Chapter 14

It's hardly reasonable for a mere early-stage Qi Refining spirit bee farmer to run outside the Fang Market Safety Zone every few days.

Named entities: Qi Refining early stage, Spirit Bee Farmer, Fang Market Safety Zone. Also maybe "mere" is just a phrase.

Yunhe felt a slight tension in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face, merely giving an embarrassed smile and waving his hand.

Named entity: Yunhe.

"Alas, the edge of the Fang Market is dangerous; how could I not know? But coming and going here is not my wish; it's merely a helpless move."

Named entity: Fang Market.

"Oh?"

"Have you ever heard of the Black-Ring Hornet, fellow cultivator?"

Named entity: Black-Ring Hornet.

"I've heard a little about it."

"My previous beekeeping site was hit by a Black-Ring Hornet disaster; to guarantee spirit honey yield, I had no choice but to leave my comfort zone and come back here. I hope you won't inform Manager Wang; thank you in advance."

Named entities: spirit honey, Manager Wang.

Saying this, Yunhe made another bow.

"Really?"

The Shi cultivator sized Yunhe up from head to toe, and the smile on his face turned slightly weird.

Named entity: Shi cultivator. Also Yunhe again.

"Absolutely certain."

"Heh." The Shi cultivator suddenly let out a light chuckle, his hand lightly touching his waist, revealing an azure-green longsword faintly visible beneath his wide robe, spiritual light flowing over it.

Named entity: Shi cultivator again. (The azure-green longsword is not a named entity.)

"Magical artifact!"

Named entity: Magical Artifact.

At the same time, Yunhe finally clearly felt the fluctuations of spiritual power emanating from the other person.

Named entity: Spiritual Power.

It turned out to be middle-stage Qi Refining cultivation!

Named entity: Qi Refining middle stage, Cultivation Base.

Fourth layer of Qi Refining!

Named entity: Qi Refining fourth layer.

Plus an unnamed-grade magical artifact longsword.

Note: The longsword is a magical artifact but lacks a specific name, so we do not list it as a named entity.

The threatening intent goes without saying.

Then I heard him say leisurely:

"Fellow cultivator Yunhe, I was merely curious, yet you treat me like a three-year-old child—do you really think I don't know there are Black-Ring Hornet traces here as well?!"

Named entities: Yunhe, Shi cultivator, Black-Ring Hornet.

While speaking, the longsword at his waist emitted a faint tremor and a buzzing sound.

Yunhe felt bitter inside.

To be honest, who would bother to keep track of a low-level spirit bee farmer's daily comings and goings?

Note: low-level spirit bee farmer is not a proper name, so no named entity.

This was actually his first time going out; having run into a Black-Ring Hornet nest, he returned in a hurry and panic, and coincidentally encountered this Shi cultivator, drawing the latter's attention.

Named entities: Black-Ring Hornet nest, Shi cultivator.

Otherwise, who cares whether he lives or dies?

During that period, they had indeed met again, but since the other party acted fairly friendly, Yunhe didn't think much of it.

In fact, he had deliberately avoided them, even asking some sociable neighbors for information about the other party.

Before setting out to hunt Black-Ring Hornets, he would always first check whether this Shi cultivator was nearby.

Named entities: hunting Black-Ring Hornet, Shi cultivator.

But I never expected that the Shi cultivator, who had been gentle many times before, would reveal his true intentions today.

Named entity: Shi cultivator. Also note: the idiom "when the rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked" is the title.

Therefore, once the Shi cultivator also knew there were traces of Black-Ring Hornet activity here, Yunhe's words certainly wouldn't hold up.

Named entities: Shi cultivator, Black-Ring Hornet, Yunhe.

Who would have a spirit bee farmer run every few days to a place where Black-Ring

Named entities: Spirit Bee Farmer, Black-ringed Hornet

"At the same time, Yunhe also had reason to suspect that the other party had been targeting him for more than just a day or two." Yunhe

"So what was meant to come will come." no

Feeling the opponent's spiritual power and the no-longer-concealed threat, Yunhe took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his nervousness

Named entities: Spiritual Power, Yunhe

"He could only reveal a bitter expression, clasped his hands, and spoke in a somewhat hoarse, low voice:" no

"I never expected Fellow Daoist Shi to be so observant. It's not that I deliberately concealed it; actually, well, to be frank, I have discovered a spirit plant."

Named entities: Shi friend, spirit plant

While speaking and clasping his hands, Yunhe seemingly unintentionally revealed the talisman tucked at his waist

Named entities: Yunhe, talisman

Crimson Flame Talisman!

Named entity: Crimson Flame Talisman

The Shi-surnamed cultivator narrowed his eyes, noticing this talisman

Named entities: Shi-surnamed cultivator, talisman

A mere mid-grade talisman is not enough to make him hesitate

Named entity: mid-grade talisman

Even a sense of superiority arose in his heart unbidden. no

"Early Qi Refining is just early Qi Refining, treating a mid-grade talisman as a treasure."

Named entities: early Qi Refining stage, mid-grade talisman

"Only the weak need to bare their fangs to show strength; truly powerful beings often keep their trump cards hidden." no

He understood that Yunhe was deliberately revealing the mid-grade talisman to make him wary

Named entities: Yunhe, mid-grade talisman

Although he felt disdain inwardly, the Shi-surnamed cultivator still cooperated by slightly furrowing his brow, softening his attitude a bit

Named entity: Shi-surnamed cultivator

"Oh, I don't know what kind of spirit plant this is?"

Named entity: spirit plant

If Yunhe did not reveal this talisman, the Shi-surnamed cultivator might still have some reservations

Named entities: Yunhe, talisman, Shi-surnamed cultivator

After all, they are both cultivators; although he has an advantage in cultivation level, cultivators have many ways to offset such differences

Named entities: cultivator, Cultivation Base

But now that Yunhe has revealed his trump card, not only does it not make him wary, it actually makes him feel even more contemptuous, believing he has Yunhe in his grasp

Named entity: Yunhe

Little did he know, this was exactly what Yunhe wanted. Yunhe

Arrogance often causes a person to overlook details unintentionally. no

This psychological game, however, is not worth mentioning to outsiders. no

Yunhe smiled helplessly. Yunhe

"I don't recognize it, but I'll remember its appearance and look for an opportunity to check the library for more information."

Named entities: Library

Speaking, he briefly described the appearance and characteristics of the Twin-Stem Thunder Juice Fruit

Named entity: Twin-Stem Thunder Juice Fruit

'Twin-Stem Thunder Juice Fruit'

Same.

After hearing his description, the Shi-surnamed cultivator's eyes gleamed with excitement

Named entity: Shi-surnamed cultivator

'The Twin-Stem Thunder Juice Fruit is a first-rank top-grade spirit plant.'

Named entities: Twin-Stem Thunder Juice Fruit, top-grade spirit plant, first-rank

Leaving aside its effects, its grade alone guarantees a high price. no

Moreover, the "paired-stem thunder juice fruit" is not common; if one only sees it in a book, some details cannot be described that accurately.

He too had only seen this kind of spirit plant once by chance at an auction, which is why he could be so certain.

Yunhe, merely an early-stage Qi Refining spirit bee farmer, yet could state the key point, obviously he had really seen it.

So, he believed nine-tenths of Yunhe's claim about discovering the Twin-stem Thunder Syrup Fruit.

However, he kept his composure on the surface, instead showing attentiveness and curiosity.

"This spirit plant, I, Shi, have never seen before; I am very curious— I wonder if Fellow Daoist Yun could..."

Yunhe's expression tightened, showing a difficult look.

"This."

Then the Shi cultivator patted his chest and said solemnly:

"Fellow Daoist, rest assured, I, Shi, am not greedy for wealth; I just have many friends and some channels. If Fellow Daoist's discovered spirit plant is indeed valuable, you can go through my channels. Then let me earn a modest middleman fee— is that not too much?"

"I believe your ghost!"

He gritted his teeth, as if making some decision, and said in a low voice:

"Never mind. Since that's the case, if there is any gain, we'll split it four-six. No! five-five split it is. Fellow Daoist Shi, you must not refuse!"

The Shi cultivator feigned surprise, then suppressed the surprise.

"In that case, I, Shi, would not dare to refuse."

Yunhe squeezed out a somewhat bitter smile, shook his head, and said in a dejected tone:

"Please, Fellow Daoist, follow me."

Saying that, he once again walked toward the outside of the market town's safe area.

Watching Yunhe's back, the Shi cultivator sneered inwardly, killing intent surging in his eyes.

And Yunhe, walking ahead, had already taken the Crimson Flame Talisman in his hand.

He also had five Protective Talismans ready to be activated at any moment.

Although the Protective Talismans are low-grade spirit talismans.

But they should still be able to buy some time.

By again driving the Red Pattern Spirit Bee to interfere, he could then seize the opportunity to strike back or flee.

Although the Red Pattern Spirit Bee is very important to him, compared to his own life it is insignificant.

The two walked one after the other quietly along the overgrown path, tacitly keeping a certain distance.

They seemed calm, but both were waiting for an opportunity.

Clang!

The sword blade gave a faint ring.

With a casual swipe, the surnamed Shi cultivator easily cleaved a black-ringed wasp in half.

This wasn't the first black-ringed wasp he had killed.

However, he didn't regard this black-ringed wasp, a spirit insect not even worthy of being called a demon beast, as a threat—not even one, let alone ten could trouble him.

Moreover, he had long known there were traces of active black-ringed wasps here, so encountering them was no surprise.

What dissatisfied him a little was that, after following Yunhe for nearly fifteen minutes, he still hadn't seen the so‑called Twin‑stem Thunder Syrup Fruit.

Logically, it shouldn't be far away.

"Daoist Yun, haven't we arrived yet?" the surnamed Shi cultivator asked, frowning and speaking in a low voice.

"It should… it should be soon."

Yunhe pretended to be nervous, hastily wiping sweat from his forehead, "The sky is getting late, the path is hard to recognize, but it should be around here,"

"Big brothers, where is your usual ferocity? This cultivator has slaughtered so many of your kin—shouldn't you come out?"

Indeed, Yunhe planned to use the nearby black-ringed wasps to deal with the surnamed Shi cultivator.

Especially the black-ringed wasp queen inside the nest, which very likely had already become a demon beast, possibly of considerable rank.

He relied on the information gap caused by the fact that a Qi Refining cultivator's Spirit Sense cannot be projected outward.

And also on his greater familiarity with this place compared to the surnamed Shi cultivator.

However, he wasn't entirely sure of the exact location of the black‑ringed wasp nest, so he had no choice but to lead the surnamed Shi cultivator around the area, gritting his teeth.

He had thought that killing a few black‑ringed wasps would have drawn the attention of the hive.

Who knew that the swarm of black‑ringed wasps seemed to have shrunk back.

"If it really won't work, we'll have to resort to a risky move."

Just as Yunhe was pondering whether he should actively provoke the black‑ringed wasp swarm,

Buzz—

A dense buzzing sound came.

Immediately afterward, a "black cloud" rose from a small earthen slope not far away.

Upon seeing the "black cloud," both Yunhe's and the surnamed Shi cultivator's faces changed sharply.

"So many?!"

The "black cloud," formed by countless black‑ringed wasps, gathered hundreds of them together; even the mere vibration of their wings sent a chill down one's spine.

Even though the surnamed Shi cultivator's Cultivation Base had reached mid‑Qi Refining, he felt immense pressure.

Once surrounded, without any life‑saving means, even a mid‑Qi Refining cultivator could not possibly withstand it!

"Damn, this is actually the black‑ringed wasp nest!"

Even at this point, Yunhe still didn't forget to put on an act.

However, if the surnamed Shi cultivator still hasn't realized he's been tricked by Yunhe, then he truly deserves the title of cultivator in name only.

Gritting his teeth inwardly, he shouted aloud:

"Daoist Yun, run! I, Shi, will hold them off for a moment!"

Clang!

While speaking, he turned his palm over and quickly drew his magical artifact sword.

His behavior and actions were completely different; after drawing the magical artifact, he had no intention of facing the black-ringed hornet swarm at all, instead glaring viciously at Yunhe.

Leave someone behind as a shield to draw attention!

But unexpectedly, the two of them shared the same idea!

The Shi cultivator who turned his head felt his pupils contract sharply.

Because he realized that he was decisive and ruthless, yet Yunhe's reaction was even more decisive and even more ruthless!

A faint flicker of fire flashed before his eyes like a leap, then rapidly expanded, bringing a surge of scorching heat that rushed toward his face!

Mid-grade spirit talisman, Crimson Flame Talisman!

Even before the black-ringed hornet swarm appeared and the Shi cultivator prepared to act against himself, Yunhe had already taken the initiative.

Without hesitation, he activated his spiritual power to trigger the Crimson Flame Talisman.

Damn it!

The Shi cultivator's eyes filled with fury; after cursing, he immediately activated the talisman on his person.

Blinding fire shot up into the sky, instantly illuminating the surroundings.

At the same time.

The flames also thoroughly enraged the black-ringed hornets that disliked fire.

Under unknown guidance, they surged madly toward Yunhe and the Shi cultivator, covering the sky and earth.

After throwing the Crimson Flame Talisman, Yunhe didn't even glance at the result, turned his head and ran toward the Fang Market Safety Zone.

Pfft!!

A bluish-green long sword, entwined with spiritual power, thrust out amidst the surging flames.

With a fierce slash, the scorching flames gradually dissipated.

Revealing beneath it a disheveled Shi cultivator.

His face was covered in grime, his originally neat hair burnt off more than half, and his seemingly fine clothing was ragged, full of burnt holes.

Even his body could be seen beneath the clothing, scorched to the point of skin splitting and flesh tearing.

Yunhe's reaction was too fast, and besides, the Crimson Flame Talisman is a mid-grade spirit talisman no matter what; the Shi cultivator was only half a beat slower, and ended up in this state.

He looked fearful.

If he had activated the Golden Light Talisman just a bit slower earlier, he might really have been burned to death by the sneaky Crimson Flame Talisman.

Immediately, an uncontrollable anger rose in his heart.

This guy not only wasted a precious Golden Light Talisman, but also suffered severe injuries himself!

'Damn bastard!'

Just that.

Before his anger could be vented, the black-ringed hornet swarm, like a dark cloud, forced him to suppress his anger.

He drew a Lightweight Talisman.

'Don't let me catch you!'

Whoosh——!!

Before he could activate the talisman with his magical power, he heard a sound tearing through the air.

The Shi cultivator's expression changed slightly, and his long sword trembled in his hand.

Ding!!

'Tail sting?'

Seeing the short black needle blocked by his sword, the Shi cultivator froze.

The next second, his face darkened as if water could be wrung out of it.

The tail sting's sneak attack was blocked, but his Lightweight Talisman now had a hole in it.

It lost its effectiveness!

Buzz——

The black-ringed hornet swarm was right at hand.

He fiercely swung a sword behind him, the sharp sword qi instantly slaying several black-ringed hornets, but it only made the swarm surge forward even more wildly.

There was no way; he could only start running.

Injured, and besides not being a body cultivator, the Shi cultivator couldn't fully distance himself from the black-ringed hornets.

However, he also came up with a method that wasn't really a method.

Gritting his teeth through the pain, he tried to catch up to Yunhe, hoping to borrow him to share the pressure of the hornet swarm.

Then, if he only needed to face half the swarm, he still had confidence to survive.

But.

The truly despairing scene.

appeared.

Buzz——

This was not the sound of the black-ringed hornets flapping their wings.

but rather dozens of Spirit Bees!

He lifted his gaze and saw Yunhe running ahead, his eyes cold, his hands forming a seal, forcibly driving the Spirit Bees to fly toward him.

It was not an attack launch.

It was merely to have the Spirit Bees fly to his side and cling to his body.

And the spirit bees' scent and the food's scent thoroughly aroused the ferocity of the black-ring hornets, which all swarmed toward the Shi cultivator.

Yunhe!!!

The despairing Shi cultivator roared aloud.

But he was quickly overwhelmed by the black-ring hornets.

Buzz—

Watching the Shi cultivator completely swallowed by the swarm, Yunhe couldn't let out a breath.

He merely buried his head and ran even harder.

From time to time, a few spirit bees flew out from the beehive behind him, attracting the scattered black-ring hornets that came in pursuit, buying time for his escape.

"I really lost big this time."

He ran with his head down all the way into the safe zone, and only when the sound of bee wings vibrating behind him ceased did he finally slow his steps.

Thump-thump! Thump-thump!.

His chest heaved violently, his heartbeat sounding as if it were right beside his ear.

Supporting himself on his knees, Yunhe half-narrowed his eyes, a cold light flickering in their depths.

Having long noticed that this Shi cultivator was off, Yunhe naturally wouldn't be like a clueless newbie with no preparations at all.

Luring the black-ring hornets to defuse the danger was the first step; as long as he was willing to sacrifice the spirit bees as bait, he had absolute confidence he could escape.

"If you can survive, that's the second step!"

Since the Shi cultivator could investigate him, Yunhe, who had sensed his oddness, naturally also had to investigate and understand him as much as possible!

This double chapter is over 4k characters~~

(End of chapter)