Chapter 140: Ji Yuan Kills a Foundation Establishment Cultivator

Ji Yuan had initially thought that someone from the Yang family would come to intercept them on their way back.

So right from the start, he used the Thunder Falcon Boat and even activated the Thunder Falcon Core inside, returning at full speed.

But in the end, things weren’t too bad. The Yang family hadn’t gone to such extremes. The entire journey back was peaceful, and the two of them returned to Dragon Island safely.

At this moment, the sky was already beginning to brighten.

After bidding farewell to Du Wanyi, Ji Yuan returned to his own home.

"Hmm?"

Upon entering the house, Ji Yuan seemed to hear some strange noise. But after carefully sensing it, he discovered there was no activity. After thoroughly inspecting the inside and outside, he finally found out—it was just a rotten peach that had fallen.

Confirming that there was no issue, he finally relaxed a bit.

Should he kill the Yang family?

Indeed, given Ji Yuan’s current circumstances, killing the Yang family, killing that Yang Shunan, was the most appropriate course of action. Killing him would not only fulfill the upgrade condition for the Meditation Room but also resolve Du Wanyi’s current predicament.

Judging from what Du Wanyi had encountered, that Foundation Establishment mid-stage Island Lord of the Water Dragon Sect, Yang Yunxiang’s second uncle, likely knew nothing about it.

If even such trivial matters required the Island Lord to personally intervene, then that would be quite disgraceful.

So the most probable scenario was that Yang Yunxiang, leveraging the power of his second uncle, was attempting to force Du Wanyi out of the Water Dragon Sect.

Without the Water Dragon Sect’s protection, a peak Qi Refining cultivator would be left to the mercy of the Yang family.

As for whether Yang Shunan was aware of this, Ji Yuan did not know. He only knew that if he could kill Yang Shunan, Du Wanyi’s current predicament would certainly be resolved.

Moreover, for the present Ji Yuan, killing Yang Shunan was no difficult task.

Although he currently wanted to test his own strength—to see if he could solo kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator—he wasn’t foolish enough to take that risk.

If he was going to act, he would naturally bring the Great Toad.

Especially now that he had this Tier-2 Spiritual Beast Pouch. At that time, he could completely store the Great Toad in the pouch, sneak into Qingyang Manor, and finally release the Great Toad.

By that point, everything would naturally settle.

With a little deliberation, Ji Yuan had already made up his mind.

Do it!

The Meditation Room needed to be opened as soon as possible. Du Wanyi was facing such trouble—it was worth taking this shot, emotionally and rationally. Besides, for a family that could raise such a character as their next generation cultivator, the Yang family clearly wasn’t anything good.

In fact, that was exactly the case.

The next day, when Ji Yuan arrived in Hongye City and asked around, he finally understood what kind of people the Yang family were.

Compared to the Qin family in Zengtou Market, they were just as bad if not worse.

The Yang family had only risen recently, and it was precisely during the hands of the two brothers Yang Shunan and Yang Taian that they rose to power. Initially, the two brothers were rogue cultivators in Hongye City, but due to some unknown opportunity, they went from Qi Refining early-stage to Qi Refining peak in just over ten years.

During the process of their rise, they were already known for arson, murder, and plunder.

Eventually, they made too many enemies. Some late-stage and peak Qi Refining cultivators joined forces to deal with them. During that time, the brothers were hunted and had to flee everywhere.

Later, by coincidence, Yang Taian was selected by the Water Dragon Sect and joined it.

With the sect's protection, those enemies finally stopped.

After joining a righteous sect, the brothers finally restrained themselves somewhat, at least not going around killing and robbing so blatantly.

Later, Yang Taian successfully established his Foundation, and the two brothers joined forces to establish the Yang Residence on Qingyang Mountain outside Hongye City, naming it Qingyang Manor.

The former villains transformed into "Lord Yang of the Manor" and "Master Yang".

Nowadays, relying on the two Foundation Establishment cultivators in the family, the Yang family had “acquired” many properties in Hongye City, and even developed Qingyang Mountain into Spiritual Fields. Taking advantage of the opportunity, they “protected” quite a few Qi Refining cultivators.

The Yang family had gradually become a famous cultivation family in Hongye City.

After understanding the Yang family's rise, Ji Yuan felt even less scruples about taking action.

He had been worried about mistakenly killing a good person, but now he only felt that he had been too late to act.

After finishing his inquiry into the Yang family's situation, he immediately returned to Misty Island.

When he got back, the Great Toad was playing with a few Spiritual Pigs on the island. Most likely, he had released them from the Pigsty and was chasing them around the mountain.

The fast runners were naturally fine, but if one was too slow, it would get shot by its tongue.

The Spiritual Pig would be rolled up, brought into its mouth.

But it didn’t swallow it—just tasted it in its mouth and then spat it out.

This terrified the pig so much that it fled madly. As it ran faster, another slower pig would then be caught and end up "taking a bath" in the Great Toad’s mouth.

Repeating the cycle, the Great Toad was having a great time.

Of course, mainly because Ji Yuan had warned it not to sneak food. If it did, there would never again be Spiritual Pig meat to eat.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t bother going through the trouble.

Ji Yuan had come back today to ask it to kill someone, so the meal definitely had to be satisfying.

After landing on Misty Island, he took out three Spiritual Pigs from his storage pouch and threw them on the ground for the Great Toad to enjoy.

Three pigs in exchange for the life of Foundation Establishment early-stage Yang Shunan—Ji Yuan felt that was a fair trade.

Taking advantage of the Great Toad’s mealtime, Ji Yuan also made a round of inspection on Misty Island.

This was his main base—no room for any mistakes.

Of course, the main issue was that the Cave Dwelling couldn’t be upgraded yet. Otherwise, once it reached level 3 and gained the "Stellar Whirl Cloud Barrier Formation," he wouldn’t need to worry about anything.

Fortunately, this inspection revealed no issues.

Tu Yue had taken good care of the house.

After checking the state of his home, Ji Yuan returned to the Great Toad.

Having finished three Spiritual Pigs, its belly was completely round. It was clearly very satisfied and tried to nuzzle up to Ji Yuan upon seeing him.

Ji Yuan pushed it away, then sighed deeply with sorrow, eventually slumping onto the ground.

With the Great Toad now in late Tier-2, its intelligence had clearly improved.

Although it didn’t understand what had happened, it could tell Ji Yuan was unhappy.

"Croak!"

It was asking Ji Yuan what was wrong.

Ji Yuan shook his head and said nothing, raising his eyes to the sky. His expression grew increasingly troubled—wasn’t deceiving the Great Toad in this way a bit disgraceful?

The main concern was that Ji Yuan worried it would refuse to stay inside the storage pouch.

If it were his contract spiritual beast, there would naturally be no such concern. A single thought would be enough to retract it.

But since it wasn’t a contract beast, he could only rely on its willingness.

"Croak croak—"

The Great Toad drew closer again, its croaking laced with obvious confusion.

This time, Ji Yuan didn’t hide it. He began to explain to the Great Toad, using both spoken and gestured language.

Roughly, he said that while he was out buying meat, he bought a lot of Spiritual Pigs, and then was targeted by someone.

That person was powerful, jumped out, beat Ji Yuan up, and stole all the Spiritual Pigs he had bought.

This made Ji Yuan feel useless—he had failed to protect the food that the Great Toad loved to eat.

That was why Ji Yuan appeared so downcast upon returning.

Ji Yuan gestured and acted out for a long time before the Great Toad finally understood.

"Croak!"

The Great Toad was furious.

It raised its head and let out a thunderous roar.

It was the first time Ji Yuan had seen the Great Toad so ferocious. Its very roar disturbed the Mist Formation over the island.

Its cry even dispersed much of the surrounding mist.

Standing in front of it, Ji Yuan felt a flicker of fear.

Usually, in Ji Yuan’s presence, it behaved as if it could be casually bullied.

To the point that Ji Yuan had forgotten—it was a late Tier-2 monster.

What did late Tier-2 mean? It was equivalent to late Foundation Establishment. Among the Foundation Establishment Island Lords of the Water Dragon Sect, such a being would be a famed existence.

After venting its fury for a moment, the Great Toad lowered its head and looked at Ji Yuan, then croaked again.

The meaning was clear.

Where is that person? I’ll avenge you!

Ji Yuan hesitated for quite a while, then finally took out the Tier-2 Spiritual Beast Pouch he had prepared in advance from his storage pouch.

Injecting spiritual energy, a suction force emerged from inside.

The Great Toad hesitated for a few breaths, then leapt inside and hid.

Seeing this, Ji Yuan immediately stowed away the Spiritual Beast Pouch.

Now that the first time was done, it would be much easier to coax the Great Toad into the pouch again next time.

With the Great Toad secured, Ji Yuan did not linger. He immediately summoned the Red Dawn Boat and flew straight toward Hongye City.

Compared to Qingye City, Hongye City was much smaller—not only in area but even the layout inside the city was somewhat disordered.

The Yang family had properties both within and outside the city, and Ji Yuan didn’t know exactly where Yang Shunan was.

So he spent another day in the city gathering information, paving the way with Spirit Stones and claiming he wanted to join the Yang family. Naturally, everything proceeded smoothly. In the end, he even inadvertently met a Yang family "brother."

That man was merely at the ninth layer of Qi Refining. Upon hearing that a peak Qi Refining cultivator wanted to join the Yang family, he immediately brought Ji Yuan to Qingyang Manor outside the city.

"Brother Qiu, it’s rare that you have such keen eyes. Our Yang family will soon become the number one family in all of Hongye City."

"Oh?"

Ji Yuan’s face appeared greatly delighted. "That sounds wonderful."

"Of course. Do you know our Second Manor Lord? He’s the Island Lord of the Water Dragon Sect, and a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. The people he associates with are all big shots from the Water Dragon Sect."

"Even the Sect Master of the Water Dragon Sect has visited our Yang family before."

The man, named Yang Dianfeng, said proudly.

As for that kind of pitch, Ji Yuan naturally didn’t believe it.

He had heard such lines dozens if not hundreds of times during his more than a year in the Water Dragon Sect.

Especially in the shops on Everything Island—if one entered the store, took interest in something, but hesitated a little, the shopkeeper would start bragging.

They would say that even the Sect Master Xuan Shui Zhen Ren of the Water Dragon Sect had used it and praised it, or that the Grand Elder personally recommended it.

Now, Yang Dianfeng was clearly just using the same lines.

So Ji Yuan dramatically sucked in a cold breath. "Oh my goodness, that must be a Golden Core Real Person then."

"Naturally!"

Yang Dianfeng grew even more proud, then looked Ji Yuan up and down. "Brother Qiu, to reach the peak of Qi Refining at your age, you’re probably close to breaking through to Foundation Establishment. When that time comes, don’t forget about your little brother here."

"Of course, of course."

Ji Yuan nodded repeatedly.

"Heh, and Brother Qiu, for you to come to our Yang family at the peak of Qi Refining—the Family Head will definitely meet you personally. When the time comes, don’t forget to put in a good word for your brother."

Yang Dianfeng leaned in and whispered.

Bringing in a peak Qi Refining cultivator to the family would certainly earn him some reward.

Free benefits from the clan—who wouldn’t want them?

"Of course. Without Brother Yang, I wouldn’t even have the chance to meet the Yang Family Head."

While chatting, the two had already arrived at Qingyang Manor outside the city.

Ji Yuan had already observed from afar before. The mountain had a Protective Array—likely a Tier-2 formation. If he had come alone to attack, it would have been difficult to handle.

But now with Yang Dianfeng leading the way, entering the manor was effortless.

If Ji Yuan’s cultivation had been a bit higher—even just at the early Foundation Establishment stage—it might not have been so easy. But since he was still a Qi Refining cultivator, no one from the Yang family suspected anything.

Moreover, once inside, Ji Yuan realized that although the Yang family appeared sturdy on the outside, its inner structure was extremely lax.

It seemed they never expected that, within the territory of the Water Dragon Sect, someone would dare lay a hand on them.

Ji Yuan had originally expected that upon arriving, he would first be held for screening and questioning before he could see Yang Shunan. But unexpectedly, after Yang Dianfeng had him sit in a side hall for a while and went to report—

He returned after just a short moment.

"Brother Qiu, mission accomplished."

"The Family Head is home. When he heard you wanted to join the Yang family, he said he wants to see you right away," Yang Dianfeng rushed in excitedly.

"Oh? Well, that's great news."

Ji Yuan stood up and rubbed his hands together, looking quite delighted.

"Brother Qiu, come with me."

Yang Dianfeng led the way, and after passing through several courtyards, they ascended to the summit of Qingyang Mountain, where a grand hall stood, comparable in scale to Hatchling Dragon Hall.

Damn, even a Foundation Establishment family flaunted such extravagance—what would a Golden Core family be like?

Ji Yuan looked at the gilded columns carved with dragons and phoenixes all around and couldn't help but grumble internally.

Once he entered the grand hall, he saw a middle-aged man seated at the head. The man was tall and had a slightly gloomy expression. His temples were graying, and half of his left ear was missing.

To his left sat a younger man who bore some resemblance to him. Though labeled young, he still looked much older than Ji Yuan.

Aside from them, the rest were numerous maids in the hall.

Each had fine features and figures and all possessed some level of cultivation.

"Disgustingly corrupt."

Ji Yuan stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Scattered cultivator Qiu Qianhai from north of Falling Star River, pays respects to Yang Family Head."

That "north" naturally referred to the region north of Falling Star River.

"Oh? A young friend from the north?"

Yang Shunan showed a bit of interest upon hearing this.

"Indeed."

Ji Yuan straightened up and nodded.

"Come, Brother Qiu, have a seat. Let's talk while sitting."

Yang Shunan pointed to the spot to his right, which was across from the younger man.

Ji Yuan didn’t hesitate, strode over, and sat down heavily.

Seeing this, Yang Shunan nodded subtly—judging by this reaction, this one likely wasn’t here to cause trouble.

Outside, Yang Dianfeng had already taken his leave with a cupped-fist salute.

"Brother Qiu, at such a young age, you’ve already reached this level of cultivation. You probably aren’t from an ordinary background, are you?" Yang Shunan asked as he gently rolled the tea cup in his hand.

"No, I’m also from a Foundation Establishment family. If the Yang Family Head is too afraid to take me in, I’ll leave right now without another word."

Ji Yuan replied crisply and directly.

At the same time, his eyes swept across the numerous maids in the room. Too many people—this would be difficult.

"Brother Qiu, that’s a bit of an overstatement."

Yang Shunan chuckled. "Since you’ve come to our Yang family, I assume you know a bit about us. Not to mention Foundation Establishment families from the north—even from our own southern Water Dragon Sect territory—we’re not afraid of any."

Hearing this, Ji Yuan’s face broke into a faint smile.

"Excellent. As expected of the Yang Family Head—frank and straightforward. I, Qiu, didn’t misjudge you."

Yang Shunan, pleased by Ji Yuan’s hearty tone, couldn’t help but laugh aloud a few times.

"In that case, Brother Qiu, why don’t you tell us what matter brought you all the way across Falling Star River to our Water Dragon Sect region?"

"This—"

Ji Yuan seemed hesitant.

His gaze swept across the many maids present.

He didn’t want to speak.

"You all, leave."

Yang Shunan waved his hand. The maids bowed deeply, then exited the hall one by one.

"Alright, Brother Qiu, now you can speak freely."

Yang Shunan stroked his beard and smiled.

Ji Yuan’s eyes fell on the younger man opposite him.

"This is my son, Yang Yunxiang. Yunxiang, greet Brother Qiu."

Yang Shunan introduced him.

Indeed, he was both surprised and pleased by Ji Yuan’s arrival.

A peak Qi Refining cultivator wanting to join the Yang family was enough to delight him, and Ji Yuan’s young age only added to his amazement.

With some cultivation, this Qiu Qianhai might very well reach Foundation Establishment.

By then, even if he left to form his own sect, it wouldn’t matter.

After all, he’d be someone who came from the Yang family. If the connection was used wisely, it could elevate the family significantly.

"Greetings, Brother Qiu."

Yang Yunxiang stood and cupped his fists in salute.

Seeing his upright appearance, Ji Yuan couldn’t imagine this was the same man with such a vile character—one who must have whatever he desired by any means. Little brat, your father isn’t a Nascent Soul cultivator, you know!

"So it's Young Master Yang. My apologies for the offense."

Ji Yuan hurriedly stood and returned the salute.

Only this time, he didn’t sit back down. He turned and cupped his fists toward Yang Shunan again, then slowly said, "Of course, I came here—for the purpose of killing you!"

"Wha—"

Before Yang Shunan could react, a massive black shadow had already appeared before him. The shadow smashed through the grand hall’s roof the moment it emerged. Its enormous body brought with it a powerful suction force. Before Yang Shunan could cast a spell or summon a magical artifact, his vision went dark—as though he’d been sucked into a vortex.

Also swallowed along with him was Yang Yunxiang.

Ji Yuan hadn’t expected things to go this smoothly.

Wait, I haven’t even done the killing yet—Ji Yuan quickly gestured. "Spit them out, spit them out!"

The Great Toad hesitated for a moment, then opened its mouth and spat out two storage pouches. It wasn’t stupid—it knew those were valuable.

Ji Yuan paused briefly, then disregarded the filth on them and quickly stashed them away.

"More—give me the people too!"

Ji Yuan spoke rapidly. He was worried he might be too late and that the Great Toad had already digested them.

He had seen the Great Toad’s digestion ability—a pig could vanish in the time it took to drink a cup of tea.

Though puzzled, the Great Toad opened its mouth again and spat out two figures.

It had only been a few breaths since earlier, yet Yang Yunxiang—who had just called him "Brother Qiu"—was already rotting on the ground like a dead dog.

On the other side, the Foundation Establishment early-stage Yang Shunan fared "better"—after being semi-digested by a late Tier-2 Great Toad, he could still twitch a little.

He lay prone, struggling to rise but failing repeatedly.

Ji Yuan dared not delay. He immediately threw out a Tier-2 Low-Grade Thousand Sword Talisman he had obtained from Jian Zong’s patriarch.

A sweep of sword qi left Yang Shunan, the Foundation Establishment cultivator, no chance to resist—he was instantly killed.

With a wave of his hand, Ji Yuan hurled out two fireballs. The corpses instantly ignited in raging flames.

The flames from Yang Shunan’s body burned even brighter—indeed, a Foundation Establishment cultivator was something else. Even in death, he was different.

Lit by the fire, Ji Yuan’s face remained calm, his gaze steady as water.

"Let’s go, Pipi Toad!"

Ji Yuan retrieved the Spiritual Beast Pouch. After taking in the Great Toad, he immediately activated the Thunder Falcon Boat and vanished like a streak of purple lightning.

Perhaps because Ji Yuan had acted so swiftly and annihilated Yang Shunan right away, no one even had time to activate the Tier-2 formation.

A single strike, a single kill, and then escape.

Even as he fled, Ji Yuan didn’t forget to open the Panel for a glance.

[Meditation Room: lv0 (Upgradeable)]

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