Chapter 142: Danger! A Golden Core Came Knocking!

"Don’t talk about money, talking money makes things vulgar."

The Island Lord of Iron Hammer waved his hand.

"Then what shall we talk about?"

Ji Yuan couldn't help but feel a jolt of joy upon hearing this. Could it be that this Foundation Establishment senior wouldn't take Spirit Stones, and was planning to give it to him for free?

"Talk about fate," the Island Lord of Iron Hammer said with a smile.

"Fate?"

"Yes, sincerely favorable price—300 pieces of fate." The Island Lord of Iron Hammer laughed and said, "All the materials were handpicked by me. In total, they cost about 250 middle-grade Spirit Stones. I'm not even charging extra. Just give me 300 middle-grade Spirit Stones, and it's yours."

Ji Yuan:"...—"

Truly, this price couldn't be considered expensive.

Compared to other middle-grade Spiritual Artifacts, Pill Cauldrons were naturally more expensive.

Middle-grade Spiritual Artifacts typically cost around 300 Spirit Stones, not to mention this Pill Cauldron.

Xu Fugui, standing to the side, also didn't speak up on Ji Yuan's behalf anymore, because this price was indeed already after considering sentiments from the Island Lord of Iron Hammer. If this were sold outside, it would fetch no less than 400 middle-grade Spirit Stones.

Moreover, a Pill Cauldron made by the Island Lord of Iron Hammer never lacked buyers—those alchemists outside would fight over it.

This price—Ji Yuan could afford it. But if he were to bring out the full amount in one go, it would seem too extravagant.

Many early Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn't produce 300 Spirit Stones in one go, yet he, just a peak Qi Refining cultivator, could?

He thought for a moment, then probed:

"The price is a bit high. I’ll first pay 200 middle-grade Spirit Stones. As for the rest, can I owe it for now?"

If the Island Lord of Iron Hammer agreed, that would naturally be ideal.

If he didn’t agree, Ji Yuan would find an excuse to go back and gather the rest—pay a deposit first, and return in a few days to complete the deal. He’d just say he borrowed the rest. That would work too.

"Hmm?"

The Island Lord of Iron Hammer looked at Ji Yuan with a puzzled expression. Even the 200 middle-grade Spirit Stones were enough to surprise him.

Xu Fugui on the side was even more shocked.

When he heard Ji Yuan’s words, his jaw nearly dropped.

"How many did you say?"

The Island Lord of Iron Hammer thought he misheard.

"Two hundred."

Ji Yuan replied truthfully.

To him, the 200 Spirit Stones were less than half of his current fortune. But judging from the reaction of the two men before him—

It seemed like he’d quoted too high a number.

But the words were already out. Even if he’d overshot, it couldn’t be taken back.

The Island Lord of Iron Hammer turned to look at Xu Fugui, glaring."How many Spirit Stones do you have on you right now?"

Xu Fugui, also a peak Qi Refining cultivator, responded without hesitation,"16 middle-grade Spirit Stones, 34 lower-grade Spirit Stones, and 4 spirit fragments."

Ji Yuan:"..—·

You guys are really that poor?!

Bro!

Ji Yuan casually quoted a number, and it was already more than ten times theirs. What could he do but explain—Ji Yuan spread his hands and smiled.

"I’ve done a lot of pill refining, and often go out to hunt monsters. Of course, the main reason is I save a lot. Grandpa Xu knows—I’ve always been frugal."

"Also, being a body cultivator means having more ways to earn money."

"Body cultivators should be forging, not refining pills. There’s no future in alchemy." The Island Lord of Iron Hammer waved a broad hand.

"Alright, since you’ve got the ability, why not sell this Pill Cauldron to you?!"

Thus, Ji Yuan spent 200 middle-grade Spirit Stones to first obtain this Pill Cauldron. He planned to give the rest in a few months, saying he earned a lot with the cauldron in the meantime.

With the Pill Cauldron in hand, Ji Yuan naturally had a spar with the Island Lord of Iron Hammer.

At first, they were evenly matched, fists hitting flesh. After fighting for half an hour, Ji Yuan, lacking experience, fell for the Island Lord’s move, was knocked down with a single punch, and couldn’t get up after several tries. He finally admitted defeat.

Seeing this, the Island Lord of Iron Hammer, though battered with a swollen face, still stood with hands on hips, laughing heartily.

"Not bad, not bad! To be able to beat me, Liu Tiezhu, to this state, you’ve got some skill!"

Liu Tiezhu... Island Lord of Iron Hammer, your real name truly is awe-inspiring.

After a hearty session of emotional bonding, the Island Lord of Iron Hammer began setting up a feast.

Ji Yuan, being the only junior present, naturally took on the job of roasting meat and cooking.

Hmm·—.——.

Once the [Kitchen] plugin was activated, and the spirit wine aged for several months in the [Wine Cellar] was brought out, the two old men immediately forgot all their worries.

"Ji brat, I think you should quit alchemy. I’ll give you Spirit Stones, go open a tavern on Everything Island. I guarantee I’ll stay there and bring you business every day."

The Island Lord of Iron Hammer was eating and drinking so joyfully he nearly swallowed his tongue.

That grilled Spiritual Pig meat, while not having any special quality, transformed in flavor the moment it was roasted by Ji Yuan.

Even the spirit wine—being a proper old drunkard, the Island Lord of Iron Hammer could tell—it was just ordinary Red Dawn Brew.

Priced at only ten lower-grade Spirit Stones.

On any other day, if someone offered him such wine, he wouldn’t even want a sip.

But today, the Red Dawn Brew Ji Yuan brought was exceptionally delicious.

Ji Yuan, eating and drinking along, was also quite pleased with his own cooking skills.

"Looking at this, even if I grow old in the future, I’ll at least have a livelihood."

"No kidding, Ji brat, your cooking is truly unmatched. Next time I visit Master, I’m definitely bringing you along."

Xu Fugui mumbled unclearly.

Then I’ll surely go hide on Misty Island next time—Ji Yuan nodded repeatedly."No need for Old Master Xu to ask, I’ll come on my own."

After a round of hearty eating and drinking, the drunken Ji Yuan took a short nap there before waking up refreshed.

Some time later.

On the returning flying boat to Thousand Mechanisms Island, Ji Yuan was pondering quietly.

Judging from the earlier spar with the Island Lord of Iron Hammer, this elder had already started tempering his apertures. Though he didn’t know what method he used, it was clear he was already walking the path of body-based Foundation Establishment.

But he didn’t go far.

Ji Yuan was thinking if he could lend a bit of help—this elder truly was a good man, and he had treated him well. If he truly managed to establish Foundation through the body, his lifespan might increase somewhat as well.

As for Old Master Xu, his physique still hadn’t been fully refined. Although his magical power had reached peak Qi Refining, given his age...—Ji Yuan had looked into it.

If a cultivator hadn’t succeeded in Foundation Establishment after passing sixty, there would no longer be any hope of doing so in this lifetime.

Because after sixty, a cultivator’s blood and vitality would begin to decline.

For someone like Old Master Xu, already in his eighties or nineties, even more Foundation Establishment Pill would be of no use.

But even if he wanted to help, he would at least have to wait until he himself had established Foundation. Moreover, the Aperture-Tempering Pearl definitely couldn’t be taken out directly—an item capable of allowing the body to directly establish Foundation was far too monstrous.

Even if the Island Lord of Iron Hammer was very kind to him, Ji Yuan didn’t dare to reveal this item.

He would have to wait and see if he could think of another solution.

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island had been feeling rather frustrated lately.

A few days prior, he had again delivered wine to Real Person Wangyou, Hua Yaoyue. As expected, there was nothing that could satisfy that wine addict—oh no, that Wine Immortal.

Hua Yaoyue once again asked why that Qi Refining disciple hadn’t come to deliver wine.

How could the Island Lord of Qinghe Island know?

It wasn’t impossible that the fellow had died somewhere. At the time, he could only reply vaguely, saying soon, very soon.

Honestly speaking, when a Foundation Establishment cultivator faced a Golden Core cultivator, there was no point trying to reason. Few Golden Core cultivators would listen to the reasoning of a Foundation Establishment one. So upon returning to Thousand Mechanisms Island, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island began waiting day and night for Ji Yuan to come.

There were several times when he even considered going to the Ancestral Master Hall to find out Ji Yuan’s residence and pay a visit directly. But in the end, he didn’t dare do such a taboo thing.

He could only keep thinking to delay things further.

As long as Ji Yuan didn’t come, he would hold off on delivering wine to Real Person Wangyou.

On this day—

As usual, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island was drinking tea in the back hall of the Thousand Mechanisms Hall. Suddenly, he sensed some movement within his storage pouch.

He swept it with his Divine Sense, and his eyes instantly lit up.

"What’s the matter, Brother Qinghe? Could it be you’ve received good news?"

Sitting opposite him was a bald man in black, who rubbed his shiny head and chuckled as he spoke.

On his left sat a long-faced man in a blue Standard Robe, who slowly set down a celadon teacup and said,"Did you perhaps find a wife for us? Just don’t tell me she’s from the Joy Palace."

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island’s face darkened, and he flung his sleeve as he stood up.

"You two damned mutts!"

Having said that, he stormed out in anger.

The remaining two burst into laughter.

The bald man, the Island Lord of One Punch Island, laughed heartily and said,"Old Yin, it had to be you! If you hadn’t brought it up, I’d have completely forgotten about that."

The Island Lord of Yin Mountain stroked the goatee on his chin, smiling silently.

What he said wasn’t baseless. Years ago, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island had indeed been tricked by a cultivator from the Joy Palace.

Basically, a male cultivator from the Joy Palace had cultivated a technique that altered appearance and disguised himself as a woman. He had gotten very close to the Island Lord of Qinghe Island—so close that they were about to become Dao companions.

Just before the final step, a Golden Core elder of the Water Dragon Sect accidentally came upon them and saw through the Joy Palace cultivator’s disguise, exposing the truth on the spot.

After the incident, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island went into seclusion for eight whole years.

It wasn’t until eight years later that he dared to show his face again.

Now, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island had just emerged from the back hall and glanced around. Soon, he spotted that overly handsome young disciple amidst the crowd.

Even though he was dressed in the most ordinary Standard Robe of the Water Dragon Sect, he still stood out in a crowd of disciples wearing the same attire.

"Ji Xiaoyou, you’ve finally come."

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island stepped forward, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Ji Yuan:"Hmm??"

"Uncle-Master has been waiting for me?"

The expression on the Island Lord of Qinghe Island remained unchanged, still smiling as he said,"Not exactly."

Ji Yuan didn’t think much of it. He immediately took out three jars of Spiritual Wine from his storage pouch. But before he could make his next move, the Island Lord of Qinghe Island reached out and pressed down on his hand.

"Hmm?"

Ji Yuan looked at him in confusion, instinctively wondering if perhaps they no longer wanted the wine.

"May I invite you to speak in the back hall, Nephew."

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island said solemnly.

"Could it be you’re refusing this wine?"

Ji Yuan couldn’t understand—he had just come to submit a task, why did he need to go into the back hall?

"That’s not it. It’s just that the price may increase slightly. As for the specifics, we’ll need to discuss it. That’s all."

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island presented an excuse he’d been preparing for months.

Upon hearing that—

"Uncle-Master, please!"

Two hundred Contribution Points per jar, and it could still go up? Ji Yuan prepared to take out a few more jars today—otherwise, he’d appear too tactless.

But on second thought, something felt off.

Could the old drunk behind all this really be that rich?

To spend hundreds of Contribution Points on a single jar of wine—could it be he truly was a Golden Core old—cough, Golden Core senior?

If that were the case, then after finishing this deal, he might have to stop.

Ji Yuan hadn’t established Foundation yet, and didn’t want to get involved with these Golden Core old rogues. If anything happened to them, even the slightest issue would become a mountain of trouble for him.

The two of them entered the back hall one after the other.

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island didn’t take Ji Yuan to meet with the Island Lord of Yin Mountain and the others. This credit was his alone—how could he possibly share it with others?

He led Ji Yuan alone into a room, first using the excuse of having business to attend to.

Once outside the door, he immediately took out the Messaging Talisman given by Real Person Wangyou and transmitted with Divine Sense,"Uncle-Master, that Qi Refining disciple who brews wine came today. I’m stalling him."

Only after sending the message did the Island Lord of Qinghe Island smile and return.

He also held a pot of tea in his hand.

"Nephew Ji, you must try this clear tea of mine. I had someone bring it back from the Snowy Sword Ruins. It wasn’t cheap, I assure you."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan immediately stood up, a look of pleasant surprise on his face. "I didn’t expect to be so lucky today. Many thanks to Uncle Qinghe."

Though he said that aloud, in his heart, Ji Yuan was already thinking of a reason to escape.

Something's off.

Ninety percent chance—something’s off.

No reward without reason. He only came here to submit a mission, yet the Island Lord of Qinghe Island was willing to offer him such fine tea for hospitality. Who would believe there wasn’t something fishy behind it?

For him to use this fine tea to entertain Ji Yuan, it could only mean that the benefit Ji Yuan brought him was far greater than the tea itself.

But what benefit could he bring him? Unless—he intended to capture him and deliver him to that drunken old man behind the scenes?

At that thought, Ji Yuan's heart sank. If that were truly the case, then this would be a major problem.

In his mind, a scene had already played out: his cultivation crippled, imprisoned in some dark, sunless underground cellar...

Brewing wine day and night for a chubby, red-nosed old drunkard.

If the brew turned out well, maybe he’d be fine. But if it didn’t, beatings would surely follow.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, Ji Yuan's expression shifted slightly. He immediately stood up and offered an apologetic smile. "Uncle Qinghe, I’m terribly sorry. My Brother Li just sent me a message—he’s at my doorstep with an urgent matter. I may have to return at once."

As he spoke, Ji Yuan raised both hands and produced a golden Messaging Talisman.

"My Brother Li is named Li Changhe."

He figured that once this name was mentioned, it would surely make the Island Lord of Qinghe Island back off and let him leave.

After all, behind Li Changhe was a father at the Golden Core stage. There’s no way the Island Lord of Qinghe Island had someone like that behind him too, right?

If he really did, then he wouldn’t be stuck guarding Thousand Mechanisms Island.

The Island Lord of Qinghe Island, still holding the teapot, neither spoke nor moved. His gaze no longer rested on Ji Yuan, but instead—fell behind Ji Yuan.

In an instant, Ji Yuan sensed it.

Unlike the earlier false alarm, this time he truly felt it.

There seemed to be... someone behind him.

That person was watching him. Even though it was just a gaze, Ji Yuan felt as though his whole body turned cold. He stiffly turned his head around.

There stood a tall woman in a snow-white long dress, right behind him, watching him with a faint, ambiguous smile.

Ji Yuan had measured his own height—188.8 centimeters, precise down to the decimal. Even so, this woman was nearly his equal in height.

Not only that, she was strikingly beautiful. Among all the people Ji Yuan had met, only Feng Zhi Tao could compare. No—this wasn’t the time to focus on her looks.

To appear behind him without a sound and cause the Island Lord of Qinghe Island to react this way, she must be a Golden Core Elder!

The thought flashed through Ji Yuan’s mind. An intuitive realization struck him, and he managed to force a proper smile onto his face, just as he was about to speak.

But before he could say a word, the woman spoke first: "You're just a Qi Refining cultivator, yet you tried to bait this Golden Core? Well, now this Golden Core is here. What do you plan to do?"

As the words fell, Ji Yuan felt every drop of blood in his body freeze.

His smile disappeared completely.

Before he could respond, Hua Yaoyue continued: "Forget about Li Changhe. Even if he were here, he’d have to kneel and call me ‘Martial Aunt’."

"As for his good-for-nothing father, even he would take a detour if he saw me. I say this—do you understand?"

Hearing this, Ji Yuan didn’t hesitate in the slightest. He immediately bowed deeply, bending himself a full ninety degrees.

And at the same moment, a dozen jars of spiritual wine from the [Wine Cellar] appeared beside him.

Not only that, all the seals on the wine jars had been removed. In an instant, a rich aroma of wine filled the entire room.

Ji Yuan said in a solemn tone:

"I’ve long heard that Martial Grand-Aunt enjoys fine wine. If you don’t mind, this junior is willing to brew for you——wine."

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