Chapter 113

Finally, these are the bee eggs.

Looking at the two snow-white worm eggs glowing with a jade-colored light in his palm, Yunhe fell into thought.

The Thousand Evolution Bee?

Having obtained the 'Thousand Gu Myriad Insects Art', plus some speculation, Yunhe gained a rough understanding of some things in the Insect Sect ruins that were originally incomprehensible.

The 'Heavenly Corpse Gu' should have been cultivated using the gu-rearing method from the 'Thousand Gu Myriad Insects Art', combined with the profound understanding of gu insects by that exceptionally talented Insect Sect Nascent Soul old monster.

However, it's unclear whether the problem arose during the breeding process or during the gu-controlling process, causing the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu' to lose control; that Nascent Soul old monster became the first host of the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu', and was also a host whose consciousness was controlled by the gu insects.

But that Nascent Soul old monster also understood how dangerous the gu insects he cultivated were, so before cultivating the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu', he still made several precautions.

One of them is this 'Thousand Evolution Bee'.

In other words, to some extent, the 'Thousand Evolution Bee' can be considered a counter to the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu'.

But for some reason it still let the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu' lose control; instead, the Insect Sect was destroyed, and the 'Thousand Evolution Bee' suffered near-total casualties, leaving only some bee eggs.

Because no one cultivated them, the bee eggs eventually became dead eggs.

Later, they were protected by the black-ringed wasps.

Thus, the black-ringed wasps intentionally or unintentionally absorbed some traits and aura of the 'Thousand Evolution Bee', allowing them to move freely within the Insect Sect ruins.

After all, what the larvae of the 'Heavenly Corpse Gu' fear is not the black-ringed wasps, but the 'Thousand Evolution Bee'.

Moreover, this 'Thousand Evolution Bee' is a very special spirit bee.

As its name suggests, it can undergo myriad transformations or evolutions according to need.

For example, a cultivator who possesses the 'Thousand Evolution Bee' and fears fire can cultivate it for fire resistance; if they fear gu insects, they can cultivate it to counter gu insects.

Thus, Yunhe formed a hypothesis.

Originally.

In the River Stream Market, he had the spirit bees devour the black-ringed wasps, which finally mutated into Red Pattern Spirit Bees; could it be not only because of the 'Source Refining Method', but also because those black-ringed wasps acquired some traits of the 'Thousand Evolution Bee'?

It's not that this possibility is completely nonexistent.

After all, according to basic knowledge, wasps shouldn't be able to produce royal jelly.

Moreover, if explained this way, the Red-ringed Gold-spotted Bee not suffering an attack from the Death-sleeping Cicada, nor being possessed by the larvae of the Heavenly Corpse Gu, could barely be explained.

Then, to maximize the efficacy of these two 'Thousand Evolution Bee' dead eggs, one should wait until after the next queen bee mates, before it lays eggs, feed it to her, and then proceed with 'optimization' according to the method in the 'Thousand Gu Myriad Insects Art'.

Two 'Thousand Evolution Bee' dead eggs might bring about two major transformations for the Red-ringed Gold-spotted Bee swarm!

Yao Shou Shijie

Huanhu Dao

In the medicinal fields of Huanhu Dao, which had been completely remodeled, several agile and clever monkeys carried wooden buckets, carefully scattering a light-green verdant liquid into the fields.

They looked at the wooden buckets in their hands, occasionally swallowing a mouthful of water, as if this water also held great allure for them.

But upon thinking of the orders from the king and the leader, they immediately shook their heads to dispel the 'evil thoughts', and honestly watered.

Besides, don't even mention it.

As the verdant liquid was sprinkled, the spiritual plants in the fields instantly became more crystalline.

Some even grew visibly to the naked eye.

This made the monkeys let out a long sigh of relief while showing joy.

On the other side.

At the shore of Huanhu Dao, a group of fish-like demon beasts floating on the water surface, along with the crocodiles on the bank, remained motionless, appearing to be cultivating but actually collecting dew.

Or rather, they were collecting the Lesser Yang Water of the morning sun.

Blub—

Under the direction of a Ni Qiu and a Linghenclam, these demon beasts carefully took the crystalline dew from their bodies or carapaces and gathered it into a small bucket by the shore.

Finally, it was seized and carried away by a nimble snow-white fox, delivered to a cultivation site on the island.

I don't know how the king is doing.

The little fox glanced at the bottomless cave dwelling, walked to the nearby sunning platform, curled up, and its line of sight happened to take in the cave entrance.

Whimper—

It extended its tongue to lightly lick its paws, then smoothed its snow-white, translucent fur.

Whoosh—

Suddenly.

A swallow's phantom appeared before it, then the phantom gradually solidified into a tangible form.

Huh?

The little fox raised its head, showing doubt.

The Azure Shadow Swallow made a couple of simple gestures, then let out two low cries.

Upon hearing that, the little fox showed a thoughtful expression.

Outside the island, led by the black-backed apes as the 'native' demon beasts, and led by the rot-toxic rats as the 'foreign' Abyssal Stream demon beasts, they fell into a chaotic melee, creating quite a commotion.

The little fox glanced again toward the secluded cave dwelling, pondered briefly, and then spoke via Demon Sense:

According to the king's wishes, we will not intervene. Moreover, tell those guys the saying 'Setting foot on the lake island, all grudges are erased'.

Cry!

The Azure Shadow Swallow nodded.

Wait.

The little fox called out to stop the Azure Shadow Swallow about to leave; its lively eyes rolled around twice, flashing a hint of mischief and slyness.

We also need to tell them that if they want to go up to the island, they must bring something that pleases the king. Things like spiritual plants, ores, inner pellets, etc., are all acceptable.

As it said this, it also wrinkled its nose and let out a light snort.

"Hmph, we can't let Wang Bai protect them, can we?"

As for this, Qingying Yan nodded repeatedly, indicating strong approval.

Puff—

After shaking its wings twice, it turned into a shadow and vanished in midair.

Hehe.

Xiaohuli smiled proudly.

After Yunhe cultivated and let it help watch over Huanhu Dao, it was almost about to proclaim itself the "chief steward" of Huanhu Dao.

Also, since it is at least a mid-Second Stage demon beast, with a higher level of spiritual intelligence, the other demon beasts on the island roughly obey it.

It propped itself up, stretched lazily, raised its head to gaze at the warming sun, and yawned.

Another leisurely day.

Boom!!

Huanhu Dao suddenly surged with a vigorous and intense aura fluctuation, causing Xiaohuli that had just been about to lie down again to show surprise and quickly run to the cave entrance.

Soon, the other demon beasts that sensed the movement also rushed over.

Whoo—

Sensing the aura stabilizing, Xiaohuli raised its head and let out a long howl.

Its excitement and joy were evident.

Bang, bang, bang, bang—

Slow footsteps came from inside the cave.

Soon they saw Yunhe walking out slowly.

He had a slight smile on his face, and with a "pat" he pressed his paw onto Xiaohuli's head, "Those who don't know might think you're a wolf."

Whoo whoo!!

Xiaohuli twitched its nose, its fluffy tail swayed, and split into three strands.

Seeing this, Yunhe's smile grew wider.

He swept his gaze over the eager demon beasts looking at him, his expression slightly solemn, and nodded as he said:

I've made a slight breakthrough, reaching mid-Second Stage.

Whoo whoo!!

Led by Xiaohuli, the demon beasts present immediately cheered.

The demon beasts are just that simple: the stronger the king, the happier they feel from the heart.

Roar— roar—

Lanshui'e didn't know when it had arrived before Yunhe, and seeing Yunhe's now huge stature, it revealed a smile it thought was pleasing.

Let's just call it a smile.

"Hmm?" Yunhe looked at it doubtfully.

Roar—

Seeing it, a flash of embarrassment crossed its eyes; it lifted its paw, and under the escort of several Lanshui'e, a turtle with somewhat unusual traits slowly appeared in Yunhe's view.

Upon seeing this turtle, Yunhe's eyes widened.

Because.

Damn, this is actually a female turtle!

Moreover.

Moreover, it's a female turtle possessing demonic power!

He looked at Lanshui'e with a stunned expression, while Lanshui'e seemed to think it was only natural.

As the king, of course he also needs to continue the lineage.

Like it, it already has at least twenty-something children.

The demon beasts' understanding of mating can be quite different from that of humans.

Originally, Yunhe had never thought about this, or rather never considered it, but today this layer of paper was pierced.

His face, already covered in dark scales, instantly darkened.

He raised his claw.

He took a deep breath.

"Black Fish, take that— that— that someone, send them back."

Then, hang the crocodile up.

He added, "Finished."

Don't kill it.

Awoo—

Xiaohuli was the first to rush over angrily.

The "hoo hoo hoo" calls echoed without cease.

By this point, all the demon beasts on Huanhu Dao knew not to discuss "partners" in front of the king, with the crocodile being the prime example.

Lying on the sunbathing platform.

Originally, his cultivation base breakthrough had left him in a decent mood, but this messed things up.

He suddenly shivered.

"One can avoid transforming, or even avoid seeking, but absolutely cannot be a female turtle!"

No, some things just can't withstand too much thought.

The more one thinks, the easier it is to run into problems.

It slapped its storage bag, and a banner of panic fluttered in the wind.

"Let's go, little fox; take advantage of the commotion and harvest a wave of souls."

"Aoo—"

Three days later.

Huai Shan Market.

Yunhe, who had restrained his aura, approached silently.

He did not immediately reveal himself.

It's really because he's unsure of Qingzong Sect's attitude toward him.

No way.

First time.

He and Huang Ling participated in the 400th birthday celebration of the Zou family's patriarch, but they were attacked by demonic cultivators using a blood ritual and the Wang Clan's patriarch Wang Pei; in the end, only he escaped back.

This matter is still explainable, after all, it's not just Qingzong Sect's Huang Ling who died; each of the Ten Regions Nine Sects lost some Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Although Huang Ling, a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, died, it was somewhat unexpected that he, an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, managed to escape.

But this second time performing the duty of guarding Huai Shan Market, the other sect cultivators died while he remained alive.

Moreover, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Spirit Beast Sect also died, which somewhat makes it understandable.

Even if he really did nothing, he would definitely be questioned by the people of the Law Enforcement Pavilion.

But leaving Qingzong Sect also has several problems that need to be solved.

First.

Where to go?

After leaving Qingzong Sect, how can he find a place with second-stage spirit veins sufficient for his cultivation?

Second.

After finally becoming a sect cultivator and experiencing the benefits the sect brought, Yunhe still somewhat reluctance to give up.

Besides, the vast collection of books that could greatly make up for information gaps and knowledge deficiencies isn't something you can just find anywhere.

Moreover, he increasingly wants to get into artifact refining; the sect is undoubtedly the best place to inherit such knowledge.

Furthermore, Huaxin, this Golden Core cultivator who treats her well, finally managed to establish a good relationship.

But just as Yunhe was hesitating, he suddenly discovered.

Hua Lin is still alive!

Before he could even think about the reason, an old man whose face was filled with murderous aura suddenly appeared before him.

Seeing this person, Yunhe jumped in shock.

Golden Core cultivator!

His whole body tensed as he assumed a defensive stance.

At the same time, he silently estimated.

"Early Golden Core—can escape!"

Having faced the Heaven Capital Gu Corpse and the Gold Fire Centipede, Yunhe believed that as long as he was willing to sacrifice something, he could escape when facing an early Golden Core cultivator.

But soon, a short yet familiar figure appeared before him, blocking the murderous old man's aura.

Huaxin!

"Old Man Xiao, what are you trying to do? This is my disciple!"

Huaxin faced the Golden Core cultivator across from her without hesitation, her crisp voice carrying an undeniable tone.

Disciple?

Upon hearing that, not only Yunhe but the old man opposite also froze for a moment.

He then slightly restrained his aura and clasped his hands.

"Friend Huaxin, I merely wish to ask a few questions."

"Old Man Xiao? Is he the Golden Core Patriarch Xiao Qiyuan?" Yunhe thought.

Little did he know, Huaxin glared at him and snapped,

"Wait a moment!"

She turned her head to look at Yunhe, her playful eyes blinking slightly.

Yunhe immediately understood and hurriedly performed a salute.

"Disciple Yunhe, greetings, Master!"

"Hmm." Huaxin nodded slowly, giving him a once-over.

"Your aura-restraining technique is decent; I almost couldn't find you, but your experience dealing with demonic cultivators is lacking."

Saying that, she lightly patted him under his surprised gaze.

A wisp of gray-white qi was actually pulled out by her.

"This is—" Yunhe's pupils contracted.

"This is the 'Killing Qi Guide.' A late-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator is practically a Golden Core seed; their storage bags aren't so easy to take." Huaxin gave him a meaningful look.

"Wei Ming's storage bag?!"

Yunhe's heart jolted.

If he just runs away this time, who knows how he'll be targeted when he encounters demonic cultivators in the future.

Moreover, judging by that surname Xiao Golden Core cultivator, it seems they're also locking onto him via the Killing Qi Guide.

By then, even if he's fine, he'll become implicated.

Qingzong Sect might even label him as a "wartime deserter".

"Whether it's the righteous path or the demonic path, late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators are highly valued. Wait, Xiao Qiyuan wouldn't also."

But seeing the Xiao-surname elder merely had an unpleasant expression and did not show obvious hostility, Yunhe secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"If there were, Huaxin should also be able to notice."

When Yunhe's complexion fluctuated, Huaxin spoke up to soothe:

"It's fine, I'll teach you how to resolve it later."

Also said: "Now, Daoist Xiao asks you some questions; just answer truthfully."

On the words "truthfully answer", she deliberately placed emphasis.

"Young friend, this old man won't waste more words; may I ask what exactly happened that day?"

The Xiao-surname Golden Core cultivator gave a low hum and got straight to the point.

Yunhe clasped his fists, pondered briefly, then simply recounted what happened that day.

Of course, he skipped the part about entering the Heavenly Insect Sect Ruins.

He merely said that after the massive pillar exploded, they scattered; then he encountered the heavily wounded Wei Ming, they fought for a while, and in the end he fortunately won, etc.

After speaking, without waiting for the Xiao-surname elder to speak, Huaxin spoke first:

"Old Xiao, you've heard it too; Yunhe's account matches Hua Lin's with little difference. All said your grandson's disappearance has nothing to do with my Qingzong Sect!"

It can be considered as settling Yunhe's words.

But what made Yunhe doubtful was.

"Hua Lin's account? Hua Lin, could it be that he wasn't dragged into the Heavenly Insect Sect Ruins?"

"Hmph!"

The Xiao-surname elder gave a cold snort, glanced at Yunhe again, then turned and left.

————

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(End of chapter)