Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 108: Wen Ling’er’s Spiritual Root

Shanyu Island was considered one of the few large islands within the Yunyu Marshlands.

In previous years, the Water Dragon Sect's selection events were always held here.

Ji Yuan had visited this place before.

Shanyu Island was surrounded by mountains on all sides, but in the center, there was a depression, naturally forming a beast-fighting arena.

When Ji Yuan piloted his flying boat near Shanyu Island, he saw two Foundation Establishment cultivators sitting cross-legged in the sky above the island, one to the east and one to the west. It was said that during the Water Dragon Sect's selection, there would always be a Golden Core cultivator stationed in the Yunyu Marshlands.

Unfortunately, none were visible.

Golden Core cultivators were elusive beings, rarely seen.

Eventually, as Ji Yuan approached, he also saw Du Wanyi, who had arrived earlier.

Ji Yuan glanced around—indeed, there were very few people.

Currently, including himself and Du Kang, there were only twelve people who had come to Shanyu Island to participate in the selection.

Even considering those who hadn't arrived yet, the total would likely not exceed thirty.

"Fourth Brother, Brother Du."

"Miss Du."

Du Kang leaped from the flying boat and looked at the open space below the mountains, which was divided into six areas. He felt somewhat uneasy.

He had prepared for this selection for several years.

He had prepared many pills and talismans, all to join the Water Dragon Sect in one go.

But now, suddenly being told that these external items couldn't be used, he was truly apprehensive.

Especially on the way here, he recalled the Water Dragon Sect's selection three years ago, when Qin Long from the Qin family also participated.

At that time, pills and talismans were allowed.

Yet, Qin Long still failed and returned home seriously injured, taking a long time to recover.

Du Kang felt that even if he could join today, it would likely be as a severely injured member.

At this thought, he even felt some regret—regret that he didn't join last year, even if it meant being sent to the front lines.

At least he would have joined the Water Dragon Sect.

As long as he acted cautiously, survival wasn't impossible.

Ji Yuan naturally didn't know what Du Kang was thinking. He glanced at Du Wanyi's charming peach blossom eyes.

She slightly nodded, indicating that everything was ready.

Knowing the news ten days in advance was certainly better than not knowing at all.

"The procedure should still be the same—six people per group. And since there aren't many participants today, we should be able to return before the market selection."

Hearing Du Wanyi's words, Ji Yuan nodded slightly.

If he and Du Wanyi weren't in the same group, he could lend her the high-grade protective magic item, the bronze armor, obtained from Yue Zhu, for her to wear.

At least it could provide her some protection, allowing her to fight without worries.

As they spoke, several more flying boats landed.

Ji Yuan turned to look.

The newcomers seemed familiar; they were likely from Heishui Market and Huaiyin Market, totaling six people—two at the ninth level of Qi Refining and four at the eighth level.

Ji Yuan recognized the two at the ninth level.

Chu Jingtong from Heishui Market and Sang Zhongyuan from Huaiyin Market—both had rather aggressive personalities, prone to fighting at the slightest provocation.

Ji Yuan didn't get along with them and rarely interacted, only knowing them by name.

But today, seeing them, they no longer had their usual arrogance.

Each stood obediently, and when they noticed Ji Yuan looking over, their gazes were somewhat different.

Apparently, they hadn't expected Ji Yuan to have reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

With Du Wanyi also at the ninth level, they had to nod cautiously, considering it a greeting.

Before long, another Water Dragon Sect cultivator brought several late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, all here to participate in the selection.

Most were at the eighth level, few at the ninth, and none at the tenth level.

Those who had reached the tenth level this year had already been at the ninth level a few years ago and had joined the Water Dragon Sect early on.

But today, none of the participants looked relaxed; each had a solemn expression.

Clearly, they were all intimidated by the Water Dragon Sect's sudden rule changes.

Moments later, as the last Water Dragon Sect cultivator finished reporting, the Foundation Establishment cultivator at the upper left of Shanyu Island slowly stood up. Riding his flying sword, he finally hovered in front of the Qi Refining cultivators.

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to him.

Ji Yuan also looked up.

The newcomer was a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples and a somewhat refined appearance.

He wore a black and yellow robe embroidered with cloud patterns—this seemed to be the standard attire for Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Water Dragon Sect, as Ji Yuan had seen several wearing it.

Just like the Water Dragon Sect's Qi Refining disciples had their standard robes.

"I am Yun Shangping, responsible for this selection."

"Greetings, Senior Yun."

Everyone present cupped their hands in salute, including Ji Yuan, who stood at the back.

"Yes, although the rules have changed this time, there's no need to worry. If you're truly outmatched, just admit defeat and surrender. Don't force yourself, to avoid losing your life."

"As long as you admit defeat, I will step in to save you."

Upon hearing this, many cultivators present breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Yuan could clearly feel that this Foundation Establishment cultivator named Yun Shangping had a much better temperament than the one previously in Zengtou Market.

"Thank you, Senior Yun."

Many people began expressing their gratitude in advance.

"Alright, let's not waste time."

Yun Shangping chuckled, "Same old rules—draw lots. Those with the same number will be in the same group."

"With fewer people this year, four groups will suffice. Let's proceed quickly."

After speaking, he casually tossed his sleeve, and numerous streams of light flew out, finally stopping above everyone's heads.

Each person used their object-controlling technique to retrieve a jade slip.

These things couldn't be faked. Ji Yuan also took the nearest jade slip.

As the jade slip landed in his hand, the attached spiritual energy dissipated, revealing the character "A" on it.

It seemed he was in the first group.

Ji Yuan couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart, but then he thought it was fine.

Being in the first group meant joining the Water Dragon Sect earlier.

If he were in a later group, seeing more deaths and injuries might affect his state of mind.

"Which group are you in?"

Du Wanyi approached. Ji Yuan opened his hand to show her, and she also opened her delicate hand.

"D."

The last group.

Not being in the same group was good. After his battle, he could lend her the bronze armor for protection.

Their acquaintance, Du Kang, also came over. He was in group B, different as well.

"Alright, the drawing is complete. Group A, come over now."

As Yun Shangping's voice sounded, Ji Yuan felt a bit panicked.

This feeling was somewhat like heading to the execution ground.

But recalling the late-stage Tier 1 demonic beasts he had previously killed in the water, Ji Yuan gradually calmed down.

After so many mock exams, now it was the real test—no need to panic.

Group A consisted of six people.

Ji Yuan noticed that Sang Zhongyuan from Huaiyin Market was also in his group.

Judging by his reaction, he seemed confident of victory.

"Alright, each person choose an area and go."

With a wave of Yun Shangping's hand, everyone immediately descended to the open space in the middle of the mountains.

Ji Yuan deliberately lagged behind, waiting for others to choose before heading to the last remaining area.

Each area was separated by iron fences, each nearly ten zhang high.

The fields were about ten zhang in length and width—not spacious, even considered small. In such a confined space, maneuvering a flying boat was impossible.

One couldn't fully utilize their abilities and was prone to stepping out of bounds.

Stepping out meant forfeiting.

Therefore—only direct combat!

"Brother Ji."

From next door came Sang Zhongyuan’s voice.

Ji Yuan turned his head and saw him smiling as he said, “Brother Ji, both of us are at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Why don’t we have a little competition to see who kills their beast first?”

“I’m really not good at combat. Just being able to join the Water Dragon Sect this time is already doing my best—how could I compare in speed?”

Ji Yuan cupped his hands with slight embarrassment as he spoke.

“Forget it then.”

Sang Zhongyuan didn’t press further and simply waved his hand, turning away.

He didn’t doubt Ji Yuan’s words because he was thinking the same—someone of Ji Yuan’s age with such cultivation was likely using spirit stones to stack up his level.

With that kind of advancement, how could he be skilled in combat?

Most likely a flashy but hollow spear—useless in a real fight.

Just in that short moment, the previously silent Foundation Establishment cultivator swept across the sky above everyone. Then, one after another, roars of demonic beasts echoed as they were dropped down into the arenas.

Ji Yuan said nothing and immediately retreated to a corner.

At the same time, the Hundred Fish Shield appeared before him, and the Qionghu Flying Sword hovered beside him, spinning continuously.

“Gold, earth, fire, wood—four spiritual roots. Disqualified. Next.”

Zengtou Market, Fish Market, Spiritual Root Testing Area.

Although the Water Dragon Sect held a pre-selection last year, there was no spiritual root testing then, so a long line still formed here this year.

The Wen family, having waited for Ji Yuan earlier in the morning, did not arrive with the first batch and were now at the end of the line.

Fortunately, spiritual root testing didn’t take long.

Children just had to place their hands on the spiritual root testing orb and wait for a breath or two for the result to show.

Lin Hu’s family had also come along and now stood beside Wen Lin’s family of three, following the line forward.

“Ling’er, are you scared?”

Wen Lin crouched down and asked softly.

Though Wen Ling’er’s nose was already sweaty, she shook her head vigorously. “Not scared!”

Then she thought for a moment and added in a meek voice, “But I don’t want to leave you. I want to stay with Dad and Mom.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yuechan quickly hugged her tightly.

She feared Wen Ling’er’s spiritual root would be too poor, meaning she could only stay in the Yunyu Marshlands and live a life like hers.

But she also feared her aptitude would be too good—then she would be taken into the Water Dragon Sect, and they would be separated.

The line moved forward slowly, while the testing cultivator continuously called out each child’s spiritual root.

The vast majority had pseudo roots.

Only a dozen or so were genuine spiritual roots fit to join the Water Dragon Sect.

Heaven and Earth roots? None at all.

That one case of a Heaven Spiritual Root three years ago was the first in Zengtou Market in over a hundred years.

“Almost there. Only four more ahead of Ling’er,” Lin Hu ran back and forth, reporting updates.

Even though everyone could see the line, he just felt the need to stay busy—especially when he was nervous.

“Three more—this one’s a true spiritual root.”

“Two more.”

“It’s almost Ling’er’s turn.”

At that moment, Wen Lin took Wen Ling’er’s left hand and slowly moved forward.

In front of them stood a young couple, reeking of fish, clearly folks who made their living from the water.

“All five roots present. Alright, next.”

The on-duty cultivator announced expressionlessly.

The couple quickly led their dazed child away. The woman was still complaining, “I told you—none of your family’s got talent. How could we possibly give birth to a real spiritual root?”

“Fine, now it’s a five-root mix. What do we do now!”

Zhao Yuechan gently patted Wen Ling’er’s back and whispered, “Don’t be nervous, Ling’er. Just place your hand on it.”

Wen Ling’er trembled as she extended her right hand and placed it atop the transparent orb.

The orb showed no reaction.

Seeing this, Wen Lin’s heart sank. If she had no spiritual root, it would be a huge problem.

Things would be manageable while he and his wife were still around—but what if they weren’t?

Wen Ling’er would live a terribly hard life in the Yunyu Marshlands.

The best course would be to take her to a mortal nation and help her live a peaceful life.

The Water Dragon Sect cultivator waited a while and was already preparing to announce her as rootless.

But just then, a faint green light emerged from within the orb. It was faint, but undeniably there.

No matter what type, having a root was better than none. Wen Lin visibly relaxed.

After a few more breaths, the orb still glowed with only that faint green light—no other colors appeared.

“This—”

The Water Dragon Sect cultivator had already stood up.

A Heaven Spiritual Root?!

Could Zengtou Market really have produced another Heaven Root?

And it seemed to be the rare wood-type Heaven Root.

The cultivator was about to make the announcement, but the color didn’t look quite right.

A true wood root should be deep green—why was this so faint?

Unable to be certain, he looked up and shouted, “Uncle Jiang, please come take a look.”

Perched atop his flying sword in a light nap, Jiang Lin lowered his gaze.

With just one glance, he nearly fell off his sword. Before he even landed, he threw out four protective formation flags,

Encircling the entire testing area.

A formation rose, shrouding the area in mist.

Next, Jiang Lin took out a special colored message talisman and infused it with his spiritual sense.

Just a few breaths later—

A pale blue Nascent Soul light streaked silently across the sky over Zengtou Market, pausing momentarily within the mist.

When the mist dispersed, the Wen family of three—was gone.

And not just them—the Water Dragon Sect cultivator at the testing area had vanished as well.

In their place stood a new Water Dragon Sect cultivator, looking confused. He glanced up at the now-expressionless Jiang Lin.

Bracing himself, he said,

“Spiritual root testing continues. Next.”

Lin Hu and Wu Qin exchanged glances and both saw the fear in each other’s eyes.

They had just been standing next to the Wen family.

Naturally, they had seen the color of Wen Ling’er’s spiritual root.

And because they saw it, they were shocked.

Mysterious mist appearing out of nowhere—when it cleared, the entire Wen family was gone.

If Lin Hu couldn’t guess what had happened now, he had wasted his life.

He tugged Wu Qin’s sleeve.

Wu Qin, holding their daughter Lin Chengruo, immediately followed as they quietly slipped away from Zengtou Market’s fish market.