"Indeed, indeed, from now on we can consider ourselves neighbors, we should visit each other more often."

"..."

There were a total of three visitors, two men and one woman, none of whom Ji Yuan had ever met before.

But just as they said, from now on they would, to some degree, be neighbors, so Ji Yuan smiled and cupped his hands toward them in greeting.

"I am Ji Yuan, fortunate enough to have recently established my foundation and chosen this island. From now on, I will rely on my senior brothers and sisters for guidance and support."

"So, you're Junior Brother Ji, I've heard much about you."

Following that, the three of them introduced themselves in turn.

The two men were called Isle Master of Cloud Sun and Isle Master of Cold River, while the female cultivator was known as Isle Master Youlan.

They also asked Ji Yuan about his title, but Ji Yuan hadn't thought about it yet and didn't know what to call his island. He just said it would be decided on the official opening day of the island.

They stayed and looked around for a while, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then left one after another.

Ji Yuan also noticed that Isle Master of Cloud Sun and Isle Master of Cold River were both from the west, while the female cultivator, Isle Master Youlan, lived in the east.

After Isle Master of Cold River and Isle Master of Cloud Sun left, they communicated telepathically:

"This newcomer Ji Yuan seems to have some impressive background."

"Oh?"

Isle Master of Cloud Sun didn't quite understand. "Please elaborate, Brother Han Jiang."

"Hmm."

Isle Master of Cold River glanced back and then continued telepathically, "In this area, the spot Ji Yuan chose has the most abundant Spiritual Qi. When I opened my island, I also chose that place, but back then, the sect leader found a reason to refuse, saying that land was reserved for another purpose and not available for selection."

"But today, the sect leader gave that piece of land to Ji Yuan for him to develop an island. Given this, don't you think there's something unusual about him?"

After hearing this, Isle Master of Cloud Sun nodded repeatedly, "Based on what Brother Han Jiang said, it seems this Ji Yuan likely has a significant background."

"More or less. I reckon he's probably related to some Golden Core Martial Uncle, otherwise, the Sect Leader Martial Uncle wouldn't have given him such face."

"If that's the case, it seems necessary for us to cultivate a good relationship with him."

"Indeed."

Isle Master of Cold River nodded and said, "In a few days, he will likely hold an island opening celebration. We should prepare substantial gifts for the occasion."

"Once he accepts our generous gifts, he'll naturally understand our intentions. When we visit to socialize, he won't be able to refuse."

"Sounds good."

However, over the following days, they watched as the island emerged from the water, and a few days later, Ji Yuan seemed to have invited an Array Master.

The Array Master set up an illusion array as soon as he arrived, and from afar, the island seemed to disappear out of thin air.

They visited several times but never saw Ji Yuan's true face again.

By the time they once again realized the island had re-emerged, more than half a month had passed.

Even when they approached, they couldn't find anyone because the entire island was shrouded in mist. They tried calling Ji Yuan by his real name but received no response for a long time.

In their view, it seemed Ji Yuan only opened the island and then disappeared once the island was fully developed.

There was no mention of an island opening celebration, not even a glimpse of the island itself.

Ji Yuan was naturally aware of the island opening celebration tradition.

It should be a tradition of the Water Dragon Sect. Generally, after a Foundation Establishment cultivator opens an island, a grand celebration is held on an auspicious day.

At that time, some familiar or unfamiliar Foundation Establishment cultivators would appear to offer congratulations.

It's also a good opportunity to expand one's connections.

For this, Yun Qianzai had mentioned it numerous times while setting up the Island Protection Array for him, practically every day, urging Ji Yuan to hold the island opening celebration.

He promised to handle everything personally, ensuring that Ji Yuan's celebration would be impressive.

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan, who had initially considered hosting the celebration, immediately dismissed the idea.

He could already foresee that if he held the celebration… Hua Yaoyue would send gifts even if she didn't come.

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

Li Gang definitely wouldn't come, but Li Changhe would probably come with the pomp of the Li Family to bolster his presence.

Ji Yuan even estimated that the Sect Leader Martial Uncle might send someone as well.

Such a scene… if the celebration were to be held, Ji Yuan reckoned his name would not only resound within the Water Dragon Sect but possibly reach Medicine King Valley and Joy Palace as well.

This was unacceptable.

If things escalated to such a level, the following years would certainly disrupt his peaceful cultivation.

Ji Yuan disliked ostentation and unnecessary attention; he just wanted to cultivate in peace, so he completely gave up on the idea.

Even on the day the island's array was fully completed, he merely celebrated by having a meal with Phoenix Peach and Yun Qianzai on the island.

He considered that a proper celebration.

Ji Yuan personally cooked, and with the [kitchen]'s assistance, even Yun Qianzai ate without worrying about maintaining any composure.

He kept suggesting, "Let's make it a routine to occasionally gather at Master's for meals. Little Junior Brother can cook, and we'll also drink with Master. Master would surely love to do that."

With this suggestion, Phoenix Peach raised both hands in agreement.

Ji Yuan verbally agreed but left the next day.

Of course, it wasn't to avoid acting as the chef. He simply felt it was time to check on his Mist Island after a year of secluded cultivation.

Despite having a new home, he couldn't forget his old one.

One day heading south.

Ji Yuan maneuvered the Thunder Falcon Boat to break through the clouds and descended into the Mist Area. At a glance, he noticed something was terribly wrong… extremely wrong!

Because his old home, the Mist Island originally shrouded by the Mist Array, was now engulfed in black mist and oozing with ghostly aura!

"Damn it, I've been in seclusion for a year, and someone stole my home?!"

——

ps: Crowdfunding this, what should Ji Celestial Venerable's island be named? I've thought of several but am not quite satisfied. After all, once the name is chosen, most fellow sect members will address him as 'Master of [Island Name]'. (Also, requesting a monthly vote)

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