Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 217 What evil intentions could a demonic cultivator possibly have? [Seeking monthly votes]

"Oh?"

"Are you going to the ancient battlefield ruins?"

Ji Yuan was somewhat surprised to hear this. It seemed that the two of them were indeed destined to meet. It was one thing to meet in Hongcheng, but now they even had the same destination.

"right."

Wang Xiu, piloting a flying magical artifact shaped like a white cloud, slowed down his flight and spoke to Ji Yuan telepathically: "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Brother Qiu, but I was originally the son-in-law of the Wei family in the ancient battlefield ruins. It was only later, due to some miscellaneous matters, that I went south."

"Now that I've heard that my father-in-law has passed away, I have no choice but to go back and visit him."

As Wang Xiu spoke, the smile disappeared from his eyes, replaced by a hint of melancholy.

My deepest condolences, Brother Wang.

Although Ji Yuan said this, he was thinking about the "Wei family" in his heart. There should only be one Wei family in the ancient battlefield.

According to the Li family's plan, I need the Wei family's help to condense my flying sword in the Blood River.

This must be the Wei family that Wang Xiu mentioned.

But Ji Yuan didn't make a fuss; everything would only be known once he arrived.

"Brother Qiu, where are you headed?"

Looking at the kind-faced Ji Yuan, Wang Xiu seemed to guess something and tentatively asked, "So, Brother Qiu, you're also going to that ancient battlefield ruins?"

Many thoughts flashed through Ji Yuan's mind. His trip to the ancient battlefield was a secret, and he didn't have any enemies, so the current situation should just be a coincidence.

"Exactly."

"What a coincidence!"

Wang Xiu slapped his thigh excitedly, "I was just worried about the dangers of this journey, and that I wouldn't have anyone to travel with. With Brother Qiu by my side, I feel much more at ease. Uh... what do you think about traveling together, Brother Qiu?"

Ji Yuan looked at the person in front of him and thought that he really seemed to be quite simple-minded, without many complicated twists and turns.

"I couldn't ask for more, Brother Wang, I hope you will take good care of me."

"Hey, we're brothers, we should help each other out, why say that? But don't worry, Brother Qiu, I know the way to the ancient battlefield well, I know which way is safe."

"Then I'll trouble Brother Wang to lead the way."

It was said that Wang Xiu was willing to lead the way, but before they had gone far, Ji Yuan discovered that the path he was leading was exactly the same as the map in his hand...

With companions on the same path, Ji Yuan was no longer so lonely on his journey.

Especially since Wang Xiu is a chatterbox, and since Ji Yuan was visiting Shuibei for the first time, he could talk about everything he encountered.

This broadened Ji Yuan's horizons considerably.

For example, if he came across a grave on the road, he would tell Ji Yuan that in the early years, the cultivators of Shuibei hated the cultivators of the Corpse-Driving Mountain.

Why?

Because they are best at digging up other people's graves.

Often, the bodies would be dug up and used for corpse refining just a few days after they were buried.

At first, everyone dared not speak out in anger, but later, when they could no longer bear it, the rogue cultivators from several cities gathered in front of Corpse Driving Mountain, demanding an explanation.

That vast, swarming mass of cultivators, according to Wang Xiu, numbered at least several million, nearly flattening the Corpse-Driving Mountain.

Ji Yuan suppressed a laugh and continued listening to his story.

Later, the Corpse-Driving Mountain had no choice but to establish a rule that they would never dig up other people's graves at will again.

The matter was then dropped.

Since then, it seems that people in the Corpse-Driving Mountain area really don't dig up other people's ancestors' graves at will. At least, there have been no more reports of graves being dug up and coffins opened just a few days after someone buried their ancestors.

Just when everyone thought that Corpse Driving Mountain had finally reformed, a rogue cultivator fought with someone from Corpse Driving Mountain and unexpectedly discovered that the zombie controlled by the other party was actually his own father!

Afterwards, he went back and dug up his father's grave with his own hands, only to find that the coffin was still there, but the body was gone...

After another big commotion, the truth gradually came to light: it turned out that a genius from the Corpse-Driving Mountain had created a technique that allowed him to steal other people's corpses through the coffins in the graves.

This time, the rogue cultivators also tried to threaten Corpse Driving Mountain, demanding that they ban this technique and stop stealing human corpses.

But this time, Corpse Driving Mountain didn't back down. Four Golden Core cultivators came out of Corpse Driving Mountain, and the rogue cultivators scattered like birds and beasts.

Fortunately, with this technique, at least we can save face for others. As long as the coffin isn't opened, no one will know whether my ancestors are still lying inside.

Only occasionally could one hear rumors that someone had seen someone else's parents being used as zombies by the people who drove corpses to the mountains.

The two walked and talked.

Another half month passed, and they finally arrived near the ancient battlefield.

"Ahead is Yaofeng Market, the closest market to the ancient battlefield. Once you pass through here, you'll reach the entrance to the ancient battlefield."

Ji Yuan had studied the geomantic map on the way here, so he naturally knew about this matter.

Moreover, the existence of this ancient battlefield is somewhat similar to that of a secret realm, as it can only be entered through a special entrance.

However, it differs from a true secret realm. A secret realm exists within a small world, while this ancient battlefield truly exists on the Canglu Continent.

"Brother Qiu, would you like to rest at Yaofengfang for a while, or head straight to the ancient battlefield?"

Wang Xiu turned his head and asked.

"Let's just go. There's not much time to rest when you're traveling."

Ji Yuan smiled. He wasn't that kind of pretentious person. Besides, saying that they were on the road was actually a form of rest for someone like him who was used to cultivation.

"Very well then, follow me."

The two continued north for about half an hour.

The scene before us finally changed; instead of the layers upon layers of mountains and forests, two cliffs appeared.

The towering cliffs on both sides are incredibly steep.

A narrow strip of sky is squeezed between the cliffs.

The entrance to the ancient battlefield is right here.

Once the two were closer, Ji Yuan released his divine sense and spread it over, but before he could investigate clearly, two men flew up from the cliff.

One on the left and one on the right, both were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"I wonder if you two fellow Daoists..."

Wang Xiu cupped his hands in greeting, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the two people in front of him: "Entry into the ancient battlefield is prohibited. If there is nothing else, leave immediately."

"no."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiu's expression changed. "Fellow Daoist, I am a person from this ancient battlefield. How can you not let me go home?"

"Besides, the ancient battlefield has always been an open area. Even Corpse-Driving Mountain hasn't claimed this place for itself. Who are you? Do you think you're stronger than Corpse-Driving Mountain in this territory?"

Although Wang Xiu looks somewhat simple and honest, he is, after all, a man who has lived for over a hundred years.

They're extremely skilled at labeling people right off the bat.

"What are you yelling about? I said you're not allowed in, and that's final. If you keep babbling, I'll beat the shit out of you."

The short man on the right looks very irritable.

Ji Yuan stood behind Wang Xiu without saying a word.

In this situation, one person speaking is enough.

He didn't release his divine sense again, but instead squinted at the entrance of the ancient battlefield, where figures were moving about and there were still Foundation Establishment cultivators who hadn't come up yet.

After a few breaths, another figure emerged from the entrance of the ancient battlefield.

With just one glance, Ji Yuan's eyes flickered slightly.

He saw an old acquaintance!

Wang Xiu had traveled a long way from Medicine King Valley to attend his father-in-law's funeral, but now he was being stopped at his own doorstep, so he naturally refused to agree.

Seeing that he was about to speak, Ji Yuan stopped him and turned to the two Foundation Establishment cultivators in front of him with an apologetic smile:

"Excuse me, we won't be going to this ancient battlefield."

Interrupted by Ji Yuan, Wang Xiu calmed down and, after a moment's thought, realized what was happening and asked, "When can we go in?"

"You'll be able to go in when it's time."

The man waved his hand impatiently.

Wang Xiu's expression changed several times, but in the end he left the place with Ji Yuan.

"Let's go to Yaofengfang first and find out what's going on," Ji Yuan told him telepathically.

Wang Xiu took a deep breath. "Alright, Brother Qiu, don't worry. I have one or two old acquaintances in Yaofengfang. I'll go ask them and I'll find out."

"Damn it, I wonder who dared to seize this ancient battlefield. It's probably someone from Corpse Driving Mountain, disguised as a rogue cultivator, acting recklessly, just like the Yunlin Mountain Range."

Wang Xiu grumbled and cursed.

Ji Yuan didn't reply, because he probably already knew who had taken over this ancient battlefield...

As soon as the two left, another cultivator flew up in a flying boat from the entrance of the ancient battlefield and came to their side. "What's wrong?"

"Another one thinking of entering the ancient battlefield. One of them even claimed to be from inside. Ha, without Young Master's orders, no one is allowed to enter."

One of the people next to him asked, "Brother Hu, did the young master say how long we're supposed to stay here? There isn't even a pretty female cultivator here; it's really boring."

"It'll be here soon."

"..."

After arriving at Yaofengfang, Ji Yuan and his companion found a courtyard to stay in.

Because there were outsiders present, he only pasted a few talismans on the courtyard wall and did not use any formations.

Ji Yuan wasn't in a hurry, so he could take his time. He could just stay here and cultivate for a while until those people left. But Wang Xiu couldn't sit still. As soon as he found a place to stay, before he even sat down, he hurriedly said that he was going to find a friend to inquire about the situation.

With him around, Ji Yuan was happy to do so.

Otherwise, it would be troublesome to ask him to gather information.

He meditated and rested in the courtyard, and also ate two three-colored spirit eggs to purify the spiritual energy he had absorbed during this period.

I waited for about half a day.

Wang Xiucai returned under the cover of night.

"Brother Qiu, this is a bit difficult." Wang Xiu's expression also turned grim.

"How so?"

Ji Yuan asked curiously.

"It seems unlikely that we'll be able to get in anytime soon. This group arrived here three months ago and occupied this ancient battlefield, saying that they have some young master who wants to cultivate here."

It must not be disturbed by outsiders.

Moreover, there were many Foundation Establishment cultivators in their group; according to my friend, he saw at least seven or eight of them.

"Moreover, they are all ruthless. Last month, there was a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Spirit Control Sect who was already at the late Foundation Establishment stage. He wanted to enter this ancient battlefield because of his cultivation, but they stopped him. He was dissatisfied and said a few more words, and in the end..."

Wang Xiu paused slightly as he spoke.

"What happened in the end?"

"The last person did get in, but they were killed by those Foundation Establishment cultivators and then thrown in," Wang Xiu said, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

"Damn it, this is clearly a demonic cultivator!"

Ji Yuan fell silent.

Because Wang Xiu was right, this group of people were indeed demonic cultivators.

The old acquaintance he had just seen at the entrance to the ancient battlefield was none other than Hu Li, the demonic cultivator who had fought him outside Linshui City and only managed to escape with the help of the talismanic teleportation shuttle.

Ji Yuan never expected that after that fellow escaped, he would actually come back to this Corpse-Driving Mountain territory.

And by sheer coincidence, I ran into him again.

"This is the third time we've met. It seems I'm really destined to meet Brother Hu Li."

Ji Yuan was already pondering whether he could rely on Hu Li's connections to enter this ancient battlefield.

Although the two had a minor disagreement during their second meeting.

However, during their first meeting... the two had a friendly chat, and Hu Li affectionately addressed him as Senior Qiu.

"So, Brother Wang, what are you planning to do now?"

Ji Yuan inquired, still thinking about whether Wang Xiu had any other way to infiltrate this ancient battlefield.

That would save you trouble.

Finding Hulin is the last resort.

"What can we do?" Wang Xiu shrugged. "Just let it be."

"We can only wait and see when these people will leave. Their young master is cultivating inside; he can't possibly cultivate here forever."

"That's true, let's wait and see."

So the two of them stayed in the courtyard for the next period of time.

Another half month passed.

Ji Yuan also went out to inquire about the situation several times, but the group of demonic cultivators showed no signs of leaving... Waiting any longer might not be a good idea. I came all this way, not to cultivate here.

Moreover, it wouldn't be too risky to enter by using the identity of a demonic cultivator.

If all else fails, infiltrate this group of demonic cultivators first. Once you're on their side, you can come and go as you please.

There are plenty of ways to act alone, so Ji Yuan isn't worried.

Two more days passed, and the group of demonic cultivators remained the same, guarding the entrance.

So Ji Yuan prepared to take action.

Before leaving, I naturally had to say goodbye to Wang Xiu. After all, we were on the same path and could be considered fellow Daoists.

"What, you're leaving?"

Wang Xiu was somewhat surprised when he heard Ji Yuan's words.

"Well, those cultivators haven't left yet, and waiting any longer isn't a solution. Brother Wang, your home is here, so there's nothing I can do. I have to go somewhere else; I can't wait any longer."

Ji Yuan thoughtfully explained the reasons for her departure.

"Indeed, Brother Qiu, take care and be careful in everything. For the next while, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will stay at Yaofengfang until they leave. If you need any help, you can come back to me anytime."

"Alright, take care, Brother Wang."

Ji Yuan clasped his hands in a fist salute to him, then summoned his flying boat, which rose from the courtyard, left the market, and headed east.

Half a day later.

A rather effeminate-looking man rode a skull billowing with thick smoke from east to west, bypassing Yaofengfang, and finally landing in the dense forest to the north.

On this day, Hu Li, as usual, walked out of the ancient battlefield and, together with two other demonic cultivators, guarded the entrance.

The three of them either cultivated or chatted idly, mostly fantasizing about how wonderful their lives would be after Shang west's demonic cultivators broke through Shang Dong's Six Paths Alliance.

"To borrow a phrase from the mortal world, it will be like saying 'Welcome the royal army' when the time comes."

Huli told a joke, but unfortunately the other two ignorant demonic cultivators didn't understand it at all and didn't react in the slightest.

He could only scoff inwardly, "Ha, people like you, with not a shred of knowledge in your heads, how could you possibly catch the young master's eye? Serves you right!"

As he was thinking, a voice suddenly rang in his mind.

"Oh, so that's where you went, little fox. Turns out you've been hiding here."

Hu Li, who was laughing, suddenly froze on the spot. He immediately released his divine sense to search in all directions... but found nothing.

Although he had also broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage after several years, Ji Yuan's divine sense... was aided by the Meditation Room, and his divine soul was nourished day and night by the Divine Soul Cultivation Technique "Nine Palaces Soul Suppressing Scripture".

Although Ji Yuan didn't have a specific concept, he estimated that even compared to the peak of Foundation Establishment, it was probably not much different.

Once his cultivation level breaks through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, he is even estimated to be stronger than a typical peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Therefore, he can clearly see Hu Li's panicked appearance and the other two Foundation Establishment mid-stage demonic cultivators chatting idly, but they cannot find his trace.

"What, don't you recognize me?"

Ji Yuan said something else.

Hu Li couldn't find him, so he stopped looking for him.

He vaguely felt that the voice sounded familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before, but when asked who it was, he couldn't remember.

"May I ask who you are, senior...?"

He asked a question from his heart.

"Here's a heads-up, just a heads-up about Shanghefang."

That was the place where Ji Yuan first met Hu Li.

Upon hearing this, Hu Li immediately remembered!

That old Deng!

I was cultivating peacefully in Shanghefang when Zhu Ji somehow provoked that old man Deng. If I hadn't handled it well, I probably would have died there!

Why is this old man so persistent? He's even followed me here.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Are you secretly cursing me in your heart?" Ji Yuan asked in a sinister tone.

"How dare I? I was just reminiscing about your heroic deeds."

Huli shamelessly replied.

"Heh, tell me, what brings you here?"

Hu Li remained silent for a long time, unsure of how to answer or what to say.

Ji Yuan said in a half-joking tone, "Could it be that you've hooked up with a big shot? Why don't you introduce me to one of them too?"

"Senior is joking. With your strength, you don't need these at all," Hu Li quickly replied with a smile.

"No, I'm serious. If your thigh has the strength of a Golden Core cultivator, please introduce me to someone. I've been traveling all over the country for years and I'd like to find a place to settle down."

Ji Yuan said in a somewhat lazy tone.

He planned to find out the situation first before making any decisions.

Hu Li's heart skipped a beat when he heard this... If it were true, he would have done another great service.

Judging from our last meeting, his cultivation level is at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and most likely at the peak of Foundation Establishment. If I can recruit a peak Foundation Establishment helper for the young master...

That's quite an achievement.

With this thought in mind, Huli decided to reveal a little more information and share what he could.

"To be honest, senior, the senior I am currently following does indeed possess the cultivation of the Golden Core stage."

"Oh?"

"But that's not the point. The point is that this Golden Core senior is just a guard. The real person in charge is actually a young master in the late Foundation Establishment stage... a young master with a very impressive background!"

In the dense forest, Ji Yuan, who had been keeping his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.

Requesting monthly votes

(End of this chapter)