Chapter 30: Carrying a lethal weapon, the killing intent arises on its own (seeking reads

Lei brothers are relatively well-known rogue cultivators in a nearby area.

The eldest, Lei Yi, and the younger, Lei Er, both have cultivated to the late stage of Qi Refining.

Moreover, they are twin brothers with linked thoughts and know a joint attack technique; even a cultivator at the peak of Qi Refining who meets them can only temporarily avoid their edge.

It can be said that, unless one reaches Foundation Establishment, the Lei brothers run rampant without restraint.

Yunhe also knows a bit about their reputation.

Who would have thought that Wei Qingfei, a mid-stage sixth-layer Qi Refining cultivator, could actually be connected with the Lei brothers?

Seeing the two leave, Yunhe followed them carefully with a solemn face.

He actually wanted to see what surprise they had prepared for him.

While pursuing, his thoughts were also very active.

"Wouldn't Wei Qingfei fear trouble from the Wang Clan?"

But upon further thought.

The Wang Clan also has shares in the black market, so they inevitably have connections with black market people or rogue cultivators; it's not certain they would care about Wei Qingfei's contact with the Lei brothers.

Even the fact that the Lei brothers can be active in Hejian Market likely means the Wang Clan tacitly permits it.

"So, the one who should be in charge is the Qingzong Sect."

The Qingzong Sect is the largest sect within a thousand-li radius, and the Wang Clan merely manages Hejian Market on its behalf.

Strictly speaking, the Wang Clan, as a cultivation family, is a vassal of the Qingzong Sect.

And the wanted order for the Lei brothers was issued by the Qingzong Sect.

"It seems the Qingzong Sect and the Wang Clan are a bit clingy."

However, this is not something he can get involved in.

Soon, silently following the two, he arrived at his usual beekeeping spot.

He saw them skillfully release all the Black Ring Hornets bound by the Golden Bee Net; judging by the scene, it seemed not the first time.

But tonight was different when

As the two released those ten Black Ring Hornets, a buzzing sound rose from the grass, and more Black Ring Hornets flew out.

Roughly observing.

No fewer than thirty! Yunhe hiding in the dark instantly turned cold-eyed.

If ten Black Ring Hornets can make a spirit bee farmer's life uncomfortable, resolving or escaping would require consuming a large number of spirit bees.

Then thirty Black Ring Hornets would be enough to kill an ordinary spirit bee farmer! Moreover, they would die in an extremely brutal state, being besieged by the Black Ring Hornets.

Such a death is enough to frighten most spirit bee farmers, instilling fear.

"It seems Wei Qingfei can't stand my well-being and is preparing to kill me thoroughly."

Yunhe suppressed the anger and killing intent in his heart.

Thirty Black Ring Hornets are naturally a disaster for an ordinary spirit bee farmer.

But for him now, it's merely feeding the Red Pattern Spirit Bees a snack.

"To smoothly collect the public dues, he went to all this trouble—poor him."

"Never mind. Let's see how you'll fare when I continue living comfortably."

Thinking this, Yunhe rose to prepare to leave.

If he doesn't leave, could he possibly go kill his way into the market?

"Hey, I want to see how that Daoist Yun will deal with these Black Ring Hornets tomorrow."

The smile of the loose cultivator who put away the Golden Bee Net carried a hint of cruelty.

He is a member of the Extermination Team; his Spirit Stone earnings are closely tied to the team's public dues collection, so if Yunhe lives comfortably, his own days will be hard.

"This Golden Bee Net is indeed useful, truly a mid-grade magical artifact, but unfortunately it's been sealed; for now we can only exert part of its power."

He fondly touched the net at his waist, feeling regret while a hint of greed lurked deep in his eyes.

Upon hearing this.

Yunhe, hidden in the grass and just about to leave, stopped his movement.

"A first-order mid-grade magical artifact?" His thoughts started racing.

"Let's go."

Another loose cultivator obviously didn't want to delay and urged them on.

"Got it, got it."

Immediately, the two didn't linger any longer and headed toward the shanty district.

Soon after.

A black shadow followed behind.

"Daoist Li, I won't invite you."

Zou Dacheng bowed with his hands clasped and smiled.

However, his smile held a depth only a man could have.

Li Ping let out a light sigh, pursed his lips, after a slight hesitation still spoke earnestly.

"Brother Zou, Red Powder Skull."

However, Zou Dacheng waved his hand indifferently, turned and hurriedly ran toward the market.

"Alas."

Li Ping obviously also knew Zou Dacheng's character well, knowing persuasion wouldn't work; he had only made a symbolic remark just now.

The two parted ways.

"This way, we also have a witness."

Yunhe looked in the direction where Li Ping had left.

He did not act where the bees were released, because he feared that if someone died, it would be traced back to him.

Both to guard against Wei Qingfei suspecting him and because the death of that surnamed Shi cultivator had occurred nearby, making it easy to draw connections.

But now.

That possibility is now much smaller. The shantytown and the market district are not connected, with a sizable forest between them.

Zou Dacheng walked along a familiar small path, humming an unknown tune, appearing in good spirits.

Since joining the Extermination Team, besides earning Spirit Stones from daily bee releases, he also receives a substantial monthly stipend from the team.

With money, his thoughts naturally multiplied.

Not all cultivators have resolute hearts set solely on pursuing longevity.

Like Zou Dacheng, who has modest spiritual roots but low talent, making progress in cultivation extremely difficult—this is the norm for the vast majority of cultivators in the world of immortals.

So, for a man with spare cash, there are only a few things he tends to do.

Just thinking about the alluring red-light establishments of the Red Silk Pavilion, his steps quickened involuntarily.

Just then.

Zou Dacheng seemed to sense something, and his body jerked to a halt.

He had just been about to speak.

Hum—

Accompanied by a faint metallic hum, the blade of a sword hovered at his neck.

Even before the icy blade touched him, the hairs on his neck stood up.

"Who"

Zou Dacheng's face turned pale with terror, and bean-sized sweat droplets instantly rolled down his forehead.

Stammering, he said: "I, you, this, this fellow Daoist—I, I am Zou Dacheng. I don't know, I don't know where I have offended you, Fellow Daoist. I, I, I— is it you?!"

Before he could finish speaking, upon seeing the person who had appeared, he choked for a moment.

"Yun, Yun Daoist?!"

"Qi Condensation mid-stage?! How is that possible?"

Feeling Yunhe's mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivation and the sharpness of the magical artifact at his neck, Zou Dacheng was both shocked and fearful.

As fellow beekeepers, why could Yunhe break through to the fourth layer of Qi Condensation while he himself has been stuck at the third layer for years?

Clearly a target, yet he lives far better than I do—this Zou Dacheng finds hard to accept.

"I ask, you answer." Yunhe said expressionlessly.

"Yun, Yun Daoist, I have nothing to do with this! It's all, all because Wei Qingfei ordered us to do it; I didn't, I didn't intend to target."

"Slap!!"

A crisp sound.

Yunhe slapped down hard, making Zou Dacheng's head ring, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, and soon a large swelling rose on his face.

"I ask, you answer."

"Yes yes yes!"

Looking at Yunhe's expressionless, icy eyes, Zou Dacheng, his heart completely seized by fear, dared not speak further.

"What does Wei Qingfei want to do?"

"Wei Wei Qingfei said he originally didn't want to deal with you so quickly, but, but lately he's lacking Spirit Stones and needs you to be killed by the Black Ring Hornets so he can more smoothly collect this month's 'public funds'."

Yunhe furrowed his brows.

"I'm not asking you that."

"Not that?" Zou Dacheng blinked, embarrassed, and said: "Then what do you want to know, Yun Daoist? As long as I know it, I will certainly speak without reservation."

"Is Wei Qingfei trying to buy a high-grade magical artifact? When, where, and from whom?"

Zou Dacheng looked at Yunhe with a face full of surprise.

"How would he know that? But when his eyes met Yunhe's, he immediately realized and hurriedly said: 'I also don't know exactly when, but it must be recent; otherwise he wouldn't be so urgent. The seller is likely Lei Er of the Lei brothers, who has late-stage Qi Condensation cultivation. As for where, I truly don't know.'"

Zou Dacheng was almost in tears, but Yunhe had not obtained the information he wanted.

But after all, how could Wei Qingfei possibly tell such important news to someone like Zou Dacheng?

He pursed his lips and asked again: "What cultivation method does Wei Qingfei practice? Forget it—what attribute is his cultivation method, what is his magical artifact, and what are his usual hobbies?"

He fired off a bunch of questions all at once.

Fortunately, Zou Dacheng is now very honest; basically Yunhe asks and he answers, and he absolutely dares not withhold anything.

"'Time's about up.'"

"\"Wei Qingfei this scoundrel, truly not a son of man, pah!!! Usually he puts on a virtuous front, but his mind is actually all over the place. I know he has a lover at the Red Silk Pavilion; what's her name again? Let me think, Yun Daoist, don't rush—I'll surely remember it! \""

Zou Dacheng spoke as if muttering to himself.

"After all, this is within the safe zone administered by the market district, and although few people walk this road at night, maybe someone sharing his hobby happens to pass by? Then he might still have a chance to survive, as long as he keeps stalling, stalling—but just as Zou Dacheng quietly lifted his head, he happened to meet Yunhe's gaze, his heart jolted, and he hurriedly said: 'I, I, I remember.'"

"Whoosh—"

The sound had just risen a bit, yet he found he could not speak, his throat burning.

Yunhe shook off the blood staining his Golden Slaughter Sword, looked at Zou Dacheng's fallen corpse, and felt unusually calm.

He didn't know when it started, but he seemed to have gradually grown accustomed to killing.

"'When one bears a lethal weapon, the urge to kill arises spontaneously—this must be the feeling.'"

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

One after another, Red Pattern Spirit Bees flew out of the forest.

Actually, Zou Dacheng's stalling was unnecessary.

He had long since scattered the Red Pattern Spirit Bees around; as soon as anyone approached, he would know immediately.

Just as that Shi-surname cultivator had said earlier.

Within the Fang Market Safety Zone, killing someone is not impossible, as long as no one finds out.

He crouched down, searched Zou Dacheng's corpse for a while, took everything of value, then lightly waved his hand.

In an instant, the Red Pattern Spirit Bees swarmed over him, covering his body.

Looking at the golden net bag with its spiritual light restrained in his hand, Yunhe finally felt a bit of happiness.

"A middle-grade magical artifact—is this what killing for treasure is like?"

(End of chapter)