Chapter 363: Meeting the Bee Queen

Deep within the perilous forest of the Obsidian Fieldlands.

Ancient trees towered among the woods, their branches interlaced; sunlight filtered through layers of leaf gaps, scattering tiny specks of light, while a thick carpet of fallen leaves covered the ground, rustling softly underfoot, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of vegetation and a faint hum of bees.

Huo La lifted his hand to brush aside a low-hanging branch before him, his fingertips grazing the rough bark, then turned to Ming Yao beside him, his tone thoughtful as he slowly asked, "Ming Yao, do you know what condition the Bee Queen set for handing over the Stone Tablet?"

He paused, then added, "Ju Yi and Ami, both Field Masters, have been mediating, yet the other side still hasn't readily handed over the Stone Tablet; clearly they have their own conditions."

Ming Yao heard this, gently shook his head, and replied earnestly, "I don't know. According to the information Ju Yi brought back, after the Bee Queen learned of your existence, she said nothing else, only explicitly demanding that you go personally to meet her; she never disclosed the specific conditions."

"Alright then," Huo La said helplessly, shrugging his shoulders, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, "Having me go in person introduces far too many variables."

He didn't know the Bee Queen's purpose—whether it was a simple test or something else—but for now, only a personal meeting could retrieve the Stone Tablet.

At that moment, Xiao Zhao, who had been scouting ahead, suddenly halted, turned sideways, and whispered, "We're approaching the territory of the Three Bee Tribe; everyone, be careful not to startle them."

With Xiao Zhao's warning, Huo La immediately steadied his mind, quickened his pace to her side, and looked in the direction she indicated.

Not far away, a millennial ancient tree bore several massive honeycombs, their surfaces shimmering with a faint waxy glow; countless Three Bees swarmed the combs, darting among the branches, their buzzing rising and falling—lively yet tinged with caution.

"So many Three Bees, it looks spectacular," Xiao Zhao instinctively covered her mouth, eyes wide with awe, her voice hushed to a whisper.

Huo La also gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping the sky‑filled Three Bees, silently thinking: the sheer number of Three Bees before them, plus the Bee Queen's presence, would likely have caused anyone else to retreat, overwhelmed by a fear of dense swarms.

"Let's go; that's our temporary base," Ming Yao stepped forward, pointing a hand toward the massive ancient tree about a hundred meters away, his tone low, "There, members of the Galaxy Team, Pearl Team, and Diamond Team are alternating on guard, ensuring no mishaps during our audience with the Bee Queen."

Huo La and Xiao Zhao looked where his finger indicated and indeed saw several team members in differing uniforms, vigilantly scanning the surroundings, their expressions solemn.

Not far from them, a cluster of Three Bees hovered on guard, facing the human team members at a distance, forming a subtle balance—neither encroaching, yet each wary of the other.

Huo La followed Ming Yao's steps, quickening toward the temporary base.

The base was a simple canvas tent, anchored by wooden stakes; faint silhouettes moved inside, and besides the scent of vegetation and bees, a light whiff of dry rations drifted in the air.

Just as he entered the tent, Ami Farm Owner rose from a wooden table nearby, his gaze landing on Huo La, slowly nodding, his tone calm and solemn, "You've arrived, Huo La."

Huo La gave a slight nod, replying respectfully, "Yes, Ami Farm Owner, thank you for waiting so long."

"Very well, I'll send someone to inform the Bee Queen that you've arrived," Ami Farm Owner waved his hand, offering no extra pleasantries, then turned without hesitation and hurried out of the tent.

Huo La watched her hurried departure, his face showing no objection, simply standing still as his eyes surveyed the tent's interior.

Nearby, Xiao Zhao couldn't help but frown, leaning toward Huo La and whispering, "Why is this Ami Farm Owner in such a hurry? She won't even let us wait a moment longer."

Ming Yao heard this and softly agreed, "I'm not sure either, but the last time she kept asking when you'd wake up so you could come."

As the words fell, he shifted tone, his brows slightly furrowing, "By the way, Huo La, Shan Kui's Field Master went back to Bingyuan alone; could there be any trouble with her returning solo?"

Huo La, after a moment's contemplation, slowly shook his head, his tone confident, "Don't worry, there'll be no problem. Shan Kui's Field Master has a Super-Armored Rhinoceros beside her; its strength alone can safeguard her, and she also has other Pokemon."

Finishing, he lifted his gaze toward the outside of the tent, his expression growing solemn, "Once we successfully retrieve the Stone Tablet from the Bee Queen's grasp, we must head straight to the Snow Peak Temple without any delay."

"Huo La, prepare yourself; the Bee Queen is arriving any moment," Ami Farm Owner's voice called from outside the door.

Huo La, hearing this, instantly steadied his mind, replying briskly, "Alright, Ami Farm Owner, I'm on my way."

Saying so, he drew a deep breath, suppressing lingering thoughts, adjusted his clothing, and stepped toward the tent's exit.

Sure enough, within moments, a growing swarm of buzzing came from afar, accompanied by the faint rustle of wingbeats, drawing ever nearer.

The group looked up to see a massive, dignified Bee Queen, surrounded by countless Three Bees, slowly flying toward the temporary base.

The Bee Queen's form was elegant and solemn, her body glowing with a warm amber hue; her wings fluttered gently, and beneath her she bore a massive, orderly honeycomb, a faint regal aura surrounding her. With each step closer, the surrounding Three Bees aligned more precisely, their buzzing becoming increasingly rhythmic.

Accompanied by Ami Farm Owner, Huo La slowly exited the base; Ming Yao and Xiao Zhao stood at his side, their gazes respectful and vigilant toward the approaching Bee Queen, daring not to relax.

Outside the base, the Galaxy Team, Pearl Team, and Diamond Team members tensed instantly, silently assuming guard positions, yet never advancing, preserving the mutual non‑intrusion balance.