Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 245 "The Nameless Rogue Cultivator, Ji Yuan!" [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"For water-based cultivators, coming to this seaside feels just like coming home... except the weather here is fucking hot."

"What a great hotspot! Haven't you noticed that most of the female cultivators in South China Sea City are dressed very scantily? Look, look at that one! Good heavens, it's so big, it's going to suffocate me!"

"..."

Ji Yuan leaped off the flying boat and arrived outside the north gate of Nanhai City, where he overheard the conversation.

Sometimes he felt that his extraordinary physique was not so good, such as his super hearing. Even if someone spoke very softly, as long as there was no sound transmission... he could hear it.

So Ji Yuan followed the gaze of the two righteous cultivators and looked over.

Hmm...it is indeed quite big.

I don't know if this South Sea City can be flown, but it's always better to be careful.

Therefore, Ji Yuan, who was already in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, obediently queued up to enter the city and even paid an entrance fee of 1 low-grade spirit stone.

So much so that the late-stage Qi Refining cultivator guarding the city trembled with fear, addressing him as "senior" repeatedly.

Once inside South China Sea City, Ji Yuan discovered that it was indeed as the two cultivators outside the city had said: all the cultivators in South China Sea City, regardless of gender, were dressed in revealing clothing.

Especially those female cultivators.

Not only did she reveal her long, snow-white legs, but she also only wore a small bodice to cover her chest. Those with a slightly larger figure walked with a shaky gait.

However, most cultivators actually had their skin tanned to a wheat color by the sun.

Most of those with fair skin had just come from other places.

As for Ji Yuan, who was wearing a long robe, it goes without saying that he came from the north at a glance, so all the errand runners in the city were keeping an eye on him.

If they weren't afraid of his Foundation Establishment stage cultivation, many of them would probably have already come over.

Until a female cultivator at the peak of Qi Refining walked up to Ji Yuan and bowed to him.

"This junior is Xie Wan. May I ask if you, senior, need assistance in showing me the way?"

This scene reminded Ji Yuan of Ning Shanshan, the errand girl he had met in Lanshan City, and he wondered how she was doing now.

"Then let's go together."

Ji Yuan said casually.

Xie Wan was overjoyed and quickly followed Ji Yuan with small steps, introducing, "Our South Sea City is the south gate of the Joyful Palace. It not only connects with cultivators in the surrounding areas, but also facilitates trade between us and many sects stationed overseas."

"Therefore, there is always a Golden Core cultivator guarding the South Sea City, and there are dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators like you, senior."

"That's quite a lot."

Ji Yuan raised an eyebrow; even in Linhai City, there weren't this many.

"That's right, but the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators has only increased in the last two years. I heard it's because of the war between the righteous and the demonic forces, so many rogue cultivators have come to our South Sea City for refuge."

"The same is true for some independent practitioners overseas."

"Indeed... please continue and give a more detailed introduction. This is my first time here, and if possible, I would like to settle down in Nanhai City in the future."

Ji Yuan, with his hands behind his back, said casually.

Xie Wan was overjoyed to hear this. It would be wonderful if this senior could settle down in Nanhai City.

In this way, even if he doesn't accept spirit stones, he can still build a bond of friendship by following his lead.

The incense offerings of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator... are worth far more than spirit stones.

When the time comes to establish a foundation, we might be able to ask him for some guidance.

If one is lucky enough to successfully establish their foundation, then they will have gained a fellow cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Xie Wan then went on to provide an even more detailed explanation.

After listening to her explanation, Ji Yuan was led by her to visit several "famous attractions" in Nanhai City.

All I can say is... it's really good.

It certainly has a unique exotic feel.

"By the way, you just said that two Foundation Establishment cultivators also came from Icefire Island?"

In a quiet teahouse, Ji Yuan sipped his cold-brewed tea and casually asked a question.

"Exactly."

"I've heard the scenery there is beautiful, and there's also a famous giant volcano in Shangdong?"

"Yes, senior is indeed very knowledgeable and experienced."

Xie Wan smiled and first praised him before continuing:

"That volcano is called Flaming Volcano. It's said that once it erupts completely, even Foundation Establishment cultivators won't be able to escape Icefire Island... Since you know about this, senior, you must have also heard of the strange pool on Icefire Island, right?"

"I know. I came here this time because I wanted to visit Icefire Island. I heard that the only way to get to Icefire Island is from South Sea City?"

Ji Yuan feigned curiosity and asked.

"Yes, because although Icefire Island seems to be very close to our mainland, it is actually quite far away. Only Golden Core cultivators can go there directly, while other Foundation Establishment cultivators have to take a large ship."

"And the main reason is that there is a storm zone around Icefire Island."

"Storm zone?"

This was the first time Ji Yuan had ever heard of this.

"Yes, that's actually the main reason why Foundation Establishment cultivators can't land on the island, because that storm zone is extremely dangerous, and it also harbors second-tier wind beasts."

Xie Wan introduced it very carefully:

"Even Foundation Establishment cultivators can perish here if they are not careful. So if you want to get to Icefire Island, either a Golden Core cultivator can cross the entire storm zone directly, or you can spend spirit stones to board someone else's large ship to reach the island."

"Then tell me more about the boat trip."

Ji Yuan sat up straight.

Although he also had a half-baked Golden Core corpse puppet, the Heavenly Silkworm True Man, it was ultimately unstable.

If a mistake is made in the storm zone, it would be a huge loss.

In comparison, Ji Yuan naturally preferred to spend spirit stones on things that could be solved with a little spirit stone.

Anyway, he has more spirit stones than he can spend.

"Yes."

Xie Wan naturally realized that the senior in front of her was actually thinking of going to Ice and Fire Island.

In that case, she needs to perform even better.

If this matter can be handled properly, that will truly improve our goodwill towards you.

Because I feel needed by this senior.

"If you had come here a year ago, there would only have been one ship to Icefire Island, but now there are two."

"One of them is a long-established brand, a large cross-sea ship belonging to the Luo family of Nanhai City. For a long time before, the only safe passage through the storm zone was controlled by the Luo family."

Therefore, the Luo family's large ship is very safe and secure, and there's no need to worry about encountering any danger. It's just that the price... will be a bit higher.

"The Luo family... is that the Golden Core family you mentioned this afternoon in South China Sea City?"

Ji Yuan thought back and asked.

"It is indeed the Luo family." Xie Wan nodded gently.

Earlier that afternoon, Xie Wan had mentioned the Luo family when introducing Nanhai City.

It's similar to the Yun family in Linhai City, except that the Luo family in Nanhai City is much stronger, with patriarchs at the Golden Core stage in every family.

And this ancestor was naturally granted amnesty by the Joyful Palace.

Although it was called a grant of amnesty, the South China Sea City still largely belonged to the Luo family.

The only route to Icefire Island remains firmly in the hands of the Luo family.

It can be said that within the small territory of Nanhai City, the Luo family still wields absolute power.

"How many spirit stones would it cost to take their ship to Icefire Island?" Ji Yuan asked curiously.

"The Luo family's large ship is called 'Whale Patrol.' It is said that it was made entirely from the corpse of a third-tier whale demon beast. It is a top-grade spiritual artifact ship with extremely strong protective capabilities, so the price... is 15 mid-grade spirit stones for a one-way trip."

"If you travel by the Luo family's patrol ship both ways, then you will only be charged 20 mid-grade spirit stones."

Xie Wan knew this very clearly and described it in great detail.

"This price is really not cheap."

Ji Yuan was somewhat astonished.

Although the price was a drop in the ocean for him, it was still not cheap even for a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages.

A one-way ticket costs 15 mid-grade spirit stones, which is 1500 low-grade spirit stones. This price is definitely not cheap.

"Yes, but it's not too bad. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator like you, as long as you pack a lot of good stuff in your storage bag and sell it to the people on the island, you can basically earn back the spirit stones."

Xie Wan whispered a reminder, still offering advice to Ji Yuan.

"Oh? So there are quite a few people on the island?"

"Yes... but I haven't been there myself. I only heard about it from rumors. I've heard that some Foundation Establishment seniors actually make their living this way, cooperating with the Luo family while earning spirit stones."

Ji Yuan nodded slightly... It's reselling, but the Luo family didn't completely shut down this business. Instead, they left a little way out, which was a bit unexpected for Ji Yuan.

"And the other ship you mentioned? You mean this ship only appeared in the last year?"

"Yes, that boat called the Ephemeral Flower Boat only appeared a year ago. The group that sailed it called themselves the Ephemeral Flower Travelers. In fact, many people say that these Ephemeral Flower Travelers are demonic cultivators..."

"They risked their lives to find a second safe passage through that storm zone."

Xie Wan lowered her voice and continued, "Moreover, when they first set sail on this Ephemeral Flower Boat, I heard they had a fight with the Luo family. In the end, for some reason, the Luo family actually agreed to let them sail."

"Oh?"

"Moreover, according to the cultivators who have taken the Ephemeral Flower Boat, the passage controlled by the Ephemeral Flower Travelers is not actually very safe. Although it is not life-threatening, one can still be blown by storms, which is quite frightening... That's why their boat fare is cheap."

"How many?"

Ji Yuan asked.

"A single trip costs only 7 mid-grade spirit stones. If you take the Ephemeral Flower Boat both ways, it's only 10 spirit stones, which is half the price."

"That's definitely much cheaper."

As Ji Yuan picked up the tea on the table, he noticed that Xie Wan's lips were a little dry after talking so much, so he casually lifted her tea with his magic.

Startled, Xie Wan quickly stood up, bent down, and caught it with both hands.

How could she not be afraid when a Foundation Establishment cultivator served her tea, a Qi Refining cultivator?

"So, which ship has more cultivators on it right now?"

Ji Yuan took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before continuing to ask.

Xie Wan drank the tea in one gulp with both hands before daring to sit down and reply.

"Most Foundation Establishment cultivators like you, senior, naturally travel on the Luo family's Whale Patrol Boat."

As for the Ephemeral Flower Boat of the Ephemeral Flower Guest, it's now mostly used by juniors at the peak of Qi Refining, who are going to Icefire Island by selling their possessions and trading resources, risking their lives for spirit stones.

Ji Yuan rubbed the teacup in his hand.

His thoughts were naturally the same as what Xie Wan had told him.

To get to Icefire Island, take the Luo family's whale-patrolling boat.

There's no need to skimp on such a small thing. If you're going to take a ride, take a reliable one.

Moreover, after listening to Xie Wan's story, he even had a bold idea in his mind... Could it be that the group of Epiphyllum Hermits were the same group of people who disappeared in Great Love City?

After leaving Guixuntang, they came to settle down in Nanhai City.

Of course, this idea is a bit too far-fetched.

It's possible, but the chances are extremely slim.

"So, how do I board the Luo family's whale-patrolling boat?"

Ji Yuan didn't hide his thoughts and asked directly.

"The Luo family's whale-hunting boats depart every two months. The date until the next departure..."

Xie Wan considered for a moment before saying, "The ship will depart in five days, so if you want to go, you need to go to the ferry now, find the Luo family, pay the spirit stones, and they will give you a boarding pass."

"Five days later, you can board the ship with your credentials and head to Ice and Fire Island."

"In that case," Ji Yuan picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp. "Let's go, let's go check out the ferry crossing now."

"Alright, this junior will lead the way for you, senior."

Xie Wan stood up happily.

Ji Yuan glanced back at the spiritual fruits on the table... If they were of good quality, he would have already put them away.

Just like back on Wanwu Island.

These spiritual fruits, while of decent quality for those in the Qi Refining stage, are practically useless to Ji Yuan, who is already in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

"You should keep those spiritual fruits; they're just going to go to waste here."

"what?"

Xie Wan clearly hadn't expected this, although she had long wanted to try a spiritual fruit.

"Hurry up."

Ji Yuan finished speaking and walked out of the private room first.

"Yes, yes, thank you, senior! Thank you, senior!"

Xie Wan bowed deeply to Ji Yuan's departing figure, then hurriedly put the spiritual fruits on the table into her storage bag and rushed out the door.

Nanhai City is located on the south side of the sea, so the ferry crossing is naturally on the south side as well.

The teahouse where Ji Yuan was currently located was in the east of Linhai City, so after leaving the house, the two headed straight south.

But before long, it had become completely dark.

But Nanhai City did not become dark as a result; on the contrary, it became even brighter at night.

Countless lights stretched across the entire city, and even the number of cultivators and mortals coming and going on the streets increased significantly.

After all, Nanhai City is sweltering during the day, and only at night can one find some coolness.

Looking at the beautiful scenery, Ji Yuan unconsciously slowed down his pace.

Just then, a boy in a short-sleeved shirt ran down the street, excitedly shouting:

"The Luo family has given an order: it will rain in three days. It will rain in three days."

In an instant, the whole street became even more cheerful.

Ji Yuan glanced back at Xie Wan.

The latter quickly stepped forward to explain, "Under normal circumstances, there is very little rain in our South Sea City. Then the Luo family organizes its Foundation Establishment cultivators to perform rainmaking techniques over South Sea City every few days to relieve the sweltering heat."

"The Luo family is quite something, they've even done the work of the Dragon King."

Ji Yuan laughed.

"That's simply because you're not from our South Sea City..."

Xie Wan muttered to herself.

Ji Yuan: "Hmm?"

Xie Wan quickly said, "It's nothing, it's nothing."

But in reality, Ji Yuan heard it all. It was perfectly normal for cultivation families to persecute independent cultivators.

If aristocratic families do not persecute or exploit unaffiliated cultivators, how can they become aristocratic families?

The two then walked south, stopping frequently. Whenever Ji Yuan encountered something new or interesting, he would stop and ask about it.

Xie Wan also demonstrated her ability to run errands effectively; no matter what it was, she could explain it clearly.

So by the time the two arrived at the ferry crossing to the south, it was already the morning of the next day.

There are even more people here, and the ferry crossing is always busy, day or night.

Ships arriving from afar need to unload their cargo, but large items simply don't have storage bags big enough to fit in, so they still need to be transported by cultivators.

But this is where the wonder of magic comes into play.

Even the heaviest objects can be easily flattened with a single spell.

Ji Yuan stood there watching. If an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator were here, they would probably have been kicked out long ago.

But since he's a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator here, everyone who sees him has to greet him with a smile.

Ji Yuan glanced at it a few times, and then, guided by Xie Wan, arrived at the houses standing side by side on the shore.

One of them was carrying a sign that read "Whale Patrol." Ji Yuan walked into the house, and the Qi Refining cultivator on duty inside quickly got up to greet him.

"Greetings, senior. May I ask if you are heading to Icefire Island?"

"Um."

Ji Yuan didn't waste any more words; he simply tossed 20 mid-grade spirit stones onto the counter.

The cultivator quickly caught it and put it into his storage bag, then handed over a jade pendant with gold trim with both hands.

"This is your boarding pass. The next departure will be in four days. Please wait here at dawn four days from now. Someone will be there to receive you."

"Um."

Ji Yuan casually put the jade pendant into his storage bag without giving it a second glance.

This perfectly showcases the imposing presence that a Foundation Establishment cultivator should possess.

After they came out of the house, Xie Wan helped explain.

"You bought a round-trip ticket, so it has a gold trim. If it were a one-way ticket, it wouldn't have this gold trim."

"I see."

The two then returned to Nanhai City, where Ji Yuan inquired about the auction.

For wealthy cultivators, attending auctions and purchasing valuable items in every major city is an indispensable activity.

Unfortunately, the next auction in South China Sea City will not be held for another year.

Ji Yuan naturally couldn't wait that long.

Unfortunately, they had no choice but to give up.

After "accidentally" passing by the Water Dragon Sect's shop, Ji Yuan stopped at a corner and gave Xie Wan a... mid-grade spirit stone.

"Senior, this...this is too much."

You earn one mid-grade spirit stone a day, and all you do is walk around with them; there are no other services.

They even gave us quite a few spiritual fruits.

The spirit fruits alone are actually worth a mid-grade spirit stone.

"Take what I'm giving you. That's all. Don't follow me anymore."

Ji Yuan gave Xie Wan the order to leave, and she had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Watching Ji Yuan's departing figure, she still mustered her courage and asked:

"S-Senior, may I ask your name?"

For acts of chivalry and generosity, it is natural to reveal one's real name.

Just like when we were in Arashiyama Castle.

So Ji Yuan turned his back to Xie Wan, waved his hand, and walked so far that he could hardly see her anymore.

A warm and mellow voice echoed in Xie Wan's mind.

"I'm not really famous or not."

"Nameless rogue cultivator, Ji Yuan."

Requesting monthly votes

(End of this chapter)