Chapter 163: The Demonic Fire of the Yin Corpse

Eight to nine required four corpses at the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

Nine to ten required five corpses at the peak of Qi Refining.

To rise from the peak of Qi Refining to the early Foundation Establishment Stage—damn it, ten corpses of the same attribute at the early Foundation Establishment Stage were needed, and on top of that, three Foundation Establishment Pills had to be prepared.

As such, Tu Yue’s cultivation ultimately stalled at the peak of Qi Refining.

As for Foundation Establishment Pills, Ji Yuan had them, and he was willing to hand them over for Tu Yue to elevate her cultivation.

Remember the primary release website domain name 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞

But as for corpses, Ji Yuan truly had none left.

He could only wait until he gathered enough corpses to upgrade Tu Yue again.

Moreover, after her cultivation was elevated from the mid-stage to the peak of Qi Refining, not only had her strength increased, even her appearance had become noticeably more attractive.

Her body had become more voluptuous—fleshy where it should be, slim where it needed to be.

Her gaze was much livelier, and her movements flowed with far more grace.

"Damn it, if she upgrades further, won't she turn from a Corpse Servant into a living person?"

But that was just a thought. A corpse was still a corpse—it could never possess its own consciousness.

After Tu Yue finished upgrading, Ji Yuan didn’t bother upgrading another corpse. Just upgrading one was enough. More of them—

Could just be used as labor:

Ji Yuan conveniently gave this newly awakened Corpse Servant a name.

"Chu Yi."

Pleasing to the ear and smooth to pronounce.

When the next corpse turned into a Corpse Servant, he would name it "Chu Er."

After handling these matters, Ji Yuan summoned the Panel and looked at the upgrade conditions for Level 3 [Grave Mound].

【Grave Mound: Lv3 (Unupgradeable)】

【Spirit Effect 1: Yin Energy density +300%; increased probability of corpse transformation; Corpse Servants can absorb Yin Energy on their own to improve strength.】

【Spirit Effect 2 (Yin Corpse Demonic Fire): You may condense Yin Corpse Demonic Fire through the Grave Mound.】

【Upgrade Requirements: Bury 100 corpses at the Foundation Establishment Stage, 10 corpses at the peak of Foundation Establishment Stage, and 1 corpse at the Golden Core Stage. (Unfulfilled)】

Spirit Effect 1 remained a standard upgrade.

The only difference was that Corpse Servants could now cultivate on their own. Didn’t that mean, if Tu Yue wanted to reach Foundation Establishment, he wouldn’t need to waste corpses anymore to raise her realm?

Spirit Effect 2: Yin Corpse Demonic Fire!

Ji Yuan had read about this thing in ancient records. It was said that a thousand years ago, a Golden Core Stage demonic cultivator from Western Shang had cultivated this Demonic Fire.

This mid-Golden Core cultivator had forcibly broken through the encirclement of several cultivators of the same stage and passed through Shang Mountain to arrive at Eastern Shang.

He defeated a late-Golden Core elder of Joy Palace in a frontal clash and then refined several cities.

In the end, it took Joy Palace, Water Dragon Sect, and Medicine King Valley joining forces and dispatching three late-Golden Core cultivators to finally encircle and slay him.

It was that very battle that revealed the fearsome reputation of this Demonic Fire to the world.

"If I can cultivate this Demonic Fire, my strength might increase by a huge margin!"

But upon seeing the upgrade requirements again, the fiery passion in Ji Yuan’s heart was instantly extinguished.

Not to mention the Golden Core Stage corpse—even just those ten peak Foundation Establishment Stage corpses were not something easily obtainable.

"No, wait, if the righteous-versus-demonic war truly breaks out, I won’t go to the frontlines. I’ll just collect corpses from the rear, be a corpse scavenger"

·"Might actually work."

But that was just wishful thinking. Whether or not he could gather corpses would have to be left for the future.

At the very least, upgrading now was impossible.

Panel closed.

Ji Yuan’s focus returned to the present. The most urgent task at hand was still to increase his strength. As for pills, formations, talismans, and artifacts, those could wait—

He needed to comprehend the 《Sword Manual》 and condense his first sword embryo first.

So Ji Yuan’s life returned to tranquility. He cultivated daily, occasionally sending the Great Toad out to find food for a small feast.

Every now and then, he would shapeshift and disguise himself to return to the sect and sell some newly produced "basic relief".

He also delivered some Wishful Wine to his master.

Life was extremely leisurely.

A month passed in this manner when Ji Yuan suddenly received a message from Four Directions Island. It turned out that his listed identity as an alchemist had finally attracted business.

At the time, Ji Yuan had posted that he only accepted commissions for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, priced at 100 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones per furnace.

Perhaps due to the "middleman fee" being too expensive, no one had contacted him for quite some time.

Now that business had finally opened, Ji Yuan removed his disguise, donned the exclusive deep-blue robe of Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, and returned to Water Dragon Sect.

Two days later.

Four Directions Island, Pill Hall.

In the quiet chamber arranged by the Pill Hall, Ji Yuan met the Qi Refining peak cultivator who had sought him for refining Foundation Establishment Pills.

As soon as he pushed open the door, a voice sounded from inside.

"Greetings, Martial Uncle."

"Hmm?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Yuan immediately pushed the door fully open, and then he saw—Han Feiyu.

"Brother Han?"

"Ji Sh—Martial Uncle?"

It wasn’t just Ji Yuan who was surprised—Han Feiyu was also astonished.

"Why is it you? I thought Brother Han, you had already succeeded in refining and gone into seclusion to reach Foundation Establishment."

Ji Yuan sat opposite Han Feiyu.

"Brother Han, better call me Martial Nephew Ji."

Han Feiyu looked at his old junior martial brother, who had reached Foundation Establishment before him, and his expression turned a little complicated.

"I’ll call you Ji Brother instead."

Han Feiyu clasped his fists and then sat down with a smile, saying, "Didn’t expect Ji Brother to be a Second-Tier Alchemist, and such a highly skilled one at that."

"Just luck. I happened to acquire the inheritance of an alchemist earlier. Otherwise, I couldn’t have reached Foundation Establishment so quickly either,"Ji Yuan answered with a smile.

"Luck is also a part of strength, after all."

Han Feiyu stood up and poured a cup of tea for Ji Yuan.

"Judging from the Pill Hall’s message, Ji Brother, can you guarantee at least three Foundation Establishment Pills per furnace?"

"Exactly, otherwise I wouldn’t dare set such a price."

"Good, then I’d like to request Ji Brother’s help in refining three furnaces of Foundation Establishment Pills. These are the required materials and Spirit Stones."

Han Feiyu didn’t waste any words and immediately took out the materials he had long prepared, placing them into a storage pouch,

and handed it over.

Ji Yuan swept it with his Divine Sense—three stalks of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass, three stalks of Millennium Qinghui Grass,

as well as three mid-Second-Tier Demon Cores and numerous auxiliary materials.

In addition, 300 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones also quietly lay inside the storage pouch.

Ji Yuan took the storage pouch, but then placed 60 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones on the table.

"Ji Brother, what is this?"

Han Feiyu looked puzzled.

"Brother Han, since you’re one of us, naturally it should be cheaper. Just take these Spirit Stones back. This is my Messaging Talisman—once I finish refining the pills, I’ll message you."

At 80 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones per furnace, that was roughly the average price within Water Dragon Sect.

While speaking, Ji Yuan handed Han Feiyu a Golden Messaging Talisman.

Not only had Han Feiyu taken a Golden Core Real Person as master, but the fact that both of them hailed from Zengtou Market was also reason enough for Ji Yuan to offer this talisman.

"In that case, thank you, Ji Brother."

Han Feiyu was not the shy type. After accepting the Spirit Stones and Messaging Talisman, he stood and bowed toward Ji Yuan.

"Alright, Brother Han’s Foundation Establishment is important. I won’t delay. Let’s talk again after I finish refining."

"Much obliged."

After leaving the quiet chamber, Ji Yuan opened a Pill Refining Room on Four Directions Island that could draw Earth Fire. This time, he wasn’t planning to refine pills solely for Han Feiyu.

Ji Yuan had also prepared one batch’s worth of Foundation Establishment Pill materials for himself.

Not long after his own Foundation Establishment, he had obtained a stalk of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass. He later purchased the rest of the materials, making up one furnace’s worth.

Moreover, before arriving at Four Directions Island, Ji Yuan had purposely gone to Hatchling Dragon Island to see Du Wanyi.

He obtained from her two furnaces’ worth of Foundation Establishment Pill materials.

Since he was refining anyway, now that the Pill Refining Room was open, Ji Yuan intended to get it all done in one go for convenience.

Shortly after entering the Pill Refining Room, it upgraded into a 【Pill Refining Room】. Ji Yuan then began processing the medicinal herbs with practiced ease. One furnace of Foundation Establishment Pills typically took half a month.

Han Feiyu’s three furnaces, Du Wanyi’s two, and Ji Yuan’s own one.

By the time he emerged from the 【Pill Refining Room】 again, two months had already passed.

Out of Han Feiyu’s three furnaces, two produced four pills each, one produced three pills—six were Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills, five were One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills.

Du Wanyi’s two furnaces both yielded four pills—five were Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills, three were One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills.

Ji Yuan’s own furnace also produced four pills—three were Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pills, one was a One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill.

When it was all done, Ji Yuan looked at the Foundation Establishment Pills in his hand and felt a bit impressed. If he continued like this, he might truly refine a Three-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill soon.

Coming out of the Pill Refining Room, Ji Yuan sent a message to Han Feiyu.

This time, Han Feiyu arrived swiftly—less than an hour after Ji Yuan messaged him, he came panting, likely having rushed at full speed.

"Here, these are your Foundation Establishment Pills, Brother Han."

Ji Yuan smiled and handed over three jade bottles.

Han Feiyu took them with both hands, examined them one by one, and immediately beamed with joy. The delight in his eyes was impossible to suppress. "Good,

as expected of Ji Brother!"

Eleven pills from three furnaces—this far exceeded Han Feiyu’s expectations.

He had originally thought that nine pills would suffice—even eight would be acceptable. But now, it turned out to be eleven.

"For Brother Han, of course I had to go all out."

Ji Yuan chuckled. Saying complimentary words that cost nothing was something he enjoyed most.

"Alright, Brother Han, you should hurry to your Foundation Establishment. I’m looking forward to drinking your celebratory wine."

"Definitely!"

With Foundation Establishment Pills in hand, Han Feiyu could no longer hold back. Upon hearing Ji Yuan’s cue, he promptly took his leave.

He had already taken Real Person Xuan Shui of the Golden Core Stage as his master before Foundation Establishment, and this sect master had surely prepared a suitable place for his breakthrough.

Naturally, he wouldn’t establish his foundation here on Four Directions Island like Ji Yuan.

That being so, Ji Yuan decided to deliver Du Wanyi’s pills next, and take the opportunity to visit his master. It had been two months since his last visit—it was about time to gift her some wine again.

Just as Ji Yuan was about to depart, he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Ji—Ji Yuan?"

Turning around, Ji Yuan looked at the person from his past and couldn’t help being a little surprised.

"Sister Lu."

The one who had arrived was none other than Lu Wan. Ever since they parted ways at Mountain and Water Island back then, it had already been several years.

Lu Wan looked just the same as before—nothing had changed. Her cultivation had also progressed from the seventh layer of Qi Refining to the ninth.

Just one step away from the peak of Qi Refining.

"You—You’ve reached Foundation Establishment?"

Indeed, seeing Ji Yuan now in a deep-blue robe exclusive to Foundation Establishment cultivators, Lu Wan was somewhat incredulous. She had once imagined that Ji Yuan would eventually succeed, but by then he’d likely be much older.

She never expected he’d reach Foundation Establishment so early. "Just a stroke of luck."

Ji Yuan smiled. "Sister Lu, weren’t you with the Talisman Hall? What brings you to the Pill Hall today?"

"I came to call Junior Sister Huang. We planned to go shopping on Everything Island."

While Lu Wan was speaking, Ji Yuan noticed a female cultivator in a green robe walking over, so he nodded, "Alright, I still have things to do on my end. I won’t disturb you, Sister Lu."

"Farewell."

After finishing his words, Ji Yuan summoned his Spiritual Artifact Flying Boat and soared into the sky, vanishing in an instant.

Junior Sister Huang hurried over, raised her head, and looked at the fading streak of light in surprise. "Senior Sister Lu, you actually have a friend at the Foundation Establishment Stage?"

"Yes, Senior."

Lu Wan spoke softly.

Junior Sister Huang gave a light snort. "Don’t fool me, I clearly heard it just now—that Martial Uncle called you Sister Lu."

After speaking, she leaned in and whispered, "Sister Lu, quickly tell me, what exactly is your relationship with him?"

The two laughed and chatted as they controlled the flying boat ascending from Four Directions Island. After a while, Lu Wan looked into the distance, countless memories surfacing in her mind, and she calmly said:

"Him? Just a childhood friend."

Junior Sister Huang noticed that Lu Wan’s mood seemed a bit off and quietly changed the topic.

"Then Sister Lu, tell me—does that Martial Uncle have a Dao Companion?"

■

Ji Yuan first made a trip to Hatchling Dragon Island and delivered the Foundation Establishment Pills to Du Wanyi.

Indeed, Du Wanyi was greatly shocked upon receiving eight Foundation Establishment Pills. She even had the impulse to attempt Foundation Establishment right away.

Ji Yuan did not try to persuade her otherwise, only advised her to calm down and reconsider.

As expected, once she calmed down, Du Wanyi said she’d wait a few more years and see if she could acquire a few more pills. At the very least, she wanted ten Foundation Establishment Pills before attempting it, for better chances.

Ji Yuan nodded in agreement.

If a few years passed and Du Wanyi still hadn’t gathered enough Foundation Establishment Pills, Ji Yuan would help even out of his own pocket.

As things stood, he had just used ten pills to reach Foundation Establishment, and to hand out more right after would be too flashy a display of wealth.

After meeting with Du Wanyi, Ji Yuan also stopped by to see Dong Qian.

He traded her a One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill.

This Dong Qian was strange—Ji Yuan thought that with her ability to acquire Spirit Stones, she would surely try to purchase a Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill.

But for some reason, every time, she only requested a One-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill.

Figuring it involved personal matters, Ji Yuan didn’t pry.

After visiting his two senior sisters on Hatchling Dragon Island, Ji Yuan continued east and arrived at Wuyou Island.

Unexpectedly, this time he ran into—cough cough, Second Senior Brother Yun Qianzai.

"Little Junior Brother? What brings you here too?"

Yun Qianzai looked at Ji Yuan with genuine surprise.

Ji Yuan’s task of delivering wine to Hua Yaoyue was a private matter. And since Yun Qianzai rarely came by, he probably wasn’t even aware that Ji Yuan was a closed-door disciple.

"Encountered a problem in cultivation, so I came to seek advice from Master."

Ji Yuan wasn’t in the habit of asking others about their whereabouts.

"You’re quite the diligent one."

But facing Yun Qianzai—even if Ji Yuan didn’t ask, Yun Qianzai took the initiative to say:

"Our sect and Corpse Herding Mountain to the north are organizing a group of Foundation Establishment disciples to exchange experiences in pills, formations, talismans, and artifacts. As the sect’s Formation Master, I naturally have to go. That’s why I came to bid Master farewell."

"Then I wish Second Senior Brother great success."

Ji Yuan hadn’t heard about this event between Water Dragon Sect and Corpse Herding Mountain.

He only knew that in a few years, the Six Immortal Sects of Eastern Shang would hold an experience exchange conference for pills, formations, talismans, and artifacts.

They called it an experience exchange.

In truth, it meant each sect would send disciples to compete, and winners would be ranked.

So even now, Four Directions Island had already begun preparations.

It was said that the prize for first place would be extremely generous. But Ji Yuan wasn’t interested in such spotlight-grabbing events. After all, no matter how generous the prize, he could just stockpile Foundation Establishment Pills over a few years and recover everything.

In comparison, selling Foundation Establishment Pills was more stable—and far more discreet.

Yun Qianzai came and then left.

After his “tribute” of wine, Ji Yuan truly did ask Hua Yaoyue about the Li Family’s 《Canglan Nine Tribulations Sword Manual》.

After all, Hua Yaoyue had mentioned early on that she had some understanding of this 《Sword Manual》.

But Ji Yuan hadn’t expected that her “some understanding”—was actually a tremendous amount!

After being enlightened by Hua Yaoyue’s profound guidance, Ji Yuan returned to Misty Island dazed and wandered to the cliff at the mountain’s summit, where he suddenly felt something.

In that blurry moment, he sensed that all the ambient Water Qi in the heavens and earth was converging toward his body.

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