Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 118: Taking a Disciple?

"Grandpa Xu, your—master?"

Ji Yuan was somewhat surprised upon hearing this answer.

Xu Fugui's master should be a Foundation Establishment cultivator, right? Or, to be bold, a Golden Core True Person?

That seemed a bit too bold.

Previously, Xu Fugui had always mentioned going to see a senior, but he hadn't expected it to be his master.

"Yes, my master, the Iron Hammer Island Lord."

Xu Fugui smiled, then summoned a flying boat in the courtyard. "If there's nothing else, come with me."

"Alright!"

After speaking, Ji Yuan also summoned the Chixiao Boat.

Seeing this, Xu Fugui widened his eyes.

"Where's the Thunder Falcon Boat?"

"Well—" Ji Yuan said somewhat embarrassedly, "I put it away. Within the sect, the Chixiao Boat is more convenient."

"Convenient?"

Xu Fugui chuckled, understanding the implication behind Ji Yuan's words.

"You youngster, so cautious at such a young age. I don't know where you learned that."

"Alright, I asked you to bring out the Thunder Falcon Boat because I intended to have my master hammer it a few more times. Such good materials were refined into a high-grade magical artifact—what a waste."

"After my master hammers it a few times, it'll become a supreme-grade magical artifact."

Ji Yuan couldn't help but feel a surge of joy upon hearing this.

"Senior Iron Hammer is also a weapon refiner?"

"Yes, quickly follow me."

"Grandpa Xu, this is my first visit. Should I prepare a gift?"

Ji Yuan couldn't gauge this senior's temperament. Not bringing a gift seemed impolite, but bringing one might feel inappropriate, so he decided to ask first.

"Heh, if you plan to bring one, it's best not to come. I'm afraid you'll be beaten to death."

Xu Fugui naturally knew his master's temperament.

"Then I won't bring one, I won't bring one."

Xu Fugui laughed and flew off.

After Ji Yuan switched to the Thunder Falcon Boat, he hurriedly followed.

Foundation Establishment cultivators usually established their islands on the outskirts of the many islands of the Water Dragon Sect.

Some directly chose existing islands, while others requested the sect's protective formation to fill lakes and create land, conjuring an island out of thin air for themselves.

The Iron Hammer Island Lord's island was located on the western side of the Water Dragon Sect.

Ji Yuan followed Xu Fugui, and after flying for most of the day, they finally reached the cluster of islands belonging to Foundation Establishment cultivators from Hatchling Dragon Island.

Upon arrival, out of respect for Foundation Establishment seniors, their flying boats did not soar in the sky but skimmed across the water's surface.

Several more hours passed.

Finally, at the time when the moon hung atop the willow branches, they arrived in front of an island.

From afar, Ji Yuan could see that these Foundation Establishment cultivators' islands were not as large as his own Misty Island.

"Master, disciple Xu Fugui pays his respects."

Old Master Xu led Ji Yuan and bowed outside the island's protective formation.

Soon, a gap opened in the formation, and a rough voice came from within, "How many times have I told you? Next time you depart from Hatchling Dragon Island, leave at night so that it's daytime when you arrive here."

"Making me open the door for you in the middle of the night every time is so annoying."

"Hehe, since you don't sleep anyway, what's the problem?"

Xu Fugui nodded to Ji Yuan, then said, "Master, this is Ji Yuan, whom I've been telling you about. I've brought him here."

"Damn it, I'm not blind. Just get in here."

This senior had a straightforward personality.

Compared to those who spoke with pretense, Ji Yuan preferred interacting with such seniors.

At least it wouldn't feel so uncomfortable.

Ji Yuan followed through the formation and immediately felt a surge of heat rushing toward him.

Indeed, this was a place for weapon refining.

In the center of the island was a courtyard, and behind it seemed to be an open-air weapon refining area.

Ji Yuan didn't dare to look too closely.

As Ji Yuan and Xu Fugui entered the courtyard, they saw an exceptionally tall, white-haired old man seated within. His hair and beard bristled, and his tiger-like eyes were wide open, presenting a fierce appearance.

Upon seeing the visitors, the Iron Hammer Island Lord looked up.

With just one glance, he uttered, "Hmm?"

Before Ji Yuan could react, the old man took a step forward and was suddenly right in front of him.

"You are Ji Yuan?"

The Iron Hammer Island Lord scrutinized Ji Yuan from head to toe, his eyes gleaming with excitement, as if he were examining a rare treasure.

"Yes—yes, I am."

Ji Yuan was so startled by his gaze that he took a few steps back.

"Good material, excellent material."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord muttered to himself.

"Master, please restrain yourself a bit; don't scare the young man," Xu Fugui said helplessly, giving Ji Yuan a look to indicate that the Iron Hammer Island Lord was just like this and meant no harm.

"You know nothing!"

The Iron Hammer Island Lord turned and shouted at him, "This physique is naturally suited for forging."

Xu Fugui's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

"Master, do you mean you're willing to take Ji Yuan as your disciple?"

Take a disciple?!

Ji Yuan was startled. So, Old Master Xu had this in mind all along.

That would explain why he had taken such good care of him.

Indeed, Ji Yuan didn't have much resistance to the idea of apprenticing under a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Moreover, judging by how Xu Fugui interacted with the Iron Hammer Island Lord just now, this senior seemed to be a decent person.

If he became a disciple under a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even without inviting Li Changhe, he would have a reliable backer within the Water Dragon Sect, at least not having to worry about being coerced.

Just as Ji Yuan was looking forward to it, he saw the Iron Hammer Island Lord shake his head.

Ji Yuan, who had been full of anticipation, suddenly felt disheartened.

How could a Foundation Establishment cultivator casually accept someone as a disciple? Ji Yuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. If someone didn't want to take on a disciple, there was nothing he could do.

But unexpectedly, the Iron Hammer Island Lord then said:

"Take a disciple? I'm not worthy to take him as my disciple."

"What?"

Xu Fugui blurted out, "Master—Master, what are you saying?"

"Heh."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord chuckled, "You just took a liking to this kid's body-tempering talent and wanted me to take him as my last disciple to pass on my legacy."

"That's—exactly."

Xu Fugui nodded stiffly.

The Iron Hammer Island Lord turned to Ji Yuan again, "Kid, your body-tempering has already reached the minor achievement stage, and now you're stuck at the threshold of major achievement, unable to break through, right?"

"What? His body-tempering is about to reach major achievement?"

This news surprised Xu Fugui even more.

Suddenly, he understood why the Iron Hammer Island Lord said he wasn't worthy to take Ji Yuan as a disciple.

Because in the path of body-tempering, the Iron Hammer Island Lord had only reached the major achievement stage himself, and now Ji Yuan had also reached the threshold of major achievement.

"Exactly."

Ji Yuan nodded repeatedly.

Several years ago, Ji Yuan's body-tempering had already reached the minor achievement stage, and in the following years, he hadn't stopped consuming spiritual pig meat.

Yet, his physique had remained stagnant.

"I always feel that something is missing in my body, unable to grasp the key to body-tempering, hence unable to achieve major success. I humbly seek your guidance, Senior!"

It was rare to encounter a senior in the path of body-tempering, so Ji Yuan naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.

"That's simple."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord clasped his hands behind his back and slowly paced in the courtyard.

"Compared to spiritual cultivation, the path of body-tempering is indeed somewhat lacking. Of course—perhaps it's due to my lack of skill."

"If one achieves major success in body tempering, it's sufficient to rival the peak of Qi Refining. Once the body becomes as resilient as diamond, one can even contend with Foundation Establishment cultivators. But progressing beyond that becomes challenging."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord sighed.

"For spiritual cultivators, the next stage is the Golden Core realm, where they can refine powerful life-bound magical treasures. The alchemical fire they wield can incinerate anything. It's said that at even higher realms, they can cultivate divine abilities, harnessing the forces of heaven and earth. As for body tempering—perhaps it's possible, but on the Cangluo Continent, we've never heard of such cases."

He shook his head as he spoke.

"Alright, let's not dwell on that."

"Let's discuss why you haven't achieved major success in body tempering."

Upon hearing this, not only Ji Yuan but even Xu Fugui perked up their ears.

He also wanted to understand Ji Yuan's situation.

"I humbly seek your guidance, Senior."

Ji Yuan took a deep breath and bowed deeply to the Iron Hammer Island Lord.

"It's simple—because you've never truly exerted your strength."

"Never exerted his strength?" Xu Fugui exclaimed in disbelief. "How is that possible? He's nearly achieved major success in body tempering; how could he have never exerted his strength?"

The Iron Hammer Island Lord replied calmly, "Ask him yourself."

Xu Fugui turned to Ji Yuan, looking at him incredulously.

Ji Yuan gave an embarrassed smile.

"Actually, I have exerted strength, just not my full strength."

He spoke the truth.

From the beginning, Ji Yuan had never used his full physical strength.

The only times he exerted force were perhaps when slaughtering pigs and moving their carcasses.

Other than that... there really weren't any instances.

"Heh, I truly don't know how you've managed to temper your body to this extent."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord chuckled, but his eyes grew even brighter.

In his view, what did Ji Yuan's situation signify?

This was undoubtedly innate talent!

Without ever exerting full strength, he had managed to temper his body to this level. If this wasn't talent, then what was?

"Just lucky, I suppose."

Ji Yuan smiled sheepishly.

"Alright, stay here for ten days, and I'll help you achieve major success in body tempering."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord pounded his chest, making a resounding thud, as if assisting Ji Yuan in breaking through was a trivial matter.

"Master—"

Xu Fugui was momentarily stunned by these words.

Indeed, when the Iron Hammer Island Lord previously said he wouldn't take Ji Yuan as a disciple, Xu Fugui had given up on the idea. But now, unexpectedly, he was willing to assist.

"Come on, don't get all sentimental."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord waved his hand dismissively. "The reason I'm willing is because I recognize this kid's talent. Forming a good relationship is like making a friend."

"Making a friend?!"

Xu Fugui's eyes widened.

"What's the matter!"

The Iron Hammer Island Lord's eyes grew even wider. "Do I need your permission to make a friend?!"

Ji Yuan silently shrank his neck and took a step back.

"No, it's just that this kid calls me—Grandpa Xu." Xu Fugui chuckled awkwardly.

"Heh, are you implying that I should also call you Grandpa Xu?"

"No, no, no."

Xu Fugui hurriedly denied it.

But the Iron Hammer Island Lord was no longer listening. He pointed towards the room on the right.

"Go copy scriptures for me. Damn it, is there no respect for authority anymore?!"

When the Iron Hammer Island Lord asserted his authority as a master, Xu Fugui had no choice but to comply, sighing as he entered the adjacent room.

"You, come with me."

The Iron Hammer Island Lord waved his large hand and headed towards the weapon refining area at the back.

Ji Yuan looked around but wasn't worried that this senior would harm him.

There was no need. If he truly had such intentions, he wouldn't go through all this trouble.

Moreover—if he couldn't trust this senior, could he not trust Old Master Xu?

When Ji Yuan arrived at the back room, he saw a massive bronze furnace standing in the center, nearly two people tall.

The ground, though made of soil, had a sheen that made it seem harder than iron.

The Iron Hammer Island Lord casually picked up a hammer from the ground and tossed it behind him.

"Take it."

Ji Yuan hurriedly caught it with both hands.

At first, it was so heavy that he nearly fell over.

"Useless. You're on the verge of major success in body tempering, yet you handle it like this. Use your strength; it's not like you can't lift it!"

The Iron Hammer Island Lord shouted, prompting Ji Yuan to gradually apply force, eventually realizing he could indeed lift the heavy hammer slowly.

Moreover, this didn't seem to be his limit.

"I'll teach you a set of hammer techniques. For the next few days, don't go anywhere—just keep hammering here."

"If you don't die from hammering, then hammer until you're dead."

After speaking, the Iron Hammer Island Lord took an iron ingot from his storage pouch and tossed it at Ji Yuan's feet with a loud "thud."

"Once you've hammered this iron ingot down to the size of a palm, your body tempering will have achieved major success."

Ji Yuan looked down.

The iron ingot was as large as a human head and appeared to be of high purity.

"Wait, Senior, are you serious?"

"Heh, take a blow from me!"

Without further words, the Iron Hammer Island Lord raised a hammer and swung it towards Ji Yuan's forehead.