Everyone stood stunned, inwardly trembling. This Golden Bee was an ancient ferocious beast, a terrifying race. Legends said some Golden Bees could shake their wings to shatter heaven and earth!
Moreover, Golden Bees were born with a drop of honey in their bodies—a precious substance capable of healing wounds and refining ancient miracle pills. But capturing them for alchemy was suicidal. The fact that this Golden Bee had a master sent chills through everyone—what kind of existence could subdue a Golden Bee as a servant?
Dao Ling toyed with the Star Pearl in his hand, eyeing the Golden Bee's disdainful gaze. "Do we know each other well?" he asked flatly.
At this, the Golden Bee erupted with surging blood qi, its foot-long body vibrating like metal. Its wings shimmered like swords, releasing blade lights that made onlookers shiver.
The crowd panicked, retreating. This Golden Bee was undeniably fearsome, and its aura wasn't even aimed at them.
"Human, you're arrogant. Don't think you can speak to me like that just because you have some skill!" the Golden Bee said coldly. "I advise you to be smart."
"You're just a servant. Don't address me in that tone," Dao Ling retorted, eyeing it askance.
The Golden Bee's eyes chilled, murderous intent flaring like golden flames. Enraged, it growled: "Human, you're courting disaster. I warn you to come with me now, or I'll suppress you—and you'll regret it."
A fierce killing intent surged. Dao Ling frowned, shouting: "Others have warned me like that.可惜 (Unfortunately), they all died before me!"
"Arrogant!" The Golden Bee's proboscis emitted a shrill roar. Its wings quivered like thunder, hurtling toward Dao Ling like a golden lightning bolt.
A group approached in the distance, each exuding extraordinary aura. Among them, a green-clothed maiden was graceful, with straight legs, a slender waist, and a perfect figure. Seeing the Golden Bee attacking the youth, she frowned: "Stop."
The sudden voice silenced the scene. Many looked over in horror—it was the Little Princess of the Great Qian Dynasty!
This group was terrifying. A youth stood with hands behind his back, body shrouded in divine light, eyes like twin suns burning brightly. Even a trace of his aura was heart-stopping.
The Golden Bee's eyes darkened, halting its attack. Though eager to tear the youth apart, it knew its master was proposing to the Great Qian Dynasty, and the target was none other than Qian Yao. It dare not offend her.
"Qian Yao." Dao Ling was surprised to meet her here. His gaze then fell on the divinely shrouded youth, inwardly alert—this person was terrifying!
"Do you know him?" the youth asked, eyes fixed on Dao Ling like golden vortices, captivating and intimidating.
Curious eyes turned to the youth. They knew Qian Yao's noble status—who dared address her like this?
Ji Xingbo stared into the youth's eyes, his mind jolting. He suddenly coughed blood, feeling his entire being sucked in by those eyes!
The crowd panicked,不敢正视 (daring not to look directly) and bowing their heads.
Dao Ling's fist clenched. This youth was extremely dangerous, especially his eyes—signs of some secret technique.
"A friend," Qian Yao said flatly. Her red lips and perfect figure, paired with狡黠的 (mischievous) eyes, gave her an otherworldly charm.
"I noticed his physical body is good and planned to have him assist. Since he's your friend, bring him along later—maybe he'll find some opportunity," the divinely veiled youth said casually.
Qian Yao nodded, stepping closer. "What happened just now?" she whispered.
"Nothing major." Dao Ling smiled. "Why are you here?"
Relieved, Qian Yao tilted her嘴角 (Corners of the mouth). "There are many Star Pearls beneath the Star River. It's nearly the full moon—we can search for them then."
"I see." Dao Ling nodded, his heart stirring. These pearls were extraordinary; more could drastically boost his strength before the Star Palace opened.
"Don't provoke that person later, or trouble will follow," Qian Yao whispered, her eyes uncharacteristically grave.
"Who is he? He seems very strong."
"He's from the Ancient Divine Mountain." Qian Yao took a deep breath, wary of the youth's identity. She said no more—Dao Ling knowing was unwise. The Ancient Divine Mountain disliked outsiders discussing them, and with their power, even Star Academy might not protect Dao Ling if he was killed.
"The Ancient Divine Mountain!" Dao Ling was shocked. This was a terrifying force, mostly occupied by divine beast clans who rarely emerged. To think this youth hailed from there.
Rumor had it that Ancient Divine Mountains were martial dao holy lands, teeming with spiritual herbs and dense heaven-earth essence. Cultivating there was said to progress at breakneck speed—no wonder the Golden Bee served him.
Qian Yao knew the Ancient Divine Mountain's terror. That such a force had sent someone meant its outstanding descendants were emerging to conquer the world.
Dao Ling didn't linger, returning to his Dao platform to swallow the Star Pearl.
Surging energy flooded his body—extremely pure, needing little refinement to merge with his cultivation.
"His cultivation speed is incredible." Qian Yao bit her red lips, watching the seated figure as汹涌的 (surging) energy rippled around him.
It had been just over two months since they last met, yet he'd broken into the Spirit Nourishing Realm and made significant progress—astounding.
As night fell, Dao Ling's surging energy concealed within his body, divine light withdrawing.
But his internal energy had changed: the starlight dots within grew larger. Observing closely, Dao Ling marveled: "If these starlight dots grow thousands of times, they'll be terrifying."
Refining the Star Pearl, Dao Ling's aura strengthened again. He felt a few more would trigger a breakthrough.
"I need dozens of Star Pearls to boost my cultivation quickly." Dao Ling smacked his lips, eyeing the Star River. "I wonder how many are down there."
The scene quieted as everyone on the Dao platforms moved to the riverbank. The full moon approached, and the Star River would riot, spewing forth Star Pearls—a rare opportunity.
Many arrived, gathering on the bank to compete for pearls. Qian Yao's group stood out, each formidable, especially the new arrivals.
"It's you!" The golden-haired youth appeared, scowling at Dao Ling. "What are you doing here?"
"Do I need your permission?" Dao Ling glanced at him, then turned to the void, sensing unusual fluctuations.
The golden-haired youth's face darkened, glaring at the ignoring youth. Rage burned within, eager to tear him apart.
"Brother Dao, do you have a grudge with him?" The Golden Bee, watching Dao Ling, turned to the golden-haired youth.
Flattered, the youth bowed: "Brother Jin, this kid is too arrogant. Do you also have a score to settle?"
The golden-haired youth eyed the Golden Bee curiously. He knew its origin—an ancient divine mountain being, though a servant, still enviable.
Pleased by the respect, the Golden Bee said: "My master wants him dead, but I can't act directly. If you kill him later, I'll reward you with a top-grade treasure weapon."
The golden-haired youth trembled, glancing at the divinely veiled youth. He nodded eagerly: "Consider it done!"
A top-grade treasure weapon! Rare and precious, it could孕育 (give birth to) Dao runes as it grew—potentially becoming a terrifying Dao weapon!
The reward was enormous. The golden-haired youth冷笑 (smirked), eyeing Dao Ling. He never expected this guy to be worth so much.
Best of all, he'd get to pay homage to an ancient divine mountain's peerless genius—this deal was too good to pass up.
Satisfied with the agreement, the Golden Bee turned away. They had treasures to seek beneath the Star River and couldn't be bothered with an ant.