Chapter 144: Yuanying Gongfa

If he were to seek out Fang Jie, it would mean continuing to deal with the Disciplinary Hall. When it came to the Disciplinary Hall, Ji Yuan shared the same opinion as other disciples of the Water Dragon Sect—an utterly detestable place to be avoided whenever possible.

Moreover, Ji Yuan was not even certain whether this Pi Fangzhi was truly a demonic spy. If he was, then fine—once he entered the Disciplinary Hall, he would never come out again.

But if he wasn’t, then it would just lead to more trouble.

However, finding Li Changhe would make things much easier.

If Pi Fangzhi turned out to be a demonic spy, then Ji Yuan would have essentially handed a great merit to Li Changhe for free.

If he wasn’t a demonic spy, Ji Yuan could still discuss with Li Changhe whether to send Pi Fangzhi for reincarnation.

For someone who tried to dig a tunnel under his land, Ji Yuan naturally had to prepare for the worst.

Once his decision was made, Ji Yuan didn’t linger.

Judging from the door of Pi Fangzhi’s house, he was probably still at home. Staying here to send a message would be dangerous.

Where was the safest place on Hatchling Dragon Island?

Naturally, it was the Hatchling Dragon Hall, guarded by Foundation Establishment cultivators. So Ji Yuan went directly to the hall. The on-duty cultivator at the entrance saw him descend and asked politely:

"Senior Brother, what brings you here?"

"Nothing, just came to sit for a while."

Then Ji Yuan walked over and sat to the side under the puzzled gaze of the disciple.

Who comes to the Hatchling Dragon Hall just to sit?

Wasn’t it more comfortable to sit at one’s own place?

The duty cultivator shook his head and walked off.

Seeing him leave, Ji Yuan immediately took out the Golden Messaging Talisman given to him by Li Changhe, injected spiritual energy into it, and said,"Big Brother Li, are you there? I’m at the entrance of the Hatchling Dragon Hall, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."

After just a few breaths, the Messaging Talisman in Ji Yuan’s hand began to glow.

He infused a little more spiritual energy into it, and Li Changhe’s voice followed.

"Don’t worry, your brother will be right there."

Just that short sentence brought Ji Yuan great relief.

Though… somehow the words felt a bit odd.

After notifying him, Ji Yuan’s Divine Sense swept into his storage pouch, checking the other Messaging Talismans—one for Feng Zhi Tao, one for the Island Lord of Qinghe Island, and one for his future Master Yaoyue.

In fact, Ji Yuan could already have his own Messaging Talisman now.

The Messaging Talisman was a type of Second-Tier Talisman. Once purchased, one could imprint it with their Divine Sense and use it. Typically, only Foundation Establishment cultivators or higher had their own Messaging Talismans.

It was also a symbol of strength and status.

Ji Yuan had the capability, but didn’t dare act.

If exposed, people would know he had Divine Sense.

After about fifteen minutes, a powerful aura descended from the sky, followed by a flash of light, and a flashy silver flying boat stopped in front of Ji Yuan.

Ordinary flying boats were sleek, single-log designs. But this one was much larger, with a dragon head at the bow. The dragon’s mouth was wide open—no need for an explanation, Ji Yuan could tell it could unleash a devastating spell.

Not only that, where most flying boats had a small recess for Spirit Stones, Li Changhe’s flying boat used an entire basin. With Spirit Stones piled high, how fast could this thing go?

The disparity between flying boats clearly illustrated the wealth gap. In his past life, it was a luxury car; in this life, it was a “luxury boat.”

Before Ji Yuan could speak, two figures from within the Hatchling Dragon Hall darted out.

"Who goes there? How dare you challenge the might of the Hatchling Dragon Hall—oh, it’s the Island Lord Changhe."

"Island Lord Changhe, your grand arrival caught us off guard, please forgive us."

The two Foundation Establishment cultivators perfectly enacted a sudden mood switch—storming out in fury, then cupping their fists and smiling once they saw Li Changhe.

Li Changhe jumped off the flying boat and casually waved at them.

"I’m just here to see my younger brother, don’t mind me."

Then he walked up to Ji Yuan and said,"Ji my brother, how long have you been in our Water Dragon Sect? You never came to find me—I thought you’d forgotten all about me."

"How could I? I was just afraid Big Brother Li would be too busy."

Before Ji Yuan could finish his words, a dark shadow jumped out of the still-hovering flying boat and landed on Li Changhe’s shoulder with a swoosh.

It was—a cat.

A little white cat with black spots, and wings on its sides. Ji Yuan recognized this fluffy creature.

He had seen this cat not long ago.

Its grand name was Sky-Flying Tiger, a Third-Tier Monster Beast that could rival a Golden Core when fully grown.

Now Ji Yuan finally understood who that “Old Man Li” was at the Qingye Auction House, the one who used Spirit Stones to crush countless Golden Core cultivators. It had to be Li Changhe’s father—Li Gang!

Ji Yuan glanced again at Li Changhe’s “luxury boat,” then at the Third-Tier Monster Beast cub on his shoulder.

Damn, now this was a real second-generation immortal.

Compared to this, what the hell was Yang Yunxiang?

Li Changhe noticed Ji Yuan staring at the Sky-Flying Tiger and chuckled. He shrugged his shoulder and tossed the little tiger onto Ji Yuan’s.

"Looks nice, but it’s useless. You’ll see."

The two Foundation Establishment cultivators at Hatchling Dragon Hall were already astonished by how Li Changhe treated Ji Yuan. But they dared not show it on their faces.

A mere Qi Refining disciple from Hatchling Dragon Island calling the legendary Island Lord Changhe his brother?

Whose immortal scion was this?

Pretending to hide among us on Hatchling Dragon Island?

Ji Yuan hurriedly accepted the creature with both hands. It really was soft—just like petting a cat in his past life. The little tiger wasn’t afraid either. Instead, it clung to Ji Yuan’s arm and rubbed against it affectionately, quite amusing.

"Alright, I need a word with my little brother. You two carry on."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as Li Changhe gave the order, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators bowed and left.

Once they were gone, Li Changhe’s expression turned serious.

"What is it? What matter requires my little brother to come find me personally?"

Ji Yuan, cradling the Third-Tier Monster Beast cub, said in a low voice,"Let’s talk somewhere else."

"Oh? Then let’s go to your Cave Dwelling."

"That’s even more out of the question."

"Hmm？"

Li Changhe looked at Ji Yuan in confusion.

A moment later—

High above the clouds, Li Changhe listened as Ji Yuan earnestly recounted all the details, from the moment he noticed something suspicious about his neighbors, to when Pi Fangzhi dug a tunnel beneath his home.

"That bastard—nine times out of ten that neighbor of yours is a demonic spy!"

"Demonic cultivators often use these methods, especially when infiltrating our sect. Their tactics are even more numerous then."

Li Changhe stood up from the flying boat, patting his backside.

"Let’s go, Ji my brother, let’s go catch him alive!"

"If we can’t catch him, then kill him!"

"But Big Brother Li, what if he’s not a demonic spy?"Ji Yuan asked, just to be cautious.

"Even if he isn’t, breaking another’s Cave Dwelling restrictions without permission is enough to get him locked up in the Disciplinary Hall for life. Let’s go!"

As he spoke, the flying vessel descended, transforming into a streak of light plunging straight toward the ground.

But before the flying boat even neared the ground, Li Changhe had already thrown out a massive net. It expanded in the wind and, as it fell, it transformed into an enormous fishing net covering the entire courtyard.

As the net descended, a black shadow suddenly shot out from the house, but it was immediately ensnared, completely covered. Streaks of lightning danced across the net, and the black shadow screamed in pain.

Faint black mist wafted off the shadowy figure.

Was Pi Fangzhi captured just like that?

Ji Yuan felt something wasn’t right.

He wasn’t the only one—Li Changhe beside him also sensed it.

"Wait a moment, I’ll go grab him myself. Damn it, he dares to sneak into our sect? These demonic bastards are truly mad!"

While speaking, Li Changhe leapt off the flying boat.

But instead of heading toward Pi Fangzhi’s courtyard, he went to Ji Yuan’s.

Somehow, he passed straight through the restriction barrier around Ji Yuan’s house and entered. In moments, magical light flared throughout the courtyard.

Spiritual energy raged as techniques clashed with force.

In just a few breaths, Ji Yuan’s courtyard turned into rubble.

With such a spectacle, how could Ji Yuan not realize—damn it, Pi Fangzhi was actually a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

That would explain how he had avoided detection from the Disciplinary Hall. Ji Yuan broke into a cold sweat.

Damn, good thing he called Li Changhe.

If he had acted on his own, even if he didn’t die, he would’ve been seriously injured and his own strength exposed.

These demonic cultivators were too sneaky—he had to resolve things with full force whenever dealing with them in the future.

Otherwise, their methods were just too frightening.

No wonder Pi Fangzhi had been sent to infiltrate the Water Dragon Sect.

After a dozen or so breaths, the sound of fighting died down and the outcome was clear.

Before Ji Yuan could even ask, he saw the flying boat slowly descending into the ruins.

He could no longer tell what his house had looked like—everything that could collapse had collapsed, and what couldn’t had been turned to dust.

Li Changhe stood amidst the rubble, one foot pressing on Pi Fangzhi’s head, panting slightly.

The Sky-Flying Tiger on his shoulder bared its teeth at Pi Fangzhi, looking both adorable and ferocious.

Pi Fangzhi lay on the ground, bound tightly with a long rope. His limbs had been severed, and the rope also gagged him.

When he saw Ji Yuan descend, Pi Fangzhi let out a bitter laugh.

"You actually detected me… and you have such a connection within the Water Dragon Sect… fine, it seems Heaven intends to destroy me."

Pi Fangzhi sighed deeply."Let it end… let it end."

As he spoke, his aura plummeted.

Without any visible action or spell, he simply died on the spot.

Seeing this, Li Changhe lifted his foot.

"Another one who swore an oath before coming. No use—these demonic cultivators always die the moment they’re caught. We can never get any information out of them."

Despite his words, he still collected Pi Fangzhi’s corpse.

"I’ll take it back for the elders to examine."

"Alright, sorry for the trouble, Big Brother Li."

Ji Yuan clasped his fists hurriedly.

Just then, a few more Foundation Establishment auras approached from the mountaintop. Li Changhe raised his hand, and a golden stream of light shot into the sky.

It exploded midair, transforming into a golden dragon shadow.

The approaching presences immediately withdrew.

Ji Yuan figured it was some kind of identity signal and didn’t ask.

Then, Li Changhe brought Ji Yuan over to Pi Fangzhi’s house. They searched thoroughly, collecting every item that had been used. Only then did the second-generation immortal of the Li family turn and say:

"This matter is grave. I’ll go report to the elders first, then return to you."

"Alright..."

Ji Yuan cupped his fists again, then seemed to recall something and asked cautiously:

"Big Brother Li, could you… possibly remove me from involvement in this matter?"

Li Changhe paused and considered briefly.

"Alright. I can only promise to try. If some elder decides to investigate, there’s no hiding it. But don’t worry—this won’t bring any harm to you."

"Understood, thank you, Big Brother Li."

"No problem. Take this token. Wait for me at the Clearwater Teahouse on Everything Island. I’ll find you once I’m done."

Li Changhe tossed Ji Yuan a token and departed aboard the flying boat.

Ji Yuan glanced at the token and put it away, then summoned the Red Dawn Boat and headed straight for Everything Island.

This place had become a land of trouble—even with Li Changhe’s cover, it was no place to linger.

Ji Yuan arrived at Everything Island and wandered around for quite a while, asking several fellow disciples before finally locating the Clearwater Teahouse nestled in a scenic area of mountains and rivers.

It was called the Clearwater Teahouse, but by no means did it feel “clearwater.”

Because the female cultivator stationed at the entrance as a tea attendant was already at the peak of Qi Refining, and the very first thing she said upon seeing Ji Yuan was,"Apologies, fellow Daoist, but our teahouse is not open to the public."

Ji Yuan took out the token given to him by Li Changhe.

The female cultivator immediately changed her attitude, even her smile became more genuine.

"Please, come inside, fellow Daoist."

Once Ji Yuan stepped inside, he finally understood what true luxury meant in the cultivation world. It wasn’t about inlays of gold and silver, nor carved dragons or painted phoenixes.

It was… Spiritual Artifacts used as decoration!

Upon entering, Ji Yuan saw a high-grade Spiritual Artifact shaped like a flower vase placed solemnly beneath a screen at the entrance, purely as a decorative item.

As for the screen—

Ji Yuan thought it seemed to be made from materials of a late-Second-Tier monster.

Even the wooden materials of this building were crafted from Second-Tier spiritual wood. Damn, the backer of this teahouse had to be some Golden Core old scoundrel—so extravagant.

Ji Yuan walked as he observed, and was eventually led upstairs into a private room on the second floor.

The serving girl gave a slight bow and left. Soon after, several more female cultivators, also at the peak of Qi Refining, entered with tea and various fruits Ji Yuan had never seen before.

Especially those fruits—each one brimming with spiritual energy, clearly no ordinary produce.

They said nothing, only smiled as they swayed their slender waists, placed down the tea and fruits, and were about to leave when Ji Yuan looked down at the table and finally called out to them.

"Excuse me, do these cost money?"

If Li Changhe got delayed and couldn’t come, and he had to pay for this himself—Ji Yuan would absolutely refuse. A lowly Qi Refining cultivator like him was still drowning in debt and had no Spirit Stones to spare on luxury.

"You overthink, fellow Daoist. Our teahouse does not charge for these,"the nearest female cultivator said with a slight bow.

Only then did Ji Yuan relax. He looked at the fruits on the table and added,"Then bring me another identical set, please."

"Understood."

The female cultivator responded with the same pleasant smile.

Watching their departing figures, Ji Yuan didn’t feel embarrassed at all. If losing face could be exchanged for power, then he wouldn’t mind losing all his face.

Soon enough, the female cultivators did return with another identical set of fruits and tea.

Ji Yuan began eating and drinking leisurely inside the teahouse.

By the time he saw Li Changhe again, it was already the next day.

Though he appeared slightly weary, the joy on his face was impossible to conceal.

"Thanks to you, Ji my brother, we captured that demonic spy. That alone earned me a huge merit."

Li Changhe laughed as he entered the room.

"Speaking of which, I should thank you, Big Brother Li. If you hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have known what to do about that situation,"Ji Yuan said as he stood up to greet him.

Not long after, the same serving girls brought a different selection of fruits and tea, though their quality was just as excellent as yesterday’s—each possessing various spiritual effects.

Some enhanced cultivation slightly, while others sped up the rate of cultivation.

After the girls left, Li Changhe sat down and gave Ji Yuan a once-over.

"You brat—quiet as you’ve been, you’re already about to reach Foundation Establishment. I brought a Foundation Establishment Pill this time, and judging by your situation, you probably don’t have a good cultivation technique for after Foundation Establishment, do you?"

Li Changhe leaned back grandly into his seat and said with a grin:

"I’ve got a cultivation technique that goes straight to Nascent Soul. I can pass it on to you."

Ji Yuan:"Ha?"

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