Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 123: [Pigsty: Lv3]

“He died?”

Ji Yuan had thought he had successfully formed his Foundation, but unexpectedly, he had died instead.

“Mm.”

Du Wanyi let out a soft sigh. “Actually, his strength was quite formidable. Among the peak Qi Refining cultivators in our Water Dragon Sect, he was one of the top ones.”

“He had killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator before?”

“No.”

Du Wanyi rolled her eyes. “Fourth Brother, do you think Foundation Establishment cultivators are just common fodder that anyone can kill? It’s already quite impressive that our Water Dragon Sect has someone like Feng Yichen. From what I’ve heard, the Beast Taming Sect up north hasn’t even produced a single Qi Refining cultivator capable of killing a Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

“But Liu Cangke did manage to escape from a Foundation Establishment cultivator, which still says a lot about his strength.”

“Indeed.”

Ji Yuan slightly nodded.

For someone in the Qi Refining stage to escape from a Foundation Establishment cultivator, regardless of the method, it was a clear testament to their strength.

“Also, Fourth Brother, have you noticed? Those who make a name for themselves in the Foundation Establishment stage are often people like us with pseudo-spiritual roots.”

“That’s because those with genuine spiritual roots directly establish their Foundation and become Foundation Establishment cultivators, unlike us, who can’t break through in a short time and can only dominate in the Qi Refining stage.”

Ji Yuan had already realized this.

The strong in the Qi Refining stage were all pseudo-spiritual root cultivators.

But what was the use of being strong in the Qi Refining stage?

The Foundation Establishment stage was all about crushing with sheer level superiority.

Du Wanyi giggled behind her hand, her laughter swaying her body. “I thought you didn’t know and would be happy to hear that.”

Ji Yuan shook his head helplessly, waiting for her to finish laughing before asking, “Who killed him?”

Du Wanyi put away her light-hearted expression and replied seriously:

“Jian Zong from Medicine King Valley, also a Qi Refining cultivator who has killed Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

“He can be considered the top cultivator in Medicine King Valley’s Qi Refining stage.”

“Since he’s dead, according to our Water Dragon Sect’s mutual aid society rules, aren’t we supposed to avenge him?”

“Who has the strength to avenge someone who could kill Foundation Establishment cultivators?”

Du Wanyi shook her head as she spoke. “It was an ambush and assassination. We suspect Medicine King Valley is already laying the groundwork for the upcoming Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.”

“Killing Liu Cangke is basically a decapitation tactic—eliminating our strongest Qi Refining cultivators in advance, so that once inside the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, they’ll face less resistance.”

“That sounds plausible.”

Ji Yuan nodded repeatedly in agreement.

It was a logical and reasonable deduction, most likely the truth.

“Our Water Dragon Sect isn’t foolish either. We’ll definitely take equivalent actions, arranging assassinations against them too.”

After discussing this matter, Ji Yuan asked more questions, and Du Wanyi, after thinking for a while, recalled something else.

“Fang Jie pulled some strings through that Liu Yuan Elder and got into the Law Enforcement Hall. He even contacted me, asking if I was interested in joining a hall.”

“Oh?”

Fang Jie had hinted at this when they first joined the Water Dragon Sect, so Ji Yuan wasn’t surprised.

“Fourth Brother, you might not know, but that Liu Yuan Elder is among the strongest of the Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

“That makes sense. When we joined the Water Dragon Sect, Fang Jie only needed to mention Liu Yuan’s name, and the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately treated him differently. So, what do you think?”

Ji Yuan asked.

“I wanted to ask your opinion—joining a hall has its benefits, but it’ll also mean less freedom in the future. Plus, I’d owe Fang Jie a huge favor.”

Du Wanyi furrowed her brows as she spoke, clearly torn over the matter.

“Hmm…”

Ji Yuan gently rubbed the jade pendant hanging from his waist and pondered. “Did he say which hall he could get you into?”

“If it’s a decent one, then owing a favor is fine. But if it’s not, then forget it.”

“He did.”

Du Wanyi nodded quickly. “He said he could get me into the Thousand Mechanisms Hall, the Medicine Hall, or the First Water Hall. But the specific one would depend on where there’s a vacancy.”

Ji Yuan was familiar with both the Thousand Mechanisms Hall and the Medicine Hall.

As for the First Water Hall, it was the Water Dragon Sect’s external hall, responsible for managing various marketplaces and cities under its jurisdiction, which all required cultivators to oversee. This hall handled those affairs.

Within the current structure of the Water Dragon Sect, the First Water Hall was likely the largest of all the halls.

“The Thousand Mechanisms Hall and the Medicine Hall are internal, so they’re relatively safe, but the returns are modest. If you go to the First Water Hall—well, I’ll just say it directly.”

“You mean to say, being outside in the First Water Hall, there are more opportunities to gain benefits, right?”

“Exactly.”

Ji Yuan answered honestly. “There are gains, but also risks. Compared to staying within the sect, the outside is definitely more dangerous. It depends on what you think, Second Sister.”

Since Du Wanyi had asked, it meant she was already considering joining a hall and just didn’t know which to choose.

“Alright, I’ll think it over.”

Although Du Wanyi hoped Ji Yuan would decide for her, she knew it wasn’t in his nature to do so—what he had already said was more than enough, given their relationship.

If it had been someone else, her Fourth Brother would’ve surely replied with, “I think they’re all fine.”

After wrapping up that topic, Ji Yuan asked about other matters, but Du Wanyi said there was nothing more.

So, he returned to his own cave dwelling.

Sitting in the main hall of his home, Ji Yuan mulled over what Du Wanyi had said, feeling no urge to sleep.

At present, it seemed that the fights between cultivation sects over resources were intense.

Even more brutal than the conflicts between cultivators and mortals.

It was like a thousand boats racing to cross the river, each striving to get ahead.

Moreover, judging by the current situation, his strategy of keeping a low profile and not standing out was absolutely the right move. The principle that “the shot hits the bird that pokes its head out” applied across all realms.

As he thought, Ji Yuan glanced at the Panel again.

At present, the fastest way to increase his strength was still the [Pigsty].

A Level 3 [Pigsty] could produce Marrow Tempering Pearls.

By then, he would raise a large batch of Spiritual Pigs—ideally, he’d turn the entire Misty Island into one big [Pigsty], all dedicated to breeding Spiritual Pigs.

At that point, one Marrow Tempering Pearl from each Spiritual Pig would be enough to refine every one of his acupoints to perfection.

Once his body held the strength of the Foundation Establishment stage, regardless of what happened, at least he would have greater ability to protect himself.

If that were the case, and a group of Qi Refining cultivators squeezed into the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven while he had Foundation-level strength, wouldn’t that be a complete slaughter?

At the thought, Ji Yuan’s heart raced.

But soon, that thought was suppressed by an even weightier one.

Talisman Treasures!

Talisman Treasures were capable of killing Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Who knew which prodigies from the major sects entering the grotto-heaven might be carrying one? If he made even one misstep—

He could end up dying in there.

The example of Yao Jingfeng was still fresh in his mind.

"I reflect on myself thrice daily—no risks, no risks, definitely no risks."

Suppressing his wild urges, Ji Yuan let out a long breath.

Tomorrow morning, he would set out for Fangwu Island!

Oh, right—on the way, he’d first need to stop by Qianji Island to see whether the task he submitted last time had succeeded.

Though that was the plan, before dawn even broke, Ji Yuan had already summoned the Chixiao Boat and set off.

For one, it took time to travel from Hatchling Dragon Island to Qianji Island.

For another, he was worried Du Wanyi would come looking for him again early in the morning—not that he disliked her company, but today, he needed to purchase materials to upgrade his buildings.

This kind of matter wasn’t something he wanted her to know about.

When Ji Yuan arrived at Thousand Mechanisms Hall, dawn had barely broken and there were few people around.

He first scanned the wall; the task he had taken earlier to collect alcohol was still listed. Then he approached the duty cultivator to check his contribution points.

“Number B-18, Ji Yuan, correct?”

“That’s me.”

“You currently have—200 contribution points.”

Ji Yuan’s eyes lit up—he’d succeeded?!

“Eh? Senior Brother Ji, wait a moment—”

The duty cultivator seemed to have discovered something and immediately took the jade slip in hand and went into the back hall.

“Hm?”

Ji Yuan was puzzled by the unusual behavior, but not worried.

Whether it was how he joined the Water Dragon Sect or how he earned his contribution points, everything was upright and aboveboard. Ji Yuan could withstand scrutiny.

After a short wait, the duty cultivator returned, leading a square-faced man in a dark robe.

As he stepped out, many Water Dragon Sect disciples greeted him respectfully as “Shishu.”

He was likely the Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge of Qianji Island. Seeing him walk straight toward him, Ji Yuan cupped his hands in greeting. “Greetings, Shishu.”

“No need for formalities, Nephew Ji.”

The dark-robed man held one hand in front and the other behind his back, smiling slightly.

Then Ji Yuan heard his voice echoing in his mind.

“May I ask if you took on a Rank D mission to provide alcohol?”

So it was about that. Could he be that alcoholic?

Before Ji Yuan could respond, the dark-robed man sent another voice transmission:

“No need to worry. It’s a good thing, not a bad one. Just nod or shake your head.”

Ji Yuan nodded.

“Excellent. Please come with me to discuss a few things.”

With that, the dark-robed man led the way into the back hall. Ji Yuan glanced at the duty cultivator, who gestured for him to follow.

So Ji Yuan followed him into a room in the back hall.

The dark-robed man was already seated at the main position. He gestured casually, “Sit down, Nephew Ji.”

“Thank you, Shishu.”

As soon as Ji Yuan sat down, a cup of tea appeared on the side table.

“Here’s the situation. I am the Island Lord of Qinghe Island and currently responsible for Qianji Island.”

“Greetings, Shishu Qinghe.”

“Mm. You took the alcohol mission, and the wine you submitted greatly pleased the mission issuer. He specifically asked whether you had more of that wine. If so, he is willing to purchase it at 200 contribution points per jar.”

So it was that matter.

Ji Yuan quietly sighed in relief. It seemed the [Wine Cellar] was indeed effective—he had managed to thoroughly captivate this old drunkard’s alcohol cravings.

At 200 contribution points per jar, that was equivalent to 400 low-grade spirit stones each.

Even though it was spiritual wine, Ji Yuan hadn’t bought the cheapest, but it had only cost him five low-grade spirit stones per jar.

That price difference…

Though he was excited, Ji Yuan calmly said, “I do have some left, but not much. Just two jars remaining.”

“In that case, I’ll hand over these two jars to Shishu first. I’ll try to see if I can get more later…”

“Good, good, good.”

The Island Lord of Qinghe nodded repeatedly. “Nephew Ji, if you acquire more of this spiritual wine in the future, just use this transmission talisman to contact me directly.”

As he spoke, he handed over a golden transmission talisman.

Ji Yuan hurried to receive it.

This talisman was of the same quality as the one given by Li Changhe, so it should be quite effective.

The rest was simple.

Ji Yuan handed over two jars of spiritual wine, and his “account” balance now had 400 more contribution points.

With this, even without taking on any dangerous missions, his total had reached 600 contribution points. As expected—

Farming was still the way to go.

After taking care of that matter, Ji Yuan made a stop at the trading post on Qianji Island to make some inquiries.

He wanted to check whether there was any Earth Core Lava available for upgrading the [Pigsty].

There was.

But the price wasn’t cheap—one jin of Earth Core Lava cost 250 contribution points.

Ji Yuan needed five jin. If he relied solely on contribution points, it wouldn’t be enough.

So, he exchanged for two jin using contribution points. For the rest, he had no choice but to buy it from the Hundred Treasures Building.

As for why he only submitted two jars of spiritual wine earlier, there wasn’t a deeper reason—he had only brought two jars with him when returning to the sect. The rest were still stored in the [Wine Cellar].

He would just have to bring more next time.

Eventually, Ji Yuan arrived at Fangwu Island and ascended the Hundred Treasures Building.

The Hundred Treasures Building also sold Earth Core Lava, but at a higher price.

On Qianji Island, it was about 500 low-grade spirit stones per jin. Here, it cost 550 per jin.

Ji Yuan had no choice but to accept the price and bought three more jin, finally gathering all the materials needed to upgrade the [Pigsty].

Next came the items needed to upgrade the [Comprehension Room]: “Illusory Heart Flower” and “Earth Vein Essence.”

Earth Vein Essence was available—but extremely expensive.

A single jar, weighing about one liang, cost 10 mid-grade spirit stones.

That was equivalent to 1,000 low-grade spirit stones!

But compared to the “Illusory Heart Flower,” such a pricey Earth Vein Essence was already good news.

Because the Hundred Treasures Building didn’t even sell Illusory Heart Flower.

Not only that, but the pretty female cultivator on duty kindly told Ji Yuan:

“Not only us—even Thousand Mechanisms Hall doesn’t have any Illusory Heart Flower.”

That made things difficult. Ji Yuan frowned slightly.

He hadn’t expected that when everything seemed to be going smoothly, he’d hit a snag here.

“May I ask, beautiful Senior Sister, why is the Illusory Heart Flower so rare that even the Hundred Treasures Building doesn’t have it?”

Ji Yuan cupped his hands slightly as he spoke.

The female cultivator covered her mouth and chuckled. “You’re quite the sweet talker, aren’t you?”

Well, he couldn’t exactly bribe her in public. If he wanted information, he had to be sweet-tongued. Ji Yuan smiled and added:

“That’s because Senior Sister is truly beautiful. I’m just stating the truth.”

That made the female cultivator laugh even more.

“The Illusory Heart Flower is primarily used to temper the mind. Oh, and those shady cultivators from the Joyous Palace sometimes use it to induce a dreamy, blissful state. But recently, for some unknown reason, Medicine King Valley has been purchasing it in large quantities.”

Only after her amusement passed did she reveal the truth to Ji Yuan.

Medicine King Valley was buying up Illusory Heart Flower in bulk, which immediately reminded Ji Yuan of the Water Dragon Sect’s bulk purchase of Cold Iron Sand. Could there be a connection?

“If Medicine King Valley needs it, why is our Water Dragon Sect also out of stock?”

Ji Yuan was confused.

The female cultivator looked at him and blinked, saying nothing.

Ji Yuan thought for a moment, then suddenly understood—if Medicine King Valley was in such need of the stuff, and the Water Dragon Sect didn’t withhold it, some profit-minded disciples might try to resell it to them.

And that would be aiding the enemy.

Alternatively, the Water Dragon Sect may have discovered another use for the Illusory Heart Flower and started collecting it for themselves.

Either way, the sect was right to gather it.

Just as Ji Yuan was thinking of another way to acquire it, the female cultivator kindly offered a suggestion.

“If Junior Brother truly needs it, you can go to Thousand Mechanisms Hall and post a request. Worst case, it’ll just cost you more spirit stones. I think some of our fellow disciples probably have some. Oh, and—you don’t need a lot, right?”

She glanced him up and down after speaking.

If he needed a large amount, she might have to report it on the spot.

“Not much. It’s for alchemy—I only need three blossoms.” Ji Yuan quickly replied.

“Then that’s fine. Feel free to post the request, Junior Brother.”

“Thank you, beautiful Senior Sister.”

Ji Yuan cupped his hands again and took his leave.

Indeed, posting a request at Thousand Mechanisms Hall was the most convenient solution at this point. As she said—

Worst case, it’d just cost more spirit stones.

Also, the materials for upgrading the [Pigsty] were now complete. His next priority was to return and upgrade the [Pigsty], raise pigs, and use Marrow Tempering Pearls to strengthen his body.

To lay the foundation for physical-based Foundation Establishment.

Upgrading the [Comprehension Room] was secondary.

Not long after, Ji Yuan returned to Thousand Mechanisms Hall and arrived at the mission posting area.

“Fill out the task you want to post over there.”

The duty cultivator, seeing Ji Yuan sit down and not move, guessed that it was his first time here.

Only then did Ji Yuan pick up the pen and paper and begin filling it out line by line:

“Task Description: Purchasing 3 Illusory Heart Flowers.”

As for the time limit, Ji Yuan thoughtfully set it to “3 months.”

For the task reward, he didn’t skimp—he boldly offered 600 contribution points.

That was equivalent to 12 mid-grade spirit stones.

Normally, 3 Illusory Heart Flowers would cost about 9 mid-grade spirit stones.

But given the current circumstances, the price would understandably be higher.

Besides, since he was using contribution points, he could just bring three jars of spiritual wine next time to earn it back.

After reviewing Ji Yuan’s filled form and checking his information, the duty cultivator chuckled. “Fellow Daoist Ji, are you here to mess with us?”

“Hm?”

Ji Yuan didn’t immediately catch on.

“You’ve only got 100 contribution points left, yet you’re trying to post a task that costs 600?”

Damn, he had forgotten that he had already spent the rest on Earth Core Lava.

“Daoist friend, can I exchange spirit stones for contribution points then?” Ji Yuan asked with an awkward smile.

“That’s certainly allowed.”

When posting a task, one could use spirit stones to exchange for contribution points, but the rate—

The duty cultivator smiled. “Daoist friend, you’re short 500 contribution points. If you want to convert that to spirit stones, it’ll be 1,500 low-grade spirit stones.”

Three-to-one conversion rate.

What a black-hearted Water Dragon Sect.

Ji Yuan gritted his teeth and paid 15 mid-grade spirit stones.

But on second thought, if those 15 spirit stones could get him the Illusory Heart Flowers, it would be worth it. And if not, he could get a refund.

The Water Dragon Sect didn’t charge interest for refunds.

Once the task was posted, Ji Yuan took his receipt and left.

This time, he didn’t even return to Hatchling Dragon Island. Instead, he rushed straight to Misty Island—since the [Pigsty] was about to be upgraded, he couldn’t wait another moment.

Upon Ji Yuan’s return, Big Toad hadn’t wandered off but obediently stayed on Misty Island, drooling as it stared at the Spiritual Pigs.

As for those dozen or so Spiritual Pigs, being watched by a second-rank demon beast, they didn’t dare move at all.

A few timid ones had already collapsed on the ground in fear.

When Big Toad saw Ji Yuan return, it croaked a few times, as if trying to say it hadn’t sneaked any food.

Ever since Ji Yuan saved it last time, it had seemed even more obedient.

Usually, whenever Ji Yuan called it to do something, it did so without complaint.

Ji Yuan first released Tu Yue, having her clean up all the buildings a bit.

He himself eagerly turned his gaze to the Panel.

[Pigsty: Lv2]

That was the current level of the [Pigsty].

[Pigsty: Lv3 (Upgradeable)]

[Effect: Produces 1 liang of Runyu Fat per month. Upon slaughter, each Spiritual Pig will definitely yield a “Marrow Tempering Pearl.”]

[Upgrade Requirements: 40 mid-grade spirit stones, 5 jin of Earth Core Lava, refine a Vitality Pill. (All Met)]

One Marrow Tempering Pearl per Spiritual Pig.

The human body had 361 acupoints, so to temper them all to perfection, he would need at least 361 pigs!

Looking at it that way, he really did need to turn the whole Misty Island into a [Pigsty].

As for the “Runyu Fat” produced monthly, it was an important material for repairing magical treasures.

Ji Yuan had already inquired about this—a liang of Runyu Fat was worth around 15 mid-grade spirit stones.

With that calculation, this one building alone could provide a monthly income of 15 mid-grade spirit stones. And that wasn’t all—

After the [Pigsty] was upgraded to Level 3, the effects of Level 2 wouldn’t disappear.

So it would still produce half a liang of Blood Essence daily, which was another continuous source of profit.

Looking at the effects listed on the Panel, Ji Yuan became increasingly tempted. Without hesitation, he pulled out 40 mid-grade spirit stones and 5 jin of Earth Core Lava from his storage pouch.

The moment he took out that many mid-grade spirit stones, the surrounding spiritual energy clearly thickened.

As for the 5 jin of Earth Core Lava, they were stored in a special jade bottle—but even so, the bottle had turned red-hot and glowing, revealing the molten lava swirling inside like liquid fire.

Ji Yuan didn’t dare touch it with his hands and used an object manipulation technique instead.

The Spiritual Pigs originally in the [Pigsty] had already been herded elsewhere by Tu Yue, so Ji Yuan now activated his intent and selected the upgrade!

As he did, the pile of spirit stones on the ground slowly vanished.

The Earth Core Lava inside the jade bottle also disappeared at a visible rate. What changed next was the ground of the [Pigsty].

Originally just plain dirt, it now cracked into countless fine fissures, each one showing flowing lava underneath.

An indescribable wave of scorching heat surged forth.

The Level 3 [Pigsty] no longer looked like it was built on an island, but rather on a volcanic crater.

So this was the appearance of a Level 3 [Pigsty]? Ji Yuan stared at the drastically transformed space, then activated his intent again—

And turned off the building’s visual effect.

It might look impressive, but it drew too much attention.

When it came to flashy but impractical things, Ji Yuan had never been fond of them.

What he really wanted to see was what kind of incredible effect the Level 4 [Pigsty] might have.