novelraw Chapter 167 : Demonic Path Attacks the City!
Chapter 167 : Demonic Path Attacks the City!
Chapter 167: Demonic Path Attacks the City!
【Bee Nest: lv1】
【Effect: Bee swarm reproduction speed +30%; bee swarm recovery speed +20%; bee swarm advancement probability +5%.】
【Upgrade Requirements: Lower-Grade Spirit Stone ×50; successfully breed a queen bee, bee swarm reaches 1000 bees; Gold Armored Beetle Shell ×1. (Fulfilled)】
The current 【Bee Nest】 was already at level 1.
So, the building's spiritual effect now—given these upgrade conditions—none of them were particularly difficult for Ji Yuan at this stage.
Even the Gold Armored Beetle was merely an early Second-Tier demonic beast.
Ji Yuan only needed to spend a few Spirit Stones, and he could easily subdue it.
The next goal, naturally, was to upgrade this 【Bee Nest】 to level 2.
【Bee Nest: lv2 (Non-upgradeable)】
【Effect 1: Bee swarm reproduction speed +40%; bee swarm recovery speed +30%; bee swarm advancement probability +10%.】
【Effect 2 (No Poison, No Bee): Bee swarm attacks come with the “Bee Wax Vein-Corrosion” toxin, which can erode the opponent’s spiritual power circulation and inflict intense pain.】
【Upgrade Requirements: Mid-Grade Spirit Stone ×100; queen bee cultivation reaches Second-Tier; bee swarm reaches 10,000 bees; Mid-Second-Tier Demon Core ×2; Blood-Disc Venom Bee corpse ×1. (Unfulfilled)】
The level 2 【Bee Nest】 granted two effects.
Effect 1 was still a standard upgrade.
Effect 2 was considered a mutation.
Normally, Spirit-Devouring Bees were non-toxic. Their primary function was to devour spiritual energy. For example, if the opponent used some kind of defensive technique to turtle up, the Spirit-Devouring Bees could be deployed to drain their spiritual energy and break through their defense.
However, the level 2 【Bee Nest】 enabled the Spirit-Devouring Bees to carry venom. As a result, once a bee bit the opponent, it could practically pronounce their death sentence.
With spiritual power obstructed and the body in pain—
These two combined meant that the opponent would definitely reveal an opening during the clash, at which point Ji Yuan could land a decisive blow and eliminate them completely.
As of now, the 【Bee Nest】 was still level 1, and the queen bee commanding the entire swarm was merely late First-Tier.
Roughly equivalent to a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator.
To Ji Yuan at present, it still wasn’t much help.
It was still in the development stage, but once the 【Bee Nest】 reached level 2, it would become a significant asset.
By then, Ji Yuan would need to prepare a Second-Tier Spiritual Beast Pouch specifically for these Spirit-Devouring Bees.
Regarding the upgrade conditions—the queen bee's cultivation hadn't yet reached Second-Tier, and the swarm only numbered a bit over 6000.
As for the Mid-Second-Tier Demon Cores, Ji Yuan had those.
The Blood-Disc Venom Bee, however, was a late Second-Tier demonic beast—something Ji Yuan hadn’t expected. Fortunately, these venom bees acted alone and didn’t move in swarms.
Ji Yuan naturally wouldn’t risk hunting one himself, so he had already posted a mission on "Thousand Mechanisms Island."
He hired other senior brothers and sisters to do the killing.
With rich rewards, there were bound to be brave individuals.
Ji Yuan had gone to check on it a while back—three people had already accepted his mission, though none had completed it yet.
It would likely take some more time.
That was just as well—these Spirit-Devouring Bees also needed time to reproduce.
As for food, the Spirit-Devouring Bees were easy yet hard to raise, because all they needed to eat were Spirit Stones.
Devour spirits, devour spirits—they only needed to consume spiritual energy to reproduce and evolve!
Another money pit.
Every time Ji Yuan fed them, he felt a pang in his heart, all the while thinking how fortunate he was to farm and develop so many buildings.
Otherwise, only second-generation cultivators like Li Changhe could afford to raise them.
Others could only sigh in envy.
Returning and feeding the Spirit-Devouring Bees once more, Ji Yuan then collected recent gains from Tu Yue.
He took a slight detour to Forgotten Worry Island to deliver some wine.
Only afterward did Ji Yuan return to Linhai City.
Although whether or not he was in Linhai City didn’t make much difference, he couldn’t truly wash his hands of it—he still had to handle appearances properly, so others wouldn’t find fault.
Besides, it was good to have a city stationed. If he had always cultivated in Misty Island, he wouldn’t have come across buildings like the 【Bee Nest】.
"Ji Brother, this—this here!"
Driving his flying boat straight to the city lord's residence in the center, Ji Yuan and the two other Foundation Establishment cultivators all lived there. As he passed the city wall, he heard a familiar shout.
His Supreme-Grade Magical Artifact, the Thunder-Gather Boat, circled once before landing on the city wall.
Ji Yuan currently owned three flying boats.
One was the Supreme-Grade Magical Artifact Thunder Falcon Boat—for everyday use.
According to Wu Nanchun, Ji Yuan still had to work here for three years before earning enough Spirit Stones to replace it with a Spiritual Artifact-level flying boat.
If he encountered trouble, Ji Yuan would use his Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifact-level Sky-Slicer Boat.
The Supreme-Grade Spiritual Artifact-level boat—Ji Yuan only dared admire it quietly at night.
"Ji Brother, you’re back at the sect?"
Another Foundation Establishment cultivator stationed there, Liu Yuan, sat cross-legged on the city wall, sipping wine and smiling at Ji Yuan.
Initially, their relationship was merely ordinary—until Fang Jie had come looking for him, and happened to bump into Ji Yuan.
With Fang Jie as the middleman, and both Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan being non-confrontational types—
After a few interactions, they became friends.
"Yeah, had stuff drying at home—looks like rain, so I had to rush back to collect it."
Liu Yuan burst into laughter.
"Come, drink mine."
Over the past few years, Ji Yuan’s 【Wine Cellar】 had also produced a lot of spiritual wine.
"Nice—you're full of good stuff, you rascal."
Liu Yuan had already tasted Ji Yuan’s wine before. Hearing this, he immediately put his wine gourd back at his waist.
Then, using the Concealment Technique, the two of them sat on the city wall, chatting and laughing.
Until dusk, when a streak of flowing light shot from within the city and landed in front of them.
"Wu Senior Sister, want a drink?"
Ji Yuan reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a jug of wine.
After spending some time together, he found that Wu Nanchun’s temperament was actually quite decent. Moreover, Ji Yuan never used their relationship to “usurp” her authority, so she held a fair degree of goodwill toward him.
"Next time, then."
Wu Nanchun’s expression didn’t look too good.
Both Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan sensed something was wrong and quickly stowed away the wine, using spiritual energy to dispel the scent of alcohol from their bodies.
"What’s the matter?"
Liu Yuan asked softly.
"Let’s talk back inside."
A short while later, inside the main hall of the City Lord’s Residence, Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan had both finished reading the jade slip handed over by Wu Nanchun.
"This… Island Lord of Qinghan actually dares return to this Linhai City?"
It wasn’t just Liu Yuan who found it hard to believe—Ji Yuan also couldn’t quite accept it.
This Island Lord of Qinghan was the former city lord of Linhai City. When the incident occurred back then, the Disciplinary Hall of the Water Dragon Sect came to apprehend him, and he defected on the spot.
Even now, the Water Dragon Sect was still hunting him.
But now, the jade slip provided by Wu Nanchun recorded in detail the traces of the Island Lord of Qinghan appearing in Linhai City.
Neither Ji Yuan nor Liu Yuan asked how Wu Nanchun got this information. After managing Linhai City for several months and being a veteran Foundation Establishment cultivator of the sect, she naturally had her own abilities.
"I didn’t expect it either. He really doesn’t fear death."
Wu Nanchun said with narrowed eyes.
"Like hiding under the lamp’s light. Even we, who have read this information, didn’t expect he’d dare return to Linhai City—let alone those who don’t know."
Ji Yuan shared his thoughts.
"Indeed."
Wu Nanchun nodded slightly.
"Then what does Senior Sister Wu plan to do?"
Liu Yuan asked in a low voice.
After discovering the traces, Wu Nanchun didn’t immediately report to the sect. Instead, she summoned the two of them—this likely meant she had her own ideas.
Ji Yuan had thought of this first but didn’t ask. He gave Liu Yuan the chance to express it.
Wu Nanchun released her Divine Sense, covering the entire main hall, then said in a deep voice,"Now that Island Lord of Qinghan has gone to the southern Bibo Pool, I plan to meet him. So, this Linhai City is temporarily in your care."
"This—Senior Sister Wu, Island Lord of Qinghan is still late Foundation Establishment…"Liu Yuan seemed a little worried.
"Relax. I’m just going to test him. If I truly can’t take him down, I’ll send a message to the sect. While I may not be able to subdue him, I should be able to stall him."
She could stall but not kill—that much Wu Nanchun was confident in.
And she was someone who often walked on the edge of life and death, unlike the pampered late Foundation Establishment cultivator like Island Lord of Qinghan!
"Very well. Then, Senior Sister Wu, please be cautious."
Liu Yuan advised.
"Mm. For the Island Lord of Qinghan to dare return to Linhai City now, he must have some reliance. Senior Sister Wu must not underestimate him."
Since a late Foundation Establishment cultivator had made up their mind, Ji Yuan naturally couldn’t dissuade her—he only offered a word of caution.
"Rest assured, Junior Brothers."
Wu Nanchun smiled."We’re all old veterans. If I can’t win, I’ll at least know how to run."
"Then we leave the city in your hands, Junior Brothers. Much appreciated!"
After she finished speaking, she cupped her fists, stepped out of the door in one stride, and rode her flying boat away from Linhai City.
From the looks of it, she had long prepared for this. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for her to leave so decisively—in other words, whether or not Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan agreed, she had to go today.
After she left, Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan sat down inside the hall.
Liu Yuan pondered for a moment and said,"The sect’s bounty on the Island Lord of Qinghan is far too generous—Senior Sister Wu couldn’t help but be tempted. Besides, she’s on the verge of a breakthrough and naturally needs Spirit Stones and such."
"That’s true."
Ji Yuan considered it from her perspective and could understand Wu Nanchun’s actions. But if it were him, he would never take such a risk.
Even if Ji Yuan, as a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, had discovered the Island Lord of Qinghan’s whereabouts, he would still report it to the sect.
At most, the reward would be smaller—but at least he wouldn’t be putting himself in danger.
Just like he had just warned: for the Island Lord of Qinghan to return at this moment, he must have a trump card.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to take this risk.
"Also, it’s said that the resources Island Lord of Qinghan embezzled back then were never fully recovered. A large portion might be hidden near Linhai City. I suspect Senior Sister Wu is going alone this time for those treasures."
Liu Yuan revealed the truth.
Ji Yuan thought for a moment and found that the possibility was indeed high.
The sect’s bounty alone might not sway Wu Nanchun—but with the added lure of the Island Lord of Qinghan’s hidden treasures, it was hard to say. After all, wealth moves the heart.
"What’s this? Brother Liu thinking of trying your luck too?"
Ji Yuan smiled and asked.
Liu Yuan shrugged."This is a clash between late Foundation Establishment cultivators—I, a mid Foundation Establishment one, would only be sending myself to death."
As for Liu Yuan—Ji Yuan had learned a bit about him. A cultivator with Earth Spiritual Root, he had succeeded in Foundation Establishment in one go back then without even using a Foundation Establishment Pill.
And he was highly skilled in swordsmanship—among mid Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Water Dragon Sect, he was top-tier in offensive arts.
Strong in power and excellent in talent. Naturally, there was no need for him to risk cross-boundary combat. Better to improve his cultivation and crush by realm superiority.
"Alright, since Senior Sister Wu isn’t here, we’d best stay and guard the city."
"Then I’ll leave the City Lord’s Residence to you, Ji Brother. I’ll head to the city wall."
"Alright."
The City Lord’s Residence must have been well-prepared if Wu Nanchun dared to leave. Ji Yuan only needed to stay and handle any unexpected matters.
As for the city defenses, it was better for Liu Yuan to handle.
Linhai City bordered water—this water being the “Pear Blossom River.” Legend says there used to be a row of pear trees along the shore, but unfortunately, they were later destroyed by a great flood.
Now, at the bottom of the Pear Blossom River, in a hidden chamber, sat six cultivators.
Among them, a late Foundation Establishment man took a sip of wine and smiled faintly:
"First embezzling treasures, then pretending to mask it under demonic cultivation, and now a real demonic attack on the city—truth and lies interwoven. One has to admit, that old ghost of the Huai Tree has some brilliant tricks up his sleeve."
"Even more brilliant is that the Water Dragon Sect still doesn’t know—Brother Qinghan is actually one of us from the demonic path."
A bald man beside him stroked his shiny head and spoke cheerfully.
"No."
Island Lord of Qinghan set down the wine cup in his hand."The Water Dragon Sect has somewhat realized I’m a demonic cultivator. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have hunted me so relentlessly."
"Remember, no matter when, never underestimate the foundation and strength of the Six Immortal Sects of Eastern Shang."
"Yes."
The remaining cultivators present quickly nodded in agreement.
To have cultivated demonic arts in righteous territory and still succeeded in Foundation Establishment—none of them could be fools. On the contrary, each one was exceptionally intelligent.
Just then, a ghostly light slipped through the door, transforming into the figure of a short man.
"Brother Qinghan, I just saw Wu Nanchun’s flying boat heading south."
"Good. Then I should move out too."
Island Lord of Qinghan immediately stood up."You all must remember—be extremely cautious. Though it’s three of you against one, do not underestimate the opponent."
"And more importantly, this city raid is secondary—make sure to find clues about that thing."
With that said, he departed.
The six remaining individuals exchanged glances. Finally, it was the short-haired woman in a dull yellow long dress who spoke:"According to previous intel, the ones currently guarding the city are mid Foundation Establishment Liu Yuan, and one who recently reached Foundation Establishment—Ji Yuan."
"There’s no need to say much about Liu Yuan’s strength. Among mid Foundation Establishment, he’s a killer. So, I, Brother Tu, and Brother Huang will handle him together."
The other two demonic cultivators at mid Foundation Establishment responded in unison.
Among them was also the bald man.
The short-haired woman Feng Xiuxiu looked toward the remaining three early Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators and said gravely:"Ji Yuan is your target. Regarding this man—we’ve activated contacts inside the Water Dragon Sect to investigate him, but whether during his Qi Refining stage or after Foundation Establishment, information is extremely scarce."
"But that doesn’t mean he’s weak. It only means his strength isn’t known to others."
"Against an opponent like this, all the more reason not to be careless. Understand?"
"Heh, Sister Feng, don’t worry. When it’s time to strike, we’ll go all out." The short man who had just entered grinned.
"Exactly. Three of us against one. We still have the advantage. We’ll each use our own means."
"Mm."
Feng Xiuxiu finally looked toward the purple-robed man sitting in the corner. Her tone softened slightly as she said:"Fellow Daoist Hu, we’ll leave the formation setup to you."
Upon hearing his name, Hu Li finally looked up and stroked his chin.
"My Second-Tier Formation can only trap enemies. Liu Yuan’s swordsmanship is too powerful—probably just a few slashes and he’ll break it. I estimate it can at most be used against Ji Yuan."
"That’s fine too. Ji Yuan isn’t that old. For someone of his age to be Foundation Establishment and also skilled in formations? That’s extremely unlikely. When the time comes, join forces and take him down quickly. I suspect you’ll still need to support the encirclement against Liu Yuan."
"No problem, no problem."
Once they had all spoken, Feng Xiuxiu gently clapped her hands.
"Remember, that senior can only conceal us for half an hour. Once we make a move, we’ll have just thirty minutes. Whether or not we find clues about that thing, we must retreat westward. Don’t get greedy."
"Yes!"
"If that’s the case, we strike at nightfall!"
The sun dipped westward. Ji Yuan sat on the roof of the City Lord’s Residence, watching the golden crow fall with the sunset.
As usual, if there was nothing going on, he liked to sit and watch the sun sink into the Pear Blossom River. Today was no different.
To Ji Yuan, this was just another ordinary day.
Until a massive explosion of fire blasted a hole in the east city wall.
Almost instantly, Ji Yuan realized—enemy attack!
And from the inside!
Because he had studied Linhai City’s city-guarding formation. It was a Second-Tier Defensive Formation named the “Meandering Water River Formation,”
And the formation’s core had been set precisely on the east city wall.
Now the explosion occurred exactly at that wall segment.
Enemy attack!
And it was an enemy well-versed in Linhai City’s layout. Thinking about Wu Nanchun’s departure just moments ago—no need to say more. This was clearly a diversion tactic.
Simple, yet extremely effective.
"Looks like that Island Lord of Qinghan really came prepared."
This time, Ji Yuan summoned the Lower-Grade Spiritual Artifact Sky-Slicer Boat and rose into the air from above the City Lord’s Residence.
In an instant, he saw massive firelight erupt from all four directions—east, south, west, and north. No matter the direction, black smoke billowed and Yin Energy surged to the sky.
In his mind, Ji Yuan heard Liu Yuan’s voice through Divine Sense Transmission.
"Ji Brother, it’s truly a demonic raid on the city."
"I’ve already messaged the sect and moved to act—watch yourself!"
With those words—
Ji Yuan saw Liu Yuan in action. It was the first time he had seen this “Island Lord of Liu Yuan” make a move. And in the blink of an eye, sword light filled the city.
Mid Foundation Establishment Liu Yuan—his strength was indeed formidable!
Ji Yuan, seeing this, quietly stepped back while channeling Divine Sense into his storage pouch.
Hua Yaoyue, Sect Master Real Person Xuan Shui, Li Changhe, Feng Zhi Tao.
Ji Yuan activated the Messaging Talismans of these four with Divine Sense, transmitting a brief and urgent message.
"I’m in Linhai City. Demonic cultivators are attacking the city!"
Message sent, Ji Yuan spread his Divine Sense in all directions, instantly detecting three early Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators approaching from the east, south, and north.
Damn it, three-on-one—is that it?
Naturally, Ji Yuan wouldn’t be stupid enough to go west.
Especially when his Divine Sense swept over and found a familiar face among the three early Foundation Establishment cultivators.
With a single thought, he stepped forward.
"Brother Hu Li, don’t let me down."
《Shadow-Following》 activated. Ji Yuan’s figure instantly vanished into the night.
It had already been two years since his Foundation Establishment, and Ji Yuan had yet to make a move. He was also curious—just how strong was he now?
This time, he would at least get to test the waters!