Immortality begins with upgrading buildings

Chapter 350 Fellow villagers meet, a shot is fired from behind [Seeking monthly votes]

"What, fellow Daoist, do you know me?"

The young man in white robes pointed to himself and said in a surprised voice.

"No, I don't know you. I just think you're... rather handsome. I wonder if you have a partner?"

Ji Yuan secretly activated the "Nine Palaces Soul-Suppressing Scripture," causing the Soul-Suppressing Bell in his sea of ​​consciousness to tremble slightly. Then, a wave of energy emanated, suppressing Ji Yuan's soul and calming his mind.

As for why this person could terrify Ji Yuan so much, it was because of his appearance.

In addition to this aura.

Before, Ji Yuan was too far away to see clearly, but now she's sitting right next to him...

Ji Yuan saw it clearly.

Having clearly seen his appearance and sensed his aura, the young man in white robes before them had a very prestigious name: Plum Manor!

"Damn it, I was just wondering where that guy went after leaving Canghou, turns out he also came to this Abyss Continent?!"

"Besides, you're a transformed demon beast, an old monster in the Nascent Soul stage. Why are you joining in the fun with those in the Core Formation stage? Are you crazy?!"

Ji Yuan cursed inwardly.

But gradually, he noticed that Mei Zhuang's gaze towards him had changed.

At first, it seemed like he was just acting, but after a few glances, Ji Yuan heard his voice transmission in his mind.

"Who do you think you are? It's an old friend. No wonder you're looking at me like that. Should I call you Ji Yuan now, or... Old Demon Ji?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, they just arrived, and their reputation is already quite impressive, much more so than this old man's."

...You could tell when I used the Shapeshifting Talisman during my Foundation Establishment stage, and now that I've reached Core Formation, you can still tell when I use it!

Wouldn't Lao Tzu have achieved the Golden Core for nothing?

Moreover, Ji Yuan never expected that this guy from Meizhuang was actually a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. He's really damn infuriating!

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan lost all interest in participating in the trade fair and instead focused all his attention on dealing with Plum Manor.

Not participating in the trade fair is fine, but if you don't handle Plum Manor well, you could really die!

Who wouldn't be afraid to have a late-stage Nascent Soul expert sitting right next to them?

At such close range, Ji Yuan felt that even if he used all his means, he would have no way to resist.

"It seems that I am truly destined to meet Master Mei. Even though I have become a stray dog ​​and had no choice but to flee to the Abyss Continent, I still managed to meet him."

As Ji Yuan transmitted his voice, his eyes dimmed slightly, but within those dim eyes lay a hint of joy at their reunion.

Her already excellent acting skills were amplified to a full twelve points at this moment.

"Oh."

Mei Zhuang sneered. Whether it was from hearing the words "a stray dog" or "fate," a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

But this was only for a moment. Soon, he turned to ask with a hint of curiosity, "You've already obtained the fixed-point teleportation token, so why didn't you go with the Water Dragon Sect?"

Indeed, meeting an acquaintance from the Canglu Continent on this Abyss Continent is a rare experience for Plum Manor.

It's rare for me to ask a few more questions.

Seeing that he didn't immediately call for a fight, Ji Yuan felt somewhat relieved.

"When the sect left, I happened to be trapped in a secret realm. By the time I came out, the sect had already left. I had no choice but to hide until this teleportation array was activated, which allowed me to come to the Abyss Continent at great expense."

Ji Yuan sighed as he spoke.

"You're unlucky, you just got here and you're already taking the blame for someone else... Or does that old devil Ji know you?"

Mei Zhuang knew that the Ji Yuan in question was not the same Ji Yuan in front of him, so there was a hint of amusement in his words.

"I'm investigating as well, otherwise I wouldn't be hiding everywhere, afraid to show my true face."

"Alright, go and enjoy your trade fair. I'm just here to join in the fun."

Mei Zhuang transmitted his voice again, saying, "After the show ends, let's find a place to sit, shall we? I wonder if Old Demon Ji would do me the honor?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan's back was already soaked with cold sweat, but he still forced himself to reply, "It is my honor to be invited by you, senior."

"Alright, focus on your trade fair and leave me alone."

...You're a Nascent Soul late-stage monster sitting next to me, and you're the same Nascent Soul old monster who tried to kill me before. You're telling me to ignore you?

Ji Yuan suppressed his emotions and focused intently on the trade fair.

He hadn't noticed before, so he didn't know, but now that he looked, he realized there were indeed quite a few good things!

Three mid-grade earth treasures like the Xuanbing Fire Lotus that were harvested earlier appeared at this trade fair. The rest were third-tier demon cores, various demon beast materials, rare immortal resources, and cultivator magic weapons. It was truly dazzling.

Unfortunately, many Core Formation cultivators requested to barter.

Use your unused cultivation resources to exchange for the cultivation resources you need.

Exchanging for spirit stones is a last resort.

However, demon cores are not particularly rare, so many cultivators are willing to exchange them for spirit stones.

Ji Yuan had been thinking of taking a few demon cores, but then he realized that there was a fourth-tier demon sitting right next to him.

Buying demon cores would be tantamount to slapping him in the face!

...Damn it, Mei Zhuang, you just wait.

Sooner or later, I'll have to get your demon core out of you!

Are you insulting me?

Mei Zhuang seemed to sense Ji Yuan's state of mind and transmitted his voice at the right time.

"How dare I? I was cursing that cultivator from Tian Sha Mountain."

"Oh?"

"He mistook me for the old devil Ji and chased after me without listening to my explanation. If it weren't for the methods my sect provided, I would have died as soon as I arrived."

Ji Yuan said, half-truthfully.

However, it wasn't him who almost died, but this cultivator from Tian Sha Mountain.

"Brother Ji!"

Ji Yuan was slightly distracted, so Mu Xueyao, who was sitting behind him, quickly used her voice to wake him up.

Ji Yuan looked over at the right moment and saw that the Bone Nightmare Sect Demon sitting at the front had raised his right hand, and his palm was holding a stone.

What Ji Yuan needs most is... the Void Stone!

"Seeing the enthusiasm of all fellow Daoists, I'd like to join in the fun as well."

Ma Gui chuckled and said, "One pound of Void Stones, offered only as a barter, not for spirit stones. Interested fellow Daoists may make an offer."

Void Stone?

It was brought out by cultivators from the Bone Nightmare Sect, in addition to the situation of the Zhou family that Mu Xueyao had mentioned earlier.

Suddenly, a thought popped into Ji Yuan's mind: Could this rascal be... fishing?

"What, you still need this Void Stone, kid?"

Mei Zhuang discovered it again and joined in the fun by sending a telepathic message to inquire, not forgetting to glance back at Mu Xueyao before leaving.

Clearly, the fluctuations in his spiritual sense when Mu Xueyao sent her telepathic message to him had not escaped the notice of this Nascent Soul old monster.

"Tsk, you've only just arrived and you've already met a sinner from the Sand Hell... You're quite the lucky guy when it comes to women."

Mei Zhuang sighed.

Ji Yuan didn't know how to answer, so he ignored it and simply transmitted his voice to Mu Xueyao, saying, "This matter is most likely a trap. Don't act rashly."

"good!"

After Mu Xueyao finished speaking, she also looked at Meizhuang suspiciously. She always felt that the way this person looked at Ji Yuan was a little...ambiguous?

"Brother Ji, do you know this person next to you?"

"We don't know each other at first sight."

Ji Yuan didn't want Mu Xueyao to get involved.

On the other hand, several people have already made bids in this arena, and the items they have offered for trade are mostly materials from demonic beasts or other useless magical treasures.

"I want it."

Mei Zhuang, who was standing next to Ji Yuan, suddenly spoke up, and then stood up as everyone looked at him.

He first threw something out, then with a flick of his right hand, he actually picked up the Void Stone and sat down.

The movements were fluid and graceful.

Even many of the Core Formation cultivators present were caught off guard, including Ji Yuan.

Ma Gui, who seemed to be about to get angry, was startled when he saw what he was holding. He immediately put it away and then bowed to Mei Zhuang, who was sitting by the door.

"Deal... Deal. Thank you, fellow Daoist."

The skill that Mei Zhuang had just displayed had taken him quite by surprise.

He couldn't figure out the white-robed cultivator's background at all, but one thing was certain: he was definitely not a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation.

...But since that pound of Void Stone was stolen, we didn't get to find out anything at all.

After thinking for a moment, Ma Gui took out a one-pound Void Stone from his storage bag.

Before he could even speak, the Void Stone was already in Plum Manor's hands again.

But in his hand, there was an identical object.

"Sold... Deal."

Ma Gui panicked a little; he dared not take out the rest...

Although he liked the items the person offered for trade, if he traded too many and couldn't complete the mission... that would be a real problem.

So in the end, Ji Yuan looked at the two Void Stones in the storage bag with some surprise.

"You've been calling me 'senior' for so long, how can a senior not offer a small gift upon meeting?"

"Keep it."

Admittedly, this amount of money is nothing to Plum Manor.

Ji Yuan then sincerely transmitted a message to Ji Yuan.

"Thank you, Senior Mei!"

Although it was like getting two kilograms of Void Stones for free, combined with the ones already collected in the storage bag, they now totaled 10 kilograms, enough to house a building or upgrade the [Cave Abode].

However, Ji Yuan felt little joy, because the most important matter had not yet been resolved.

He didn't pay much attention to the subsequent transactions since Ji Yuan didn't offer any particularly attractive immortal gifts.

Until the very end.

Mu Xueyao traded two drops of Millennium Spirit Milk, while Qinglu Sanren traded some local treasures suitable for alchemy.

Mr. Tie Fu traded some materials for drawing talismans.

In short, everyone gained something from it.

However, Ji Yuan discovered that the Luojia Zhenren of Yunya Temple was involved in all sorts of transactions.

Only when Mei Zhuang made his move did she look up and glance at him a few times.

"Miss Mu, I have something to attend to later and need to go out, so I won't be going back for now."

Seeing that everyone was starting to leave, Ji Yuan also transmitted his voice to Mu Xueyao.

"Ah... okay."

Since Ji Yuan didn't mention taking Mu Xueyao along, she wasn't so tactless as to say she wanted to come along.

Just as Ji Yuan was wondering where to go, he suddenly realized that he had already left Juxian Manor.

In the blink of an eye, they arrived at another restaurant.

Mei Zhuang stood right in front of him, surrounded by a cacophony of voices.

...Is this the method of the Nascent Soul stage?

Nascent Soul teleportation?

While Ji Yuan was still in shock, Mei Zhuang had already greeted the restaurant staff and started preparing to serve the dishes.

Clearly, Mei Zhuang is a regular visitor here.

Has he been in this Western Border City for quite some time?

Ji Yuan then thought of what Mu Xueyao had said... Could it really be that the Plum Manor orchestrated the robbery of the Black and White Temple in Tian Sha Mountain?

If that's really the case, isn't he being a bit too arrogant?

"Sit down. Do I have to invite you?"

Mei Zhuang naturally sat down by the window, while Ji Yuan quickly cupped his hands in greeting before coming to sit opposite him.

The moment Ji Yuan sat down, he realized that all the sounds around him had disappeared, leaving only the two of them.

What kind of tactic is this?

Ji Yuan dared not ask any more questions, and simply waited silently for Mei Zhuang to speak, while in his heart he also recalled Hua Yaoyue.

She said that if she ever met Meizhuang again, she could say one thing to him.

As long as you say that sentence, Meizhuang will definitely become obedient.

"What's wrong? You were so arrogant back in Canglu, but you've become so well-behaved here in the Abyss Continent?"

Over the years, there haven't been many people who have made Plum Manor suffer, but Ji Yuan is one of them.

Especially that fixed-point teleportation order.

"No, no, I wouldn't dare."

Ji Yuan smiled ingratiatingly and said, "May I ask when you arrived, senior?"

"I came from Duoxian Valley, not the same route as you."

Mei Zhuang shook his head, not trying to hide anything.

Fallen Immortal Valley?

Then it's the same nautical chart; there really are other channels.

"So, tell me, what are your plans for coming to this Abyss Continent?"

"Don't look scared. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it long ago. Why wait until now? It's just that it's rare to meet a fellow villager... well, you could call us fellow villagers. We have a bit of a connection, and you're quite capable, so I thought I'd have a chat."

Mei Zhuang couldn't help but chuckle at Ji Yuan's timid and hesitant manner.

As for whether this is true or false... well, whoever believes it is doomed.

"I don't have any specific plans. I'll just go wherever I can cultivate."

Ji Yuan smiled.

"That means becoming a rogue cultivator."

As Mei Zhuang spoke, the restaurant began serving the dishes one after another.

However, the shop owner seemed oblivious to them, focusing instead on talking to the empty seats next to them.

Illusion.

Ji Yuan then understood, and at the same time, he thought of Meng Die in his cave.

He has never forgotten to nurture talent over the years.

I just don't know when this dream butterfly will be able to break free of its cocoon and become a butterfly.

Once you break free from your cocoon and become a true butterfly, it will be a great help to yourself.

At least I won't have to worry about encountering illusions or anything like that again.

"Don't you have any thoughts about joining the Black and White Temple? With your age and strength, the Black and White Temple would definitely be willing to accept you if you wanted to."

Mei Zhuang said with a smile.

Ji Yuan didn't know what the old bird meant, so he pondered and replied, "Back in the Canglu Continent, I had already been to these sects, so I didn't have any particular thoughts about them. There were too many restrictions, and it was far less free than being on my own."

"hehe."

Mei Zhuang remained noncommittal, but while eating, he suddenly changed the subject and asked:

"I remember back in the Cangluo Continent, you claimed to be under my command, Master Mei?"

Ji Yuan, who had just relaxed a little, suddenly sat up straight.

"this……"

"If that's the case, then I'll give you a chance to truly join my ranks, how about it?"

"This..." Ji Yuan's back was once again soaked with cold sweat. "I'm fine, but..."

"It's just that humans and demons are different. Do you think joining my ranks makes you a demon traitor or a human traitor?"

Mei Zhuang continued to smile, a smile that made Ji Yuan feel uneasy.

"Tsk tsk."

Mei Zhuang held the wine cup in his hand as if he were holding his fellow villager in his hand.

"Alright then, since we're from the same hometown, don't blame me for being ruthless. I'll give you two choices."

"First, hand over a wisp of your divine soul and submit it to my command."

"Secondly... go to hell."

As soon as Mei Zhuang finished speaking, the wine cup in his hand turned to dust.

It looks like a threat, but in reality... it is a threat!

Ji Yuan's body suddenly stiffened.

The soul... This method doesn't actually threaten Ji Yuan. When Ji Yuan was still on Canglu Continent, he had obtained this "Severing God Technique" from Ye Zhi Qiu, precisely to guard against this move.

However, if one does not choose to surrender their soul, then there is only one other path left.

That means saying what Hua Yaoyue said; once it's said, Plum Manor won't dare to make a move.

But is this true?

Is a single sentence really that powerful?

"Master is definitely someone I can trust!"

There is no doubt about this.

Hua Yaoyue, who once stood at the highest point in the human realm and knew even the secrets of Mahayana Buddhism, would never deceive someone at the Nascent Soul stage.

There's absolutely no need for that, not to mention that I am her last disciple.

It's good to hand over one's soul, but if we do it this time, what about next time?

What if we accidentally bump into the other Nascent Soul stage demons?

Moreover, Ji Yuan was even more worried that even if he surrendered his soul, Plum Manor would not let him go, and he would truly be at their mercy.

"Young man, how about it? Have you made up your mind?"

As Mei Zhuang spoke, he raised his hand, and the cup of spirit wine that was placed in front of Ji Yuan was in his hand.

He gripped the rim of the cup with his right hand, as if he were gripping... the throat of Ji Yuan's fate.

"If I surrender my soul, would you truly be willing to let me go, senior?"

Ji Yuan seemed to have struggled for a long time before finally making a decision.

"hehe."

Mei Zhuang looked at the wine cup in his hand, too lazy to even lift his head, and chuckled:

"Don't forget, you're a prisoner now. What right do you have to negotiate with me?"

"Senior, we're from the same hometown..."

Ji Yuan is still struggling.

"Yes, we're from the same hometown, so didn't I give you a choice, a chance to live?"

Mei Zhuang held a wine glass in his left hand and spread his right hand out, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Seeing this, Ji Yuan finally had a choice, or... it was a choice he had no other option to begin with.

In the presence of Core Formation cultivators, Foundation Establishment cultivators are not free; they are nothing more than ants.

But when a Foundation Establishment cultivator finally forms their Core, they will find that...

Above the Core Formation stage, there is still the Nascent Soul stage.

Knew it.

In reality, there aren't that many cultivation realms; there are only three.

Ants.

Fellow Daoist.

senior.

"Haven't you chosen yet? If you haven't chosen soon, I'll choose for you."

Mei Zhuang's handsome brows furrowed, as if carrying a hint of displeasure.

Ji Yuan took a deep breath and clenched his right fist slightly on the table.

"I've made my choice."

"Oh?"

Mei Zhuang finally raised his head and looked at the human junior who had piqued his interest.

"A senior who is even more accomplished than you asked me to pass on a message to you, Senior Mei."

"Huh?" Mei Zhuang didn't hear the expected answer, and the words in front of her were also a bit awkward, so it took her a moment to react.

"A senior who's taller than me?"

Mei Zhuang chuckled for the second time, "Then tell me, what did you say?"

Ji Yuan still dared not look directly at the Plum Manor before him, but could only stare at the cup of spirit wine in his hand, watching the ripples on its surface, and said, word by word:

"She told me to ask you if you've forgotten the beating you got on Ink Bamboo Island?"

(End of this chapter)