Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 110: Ji Yuan: Me? Going to the front lines? Impossible!

“Me?”

Ji Yuan pointed at himself, slightly taken aback.

He had already joined the Water Dragon Sect, so what else could it be?

Surely, they wouldn't be sending him to the front lines again?

The thought flashed across Ji Yuan’s mind, and he immediately felt something was off.

His spiritual sense instinctively reached into his storage pouch and touched the communication talisman.

If it really came to that, he could only call Li Changhe to help bail him out.

No, perhaps that wouldn’t even be necessary. With this Immortal Ascension Token, it should be enough to prove his identity.

“Mm.”

Yun Shangping gently nodded.

Ji Yuan exchanged a glance with Du Wanyi and finally had no choice but to step forward and stand before Yun Shangping.

“Greetings, Uncle-Master Yun.”

In the Water Dragon Sect, unless there was a clear master-disciple relationship, Qi Refining disciples addressed Foundation Establishment cultivators as Uncle-Master.

“Mm.”

With hands clasped behind his back, Yun Shangping looked at the two with a faint smile and said, “Among the seven of you today, you are the strongest.”

“This disciple is unworthy of such praise.”

Ji Yuan quickly cupped his hands upon hearing that.

“In our Water Dragon Sect, there has always been a rule— the stronger your cultivation, the greater your responsibility.” Yun Shangping looked northward, a trace of reverence appearing in his eyes.

“He alone upheld the name of our Water Dragon Sect across the entire Cangluo Continent.”

The Grand Elder Yun Shangping referred to was undoubtedly a Nascent Soul cultivator.

The others present all looked admiring, but Ji Yuan only grew more uneasy.

That tone—it was the classic lead-up to being “volunteered” for something.

“Therefore—you all must follow this as well!”

Yun Shangping’s voice deepened as he swept his gaze across everyone present. “Those with great strength must naturally make significant contributions to our Water Dragon Sect.”

“Yes!”

All the newly joined disciples of the sect cupped their hands in unison.

Yun Shangping’s gaze finally returned to Ji Yuan, and he said, “Soon, you all will leave with Uncle-Master Gu. Remember—this is confidential. Do not speak of it.”

The more Ji Yuan listened, the more uneasy he felt.

Whether it was the front lines or some important mission entrusted by the sect, Ji Yuan was not interested in any of it.

So, with that in mind, before Yun Shangping could look away, Ji Yuan had already taken out the Immortal Ascension Token that Li Changhe had given him.

He didn't show it off, just held it quietly before him with his back to the others.

“What?!”

Yun Shangping’s eyes narrowed the moment he saw the token in Ji Yuan’s hand, and he couldn’t help exclaiming.

Even Gu Liben at the side reacted the same way.

The Immortal Ascension Token was exceedingly rare. In the Water Dragon Sect, only Golden Core elders could issue such a token.

With this token, regardless of talent or cultivation level, as long as one possessed it, they could join the Water Dragon Sect!

Even if it was a complete fool with no cultivation, the sect would still accept them!

Thus, for Ji Yuan to possess such a token meant that someone—his family or someone backing him—must at least be a Golden Core cultivator!

“Which senior gifted you this token?”

Gu Liben’s voice turned much more amiable.

Ji Yuan remained silent and glanced back at the others.

They were all staring at him, eyes wide in astonishment, seemingly desperate to know what it was that had shocked the two Foundation Establishment cultivators so much.

Yun Shangping immediately understood.

“Nephew, let’s talk inside.”

He turned and led the way into the boat’s cabin. Ji Yuan thought for a moment, then put away the token and followed him in, with Gu Liben bringing up the rear.

Once all three were inside, Gu Liben casually placed a talisman on the door before speaking in mock irritation, “You brat, if you had this Immortal Ascension Token, why didn’t you just show it earlier? Why play all these little tricks with us?”

Though his tone sounded reproachful, it was actually warm and friendly.

Ji Yuan smiled apologetically. “This junior felt his strength was adequate and wanted to pass the sect’s recruitment process on his own, not wasting the opportunity.”

“More than adequate! If someone with your strength couldn’t join the Water Dragon Sect, then what hope would there be for anyone else?”

Yun Shangping stroked his beard and laughed as he sat down.

“Alright, now tell us—who gave you this Immortal Ascension Token?”

Ji Yuan pondered for a moment, then chose to speak the truth. “It was Senior Li Changhe.”

“What?! Senior Brother Li?”

Yun Shangping was momentarily stunned.

Ji Yuan’s answer clearly surprised him.

But after a second thought, it made sense. Though Li Changhe was only at Foundation Establishment, he had a Golden Core father—unmatched in influence.

Gu Liben chuckled and asked, “Could it be that the recent rumors are true after all?”

“What rumors?”

“They say Senior Brother Li Changhe was in danger recently and was saved by someone—that someone must have been you, Ji Yuan,” Yun Shangping said with a smile.

“Well—”

Ji Yuan looked a little embarrassed. “It was just a stroke of luck. I ask both Uncle-Masters to keep this confidential.”

“Of course.”

Yun Shangping stroked his beard and smiled. “Since it was Senior Brother Li who gave you the Immortal Ascension Token, then you’re one of us. Fine, you won’t be going to Liancheng Mountain. We’ll send someone else.”

Damn, it really was the front lines.

Ji Yuan’s face showed his shock.

“This heavy task… it really was the front lines?”

“Yes.”

Gu Liben nodded. “That female cultivator at ninth-layer Qi Refining is likely your friend, right? Forget it. In that case, we’ll send Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong instead.”

“With those two going, there won’t be anything left to argue about at Liancheng Mountain.”

“Agreed.”

Yun Shangping gave a slight nod.

In just a few words, the two had decided the fate of Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong.

“In that case, you may go now. Call those two in.”

Yun Shangping noticed Ji Yuan’s hesitation and smiled. “Don’t worry, it won’t involve you.”

“Thank you, Uncle-Master.”

Ji Yuan bowed before exiting the cabin and informed Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong of the matter.

“Us?”

The two exchanged a glance.

Ji Yuan sighed, a bit regretful. “Yes.”

Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong had initially thought Ji Yuan was being entrusted with an important mission and were already envious. But seeing his reaction now, they quickly entered the cabin.

Ji Yuan returned to Du Wanyi’s side.

The others, though curious, dared not ask anything seeing his demeanor.

A short while later.

Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong emerged from the cabin.

No one knew what Yun Shangping had told them, but the two came out beaming and even stepped forward to bow to Ji Yuan.

“Many thanks, Brother Ji.”

“No need, no need.”

Ji Yuan quickly returned the gesture and silently wished them well in his heart.

With that, everyone present grew even more curious.

Even Du Wanyi looked like she wanted to ask. But before she could speak, Yun Shangping and Gu Liben exited the cabin, so no one dared question further.

About half a cup of tea’s time later, Gu Liben, who had been sitting at the back of the boat, stood up and said, “You two, come with me.”

With that, he released a gray-black flying boat that hovered in mid-air.

Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong quickly leapt aboard.

The latter nodded at Yun Shangping and then turned into a stream of light, flying off into the distance.

Ji Yuan glanced in that direction—it was the southeast.

That was the direction of the Joyous Palace.

The remaining ninth-layer Qi Refining cultivator, Fang Jie, could no longer hold back.

He approached Yun Shangping and cupped his hands slightly, asking, “Uncle-Master Yun, were Sang Zhongyuan and Chu Jingtong sent to Liancheng Mountain?”

Liancheng Mountain was the battleground between the Water Dragon Sect and the Joyous Palace.

Ji Yuan had even learned from Li Changhe that the two factions were fighting over a spiritual vein there.

Most people present more or less knew about the situation.

At Fang Jie’s question, their expressions changed.

But when they realized what was going on, their gazes toward Ji Yuan grew even more complicated.

He had been about to be sent to the front lines, yet managed to avoid it and even received courteous treatment from two Foundation Establishment elders. Just what kind of background did Ji Yuan have?

“Hmm? And what business is it of yours?!”

Yun Shangping frowned at this impudent junior, his voice tinged with displeasure.

But Fang Jie acted as if he hadn’t heard, still smiling as he said, “Elder Liu Yuan is my cousin. I heard he’s on good terms with Uncle-Master Yun. I ask for your understanding.”

As soon as Yun Shangping heard the name “Liu Yuan,” his expression shifted slightly. Even the way he looked at Fang Jie softened, and his face took on a friendlier demeanor.

“So you're kin to Brother Liu? In that case, there’s no harm in explaining.”

Yun Shangping swept his gaze over the rest of the group and, after a moment of consideration, decided not to speak via voice transmission but to explain publicly.

“At Liancheng Mountain, Medicine King Valley has gotten involved too. Now it’s a three-way standoff, so it’s not likely to break into actual fighting. They just need people there to put on a show of force.”

Having gotten his answer, Fang Jie returned to his original position.

Everyone else remained silent.

Only after a while did Yun Shangping speak again.

“When the time comes, I’ll send you all to Hatchling Dragon Island. There, go to the Hatchling Dragon Hall to receive your Cave Dwelling placards. After that, you’re free to do as you please—tend your wounds, visit friends, whatever you like.”

...

One day later.

The smaller islands below them, once scattered like chess pieces, began to dwindle. What gradually appeared ahead was a vast, ocean-like lake, with islands so massive they couldn’t even be called islands anymore—they were like miniature continents.

In this region, there were significantly more flying boats in the sky and on the water.

Occasionally, a stream of light would shoot past at an incredible speed. Ji Yuan guessed those were the flying boats of Foundation Establishment cultivators—spiritual tools.

His own Thunderclap Boat could reach similar speeds when fully powered using the Thunder Falcon’s essence.

But it couldn’t be sustained long and would quickly run out of power.

To maintain such speed over time, a proper spiritual tool was necessary.

Once they arrived in this area, Yun Shangping steered the flying boat northeast.

Based on the map he had seen earlier, the massive island directly ahead should be Thousand Mechanisms Island, the Water Dragon Sect’s mission dispatch center, hence the increased traffic of cultivators.

Other islands, like those dedicated to herb cultivation, were much less populated.

After another half-day flying northeast, they finally saw another vast island. From above, it seemed to stretch out endlessly.

Countless houses dotted the land, each one spaced far apart from the others.

Ji Yuan sighed in relief upon seeing it—at last, no more cultivating in slums.

Private homes with their own courtyards.

It seemed the living conditions in the Water Dragon Sect were quite good. Understandably so—after all, it was one of the Six Great Immortal Sects of East Shang.

With territory this vast, how bad could the conditions be?

Moreover, the moment he had approached Thousand Mechanisms Island, Ji Yuan had keenly sensed that the spiritual energy here was significantly richer than in the Yunyu Marshlands.

It was said that Immortal Sects always established their headquarters over spiritual veins—so, was there one under this lake?

“We’re here. You’re on your own from here—I won’t escort you.”

The tower ship hovered above Hatchling Dragon Island, and Yun Shangping remained still.

Ji Yuan and the others cupped their hands in gratitude before summoning their respective flying boats and leaving.

Ji Yuan had already put away the old Thunderclap Boat and now summoned the Scarlet Sky Boat newly issued by the sect. As for his attire, he had long since donned the water-blue sect uniform.

Beneath the robe, he wore bronze armor.

The moment he released his flying boat, Du Wanyi turned to glance at him, her eyes seemingly saying—“Fourth Brother, aren’t you being a bit too cautious?”