Chapter 159: The One Who Went to the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven Has Returned

Hua Yaoyue followed the described technique and began casting it once more.

Ji Yuan immediately had a sense of clarity emerging from simplicity.

He even felt that this knowledge was pouring uncontrollably into his mind. The places he had previously struggled to understand suddenly became crystal clear. In less than half an hour, he had already performed the first layer of the Water Dragon Technique, “Treading the Sea,” on Drunken Flower Island.

Just as the water-element dragon was summoned, it was casually dispersed by Hua Yaoyue.

"Enough. If you want to keep practicing, go practice back on your island."

As Hua Yaoyue said this, she seemed to recall something, and with a hint of curiosity asked,"Now that you’ve established your Foundation and opened your island, what name have you given it?"

"This—"

Ji Yuan had also been contemplating this issue recently.

He had thought of many names but none were satisfactory.

After all, this was to be his lifelong title—it couldn’t be too plain, nor could it be too showy.

At this moment, Hua Yaoyue brought up the same question, and Ji Yuan was suddenly struck with inspiration. He cupped his hands slightly and said,"Replying to Master, this disciple’s island is named 『Wuyou』."

"Wuyou?"

Hua Yaoyue heard the name and appeared slightly dazed and absent-minded.

"Forget Worry, Forget Worry… indeed, not as good as No Worry. The name you’ve chosen is actually quite fitting. Since that’s the case, you shall be called Island Lord of Wuyou from now on."

"Yes."

Ji Yuan cupped his hands again."Disciple takes his leave."

Taking leave from Hua Yaoyue, Ji Yuan headed all the way south.

Soon after, he passed near his own island again—this could be considered checking on his home. Thinking that he had finally named his island today, Ji Yuan descended from the clouds and landed on Wuyou Island.

This Wuyou Island was fully equipped with formations arranged by Yun Qianzai—two formations in total: one illusion array and one defensive array, both were Second-Tier Formations.

The illusion array was named “Mirror Array.” When the array had just been laid down, Ji Yuan had gone to test it.

Once activated, the interior became layers upon layers of mirrors—every direction appeared to be a path, and wherever one walked seemed like the right way, but in the end, it was just circling around the same place.

If someone accidentally entered this array, unless they were a Formation Master capable of breaking it, the only option would be brute force.

One would need to forcibly replace the spirit stones powering the array using spell techniques to escape.

If that moment came, the second array on Wuyou Island would activate.

This Second-Tier Defensive Array was part of the same system as the Mirror Array, named “Golden Pattern Guardian Array,” and its general function was to enhance the Mirror Array.

It made it so that mirrors which originally required ten parts of force to break now needed twenty parts to shatter and disrupt the array.

Therefore, staying inside these two arrays was akin to wrapping oneself in a turtle shell—extremely safe. Hmm————-except they were formations laid down by someone else, which made Ji Yuan a little uneasy.

He planned to make slight adjustments to these two arrays once his formation skills improved.

As for now—once he entered Wuyou Island, Ji Yuan activated the Stardust Illusion-Kill Formation.

As for the Stellar Whirl Cloud Barrier Formation, it was currently in use by Misty Island. This formation couldn’t be activated in two places at once, so once Ji Yuan activated his,

the Misty Island side had to shut down.

The island hadn’t changed much from when he left.

The only difference was that many areas were now overgrown with weeds. Back then, Feng Zhi Tao had scattered countless seeds of flowers, plants, and trees across this island.

Many had already begun to sprout.

Ji Yuan strolled around and discovered that the majority of the trees were fruit trees.

On the sun-facing hillside, it was full of young peach saplings. In another two years, this place would become a peach forest.

"From the looks of it, calling myself Island Lord of Peach Blossom doesn’t seem bad either."

Ji Yuan piloted his flying boat above the area and casually scattered dozens of catties of spirit stone powder—refined from the spirit stones he had absorbed over the years.

This substance had no other use but was perfectly suitable for cultivating ordinary trees.

Ji Yuan also possessed better spiritual soil, but he couldn’t bring himself to use it on ordinary peach trees.

After making a full round of Wuyou Island, Ji Yuan piloted his flying boat and departed once more. For now, all his belongings were on Misty Island, which he naturally regarded as his true home.

His figure turned into a stream of light and flew away.

Meanwhile, on the island to the west named Yunyang Island, the mid-Foundation Establishment Island Lord of Yunyang Island sat across from the Island Lord of Hanjiang Island.

In addition, a female cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage was also present—she was the owner of the island east of Ji Yuan’s Wuyou Island, named Island Lord of Youlan Island.

"Brother Yunyang, are you sure you’ve investigated Ji Yuan’s background thoroughly?"

The Island Lord of Hanjiang stroked his beard and asked.

Next to him, Island Lord of Youlan appeared to be a woman in her forties or fifties, wearing a dark green robe, her eyes lined with wrinkles.

"All I can say is that I couldn’t find anything. I asked quite a few familiar Qi Refining disciples, and none had heard of a Ji Yuan in the Qi Refining stage within the sect."

"But for a cultivator to establish Foundation at this age, it’s impossible for him to be ordinary."

"He can’t be a Heavenly Spiritual Root. If he had Earth Spiritual Root, he would’ve been taken as a disciple by one of the Foundation Establishment brothers. In short, this person’s origin is a bit strange."

After softly finishing her thoughts, the Island Lord of Youlan also turned her gaze to the Island Lord of Yunyang.

The latter chuckled and said,"I’ll speak frankly then."

"I have a friend who was recently on duty at Four Directions Island, and something just happened there."

"Oh?"

The Island Lord of Hanjiang raised an eyebrow."Brother Yunyang, are you referring to that recent incident where Sect Master Martial Uncle and another Martial Uncle both appeared at Four Directions Island?"

"It must be that."

The Island Lord of Youlan nodded and said,"That matter was clearly suppressed by Sect Master Martial Uncle, otherwise it couldn’t have passed so quietly."

The Island Lord of Yunyang nodded and said,"If you knew who the other Golden Core Martial Uncle that appeared was, you wouldn’t be so puzzled."

"Who?"

The Island Lord of Hanjiang immediately asked.

"Martial Aunt Wangyou."

"What?! It was her?"

"So, our new neighbor is most likely connected to Martial Aunt Wangyou then?"

"Most likely. According to my friend, it just so happened that a disciple established Foundation on Four Directions Island at the time. If there’s no mistake, it should be this Brother Ji."

ChatGPT said:

After the Island Lord of Yunyang spoke this answer, the other two fell silent.

All of them were in the Foundation Establishment Stage, especially the Island Lord of Youlan, who had already reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Naturally, they were well acquainted with the internal networks of the sect.

In their view, if Ji Yuan was related to the Sect Master Real Person Xuan Shui, that would still be acceptable.

But he turned out to be quite closely connected to Real Person Wangyou—

"To be honest, I’ve already thought about visiting this Brother Ji several times, but every time I went,"

"I was always met with a closed door."

The Island Lord of Yunyang sighed.

"Indeed, ever since he opened his island, I’ve not seen him again."

The Island Lord of Youlan echoed.

"How about this—Brother Yunyang, Senior Sister Youlan—if either of you sees this Fellow Daoist Ji return to his island, let me know. Then we can all visit him together and form a good bond."

The Island Lord of Hanjiang was the farthest away, with Yunyang Island in between.

Whether Ji Yuan had returned or not, he wouldn’t know—so he could only rely on others.

"Gladly."

The Island Lord of Yunyang responded, then turned to the Island Lord of Youlan beside him."Senior Sister, have you heard about what happened in Linhai City?"

"Linhai City? Brother Yunyang, are you referring to the recent disturbance caused by the demonic cultivators?"the Island Lord of Hanjiang asked.

"It’s probably not just a simple demonic disturbance,"the Island Lord of Youlan said, fiddling with the tea cup in her hand, her eyes narrowing slightly."Rumors say it was an inside job, but it’s still just hearsay—the sect hasn’t taken any action yet."

The Island Lord of Yunyang leaned back into the chair, clasping his hands behind his head.

"It’s almost certainly true. That Qu Lang, stationed at Linhai City, hadn’t moved in decades. A few years back, he was in Great Love City under Joy Palace and reserved the entire Yi Hong House in one go—damn it, so flashy at the time,"

"He should have thought this day might come."

The Island Lord of Hanjiang stroked the beard on his chin.

"From the looks of it, the accounts in Linhai City must be full of inconsistencies. No wonder those demonic cultivators were so bold—daring to plunder a city belonging to our Water Dragon Sect directly."

After returning to Misty Island, Ji Yuan immediately entered the [Enlightenment Room].

Since he had gotten started with the 《Water Dragon Technique》, he naturally had to fully comprehend the spell first, even if it was only the first level.

But to Ji Yuan’s surprise, as he delved into its study, an entire month passed in a flash.

He ended up comprehending the first two layers of the 《Water Dragon Technique》 in one go.

The first layer, Treading the Sea, focused on offense; the second, Sea Dragon Armor, on defense.

With such an intermediate spell at his side, Ji Yuan now felt that he truly counted as a bona fide Foundation Establishment “expert”.

He then kept the momentum and began studying the intermediate movement technique 《Shadow-Following》.

This one was indeed difficult to grasp. Ji Yuan spent a whole month and only managed to learn the first layer, “Like a Shadow”.

Once activated, it allowed him to cling to an opponent like a shadow during combat.

If used in the dark, the technique even had the effect of concealing his presence.

It was extremely practical.

After practicing spells for a few months, Ji Yuan exited seclusion, rested for a few days, and then made time to return to the sect to deliver wine to Hua Yaoyue. He also sold some of his “welfare items” at Fangwu Island.

While at it, he asked around for recent news.

What Ji Yuan was most concerned with was naturally the matter regarding the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.

It was confirmed that the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven had already been closed. The disciples from the Water Dragon Sect who had survived were already on their way back, though exactly when they would arrive was still uncertain.

Other news included that the Sword Ruins and the Demonic Sect from Shangxi had a major battle at Shang Mountain, with both sides deploying Golden Core Real Persons.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators had died or been injured.

Just as Ji Yuan was done gathering information and was preparing to head south and return to Misty Island, a flying boat suddenly caught up behind him.

"Ji—·Junior Brother Ji?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Yuan didn’t even need to look back to know who it was.

"Senior Sister Dong."

Ji Yuan turned to the woman who had flown up beside him and greeted her with a smile.

"You—You—"

Dong Qian looked at Ji Yuan’s deep blue robe and seemed surprised. Her mouth opened several times, but no words came out.

Before she could speak, Ji Yuan explained proactively,"A stroke of luck, purely luck."

"Then I suppose I can’t call you Junior Brother Ji anymore—I should be calling you Martial Uncle Ji."

Dong Qian half-jokingly laughed.

"Please don’t. Calling me Martial Uncle makes me feel old. Given our friendship, Senior Sister Dong, just keep calling me Junior Brother."

If she really started calling him Martial Uncle, Ji Yuan would just feel like he’d lost yet another rare friend.

Dong Qian seemed relieved upon hearing that."Are you in a rush, Junior Brother Ji? If not, come visit my place for a bit. It's been over a year since we last met."

"All right."

A while later, in Dong Qian’s residence, Ji Yuan sipped the tea in his hand.

"I never imagined, out of the four of us, it would be Junior Brother Ji who succeeded in Foundation Establishment first."

Dong Qian spoke with some emotion.

"Just luck,"Ji Yuan smiled.

He naturally understood that Dong Qian had long reached Peak Qi Refining, but had been stuck due to the lack of a Foundation Establishment Pill. And since she hadn’t gone to the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven to gamble for a slim chance—breaking through in the future would be even harder.

"I wonder how Junior Sister Du and the others are doing. Junior Brother Ji, since you’ve reached Foundation Establishment, have you heard any news?"

"No."

Ji Yuan pondered and said,"I’ve asked quite a few people over this time—everyone’s still waiting. But I reckon it’ll take at least another month."

If it didn’t even take a month, that would mean it was quick.

The Golden Core Martial Uncle who led the way most likely could use a Messaging Flying Sword to send back some news.

"Hmm, I’m not too worried about Han Feiyu. Even if he didn’t gain anything, he wouldn’t die. But Junior Sister Du——..—·sigh."

Dong Qian shook her head and let out a sigh.

"She’s always been cautious in her actions. There shouldn’t be any problem with her."

After some pleasantries, Dong Qian finally asked in a measured tone,"Junior Brother Ji, may I ask… after your breakthrough—do you still have any Foundation Establishment Pills left?"

"If you do, I’m willing to exchange for them with Spirit Stones."

"Oh?"

Ji Yuan figured this was probably Dong Qian’s real reason for inviting him. Selling a Foundation Establishment Pill was the same regardless of the buyer.

At least if he sold it to Dong Qian, it could earn him a favor.

"I do have one left—"

Ji Yuan debated briefly whether to take out a One-Pattern or Two-Pattern Pill. After a moment’s thought, he ultimately decided on a One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill.

The Two-Pattern kind was far too expensive—Dong Qian likely couldn’t afford that price.

As he took out the One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill, the room was immediately filled with a thick medicinal fragrance.

Dong Qian’s eyes instantly lit up.

After displaying it, Ji Yuan placed the pill back into the jade bottle.

Dong Qian hesitated slightly, then handed over a storage pouch.

"These Spirit Stones—Junior Brother Ji, see if this amount is acceptable?"

The storage pouch wasn’t restricted. Ji Yuan swept it with his Divine Sense and instantly knew the amount inside, and it was this clarity that surprised him.

The Spirit Stones weren’t too few—but too many.

One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills were more common. Most of the Foundation Establishment Pills circulating on the market were of the One-Pattern variety. Their price usually ranged between 300 and 500 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.

Regular trades typically went for around 400 Spirit Stones.

Only at auctions could one fetch 450.

But the number of Spirit Stones Dong Qian offered was precisely 450 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.

Indeed, this price was a bit unexpected for Ji Yuan.

"No need for so much—just 400 will do, Senior Sister."

Ji Yuan had walked the same path from Peak Qi Refining himself and understood just how difficult it was to acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill at that stage.

Fifty extra Spirit Stones might not mean much to Ji Yuan now, but for Dong Qian, who had yet to establish Foundation, that price was quite steep.

Dong Qian pressed her fair hand onto the storage pouch, her face blooming with a smile.

"Then I’ll give 450 this time. But going forward, I’d like to ask Junior Brother Ji for a favor. Now that you’re an Island Lord at Foundation Establishment and more capable, could you help inquire more about Foundation Establishment Pills? If any are available, I’m always willing to trade."

As she finished speaking, the expression on Dong Qian’s face grew a little sorrowful.

"You understand how hard it is for us with False Spiritual Roots to reach Foundation Establishment, Junior Brother Ji."

After a brief thought, Ji Yuan nodded in agreement.

"All right."

He didn’t know where Dong Qian had gotten so many Spirit Stones, but since she dared to bring them out for trade, Ji Yuan naturally had no concern. Like he said—selling to anyone was the same, as long as they paid.

And from this exchange, Ji Yuan vaguely guessed the reason why Dong Qian hadn’t gone to the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven.

It all boiled down to one thing.

She had money!

With that in mind, Ji Yuan decided to conduct another deal with her in a few months—by then, he would simply claim the pill came from another source.

"Then I’ll thank you in advance, Junior Brother Ji."

Once Ji Yuan stored the Spirit Stones, Dong Qian reached out and took the Foundation Establishment Pill from the table.

At the end, she hesitated a bit before asking,"Junior Brother Ji… may I ask how many Foundation Establishment Pills you took in total to break through? Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone."

"There’s no secret to it."

Ji Yuan exhaled long and slow."Ten pills—all Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills—False Spiritual Root Foundation Establishment… truly not something a human should have to endure."

"Wh—What?"

Dong Qian hadn’t expected Ji Yuan had taken so many pills just to succeed.

"No need to worry too much, Senior Sister. After all, everyone’s physique is different. Even among those with False Spiritual Roots, some succeeded with just five or six pills."

Ji Yuan offered some comfort.

"Hmm… then I’ll try to prepare as many as I can before attempting again."

Dong Qian bit her red lips gently as she spoke.

After chatting for a while longer, Ji Yuan took his leave and returned to Misty Island.

Upon returning, he focused on comprehending the 《Sword Manual》 from the Li Family. Now that he was in the early Foundation Establishment Stage, if he wished to improve further, he needed to refine a Sword Embryo.

To refine a Sword Embryo, he would need to harness the water movement of rivers.

After some thought, Ji Yuan decided to rely on the water movement of the Yunyu Marshlands to condense his first Sword Embryo.

During this period, he also experimented with expanding his constructions—his main goal was to develop something like a 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】 to see if it could enhance Tu Yue and the two Yin Ghosts.

After months of effort, he had finally found a clue.

As for the 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】, there were simply too few corpses.

If he could get more, it might work.

To that end, Ji Yuan first ordered a batch of Qi Refining Cultivator corpses from Hongye City. Then, he designated a special area on Misty Island to construct the 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】.

A few months later, while returning from Fangwu Island after selling some talismans and pills, Ji Yuan suddenly received news—

Those who had gone to the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven———··had returned!

As soon as Ji Yuan heard this, he immediately turned his boat around and went to Hatchling Dragon Island. He had to see how Du Wanyi was doing.

At the same time—

In the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, Ghost Flood Dragon Lake.

On a nameless barren island lay a young man. His body bore no visible injuries, but his eyes were tightly shut, as if he were a corpse.

"You think if I use your body to leave, there’s any difference between us?"

"Don’t you want to kill that Han Feiyu and avenge the grudge of that day?"

A voice that only Feng Yichen could hear echoed in his mind. Listening to it, he helplessly replied,"Senior, if you want to take over, just do it. Why bother tormenting me like this?"

For months, that voice had tormented Feng Yichen relentlessly within his own mind.

"Haha, it’s just that I need more time before I can escape. You’re the only entertainment I have for now."

"But don’t worry. Once I get out, I’ll still be called Feng Yichen—I won’t change your name. And the first thing I’ll do is find Han Feiyu for you… and get your revenge!"

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