Chapter Ninety-One: The Invasion of the King of Insects

A single Yellow Spirit Pill was equivalent to the results of twenty days of his usual cultivation, enough to increase his cultivation by four or five points. But that was only the effect when his Five Elements Technique had achieved mastery. In truth, the moment the spirit pill entered his stomach, most of its spiritual energy had already begun to dissipate within him; the Golden Broth Spirit-Locking Formula could only slow the loss of spiritual energy, not prevent it entirely.

But now, Zhou Changwang’s Five Elements Technique had broken through to perfection. At the perfected stage, the technique was vastly different—not only did it refine the spirit pill’s energy faster and more efficiently, but the spiritual power transformed was greater in quantity and purer in quality.

Because of this, after circulating the perfected Five Elements Technique for a single cycle, the spiritual power that surged forth exceeded his previous estimates by more than double. In almost an instant, his cultivation was pushed to the peak of Qi Refining Level Three, with power to spare. His dantian swelled, barely able to contain it.

Without hesitation, he decisively controlled the spiritual power within him, driving it rapidly against the bottleneck of his realm. His cultivation technique did not pause for a moment, continuing its ceaseless flow. At every moment, spiritual energy was converted into his own power, then shaped into sharp blades to pierce through the blocked meridian.

Boom! Like an unstoppable force, the bottleneck shattered instantly!

As his cultivation broke through, his dantian rapidly expanded under the constant impact of spiritual power, doubling in size in the blink of an eye. Even his mental strength surged along with his cultivation.

After the breakthrough, he circulated his technique once more. As spiritual power flooded into his dantian, it seemed to have undergone compression and purification, becoming even more refined and condensed. Naturally, its volume shrank as well—where once there were three wisps of spiritual power, after passing through his meridians and dantian, only one wisp remained.

“I broke through. Qi Refining Level Four. I’m now a Level Four cultivator, too?”

Zhou Changwang was overjoyed. Fortune favored him; after perfecting the Five Elements Technique, his cultivation surged, his spiritual power became purer, and his mental strength soared as well. A sense of unprecedented satisfaction filled his heart.

Still, he did not stop cultivating. His realm had just advanced, but his dantian remained relatively empty. He needed to convert his spiritual power to the purer energy of Level Four as quickly as possible.

One minute, two, three… After nearly half an hour, all the spiritual power within him was fully tempered. His dantian’s energy became denser and more substantial. Although, due to the expansion, the small cluster of power within seemed sparse, Zhou Changwang could clearly feel his strength now far surpassed what it had been. The same spells, cast with this spiritual power, would be far more potent.

Moreover, his increase in strength wasn’t limited to spellcasting—it came also from spiritual perception.

Zhou Changwang guided his mind, merging it with his spiritual power as smoothly as milk blending with water. The two fused completely, forming a unique force. Even with his eyes still closed, he could clearly “see” everything around him within a ten-foot radius, down to the finest detail. He could even distinguish the free-floating particles of spiritual energy around him.

He couldn’t help but control his spiritual perception, gathering these particles and drawing them rapidly toward himself. This, then, was the power of spiritual sense—able to manipulate objects in the void and influence reality. No wonder cultivators at Qi Refining Level Four advanced in their training much faster than those of lower rank; the role of spiritual sense in cultivation was truly immense. The stronger the spiritual sense, the more spiritual particles one could capture—an approach to cultivation entirely distinct from merely absorbing ambient energy with a technique.

A cultivation technique draws ambient spiritual energy toward oneself, but that energy is mixed—five elements, yin and yang, light and dark, wind and thunder, all manner of particles. Most of this energy dissipates, and only a tiny fraction is absorbed, most of which is not even suitable for conversion.

But with spiritual sense, the gathering is more precise—one can filter out most useless energies and absorb only what is needed, thus greatly increasing efficiency.

Of course, this doesn’t mean cultivation techniques are useless. In fact, technique is the foundation for absorbing and converting spiritual energy. The better the technique, the more energy is drawn in, and the more abundant and robust the spiritual power acquired.

Take Zhou Changwang, for instance. Now that his Five Elements Technique was perfected, it functioned like a vortex, slowly drawing in spiritual energy from within a hundred-foot radius. Naturally, his efficiency far surpassed before, and was many times greater than that of cultivators of similar potential.

“If I measure my cultivation efficiency, I should be about equal to those with triple spiritual roots, with a conversion rate considered high-grade. I’m not far from dual-root cultivators—the so-called ‘geniuses’ of cultivation.”

Zhou Changwang was somewhat excited by this notion.

A cultivation genius? He had never dreamed of such a thing. Usually, if a dual-root genius was discovered, they would be recruited early into a sect and receive systematic, specialized instruction, outstripping their peers not only in cultivation but also in power, foundation, and techniques. Take, for example, Bai Yufeng, the great genius of the Bai family—a gold-wood dual-root cultivator, who at fifty-six had already built his foundation more than twenty years prior, meaning he succeeded at thirty-six.

“Unfortunately, now that my Five Elements Technique is perfected, increasing my cultivation efficiency further is no easy feat. Unless I switch techniques, or truly enhance my spiritual roots…”

Zhou Changwang felt both pleased and a little helpless. With low potential, his upper limit was low as well. While high potential didn’t guarantee future achievement, it did mean he had to work much harder than so-called geniuses. Even with his attribute panel, after perfecting the Five Elements Technique, his cultivation efficiency had reached its limit—only other methods could help him progress faster.

Switching techniques? Only if the new technique was of extremely high quality and perfectly suited to him. Otherwise, cultivating a new technique from entry to mastery would cost tremendous time and effort, likely for little gain.

Qian Xiaoyue was willing to switch techniques because she had guidance from a disciple of the Watercloud Immortal Sect, and the technique chosen was perfectly matched to her constitution—plus, the Watercloud Sect’s foundational methods were exceptionally strong. Naturally, she broke through quickly to Level Four.

He had no such opportunity. The Five Element techniques available in the shops were at best only slightly better than what he was already using. As for improving his spiritual roots—only heaven-sent treasures could achieve that, and if such an item appeared, it wouldn’t be his to use.

He then turned his gaze to his attribute panel:

Name: Zhou Changwang
Longevity: 18/95
Cultivation: Qi Refining Level 4 (1/100)
Technique: Five Elements Technique, Perfected
Heavenly Origin Eight Forms (Mastery 197/200)
Spells: Geng Metal Finger (Perfected), Fireball (Perfected), Protective Technique (Perfected), Thousand Thunder Flash (Mastery 184/200), Spiritual Eye (Entry 78/100)
…
Talismans: Talisman Crafting (Entry 37/100)
…

“Five Elements Technique perfected. My cultivation has indeed advanced—truly broken through to Level Four. Most importantly, my longevity has increased as well. Before, it was only seventy-eight years; while long-lived in this world, it was short compared to the average lifespan of eighty or ninety years in my previous life, not to mention this is a world of cultivation. Now, with my advancement, my lifespan increased too—quite normal. Ninety-five years… not yet a hundred, but as my cultivation rises, it will surely increase again.”

Zhou Changwang glanced over his attributes, filled with satisfaction. Perfected technique, upgraded realm, and now even his longevity had grown. Everything was moving in a good direction.

…

“What on earth is going on?” In a vast manor, a sinister-faced, hook-nosed middle-aged cultivator stood grimly before a massive beehive.

The hive was enormous, like a great wind-and-fire wheel. Usually, hundreds of Black Needle Venom Bees would swarm within, and when summoned for an outing, they made a formidable force—one of his most reliable aides.

But now, only a few dozen juvenile bees clustered on the hive, some clearly newly emerged and still tender, and the once-daunting mass of hundreds was gone. Where were the others? He recalled there had even been several matured bees he’d raised to a breakthrough—they too had vanished. Only a single queen and two guardian bees remained, huddled together in apparent vigilance.

“I want to see what has the nerve to kill my bees.” The middle-aged cultivator’s face darkened as he quickly formed hand seals, linking his mind with the queen bee. This was a feature of his Insect Control Technique—he could briefly share memories with the spirit insects under his control.

Yet it was not without aftereffects; one would be influenced by the insects’ temperament—fierce, irritable, bloodthirsty. If a cultivator communed too long with such creatures, they would become cruel and violent themselves. This was why many avoided insect cultivators—they were simply too dangerous, and death by swarm was too horrific.

After some time, he opened his eyes, a flash of brutality in his gaze before calm returned. “Interesting—a rival swarm?” He smiled, then waved his hand, collecting the great hive. Flicking his finger, he sent out a Black Needle Venom Bee—its tail half-missing, wounded by a spell.

“Lead the way!” he commanded. The bee shivered instinctively, then obediently flew off, slowly heading south.

…

In the backyard pavilion, Zhou Changwang was practicing martial arts—not ordinary combat forms, but the body cultivation technique, Seven Stars Treading the Moon.

He had to admit, today was truly a day of gains. Early in the morning, after his usual training in the Heavenly Origin Eight Forms, he had unknowingly advanced this body cultivation to the minor accomplishment stage. His vitality soared, and even his flesh, skin, and bones grew stronger under the constant wash of robust life force.

Once stabilized, he felt his strength had greatly increased, and a unique inner force—possible only for body cultivators—arose within him. With this force circulating under his skin, he could be impervious to blades and spears; even a martial expert at the innate level would struggle to harm him. Magical weapons? He hadn’t tried, but sensed that even low-level magic weapons wouldn’t easily pierce his reinforced flesh.

Still, he trusted his Protective Technique more. At the perfected level, it was as solid as a rock—his strongest defense by far. The strength and resilience from the Heavenly Origin Eight Forms was only a supplement, not a game-changer for his overall power. Yet body cultivation was a major path in the world of immortals, with its own strengths—now that he had mastered the inner force, he had truly set foot on this path, making up for a weakness in close combat.

Because of this, he took out two jade slips from his storage pouch—the spoils from the corpse of the Raksha Gang’s body cultivator: “Great Vajra Hand” and “Seven Stars Treading the Moon.” He recalled his father’s words: “In martial arts, learn to walk before you learn to fight—if you can’t win, you can run.” Of the two, the Vajra Hand was offensive, but compared to his spells, it was less useful, so he chose to master Seven Stars Treading the Moon first.

Once he grasped the essentials, Zhou Changwang directed his inner force along a special path into his legs, leaping forward in a burst. Whoosh! Like the wind, his figure blurred, appearing several yards away.

“Seven Stars Treading the Moon is a pursuit and escape technique. With seven steps, each covering several yards, at full speed it’s nearly as fast as my Light Body Technique. If combined, my speed would be greatly increased.”

He practiced the technique, dashing through his backyard’s spiritual field in a series of afterimages, not even pausing when his attribute panel displayed “Seven Stars Treading the Moon: Entry.” Instead, he continued, testing the limits by suddenly using his Light Body Technique—instantly, he was everywhere in the field. Fortunately, he was careful not to trample any spiritual plants.

“Combining Seven Stars Treading the Moon with the Light Body Technique really boosts my speed—a great advantage in battle.” Zhou Changwang slowed to a halt, feeling exhilarated.

He was about to continue when, in the distance, a Black Needle Venom Bee wobbled into view.

“Hm? Another Black Needle Venom Bee? Wait—isn’t this the one I broke the tail off before?” Zhou Changwang narrowed his eyes in confusion. Since their last encounter, he hadn’t seen any more of these bees, and thought it would be some time before they dared return. Yet here it was—the very one that had escaped him.

He was unconcerned, though; his Golden Devourer Bees would take care of it. Indeed, as the bee hovered over the field, five or six of his bees intercepted it. The venom bee tried to flee but was quickly caught. Just as the Golden Devourer Bees were about to tear it apart, three much larger Black Needle Venom Bees zoomed in at incredible speed—one as big as a rice bowl, the largest the size of a human head, their buzzing thunderous. Two immediately fired their stings, striking down two Golden Devourer Bees, and the others swiftly slaughtered the rest.

“Demonic beast-level Black Needle Venom Bees? Three of them? The biggest must be the queen—her aura matches a Qi Refining Level Three cultivator.” Zhou Changwang’s expression changed, a hint of shock in his eyes. But there was no time to dwell—after dispatching his bees, the three demonic venom bees charged straight for his hive.

Demonic venom bees were vastly superior to ordinary spirit bees—not just in strength, but by sheer pressure, they could terrify common bees, crippling their fighting spirit. Even his own queen bee, though of the same rank, might not be a match for such foes—especially the queen, whose aura rivaled Level Three.

Without hesitation, Zhou Changwang stepped forward, flicked his finger, and—shhk—a flash of golden light pierced the head of one demonic bee, killing it instantly. He didn’t pause, striking twice more; whether it was a drone or the queen, both were instantly killed, falling from the sky.

“Stop! How dare you!” At that moment, a thunderous shout rang out. Zhou Changwang turned to see a middle-aged cultivator, feet planted on two enormous butterflies, vaulting over the high wall into his backyard.

It was well known that the courtyards in the market town were all protected by defensive formations—any intruder would trigger alarms, bringing guards running, just as his own courtyard was so protected. The walls were only the visible line of defense; above them, an invisible barrier, two yards high, could stop most cultivators. Only a true Foundation Establishment cultivator, flying by sword, could pass unimpeded. Yet even they would rarely do so, as entering by sword would be seen as a challenge to the market’s master—a recipe for disaster.

Thus, for most, the defenses were more than enough. Who could have guessed this man would fly in on two giant butterflies, crossing the wall and barrier to land in his yard?

“How dare you kill my spirit insects?” The newcomer glared at Zhou Changwang, murderous intent in his eyes.

Zhou Changwang’s face changed. He had never expected this; he’d thought the courtyard made him safe, that even if the enemy came, he would not dare attack directly. But the man before him played by no rules, appearing suddenly in his backyard.

“Senior, may I ask who you are and why you entered my yard uninvited?” Zhou Changwang, though he guessed the man’s identity, couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“The name’s Xue Tong. I told you to stop, yet you dared kill my spirit insects?” Xue Tong jumped off his butterflies, eyes cold with killing intent.

“Senior, this is a misunderstanding. I’m just a humble spirit farmer—when I saw these spirit insects break in, I panicked, fearing for my crops, and acted without thinking. I truly meant no harm to your spirit insects.” Zhou Changwang spoke as he quickly devised a plan.

Yet seeing the other’s demeanor—and his very method of entry—he knew things would not end peacefully. Was there any choice but to fight?

“You killed my spirit insects. You must die!” Xue Tong’s anger surged as he stared at the three demonic insect corpses—bees he’d raised for ten years, all lost in an instant.

With that, he prepared to attack. But Zhou Changwang was quicker—having seen the hostility in the man’s eyes, he had already given up hope of peace and struck first.

In a fight, the first move wins; the slow one suffers. With his strength inferior, Zhou Changwang knew he had to act immediately.

(End of this chapter)