Longevity through Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 478: Chapter 230: Breakthrough, Late-stage Foundation Establishment!

“The matter concerning our junior apprentice is more important than banishing demons.”

With these words, Ji Yuan had no more to say and simply learned with even greater seriousness.

Now, as Ji Yuan finished packing and arrived in the courtyard, Ran Kui was already waiting there.

“Senior Brother, keep these Talismans safe.”

Ji Yuan stepped forward and handed two stacks, a total of 100 Transformation Talismans, to Ran Kui.

This was the result of his rushed work over the past half month. Ran Kui often traversed between the righteous and demon paths, walking a tightrope in his actions.

The Transformation Talisman was extremely helpful to him.

“What kind of Talisman is this?”

Ran Kui took it, giving it a look over, but didn’t recognize it.

“Transformation Talisman. Once used, it can change your aura and appearance, like the one I’m using now.” Ji Yuan said as he stuck a Transformation Talisman on himself. In merely the time it takes to breathe, he had transformed into a completely different person in front of Ran Kui.

“When I use it, even Golden Core Zhenren can’t see through it—it takes a Nascent Soul True Monarch.”

“Senior Brother, you need this when you’re out and about.”

Seeing the moment Ji Yuan’s aura changed, Ran Kui’s eyes lit up. How could he not see how precious this item was?

“Great!”

Saying this, Ran Kui also stuck a Transformation Talisman on himself.

Soon, his appearance changed from a burly man with bushy whiskers to a handsome young man.

He raised his hands, adjusting his Magic Robe to fit, saying, “Damn, if only I was naturally like this.”

Ji Yuan smiled silently.

“Junior Apprentice, this Talisman is indeed of great use to me. I thank you in advance.”

After a brief moment of joy, Ran Kui cupped his fists towards Ji Yuan.

“No need to be so formal, Senior Brother. When you return to the sect next time, I’ll prepare more for you.”

“Alright, then I won’t be polite with you.”

After a bit of casual chatter, the two, having used Transformation Talismans, left Lanshan City from the East City Gate. Once out of the city, Ran Kui summoned his Top-grade Spiritual Artifact level Flying Boat, carrying Ji Yuan directly north.

Ji Yuan reckoned it might take him nearly ten days to travel this route on his own with a Sky Raider Flying Boat.

However, with Ran Kui, he estimated they could arrive in three or four days.

The Flying Boat rose into the sky, traversing above the clouds. Ji Yuan seemed to make conversation, saying, “By the way, Senior Brother, do you know Senior Brother Qinghe?”

Standing at the front of the Flying Boat, Ran Kui turned around and asked through sound transmission, “Did you see him in Lanshan City?”

“Yes.”

Ji Yuan nodded, confirming the matter.

“Qinghe was called over by me; you could say he’s a fellow in the same path. Earlier in the city, the one who communicated with me several times was him.”

Ran Kui didn’t hide the matter from Ji Yuan, instead explaining the situation truthfully.

“So that’s how it is…”

Ji Yuan recalled from the auction house when Qinghe seemed eager to associate with a Foundation Establishment cultivator… who turned out to be a cultivator from Corpse Transporting Mountain.

“No wonder he seemed strange. It turns out he was helping Senior Brother with his errands.”

Understanding this, Ji Yuan’s previous worries and doubts about Qinghe dwindled away.

“Junior Apprentice, remember to keep this a secret. What we’re doing is dangerous; it’s best not to let outsiders know. I had him come to Lanshan City secretly for this reason.”

Ran Kui warned through sound transmission.

“Alright.”

Ji Yuan naturally understood the importance and agreed to it.

However, he was a little surprised that in the Water Dragon Sect, where Senior Brother Qinghe seemed so leisurely, he was secretly busy with affairs concerning the Demon Dao.

’Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.’

’Just like me, who would think that someone as kind-looking as me would, behind the scenes… be even kinder?’

For the rest of the journey, Ji Yuan remained at the back, cultivating. Besides occasionally inquiring about cultivation issues, the two didn’t engage in much conversation.

The journey was uneventful.

On the morning of the fourth day, Ran Kui, at the front of the Flying Boat, suddenly spoke, “We’re here.”

Ji Yuan exited his cultivation state, opened his eyes, and looked down.

Below lay a vast celestial lake, tranquil atop the endless plain.

The lake’s surface was smooth, like a mirror of eternal cold jade, reflecting the clouds above. Its waters were extremely clear and transparent, sparkling under the sunlight, offering a view that delighted the heart and mind.

Currently, there were several cultivators on the Mirror Lake, wielding swords to break the lake’s surface, causing water to splash like shattering this vast mirror.

Surrounding the Mirror Lake were circle after circle of courtyards, arranged harmoniously, exuding peace.

Looking down from high above, Ji Yuan instinctively thought… this was what a true earthly paradise should look like.

Unlike the chaos and strife outside, it was quiet here, seemingly undisturbed by world affairs.

“When I get old, I’d like to buy a courtyard here and live in seclusion.” Ran Kui said half-jokingly.

“Indeed, this place is much more beautiful than our Water Dragon Sect’s Boundless Marsh.” Ji Yuan agreed.

“Let’s go. I have a few acquaintances here; I’ll first help you rent a courtyard. You can then cultivate peacefully. I’ll have to return to Lanshan City later.”

“Alright, thanks for the trouble of making this trip, Senior Brother.”

Back in Lanshan City, Ji Yuan noticed that Ran Kui seemed pressed for time, yet he still traveled a great distance to bring Ji Yuan to Mirror Lake.

Ran Kui even thoughtfully found a friend to help rent a suitable courtyard by the Mirror Lake for him.

It’s safe to say that of all his outings, this was Ji Yuan’s most effortless one.

“Junior Apprentice, just focus on cultivating peacefully here. If there’s any problem, go to that shopkeeper you just saw. Tell him you’re Ran Kui’s junior apprentice, and he’ll assist you.”