Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 111: The Predecessor's Legacy

Ji Yuan smiled without saying a word.

The other two disciples who had joined the Water Dragon Sect at the same time gathered around Fang Jie, occasionally exchanging words.

Previously, while aboard the tower ship, Fang Jie had "inadvertently" revealed that he had connections within the Water Dragon Sect.

They seemed eager to approach Ji Yuan but hesitated.

Fang Jie, however, paid them little mind. Noticing their gazes, he looked over, cupped his hands toward Ji Yuan, and smiled, "Brother Ji, since we share the same fate this year, shall we head to the Hatchling Dragon Hall together?"

"Gladly."

Not one to reject a friendly gesture, Ji Yuan returned the salute with a smile.

Thus, the group of five descended together, eventually arriving at the entrance of the Hatchling Dragon Hall atop Hatchling Dragon Island.

Upon landing, Ji Yuan immediately noticed the spiritual energy here was even denser—compared to Zengtou Market, it was at least twenty percent stronger!

Once settled, activating the [Cave Dwelling] effect would further increase nighttime spiritual energy concentration by 30%.

With both effects combined, wouldn't that mean that even without doing anything, just cultivating on Hatchling Dragon Island would yield a fifty percent increase in spiritual energy?

It seemed joining the Water Dragon Sect had indeed been the right choice.

Fortunately, he hadn't waited another three years.

Ji Yuan looked up and saw that the Hatchling Dragon Hall was grandly constructed, with upturned eaves and carved dragon beams.

A gentle breeze carried a faint fragrance.

The surrounding flora exuded a hint of spiritual energy, unlike ordinary plants.

Some even bloomed in this deep winter—truly a sight to behold.

Ji Yuan felt like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, looking around with awe and thinking, "This is what a cultivator's residence should be like."

In contrast, Zengtou Market felt more like a shantytown for cultivators.

As they stood observing, a Water Dragon Sect disciple in standard robes walked out from the hall, frowning slightly at them.

"Are you newcomers?"

Fang Jie replied, "Indeed."

"Then come and collect your cave dwelling tokens. Why are you dawdling at the entrance?"

His tone was rather brusque—Ji Yuan followed the others into the hall.

As they passed the long-faced man, he covered his nose and stepped back, saying, "You must be from Yunyu Marshlands."

"Indeed," Fang Jie responded with the same two words.

"No wonder—you reek of fish."

The long-faced man waved his hand near his nose, "Alright, move along."

Seeing his reaction, Ji Yuan recalled what Yao Jingfeng had mentioned earlier: among the many disciples of the Water Dragon Sect, those from Yunyu Marshlands with pseudo-spiritual roots were generally at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Most of the disdain was subtle—avoiding interaction, excluding them from benefits, and so on.

But this overt contempt was rare.

Ji Yuan was immune to such widespread disdain.

He simply felt that engaging with such people was a waste of words.

However, while he could swallow his pride, others could not.

Fang Jie stopped, crossed his arms, and sneered, "What, life's not going well in the Water Dragon Sect, so you seek self-esteem by belittling newcomers? Pity your mother."

"Oh, right, do you even have a mother?"

"May I ask, is your mother present?"

His words were so cutting that even Ji Yuan felt a sense of satisfaction.

Damn, next time I need to insult someone, I'll have to invite Fang Jie—his tongue is truly venomous!

Even as a bystander, Ji Yuan felt the sting, let alone the target.

The long-faced man trembled with rage, pointing at Fang Jie, unable to speak.

"What, want to hit me? Go ahead, unleash your spells on me."

Fang Jie spread his arms, presenting himself as if ready to be struck.

But to make a move on Hatchling Dragon Island would likely end this long-faced man's career.

"You lot just wait!" the long-faced man spat before summoning his flying boat and preparing to leave.

Fang Jie added, "My brother is the island master of the Water Dragon Sect. If your connections aren't strong enough, don't bother coming back."

The long-faced man immediately activated his Chixiao Boat and departed.

Fang Jie turned back with a smile and explained, "People like him clearly lack power within the Water Dragon Sect. Disciples with real influence wouldn't be this foolish."

"So when you encounter them, just curse them outright."

"But what if...?" Du Wanyi asked softly.

Fang Jie shrugged, "At worst, we'll meet on the Life and Death Platform."

"Alright, stop standing around at the entrance. Come and collect your cave dwelling tokens."

A robust voice called from inside the hall.

Ji Yuan turned his head quietly and saw another Water Dragon Sect disciple inside. It was unclear when he had arrived, but he had evidently witnessed the earlier scene, yet chose not to intervene.

Cunning, all of them.

The group stepped forward to receive their cave dwelling tokens.

Hatchling Dragon Island was divided into four areas: A, B, C, and D. Each area had identical conditions, with no hierarchy. To distinguish oneself, one had to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator and then establish their own island.

Therefore, Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Water Dragon Sect held the title of "Island Master," as Fang Jie had mentioned earlier.

When it was Du Wanyi's turn to collect her cave dwelling token, she added, "Senior Brother, is there an adjacent room available? I'd like to be neighbors with my fourth brother."

The middle-aged man on duty looked up and couldn't help but laugh, "Why not just live together? That would save the sect a room."

"Senior Brother, you've misunderstood. My second sister doesn't fancy male cultivators," Ji Yuan said solemnly.

"Oh—"

The middle-aged man seemed to understand, speaking meaningfully.

He rummaged through his storage pouch for a while before finally finding two cave dwelling tokens.

"D-18 and D-20, these are the closest ones. The others are farther apart."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Du Wanyi quickly expressed her gratitude and accepted them.

Ji Yuan took D-18, and Du Wanyi took D-20.

By the time they came out, the other two had already left, leaving only Fang Jie waiting.

The three of them first exchanged the locations of their respective cave dwellings before heading into the courtyard.

As they walked, Fang Jie asked, "What are your plans for the future?"

"Plans? First, reach the tenth level of Qi Refinement, then find a way to build the foundation. Not much of a plan," Du Wanyi replied with a bitter smile, shaking her head.

Ji Yuan added, "That's my plan as well."

As long as someone else spoke, he preferred not to say much, provided the other person wasn't too talkative—Du Wanyi managed this well.

"Not interested in finding an easier job within the sect?"

Fang Jie said this while glancing subtly at the Hatchling Dragon Hall.

Ji Yuan had seen this mentioned in the jade slip—not just the Hatchling Dragon Hall, but also the Thousand Mechanisms Hall, the Law Enforcement Hall, and others.

These were the "administrative departments" within the Water Dragon Sect.

While the main responsibilities were handled by Foundation Establishment cultivators, minor tasks were assigned to Qi Refinement disciples.

For instance, the distribution of cave dwelling tokens was managed by Qi Refinement disciples.

These positions had many perks.

After all, they were considered part of the sect's management—officials among officials.

However, the average person couldn't secure such roles.

Fang Jie likely had his cousin backing him.

"Wouldn't dare to think about it."

Ji Yuan waved his hand, smiling helplessly.

He just wanted to cultivate peacefully and had no interest in getting involved in these affairs.

Du Wanyi pondered, "It's a nice idea, but we don't have the connections."

"Let's discuss it at the gathering in a few days. We can talk to some seniors and see if any opportunities arise."

With that, Fang Jie cupped his fists and left.

His cave dwelling was in Area A.

Ji Yuan and Du Wanyi each boarded their flying boats, heading west toward Area D. While in mid-air, Du Wanyi moved closer and whispered:

"Fourth Brother, I'm actually planning to try joining one of these halls. If I can get in, it would definitely help our cultivation."

"Hmm—"

Ji Yuan didn't respond immediately.

Du Wanyi continued, "I know your temperament; you probably dislike these chores, so I'll handle it."

Indeed, if Du Wanyi could join, it would be beneficial. But as she said, Ji Yuan had no desire to get involved.

"Alright, Second Sister, if you want to try, go ahead."

"Okay, I'll ask around and also check on Yao Jingfeng's situation at Liancheng Mountain."

"Good."

Ji Yuan thought for a moment and realized that, unknowingly, he had quite a few acquaintances in the Water Dragon Sect.

Not to mention those who joined today, there were Yao Jingfeng, Old Master Xu, Lu Suo, the two from the Qin family, Hong Xiuwen, Li Changhe, and others.

Including Han Feiyu and those whose names he had heard, the number was even greater.

Hatchling Dragon Island's terrain was generally flat, with little elevation. Area D seemed to be on a vast plain, with each courtyard spaced far apart.

Upon closer inspection, each courtyard appeared to have a small barrier preventing detection.

From above, one could only see the courtyards' locations, but the interior details were obscured.

Ji Yuan and Du Wanyi searched among the many courtyards for a while, asking several Water Dragon Sect disciples, before finally locating their respective dwellings.

However, their courtyards, D-18 and D-20, were at opposite ends!

D-18 was the second-to-last in the front row, while D-20 was the first in the back row. The numbering was from left to right—

"Never mind, it's not too far; we're both in Area D."

Du Wanyi looked at Ji Yuan with some helplessness but smiled to comfort him.

In reality, Ji Yuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This distance was just right—not too close, not too far.

If they were neighbors, Du Wanyi would see his comings and goings. But if they were too far apart, and since Du Wanyi had already expressed her wish, Ji Yuan couldn't refuse.

"Alright, Second Sister, if you need anything, just call me."

With that, Ji Yuan summoned his Chixiao Boat and flew back to Courtyard D-18.

The house had a barrier, so no mundane key was needed. He simply tapped the token on the door, and it opened automatically.

Before entering, Ji Yuan glanced at the neighboring courtyards. The doors were locked, and a slight haze hung above, indicating they were occupied, though no one was visible.

He wondered what his new neighbors would be like.

But surely, it wouldn't be like in Zengtou Market.

In the Water Dragon Sect, everyone was focused on cultivation and had little time to meddle in others' affairs.

Ji Yuan pushed open the door and entered, immediately greeted by a surge of spiritual energy.

This feeling was much better than outside.

The front yard was about thirty to forty square meters, quite orderly. What surprised Ji Yuan was that two peach trees were planted inside, one on each side, with large canopies occupying nearly half the yard.

Next was the main house—a central hall with two side rooms. One seemed to be a cultivation room, the other for pill refining. Ji Yuan even found unused medicinal herbs left by the previous owner in a corner.

He picked them up and examined them. Judging by their quality, the former occupant had likely passed away not long ago.

Then Ji Yuan went to the backyard.

As soon as he entered, he noticed several lines of writing carved on the right wall.

He stepped closer to read.