Chapter 192: with translation of chapter title

What kind of bees are these?

Outside the Wang Clan's formation, three disguised cultivators stood back-to-back in panic, surrounded by the dense swarm of crimson-gold spiritual bees, their faces filled with terror.

Of the three, two men and one woman; the woman had Cultivation Base at early Foundation Establishment, while the other two were at late Qi Refining, though they all appeared young.

Each deployed arts, secret techniques, Spiritual Artifacts, and talismans to protect themselves.

What made them feel somewhat desperate was that, no matter how they attacked, when their strikes landed on the bee swarm, not even a ripple was caused.

However, seeing the swarm that surrounded them but did not attack, the three all showed puzzled expressions.

Moreover, it seemed that as long as they did not try to break out, the swarm would do nothing to them.

What is going on?

What they failed to notice was that, outside the dense swarm, a somewhat stiff figure stood, silently observing everything.

Wang Clan guest quarters.

Yunhe waved his hand to dismiss the two maidservants who wanted to attend his bed, stood by the window, and gazed at the vast estate of the He Clan.

The Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator who left earlier must have been investigating my information.

But those three Wang Clan juniors who slipped away secretly are rather odd.

Due to the disappearance of an elder, the He Clan had reduced its external interactions to only necessary contacts; otherwise, Yunhe would not have struggled so long in Yun Palace City to find news of the 'Golden Ear Pill'.

But today, after arriving at the He Clan, he not only sent out a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator to gather information, but also dispatched three juniors claiming to go to Yun Palace City to collect materials.

Even if Yunhe did not want to suspect, it would be hard not to.

Those three: one at early Foundation Establishment, two at late Qi Refining near completion, and all young-looking— they clearly appear to be outstanding young talents of the He Clan.

Letting them slip away secretly, in Yunhe's view, seems more like

'A common clan cultivator practice of "leaving seeds".'

Before the clan's safety is certain, they first let some outstanding disciples depart to preserve the bloodline; many cultivation clans facing extinction do this.

Is it that the He Clan has enemies about to arrive, so they are avoiding disaster in advance?

How coincidental is that?

Another elder of the He Clan has been missing for so long, with no movement from any forces, yet as soon as he shows up to exchange for 'Golden Ear Grass', enemies appear?

Or perhaps

Yunhe's pupils glimmered in the moonlight.

I am that enemy?!

Once such a hypothesis arose, Yunhe's heart inexplicably jumped.

Furthermore, thinking of the abnormal state of the 'Corpse Soul Gu' in the He Clan's main hall...

'It seems I really have become that enemy.' Yunhe let out a helpless chuckle twice.

Actually, when he subconsciously ordered the Crimson Shadow Golden Wing Bees to block those three young juniors of the He Clan, his spiritual sense had already given a warning.

However, Yunhe could not understand.

He merely came to exchange things; even if he had a bit of dominance, he did not show any intention of forcing buys or sales, let alone robbery.

Business is not about benevolence and righteousness; he is not so low as to act without any scruples.

At most, he might just contact forces or families interested in the He Clan.

Moreover, there is another matter he also does not quite understand.

Both being early Golden Core cultivators, He Wen has lived several hundred years longer than him, yet those hundreds of years only kept him at early Golden Core, showing no great strength; how could he have the nerve to attack him?

Clearly, at such a critical moment for the He Clan, he chose to attack him instead.

'Unless striking at me could reverse the He Clan's current decline.'

'But couldn't he just accept me as a guest elder? If he worries about guests overpowering the host, then he shouldn't have proposed becoming a guest elder in the first place.'

'Being fellow early Golden Core cultivators yet having confidence to act, capturing me could reverse the He Clan's decline; the anomaly of the 'Corpse Soul Gu''

All this information adds up to only one answer.

The He Clan's mid-stage Golden Core He Yao is not dead!

He might have fled back after severe injuries, but only his soul remains; attempting to harm him is very likely a case of possession.

Thus, even if the elderly He Wen died, as long as He Yao could successfully possess a body and survive, even if his cultivation could not advance further, he could still bless the He Clan for dozens or even a hundred more years.

Given a hundred years, if the He Clan cannot produce another Golden Core cultivator, there would be no need to continue existing as a Golden Core clan.

Yunhe did not know.

His round of speculation and guessing, he actually figured out roughly.

Therefore.

Why is it that those who live long in the cultivation world are all skilled at scheming?

Because without being an old fox, one simply cannot survive!

In the tranquil cultivation world, talents abound in the Cloud Upper Realm.

'If it's as I guessed, a little test will reveal it.'

If He Yao is still alive and well, he would turn and leave; regarding his own escape ability, Yunhe still has some confidence.

But if He Yao really has only a soul left.

He Clan residence.

In a courtyard with a rockery and flowing water in the rear garden.

He Clan elder He Wen sat beside the stone table, pinching fish feed in his hand, feeding the spiritual fish in the pond.

At his age, his cultivation could not break through, so there was no need to painstakingly train; his whole life seemed rather leisurely.

Gush—

Suddenly.

The spirit fish in the water seemed to have been startled by something, not even bothering to eat, and flicked its tail violently, diving straight to the bottom.

He Wen's movement also stiffened slightly, and he revealed a gentle smile tinged with a bit of surprise, looking toward Yunhe sitting opposite.

"Bee Daoist? Fellow Daoist, rest assured, I have already ordered my clan's disciples to fetch what you need; it should be delivered to you shortly."

Yunhe also wore a smile, lightly clasped his fists, and said:

"Sorry, Fellow Daoist He, I came uninvited. I came mainly to tell you that I have considered your proposal from today."

"Oh?" He Wen scattered all the fish food from his hand into the pond, raised his eyebrows, and said: "Your decision is"

"I, Yunhe, am accustomed to being a carefree cloud and wild crane, but I still thank you for your kindness." Yunhe said with a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, He Wen's expression stiffened slightly; looking at Yunhe, who seemed easy to talk to with a smiling face, he seemed to realize something, but still said:

"Bee Daoist, are you really not going to consider it further? My He family can stably provide you with a hundred years' worth of Golden Ear Grass."

Before he could finish speaking, Yunhe waved his hand to interrupt:

"I'm truly sorry, Fellow Daoist He."

Alas—

He Wen lowered his head and shook it, seeming quite disappointed, forcing a smile as he said: "Since that's the case, I also cannot insist too much. However, as this is your first visit to my He family, if I fail to fulfill the host's courtesy and let you leave, it would not sound good to spread."

"No need." Yunhe's smile faded, and he refused in a calm tone.

A faint light appeared in He Wen's eyes, which seemed covered in a layer of ash, and the smile on his face slowly faded: "Then you don't need the Golden Ear Grass either?"

As soon as these words were spoken.

The two fell into an eerie calm.

For a moment, the only sound in the entire courtyard was the gentle babbling of flowing water.

Suddenly.

He Wen suddenly leapt up, letting out a low shout: "Yao'er!"

But before he could speak, Yunhe's movement was faster.

One could see Yunhe's body suddenly erupt with an extremely overbearing divine sense rushing toward He Wen, while at the same time he formed a sword seal with both hands and spat out a flying sword.

However, He Wen, worthy of being a veteran Golden Core cultivator, had not-so-slow reflexes; upon realizing he wasn't as fast as Yunhe, he immediately took out a talisman and slapped it on himself, then further formed a seal to sacrifice his natal magic treasure, an earth-yellow small cauldron.

"Mm!"

He Wen let out a muffled grunt, looking at Yunhe with astonishment: "A divine sense attack?"

Yunhe was also quite surprised.

Because he could clearly feel his own divine sense striking against some barrier, causing little impact on He Wen's divine sense.

A magic treasure that defends against divine sense!

"No wonder he's an old monster from a Golden Core family that has lived for nearly five hundred years."

Yunhe couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This was his first time facing a Golden Core cultivator who possessed a divine sense-defending magic treasure.

One can only say it's no wonder he's lived this long; even He Yao's mid-Golden Core cultivation base has been reduced to just a soul, yet he still lives well.

However, the divine sense attack didn't have much effect, but the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword still displayed considerable power.

Crack!!

The energy shield of the talisman protecting He Wen shattered with a bang upon contact with the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, and the sword, breaking through like bamboo, shot straight at He Wen's face.

Frightened, He Wen's aged face turned pale as he continually retreated, simultaneously holding his earth-colored small cauldron magic treasure in front of him.

The cauldron collided with the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, continuously bursting forth brilliant sparks.

"What kind of magic treasure is this?"

He Wen felt the pressure transmitted from the cauldron, his heart pounding with alarm.

Fortunately, he saw the isolation aura and the formation of movement rising in the courtyard, as well as the illusory sword-wielding figure approaching.

At the same time, one could see within that illusory, fleeting figure a golden-light-emitting sphere surging with power.

Golden Core!

Furthermore, his body erupted with an extremely peculiar demonic aura, causing Yunhe to feel a creepy sensation, and the Golden Core in his qi sea dantian emitted a buzzing sound.

Indeed, possession!

However, as the four remaining Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords in his qi sea dantian lightly trembled and emitted arcs of light, his Golden Core returned to its original state.

"What?!" He Yao's soul phantom wore an expression of shock.

Because he clearly felt that his secret technique of 'Core-Stealing Possession' had actually been interrupted!

In his and He Wen's plan, even if Yunhe were stronger, he would still be only an early Golden Core cultivator; as long as he forcibly employed the Core-Stealing Possession technique to restrain Yunhe's Golden Core and power, He Wen could help him continually weaken Yunhe.

But this plan ended as soon as it began.

Most importantly.

He Yao also felt a suction force emanating from Yunhe's body; if he didn't still have a Golden Core, that suction could likely directly draw away his soul.

Even so, he was still horrified, for even with a Golden Core he felt himself being gradually sucked in.

Now he dare not mobilize even a bit of the magical power within his Golden Core, only able to resist the suction with all his strength; otherwise, a slight lapse could cause him to lose control.

"Grand Uncle!"

"Yao'er!"

Their voices sounded almost simultaneously.

Yet it also left the other party stunned.

Their shouts were naturally meant to seek each other's help, but He Wen was briefly suppressed by the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, and He Yao was even more possessed by the transformed 'Corpse Soul Gu,' leaving no free hand to aid the other.

This result far exceeded both of their expectations.

Originally, in their view, even if they couldn't easily capture Yunhe, it wouldn't leave them passive; although He Yao's flesh was damaged, his Golden Core remained largely intact, so he still possessed some strength.

Who would have thought that as soon as the fight began, I would be so passive.

If He Yao were not a divine soul but at his peak, Yunhe would certainly not linger here; but since he is a divine soul, he has too many ways to restrain him.

Strike!

Yunhe snorted coldly, his mana surged again, and he unleashed another three Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords—one aimed at He Wen, the two others flying toward He Yao.

Boom!!

Accompanied by a thunderclap, the golden arc of light leapt in the night, startlingly bright and abrupt.

Ah!!!

Then came He Yao's anguished cry; his divine soul instantly became three-tenths more illusory.

Heavenly thunder?! This flying sword actually bears heavenly thunder!

He Yao actually recognized the lightning power on the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword.

Under heavenly thunder, not to mention a divine soul, even a ghost cultivator would hardly survive.

But recognizing it was of no use; he, who could only maintain his balance, was wrapped in a silvery wind and flown toward a gray-black insect that had appeared at Yunhe's feet at some unknown time.

"Granduncle, save me!!" He Yao's face was filled with terror, his heart brimming with deep regret.

Why.

Why provoke this person?

Yao'er!

Seeing this, He Wen's eyes nearly burst from their sockets, though his heart had already been seized by fear.

The older he grew, the more he feared death; he simply had no courage left to continue fighting Yunhe, and he violently spat out a mouthful of essence blood mixed with murky vital energy onto the small cauldron, which immediately emitted a wailing low hum, then a terrifying thrust that in a short time forced back the two Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords.

Afterward, he flung out a vast number of talismans from his storage bag as if they were free.

For a moment, all kinds of spells erupted.

He himself turned and tried to flee outward.

Hah.

Yunhe gave a light laugh and threw out two spirit insect pouches.

Buzz—

A vast swarm of Red Shadow Golden-Winged Bees surged forth, speeding toward He Wen at extreme speed.

At this moment, He Wen finally understood why Yunhe called himself the Bee Daoist.

No, no.

He went mad, incessantly throwing out talismans.

This also made Yunhe have to admire the depth of this person's resources—he truly is wealthy.

Noisy!

Yunhe also had no intention of letting the Red Shadow Golden-Winged Bees brute-force their way through so many talismans.

He then made another hand seal.

Swift!

Then one saw.

The four Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords hovering in midair emitted a faint tremor from their blades, and immediately a peculiar pattern flashed across their bodies.

Dragon Scale Pattern!

The next second.

The speed of the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords surged to the extreme; wrapped in arcs of electricity, they shot straight through the barrier formed by the multitude of talismans.

Swish—

All movement and sound ceased abruptly in an instant.

He Wen, still reaching for his storage bag, looked down with eyes full of disbelief and saw that his body had been pierced by four large holes, his dantian breached, and his Golden Core long gone.

What a fast flying sword.

At this moment, He Wen's heart was the same as He Yao's earlier—filled with regret.

Why provoke such a murderous star?

At the same time, he couldn't understand why, having acted quite normally and reasonably, Yunhe could see through their plan.

If it hadn't been for Yunhe striking first earlier, perhaps the outcome could have been different.

But he obviously could not obtain an answer.

His body slammed heavily onto the ground.

With a "huh," the Corpse Soul Gu had already drawn out He Wen's divine soul.

But just before it was about to devour it, Yunhe intercepted it.

He seized that faint ball of light, his eyes flickering.

The other party's claim that they could steadily provide Golden Ear Grass made him very concerned.

(End of chapter)