Translator: Cinder Translations
"Pay attention to the movements of the bloodthirsty bee hive. I will go discuss matters with Ji Yin," Zhu Yin instructed her subordinates before heading towards Song Wen's temporary cave dwelling.
"Fellow Daoist, I need to discuss something with you."
Song Wen dispelled the Breath Concealment and Spirit Isolation Array and allowed Zhu Yin to enter.
"I'm sure you've noticed the situation below the mountain. It seems the third-tier Demon Attractant Incense doesn't have much of an effect on the queen bee," Zhu Yin said, her expression somewhat troubled.
Song Wen replied, "It must be that the scent attracted too many low-tier bloodthirsty bees, causing the queen bee to become wary and prevent it from leaving the hive."
Zhu Yin frowned. "If that's true, then the queen bee's intelligence must be terrifying. It may not be easy to deal with. If the third-tier scent couldn't lure it out, should we use a fourth-tier scent instead?"
Song Wen couldn't think of a better solution and gently shook his head, remaining silent.
After a brief pause, Zhu Yin spoke again, "Could I trouble you to refine another batch of Demon Attractant Incense? I plan to try a different location."
Another batch of Demon Attractant Incense was successfully refined.
Zhu Yin scattered it in a mountain gorge.
The gorge was flanked by cliffs several meters high, with two bee hive entrances located atop them.
Zhu Yin set up a concealment formation on a nearby mountaintop, observing everything in the gorge from a distance.
After a short while, bloodthirsty bees began emerging from the hive entrances and flying towards the gorge.
But this time, the number of bloodthirsty bees was clearly reduced. Nearly an hour passed, which should have been the time for the largest swarm, yet only about a thousand or two appeared.
Furthermore, most of these bees were low-tier. There were very few first-tier bloodthirsty bees, and none at the second tier.
Seeing this, Zhu Yin's face darkened.
The queen bee's intelligence and control over the hive were far beyond what they had expected.
The reason why the low-tier bloodthirsty bees didn't appear in large numbers like last time was twofold: first, the last time they suffered heavy losses; second, the queen bee was controlling them from behind the scenes, keeping them away from the Demon Attractant Incense.
After the bee swarm dispersed, Zhu Yin went to find Song Wen once more.
"Daoist, it seems the third-tier Demon Attractant Incense is ineffective against the queen bee," Zhu Yin said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"So, what are your plans now?" Song Wen asked.
Song Wen's mission had been to refine the third-tier Demon Attractant Incense and assist Zhu Yin with the bloodthirsty bee problem. Given the current situation, it was clear that the task could not be completed.
Zhu Yin replied, "I can't think of a good plan right now, which is why I wanted to consult with you."
Song Wen thought for a moment before speaking.
"The Demon Attractant Incense can cause low-tier bloodthirsty bees to become confused and fight each other to the death. If we can get the scent deep into the hive, it might reduce their numbers drastically. This way, we can send small spiritual beasts into the hive to locate the queen bee and eliminate it in one strike."
He paused, then added, "However, we are not familiar with the internal structure of the hive. Getting the scent deep inside the hive will not be easy."
Zhu Yin's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Daoist. I now have a plan."
Song Wen was slightly taken aback. "Zhu Yin Daoist, what should we do next?"
Zhu Yin replied, "First, let's go back to Shepherd Mountain. I need to make some preparations."
Zhu Yin summoned a flying ship and took Song Wen, Jing Kai, and a few others back to Shepherd Mountain.
"Ji Qing, what are you doing here on Shepherd Mountain?"
As soon as they disembarked from the ship, Zhu Yin saw a man standing outside Shepherd Hall. Her expression immediately turned cold, clearly displeased with his presence.
The man, named Ji Qing, was extremely handsome and graceful, but carried a somewhat feminine aura. His face bore a subtle air of arrogance, and his powerful cultivation at the peak of the Golden Core realm was blatantly visible.
"Junior Sister Zhu, I heard that Shepherd Island has recently been troubled by the bloodthirsty bees, disturbing your peace. I've come to offer my assistance and help eliminate the bees," Ji Qing said with a smile.
Wu Ji Island had two Golden Core cultivators: Yin Shuo, who was at the late stage of Golden Core, and Ye Hua, who was at the mid-stage. Yin Shuo was known as the Demon Lord, while Ye Hua was called the Demon Sovereign.
Ji Qing was Ye Hua's personal disciple.
Zhu Yin didn't appreciate Ji Qing's gesture.
"Ji Qing, Shepherd Island's matters don't concern you," she said flatly.
"Junior Sister Zhu, I came with good intentions. Why must you push me away so coldly?" Ji Qing replied with a smile. However, paired with his feminine demeanor, his smile appeared rather sinister.
"Nothing good ever comes without a hidden agenda. I don't care what your purpose on Shepherd Island is, but you'd better not cause any trouble here. The bloodthirsty bees' hive is located in the great mountains southwest of Han Mountain Kingdom. If you really want to eliminate them, feel free to go there, no one will stop you," Zhu Yin said coldly.
Ji Qing replied, "Looks like things didn't go well for you, Junior Sister Zhu. You couldn't eliminate the queen bee."
"Hmph!" Zhu Yin snorted and turned away, entering the hall without saying another word.
Ji Qing turned his attention to Song Wen. "Daoist, you seem unfamiliar. What's your name?"
"I am Ji Yin, a newly added outer disciple of Wu Ji Island. I have long heard of Ji Qing Daoist's great reputation. It is a blessing to meet you today," Song Wen said.
Ji Qing sized Song Wen up and then asked, "What brings you to Shepherd Island?"
Song Wen replied, "I was tasked by the Mission Hall to refine the third-tier Demon Attractant Incense and assist Zhu Yin Sect Master in eliminating the bloodthirsty bees."
Ji Qing raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You're a third-tier alchemist?"
With that, he took out a communication jade slip.
"This is my communication jade slip. If you encounter any difficult situations, feel free to contact me. I still have some influence on Wu Ji Island."
Song Wen accepted the jade slip and handed over his own in return.
"Please take care of me in the future."
"Of course," Ji Qing said with a satisfied nod.
At that moment, Jing Kai, standing among the shepherds, suddenly furrowed his brow. He was holding a communication jade slip, seemingly receiving some bad news.
"Ji Qing, Ji Yin, senior brothers, I have some matters to report to Sect Master Zhu Yin. I'll excuse myself for now," Jing Kai said before heading into the hall.
Ji Qing watched his retreating figure, a malicious smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Looks like Junior Sister Zhu is in trouble again."
"Ji Qing Daoist, I will return to my cave to rest. We will talk another day," Song Wen said, uninterested in the new troubles brewing on Shepherd Island. He excused himself and prepared to leave.
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