novelraw Chapter 166 : 【Bee Nest: lv1】
Chapter 166 : 【Bee Nest: lv1】
Chapter 166:【Bee Nest: lv1】
For the Six Immortal Sects, once a Heavenly Spiritual Root was recruited, even a Golden Core Real Person would fight over them.
Not to mention that Wen Ling’er was now suspected to have a Mutated Spiritual Root.
Therefore, most Foundation Establishment cultivators were unaware of this matter, and if Ji Yuan wanted to inquire, he had no choice but to go to Forget Worry Island.
Remember the original publishing site domain 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞
When he arrived, Hua Yaoyue, dressed in a pink long dress, was drunkenly leaning on the mountain peak, gazing far into the boundless marshlands, appearing deeply absorbed.
It was unclear whether she was comprehending the Dao or merely spacing out.
This pink long dress, which would be extremely hard for any woman to wear elegantly, looked unexpectedly fitting on Hua Yaoyue—not only did it not appear gaudy, it actually added a few hints of feminine grace.
After all, Hua Yaoyue’s figure... was rather tall.
Even taller than quite a few male cultivators.
If encountered by some demonic cultivators, they might even be inclined to call out “Mother” upon seeing her.
As always, Ji Yuan, upon approaching, first presented several dozen jars of Wishful Wine, then softly said,"Master, this disciple has a matter to inquire about."
"What is it?"
Hearing that Ji Yuan had another matter, Hua Yaoyue finally withdrew her gaze, but she neither stood up nor showed any visible motion. In the blink of an eye, she had already turned around.
Facing her personal closed-door disciple directly.
Although Ji Yuan often faced Hua Yaoyue, seeing her current drowsy, drunken look still made him somewhat nervous.
"This disciple heard that some years ago, the sect recruited a disciple with a Mutated Spiritual Root."
"Mutated Spiritual Root?"
Upon hearing this, Hua Yaoyue raised her eyebrows slightly, as if recalling something for a moment, before saying,"I only know that a few years ago, we recruited a Heavenly Spiritual Root, who was eventually taken as a disciple by Xuan Xiao."
Xuan Xiao was the Third Elder who had always contended with the Grand Elder.
The Grand Elder was named Real Person Yun Yuan.
The Third Elder was named Real Person Xuan Xiao.
"This disciple is aware of that."
The one taken in by Real Person Xuan Xiao was, in all likelihood, the young man from Zengtou Market in Yunyu Marshlands.
Speaking of this matter, Ji Yuan couldn’t help but feel a certain way.
The feng shui of Zengtou Market really did seem decent—one True Spiritual Root, one Mutated Spiritual Root, plus himself and Han Feiyu as two Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Moreover, after spending time together, Ji Yuan felt that Dong Qian’s Foundation Establishment shouldn’t be a problem either.
Although it was unclear what opportunities or methods she had, just judging from the large number of Spirit Stones she consistently possessed—it was likely she had no simple means.
In this way, the small Zengtou Market had already produced three Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"This Mutated Spiritual Root—what exactly is the root type?"
"Most likely a Wind Spiritual Root."
"Alright, I’ll find time to investigate. As long as they’re within the sect, I can likely find out."
Hua Yaoyue understood the nature of her closed-door disciple. Since he came to ask, then it was most likely true.
That the sect had actually recruited a disciple with a Mutated Spiritual Root—this intrigued Hua Yaoyue as well.
"I also ask Master to keep this confidential."
After thinking for a moment, Ji Yuan still gave a reminder.
Looking at the cautious disciple in front of her, who didn’t even seem to fully trust her, Hua Yaoyue could only helplessly agree.
"Rest assured."
After speaking, she sized up Ji Yuan again and, unusually, offered a compliment,"Not bad, your first sword embryo has finally formed."
"It’s all thanks to Master’s excellent guidance."
Ji Yuan blurted out.
"Heh, go on then."
Hua Yaoyue clearly wasn’t the kind of cultivator who enjoyed such flattery, so Ji Yuan’s praise didn’t move her at all.
"Yes."
Failing to gather information on Wen Ling’er, Ji Yuan then bid farewell and returned to Misty Island.
Continuing his cultivation and comprehension.
The situation within Misty Island no longer required much of his attention.
Ever since Tu Yue broke through to Peak Qi Refining Stage, her intelligence also seemed to have increased somewhat.
The matters Ji Yuan had instructed her on, she could now categorize and handle on her own.
No longer needing repeated reminders, nor did she follow Ji Yuan’s words rigidly.
In other words, it was as if her “intelligence level” had risen.
Ji Yuan was pleased with this.
It allowed him to cultivate in peace.
But less than half a month into this cultivation, he received another message.
This time, it was from Sect Master Real Person Xuan Shui.
"Nephew Ji, are you well? If you are within the sect, please come to Water Dragon Island for a chat."
Sect Master?
Why is he looking for me?
Ji Yuan thought long and hard but couldn’t think of any connection to him. He couldn’t understand what the Sect Master wanted, but since he was summoned,
As a disciple, of course he had to go take a look.
Thus, two days later, Ji Yuan arrived at Water Dragon Island and met with Sect Master Real Person Xuan Shui.
"Greetings, Sect Master Martial Uncle."
Upon entering the grand hall, Ji Yuan cupped his hands and bowed.
Real Person Xuan Shui looked up as if he had just noticed him, and with a faint smile said,"So it’s Nephew Ji. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you, Martial Uncle."
Ji Yuan sat to the side, hands resting on his thighs, perfectly proper and solemn in posture.
Real Person Xuan Shui put down the jade slip in his hand and asked with a smile,"How have you been lately, Nephew? Have you encountered any problems within the sect? If so, feel free to speak."
"Thank you for your concern, Martial Uncle. This disciple has been well."
It was all polite small talk, and Ji Yuan naturally didn’t take it seriously.
After a brief exchange, Real Person Xuan Shui finally spoke in measured tones,"It has been over a year since you opened Wuyou Island, has it not?"
"Exactly so."
Once Ji Yuan heard this, he understood what Real Person Xuan Shui meant.
So it turned out there was work to be assigned to him.
According to Ji Yuan's understanding, within the Water Dragon Sect, once a Foundation Establishment cultivator opened an island, they usually had a year of free time. It could be used for socializing or consolidating their cultivation.
During this year, the sect wouldn’t assign any tasks.
But once the year passed, the sect would begin arranging some appropriate tasks.
By rough calculation, Ji Yuan had already passed a year and a half since opening his island.
That meant Real Person Xuan Shui had already granted him an extra half-year vacation, which was quite generous.
"Here’s the situation—our sect is lacking Foundation Establishment manpower, so some matters may need Nephew Ji’s assistance."
"Martial Uncle, please speak freely."
"Hehe, I heard from Han Feiyu that Nephew Ji is a steady type who dislikes going out, so after consideration,
I plan to assign you to temporarily garrison in Linhai City."
?
Real Person Xuan Shui pondered aloud:"Nephew Ji must have heard of the situation in Linhai City. Not long ago, it was purged clean.
Now it’s a time of peace, and since it isn’t far from the sect, if you wish to return, it’s convenient. What do you think?"
Naturally, Ji Yuan was familiar with this place.
He had heard much about it lately. After the issues in Linhai City were investigated and clarified some time ago, it was taken over by the Disciplinary Hall and underwent a full inspection from top to bottom.
So the current Linhai City was truly spotless.
Nothing to worry about.
Real Person Xuan Shui assigning him there was clearly out of regard for his Master. After all, if he had to stay in one of the sect’s internal halls, there would be far more chores, and far less freedom.
Like the Foundation Establishment cultivators in Thousand Mechanisms Hall—once they were on duty, they barely had time to cultivate.
But outside the sect, it was a different matter.
So after some thought, Ji Yuan chose to accept.
"Would Nephew Ji like to serve as the City Lord? If so, I’ll assign the position to you. If not, I’ll find someone else."
Real Person Xuan Shui still asked Ji Yuan’s opinion first.
If it had been another Foundation Establishment cultivator, they wouldn’t receive such treatment.
"Please spare me the City Lord position. This disciple's cultivation is still shallow. Let another senior brother or sister take it."
Ji Yuan declined the offer quickly.
Not to mention the City Lord role entailed numerous responsibilities, the fact was, he wouldn’t be the only Foundation Establishment cultivator sent to Linhai City. There were likely others, some even at mid or late Foundation Establishment stage. For him, an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, to serve as City Lord would clearly mark him as someone with connections.
Ji Yuan only wanted to pass time there until the assignment ended and he could return to cultivation.
"Very well, very well."
Real Person Xuan Shui, seeing Ji Yuan’s snake-and-scorpion-avoidance expression, couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Then Nephew Ji, return for now. Once all is finalized, I’ll send you a message."
"Yes, this disciple takes his leave."
After leaving Water Dragon Island, Ji Yuan thought for a moment and decided to go to Forget Worry Island.
No matter what, he had to inform Master.
After Hua Yaoyue listened, she simply commented,"Linhai City indeed suits your temperament. No need to worry."
"Yes."
Having received Hua Yaoyue’s assurance, Ji Yuan felt completely at ease.
Just as he was about to depart, Hua Yaoyue added,"That disciple with the Mutated Spiritual Root you mentioned—I did not find them within the sect. Therefore, there are only two possibilities."
Ji Yuan stood and cupped his hands.
"Either they do not exist, or—"
Hua Yaoyue turned to look north,"They are with that one."
Within the Water Dragon Sect, the only one whom Hua Yaoyue would treat with such caution could only be the Supreme Elder. Could Mutated Spiritual Root Wen Ling’er have caught the attention of a Nascent Soul monster?
Ji Yuan had no way of knowing, but at least he had gathered a bit of information.
Taking his leave from Hua Yaoyue, he returned once more to Misty Island.
As for being assigned to Linhai City, Ji Yuan didn’t take it seriously—since it was so close, it didn’t even feel like going far.
For instance, when he previously sought to purchase carp-type Spiritual Fish, he had gone as far as Linhai City.
Moreover, Linhai City was peaceful now, with no other concerns.
So Ji Yuan remained on Misty Island and cultivated for about half a month, before receiving Real Person Xuan Shui’s message summoning him to Water Dragon Island.
This time, Ji Yuan wasn’t the only one going.
There were two other Foundation Establishment cultivators.
One was a late-stage female cultivator, and the other a mid-stage male cultivator. The last was Ji Yuan himself.
After entering, he first greeted Real Person Xuan Shui with a bow, then turned to the two and addressed them as senior brother and senior sister.
Real Person Xuan Shui had them get acquainted.
The late-stage Foundation Establishment female cultivator was named Wu Nanchun, titled Island Lord of Nanchun.
The male cultivator was named Liu Yuan, titled Island Lord of Liu Yuan.
At first, Ji Yuan found the name familiar, and after a moment of thought, realized this was none other than Fang Jie’s cousin?!
Back then, when Du Wanyi joined First Water Hall, she had done so through his connection.
Looking at it that way, he was something of a "familiar face."
After that, Real Person Xuan Shui offered some ceremonial words, like entrusting Linhai City to them and hoping they would support each other. Then he allowed them to depart.
As for the City Lord position, it naturally went to late-stage Foundation Establishment Wu Nanchun.
Upon leaving Water Dragon Island, she asked the other two if they were ready to depart. If so, they could set off immediately.
Ji Yuan had little to carry—everything was in his storage pouch—so he immediately agreed.
As for Liu Yuan, he seemed quite easygoing, answering “okay” no matter what was asked. The trio summoned their flying boats and departed.
Wu Nanchun’s flying boat looked like an Upper-Grade Spiritual Artifact—its speed was incredibly fast. Liu Yuan’s was a Mid-Grade Spiritual Artifact, also swift. In comparison, Ji Yuan’s was still a Supreme-Grade Magical Artifact.
"Junior Brother Ji, why don’t you come aboard my flying boat?"
Wu Nanchun seemed to be someone decisive in action. Seeing Ji Yuan lagging behind, she offered the suggestion aloud.
"Alright—"
Ji Yuan seemed a bit embarrassed and said, rather shyly,"I just established my foundation recently and haven’t had the Spirit Stones to buy other Spiritual Artifacts. I must look laughable to Senior Brother and Senior Sister."
"Junior Brother overthinks it. We’ve all been through the same. Foundation Establishment already drained all our Spirit Stones. Who still has any left to buy artifacts?"
Liu Yuan said with a smile.
Wu Nanchun also reassured him,"Junior Brother need not worry. When we’re assigned outside, the sect is quite generous.
Once your duty at Linhai City ends, your salary should be enough to upgrade to a new flying Spiritual Artifact."
"Oh?"
This was Ji Yuan’s first time learning of it."Roughly how much? Could Senior Sister share a bit?"
"There’s nothing to hide."
Wu Nanchun smiled and said,"When we’re sent out to guard cities, the usual term is three years—Linhai City’s last situation was a special case."
"After three years, it should amount to a little over 200, nearly 300."
The “200” she mentioned naturally referred to Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.
Calculated that way, it truly was a fair amount, and that was just the sect’s fixed salary.
Being stationed outside for the Water Dragon Sect, there would always be some “unexpected gains.” In this way,
the income would naturally be higher.
No wonder so many Foundation Establishment cultivators wanted to take on sect assignments. The earnings far exceeded hunting demons or such, and there was little danger.』
Both wealth and status were attainable.
Ji Yuan quietly pondered.
Soon after, Wu Nanchun’s voice rang in his mind through Divine Sense transmission,"Junior Brother Ji, once we arrive in Linhai City, if anything comes up, feel free to tell me."
"Hm?"
Ji Yuan was a bit surprised, but not entirely.
Wu Nanchun transmitted again,"Sect Master Martial Uncle spoke with me privately—he asked me to look after you well."
"Then—thank you, Senior Sister."
In the end, he was indeed a “connected person.” Ji Yuan had always looked down on such connections, but when it came to benefiting from them—well, he wouldn’t refuse.
With that sentence from Real Person Xuan Shui, whether or not Ji Yuan gained any actual benefits,
at the very least, no one would dare bully him.
Otherwise, working under a late-stage and mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he as an early-stage one would definitely be the errand-runner.
Riding on Wu Nanchun’s Upper-Grade Spiritual Artifact flying boat, their speed increased tremendously. In less than a day, they arrived at Linhai City.
This made Ji Yuan start considering completely replacing all his artifacts and equipment.
With his skills in talisman crafting and pill refining—plus more than a dozen Foundation Establishment Pills in his possession—Spirit Stones were the last thing he lacked.
This was Ji Yuan’s third time visiting Linhai City. The first two times, he came as a guest. This time, however, he arrived as a host.
With the arrival of three Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Water Dragon Sect disciples stationed at First Water Hall all came forth to pay their respects.
Wu Nanchun clearly wasn’t new to being a City Lord. She handled matters swiftly and decisively.
In less than a day, all affairs were settled, and Linhai City returned to order.
Next came task assignments for Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan. Wu Nanchun personally took on all internal matters of the city, while city defense and garrison duty were given to Liu Yuan.
As for Ji Yuan... in Wu Nanchun’s words:
"Just go wherever there’s work."
Liu Yuan, being a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with some reputation within the Water Dragon Sect, clearly wasn’t foolish. He understood Wu Nanchun’s words meant:
"If there’s no work anywhere, you don’t have to do anything."
It was obvious Ji Yuan was a disciple with a background.
Liu Yuan didn’t object to such things, but neither did he show closeness.
In the early days, Ji Yuan still felt a bit embarrassed, thinking he had taken too much advantage. But after a few days, he got used to it—because even when he wanted to help, there wasn’t much he could do.
The internal matters of the city had to be handled by the City Lord. If he got involved, it would seem like he was trying to seize authority.
Even Liu Yuan didn’t interfere in those.
With a little observation, Ji Yuan understood—handling city affairs was essentially a “process of monetizing power,” and it was always the City Lord who did that.
As for the city’s defense?
There was basically nothing to do.
Especially after the recent major purge in Linhai City—no rogue cultivator would dare stir trouble.
Even occasional disputes were easily handled by the patrolling First Water Hall disciples, so Liu Yuan had almost nothing to do either.
So Ji Yuan simply laid back and did nothing—there was nothing that required his attention anyway.
Thus, over the next half year,
aside from his duties in Linhai City, Ji Yuan also made trips to several nearby cities.
For what?
To attend auctions. First, he sold a few Foundation Establishment Pills. Second, he completely overhauled all his artifacts and equipment.
For Ji Yuan, the most important item was a flying Spiritual Artifact.
He spent a hefty sum to purchase a Supreme-Grade Spiritual Artifact—according to the auction house’s description, when fully activated, its speed could rival that of a Golden Core Escape Light.
Of course, Ji Yuan didn’t believe that, but it surely surpassed Peak Foundation Establishment speed.
Normally, he wouldn’t dare to use it. This kind of thing was only to be used in true escape scenarios—and only after first activating the Talisman Treasure【Sky-Escape Shuttle】to flee the battlefield.
Later, he bought some other fine treasures as well.
After all, as a cultivation farmer, Spirit Stones were the least of his worries.
And since every time he attended an auction, Ji Yuan used a Shapeshifting Talisman and the《Breath Concealment Art》, no one ever recognized his true identity.
On the surface, he still appeared to be an utterly ordinary early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Even walking on the streets, he gave off a weak and helpless vibe.
That day,
he took leave from Wu Nanchun in advance and headed north back to the sect, returning to Misty Island and meeting the Loyal Great Toad.
But this time, Ji Yuan wasn’t in the mood to play with the Great Toad. He went straight to the western side of Misty Island, to a forest near the【Grave Mound】.
Before even getting close, he already heard the “buzzing” sound coming from the forest.
Upon drawing nearer, he saw the line of small characters floating above the forest:
【Bee Nest: lv1】
The “Insect Demon” cultivation path Ji Yuan had long desired was finally in his grasp.
Speaking of this【Bee Nest】, it was truly a matter of serendipity.
It wasn’t something Ji Yuan bought at an auction—but rather stumbled upon while leisurely wandering Linhai City one day, when he happened to find a Peak Qi Refining cultivator in desperate need of Spirit Stones, selling it.
Selling the hive of “Spirit-Devouring Bees.”
Many Qi Refining cultivators were bidding frantically at the time, eager to purchase it.
In the end, Ji Yuan revealed just a trace of his cultivation, backed it with superior Spirit Stone resources, and secured the “Spirit-Devouring Bees’” hive.
He then brought it back to Misty Island, carefully nurtured it for over a month, and finally made it recognize him as its master.
Thus, the【Bee Nest】building was activated.
At this thought, Ji Yuan summoned the panel.