Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 320 "The Abyss Continent - Old Demon Ji!" [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Noticing the gaze coming from below, Ji Yuan mentally manipulated the Frost Dragon to lower its head, and he also looked down at it.

"Greetings, Senior Qiu...!"

Looking at the ferocious dragon head and feeling the heavy pressure, Hu Li could not resist it at all and had no choice but to lower his head deeply and kneel down in worship.

"Alright, get up."

After Ji Yuan finished speaking, he drove the train around the entire Xuanjing Mountain once.

A mountain breeze swept across the icy dragon, bringing a chilly sensation.

Ji Yuan finally experienced the feeling he had been longing for: riding a dragon.

But that wasn't enough. What he wanted even more was to descend from the sky on a dragon under the spotlight, just like when he made his grand entrance in Peony City, amidst the gathering of numerous cultivators, riding a frozen dragon.

That scene was incredibly exhilarating... Well, I'm not the Second Senior Brother Yun Qianzai, so I still need to be careful.

Don't just focus on showing off.

So Ji Yuan, who had only shown off in front of Hu Li for a while, rode the Monday back to the Hundred Insect Cave.

The retreat must continue.

He was prepared to seize the opportunity and see if he could prove his elixir in one fell swoop!

However, he didn't forget to assign Hulido a task before he left.

That means letting him go out and wander around when he has free time. Firstly, he needs to buy some things, such as wire ants needed to upgrade the [ant nest], and secondly, he needs to gather some information.

While seclusion is important, it is also necessary to have some understanding of the situation in the world.

Otherwise, when you emerge from seclusion, you'll be completely in the dark.

I've truly lost track of what year it is.

After returning to the Hundred Insect Cave, Tuesday also joined in.

This would have been impossible for it before; it would have only ever hidden in corners, concealing its presence. But now… Ji Yuan felt that it had finally advanced to the third tier and reached its complete form, which had also made it bolder and more daring.

In other words, they feel they have the ability and don't need to be so cautious anymore.

Its current caution is no longer the pure timidity of before, but a purposeful timidity, just like when Ji Yuan rode Monday around outside, it was vigilantly watching its surroundings at the cave entrance.

That's good...

Ji Yuan reached out and touched its forehead, then led the two ice dragons back to the depths of the cave.

Before passing by the ant nest, he didn't forget to throw in some immortal essence mixed with spirit stone powder; it still needed to be fed.

Ji Yuan then asked the two dragons what they thought, but they were unwilling to return to the spirit beast pouch and instead wanted to wander around the Xuanjing Mountain.

Ji Yuan let them be, only telling them not to cause any damage.

Otherwise, arrest them all and lock them up, one by one.

The two ice dragons left in high spirits. Ji Yuan sat alone in the [Scripture Pavilion], silently reflecting on how he had previously managed to fight on par with someone in the early stage of Core Formation using his own skills.

Now, with these two third-tier dragons, if I can also advance to the Pseudo-Core Realm...

Therefore, they might not be without the ability to fight against someone in the mid-stage of Core Formation.

However, one must be extremely careful and absolutely avoid fighting this mid-stage Core Formation cultivator unless absolutely necessary... After all, those who can advance to the mid-stage Core Formation stage have already refined their own natal magic treasures.

The difference between a cultivator who possesses a natal magic weapon and one who does not is like heaven and earth.

In addition, if you can raise a spirit pet, other cultivators can also raise them.

If there is a spirit pet that can hold off the Frost Dragon, then I will have to face this mid-stage Core Formation cultivator alone... then I can only run for my life.

Be careful, you still have to be careful.

The first thing to do when you encounter a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator is to run!

While pondering, Ji Yuan looked up at the words that appeared on the stone wall.

【The Nine Tribulations Sword Manual of Canglan】

[Proficiency: 98/100]

The last one or two levels of proficiency are incredibly difficult to achieve, but there's no other way, since we've already relied on the effects of the [Enlightenment Room].

The rest can only be left to time.

Ji Yuan then calmed his mind and once again entered a deep state of ascetic practice.

"..."

"I've been to many markets, but this one is the most peaceful. Most of the cultivators here are alchemists and talisman makers who don't like fighting."

A flying sword stopped in front of the market, and a female cultivator dressed in black robes jumped down from it. Her face was... even somewhat ugly, with dark skin, uneven eyes, and a flat nose.

The only thing he can be proud of is his cultivation level.

Mid-Foundation Stage is not a common occurrence in this market.

Moreover, she seemed to have a good temperament, because Foundation Establishment cultivators are not required to pay an entrance fee to this market, but she still paid a low-grade spirit stone.

"Greetings, senpai."

The Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator guarding the gate quickly bowed to her.

"The accent of the Abyss Continent is quite strange. I've been here for so long, and I can only barely understand their language. I can only speak a few simple words. But according to what I've heard, the Canglu Continent speaks the proper, elegant language of the human realm, while the language spoken here in the Abyss Continent is just their local dialect."

"But why is that? This Abyss Continent is clearly a continent even larger than the Azure Fall Continent, yet they don't speak the official language but instead use a dialect... It's quite strange, but regardless, I must learn the language of the Abyss Continent as soon as possible so I can teach it to my fourth brother."

While Du Wanyi was pondering, she walked to a tavern she had visited before.

After entering, he didn't say anything, just casually pointed to a few wooden signs, and then sat down by the window.

"It's fortunate that the characters are the same; otherwise, it would be truly troublesome if we couldn't understand them at all."

Sitting here, listening to the unfamiliar languages ​​around her, Du Wanyi was also a little dazed. She couldn't help but wonder... what was her fourth brother doing at this moment?

Why isn't he coming over yet... how much longer do I have to wait here?

But soon the shopkeeper brought her drinks and food, which interrupted her reverie.

"This is troublesome."

Du Wanyi replied in the dialect of the Abyss Continent. Although she wasn't very fluent, she could at least speak it.

If we're talking about refined language... it's not that we can't say it, but once we do, people nearby will laugh at us, saying things like "showing off" or "pretentious."

Moreover, Du Wanyi was worried that speaking in elegant language would attract attention.

This place is located at the westernmost edge of the Abyss Continent, a place that connects to the Canglu Continent. If I keep speaking elegant language here, it is easy to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.

"Just like my fourth brother said, it's always good to be careful when you're out and about."

After the drinks were served, she didn't drink much, but instead listened attentively to what the people next to her were saying.

Taverns and teahouses are the best places to gather information. Of course, there is another place that is also extremely convenient for gathering information.

Unfortunately, given Du Wanyi's status, she couldn't go.

"In my opinion, the Black and White Temples and Tian Sha Mountain will eventually connect to the Cang Luo Continent via a teleportation array. Then, who will dare to say that the western part of our Ji Yuan Continent is a barren land?"

"Hey, that's inevitable. Otherwise, why do you think I'd come to this far west right now?"

"Definitely! Our far western region will become a coveted prize for the Abyss Continent. In my opinion, you should all familiarize yourselves with this area first. Seizing the opportunity early will allow you to make a fortune, and who knows, you might even be able to establish your foundation!"

"..."

The surrounding area was bustling with noise, and Du Wanyi listened attentively.

The western part of the Abyss Continent is known as the "Far Western Land," a fact she was naturally aware of.

It's the same principle as the east being called the far east.

She had also heard that the Abyss Continent wanted to build a teleportation array to the Azure Fall Continent, and she was quite shocked when she first heard about it.

After all, teleportation arrays were something that only existed in ancient texts for her.

Later, after making further inquiries, I learned that there were teleportation arrays on the Extreme Abyss Continent.

But not many, and the amount of spirit stones required to activate a teleportation array once... is huge.

Therefore, ordinary cultivators cannot afford it; only disciples of major sects and powerful forces can afford it.

For example, the Black and White Temple and Tian Sha Mountain mentioned by that person earlier.

The Abyss Continent is similar to the Azure Fall Continent, both having various powerful forces.

The Canglu Continent has the Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong and the Three Demon Sects of Shangxi.

This continent of the Abyss has eight sacred lands and one divine temple.

The temple is naturally the Black and White Temple that the cultivator just mentioned. It is the strongest and most powerful, and it is said that there are even Nascent Soul stage ancestors within its ranks.

Therefore, it is undoubtedly the number one power on the Abyss Continent.

The remaining eight sacred sites are Xuanqing Sect, Tiangong Valley, Yunya Temple, Tingtao Pavilion, Tiansha Mountain, Guyan Sect, Lianhun Hall, and Xuanshe Mansion.

The name itself sounds like it clearly distinguishes between good and evil.

But after Du Wanyi learned about the practices of these sects, she realized that it was only in theory that they clearly distinguished between good and evil.

There are no obvious righteous or demonic paths on the Abyss Continent.

Just like the name of this most powerful force.

The Black and White Temple.

The location of the Tian Sha Mountain sect is in this far west, which is why the Black and White Temple needs Tian Sha Mountain's help to open up the teleportation array between the two continents.

This is information that Du Wanyi has been gathering over this period of time.

The conversations around her continued, and Du Wanyi heard a lot of the information she needed.

For example, the people from the Black and White Temple have already gone to the Canglu Continent through the sea passage, but there is still no news about their specific situation.

However, I've heard that Tian Sha Mountain is already preparing to set up an intercontinental teleportation array, so I don't think there will be any major problems.

"If a teleportation array is built here, traveling between the two continents will be much more convenient. Perhaps I can even use this teleportation array to return to the Canglu Continent."

Du Wanyi couldn't help but think about it.

Although she had been here for several months, she still felt like an outsider; she didn't feel a sense of belonging to this Abyss Continent.

If she hadn't known that Ji Yuan would be coming back, she might have already gone back.

As she was thinking, she suddenly heard a familiar name, so familiar that she was even a little surprised.

Because the voice was actually speaking to... Ji Yuan!

She immediately put down her wine cup and began to listen intently.

"What Ji Yuan? That's clearly Ji the Old Demon!"

"I heard he only has the cultivation of a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, but he's already killed quite a few Core Formation stage cultivators. Otherwise, how could his reputation have spread to our far west when he's based in the far south? He's an old demon!"

"However, to be called an old demon at the mere Pseudo-Core Realm level must mean that his methods are extremely filthy."

The man in black with the embroidered tiger who had spoken earlier sneered.

"Heh, you old codger, you're only at the Qi Refining stage, yet you dare to talk about some mere Pseudo-Core Formation realm cultivator. If someone just blows a breath on you, you might lose your life."

The bald man slammed his wine bowl down on the table and glared at the speaker, saying:

"So what if I don't have the ability? Does that mean I can't even brag a little?"

As they were talking, a tall man at the next table quickly spoke up to smooth things over.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing. Let's talk about this old devil Ji. It's said that he used to be from the far north, but he made a lot of enemies there, so he moved to the far south. But now it seems that he's made a lot of enemies in the far south as well. I wonder where he'll run off to next."

Upon hearing this, the bald man stroked his beard and chuckled, "Could it be that you're planning to flee to our far west? You'll only make more enemies then."

"By the way, I heard he also has the title of the number one person below the Core Formation stage. It seems he got it by killing a fake Core Formation cultivator from the Xuanqing Sect... That fake Core Formation cultivator also has a master who is in the late Core Formation stage. I heard he is currently in the far south, hunting him down everywhere."

The person who had tried to smooth things over earlier glanced at the people around him before speaking:

"Actually, don't you guys think about it? To make such a great reputation at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage is more impressive than many Core Formation cultivators, isn't it?"

"If I were to die here, it would be worth it, at least I would have left my mark on this Abyss Continent."

"I've also heard that this old devil speaks fluent and elegant Mandarin, never using the language of our Abyss Continent. He's quite the show-off."

"..."

The conversation at those tables was getting increasingly heated.

Du Wanyi looked at the flask of spirit wine in her hand, thought for a moment, and then picked it up and walked over.

Upon seeing the newcomer, the patrons at the other tables immediately fell silent, stood up, and quickly bowed.

"Greetings, senior."

A few Qi Refining cultivators were naturally terrified when they encountered Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"No need for excessive politeness."

Du Wanyi replied in her not-so-fluent dialect, then raised her hand and said to the shopkeeper:

"Put the cost of the drinks for these tables on my tab."

Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances, overjoyed, and said in unison, "Then we must thank you in advance, senior."

"I wonder if there's anything you need, senior? With your status, you only need to let me know; there's no need for such formalities."

"Absolutely, absolutely."

Listening to their flattery, Du Wanyi sat down to the side and tossed the wine in her hand onto the table.

The bald man quickly picked up the wine jar and poured a cup for everyone.

The other patrons at the other tables also came over, hoping to become acquainted with him.

Du Wanyi said expressionlessly, "That... Old Devil Ji you were just talking about, what's his real name?"

"So that's what you were talking about, senior."

The bald man smiled and put down the wine jar, but the man in black embroidered with a tiger opposite him spoke first:

"A plan!"

"That old devil's name is Ji Yuan!"

What?

It really was a coincidence!

He even shares the same name as his fourth brother?

Although Du Wanyi showed no reaction on her face, she was extremely surprised when she heard these words.

"The name Ji Yuan is extremely rare; how could there be someone with the same name?"

"If my fourth brother's surname were Wang or Li, and his name were something like Wang Yuan or Li Yuan, it would be fine to run into someone with the same name here. But to have someone with the same name as Ji Yuan? Isn't that a bit too much of a coincidence?"

"Could it be that this Ji Yuan here is actually an avatar of my fourth brother, or perhaps the one from our Canglu Continent is the avatar...? No, this idea is too absurd, and even more impossible."

While pondering her thoughts, Du Wanyi listened to the conversations of the other drinkers around her.

They were talking about the evil deeds they had heard about "Old Demon Ji".

Such heinous acts as wiping out entire minor sects are considered minor.

It is said that he also abducted the granddaughter of a Core Formation cultivator from the Soul Refining Hall, took her on a long journey, stirred her mind, and then sent her back.

So much so that the female cultivator said she would not marry anyone but Ji Yuan.

Or perhaps he had an affair with a Core Formation elder of Tingtao Pavilion, and the two had an ambiguous relationship.

I've also heard that he stole several batches of pills from Tiangong Valley, and it was thanks to those pills that his cultivation improved so rapidly.

In short, it can be summed up in seven words.

"You old devil, the murderer and arsonist!"

Du Wanyi didn't glance at the whole thing, but she was extremely worried as she listened.

...Ji Yuan, when your fourth brother comes to this Extreme Abyss Continent, he will most likely have already reached the Pseudo-Core stage.

If he accidentally reveals his real name and it gets out...

Moreover, the fourth brother is extremely strong.

Even if they are truly no match for that old demon Ji from the Abyss Continent, they probably won't be too far off.

In that case, when the time comes, won't the fourth brother become the scapegoat?

No, no, I must see my fourth brother as soon as possible and pass on this news to him immediately.

Otherwise, my fourth brother might be in mortal danger!

Just as Du Wanyi was thinking of leaving quickly, she saw a person running excitedly into the tavern.

As soon as he entered the door, he started gesturing wildly and shouting:

Something big has happened.

"Something terrible has happened!"

The bald man turned around unhappily, glaring and saying, "What kind of behavior is this, shouting like that? Don't you see there's a senior here? If you disturb him, you'll be in for a world of hurt!"

The Qi Refining cultivator who rushed in sensed Du Wanyi's presence and quickly bowed apologetically.

"I was unaware of your presence, senior. I deserve to die, I deserve to die."

"Alright, tell me what important matter is it? Has the formation leading to the Canglu Continent been finalized?"

The man in black with the embroidered tiger was clearly more concerned about this matter.

No, no.

The Qi Refining cultivator who had just entered waved his hand before saying, "It's Old Demon Ji! Old Demon Ji really came to our far west! I heard he even fought with the people from Tian Sha Mountain!"

"..."

"Damn it, that was a great fight!"

Inside an unknown cave, there is a blood pool teeming with blood energy, and a tattered body is floating in the pool.

But within this pool of blood, the injuries on his body were visibly healing.

"Heh heh, first you provoked Xuanqing Sect, then Tingtao Pavilion, then Tiangong Valley, and you didn't even spare the Soul Refining Hall, and now you've come here to provoke Tiansha Mountain... I'm quite impressed that you're still alive."

A sinister voice echoed through the cave.

The man in the blood pool chuckled, "If I didn't put some pressure on him, how could this disciple have broken through so quickly?"

"Besides, it's only the Soul Refining Hall and the Xuanqing Sect that I've offended Nascent Soul cultivators. The others have only offended Core Formation cultivators, which is nothing to worry about."

The man waved his hand and said, "Once I cultivate for a while longer and successfully form my core, none of that will be a problem."

As he spoke, he made a gesture at his waist, and a golden armor instantly appeared in his hand.

"There are so many treasures in Tian Sha Mountain. Besides, wasn't it your idea, Master, to come here and rob Tian Sha Mountain? Why are you blaming me now?"

A hazy mist rose from the cave, and then a skeleton emerged from it.

The skeleton paced back and forth beside the pool of blood, slowly saying:

"The Black and White Impermanence of the Black and White Temple have gone to the Canglu Continent this time. The matter of opening the teleportation array will definitely be successful. Tian Sha Mountain will definitely not let go of this good opportunity. Therefore, all their attention will be focused on setting up the array. As long as you don't go too far, they won't do anything to you."

"Hey, I, Qiu Qianhai, certainly understand this principle, not to mention that I'll need their formation to return to Canglu Continent."

As Qiu Qianhai spoke, his figure floated up from the blood pool. As he took a step, he was already wearing a noble blood-red robe.

With blood-red hair and robes, and a blood-red vertical line between his brows, he looked extremely sinister.

He raised his right hand, extended his index finger, and a blood-red flame instantly ignited on it. He casually tossed it behind him, and the flame fell into the blood pool.

The entire blood pool instantly turned into a sea of ​​fire.

He walked slowly to the stone wall and wrote two words on it.

"Forty-eight."

After writing it down, he stared at the two characters in a daze.

Behind him, the skeleton looked at his back with great satisfaction.

After staring at it for a moment, Qiu Qianhai casually erased the word.

"I've been away for forty-eight years now. At the latest, it will be three more years before I can return to the Canglu Continent. At that time..."

Qiu Qianhai clapped his hands as he spoke, "The Qin family of Zengtou City? Ha, after killing Ji Yuan, I will definitely extract the souls of their entire family and refine them for forty-nine years!"

He was speaking extremely venomous words, but on the surface he remained remarkably calm.

Upon hearing this, the skeleton chuckled and said, "Don't even mention the Qin family. When you return, even the Water Dragon Sect won't have many members stronger than you."

"So what? Old Ji is still dead."

When this matter was mentioned, Qiu Qianhai's face showed a hint of emotion.

"Alright, now that you've gone back and avenged Ji Yuan's blood feud, it's time for you to focus on forming your core."

The skeleton put its hands behind its back and paced back and forth in the cave, continuing:

"You've made too many enemies here, making it impossible for you to cultivate in peace. When you return to the Canglu Continent, focus on your cultivation and strive to condense your Nascent Soul as soon as possible."

Upon hearing the words "condensing the Nascent Soul," Qiu Qianhai paused, and finally could only reply in a deep voice:

"Yes."

"Once you reach the Nascent Soul stage... it will be time for you to avenge me, my disciple. What do you think?"

The skeleton slowly turned its head, making a "crackling" sound on its neck, and finally looked at Qiu Qianhai.

"It should be so, and it must be so."

"Hehehe."

A cheerful laugh came from the skull's throat.

"..."

"Damn it, why can't I improve this last bit of proficiency?"

Inside the cave, Ji Yuan looked at the stone wall in front of him, feeling slightly irritated.

【The Nine Tribulations Sword Manual of Canglan】

[Proficiency: 99/100]

This last bit of proficiency should theoretically be something that can be improved in 3 months at most, but he has been trying to comprehend it for almost 4 months now, and he still hasn't been able to grasp it.

My cultivation has reached a bottleneck.

However, the Enlightenment Room itself also has an attribute: when encountering a bottleneck, it can provide an additional 20% enlightenment bonus.

But why, even with improved comprehension, can't I figure it out?

All I can say is... the [Enlightenment Room] level is too low. In any case, I absolutely cannot admit that it's my own lack of comprehension.

Since he couldn't figure it out through arduous practice, Ji Yuan decided to go out for a walk to clear his head.

Huli has gone out twice during this period, so he must have gathered a lot of information.

It's time to learn about the situation in the world.

Ji Yuan flew out of the cave.

At the summit of Xuanjing Mountain, an ice dragon that had been dozing off immediately flew down.

It wags its tail and looks like it's at the mercy of others.

Ji Yuan didn't even need to look to know it was Monday.

As for Tuesday, Ji Yuan also saw it, and at that time it was playing with fish and shrimp in a stream.

Three-tiered dragons, some large, some small.

They can fly through the sky or disappear into the earth when large, and hide in rivers and streams when small.

Ji Yuan leaped onto Monday's back, letting it carry him around the mountains. After a long stroll, he finally arrived at the foot of Xuanjing Mountain and found Hu Li, who lived in a hut.

At this time, Huli... truly began a life of asceticism.

However, his cultivation level has improved. Ji Yuan probed him closely with his divine sense and found that he had already reached the threshold of the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

I think it won't be long before I break through.

Upon seeing Ji Yuan arrive, Hu Li quickly bowed and greeted him.

"Greetings, senior."

Nowadays, Hu Li no longer harbors any resentment towards "Qiu Qianhai".

Although the insect eggs on his body were still not resolved, the past six months had been the most peaceful time he had ever experienced in his cultivation.

With the spiritual stones in that treasure trove, he need not be troubled by matters of cultivation.

With this three-tiered grand formation, plus the protection of the Hundred Insect Immortal's name, there's no need to worry about being disturbed.

Even when a Core Formation demonic cultivator came to his door a while ago, he was able to speak loudly to him.

This was something Huli would never have dared to even dream of before.

But he also knew that all these things were caused by this "Senior Qiu" in front of him.

"Thank you for your hard work during this time."

As Ji Yuan spoke, he took out another bottle of pills and threw it on the table.

"This is the amount for the next six months. After six months, I will remove the insect eggs for you. If you forget, just remind me."

Huli was overjoyed after hearing this.

"Thank you, thank you so much, senior!"

Seeing that he was about to kneel down and kowtow again, Ji Yuan reached out and lifted him up.

"Alright, tell me, what information did you find out on your two trips?"

As he spoke, he walked over and sat down to the side.

But to his surprise, Hu Li's first words left him somewhat stunned.

"Senior, Sword Ruins... has been destroyed!"

"What?!"

Ji Yuan was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and even thought he had misheard.

"Sword Ruins, destroyed?"

Ji Yuan repeated the sentence.

"Yes, it happened just three months ago. I heard that the Three Demonic Sects of Shangxi and a few Nascent Soul cultivators from the Extreme Abyss Continent went up Mount Shang together, and then... and then..."

"What happened after that?"

"The entire Sword Ruins was wiped out. It is said that even the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Sword Master Yi, could not escape. But it is said that he died protecting Xu Sheng. So in the end, only Xu Sheng escaped from the entire Sword Ruins. It is said that he went overseas, but no one knows exactly where he went."

Hu Li didn't dare keep Ji Yuan in suspense, so he told her everything in one go.

After listening, Ji Yuan gently tapped his knee with his right index finger, which was resting on his lap.

...The Sword Ruins were destroyed, and even the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Sword Master Yi, was killed. Only Xu Sheng escaped.

So it seems that Sword Ruins has placed all its bets on Xu Sheng?

They're probably just waiting for Xu Sheng to break through to the Nascent Soul stage before coming back for revenge.

It's not impossible.

Regardless of the circumstances, Xu Sheng is the most talented person in the Canglu Continent in the last thousand years.

In just a hundred years, one can condense a nascent soul, and there is certainly a chance to advance to the level of a deity.

"But if the Sword Ruins disappear, it also means that the era of the Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong has completely come to an end, and the last sacred place in the hearts of the righteous path under heaven has also vanished."

Admittedly, Ji Yuan felt somewhat depressed upon hearing this news.

With the Sword Ruins gone, it seems there's really no hope for Shangdong.

"I imagine the days ahead will be even more difficult for my senior brother and the others."

Ji Yuan felt somewhat sad.

Although Hu Li was a demonic cultivator, he still felt a pang of regret.

Regardless of the circumstances, he was a native cultivator of Shangdong.

Now that I know these things, it's impossible not to feel something.

But Ji Yuan can't change anything about this.

So he changed the subject and didn't ask any more questions.

"Besides this, has anything else happened?"

"have."

Hu Li quickly nodded.

"The day after Sword Ruins was destroyed, Blood Luo Mountain announced a major event on Shang Mountain."

"What's the big deal?"

"The teleportation array between the Abyss Continent and our Canglu Continent is about to open, and the location has been chosen to be Linhai City."

"What?"

For Ji Yuan, this news was far more explosive than the previous one.

Although the destruction of Sword Ruins was somewhat upsetting, it was within Ji Yuan's expectations.

But the teleportation array... was actually finalized so quickly.

It seems that the forces from the Abyss Continent are coming on strong.

Moreover, the location was chosen to be Linhai City, which is the hometown of the second senior brother. The most important thing is that the place... Ji Yuan has not forgotten.

The place he arranged with Liu Yuan and Ran Kui was not far from Linhai City.

Now that the teleportation array is located there, it's not so easy to get close anymore.

...It seems I should make time to go and check it out. They might have left some information. It would be best to destroy the island to avoid being noticed by others later.

"But even if I were to go, I'd wait until I've reached the Pseudo-Core stage. That way, if I encounter a Core Formation cultivator there, I'll be able to protect myself."

"By the way, senior, I've brought back all the things you asked me to buy last time."

"The wire ants are all inside too."

Hu Li handed over a storage bag with both hands.

Ji Yuan casually took it, glanced at it, and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Go out again in the next few days and find out some other information, especially about the Abyss Continent. I need to know everything, no matter how small."

"Hey, don't worry, senior, I've got this covered."

After relaxing, Hu Li surprisingly showed some signs of his youthful spirit.

Ji Yuan didn't bother to say anything more. He immediately leaped back onto the back of the Frost Dragon and, with the dragon under his feet, returned to the Hundred Insect Cave, preparing to upgrade the ant nest as well.

On the ground, Huli watched this scene with hopeful eyes.

"When will I, Hu Li, possess such strength?"

Ji Yuan returned to his cave and went straight into the ant nest cave.

The fiery army ants around him had already recognized him as their master, so when he came in again, they no longer avoided him as before, but instead surrounded him one by one.

Ji Yuan glanced at the panel and saw the familiar words "(Upgradeable)", which put his mind at ease.

The ant king has been around for a long time.

Thinking of this, Ji Yuan couldn't help but admire the inheritance he had received.

During this period of seclusion, Ji Yuan also read a lot of the classics and materials he left behind.

Even without obtaining the original, Ji Yuan learned many methods for cultivating strange insects just from these relayed materials.

"That winter worm, which is known as the elixir of immortality, must have been obtained by him along with this inheritance."

Ji Yuan guessed what was going on, and then took out the corpse of a wire ant from his storage bag.

Hu Li was also very efficient; Ji Yuan didn't specify how many he wanted, so he prepared two.

The remaining amount is 50 low-grade spirit stones.

This goes without saying.

Ji Yuan placed these items on the ground, and with a thought, chose to upgrade.

The panel refreshed, and the [ant nest] in front of me... well, it's fair to say that nothing has changed.

It's just a level 2 upgrade.

After glancing at the [Ant Nest] that had been upgraded to level 1, Ji Yuan looked at the panel again, wanting to see what effects the level 2 [Ant Nest] would have.

[Ant Nest: lv2 (Cannot be upgraded)]

[Effect 1: Ant colony reproduction speed +40%; Ant colony recovery speed +30%; Ant colony advancement probability +10%.]

【Effect 2 (Ten Thousand Ants Form a Giant): When the ant swarm attacks, the queen ant can control it to transform the swarm into a giant ant colony, whose strength far surpasses that of other ant swarms of the same level.】

[Upgrade Requirements: 100 mid-grade spirit stones; Ant King's cultivation reaches Tier 2; Ant colony size reaches 10000; 2 mid-Tier 2 demon cores; 1 corpse of a Rock-Splitting Golden Ant. (Not yet achieved)]

"what?"

There's not much to say about the first level of efficacy and its upgrade requirements; it's not much different from the second level [Honeycomb].

They even look like they were taken from the same mold.

This second miraculous effect is quite novel.

Judging from the description, it seems to be able to transform the ant colony into a giant ant-man?

Its strength far surpasses that of its peers.

Ji Yuan estimated that once the [Ant Nest] reached level 2, the ant-men released would have the strength of late-stage or peak-stage second tier.

Once the [Ant Nest] reaches level 3, it will be at the late stage of Tier 3, which means it will have the strength of the late stage of Core Formation... So it seems that the [Ant Nest] is worth upgrading.

However, Ji Yuan's enthusiasm was quickly extinguished by reality.

[Ant Nest] To upgrade to level 3, the ant king must be upgraded to level 3.

When will we finally get there?

I haven't seen this [beehive] for so long, and it hasn't even reached level 3 yet.

Therefore, Ji Yuan planned to feed this last portion of "Demon-Snatching Powder" to the "Queen Bee" at the peak of the second tier, to help it advance to the third tier.

The corpse of the Demon Spirit Bee remained, and Ji Yuan also found it in the storage bag of the Hundred Insect Immortal.

Ji Yuan has also prepared the three Tier 3 Demon Cores needed for the upgrade.

Spirit stones are plentiful.

Although the bee colony suffered significant losses during the previous battles, it has now recovered.

Moreover, Ji Yuan also found the recipe for the Demon-Snatching Powder in the inheritance of the Hundred Insect Immortal.

Having this thing means you'll have a constant supply of demon-slaying powder, making it much easier to raise any kind of spirit pet later on.

After the thought crossed his mind, Ji Yuan put away the panel, withdrew from the [ant nest], and went to the [beehive] deep inside the cave.

The cave wasn't very large, since most of the Soul-Devouring Bees had been collected into Ji Yuan's Spirit Beast Bag.

There was only the queen bee here, along with many bee pupae waiting to lay eggs.

As soon as Ji Yuan arrived, the numerous Soul-Devouring Bees flew out, buzzing all the way.

Especially the queen bee, who was half a person tall, caused a strong gust of wind to rise throughout the cave when she flapped her wings.

Ji Yuan took out the last portion of Demon-Slaying Powder from his storage bag.

In just a moment, the queen bee could no longer fly and instead landed on the ground, carefully rubbing her head against Ji Yuan's thigh.

However, his gaze remained fixed on the Demon-Snatching Powder in Ji Yuan's hand.

"Alright, it was meant for you anyway, you don't need to keep staring at it."

As Ji Yuan spoke, he threw out the Demon-Snatching Powder.

The queen bee opened her mouth wide, swallowed it whole, and then returned to the back of the hive, where her entire body entered a state of cultivation and refinement.

After looking around and confirming that there was nothing wrong with the beehive, Ji Yuan...

Only then did he summon his flying sword, cleave a huge rock to serve as a stone gate, and then retreat.

This area was given to the queen bee so she could focus on her breakthrough.

Ji Yuan then returned to the [Scripture Pavilion] where he had previously gone into seclusion.

After going out for a walk, his previously depressed mood improved considerably.

Of course, the main reason was that he saw his own strength growing.

Especially after killing the Hundred Insect Immortal... if he spoke with a slightly louder tone.

Their strength has undergone a qualitative improvement.

The greatest opportunity presented by the winter worm goes without saying.

The most noticeable improvement is from these three portions of Demon-Slaying Powder.

With the addition of two more Tier 3 dragons, the Queen Bee is now about to advance to Tier 3 as well. Once she breaks through, the [Honeycomb] will also be able to reach Tier 3.

By then, our strength will be able to increase even further.

The remaining immortal materials, plus the inheritance of that strange insect, while they cannot directly increase one's strength.

However, the impact is long-term, allowing one to gradually and steadily improve their abilities.

Just like the corpse of the Hundred Insect Immortal that Ji Yuan buried in the [Mass Grave].

If he could transform into a corpse puppet, that would be a great help.

This is precisely why Ji Yuan has been eager to raise his cultivation to the Pseudo-Core Realm as soon as possible.

While the aforementioned factors may indeed enhance one's strength, they are all external factors. Ultimately, it depends on one's own cultivation level and strength.

"Well, I don't have any ideas for the time being anyway, so I might as well take a look at these cultivation techniques and see if I can gain any insights."

Ji Yuan thought for a moment and then casually picked up a jade slip from the bookshelf next to him and infused it with a trace of spiritual energy.

Memories flood back.

The wood-based cultivation technique, "Longevity Green Wood Technique," has an ordinary name, and can only be cultivated to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage at most.

To achieve the formation of the Golden Core, one must switch to other cultivation methods; it's nothing more than that.

But Ji Yuan still looked at it carefully, because no matter what, it was the result of the hard work of his predecessors.

At the very least, he couldn't create a water-based cultivation technique that could be cultivated to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

So let us observe and practice accordingly.

After he had read through more than ten manuals, a sudden inspiration struck him.

The opportunity for a breakthrough... has finally arrived!

……

Shangdong, the former site of the Corpse-Driving Mountain.

The original Corpse-Driving Mountain has been transformed into a blood-red sacred mountain. At this moment, inside this sacred mountain, a sinister young man sits on a throne.

He had a beautiful female cultivator in a blood-red dress on each arm.

Below this main hall, kneeling, was a bald, burly man.

"Reporting to the young master, we have found Qiu Qianhai's whereabouts."

"Oh?"

Jiang Hong pushed aside the women on either side of him, leaned forward slightly, and looked down. "Where...is he?!"

-

(Scroll down for a map of the Abyss Continent that I drew, which you can refer to. It's also in the comments section.)

(End of this chapter)