novelraw Chapter 177 : An Old Friend Like a Leaf in the Wind
Chapter 177 : An Old Friend Like a Leaf in the Wind
Chapter 177: An Old Friend Like a Leaf in the Wind
After Ji Yuan took out the Ice Soul Cold Dew, before he even said anything, the Ice Flood Dragon immediately poked out its head and swallowed the dew in one gulp.
The cold dew entered its belly.
The Ice Flood Dragon’s entire body surged slightly, and Cold Mist seeped out from between its scales.
Ji Yuan could even clearly feel that the Cold Mist within the Ice Flood Dragon had become denser.
This stuff—was it really that effective for the Ice Flood Dragon?
Damn, this stuff worked great for him too.
If he absorbed enough Ice Soul Cold Dew, his spiritual energy could also gain ice attributes. So Ji Yuan had never wasted even a single drop of the three-drops-a-day output.
The cold dew used to feed the Ice Flood Dragon now was all from the past few days.
Earlier ones had all been refined by Ji Yuan himself.
“So not only do you eat a lot, you’re fighting me for food?”
Ji Yuan looked at the Ice Flood Dragon coiled around his arm, rubbing its head against him incessantly, and for a moment felt some heartache.
“If you don’t grow strong enough in the future, I’ll chop you up and eat you!”
Ji Yuan pointed at the Ice Flood Dragon and said fiercely.
Then he fed it another drop of Ice Soul Cold Dew.
The 【Fish Pond】 produced three drops a day. Ji Yuan planned to feed the Ice Flood Dragon two drops and refine one for himself each day.
Beasts like the Ice Flood Dragon improved their strength much faster than himself, so he had to get its strength up as quickly as possible. Even if it didn’t reach the third tier, just reaching the second tier would already be a huge help.
“Eat!”
“All you know is eating!”
After feeding the Ice Soul Cold Dew, Ji Yuan was just thinking of throwing the Ice Flood Dragon back into the 【Fish Pond】, but at the last moment, he reconsidered. If he threw it back in, the remaining Spiritual Fish in there wouldn’t survive.
They’d all be eaten by this Ice Flood Dragon.
Eating ordinary Spiritual Fish was one thing.
But the ones in Ji Yuan’s 【Fish Pond】—those were all carp with the potential to turn into Flood Dragons!
If another Flood Dragon emerged, even if he didn’t use it himself, just auctioning it off… would fetch thousands of Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.
“Little money burner!”
Ji Yuan decided to toss the Ice Flood Dragon into the Yunyu Marshlands and let it fend for itself.
It had already acknowledged him as master, so he wasn’t worried about it running away.
“Croak—”
Suddenly, a somewhat resentful croak came from behind.
Ji Yuan, with the Flood Dragon coiled around his hand, turned his head and saw the large toad with its head lowered. It wasn’t just the croak that was resentful—even its eyes seemed filled with grievance.
“Uh…”
Ji Yuan thought about it. It did seem like he’d been neglecting the big toad lately.
But he had truly been busy, especially since reaching Foundation Establishment.
No matter. Ji Yuan took out two Spiritual Pigs from his storage pouch and tossed them over. The big toad was immediately satisfied… Right! Just feed the Ice Flood Dragon pigs.
Not eating the Spiritual Pigs was a waste. Eating them would also strengthen the body.
Hadn’t the big toad broken through after eating them?
“Eat! You too, eat!”
Ji Yuan tossed another Spiritual Pig onto the ground and along with it, dropped the Ice Flood Dragon.
The Flood Dragon feasted on pigs.
At first, the Ice Flood Dragon was reluctant, but once Ji Yuan casually sliced open the pig, the scent of blood and flesh wafted out, and it changed its mind.
It immediately crouched down and devoured the meal.
The big toad saw that the Ice Flood Dragon was eating the same food as it and became unhappy, croaking loudly at it.
The Ice Flood Dragon was clearly just a late-stage first-tier beast, but when facing a late-stage second-tier big toad, it showed no fear at all. Instead, it blew a breath of Cold Mist at it.
Ji Yuan stood nearby watching. If the Ice Flood Dragon were at the same level as the big toad, even just one breath would freeze it stiff.
But now… the Cold Mist hit the big toad.
The big toad not only remained unhurt, it even looked comfortable. It provocatively edged closer, as if saying, “Again, do it again.”
Infuriated, the Ice Flood Dragon blew another breath of Cold Mist.
The result… was the same.
“Croak croak croak—”
The big toad let out a joyous bellow.
Seeing the Ice Flood Dragon about to lunge forward for a fight to the death, Ji Yuan quickly separated the two.
He first had the big toad, now done eating the pig, go into the water to catch a few second-tier beasts for drinks, then threw the Ice Flood Dragon to the other side of the island.
This place was too close to the 【Fish Pond】, and Ji Yuan worried it might sneak back to feast.
The two sword embryos were complete, and his cultivation had reached the peak of early Foundation Establishment. In the more detailed division of the Qi Refining stage, that would be Foundation Establishment Level Three.
Next, he only needed to further comprehend the 《Sword Manual》 before he could attempt a breakthrough to mid Foundation Establishment.
As for spirit beasts, Ji Yuan had finally gotten the Ice Flood Dragon he had long yearned for.
All in all, he currently felt no pressure.
At last, he could cultivate in peace again.
When busy, he cultivated. When free, he refined pills or drew talismans. If he felt like doing nothing at all, he lay in the 【Meditation Room】 and meditated to enhance his Divine Sense.
In short, his strength constantly improved, and Ji Yuan quite enjoyed this feeling of effort being rewarded.
Two days later.
While cultivating on Misty Island, Ji Yuan suddenly received a message from the Island Lord of Iron Hammer Island.
Naturally, he thought the old man had run out of pills.
But unexpectedly, as he extended his Divine Sense into the Messaging Talisman, a hearty voice rang in his mind.
“Little Ji, when did a new island pop up next to your Wuyou Island? Damn, I passed by and saw that little Martial Sister—pretty damn good looking. You don’t have a Dao Companion yet, do you? Don’t let this chance slip by, hahaha!”
A new island next to Wuyou Island?
That meant a new Foundation Establishment cultivator had opened an island next to his. And good-looking too… Instantly, a figure emerged in Ji Yuan’s mind.
Dong Qian.
He recalled the meaningful smile she gave before leaving when they met outside the Thousand Mechanisms Hall a few days ago.
Ji Yuan could almost confirm that the new neighbor next to Wuyou Island was most likely Dong Qian.
Thinking it over, Ji Yuan decided to head back and take a look.
Dong Qian had moved in right next door—how could he not go visit?
No hesitation.
But before he left, Ji Yuan chose to put the Ice Flood Dragon into the Spiritual Beast Pouch and bring it along.
It wasn’t as gentle as the big toad. If left on Misty Island, it would probably wipe out every living thing there.
At the very least, none of the Spiritual Fish in the 【Fish Pond】 would survive.
For this trip back to the sect, Ji Yuan also brought along some Wishful Wine for Hua Yaoyue, and pills for the Island Lord of Iron Hammer Island.
Since he was going back anyway, he might as well take care of everything at once.
One day later.
Ji Yuan rode the Sky-Slicer Boat, looking down from above.
There really was a new island next to Wuyou Island.
It was shaped like a crescent moon. Probably freshly emerged from the water, many parts were still muddy and damp.
The island hadn’t yet been set with any formations, so he could clearly see a water-blue figure walking back and forth nonstop atop it.
Ji Yuan descended on the flying boat, quickly arriving at the front of the island.
As he drew closer, he could make out the woman’s face.
“Senior Sister Dong?”
Ji Yuan called out in surprise.
Dong Qian, who had been busy on the island, heard the voice and immediately flew over on her own flying boat, her brows lifting with joy as she said, “Junior Brother Ji, you finally decided to come back!”
Ji Yuan found it hard to explain. Making an excuse about going into seclusion on his island wasn’t suitable either—if that were the case, he definitely would have heard it when Dong Qian opened her island.
So it was better to be honest.
“Yes, I went out for something.”
Ji Yuan smiled. “Senior Sister opening an island here means I won’t be lonely anymore.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ji Yuan realized it didn’t sound right and quickly added:
“There’s someone I can talk to now.”
“Junior Brother doesn’t need to explain, I understand.”
Dong Qian spoke very considerately. “My island is just newly formed. There isn’t even a place to set foot yet, so I’ll have to wait until next time to invite Junior Brother over.”
“No worries. Senior Sister, come stay at my place first.”
Back on Wuyou Island, Ji Yuan asked with curiosity, “What name is Senior Sister planning to give the island? And have you set the date for the Island Inauguration Celebration yet?”
“Fox Moon Island. The ‘fox’ of ‘fox’.”
Dong Qian added an extra explanation, as if afraid Ji Yuan wouldn’t understand.
And indeed, Ji Yuan, upon hearing the name, had assumed it was the ‘arc’ character, thinking of an arc-shaped moon. After all, he’d seen it from midair just earlier, and her island did look like a crescent moon.
But to his surprise, it was actually the ‘fox’ of ‘fox’.
Could it be that the name had some hidden meaning?
“That name sounds lovely. Very nice,” Ji Yuan praised without hesitation.
“As for the Island Inauguration Celebration, I won’t be holding one. I don’t have many friends, and hosting it would only draw unnecessary attention.”
Dong Qian remained as steady and cautious as ever.
Moreover, Ji Yuan also noticed today that her attire had returned to how it used to be—a loose spiritual robe that covered her graceful figure.
“That’s fine too. I didn’t hold an Island Inauguration Celebration back then either.”
Ji Yuan nodded and spoke the truth that Dong Qian already knew.
“Mm, I plan to just invite a few close friends on the day the island is completed. Junior Brother must come by then.”
Dong Qian smiled and winked at Ji Yuan.
“All right. Just notify me in advance, Senior Sister.”
“Good. Oh right… Junior Brother, do you know any Formation Masters? I still need help with the defensive formation for my island.”
Naturally, Dong Qian didn’t know that Ji Yuan himself was a Formation Master.
“Yes, I do. Once you’ve prepared the formation, just send me a message.”
A small favor like this, Ji Yuan was of course willing to help with.
Moreover, setting up formations, like pill refining, was a way to enhance one’s own experience in formation arts using others’ formations—not a wasted effort.
That’s one reason Formation Masters were profitable.
There were more Pill Refining Masters, but far fewer Formation Masters.
“Alright.”
With Ji Yuan’s confirmation, Dong Qian was relieved… mostly because she had recently received a warning from a senior sister in the Hundred Treasure Pavilion while purchasing formations.
That senior sister, seeing Dong Qian’s beauty, reminded her that some Formation Masters in the sect weren’t exactly upright. They would take advantage of their formation skills to leave hidden entrances while setting up formations for others.
In plain terms, they would leave a backdoor in someone’s island protection formation. Even if the island’s owner wasn’t around, they could “open the door” themselves.
These Formation Masters especially targeted young and beautiful female disciples.
Either through coercion or temptation.
Many female disciples, just newly established in Foundation Establishment and often still poor, would fall for the warm concern and Spirit Stone gifts of those senior brothers.
As for becoming Dao Companions—absolutely not.
Once those Formation Masters tired of them, they would quickly move on to another female disciple.
So Formation Masters in the Water Dragon Sect, or rather the entire Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong, generally didn’t have the best reputations.
In the Water Dragon Sect, some female cultivators even privately referred to the Formation Hall of Four Directions Island as the “Playboy Hall.” If a female cultivator ended up with a Dao Companion from there, it was like her fate had been sealed.
Dong Qian was worried about this, but since it was someone Ji Yuan knew, she felt reassured.
With that matter settled, Ji Yuan first headed west to Iron Hammer Island.
He handed over five pills and earned a small return of 150 Spirit Stones.
During that visit, he asked the Island Lord of Iron Hammer Island where he had gone and why he passed by Wuyou Island.
“I made a few Spiritual Artifacts and happened to catch wind of an auction in Heishan City in the south, so I brought them to sell. Here, the Spirit Stones are all with you.”
The Island Lord of Iron Hammer Island gestured at the storage pouch in Ji Yuan’s hand.
Ji Yuan, of course, just listened without taking it seriously.
Given the Island Lord’s artifact crafting skills, plus Spiritual Artifacts good enough to sell at an auction, there was no way the earnings were only that much.
“All right, I’m leaving. If you need more pills next time, just let me know.”
Ji Yuan waved his hand and was about to depart.
Then the Island Lord seemed to remember something and added:
“Old man Fugui sent me a message through someone a few days ago. He said his duty is almost over. Once he’s back, come by so we can all get together again.”
“Sure.”
Ji Yuan figured it had indeed been a while since he’d last seen Old Master Xu, so he nodded and agreed.
“Don’t forget to bring a few jars of good wine when the time comes. Damn, I’ve drunk so much, but your wine is still the best.”
“No problem at all.”
Ji Yuan had plenty of Spiritual Wine stored in the 【Wine Cellar】. He had also bought a few recipes and was trying to brew them himself. Once he succeeded, he could upgrade the 【Wine Cellar】 to level 3 and obtain Peerless Wine.
Leaving Iron Hammer Island, Ji Yuan headed east, crossing the entire Water Dragon Sect and arriving at Wuyou Island.
When Ji Yuan arrived, he happened to run into Feng Zhi Tao as well.
“Senior Sister, it’s been a long time.”
By rough estimate, it had been more than half a year.
Feng Zhi Tao was initially delighted to see Ji Yuan, but her expression quickly turned grave. “Is everything well with you, Junior Brother?”
“All’s well. What about you, Senior Sister… what happened?”
“You wouldn’t know. I disguised myself and went south to Joy Palace recently. The situation there is far worse than in our Water Dragon Sect.”
“How so?”
Ji Yuan first went up to pay his respects to Hua Yaoyue, then sat opposite Feng Zhi Tao.
“The way Joy Palace operates… has always leaned toward the Demonic Dao. Now, there’s a group of demonic cultivators using Joy Palace’s name to wreak havoc in their territory, turning everything into a mess.”
“Some Joy Palace disciples are even taking advantage of the chaos—hard to tell what’s true or false. I heard Joy Palace has already dispatched Golden Core Real Persons to station in major cities.”
Feng Zhi Tao said seriously.
“To think it’s like this.”
For a moment, Ji Yuan felt fortunate to be under the protection of the Water Dragon Sect.
Like that time in Linshui City—if not for Real Person Xuan Shui personally showing up and making the Water Dragon Sect’s stance against demonic cultivators clear, there would have surely been even greater chaos afterward.
“It’s nothing but petty skirmishes.”
Hua Yaoyue sipped the wine on the table.
Ji Yuan noticed when he paid respects earlier—it was the Wishful Wine he had gifted her.
“Master, did you experience a Demonic Dao invasion yourself?”
Feng Zhi Tao leaned closer and asked in a low voice.
“Mm, I was only at the Qi Refining stage back then. The Demonic Dao invasion was far more terrifying than you could imagine. Especially once Shang Mountain fell, you’ll find out…”
“Find out what?”
Feng Zhi Tao pressed further.
“What do you think?”
Hua Yaoyue didn’t answer immediately but instead turned the question back to her two disciples.
Feng Zhi Tao looked at Ji Yuan. “Little Junior Brother, you answer first.”
“There’s no real line between Righteous and Demonic.”
Ji Yuan directly voiced what he felt in his heart.
Feng Zhi Tao: “……”
Hua Yaoyue glanced at Ji Yuan again upon hearing that. Then her gaze returned to Feng Zhi Tao as she said with some depth:
“I know you and your First Senior Brother are both people who hate evil with a passion. That’s a good thing.”
"But you must also remember, when that time truly comes… it'll be just like what your Little Junior Brother said."
"In the face of life and death, what difference is there between Righteous and Demonic? The only difference lies in the people."
Hua Yaoyue’s words today were completely unlike the traditional righteous teachings of the Water Dragon Sect.
The traditional concept of the righteous path held that the righteous are righteous, and the demonic are demonic.
All people of the Demonic Path must be eradicated!
Feng Zhi Tao was originally a princess of the Western Phoenix Kingdom, later accepted into the Water Dragon Sect. Naturally, she had received the most traditional teachings of the sect. Hua Yaoyue’s words today—
They truly shook her… Even though she had experienced so many things herself and knew that what Hua Yaoyue said was right.
But knowing was one thing; truly being able to accept and act on it was another.
“Disciple will remember Master’s teachings.”
Feng Zhi Tao bowed deeply to Hua Yaoyue. “Master, I will take my leave now.”
“Mm.”
Hua Yaoyue was not surprised by the differing reactions of her two disciples.
Feng Zhi Tao could be said to be a sect-born and bred cultivator, raised and educated under righteous sect standards from a young age.
Ji Yuan, on the other hand, came from a chaotic place like the Yunyu Marshlands, where survival was everything, and the lines between Righteous and Demonic were naturally not so rigid.
As for Yun Qianzai… Oh right, Yun Qianzai was still sealed underground.
Cultivators like him, born from cultivation families, were different yet again. Their education focused more on “family first.” A sect could be absent, but the family must be preserved.
“Master, this is the Wishful Wine your disciple brewed during this time.”
Ji Yuan generously took out dozens of jars of wine, filling the entire table.
Hua Yaoyue casually collected them, then glanced at Ji Yuan a few more times before asking, “You went to Pear Blossom River?”
“That’s right.”
Ji Yuan didn’t know how Hua Yaoyue could tell, but with a clear conscience, he nodded in affirmation.
“Then you’re not far from mid Foundation Establishment.”
“Still short of some comprehension.”
Ji Yuan answered truthfully.
“That’s simple. I’ll be heading out for a few days. One month from now, come to me. I’ll lecture you on the Dao and help you break through.”
Hua Yaoyue remained as casual in tone as ever.
“This… yes!”
Ji Yuan hadn’t expected Hua Yaoyue would be willing to lecture him on the Dao.
Could this be what it meant to have a true master?
To pass on the Dao, to impart knowledge, to resolve doubts!
With great anticipation, Ji Yuan left Hua Yaoyue’s Wuyou Island. He hadn’t gone far when he saw a Stream of Light shooting directly eastward.
Where it passed, wind and thunder stirred.
Did Master not even bother hiding her departure? Was she afraid people wouldn’t notice? Or perhaps—just this time—she chose not to conceal herself… Ji Yuan watched for a while and then activated his flying boat and left.
After cultivating on Misty Island for over half a month, Ji Yuan suddenly received a message from the Thousand Mechanisms Hall, saying someone had completed the task he posted and returned with the corpse of a Blood-Disc Venom Bee.
That was exactly what was needed to upgrade the 【Bee Nest】. Upon receiving the message, Ji Yuan immediately set out.
When he arrived at the Thousand Mechanisms Hall, he heard many disciples discussing an incident.
Ji Yuan listened attentively for a moment and soon understood the situation.
A flying boat from the Water Dragon Sect returning from Beishan City had been intercepted and slaughtered by demonic cultivators.
Even the Foundation Establishment cultivators aboard the boat had not escaped.
A total wipeout.
It was only because a nearby rogue cultivator witnessed the scene and brought the news back to the Water Dragon Sect that the sect even found out.
“Beishan City… why does that sound familiar?”
Ji Yuan muttered to himself.
But suddenly, something struck him!