novelraw Chapter 238 : Shang Court Cultivator… Ji Yuan!
Chapter 238 : Shang Court Cultivator… Ji Yuan!
Chapter 238: Shang Court Cultivator… Ji Yuan!
“At the current growth rate, it'll take at most another half a year for the Spirit-Devouring Bee swarm to reach 60,000—just a bit more until the target of 80,000.
The main issue is that this Queen Bee’s cultivation needs to reach the third tier... upgrading the [Bee Nest] is just too difficult.”
“[Grave Mound] is a bit better. Once the Righteous–Demonic War begins, the corpses of Foundation Establishment cultivators will probably flood the market.
By then, even acquiring ten peak Foundation Establishment corpses shouldn’t be too hard. I just don’t know if that half-corpse of Real Person Heaven Silkworm would count as a Golden Core corpse.”
“If I can get [Grave Mound] to level 3 and master this Yin Corpse Demonic Fire… ‘Qiu Qianhai’ could definitely wreak havoc in one region.”
Ji Yuan sat silently on Misty Island, calculating his current arsenal of demonic cultivation methods.
Next up, he’d have to continue unlocking new buildings.
As for the rest of his buildings… Ji Yuan had considered carefully. At present, the only ones he might have a chance to upgrade were the [Fish Pond] and the [Pigsty].
The main spiritual effect of a level 4 [Fish Pond] was “Flood Dragon Turns into Chi Dragon”—far too difficult.
And even if a flood dragon truly transformed into a chi dragon, Ji Yuan felt that, with his current resources, it’d be almost impossible to raise it.
A tier-4 spiritual beast—once grown—was comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator.
That left only the [Pigsty]. Once it was successfully upgraded, there was a chance to comprehend the body-refining technique 《Ninefold Mysterious Yang》. To become a body cultivator emerging from the [Pigsty]... that didn’t sound too bad.
If, like during Foundation Establishment, his physique could first reach the strength of the Golden Core stage—that’d be ideal.
Then, if he wanted to target Golden Core resources, he’d have far more confidence.
Ji Yuan looked toward the upgrade conditions for the level 4 [Pigsty].
【Pigsty: lv4 (Unupgradeable)】
【Upgrade Conditions: Mid-Grade Spirit Stones ×600; Tier-3 Water and Fire-Attributed Demon Cores ×1 each; Fire Vein Spiritual Marrow ×5 jin; Triple-Eyed Dark Beast Spine ×3; Taiyi Azure Light Talisman ×1. (Unfulfilled)】
Spirit stones weren’t an issue. A mere 600 pieces—just six days’ output from the [Spirit Vein].
Tier-3 demon cores were expensive, but they could still be bought—not a problem.
The rest could be obtained through connections and inquiries.
Fortunately, the “Taiyi Azure Light Talisman” didn’t need to be self-drawn—just having one sufficed.
Otherwise, if he had to draw it himself, that’d be a pipe dream.
Just as Ji Yuan was about to find Li Changhe to ask around, a golden Messaging Talisman in his storage pouch quivered.
Dong Qian was sending a message.
And immediately after, several more Messaging Talismans began to tremble in succession. Even without checking, Ji Yuan knew... something big had happened.
He swept his divine sense over the Messaging Talismans in his storage pouch.
Dong Qian, Hua Yaoyue, Li Changhe, Liu Yuan, Yun Qianzai… even Hua Yaoyue had sent a message.
Ji Yuan’s divine sense touched Hua Yaoyue’s talisman, and his master’s voice echoed in his mind.
“The demonic path has made its move.”
As expected… the Righteous–Demonic War was finally about to begin!
Ji Yuan took a deep breath and immediately checked Dong Qian’s talisman.
“Junior Brother, where are you? I heard the demonic sects have begun their invasion.
The ancestral hall’s golden bell has tolled eight times—just one short of the nine tolls signaling sect-wide annihilation. If you received this message, return quickly.”
Eight bell tolls—any Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect who received this would be obligated to head to Water Dragon Island.
After confirming nothing was wrong on Misty Island, Ji Yuan summoned the Fenghuai Flying Boat and set off north.
Even if there were issues, the sect wouldn’t care about a moment's delay—there would be time to return to Misty Island later and clean things up.
On the way north, Ji Yuan replied one by one to the Messaging Talismans.
He specifically asked Hua Yaoyue:
“Master, will they forcibly send us Foundation Establishment cultivators westward to defend Shang Mountain?”
This matter of guarding Shang Mountain was something Ji Yuan had discussed with Li Changhe before.
But even without that, he could figure it out himself.
Shangdong and Western Shang had only one natural barrier—Shang Mountain. If Shang Mountain fell to the demonic path… the entire Shangdong region would be laid bare.
Wherever the demonic cultivators passed, they would devour like locusts.
Therefore, the Shangdong side would go all-out to defend Shang Mountain—even if they couldn’t hold it in the end, they’d aim to annihilate as much of the demonic cultivators’ forces there as possible.
Not long after sending the message, Hua Yaoyue replied.
“At first, definitely not. And I imagine plenty will volunteer.”
With that reassurance, Ji Yuan was at ease. But shortly after, Hua Yaoyue added one more line:
“Besides, it’s not just Shang Mountain that needs guarding. There are many areas in the rear that also need defense—you’ll see when the time comes.”
Judging from her tone, Hua Yaoyue had intended to explain more, but perhaps found it too troublesome and left it at that.
Ji Yuan could only reply, “Understood.”
Several hours later, as Ji Yuan passed by Forgotten Worry Island, Dong Qian had already departed.
Du Wanyi was still out on assignment and hadn’t returned.
As for neighbors like Island Lord of Youlan Island and others—they had all already set off for Water Dragon Island.
Naturally, Ji Yuan departed at full speed. But by the time he neared Water Dragon Island, he was already late. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators were already gathered on the plaza.
Real Person Xuan Shui had already begun speaking.
Arriving late, Ji Yuan was noticed immediately by Real Person Xuan Shui. The two made brief eye contact, but said nothing.
Seeing him, Ji Yuan couldn’t help but recall the message from Han Feiyu—he had said not to fully trust Real Person Xuan Shui…
Ji Yuan speculated that the man might be tied to Shang Court—but sadly, there was no evidence.
Moreover, Hua Yaoyue seemed unwilling to elaborate.
Upon arriving, Ji Yuan naturally positioned himself in front of the others, shielding them.
Dong Qian did the same, so Ji Yuan spotted her right away.
“Senior Sister.”
He first sent a voice transmission, then walked over to her.
“Junior Brother, you finally returned.”
“The Sect Master Martial Uncle already transmitted a lot of important details—I’ll relay them to you later.”
“Alright.”
Ji Yuan acknowledged, and they fell silent, focusing on Xuan Shui’s words.
Xuan Shui stood atop the high platform before the plaza, clad in a water-blue robe with golden trim, hands behind his back. His Golden Core aura radiated freely, and even his calm words carried a faint pressure.
Ji Yuan didn’t know when he had begun speaking, but now he heard:
“Therefore, Shang Mountain must not be lost. If it falls, it will mean the complete failure of our Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong.”
“At that point, the entirety of Shangdong will become the backyard of the demonic cultivators.”
“If that day comes, do you think you’ll still be able to cultivate? You’d be lucky to escape being hunted night and day by the demonic path. Many among you have already faced them—you know exactly what that means.”
“We righteous cultivators… are merely resources for their cultivation!”
Ji Yuan listened attentively. And as for Real Person Xuan Shui’s views—he agreed. That was simply the truth.
To the demonic path, righteous cultivators were indeed cultivation materials.
From vital blood to corpses… Ji Yuan sometimes felt like he himself was a demonic cultivator hidden within the Water Dragon Sect. After all, his [Grave Mound] needed not only Foundation Establishment corpses—but Golden Core ones too.
Just then, he suddenly sensed someone staring at him.
His powerful divine soul reacted instantly. Following the direction of the gaze, he looked up—only to see a veiled woman glancing back at him.
That was… Island Lord Yun Miao!
Back then, she had even asked Han Feiyu to deliver a Messaging Talisman to him. But now Han Feiyu had been expelled from the sect…
Ji Yuan smiled at her.
Moments later, a Messaging Talisman in his storage pouch vibrated slightly—Island Lord Yun Miao had sent him a message.
Ji Yuan sensed it but ignored it, choosing instead to continue listening to Xuan Shui’s words.
“The importance of Shang Mountain—you’re all clear on that now. Currently, our Water Dragon Sect still has many Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed there. But this… is far from enough.”
“The demonic path of Western Shang has long been preparing, and this time, they’re coming with their full force. If we Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong wish to withstand their assault, we must go all out.”
“Next, our Water Dragon Sect will be counting the first batch of righteous cultivators willing to head to Shang Mountain and resist the demonic cultivators!”
“Planned numbers are as follows: 30 Peak Foundation Establishment, 50 Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, 100 Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, and 200 Early-Stage Foundation Establishment. Slots are limited—first come, first served.”
“Those wishing to go may register with Island Lord Zhu Ying in a moment.”
As Real Person Xuan Shui’s voice fell, a woman in a deep-green robe rose from the front of the crowd on a flying sword, cupping her hands slightly toward everyone.
“This one is Zhu Ying. Greetings, fellow Daoists.”
Ji Yuan had encountered her a few times at Liancheng Mountain. If memory served, she should be Real Person Suxin’s disciple.
Not familiar.
“Senior Sister Zhu Ying, count me in! Damn it, I have to go to Shang Mountain and kill every last one of those bastards!”
“Junior Sister Zhu Ying, my spear is already thirsting for battle.”
“Count me, Old Third, in as well!”
“……”
Some of the more aggressive disciples of the Water Dragon Sect were already shouting loudly. Ji Yuan looked at them, feeling a deep sense of admiration.
No matter what their intentions were, the fact that they could step forward at this moment was already commendable.
“Silence.”
Real Person Xuan Shui spoke again, this time clearly carrying a trace of pressure, instantly quieting the previously noisy plaza.
His gaze slowly swept over the many Foundation Establishment cultivators present, and he spoke solemnly: “As I am the Sect Master, and you are all disciples of the Water Dragon Sect, I must take responsibility for your lives.”
“I will not lie to you. Going to Shang Mountain is a journey of nine deaths and one life. So I hope you consider it carefully, and not act on a moment of hot-blooded passion.”
“For the next three days, Island Lord Zhu Ying will be waiting here on Water Dragon Island.”
“Three days from now, registration will close. On the fourth day, the registered disciples will be led by the sect’s Golden Core Real Persons to battle at Shang Mountain!”
That final sentence of Real Person Xuan Shui’s was clearly spoken with a trace of anger.
His voice echoed across the entire Water Dragon Island, and continued to resound in everyone’s ears.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators who listened didn’t raise their fists and shout like mortals would.
No loud cries of “to battle at Shang Mountain” or anything of the sort.
But even so, their blood was inevitably stirred.
Even Ji Yuan felt a sudden surge of rage, a desire to immediately find a demonic cultivator and tear them limb from limb.
But that feeling lasted only a moment before he suppressed it with a single sentence:
“I, Qiu Qianhai, am a demonic cultivator.”
“Those remaining in the sect will also have their own assigned tasks. I ask all of you to cooperate when the time comes.”
“If there are any complaints, you may come to Water Dragon Island to find me, or go to the Ancestral Hall to speak with the elders.”
After saying this, Real Person Xuan Shui’s gaze wandered over the crowd, as if trying to spot one or two dissenters to make an example of.
Unfortunately, no such fool was present.
With a wave of his wide sleeve, he turned and returned to the great hall behind him.
Many of the remaining cultivators began to gather toward Island Lord Zhu Ying at the front of the crowd.
Some summoned their flying boats and departed.
Ji Yuan stood still.
So did Dong Qian.
Just as Ji Yuan was about to turn and speak to Dong Qian, he suddenly caught movement out of the corner of his eye—someone at the front was stepping into the air.
With each step he took, an array pattern appeared beneath his foot.
After just a few steps, he had ascended the very platform that Real Person Xuan Shui had stood on moments earlier.
He faced the great hall, his back to the crowd.
His strange behavior quickly drew attention, and those who recognized him began whispering.
“Island Lord of Heaven Pivot, what are you planning to show off today?”
“Indeed, with so many fellow disciples gathered, it’s a rare opportunity. Don’t let it slip by.”
“……”
Naturally, Ji Yuan had already recognized him. This was none other than his pretentious Second Senior Brother… Yun Qianzai.
So when he saw his performance, Ji Yuan already felt a bit uneasy.
Yun Qianzai, however, remained indifferent. Then they heard him slowly recite:
“At the end of the immortal path, who stands atop—at first sight…”
Before he could finish, a streak of fiery red light flashed across the platform from left to right.
The streak vanished—and with it, so did the pretentious Yun Qianzai.
Clearly, it was Feng Zhi Tao who made the move. Ji Yuan let out a breath of relief. He had truly been worried Yun Qianzai would say that line in front of everyone.
‘Shouldn’t have taught him… sigh.’
As that thought passed through Ji Yuan’s mind, his Messaging Talisman trembled.
Feng Zhi Tao’s voice transmission: “Little Junior Brother, I’m taking that big idiot Second Senior Brother to Master. You hurry over too.”
Ji Yuan didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he first sent a voice transmission to Dong Qian, asking, “Senior Sister, what do you think?”
“This is just the first batch—it won’t be the last. So I’m not going yet. What about you?”
The two of them had long since been open with each other, so there was no need for pretenses.
“Same here.”
Having understood Dong Qian’s thoughts, Ji Yuan felt at ease. “I need to go to my master’s place, see if there’s any other news. I’ll tell you when I get back.”
“Alright, I’ll stay here and see how many people are actually willing to go.”
Dong Qian added, “Just now the Sect Master Martial Uncle said if not enough people sign up, they might do a lottery. Whoever gets drawn has to go… but the first batch should have enough.”
“Alright. Sorry to trouble you.”
“Oh, don’t be so polite.”
Dong Qian rolled her eyes.
Ji Yuan smiled, just about to summon the Fenghuai Flying Boat and leave—
When suddenly, a white figure approached. A soft female voice followed:
“Junior Brother Ji.”
Ji Yuan ignored her, silently speeding up his flying boat.
But before he could take off, that white figure had already blocked his path.
Helpless, he stopped and cupped his hands. “Greetings, Senior Sister Yun Miao.”
“Junior Brother Ji, are you avoiding me?”
Island Lord Yun Miao stared at him intently.
Dong Qian behind him wanted to come help, but Ji Yuan had already sent her a voice transmission in advance:
“Don’t come, Senior Sister. Something’s off with her. Don’t get involved—I’ll find a way to shake her off.”
If it had been an ordinary female cultivator who’d shared that kind of relationship with Ji Yuan—
And now saw him being entangled by another woman, yet he told her to stay out of it…
Most cultivators, even if they didn’t argue on the spot, would at least make a scene later.
Fortunately, Dong Qian wasn’t that kind of person.
Since Ji Yuan asked her to stay out of it, she turned and headed toward the front—to see how many disciples were willing to head to the Shang Mountain front lines.
“I’m not avoiding you, Senior Sister. It’s just that Master ordered us to report to her after the Water Dragon Island assembly. So I was in a hurry to leave.”
“I didn’t hear your summons. I ask for your understanding.”
Ji Yuan cupped his hands again.
Island Lord Yun Miao still stared at him, her tone soft: “You know that’s not what I meant.”
“Then… what is it?”
Ji Yuan feigned confusion.
“When I sent you messages before, why did you never reply?”
As she spoke, her voice carried a hint of resentment.
That immediately reminded Ji Yuan of the time back on Liancheng Mountain—how aloof and reserved Island Lord Yun Miao had been.
She had barely spoken back then. How could she be like this now?
Could it be that this Island Lord Yun Miao had such a drastically different personality?
And even if she did—why would she show it only in front of him?
As Ji Yuan thought back carefully, he realized he’d never interacted with her before.
He didn’t think himself so charming that someone could fall for him with no contact whatsoever.
So, something was clearly off.
Given all the recent cases of Shang Court old monsters reincarnating and re-cultivating, Ji Yuan naturally thought:
Could this Island Lord Yun Miao be another reincarnated cultivator?
After considering, he sent her a voice transmission:
“There are too many eyes and ears here. Senior Sister Yun Miao, could we speak somewhere else?”
“Where to?”
Island Lord Yun Miao’s eyes lit up, agreeing immediately.
“Please follow me, Senior Sister.”
After speaking, Ji Yuan flew off on the Fenghuai Flying Boat.
Island Lord Yun Miao, who had been waiting for him for who knows how long, wouldn’t pass up the chance—but she didn’t fully trust him either, keeping a bit of caution.
She was worried Ji Yuan might bring her straight to Hua Yaoyue.
But when she saw him flying north after leaving Water Dragon Island, she relaxed somewhat.
Ji Yuan flew northward, quickly crossing the island and reaching the vicinity of the Ancestral Hall. There, Island Lord Yun Miao sent another message:
“Junior Brother, are we there?”
As she spoke, she remained alert, eyes scanning their surroundings.
“Almost.”
Once near the Ancestral Hall, Ji Yuan turned west.
Eventually, he arrived at a deserted stretch of water. As soon as they reached it, Island Lord Yun Miao drew a bit closer.
Before Ji Yuan could speak, his gaze suddenly became dazed, as if someone were whispering endlessly by his ear—his divine soul seemed to fall asleep.
But at that very moment, the Soul Suppressing Bell around his divine soul gave a slight tremble.
Ji Yuan snapped awake instantly. Looking at the now extremely close Island Lord Yun Miao…
He sent a voice transmission:
“This one is Ji Yuan, disciple under Plum Manor. Greetings, Senior.”
(End of Chapter – Seeking Monthly Votes)