Starting My Immortal Life by Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 136: 【Pill Refining Room: lv2】

Ji Yuan and his companion were currently on Hatchling Dragon Island, and naturally, the closest branch hall was the Hatchling Dragon Hall located at the mountain summit.

By the time Ji Yuan and his companion arrived on their flying boat, the area was already surrounded three layers deep by disciples of the Water Dragon Sect.

Ji Yuan instinctively shielded everyone behind him.

Directly in front of the Hatchling Dragon Hall, a Foundation Establishment cultivator was hovering in midair with a magical artifact, his voice loud and clear enough to be heard from anywhere—there was no need to crowd too close.

"Junior Brother Ji, Junior Sister Du."

A familiar voice suddenly called out from behind.

Ji Yuan turned around with a smile and said, "Senior Sister Dong."

Du Wanyi also greeted her.

However, Dong Qian's entire attention was on Ji Yuan. "Junior Brother, you’ve fully recovered from your injuries?! That’s such a relief!"

"It’s all healed now."

"Then why didn’t you come find me?"

Dong Qian's tone carried a hint of grievance.

Du Wanyi’s gaze flickered between the two of them. They had only gone on a single mission together—how had they gotten this close?

"I just came out of seclusion today. If you don’t believe me, ask my second sister. She came to find me right after I came out, and then this situation happened."

Ji Yuan hurriedly changed the subject.

As expected, once Dong Qian and Du Wanyi started chatting, the original topic was soon forgotten by all three.

Their attention was completely captured by the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.

The surrounding cultivators were the same, chatting amongst themselves, all focused on the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.

Topics like when it last opened, who went in, who obtained incredible opportunities inside and successfully reached Foundation Establishment shortly after returning—these came up frequently.

Now among the Island Masters at Foundation Establishment level, some had earned great renown because of it.

There was also talk about certain locations within the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven said to produce Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass or Millennium Qinghui Grass.

Whenever such topics came up, many Qi Refining disciples nearby would gather around, greeting each other with smiles.

Everyone waited for a while.

Du Wanyi, sharp-eyed as ever, spotted Han Feiyu in the crowd and called him over. The four of them gathered once again.

Han Feiyu’s first words upon meeting them were:

"How about the four of us join forces to explore the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven?"

Du Wanyi instinctively glanced at Ji Yuan beside her.

Compared to Han Feiyu, she naturally trusted Ji Yuan more.

But to her surprise, even Dong Qian also looked at Ji Yuan at that exact moment, and the two of them exchanged a quiet glance.

Han Feiyu sensed the subtle atmosphere among the three and tactfully said, "No rush. I heard the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven won’t open for another year—we’ve got time to prepare."

"No rush at all."

If Ji Yuan wasn’t going, then there was certainly no rush.

After waiting a while longer and seeing no more arrivals, the Foundation Establishment cultivator finally spoke, silencing the crowd.

"It’s now been eighty-one years since the last opening of the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven. You all are fortunate to encounter it this time."

"It will open in one year. If you are interested, use this time to prepare."

"Half a year from now, Water Dragon Island will begin registration."

"Those wishing to enter the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven may come register at that time. The sect will then organize the group journey."

With that, the Foundation Establishment cultivator waved his hand and departed on his flying boat.

He didn’t provide much information—only that it would open in a year and that the sect would organize the journey.

As soon as he left, the place exploded with chatter and discussions.

Han Feiyu suggested, "My Cave Dwelling is the closest. How about we go there to discuss further?"

The remaining three exchanged glances and all agreed.

A short while later—

Han Feiyu had already poured tea for the other three.

"In fact, I’ve already gathered a lot of intel about the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven."

"Big Brother Han truly is capable," Dong Qian praised with a smile.

But Han Feiyu didn’t seem pleased. On the contrary, his expression turned even more serious.

"I’ll start with two points. First, all of us have false spiritual roots. You should all be aware of how many Foundation Establishment Pills we need. In the current environment, if we don’t go into the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, we have almost no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment."

These words caused Ji Yuan’s face to darken first.

"Second, the death rate in the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven is extremely high. I’ve studied the previous openings—every time, our Water Dragon Sect sends over a thousand disciples, but only twenty to thirty return alive."

"What?"

Du Wanyi's face changed upon hearing this.

So did Dong Qian’s.

Ji Yuan had been somewhat prepared, but even he looked shaken. "That many die?"

"Yes. The place itself is filled with danger. On top of that, you must also beware of cultivators from other sects. Even our own sect brothers cannot be fully trusted."

"Once you’re inside, no one will interfere. It’s all up to your own abilities."

"With the added lure of profit, people will do anything."

Han Feiyu’s words were direct and brutally honest.

"So I hope you will all consider carefully—will you go, or not?"

The Water Dragon Sect had nearly ten thousand disciples, and those entering were about one-tenth of the total. Of those, almost all were wiped out. That ratio was already astonishing.

After a moment of silence, Du Wanyi finally spoke softly:

"The Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven only opens once every eighty or ninety years. If we miss this chance, we’ll likely never have another in this lifetime."

"Yes. Even if we’re still alive when it opens again—without having reached Foundation Establishment by then—we’d be nearing the end of our lifespan. By that time, forget fighting over treasures; staying alive would be a challenge."

Han Feiyu responded.

"From what I’ve heard, our Water Dragon Sect only allows disciples at the peak of Qi Refining to enter. If you haven’t reached the peak, the sect won’t approve it even if you want to go."

Dong Qian also shared her information.

"It’s extremely dangerous inside. The sect probably knows quite a bit already. Maybe they’ll speak to selected individuals once the candidates are decided?"

Ji Yuan asked with a hint of doubt.

"Most likely. Naturally, the sect hopes we return alive."

As Han Feiyu spoke, he glanced again at Ji Yuan.

He could sense that Ji Yuan had already reached the peak of Qi Refining. Even when he was only at the ninth layer of Qi Refining before, his strength was already that impressive.

Now that he was at the peak—Han Feiyu pondered aloud, "Junior Brother Ji, what are your thoughts?"

With those words, both Dong Qian and Du Wanyi turned to look at him.

Feeling their gazes, Ji Yuan could only smile bitterly. "I want to reach Foundation Establishment, but I’m also afraid of dying."

A short sentence, yet it encapsulated the hearts of all Qi Refining disciples.

The four of them fell silent. After a long while, Han Feiyu finally spoke:

"The Great Dao is a contest of firsts. For those of us with limited spiritual roots and a late start, we must fight—fight for Foundation Establishment, fight for Core Formation, fight for Nascent Soul."

Though spoken with conviction, what could be done about it?

Dong Qian smiled bitterly. "Maybe we should just get reincarnated and try to be born with Heavenly Spiritual Roots. Even Earth Spiritual Roots would do. Then we wouldn’t even need Foundation Establishment Pills to break through."

"Maybe we’d be born with no spiritual roots at all."

Du Wanyi added.

"Honestly, if I really had no spiritual roots... that might not be so bad either."

Dong Qian said softly.

Ji Yuan remained silent. He knew very little about the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, practically nothing at all.

Of the four of them, Han Feiyu was clearly determined to go. Judging from their earlier reactions, Du Wanyi also seemed inclined to go.

Dong Qian’s intentions were still unclear.

Though she was cautious by nature—

The Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, as Han Feiyu had said, was a place where if you missed this opportunity, Foundation Establishment would become incredibly difficult.

First, gathering materials outside to refine Foundation Establishment Pills was far harder than obtaining them inside the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.

Second, even outside, it was still a competition. Did they think it wasn’t?

In fact, competition outside was even fiercer. They’d have to fight against cultivators already at Foundation Establishment.

There was competition everywhere. It might be better to risk their lives inside the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven for a chance at survival.

So Ji Yuan estimated that in the end, Dong Qian would also go.

There was nothing more to discuss for now. There was still time—a full year to prepare. So the four of them agreed to go gather information separately.

They also set a date to meet again three months from now at Han Feiyu’s courtyard to exchange information.

With that, the brief discussion came to an end.

Ji Yuan also took the opportunity to learn that the current head of the Mutual Aid Association had become Han Feiyu.

His strength was real, but he was still young. Many of the older members were dissatisfied with him and refused to attend meetings. Lately, the Mutual Aid Association had become little more than a name.

As they were leaving, Ji Yuan asked Du Wanyi:

"Big Brother Han became the head of the association through battle. No one else could defeat him in a duel, so they had no choice but to let him lead."

"It’s a pity you were still recovering from your injuries during the leadership challenge. Otherwise, the head would definitely have been you!"

Du Wanyi clearly had strong confidence in Ji Yuan’s abilities.

"Let it be. Big Brother Han is well suited for the role. I’m not interested in it," Ji Yuan shook his head.

"True."

Du Wanyi nodded slightly, then added softly, "Actually, he told Dong Qian about this. He said he wanted to use the Mutual Aid Association to gather his own faction—but it didn’t work out."

"It’s difficult. The association is loose by nature, and everyone has their own motives and interests. It’s not that simple."

Ji Yuan stopped short of saying that even among the four of them from the same year, someone like Yao Jingfeng could emerge—let alone the entire association with so many members.

Besides, their strengths were mostly on par.

Human hearts weren’t so easily united.

If Han Feiyu were already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it would be a different story. But unfortunately, he was still only at Qi Refining.

While chatting, the two of them returned to their own Cave Dwellings.

Ji Yuan, however, was still thinking about Han Feiyu. His cultivation progress had been incredibly fast—many people must have noticed it by now.

Ji Yuan could tell because, five years ago when he had first joined the Water Dragon Sect, Han Feiyu would still get injured fighting a late-stage first-rank demon beast—even when using pills and talismans.

But now, just five years later, he could defeat even the senior members of the Mutual Aid Association.

He must have had some significant opportunities.

That reminded Ji Yuan of something Yao Jingfeng had mentioned before—he said Han Feiyu was extremely ruthless.

After returning home, Ji Yuan didn’t stop to rest. His top priority was still earning Spirit Stones to upgrade the 【Pill Refining Room】 to Level 2 and obtain the method for refining Foundation Establishment Pills.

Just as he finished packing and stepped outside his door, he saw a hunched old figure standing in front of the courtyard next door.

"Pi—Fellow Daoist Pi?"

Looking at the figure as thin as a skeleton, Ji Yuan cautiously called out.

The man turned around—it really was his old neighbor, Pi Fangzhi.

Compared to before, he now looked much older, completely lacking the vitality he once had when bantering with the child Tang Ran.

"Fellow... Fellow Daoist Ji, hello."

Pi Fangzhi forced a greeting, then entered his house.

Ji Yuan hadn’t expected him to return alive.

If the Disciplinary Hall had allowed his return, it probably meant he wasn’t deeply involved with Tang Ran. At the very least, he likely didn’t know that Tang Ran was a demonic spy.

Otherwise, he’d never have made it back.

Ji Yuan didn’t think much of it—he had just been curious when he saw him.

After the greeting, he summoned the Red Dawn Boat and departed from Hatchling Dragon Island.

On the other side, once Pi Fangzhi entered the house, the sorrowful expression on his face vanished. His drooping eyes turned sinister, and his already thin frame seemed even more hunched.

Feeling his damaged body, he muttered inwardly:

"This body... seems unusable again. What a pity about that child... acted too rashly."

When Ji Yuan returned to Misty Island, it was already late at night.

He woke the dozing Great Toad.

"Croak croak—" The Great Toad, upon seeing Ji Yuan return, was naturally delighted.

Ji Yuan didn’t disappoint his loyal brother toad. After tossing down three Spiritual Pigs, the Great Toad’s croaking grew even more flattering.

"Get ready. We're heading out soon—to get something to eat!"

Seeing Ji Yuan suddenly sit down and begin absorbing a few Spirit Stones to restore himself to peak condition, the Great Toad looked on in confusion.

Then Ji Yuan summoned his Purple Lightning Flying Sword.

The sword pointed toward Yunyu Marshlands.

Now the Great Toad understood.

"Croak—"

It gave a loud call, then with a powerful kick from its hind legs, leapt through the thick mist and splashed into the lake water.

Since it was a monster-hunting expedition in the water, Ji Yuan didn’t bother with disguises. He immediately summoned his Thunder Falcon Boat.

Then he dove into the cold waters.

There was no need to go far. Within this misty zone, there were plenty of second-rank demonic beasts. When Ji Yuan first came here, he had been extremely cautious.

But now, with the Great Toad backing him, he had nothing to fear.

If he could fight it, he fought. If not—Great Toad, go!

Ever since they killed that snake demon and the Great Toad advanced to late second rank, it had become the undisputed king of this misty zone.

So for the next month, aside from occasionally returning to Misty Island to rest, Ji Yuan spent all his time underwater hunting second-rank demonic beasts.

While refining his use of new magical artifacts, he also desperately collected Spirit Stones.

As for his home, that was naturally left in the care of Tu Yue.

Early morning, near a certain island within the misty zone.

Though the surface of the water appeared calm, beneath it roiled with undercurrents.

Ji Yuan’s Purple Lightning Flying Sword flashed, and under the Ninefold Wave, it cut a deep, bone-exposing wound into a loach-like demonic beast. But instead of retreating, the beast swung its tail violently.

The Vine-Wood Shield blocked most of the blow, but Ji Yuan was still sent flying.

"Go!"

He commanded with a thought. A blood-colored aura surged around him, and a hidden Blood-Colored Flood Dragon stirred the waters before lunging forward.

The Mud-Swallowing Spirit Loach spat out a large blob of mud while manipulating the surrounding water to resist the dragon-shaped shadow’s onslaught.

But just then, as it spotted Ji Yuan charging forward again, the loach instinctively shrank back.

The shadow vanished from its vision—only for a silver needle to pierce cleanly through its skull.

It lingered briefly in its brain, then burst with spiritual energy, instantly killing it.

Ji Yuan stepped forward with his shield, then casually swung his sword, severing the beast’s head and retrieving its demon core.

Seeing the battle had ended, the Great Toad bounced and paddled its way over from a distance.

It hadn’t even needed to help this time.

Ji Yuan, with his many techniques, could now successfully kill early second-rank demonic beasts even underwater.

Of course, talismans, spells, physical strength, pills, magical and spiritual artifacts—all were indispensable.

Looking at the five round demon cores in his storage pouch, Ji Yuan realized he had killed four early second-rank demonic beasts over the past month.

The one mid-second-rank beast had been killed elsewhere by the Great Toad.

He glanced at another storage pouch filled with piles of monster remains.

Selling these should be enough to upgrade the 【Pill Refining Room】.

With that, he didn’t wait any longer and summoned the Thunder Falcon Boat.

"Pi Pi Toad, let’s go!"

The Great Toad didn’t understand what "Pi Pi Toad" meant, but it understood the word "home"—because that meant tasty meat.

After returning to Misty Island, Ji Yuan collected the recent earnings from Tu Yue.

After a short rest to recover spiritual energy and stabilize his slightly disrupted internal flow, he summoned the Red Dawn Boat and headed back to the Water Dragon Sect.

This time, he skipped Hatchling Dragon Island entirely and flew straight to Everything Island.

First, he went to his usual place to sell the monster remains.

One was a mid-second-rank beast, and the rest were all early second-rank.

Because they had no demon cores, the early second-rank beasts only fetched 10 Spirit Stones each, totaling 40.

The mid-rank beast sold for 20.

Altogether, he earned 60 medium-grade Spirit Stones.

After selling those, Ji Yuan also sold the welfare items he had been saving.

All his talismans and pills had already been sold last time.

With what he had saved up, his Spirit Stone count surged to 79.

Next, he visited the Hundred Treasure Pavilion to inquire about Mist-Hidden Lingzhi and Profound Water Serpent-Grass.

Perhaps the previous purchase of Illusory Spirit Grass had used up all his bad luck.

This time, the ingredients needed to upgrade the 【Pill Refining Room】 were all in stock.

Three Mist-Hidden Lingzhi and five Profound Water Serpent-Grass cost Ji Yuan a total of eight medium-grade Spirit Stones.

That price was already quite high.

Once he had the herbs, the panel refreshed.

The 【Pill Refining Room】 now showed "Upgradeable."

Eager to learn the technique, Ji Yuan decided not to return to Misty Island. Instead, he went straight to his residence on Hatchling Dragon Island.

It was already evening when Ji Yuan arrived home. After entering, he immediately activated the effects of the 【Pill Refining Room】, then placed the herbs and Spirit Stones he had prepared into it.

With a thought, he selected "Upgrade."

The panel refreshed, and nothing unusual happened inside the room.

But in Ji Yuan’s mind, a complete memory of the Foundation Establishment Pill refinement method suddenly emerged.

"First soak the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass and Millennium Qinghui Grass in Spirit Spring of the Earth Vein for seven days to dispel their turbid aura..."

The memory repeated again and again, and Ji Yuan became deeply absorbed.

During the first repetition, the technique still felt unfamiliar. But as the cycles continued, he grew more and more fluent.

As if he had refined dozens or even hundreds of batches of Foundation Establishment Pills.

He even considered heading to Four Directions Island now to find a pill room connected to ground fire and try a batch right away.

But of course, he couldn’t try it yet. Ji Yuan planned to gain more experience first, prepare the materials thoroughly—

Then, when he was ready to establish his foundation, strike in one go and succeed!

Thinking this, he summoned the panel.

At a glance, he suddenly noticed that when the 【Pill Refining Room】 had just been refreshed, a new line of text had appeared:

【Host has learned the Foundation Establishment Pill refinement method with false spiritual roots. Foundation Establishment is now within reach. Core building "Meditation Room" (enhances spiritual awareness) unlocked.】