informant Ji Yuan found earlier was only at the Qi Refining stage. If you want to buy a Foundation Establishment stage corpse, you have to find at least a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator.

Ji Yuan then thought of the Yang family patriarch he had killed earlier, but unfortunately, he hadn't taken his body with him at the time.

But at the time, I never imagined it would be useful...

Ji Yuan felt confident he had the ability to kill someone in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, but he still couldn't find a suitable target.

You can't kill for the sake of killing.

After much deliberation, Ji Yuan decided to pay the money.

Killing and fighting are risky.

While there are risks involved in buying with spirit stones, they are much smaller... Besides, I have plenty of spirit stones!

Having just wandered around outside for a while, Ji Yuan has no plans to go out for the time being. He intends to continue his cultivation for some time first, since cultivation always requires a balance of relaxation and rest.

That evening.

After Tu Yue had finished dealing with all the matters on the island, Ji Yuan sent her to the [Mass Burial Mound].

Ji Yuan even built a special home for her... He dug a pit in the ground and shaved a huge rock into the shape of a coffin. He even put a quilt and a pillow inside the stone coffin.

That night.

Ji Yuan watched as Tu Yue lay down in the coffin.

When he woke up the next day, he found that Tu Yue's complexion had indeed improved a lot. Sure enough, a corpse should lie in a pile of corpses. How could it always be with living people?

The period that follows.

Ji Yuan first spent half a month reading through the "Sword Canon" and gaining insights from it. As a result, he had a much clearer understanding of the matter of condensing a sword embryo. After that, he spent another half a month drawing talismans and refining pills.

I spent a month in seclusion at home.

Ji Yuan finally prepared to go out and try to purchase the corpse of this Foundation Establishment stage cultivator.

(End of this chapter)