NOVEL NEXT Ch. 114
Chapter 114: The First Level 3 Building
The child was truly a child.
Ji Yuan estimated that he was about the same age as Wen Ling’er, appearing to be a seven or eight-year-old boy, with rosy lips and white teeth.
A golden collar adorned his neck, making him look particularly adorable.
Yet, despite his youthful appearance, Ji Yuan sensed the aura of someone at the peak of the Qi Refining stage emanating from him.
"New here?"
The child's voice was clear and crisp, sounding just like that of a young boy.
Ji Yuan found it increasingly peculiar.
Either this was a genuine prodigy, reaching the peak of Qi Refining at just seven or eight years old, or his appearance did not match his actual age.
He was more inclined to believe the latter.
If it were the former, a cultivator with such talent would have long been taken in as a disciple by the sect elders, rather than residing here on Hatchling Dragon Island.
"Indeed, greetings, fellow Daoist."
The child waved his hand in a mature manner. "My name is Tang Ran."
"I am Ji Yuan."
Tang Ran nodded, then pointed toward the house numbered seventeen and said, "By the way, the old man living in that house is a scoundrel. I advise you not to trust him, or you'll end up being completely taken advantage of."
"Hmm?"
Ji Yuan's first reaction was that these two had some kind of grudge.
Before he could inquire further, the courtyard gate of house seventeen was pushed open.
An old man with white hair and beard emerged.
He wore a short shirt, revealing muscular arms that looked extremely robust. As soon as he stepped out, he pointed at Tang Ran and cursed:
"You bastard, hurry up and call your mother to serve me in bed, or I'll have you dunked in a pig cage!"
"You're an old relic. Hah, even if I did call my mother over, all you could do is drool while watching, you useless old fool."
Tang Ran showed no fear, his words biting and unreserved.
Ji Yuan, standing between the two, quietly took a step back.
These two neighbors seemed to harbor significant animosity; it was best not to get involved.
After his outburst, the old man turned to Ji Yuan and said, "Fellow Daoist, don't be fooled by this kid's youthful appearance. He's actually over sixty years old, always pretending to be young in our Water Dragon Sect, calling every female cultivator 'sister' this and 'sister' that."
"If he encounters someone with a generous bosom, he even calls them 'mother.' Truly disgraceful."
"Bah!"
Tang Ran spat. "You're just jealous, envious, and resentful!"
He then turned to Ji Yuan and said, "Fellow Daoist Ji, don't believe a word this old man says. He's a weapon refiner but only ever crafts female cultivators' robes or turns their intimate garments into magical artifacts. Even when he makes offensive magical tools, they're always fans or whips meant for female cultivators."
"What do you know? Female cultivators' spirit stones are the easiest to earn!"
The old man retorted loudly.
Perhaps their argument was too loud, as cultivators from distant courtyards began to emerge, leaning against their doorways to watch the commotion.
"Heh, so you earn their spirit stones and make them change clothes in front of you?"
Tang Ran mocked.
Ji Yuan listened for a while, gradually piecing together the reason behind their conflict.
This cultivation sect didn't seem much different from Zengtou Market.
Upon reflection, he found it understandable.
After all, cultivators were still people.
Just because they were in a more prestigious place didn't mean they suddenly became ethereal and otherworldly.
More often than not, they were like this old man—sanctimonious.
Seeing that their quarrel was far from over, Ji Yuan excused himself and returned to his room.
Not long after, the old man from house seventeen knocked on his door.
Not only that, but he also presented a mid-grade magical artifact as an apology, saying he was sorry for the earlier disturbance.
Naturally, Ji Yuan refused to accept it.
After some conversation, he learned the old man's real name:
Pi Fangzhi.
A rather rare surname indeed.
After sending off that fellow cultivator Pi, the young boy Tang Ran also approached, similarly to offer an apology. However, his method was far simpler: first, he handed Ji Yuan thirty spirit stones, then proposed introducing him to a few older sisters.
"Fellow Daoist Ji, with such a fine appearance, you mustn't let it go to waste."
Ji Yuan promptly declined, stating he was not a frivolous person.
After bidding farewell to these two fellow cultivators, Ji Yuan spent another night diligently cultivating at home.
In the following days, he traversed the sect extensively, using the opportunity to familiarize himself with the various islands and numerous buildings of the Water Dragon Sect.
During this time, he witnessed many sights he hadn't seen before.
For instance, cultivators at the late stage of Qi Refining, once rare in Zengtou, were as common as street vendors here.
Moreover, the majority were at the ninth or even tenth level of Qi Refining.
Even Foundation Establishment cultivators, whom he previously saw only once every three years, were a daily sight in the Water Dragon Sect.
If one lingered on the main island or at Thousand Mechanisms Island, they could see quite a few in a single day.
Additionally, Ji Yuan discovered that the Water Dragon Sect also housed beast-taming cultivators.
He had initially thought such cultivators were exclusive to the Beast Taming Sect, but to his surprise, the Water Dragon Sect had them as well.
They even commanded a flying demonic beast called the "Sky Blue Eagle," whose speed rivaled that of some top-tier flying magical artifacts.
Of course, after several days of exploration, Ji Yuan's most profound impression of the Water Dragon Sect could be summed up in one word:
Vast!
Extremely vast!
Even a simple flight from the eastern to the western edge took an entire day, and that was without any interruptions.
If one made even a brief stop along the way, a single day wouldn't suffice.
Damn, no wonder it's one of the six great immortal sects of Eastern Shang.
After resting for a night on Hatchling Dragon Island, Ji Yuan transformed his appearance the next morning and made his way to an island named "All Things Island."
This island was somewhat akin to the Hundred Treasures Building in Zengtou Market.
It specialized in commerce.
The headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Building was located on All Things Island. Additionally, disciples of the Water Dragon Sect could rent shops on the island to run their own businesses.
During his previous visits, Ji Yuan had already taken a stroll around All Things Island, though he hadn't explored it in detail.
At the center of All Things Island stood several circular five-story towers.
Each tower specialized in a particular trade. For instance, there was a dedicated talisman tower for talisman transactions, and a pill tower for pill trades.
Each tower had five levels.
The first and second floors catered to Qi Refining stage transactions, while the third and fourth floors were for Foundation Establishment stage dealings.
As for the fifth floor, it was said to be reserved exclusively for Golden Core elders. Ji Yuan wasn't sure if this was true.
Beyond these circular towers lay a dense array of shops.
During his earlier visit, Ji Yuan had learned that shops run by Water Dragon Sect disciples typically offered prices slightly lower than those of the Hundred Treasures Building.
This was tacitly approved by the Water Dragon Sect, as if prices were identical, everyone would flock to the Hundred Treasures Building, leaving the disciple-run shops without business.
However, prices couldn't be too low. If one attempted to engage in a price war with the Water Dragon Sect, the Enforcement Hall would swiftly remind them of the sect's laws.
Today, Ji Yuan came to All Things Island to purchase materials needed to upgrade his Level 3 Spiritual Field.
Ever since discovering that a Level 3 Spiritual Field could yield one Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass annually, Ji Yuan had been eager to upgrade.
The sooner, the better.
Dressed in the standard attire of the Water Dragon Sect, he walked through All Things Island, noticing that most disciples wore the same uniform.
Of course, some peak Qi Refining disciples donned higher-quality robes, flaunting their status as they paraded through the streets.
They were quite conspicuous.
[Upgrade Requirements: 50 mid-grade spirit stones, 2 Tier-2 demon cores, 5 jin of Profound Yin Soil, 3 corpses of Tier-2 Flying Locusts.]
The requirements for upgrading to Level 3 Spiritual Field were quite extensive.
Ji Yuan visited several shops specializing in demonic beast trades but couldn't find any Tier-2 Flying Locust corpses, nor even Tier-2 demon cores.
Helpless, he considered checking the Hundred Treasures Building.
Just then, he spotted a large shop ahead, occupying two storefronts, dedicated to demonic beast materials.
Even from a distance, he could smell the pungent odor.
The shop was sizable; it was worth a look.
As soon as Ji Yuan entered, a female disciple at the seventh level of Qi Refining approached with a smile:
"Fellow Daoist, this shop is owned by the Island Master of Fire Phoenix Island. Our prices are fair. Whether buying or selling, feel free to take a look."
"Oh?"
No wonder the shop was so large—it was owned by a Foundation Establishment Island Master.
Ji Yuan glanced around and noticed quite a few disciples shopping here, many of whom were at the peak of Qi Refining.
He turned to the female cultivator beside him and asked, "Do you have any Tier-2 Flying Locust corpses?"
"Yes, we do. Would you prefer ones with demon cores or without?"
She replied with a cheerful smile.
"Hmm—what are the prices for both?"
Ji Yuan inquired.
"These Flying Locusts are early Tier-2 demonic beasts. Without demon cores, they're priced at 10 mid-grade spirit stones each. With demon cores, they're more expensive, at 30 mid-grade spirit stones."
The prices were reasonable.
The most valuable part of a demonic beast was its demon core, so the price difference was understandable.
By this calculation, a single early Tier-2 demon core was worth 20 mid-grade spirit stones.
"Then, how much for a single early Tier-2 demon core? Any attribute is fine."
Since these were mid-grade spirit stone transactions, Ji Yuan needed to be meticulous.
Even a difference of one spirit stone equated to 100 low-grade spirit stones.
"Just to confirm, Fellow Daoist, you're looking for any early Tier-2 demon core, regardless of attribute?"
The female cultivator sought clarification.
"Exactly."
"Please wait a moment."
She then hurried behind the counter to consult with a middle-aged man at the ninth level of Qi Refining. After a brief exchange, she quickly returned.
"Based on your requirements, we have two 'Blackwater Mite' demon cores, each priced at 15 mid-grade spirit stones, and one 'Earth Dragon Worm' demon core, priced at 18 mid-grade spirit stones."
"One jin for just one spirit stone?"
"Low-grade?" Ji Yuan asked tentatively.
The white-robed man paused his actions, then gave a helpless smile. "Fellow Daoist must be joking."
"Heh, hehehe."
Ji Yuan rubbed his hands together, trying to cover up his embarrassment.
"Would you still like it, Fellow Daoist?"
"Yes."
Five jin of Profound Yin Soil cost Ji Yuan another five mid-grade spirit stones.
With that, upgrading the Level 3 [Spiritual Field] had cost him a total of 112 mid-grade spirit stones!
That would be 11,200 low-grade spirit stones if converted.
Damn it, upgrading buildings really wasn't a job for mere mortals.
So damn expensive.
But when he thought of the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass, and then thought of reaching Foundation Establishment, it was all worth it—absolutely worth it.
From another perspective, his situation was already quite good.
He didn’t have to risk his life.
Other cultivators had to fight tooth and nail for Foundation Establishment.
Now that all the materials for upgrading the Spiritual Field were ready, Ji Yuan was about to return and begin the upgrade when another thought struck him.
After a brief consideration, he piloted his Red Dawn Boat to the core area of All Things Island.
He arrived at the Pill Tower.
Ji Yuan stayed inside for nearly half an hour before walking out with a blank expression.
He then took to the skies again on his flying boat, heading back to Hatchling Dragon Island.
It wasn’t until he was far enough away that he rubbed his face and let out a long breath.
He had gone to the Hundred Treasures Building to ask about the prices of Foundation Establishment Pills and the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass.
These weren’t easy questions to ask in other shops, but there were no such concerns at the Hundred Treasures Building.
And the result? It startled him.
Tier-2 Foundation Establishment Pills came in one-line, two-line, and three-line versions.
The "lines" referred to pill patterns.
One-line was the weakest, with a single pill increasing the success rate by 10%; three-line was the best, increasing it by 30%.
There was said to be an even worse kind with no lines, similar to a poison pill.
After taking one, whether or not one succeeded in Foundation Establishment was up to fate.
Three-line pills had no fixed price.
Two-line ones started at 500 mid-grade spirit stones at the minimum. If auctioned, their price could skyrocket without limit.
One-line Foundation Establishment Pills were the most traded, priced between 300 to 500 mid-grade spirit stones.
But they would usually be snatched up as soon as they appeared.
The Water Dragon Sect had none for sale, and Ji Yuan didn’t even dare to think about it. He then inquired about the price of the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass.
One stalk was priced at 150 mid-grade spirit stones.
This was the purchasing price offered by the Hundred Treasures Building, and they were willing to buy in unlimited quantities.
As for selling?
The Water Dragon Sect didn’t even have enough for their own use—how could there possibly be any to sell?
There was just no supply. It was far too rare.
In comparison, a stalk of Millennium Green Hui Grass cost only 70 mid-grade spirit stones.
That herb was occasionally available at the Hundred Treasures Building but usually got bought the moment it appeared—still, availability was what mattered. What worried him was if it became completely unavailable.
Knowing this eased Ji Yuan’s heart a bit.
If Millennium Green Hui Grass was available, surely other herbs were too.
The only real scarcity lay in the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass.
Conveniently, the Level 3 [Spiritual Field] could produce it. In that case, he just needed to wait patiently for a decade or so.
With the [Spiritual Field], he could grow a dozen or so stalks of the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass.
That would be enough for him to achieve Foundation Establishment.
With a clear path to this major goal, Ji Yuan felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders.
Half a day later, he returned to his dwelling at Cave Dwelling No. B-18.
The [Spiritual Field] was easily dealt with.
Ji Yuan headed to the backyard, casually loosened the soil with the Hundred Fish Shield, and watched as a line of small text floated above the ground.
[Spiritual Field: Lv2 (Upgradeable)]
He first glanced at the spiritual effects of the Level 3 [Spiritual Field].
[Effect 1: Crop growth cycle reduced by 50%; upon harvest, there is a 30% chance to yield double crops, and a 5% chance to yield triple crops.]
[Effect 2 (Millennium Illusion): Yields 1 stalk of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass annually.]
He was curious about one thing.
He wondered whether Effect 2—the annual harvest of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass—could also trigger Effect 1.
If the 30% chance of a double harvest activated, then two stalks of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass in a year would be a real treat.
As for that 5% chance, Ji Yuan didn’t dare hope.
Well, he’d find out after a few years post-upgrade anyway.
With his first Level 3 building about to be completed, Ji Yuan was now curious about what the Level 4 [Spiritual Field] effects would be.
He focused his mind.
He took out the two Blackwater Mite demon cores, five jin of Profound Yin Soil, 50 mid-grade spirit stones, and three Flying Locust corpses, placing them beside the [Spiritual Field].
"Panel, upgrade for me!!"
Ji Yuan only dared to shout this in his heart.
As soon as the thought formed, the materials beside the [Spiritual Field] began to gradually dissipate.
In their place, the [Spiritual Field] began to emit a dazzling green light.
Being in the Water Dragon Sect, Ji Yuan quickly turned off the building's visual effects, afraid of attracting unwanted attention.
After waiting for just a few breaths, the panel refreshed.
The small floating text above the [Spiritual Field] also changed accordingly.
[Spiritual Field: Lv3 (Not Upgradable)]
Before Ji Yuan could summon the panel to check the effects of the Level 4 Spiritual Field,
he noticed an anomaly appearing in front of him—right in the center of the field, an illusory herb was slowly taking shape.
This herb glowed with a strange, ghostly blue hue. Its leaves were long and slender, with veins resembling star patterns.
Upon closer inspection, it seemed as if a galactic river was visible within it.
The more he looked, the larger that galaxy grew—wait, something was off!
Ji Yuan quickly shut his eyes, yet an unreal feeling of a starry river still lingered in his mind.
Illusory Spirit Grass… its name was well-deserved.
Ji Yuan took quite a while to clear the sensation from his mind.
He exhaled deeply and opened his eyes again—but this time, he dared not stare directly. He only glanced using the edge of his vision, cautiously.
At the same time, he discovered that the triggered effect of the building—Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass—had already produced a fully mature plant!
One stalk per year.
Now that the upgrade was complete, he had received a stalk for free immediately, and the next one would come after a year?
What a deal!
Ji Yuan waited a moment, and after confirming that the Illusory Spirit Grass showed no further changes, he took out a small jade spade and carefully began digging around it.
But before he could dig much, he noticed the Illusory Spirit Grass had already fallen on its own.
And not only that—
After falling to the ground, the Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass suddenly duplicated into two stalks!
Holy hell!
Ji Yuan quickly checked the panel.
There, at some unknown moment, a new line of text had appeared:
[Upon harvesting "Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass", Effect triggered: Double yield acquired — Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass ×2.]
Ji Yuan was in disbelief.
Did he just strike gold by sheer luck?!
After the brief rush of joy, Ji Yuan immediately took out two jade boxes and safely stored the two stalks of Millennium Illusory Spirit Grass.
Better safe than sorry.
Unfortunately, now that he had harvested two stalks today, he would have to wait another full year for the next yield.
But then again, most people might not even be able to obtain one stalk in a whole year.
Just like Du Wanyi said—Illusory Spirit Grass was usually only found in secret realms.
After storing the Illusory Spirit Grass, Ji Yuan finally turned back to the panel.
He wanted to see what exaggerated effects this Level 4 building might offer.