Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 191 [Wine Cellar: lv3]; Nine Netherworld Burning Life (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Qianxin naturally wouldn't refuse verbal favors.

So after saying "It's fine" several times, the two went their separate ways.

Ji Yuan did not return to the residence arranged for him by the Great Love Sect, but instead went back to his original lodging in the city, where he could activate the Star Cloud Barrier Array without restraint, and he felt at ease there.

Upon returning, the first thing he did was take out the cultivation techniques given to him by the Great Love Sect.

Apart from the escape technique called "Black Mist Dispersion," the other two were just ordinary intermediate spells, far inferior to the Water Dragon Technique, which was both offensive and defensive.

Based on the idea that having more skills is never a bad thing, Ji Yuan also activated the [Enlightenment Room] and carefully perused and pondered its contents.

There's no rush for techniques or methods.

That kind of escape technique couldn't be learned overnight, so after Ji Yuan looked it over, he put it aside for the time being.

The most pressing issue right now is the upcoming battle.

Admittedly, Ji Yuan himself did not expect that the people of the Great Love Sect would be so bold as to not only invade Ghost Seeking Pool, but also choose to attack the strongest one... Shenjiu Palace.

There were twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators in total. Even if three of them were turned against the Great Love Sect, there were still nine left.

Including the nine Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Great Love Sect, a total of eighteen Foundation Establishment cultivators fought, including two Pseudo Core Formation cultivators.

After Ji Yuan learned about this matter, he began to consider another issue.

Two dogs fight, play off.

If the Da Ai Sect and the Shenjiu Palace were to merge, even if one side were to win, it would inevitably be a Pyrrhic victory.

Given this, why are the Heavenly Fire Cave and the Crimson Dragon Gang just sitting idly by?

Seeing yet another powerful force rising up, defecating and urinating on their head?

Taking advantage of someone's misfortune is probably the best course of action.

Ji Yuan could think of this the first time he heard about it, so it's impossible that the people of the Great Love Sect couldn't have thought of it, especially Qian Xin, who was the strategist.

Judging from the fact that he was valued by the Mourning Hermit, a pseudo-core cultivator, his scheming skills must be quite formidable.

This is something... He could think of it, and he still dared to do it.

That means they're probably confident.

Ji Yuan didn't know where his confidence lay. For him, if he could fight, he would fight; if he couldn't, he would run away.

I got two pounds of rotten firefly locust tree, plus the half pound I already had.

Two and a half pounds...

Well, there's no harm in giving it a try. If it really doesn't work, then we'll see.

So Ji Yuan followed the same method and built the smallest possible "chicken coop".

Then they tried to cover it up by wrapping it in wood.

This time it worked.

Indeed, the entire chicken coop was covered with rotten firefly-shaped locust trees.

However, the results panel still did not display the word "upgradeable". At this point, Ji Yuan understood.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to building upgrades.

The panel says that level 3 [Chicken Coop] needs to be made with Rotten Firefly Locust Tree, so we really have to use this material to make all of them.

It's the same principle as upgrading the chicken coop to level 2, which required it to be made of century-old paulownia wood.

But this time it wasn't entirely fruitless.

Ji Yuan at least figured out that two and a half catties of rotten firefly locust tree could not build a complete chicken coop.

But if I add another three pounds, that would definitely be enough.

At that time, the entire [Chicken Coop] can be made from Rotten Firefly Locust Tree, and it will naturally be able to upgrade to level 3.

With this thought in mind, Ji Yuan wished he could find the Mourning Hermit right now and force him to hand over the remaining Rotten Firefly Shadow Locust Tree.

Unfortunately, lacking the strength to compete, he could only dream about it.

Since the chicken coop can't be upgraded for the time being, Ji Yuan has come up with another idea for building.

That is the wine cellar.

The current [Wine Cellar] is already at level 2. If it can be upgraded to level 3, you will obtain "Peerless Wine".

So it can play a role in the upcoming war.

With this thought in mind, Ji Yuan glanced at the panel.

Wine Cellar: Level 3 (Cannot be upgraded)

[Effect: Increases the deliciousness of alcoholic beverages by 60%; enhances cultivation effects after consumption; produces 1 tael of "Peerless Wine" daily (temporarily increases spell power by 20% after consumption).]

[Upgrade Requirements: 100 Medium-Grade Spirit Stones; 10 Jin of Frost Cleansing Essence; 10 Jin of Burning Body Water; Master the brewing methods for at least 5 types of spirit wine. (Not yet achieved)]

Among the upgrade conditions, Ji Yuan was previously stuck on the brewing methods of these 5 types of spirit wine.

He had already spent a fortune preparing the recipe for the spirit wine and had begun brewing it.

But brewing wine takes time; there's no shortcut.

So after he prepared the spirit wine, he put it all in the wine cellar and let it ferment over time until it was ready.

It has now been more than a year since the last spirit wine was placed in the cellar.

It seems like it should have succeeded, right?

If that's the case, then we can go and prepare the other two materials.

Ten catties each of Frost Cleansing and Burning Body Water are needed, as these are both commonly used ingredients for brewing spirit wine.

The wine brewed with frost is mellow and rich, while the wine brewed with burning water is fiery and spicy.

Having already mastered six methods of brewing spirit wine, Ji Yuan understands these basic issues.

Moreover, in terms of the required quantity, neither of these spiritual waters is uncommon.

If it's a rare case, about 1 jin (500 grams) of the flask would be enough.

10 jin... Ji Yuan went out that day.

He didn't wander around aimlessly, but went directly to Wu Yunbo's tavern to inquire. He didn't have it there, but he knew where to find it.

Hearing that this "Senior Qiu" needed something, he personally led the way, taking Ji Yuan to a wine shop.

Both Frost-Clearing Water and Burning Water are available here, and they're not expensive.

Both kinds of spiritual water cost 1 jin (1g) of medium-grade spiritual stone.

Ji Yuan spent 20 spirit stones to acquire everything, and the panel immediately refreshed.

Wine Cellar: Level 3 (Upgradeable)

Ji Yuan glanced at it, but wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he returned to his residence and went to the underground secret room, where he took out dozens of jars of wine from his storage bag.

There were enough jars of wine, and the house was temporarily owned by Ji Yuan.

The room then automatically activated the [Wine Cellar] architectural effect.

Then Ji Yuan took out 100 mid-grade spirit stones, as well as the Frost Cleansing Water and Burning Body Water that he had just bought.

He placed them all in the very center of the [Wine Cellar] and silently chanted "Upgrade!"

Before the [Wine Cellar] could even glow, Ji Yuan had already turned off the building's effects. So, for him, the only change was that the "lv2" on the [Wine Cellar] had changed to "lv3".

Oh no.

Because right next to the center of this [wine cellar], two jugs of wine appeared out of nowhere.

The drinks weren't very big, only about the size of a palm.

It would appear in the past, but back then it was just a pot called "Follow Your Heart Wine". Today it appeared... Ji Yuan reached out and took it.

With a sweep of his divine sense, he immediately discerned the difference between the two flasks of wine.

He put away the wine he had intended to give to Hua Yaoyue.

He kept the "Peerless Wine" that had just been produced in the [Wine Cellar].

Each ounce was only one or two taels. Ji Yuan weighed it in his hand for a moment before taking a sip.

It's quite spicy when you first taste it, like a strong liquor.

He forced himself to swallow the liquor, suppressing the choking sensation in his throat.

But a change occurred immediately. Ji Yuan felt as if his whole body was on fire, his spiritual energy was boiling, and even his blood and qi were stirred up.

He glanced at the panel.

"Peerless Wine" can temporarily increase the power of spells by 20% after consumption.

Damn, it seems it can do more than just enhance the power of spells.

It also enhances physical strength, but the effect doesn't seem as noticeable as the enhancement from spiritual energy.

After taking a sip of the Peerless Wine, Ji Yuan waited silently.

About a minute later, the feeling of boiling spiritual energy disappeared.

Therefore, it seems that a single sip of Peerless Wine can only grant one minute of Peerless power.

So, shall I get a refill?

Can I keep using Musou mode indefinitely?

Or, if I drink a whole ounce or two in one go, will I be able to unleash my full power for half an hour?

When something good comes out in architecture, Ji Yuan always has to figure it out first.

So for the next two days, Ji Yuan stayed at home pondering the new Peerless Wine produced in the Wine Cellar.

Two days later, he had finally figured out the drink completely.

First of all, there is no difference between taking a sip and taking an ounce.

They can only activate the Musou mode for one minute at a time.

The next step is to get a refill.

The first time I drank it, I unleashed a minute of unparalleled power.

The second time you drink it, the time is halved, and you can only use it for half a minute.

By the third time you drink it, it has no effect. Not only does it have no effect, it also makes you drunk... Ji Yuan guesses that this may be related to each person's constitution.

Since he can't hold his liquor, he couldn't handle it the third time.

But for someone like Hua Yaoyue, who has a high alcohol tolerance, it's possible to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.

Finally, there's the cooldown period, which Ji Yuan has also figured out through trial and error.

12 two-hour periods.

That is exactly one day.

Two days later, Ji Yuan lay in the Enlightenment Room, studying the technique of "Black Mist Dispersing Body".

When he got tired of pondering, he brought up the panel and looked at the building effect of the level 4 [Wine Cellar].

Wine Cellar: Level 4 (Cannot be upgraded)

[Effect 1: Increases the deliciousness of the beverage by 80%; enhances cultivation effects after consumption (the degree of effect depends on the quality of the beverage).]

[Effect 2 (Nine Netherworld Burning Life): One ounce of Nine Netherworld Burning Life Brew is produced annually. Consuming it burns fifty years of lifespan, forcibly raising one's cultivation level by one realm. The effect lasts for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. (Cultivation level cannot exceed the Nascent Soul stage.)]

[Upgrade Requirements: 888 Medium-Grade Spirit Stones; 1 jin of Heart-Devouring Water; 3 liang of Nine Nether Fragrance; Master the brewing methods for at least 20 types of spirit wine. (Not yet achieved)]

The effects of level 4 [Wine Cellar].

It can only be described as fierce.

Especially the pay-to-win gameplay of Spirit Effect 2.

The wine cellar can still produce wine, but the production time has become much longer, from one ounce a day to one ounce a year.

But the effect is much stronger.

He burned fifty years of his lifespan to forcibly elevate his cultivation level by one realm, transforming from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, and from Golden Core to Nascent Soul.

Although there is a limitation of the Nascent Soul stage, it is still extremely powerful.

Imagine a late-stage Golden Core cultivator being chased by an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, driven to the brink of despair, when suddenly he pulls out the Nine Netherworld Burning Longevity Wine and takes a sip… and instantly gains the combat power of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

Even if it only takes the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it will be easy to kill this early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

When faced with certain death, being able to break through and survive is worth more than a mere 50 years of lifespan.

Even if it burns out my entire lifespan, what does it matter?

I can die, but you must die too!

Therefore, this is undoubtedly an extremely powerful means of survival. Even at the peak of the Golden Core stage, this wine is still a means of survival... I wonder how many spirit stones it could fetch at auction.

Even Golden Core cultivators would probably fight tooth and nail over this.

However, there is a problem with the auction: how to prove the authenticity of the wine, since Ji Yuan has never heard of the name "Nine Netherworld Burning Longevity Brew".

Well, we'll find out when the time comes.

The wine cellar has only just been upgraded to level 3, and we haven't even had a chance to experience the wonder of the Peerless Wine yet.

After putting away the panel, Ji Yuan focused his mind once again on the "Black Mist Dispersion" technique.

About ten days later, he received another message from Deng Pinghai.

"Brother Qiu, please come over for a chat."

Is this... finally about to make a move?

Ji Yuan couldn't help but have this thought in his mind. Once he had this thought, he first turned off all the architectural effects in his residence, and then circulated his spiritual energy.

A soft "thump" sounded.

He, who was sitting in the same spot, suddenly turned into a wisp of black smoke and disappeared.

"..."

After Ji Yuan arrived at the residence of the Mourning Hermit.

The others had already arrived, and he quickly went to sit down in his seat by the door.

As soon as he sat down, the Mourning Hermit raised his hand and closed the door. Then, several restrictions were cast, and the entire hall instantly became dark.

Ji Yuan glanced at everyone present... Judging from their demeanor, it seemed they weren't going to make a move today; they were probably just informing each other of the time.

The day to take action is not today.

"Tomorrow, at 3:45 AM, assemble outside the East Gate."

The mourner succinctly summarized the main points of this meeting in a single sentence.

"Yes."

Everyone present stood up and clasped their hands in greeting to show that they were not in any danger.

Before even sitting down, Lu Ping, the most violent of them all, was already waving his fists and roaring, "Damn it, I should have fucking killed them a long time ago!"

When fighting, I need to stay away from this person to avoid getting caught in the crossfire... Ji Yuan thought to himself.

"We set off from Da Ai City as a group of six, and I hope that when we return, it will still be the same six of us, preferably with no one missing."

"Furthermore, I hope you can exert your full strength to take over the Divine Vulture Palace. When that happens, not only will the reputation of our Great Love Sect be restored, but we will also be able to seize a portion of the Divine Vulture Palace's resources. With resources, why worry about not being able to improve our cultivation?"

The mourner forced a smile.

"I'm sure you all dream of a life where you can lie in bed all day and have resources delivered to you endlessly."

No, I'm already living that way, and I have plenty of resources... Ji Yuan doesn't fall for the empty promises made by the mournful wanderer.

Just because he doesn't eat it doesn't mean others won't.

First appeal to their emotions, then explain the reasons.

Perhaps those present knew more, for their eyes gleamed with excitement as they listened, with Deng Pinghai even lowering his voice to say:

"For example, the six great immortal sects of Shangdong, at least a Golden Core cultivator can live such a life."

"But if we can take over this Divine Vulture Palace... then even those of us at the Foundation Establishment stage can live such a life, hehe."

The strategist, Qianxin, waved his feather fan and said, "After taking over the Divine Vulture Palace, we will be considered the founding elders of the Great Love Sect. Even if more Foundation Establishment cultivators join us later, their status will not be as high."

"Besides..."

"Besides what?"

Ye Zhi, who rarely spoke, couldn't help but ask.

"Moreover, I am about to form my Golden Core. After breaking through the Divine Vulture Palace, I will go into seclusion to break through to the Golden Core Realm. Once I successfully form my Golden Core, we will be able to take over the other three forces. At that time, our Great Love Sect will be able to occupy the entire Ghost Seeking Pool."

"Hehehe."

Ji Yuan, who was sitting by the door, smiled.

His unique laughter immediately attracted the attention of the others, who couldn't help but look on in surprise.

Even Lu Ping thought to himself, 'Qiu Qianhai has such a sinister laugh; he's probably a ruthless character even in the demonic path. No wonder he dared to reveal his real name as soon as he showed up.'

"Alright, as for the specifics, just follow Fellow Daoist Qianxin's arrangements. See you tomorrow morning."

After finishing his words, the mourning hermit suddenly transformed into black mist and departed.

As soon as he left, the others naturally looked at Qianxin sitting in front. The latter turned around with a light wave of her feather fan, and with a casual sweep, a jade slip appeared in front of each of them.

Ji Yuan imitated their actions and invaded them with his divine sense.

A wave of memories washed over me.

What's recorded inside is Qianxin's arrangement for this mission.

The content is extremely detailed, even including a map of the route from Da'ai City to Shenjiu Palace, though several large characters are highlighted in red on it.

"Don't believe everything you hear."

Ji Yuan memorized the map and then began to investigate the arrangements for this operation.

It's called an arrangement, but there's really nothing to arrange. In the end, it all comes down to skill... As for Ji Yuan, the most useful thing is the information about the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Shenjiu Palace.

It not only contains the appearances and cultivation levels of those Foundation Establishment cultivators, but also their specialties, all of which are clearly recorded.

Since it was exactly nine people against nine people, Qianxin even roughly arranged each person's opponent.

The person that the Mourning Hermit had to face was none other than the Palace Master of the Divine Vulture Palace, who was also at the False Core Realm.

Ji Yuan watched from beginning to end and found his opponent, a mid-Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator called "Yin Tongzi"... It wasn't that Qian Xin didn't care.

Instead, within the vast Divine Vulture Palace, the lowest cultivation level is the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Damn it, there isn't a single Foundation Establishment stage cultivator here!

Ji Yuan shook the jade slip in his hand and said to Qian Xin, "Fellow Daoist, I, a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage, am going to fight against a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the middle stage. What do you think of this…?"

"Brother Qiu, don't panic. You just need to do your best to hold off this Yin Child. On our side, Brother Lu is very strong. He will be able to take down Chen Heiquan on the other side soon. Once he has taken him down, he will come to help you," Qianxin explained with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Lu Ping patted his chest and said, "That's right, Lao Chou, don't be afraid. If you can't hold on, just call me, and I'll come to your rescue!"

"Alright, then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Lu."

Ji Yuan cupped his hands in greeting to him.

At the same time, he also kept a close eye on Lu Ping's opponent, who was also a cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage named Chen Mo. In addition, he kept a second-tier demonic dog, so he was known as Chen Black Dog by the world.

He's also a beast-taming cultivator... his strength shouldn't be underestimated.

"alright."

Qianxin gently clasped her hands together, attracting everyone's attention, and said in a deep voice, "This is just my preliminary plan. Once we're on the battlefield... the situation will definitely change in an instant, and it's impossible to follow my plan completely."

"No matter who your opponent is, remember, survival is the most important thing."

"Yes."

"..."

Ji Yuan didn't go back after that. He had brought everything with him when he left this time, so he stayed there with the others until the hour of Yin the next day.

"Time's up, let's go!"

Requesting monthly votes and recommending more books.

(End of this chapter)