Chapter 153: Foundation Establishment and Island Assignment

"Disciple pays respect to Sect Master Martial Uncle."

Ji Yuan slightly cupped his hands toward Real Person Xuan Shui inside the main hall of the Water Dragon Sect.

"Oh? Nephew Ji has arrived, come in then."

Compared to before, the smile on Real Person Xuan Shui’s face now was much more sincere.

As if he had completely forgotten what had happened earlier.

Such was well enough.

Ji Yuan was also happy to see it this way. Otherwise, if Real Person Xuan Shui kept bringing up the past, he wouldn't know how to interact with him.

Now that things were this way, their interaction felt natural. But upon reflection, this Real Person Xuan Shui indeed lived up to being a sect master. Such tolerance—truly exceptional.

As this thought flashed through his mind, Ji Yuan stepped into the main hall of the Water Dragon Sect.

"Sit, Nephew Ji, just have a seat and speak."

Real Person Xuan Shui was the first to sit behind the main seat table.

"Yes."

Ji Yuan gave a slight cupping of hands, then sat to the side, quietly awaiting what would follow.

"The reason I summoned you today is, firstly, part of our Water Dragon Sect’s tradition. Secondly, to discuss the matter of your island assignment."

"I shall follow Martial Uncle’s instructions."

Ji Yuan replied with a smile, giving Real Person Xuan Shui due respect.

"Mm, Nephew Ji achieving Foundation Establishment at such an age must have required no small amount of hardship. Do you have any suggestions for our sect———"

What followed was a series of questions.

Ji Yuan selectively answered. In any case, it was all just formalities. Even if he had suggestions for the sect, Real Person Xuan Shui wouldn’t be able to decide on them on the spot.

There were also questions about Ji Yuan’s impressions of the sect and so on.

Don’t ask.

Ask and it’s “extremely good.”

After the formalities were done, Real Person Xuan Shui paused in thought, then said, "Our many disciples are the foundation of the Water Dragon Sect, and Foundation Establishment cultivators like Nephew Ji are our main pillars."

"You must be aware, Nephew Ji, that there aren’t many Foundation Establishment cultivators in our sect—counting them all, perhaps only five or six hundred. Yet there are many sect affairs, so inevitably, some tasks will be assigned to you."

"But rest assured, Nephew Ji, these tasks aren’t dangerous. It's just that some situations require a Foundation Establishment cultivator to maintain presence."

This final sentence could be considered quite frank.

Ji Yuan had already known about the task assignment. Back when he left Drunken Flower Island, Feng Zhi Tao had also mentioned it.

Just as Real Person Xuan Shui said, there were too few Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect, so each one had to shoulder some responsibilities.

Of course, the sect’s rewards wouldn’t be lacking.

If they were lacking, the Foundation Establishment cultivators would all have fled.

As for the tasks, they were similar to the selection at Yunyu Marshlands. Every Market Town needed a Foundation Establishment cultivator to maintain order, or certain sect halls required a Foundation Establishment cultivator to oversee them.

Or to exchange visits with other sects, or serve in some city, and so forth.

"Naturally. Sect Master Martial Uncle may give instructions as needed."

Ji Yuan stood and cupped his hands.

"Mm."

Real Person Xuan Shui stroked his beard with a smile. "Come, this is a congratulatory gift from the sect for your successful Foundation Establishment."

As he spoke, a storage pouch landed in Ji Yuan’s hand.

He extended his Divine Sense into it and immediately understood its contents.

Twenty Middle-Grade Spirit Stones, a dark blue Protective Robe at the Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifact level, a Water Stream Flying Sword also of Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifact level, a technique called 《Water Dragon Technique》, three bottles of Second-Tier Spirit-Converging Pills for cultivation, and additionally ten Second-Tier Talismans—five Offensive Talismans and five Protective Talismans.

This could well be considered the sect’s “Foundation Establishment Gift Package.”

"With Nephew Ji’s successful Foundation Establishment, you are now qualified to cultivate our sect’s core technique, the 『Water Dragon Technique』."

"Furthermore, the sect possesses some cultivation treasure grounds, whether for absorbing spiritual energy or honing techniques—they can all be made available to you, Nephew Ji. You may learn more about these later; I won’t elaborate now. Next, you should first choose the location of your island."

As Real Person Xuan Shui spoke, he swept his right hand, and a massive topographic map appeared between the two of them.

With spiritual energy infused, the entire map seemed to come alive—its islands emerged amidst clouds and mist, the boundless wetlands rippling with water.

It was as if the whole Water Dragon Sect had been encompassed within this topographic map.

"Come over and have a look, Nephew Ji. Just tell me directly which location you choose. You may also pick a rough spot now and inspect it in person later."

If it were someone else, Real Person Xuan Shui naturally wouldn’t be so patient.

But unfortunately, Ji Yuan was not just anyone.

He was the disciple of a Golden Core Real Person, and that particular Golden Core Real Person happened to be Hua Yaoyue.

Standing before the topographic map, Ji Yuan felt as if he were overlooking the entire Water Dragon Sect.

Further east from Hatchling Dragon Island, on the eastern edge of the Water Dragon Sect, was Hua Yaoyue’s Drunken Flower Island.

Island Lord of Iron Hammer Island’s Iron Hammer Island was to the west of the Water Dragon Sect.

Yesterday, Feng Zhi Tao and Yun Qianzai had also told him the location of their islands. Feng Zhi Tao’s Fire Phoenix Island was not far from Hua Yaoyue’s Drunken Flower Island—both on the eastern side of the Water Dragon Sect.

Yun Qianzai’s Heaven Pivot Island was further away. He had placed his island to the north of the Water Dragon Sect, not far from Falling Star River.

As he had said back then, "I shall guard the northern frontier for the sect!"

Truly someone who seized every opportunity to display his presence.

Naturally, Ji Yuan wouldn’t choose the northern area. That direction bordered Falling Star River, where many great monsters roamed—far too dangerous to consider.

Nor could he choose the east. It was too close to both Hua Yaoyue and Feng Zhi Tao.

Ji Yuan felt he had too many secrets and dared not be too close to others.

The west was a bit too far. If trouble arose within the sect, even Hua Yaoyue would take time to arrive.

So after much thought, the southern area was the most suitable. Further south lay Misty Island.

"If I choose the south, does Martial Uncle have any recommendations?"

Now that Real Person Xuan Shui had shown his “kindness,” Ji Yuan’s form of address changed from Sect Master Martial Uncle to just Martial Uncle.

Real Person Xuan Shui naturally noticed this subtle shift and, with a smile, pointed with his hand, "In the south, this place has the most abundant spiritual energy."

As his finger fell, the topographic map continuously zoomed in, and the scene Ji Yuan saw shifted from the entire Water Dragon Sect to a small section of water.

Ji Yuan gazed at the scene, slightly contemplative.

"Perhaps this junior should first go have a look. After inspecting the site in person, I will reply to Martial Uncle."

"That’s fine as well. Just take this flag with you. Once you’ve chosen a location, simply plant the flag. The sect will naturally assist in developing the island."

As Real Person Xuan Shui finished speaking, a water-blue banner was pushed out, landing in Ji Yuan’s hand.

"Many thanks, Martial Uncle."

"Mm, go ahead. This is my Messaging Talisman. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me."

While speaking, another Golden Messaging Talisman appeared in Ji Yuan’s hand.

From the looks of it, this Sect Master Martial Uncle truly had the intention to maintain goodwill with his master. In any case, he wouldn’t make an enemy. That alone was sufficient—Ji Yuan put away the Messaging Talisman and, after cupping his hands in thanks once more, finally departed.

Real Person Xuan Shui folded his hands into his sleeves and smiled as he watched Ji Yuan leave.

In his eyes, giving Ji Yuan a Messaging Talisman or letting him choose his island—those were trivial matters.

He also assumed that these small gestures would likely move Ji Yuan deeply.

Not only would it erase the earlier unpleasantness, but it might even stir gratitude—after all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a False Spiritual Root like Ji Yuan held little value for alliance. No matter how close they got, Foundation Establishment was the ceiling for one with a False Spiritual Root.

Only one individual in the Water Dragon Sect’s thousands of years of history had managed to form a Golden Core with a False Spiritual Root.

Real Person Xuan Shui didn’t believe Ji Yuan would be the next.

Feng Yichen had a higher chance of forming a core than he did.

What Real Person Xuan Shui truly wanted to befriend was not Ji Yuan himself, but the Real Person Wangyou, Hua Yaoyue, behind him. If she stood by his side, even in front of the Elder Council, his words would carry greater weight.

Though this hope was faint, it didn’t hurt to try.

After all, there was nothing to lose.

Harboring such thoughts, Real Person Xuan Shui couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Judging by the timeline, the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven should have concluded as well. He wondered whether Feng Yichen had retrieved that treasure?

If he had secured that item, then his hundred-plus years as sect master would have all been worthwhile.

After receiving the banner, Ji Yuan did not delay. He flew southward for over half a day before arriving at his chosen region.

Upon arrival, he could immediately feel that the spiritual energy here was indeed more abundant than elsewhere.

The Water Dragon Sect lay atop a Spirit Vein, and it seemed this location was one of its nodes?

Ji Yuan speculated in his mind.

While in the air earlier, he had also surveyed the surrounding area.

To the north, there were no islands developed by Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Only the east and west had islands. If he were to develop his island here, those cultivators would be his future neighbors.

Ji Yuan maneuvered his flying boat to descend upon the water.

There were two or three small islands in the area, but by comparison, they appeared rather tiny.

Since Ji Yuan had decided to develop an island, he naturally intended to manage it well—as his own base of operations.

Of course, Misty Island was the same, though that one was like his second home.

A cunning rabbit has three burrows.

Ji Yuan might not be a cunning rabbit, but having two burrows was necessary.

He circled the area once before ultimately settling on a particular body of water for his island.

This body of water was quite far from the two neighboring islands. Even as neighbors, they would be distant ones. After his previous experience on Hatchling Dragon Island, Ji Yuan had become wary of even having neighbors.

After choosing the location, he planted the banner in the center.

Immediately, the banner emitted a water-blue spiritual glow, enveloping the selected area.

Following that, Ji Yuan sensed a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering power descending. He quickly piloted his flying boat backward to avoid the area.

At this moment, the selected waters churned like boiling water. Scanning with his Divine Sense, he could clearly see that the sandy bottom of the lake was continuously rising.

Land being created from nothing.

It was the power of the Water Dragon Sect’s Fourth-Tier Sect-Guarding Formation!

Previously, Ji Yuan had asked Feng Zhi Tao how islands were developed—did one need to dig out mountains and fill lakes manually?

Feng Zhi Tao had explained the process.

A Fourth-Tier Formation could resist Nascent Soul attacks. Altering terrain was a trivial matter for it.

But witnessing it in person still left Ji Yuan quite astonished.

Perhaps the commotion was too great—after a short while, several streaks of light flew over from the east and west. They first hovered nearby to observe, then, upon detecting Ji Yuan’s presence, flew toward him.

Each of them wore a smile.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on your Foundation Establishment and developing an island."

"Indeed, indeed. From now on, we’ll be neighbors. We must visit each other often."

The visitors numbered three—two men and one woman—all unfamiliar faces to Ji Yuan.

But just as they said, they would be his neighbors from now on. Ji Yuan smiled and cupped his hands toward them.

"I am Ji Yuan. I was fortunate to achieve Foundation Establishment recently and have chosen an island here. I ask my Senior Brothers and Sister to take care of me from now on."

"So it is Junior Brother Ji. We’ve long heard of you."

The three of them then introduced themselves.

The two men were Island Lord of Yunyang Island and Island Lord of Hanjiang Island. The female cultivator was known as Island Lord of Youlan Island.

They also inquired about Ji Yuan’s island name. Ji Yuan had yet to decide and simply said he would confirm it on the official island inauguration day.

After observing the scene and exchanging a few polite words, the three of them took their leave.

Ji Yuan noted that Island Lord of Yunyang Island and Island Lord of Hanjiang Island were both from the west, while the female cultivator, Island Lord of Youlan Island, resided in the east.

After Island Lord of Hanjiang Island and Island Lord of Yunyang Island left, the two exchanged transmissions.

"This newcomer Ji Yuan might be someone special."

"Oh?"

Island Lord of Yunyang Island was puzzled. "Please elaborate, Brother Hanjiang."

"Mm."

Island Lord of Hanjiang Island glanced back cautiously, then transmitted again, "In this area, the spiritual energy is richest where Ji Yuan chose. Back when I was developing my island, I had selected that same location. But the sect master refused, claiming it was reserved for other uses and not available for selection."

"But today, the Sect Master granted that piece of land to Ji Yuan for developing his island. Don’t you think that makes him somewhat different?"

Island Lord of Yunyang Island nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. "According to Brother Hanjiang’s words, this Ji Yuan must have quite a background."

"Most likely. I suspect he’s connected to a Golden Core Martial Uncle. Otherwise, Sect Master Martial Uncle wouldn’t have done him such a favor."

"In that case, it seems we need to cultivate some goodwill with him."

"Mm."

Island Lord of Hanjiang nodded and said, "In a few days, he’ll likely hold an island inauguration celebration. We should prepare a generous gift for the occasion."

"Once he accepts our lavish gift, he’ll naturally understand our intentions. When we visit again, he won’t be in a position to refuse."

"Excellent."

In the days that followed, they watched as the island emerged from the waters. A few days later, Ji Yuan seemed to have invited a Formation Master.

That Formation Master immediately set up an Illusion Array. From afar, the island appeared to vanish into thin air.

They had visited several times but had not seen Ji Yuan’s face again.

By the time they noticed the island resurfacing, more than half a month had passed.

Even upon approaching, they could not find anyone, as the entire island was shrouded in mist. They tried calling out to Ji Yuan, but there was no response for a long time.

In their view, Ji Yuan seemed to have merely come to develop an island. Once the island was established, he disappeared.

Let alone an island inauguration celebration—they couldn’t even see the island anymore.

Ji Yuan was, of course, aware of the island inauguration tradition.

It was likely a custom of the Water Dragon Sect. Generally, after establishing an island post-Foundation Establishment, cultivators would choose an auspicious day to hold a grand celebration.

At that time, many fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators—whether acquainted or not—would come to offer congratulations.

It was a good opportunity to expand one's network.

Because of this, when Yun Qianzai was setting up the island-protection formation for him, he had often mentioned the celebration—almost daily—insisting that Ji Yuan must hold one.

He even said he would personally oversee it and ensure Ji Yuan’s celebration would be splendid.

Upon hearing that, Ji Yuan, who had been slightly considering holding the event, immediately abandoned the idea. He could already imagine it: even if Hua Yaoyue didn’t attend personally, she would send a congratulatory gift.

In that case, wouldn't the Li Family do the same?

Li Gang definitely wouldn’t come, but Li Changhe would probably show up with the full pomp of the Li Family to add prestige.

Ji Yuan estimated that even Sect Master Martial Uncle would send someone.

If the event were truly held, his reputation would not only resound throughout the Water Dragon Sect—perhaps even the Medicine King Valley and Joy Palace would hear of it.

That would not do.

If things reached that point, he wouldn’t have peace to cultivate in the coming years.

Ji Yuan disliked ostentation and unnecessary attention. He simply wanted to cultivate quietly, so he completely dismissed the idea.

Even when the formation on the island was finally completed, he merely shared a meal and drinks on the island with Feng Zhi Tao and Yun Qianzai.

That was his celebration.

Ji Yuan personally cooked, and with the help of the Kitchen, even Yun Qianzai forgot all decorum while eating.

He kept saying, "From now on, whether there’s business or not, let’s all gather at Master’s place. Little Junior Brother cooks, and we drink wine with Master. He would love nothing more than that."

Upon hearing the suggestion, Feng Zhi Tao raised both hands in agreement.

Ji Yuan verbally agreed, but by the next day, he had already left.

Of course, it wasn’t because he was avoiding cooking. He simply felt that after closing himself off for a year, it was time to return and check on his Misty Island.

Even though he had a new home, he couldn’t forget the old one.

Heading south for a day.

Ji Yuan piloted the Thunder Falcon Boat through the clouds, descending into the misty region. With just one glance, he knew something was wrong—extremely wrong!

His old home, Misty Island, once veiled by the Mist Array, was now enveloped in black mist, brimming with ghostly energy!

"Damn it, I closed up for one year and someone stole my home?!"

ps: Quietly pondering—what name should Heavenly Venerable Ji’s island have? I’ve thought of several, but none are satisfying. After all, once named, most fellow sect members will call him “Island Lord So-and-so.” (Also, requesting a monthly vote)

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