Chapter 144: Sudden Beast Tide

Exchanging seven vials of Spirit Origin Pills for the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee seemed foolish to others, but for Yunhe it was undoubtedly a good deal.

Even more, let alone using seven vials of Spirit Origin Pills, even if it were doubled, tripled, or even more, he was determined to obtain it.

But for others, not understanding is also normal.

After all, as Yunhe himself said, even if this ancient spirit insect were as rare, uncommon, and powerful as could be, it is still only one, and moreover a weak or even defective male bee.

Whether it can be cured later is another matter.

Even if it recovers to a certain state, what queen bee could bear the burden of mating with it?

Even taking ten thousand steps back, even if there were a special queen bee able to withstand mating with it, how could we ensure the newborn offspring inherit its abilities?

After all, the more powerful a creature, the harder its abilities are to inherit.

But this is only a male bee, with only a single chance to try; failure would mean wasting the exchanged resources for nothing.

But these problems are actually nothing to Yunhe.

First, he possesses Breeding Pills and a Nine Twists Gourd; even if he cannot fully cure this Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee, restoring its mating ability is still possible, as he has experience reviving the Four-wing Gold-spotted Bee.

Second, ordinary bee queens indeed cannot bear the mating burden of the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee, but Yunhe's Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee ranks ninety-ninth on the Spirit Insect Ranking; he believes its queen can do so.

Because the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee is not the Gold Shadow Eight-wing Bee, which is the nineteenth-ranked entity on the Spirit Insect Ranking.

Finally, and most importantly and crucially.

Yunhe possesses dead eggs of the Thousand Extension Bee, whose trait allows the queen to preserve and pass on the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee's abilities to the greatest extent possible.

Even if it cannot be fully inherited, it will definitely allow the Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee stock to be optimized once again.

After obtaining the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee, Yunhe made no further moves.

Although the items Cao Xucui produced were not bad, they were not what he needed.

Moreover, the exchange gathering was not just Cao Xucui alone; after she displayed all her items, it was the turn of the remaining cultivators.

This allowed Yunhe to exchange Spirit Stones for some decent materials.

Just as he had expected, among the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Return Origin Sect participating in this exchange, there were indeed some who had entered the White Mountain Secret Realm and produced materials found only there.

When it was his turn, he produced two medium-grade Spiritual Artifacts refined while honing his artifact-forging skills, which attracted much attention and earned him many Spirit Stones.

After one round.

Then it proceeded to the free exchange session.

Yunhe then found an excuse to leave the side hall and returned to his dwelling.

"Meeting the sect leader of the Return Origin Sect tomorrow will complete the mission."

Yunhe, sitting on the bed in his dwelling, thought to himself.

Although this is within the Return Origin Sect's premises, a sect on par with the Qingzong Sect, Yunhe still laid out some simple formations in his room to maintain his clarity.

He opened the Spirit Insect Bag.

He carefully took out that Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee.

He had only glanced at it briefly before, but now he could examine it closely.

"It's somewhat better than I expected."

That counts as good news.

Of course.

Even if it's somewhat better, it's still far inferior to the original Four-wing Gold-spotted Bee.

This Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee still shares many similarities with the Four-wing Gold-spotted Bee.

Its size is also about two fingers wide, but at the moment its whole body is curled up, looking more like a small black-and-gold ball; a light touch reveals its body is extremely hard.

Its six wings, thin as cicada wings, shade from black to gold, with a black base dotted with gold spots; obviously the gold spots are larger, their combined area covering nearly half of the abdomen.

Even its legs bear gold spots.

"Huh?"

After staring at the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee for a long time, Yunhe showed a hint of surprise.

He tapped the Spirit Insect Bag, summoning a Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee, and placed the two insects together for comparison.

Gradually he confirmed his guess.

"These are rune markings?"

On the gold spots of the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee's abdomen exist some very faint lines; and if all the gold spots are put together, these lines faintly form a rune pattern.

On Yunhe's Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee, however, there are no such lines.

He extended his divine sense.

With his divine sense, comparable to that of a Core Formation cultivator, fully focused on the Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee, he completely recorded those lines.

He planned to study them slowly after returning and attempt to draw the runes.

He then took out a top-grade Second Stage Breeding Pill, fragrant and abundant.

As soon as the pill appeared,

the previously motionless Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee twitched its wings and actually moved.

Seeing this, Yunhe smiled.

He knows best how strong the allure of the Breeding Pill is for demonic beasts and spirit insects.

He placed this weak or even defective male Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee alone into a Spirit Beast Bag, and also put that Breeding Pill inside.

Wanting this Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee to recover to the point of being able to mate is certainly not achievable with just a single Breeding Pill; it requires him to spend considerable time and effort to help it gradually recover.

However, Yunhe already has considerable experience with this and is not in a hurry.

Moreover.

Even if this Gold Shadow Six-wing Bee recovers its condition, he still needs to cultivate a sufficiently excellent Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee capable of bearing the mating burden.

He also looks forward to seeing how high the already strong Red Ring Gold-spotted Bee stock could rank on the Spirit Insect Ranking after further optimization, and how powerful the fully formed swarm could become.

Of course.

... etc.

Let's translate each line.

We'll need to render numbers etc exactly.

We'll need to keep punctuation.

We'll need to translate Chinese to English naturally.

Let's go line by line.

【61】 Of course.

Translation: "Of course."

【62】 Want to breed a new bee swarm that can match the scale of the current red-ring gold-spotted bee swarm; the resources required are also enormous, and it is estimated that not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can afford it.

Want to breed a new bee swarm that can match the scale of the current red-ring gold-spotted bee swarm; the resources required are also enormous, and it is estimated that not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can afford it.

Want to raise a new bee swarm that can match the scale of the current red-ring gold-spotted bee swarm.

Let's translate: "Want to cultivate a new bee swarm that can match the scale of the current red-ring gold-spotted bee swarm, the resources required are also enormous; it is estimated that not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can bear the cost."

We need to keep numbers etc. No numbers.

We'll produce: "Want to cultivate a new bee swarm that can match the scale of the current red-ring gold-spotted bee swarm, the resources required are also enormous; it is estimated that not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can bear the cost."

the resources needed are also huge; estimated that not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can bear it.

He took out a Nine Curves Gourd, took a small sip, and Yunhe set aside his distractions to begin cultivating.

Translation: "Taking out the Nine Curves Gourd, he took a small sip; Yunhe cleared his mind and began cultivating."

Nine Curves Gourd (item), Yunhe, cultivate.

Thus: "He took out the Nine Curves Gourd and took a small sip; Yunhe cleared his distracting thoughts and began cultivating."

Better: "He took out the Nine Curves Gourd, took a small sip, Yunhe cleared his mind and began cultivating."

We'll output: "He took out the Nine Curves Gourd, took a small sip, Yunhe cleared his mind and began cultivating."

The next day.

Translation: "The next day."

The Sect Master of the Return Origin Sect presided over the ceremony as the entire sect held the final rites to see off San Yuan Dao Ren, a Meritorious Elder of the Return Origin Sect.

Translation: "Hosted by the Sect Master of Return Origin Sect, the entire sect completed the final ceremony to see off this meritorious elder of Return Origin Sect, Three Yuan Dao Ren."

San Yuan Dao Ren, Return Origin Sect Meritorious Elder.

Thus: "Hosted by the Sect Master of Return Origin Sect, the entire sect held the final ceremony to bid farewell to this Return Origin Sect Meritorious Elder, San Yuan Dao Ren."

We'll output: "Hosted by the Sect Master of Return Origin Sect, the entire sect held the final ceremony to bid farewell to this Return Origin Sect Meritorious Elder, San Yuan Dao Ren."

Farewell, San Yuan Supreme Elder!

Translation: "\"Seeing off, Three Yuan Supreme Elder! \"" Actually the phrase is a greeting: "Seeing off, Three Yuan Supreme Elder!" Usually they'd say "Farewell, Three Yuan Supreme Elder!" We'll translate as: "\"Farewell, Three Yuan Supreme Elder! \"" But we need to keep the exclamation.

Thus: "\"Farewell, Three Yuan Supreme Elder! \"" We'll keep the quotes.

Farewell, San Yuan Supreme Elder!

Translation: "\"Farewell Three Yuan Supreme Elder! \"" (no comma). We'll output: "\"Farewell Three Yuan Supreme Elder! \""

The voice echoed throughout the Return Origin Sect.

Translation: "The voice spread throughout the entire Return Origin Sect."

In any sect of the Ten Domains Nine Sects, a Jie Dan Stage Supreme Elder is one of the measures of the sect's strength.

Translation: "For any sect of the Ten Domains Nine Sects, a Supreme Elder at the Golden Core stage is one of the standards that determine the sect's strength."

Jie Dan Stage, Supreme Elder, Ten Domains Nine Sects.

Thus: "For any sect of the Ten Domains Nine Sects, a Supreme Elder of the Jie Dan Stage is one of the standards that determine the sect's strength."

Although San Yuan Dao Ren was already nearing the end of his lifespan and his passing was inevitable, the loss of such a cultivator would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Return Origin Sect.

Translation: "Although Three Yuan Dao Ren's lifespan was short and his passing was inevitable, the departure of such a cultivator undoubtedly had a huge impact on the entire Return Origin Sect."

San Yuan Dao Ren, cultivator, Return Origin Sect.

Thus: "Although San Yuan Dao Ren's lifespan was short and his passing was inevitable, the departure of such a cultivator undoubtedly had a huge impact on the entire Return Origin Sect."

However, this had little effect on Yunhe and the other cultivators from other sects.

Translation: "However, this had little impact on cultivators like Yunhe from other sects."

Yunhe, other sects, cultivators.

Thus: "However, this had little impact on cultivators like Yunhe from other sects."

If we really had to say there is something.

Translation: "If one had to say there was any."

It may have strengthened many people's resolve to pursue the Golden Core.

Translation: "It might have simply made many people more determined to pursue the Golden Core."

Golden Core.

Thus: "It might have simply made many people more determined to pursue the Golden Core."

If they fail to reach Golden Core, they could pass away within a few years, just like San Yuan Dao Ren.

Translation: "If they fail to achieve Golden Core, perhaps within a few years they will also pass away like Three Yuan Dao Ren."

San Yuan Dao Ren, Golden Core, pass away.

Thus: "If they fail to achieve Golden Core, perhaps within a few years they will also pass away like San Yuan Dao Ren."

Even the strongest cultivator cannot ultimately resist the erosion of time.

Translation: "No matter how strong a cultivator is, they ultimately cannot resist the erosion of time."

cultivator.

Thus: "No matter how strong a cultivator is, they ultimately cannot resist the erosion of time."

After the final rites were completed, the Return Origin Sect mourned in white, and Yunhe and his companions prepared to depart.

Translation: "After completing the final ceremony, the Return Origin Sect mourned in white, and Yunhe and others also prepared to leave."

Return Origin Sect, Yunhe, mourned in white.

Thus: "After completing the final ceremony, the Return Origin Sect mourned in white, and Yunhe and others also prepared to leave."

But just as they located the Sect Master of the Return Origin Sect to announce their departure, a figure suddenly flickered in a secluded spot within the sect and appeared above the Return Origin Sect.

Translation: "But just as they sought the Sect Master of Return Origin Sect to ask for leave, a figure suddenly flickered in a secluded spot within the sect and appeared above the Return Origin Sect."

Sect Master of Return Origin Sect, Return Origin Sect, above.

Thus: "But just as they sought the Sect Master of Return Origin Sect to ask for leave, a figure suddenly flickered in a secluded spot within the sect and appeared above the Return Origin Sect."

Seeing this person, all the cultivators present were startled.

Translation: "Upon seeing this person, all the cultivators present couldn't help but be startled."

cultivator.

Thus: "Upon seeing this person, all the cultivators present couldn't help but be startled."

Immediately afterward.

Translation: "Immediately after,"

Several more figures then appeared in midair.

Translation: "Then several more figures appeared in midair."

They were all Golden Core cultivators!

Translation: "They were all Golden Core cultivators!"

Golden Core cultivators.

Thus: "They were all Golden Core cultivators!"

The white-clad middle-aged Golden Core cultivator who appeared first had a solemn expression and spoke in a deep voice:

Translation: "The white-clad, middle-aged Golden Core cultivator who appeared first had a solemn expression and spoke in a deep voice:"

white-clad middle-aged Golden Core cultivator.

Thus: "The white-clad, middle-aged Golden Core cultivator who appeared first had a solemn expression and spoke in a deep voice:"

"Jin Dao You, what does the Spirit Beast Sect mean by this?"

Translation: "\"Jin Dao You, what does the Spirit Beast Sect mean by this? \""

Jin Dao You, Spirit Beast Sect.

Thus: "\"Jin Dao You, what does the Spirit Beast Sect mean by this? \""

These words shocked many of those present.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, many present were startled."

They turned their gaze toward the white-clad Golden Core.

Translation: "They looked toward the direction of the white-clad Golden Core cultivator."

white-clad Golden Core.

Thus: "They looked toward the direction of the white-clad Golden Core cultivator."

They then saw many figures emerging from the distant horizon.

Translation: "They actually saw many figures emerging from the distant horizon."

At a glance, there were at least a hundred people.

Translation: "At a glance, there were at least a hundred!"

Is the Spirit Beast Sect launching a full-scale assault on the Return Origin Sect?!

Translation: "The Spirit Beast Sect is launching a full-scale attack on the Return Origin Sect?!"

Spirit Beast Sect, Return Origin Sect.

Thus: "The Spirit Beast Sect is launching a full-scale attack on the Return Origin Sect?!"

But why, when the enemy was nearing the mountain gate of the Return Origin Sect, did the Return Origin Region's border send no word at all?

Translation: "But why, when their people were about to reach the mountain gate of the Return Origin Sect, did the border of the Return Origin Region send no feedback at all?"

mountain gate of Return Origin Sect, Return Origin Region, border.

Thus: "But why, when their people were about to reach the mountain gate of the Return Origin Sect, did the border of the Return Origin Region send no feedback at all?"

Many below also glared hostilely at the two Foundation Establishment cultivators inside the Return Origin Sect's mountain gate.

Translation: "Down below, many also looked with hostility at the two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Return Origin Sect inside the mountain gate."

inside the mountain gate, Return Origin Sect, two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Thus: "Down below, many also looked with hostility at the two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Return Origin Sect inside the mountain gate."

Just that.

Translation: "However,"

Xu Liang, who had tricked Yunhe the previous night, was also filled with astonishment.

Translation: "Xu Liang, who had tricked Yunhe the previous night, was also filled with astonishment at this moment."

Yunhe, Xu Liang.

Thus: "Xu Liang, who had tricked Yunhe the previous night, was also filled with astonishment at this moment."

Obviously, he also didn't know exactly what had happened.

From afar, the somewhat helpless voice of a Spirit Beast Sect Golden Core cultivator also came over.

It spread throughout the entire Return to Origin Sect.

"Daoist Friend Lin, the demonic beasts of the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range have risen in revolt!"

Whoosh——

These words caused an uproar throughout the crowd.

Many cultivators leapt into the air, gazing toward the distance.

Indeed.

Behind the Spirit Beast Sect cultivator lay a vast expanse of black 'tide,' sweeping toward the Return to Origin Sect.

It was a great army formed of countless demonic beasts!

Land demonic beasts, flying demonic beasts—various kinds that originally were hostile or even hunted each other—now unexpectedly joined forces, launching an assault together toward a single target.

Occasionally, within the black tide, one could see the glimmer of magical light, but it was quickly swallowed by the endless surge.

At this moment, any demonic beast attempting to resist, even a Golden Core cultivator, dared not pause for even an instant when facing such a terrifying demonic beast tide.

"Wind Chil Falcons! That's a huge flock of Wind Chil Falcons!"

"And there are Burst-horn Rhinoceroses—actually a massive group of Second-tier Beast Burst-horn Rhinoceroses!"

Seeing that massive herd of well-known demonic beasts, every cultivator present turned pale with shock.

And at this moment.

Cry——!!

A piercing, resonant cry rang out, tearing through the sky; the cloud-like demonic birds scattered, and a handsome, massive demonic beast resembling an eagle and a peng leapt forth.

Its fiery red crown blazed with scorching light, and as its wings violently shook, flames dyed half the sky red.

"Third-stage Demon King—Flame Blaze Wind-wing Eagle!"

Yunhe's pupils contracted slightly, and he silently spoke the name of this demonic beast.

Had the indiscriminate slaughter of the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range's demonic beasts by the cultivators of the Ten Domains Nine Sects finally provoked the demonic beasts' uprising within the range?

Yunhe suddenly recalled seeing a large amount of demonic beast materials at the market auction the last time, even the appearance of third-stage demonic beast essence blood.

Had that foreshadowed the emergence of the beast tide?

But it stands to reason that if he could faintly sense something amiss, those Golden Core cultivators of the various sects should have noticed the clues.

"Everyone, retreat east immediately!"

The white-robed Golden Core cultivator gave a deep look to the swiftly approaching Spirit Beast Sect cultivator, and his heavy voice rang in everyone's ears.

The first to react were not the cultivators of the Return to Origin Sect, but Yunhe and these other cultivators from outside sects.

They each unleashed their own flying Spiritual Artifacts and fled swiftly.

In this situation, even if there were several Golden Core cultivators present, they probably couldn't even protect the Return to Origin Sect's cultivators, let alone these outsider sect cultivators.

Yunhe was naturally among them.

Although his mind was full of doubts, the events had already happened, and it was not the time to trace the cause.

Now there is only one thing to do.

In the beast tide of rampaging monster beasts, survive!

Whoosh—

The Flowing Cloud Falcon Boat's speed surged to the extreme, Yunhe wore a grim face and continuously cast hand seals.

After they left, the Return to Origin Sect's Mountain-Protecting Grand Formation immediately rose.

Soon after, many more Return to Origin Sect cultivators fled under the protection of several Golden Core cultivators.

The current situation clearly shows that the Return to Origin Sect also has no choice but to make protecting as many outstanding disciples as possible its primary goal, and the Mountain-Protecting Grand Formation merely serves to buy time.

Whether they can survive depends on each one's luck.

However, after Yunhe had fled a distance, he suddenly raised a hand and relied on a bamboo dart shooting swiftly from afar.

A bamboo dart?

It was Huaxin's message transmission!

He kept a grim face, while steering the flying vessel and pouring divine sense into it.

After scanning it, his expression grew even uglier.

From Huaxin's this message transmission, he roughly understood the whole situation's cause.

Including why the beast tide appeared so abruptly, the current situation, and what Huaxin instructed him to do next.

But Yunhe didn't notice that, while he was fleeing, someone had set their sights on him.

(End of chapter)