Chapter 161: 【Grave Mound: lv1】

"Han Feiyu, took Martial Uncle Sect Master as his master?"

This matter indeed surprised Ji Yuan a bit. He immediately recalled something Du Wanyi had told him a few days ago.

Du Wanyi mentioned that Han Feiyu and Feng Yichen, among others, seemed to have accepted some other mission. As soon as they entered the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, he had headed straight for Ghost Flood Dragon Lake.

Now, just returning from the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven, he had actually been accepted as a disciple by Real Person Xuan Shui.

He guessed it was probably because he had completed that mission.

"Yes."

Li Changhe said this as he led Ji Yuan into the pavilion at the mountain summit.

The terrain here was quite high, perhaps due to the Li Family's Sect-Guarding Formation, resulting in the clouds and mist lying beneath these mountain peaks.

Within the cloud layers, celestial cranes could occasionally be seen soaring, and farther away, several rainbows hung across the sky.

Damn, worthy of being an island founded by an original server veteran—Ji Yuan inwardly sighed.

But truthfully, the very fact that the Li Family dared to name this island Li Family Island was already enough to explain everything.

Ji Yuan also remembered that when he had just joined the Water Dragon Sect and wandered through the entire Boundless Marsh, he had passed near this area.

Yet, at that time, he had not discovered this island.

But when he came here today, he had indeed clearly seen this island.

"Come, knowing that you dislike being in the limelight, we didn’t make a grand show. Otherwise, we would’ve brought out the full Li Family parade, with gold and stone paving a path across thirty li of cloud, just to welcome you at the doorstep."

"No no no, this is perfect as is."

What Ji Yuan said was the truth.

On the way here, he had been worried—worried that upon arrival, the Li Family would put on such a grand display that he wouldn’t know how to interact or behave.

This arrangement was much better. With no other outsiders present, it was just like gathering casually with Li Changhe.

Ji Yuan stood atop this mountain, and through the light mist, he could overlook the entirety of Li Family Island.

The island was enormous. Ji Yuan estimated it was even larger than his Misty Island.

From the shoreline up to the mountain peak, the terrain rose steadily, densely packed with houses and cave dwellings.

The shoreline had the most structures of all.

Tightly packed and neatly aligned.

Calling it a small city wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

"Are all these your Li Family clan members?"

Ji Yuan couldn’t help but ask.

"Yes, our Li Family has been here since the founding of the Water Dragon Sect. Over a thousand years have passed. Given that, this population is actually rather small."

"Take the Huang Family for instance. Their numbers are three times ours."

The Huang Family—back when the Water Dragon Sect was established, there were three founders, all at the Nascent Soul Stage.

One of them was, naturally, the first Sect Master of the Water Dragon Sect. The other two were Li Changhe’s ancestor and the ancestor of the Huang Family.

The Huang Family, that is, the lineage of the current Third Elder.

Ji Yuan didn’t know what to say and just smiled.

Li Changhe didn’t dwell further on that topic. He immediately invited Ji Yuan to sit down, and after both were seated,

he spoke in a half-annoyed tone:

"You brat, such a great opportunity like an Island Inauguration Celebration, and you didn’t bother to hold one. Truly a waste of heaven’s blessings.

I, the Li Family, was even planning to host a grand occasion, to retrieve some of the gifts we’ve sent out over the years."

Ji Yuan chuckled and said, "Then hurry up and form your Core, Brother Li, and hold a Core Formation Conference. At that time, not just your Li Family—even within our Water Dragon Sect—it would be a first-class event."

"I would love to, but I only reached Foundation Establishment Peak just over a decade ago. To form a Core? I haven’t even seen its shadow yet."

Li Changhe rubbed his forehead and said helplessly, "Right, how's your comprehension of that 《Sword Manual》 going? Still smooth?"

"It’s alright. Just a bit too profound and mysterious, so comprehension is somewhat strenuous."

Li Changhe laughed heartily, "Don’t worry. Once you forge your first sword embryo, you’ll understand why our Li Family’s 《Sword Manual》 is hailed as the number one technique of the Water Dragon Sect."

"Then I shall look forward to it."

The two of them continued chatting and laughing.

Before long, after Li Changhe sent a messaging notification, Ji Yuan witnessed what it meant to be the heritage of a Nascent Soul Family.

First, the pavilion atop the mountain suddenly transformed into a grand building. Then, dozens of beautiful female cultivators at Peak Qi Refining transformed into banquet attendants, each carrying trays of fruits and dishes, entering in succession.

They arranged the feast from the first floor up to the second.

Ji Yuan didn’t say it was too wasteful or anything. He merely counted silently. From start to finish, there were exactly one hundred and eight dishes.

Only after the maidens in pink skirts all bowed with smiles and took their leave did he helplessly say, "Brother Li, this is truly too generous."

"This treatment is only for your first visit. If you think you’ll taste our Li Family’s ‘Immortal Banquet’ next time, forget it."

Li Changhe rolled his eyes. "This Immortal Banquet—I don’t even get to eat it normally. It’s reserved specifically for honored guests."

"Enough talk, eat!"

Naturally, Ji Yuan could sense it too—whether fruits or dishes, the ingredients were all extremely luxurious. This table alone must be worth hundreds of Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.

"Eat!"

Ji Yuan wasn’t the type to refuse good things. Since the Li Family had already placed the dishes on the table, how could he not eat?

The banquet lasted from day to night and then from night to day.

Whenever he was nearly full, Ji Yuan would stop to cultivate for a while, refining the abundant spiritual energy within him.

He didn’t feel embarrassed. There was nothing shameful about improving one’s strength.

Especially since Li Changhe did the same, it became even less of an issue.

After circulating spiritual energy and refining it, they ate for two whole days. Even so, there were still some fruits left in the end. Ji Yuan simply couldn’t eat anymore in one go, so he asked Li Changhe if he could pack them up.

"These were prepared for you. Do whatever you want with them. Don’t say take them away—if you want to feed them to pigs, no one will stop you."

Reclining in his chair and rubbing his belly, Li Changhe waved his hand grandly.

Ji Yuan thought of the Spiritual Pigs he raised on Misty Island and felt they simply didn’t deserve to eat such good food.

A waste.

After Ji Yuan put away the remaining Spiritual Fruits, Li Changhe snapped his fingers, and the two-story pavilion transformed once again, shrinking back into a pavilion atop the mountain peak.

The figures of Ji Yuan and Li Changhe returned smoothly and naturally to their original positions.

Perhaps noticing the curiosity in Ji Yuan’s eyes, Li Changhe took the initiative to explain, "This entire mountain has actually been refined into a Spiritual Artifact. Though it doesn’t have much practical use, it’s still good for playing a few little tricks."

To refine an entire mountain into a Spiritual Artifact—what tier of Weapon Refining Master would that require? Ji Yuan curiously asked, "Then is this Spiritual Artifact controlled by sound?"

As he spoke, he also mimicked the snapping motion.

"Ahem ahem."

Li Changhe’s face flushed, "Of course not. It was just a habit, that’s all."

Ji Yuan: "..—"

So it was all for show. Ji Yuan had thought it was truly a sound-controlled Spiritual Artifact. He internally complained, then shifted gears to inquire about matters within the sect.

Many things were extremely difficult for outsiders to investigate, but to Li Changhe, they were no different from common knowledge.

For example, the Ghost Flood Dragon Lake in the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven—outsiders could never dig out any information. Yet when Li Changhe heard Ji Yuan’s confusion, he immediately explained:

"The Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven is actually the former sect grounds of Shang Court, the number one sect of the Cangluo Continent in ancient times. The Ghost Flood Dragon Lake is its core area. Many secret treasures remain there. Each time it's opened, the successive Sect Masters send disciples to that Ghost Flood Dragon Lake, hoping to seize a few treasures. After all, the treasures there are worth far more than something like a Foundation Establishment Pill."

"I see."

Ji Yuan nodded in realization after hearing this.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flash of blue light rising from a house on Li Family Island. It traced an arc across the sky and fell straight into the pavilion atop the mountain, transforming into a rotund man dressed in luxurious clothes.

As soon as Ji Yuan saw his face, he stood up immediately and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Greetings, Martial Uncle Much-Wealth."

Li Gang placed one hand behind his back while rubbing his belly with the other, laughing as he said, "Nephew, just call me Martial Uncle Li. No need to be so formal."

"Yes, greetings, Martial Uncle Li."

Ji Yuan followed obediently.

Li Gang nodded with a smile, "I heard from Changhe that he invited a good friend home today, so I specially came by to take a look. No need to worry, nephew, go ahead and chat—I’ll just have a look and be off, haha."

Ji Yuan knew he was putting on an act.

And Li Gang knew that Ji Yuan knew.

Yet both still had to go through the motions.

So Ji Yuan nodded along cooperatively.

After the customary greetings, just as Li Gang was about to leave, he suddenly seemed to remember something. Slapping his forehead, he said, "Right, I heard nephew is also cultivating our Li Family’s 《Sword Manual》. I happen to have a copy of insights left behind by our ancestor. Take it home and study it—it may aid your cultivation."

As he spoke, Li Gang used spiritual power to pass over a thick booklet.

Ji Yuan hurriedly received it with both hands, repeatedly expressing his thanks.

Then, seeing that Li Gang truly seemed about to leave, he said, "Martial Uncle Li, please wait."

"What is it, nephew? Speak freely."

Li Gang waved his hand grandly, as if nothing was beyond him.

"It’s like this. This was entrusted to me by my Master to deliver to you."

Ji Yuan presented the jade slip given to him by Hua Yaoyue with both hands.

Seeing this, Li Gang’s eyes immediately lit up. He reached out to accept it and swept his Divine Sense across it. At once, he understood.

"Good, good, good."

He repeated it three times, then laughed heartily three times, his voice echoing across the entirety of Li Family Island, lingering for a long time.

Even Li Changhe, who had been sitting nearby, was so startled he stood up—he had never seen his father this happy—

Damn, the last time he was this happy was probably when I was born, right?

"Nephew, please convey to Martial Aunt Wangyou that I will personally visit to express my thanks in a few days."

"Yes."

Ji Yuan nodded and committed it to memory.

Only then did Li Gang transform once more into a streak of blue light and leave the mountain peak.

Li Changhe, watching the scene unfold, though unsure of the full context, could guess that whatever Ji Yuan had delivered was of immense value to Li Gang—or rather, to the Li Family.

"Brother Ji, thank you."

Li Changhe lightly swirled the spiritual wine in his cup, then downed it in one go.

"Brother Li, you’re being too polite."

Ji Yuan also drank the contents of his cup in one breath.

"Since you’re not holding an Island Inauguration Celebration, I’ll give you a small gift as congratulations on your Foundation Establishment Success." Li Changhe said, tossing over a talisman.

Ji Yuan caught it instinctively and took a look.

Talisman Treasure!

It was another Talisman Treasure of the Sky-Escape Shuttle!

"This one’s new. I haven’t used it. This talisman treasure can be used three times." Li Changhe said with a smile.

He knew that if he gave anything else, Ji Yuan might not accept it.

But if it was a Talisman Treasure of the Sky-Escape Shuttle, Ji Yuan would definitely accept it.

And indeed, that was the case.

Holding the talisman treasure in his hand, Ji Yuan simply couldn’t bring himself to say the words “don’t want it.” After some thought, he could only sigh, "Thanks, Brother Li."

"No problem, we’re like family."

Seeing Ji Yuan put the talisman treasure away, Li Changhe also revealed a relaxed smile.

"By the way, Brother Li, isn’t it said that refining talisman treasures damages the Magic Treasures? Why is it that the Sky-Escape Shuttle’s talisman treasure—————" Ji Yuan hesitated.

"Magic Treasures can be repaired after being damaged. You just hire a Golden Core Real Person to refine the talisman treasure—it’s all about the money.

If the person refuses, it usually means the payment isn’t high enough. As it happens, the Golden Core Real Person who owns the Sky-Escape Shuttle is particularly easy to bribe."

Li Changhe explained with a laugh.

"I see."

After a bit more casual chatting, Ji Yuan finally expressed his intent to leave.

Li Changhe made a modest attempt to persuade him to stay, then sent Ji Yuan off from Li Family Island.

A banquet where both host and guest were delighted.

After leaving Li Family Island, Ji Yuan first made a trip to Wuyou Island and reported the entire journey to Hua Yaoyue in full detail, including the matters of Li Gang gifting the insight booklet and Li Changhe gifting the Talisman Treasure.

Once Hua Yaoyue heard this, she simply said, "It’s fine," and let Ji Yuan leave.

With that matter settled.

Ji Yuan did not remain at the Water Dragon Sect but did not return directly to Misty Island either. Instead, he first went ahead to Hongye City.

Over the past few months, to build his 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】, he had been gradually ordering bodies of Qi Refining cultivators from the nearby cities around Yunyu Marshlands.

Several deliveries earlier still hadn’t met the quota.

So not long ago, he had ordered another batch in Hongye City, estimated to be more than a dozen corpses.

With these added, it should be enough.

A little over ten days later, after retrieving the corpses from Hongye City, Ji Yuan returned to Misty Island. As before, he buried these bodies within the 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】.

After waiting a while, no text appeared over the gloomy, Yin-filled forest.

"That shouldn’t be. I’ve buried over a hundred corpses by now—surely that’s enough." Ji Yuan looked at the fenced-off grove.

"Could it be… lacking tombstones?"

Without delay, Ji Yuan acted. He used the Purple Lightning Flying Sword to carve several wooden planks and randomly stuck them atop some of the graves.

In an instant, Ji Yuan sensed something.

Looking up, he saw a line of white text—visible only to him—finally appear above the forest.

But the newly created structure was not the expected 【Corpse-Rearing Ground】.

Its name was 【Grave Mound】!

The text floating overhead was 【Grave Mound: lv0】.

Ji Yuan immediately summoned the panel and located this newly generated structure.

【Grave Mound: lv0 (Upgradeable)】

The next line displayed the spiritual effect of a Level 1 Grave Mound.

【Grave Mound: lv1】

【Spiritual Effect: Yin Energy concentration +100%; the more corpses buried, the denser the Yin Energy.】

【Upgrade Condition: Bury 10 Qi Refining stage corpses. (Fulfilled)】

A simple and brutal spiritual effect.

It could directly double the Yin Energy concentration of the area.

And the upgrade condition—finally no longer greedy for his Spirit Stones. Just burying corpses would do. Damn, how great is that?

With a single thought, Ji Yuan chose to upgrade it.

From level 0 to 1, aside from a brief flash on the panel, the structure itself showed no visible change.

Ji Yuan then looked at the spiritual effects and upgrade conditions of the Level 2 【Grave Mound】.

【Grave Mound: lv2】

【Spiritual Effect 1: Yin Energy concentration +200%; corpses buried here have a small chance of undergoing transformation into Corpse Servants under your control.】

【Spiritual Effect 2 (Return from Death as Undead): The Grave Mound can consume corpses to enhance the realm of Corpse Servants.】

【Upgrade Condition: Bury 100 Qi Refining stage corpses, 10 Peak Qi Refining corpses, and 1 Foundation Establishment stage corpse. (Unfulfilled)】

A Level 2 【Grave Mound】 had two spiritual effects already?!

Especially the second one.

Return from Death as Undead—consume corpses to elevate Corpse Servants' cultivation.

Didn’t this mean Tu Yue could be saved?

Her sixth-layer Qi Refining realm could finally progress further. Plus, the 【Grave Mound】 could also produce Corpse Servants for Ji Yuan’s use—saving him much trouble.

At that thought, Ji Yuan had nothing more to say.

This 【Grave Mound】 must be upgraded as soon as possible. More importantly, it no longer required Spirit Stones to level up.

Qi Refining corpses were easy to buy.

Even Peak Qi Refining corpses were manageable.

But Foundation Establishment corpses… the informants Ji Yuan contacted previously were only Qi Refining cultivators. To buy a Foundation Establishment corpse, one had to find a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Ji Yuan thought again about the Yang Family patriarch he had killed earlier. It was a pity he hadn’t taken the corpse at the time.

But then again, he hadn’t anticipated needing it back then...

As for killing someone himself—Ji Yuan believed he had the strength. Killing someone at Early Foundation Establishment was doable, but he still lacked a suitable target.

He couldn’t kill just for the sake of killing.

All things considered, Ji Yuan decided to spend the money.

There were risks in killing and dueling.

Buying with Spirit Stones also had risks, but they were far smaller—besides, Spirit Stones? He had plenty!

Having just run around outside for quite some time, Ji Yuan didn’t plan on going out again immediately. He intended to focus on cultivation for a while. After all, cultivation required proper pacing between effort and rest.

That very night.

After Tu Yue finished handling all matters on the island, Ji Yuan summoned her to the 【Grave Mound】.

For this purpose, he even built her a home—dug a pit in the ground, carved a huge stone into the shape of a coffin, and even lined it with bedding and placed a pillow inside.

That night.

Ji Yuan watched as Tu Yue lay inside the coffin with his own eyes.

The next morning, upon waking, he noticed that Tu Yue’s complexion had indeed improved significantly. As expected, a corpse body should be lying in a pile of corpses. Hanging around with the living all the time—how could that work?

In the days that followed.

Ji Yuan first spent half a month reviewing the insights on the 《Sword Manual》. As a result, he gained a much clearer understanding of how to condense a sword embryo. Then he busied himself with talisman crafting and pill refining for another half-month.

A month of hard cultivation at home.

Finally, Ji Yuan prepared to go out and try purchasing a Foundation Establishment corpse.

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