Chapter 25: Generous Zhang Kai and the Crimson-Tailed Bees
As they entered the forest, their pace slowed down, and by nightfall, they hadn't reached the base of Snow Peak Mountain yet. Nighttime in the wilderness was unsafe, so the team set up camp in a flat area. Gu Mingyu's people had arranged everything, and Zhang Kai sat relaxed, watching as the old fortune teller and the Daoist named Chongming chatted away.
Surprisingly, Chongming Daoist wasn't from the mainland but rather a Daoist from the island. He claimed to belong to the Lao Mountain branch lineage. However, Zhang Kai was somewhat skeptical of this claim because Chongming Daoist didn't exhibit significant spiritual energy fluctuations, and his aura had a hint of malevolence, which didn't align with righteous cultivation.
Additionally, Chongming's disciple was constantly lingering around the girl with twin ponytails, showing excessive attentiveness and behaving oddly, almost like a love-struck pig.
What intrigued Zhang Kai the most was the young boy brought by the old fortune teller from Duqiao Town. This boy emitted a strong herbal fragrance and carried a small package, appearing shy and introverted.
However, as they traveled through the forest, they encountered numerous mosquitoes. Strangely, none of the insects dared to approach the boy. The old fortune teller bringing this boy along was certainly not just for a simple trade.
"Why has Zhang Daozhang been so quiet?" Suddenly, a voice broke Zhang Kai's reverie. He looked over and saw Chongming Daoist speaking with a friendly smile. "Zhou Daoxiong said that you are from the Maoshan tradition and have accomplished your Fu Dao skills. Would you mind demonstrating your abilities for us?"
Zhang Kai grinned and replied, "Daoxiong, you're too kind. I'm just a junior with limited skills. I can't compare to both of you in terms of cultivation. As for Fu Dao, I'm ashamed to say that I've only learned two types: protective talismans and banishing talismans. Due to my limited spiritual power, I haven't accumulated many. I dare not waste them."
"Oh? Daoist Zhang has drawn protective and banishing talismans?" Chongming Daoist's eyes lit up, and he continued, "Zhou Daoxiong, this forbidden area is exceptionally dangerous. Having talismans for protection would be most prudent. Zhou Daoxiong, if you don't mind, could you spare a few for my disciple and me? I'm willing to purchase them."
Zhang Kai's interest was piqued. He said, "Of course, it's not a problem. I'm just a junior, and I hope the seniors can take care of me. Here, let me give you some." Zhang Kai reached into his backpack and pulled out a stack of talismans. "I have five protective talismans and three banishing talismans. These are the only successful ones I've made. I'll keep one protective talisman for myself, and the rest can be distributed among you. As for purchasing, there's no need to mention it. We're comrades in this expedition, and we should help each other."
With that, Zhang Kai looked sincerely at Chongming Daoist.
"Zhang Daoist is truly virtuous and skilled," Chongming Daoist said with excitement. In this age of decline, genuine talismans were hard to come by and were considered valuable assets.
With the talismans distributed, the group became more intimate, chatting and laughing as if they had been friends for years. Shortly after a simple dinner, they analyzed their upcoming journey and potential challenges before resting early.
As time passed, the night grew dark, and the forest fell into silence. Zhang Kai was meditating inside his tent when suddenly, he opened his eyes, his gaze becoming sharp. He heard a particular noise, an annoying and rapidly approaching sound. He sensed that something was amiss and needed to investigate.
The noise, resembling the rapid fluttering of wings, grew closer, and it sounded like a swarm of bees, but there were many of them, and it was getting noisy. Zhang Kai's mind recalled a name: Crimson-Tailed Bees.
One of the three deadly insects of Snow Peak Mountain, the Crimson-Tailed Bee had extremely potent venom. A sting from its tail could cause excruciating pain, and in severe cases, it could even be lethal. They were numerous in the Snow Peak Mountain area.
However, these Crimson-Tailed Bees were usually active during the day and rarely ventured into the outside world. They were relatively unknown.
Zhang Kai had just arrived, and they were already encountering one of the three deadly insects. Could it be that this place was truly a treacherous land, fitting for a divine burial ground? The outskirts were already so dangerous.
With a sigh, Zhang Kai focused and sealed his tent tightly before sitting inside to watch the spectacle. Why contribute the talismans selflessly? Perhaps he was securing an escape route for himself, letting others take the risks while he followed along.
Suddenly, he noticed movement in the other tents as well. It seemed that the rest of the group had also realized the situation.
Before long, a dreadful scream pierced the night, indicating that someone had been stung by the Crimson-Tailed Bees.
The camp descended into chaos, with the flickering of campfires and figures darting around. At the same time, the dense swarm of Crimson-Tailed Bees invaded the camp, launching relentless attacks.
"Hmm?" Zhang Kai, who was calmly observing, suddenly sensed something different. He turned his gaze in a particular direction and felt an aura, unlike the qi fluctuations of cultivators. It was... demonic energy?
Within the swarm of Crimson-Tailed Bees, there were some that had become demons! Zhang Kai was astonished.
Upon entering the forest, he had sensed in all directions but found no traces of spiritual energy. It seemed that the resurgence of spiritual energy, spurred by the awakening of a Confucian deity, hadn't yet reached the level where even ordinary forests could regain their spiritual essence.
However, he had discovered demonic bees! This meant that there were sacred areas within Snow Peak Mountain where spiritual energy had recovered, and the Crimson-Tailed Bees had benefited from it, evolving from mere insects into spiritual creatures.
This was getting interesting. With spiritual creatures directing them, the situation might not be easy to handle.
Soon, Gu Mingyu urgently called out, "Everyone, prepare to retreat! Leave everything behind and run directly toward the direction of Snow Peak Mountain."
Hearing this, without a second thought, everyone scattered and began to run in various directions. Zhang Kai briefly considered his options, then picked up his bag and left his tent.
As he glanced around, he noticed that most people had fled, leaving behind those who were either lying on the ground in pain or surrounded by a swarm of Crimson-Tailed Bees, unable to escape.
Zhang Kai had no intention of helping. He locked onto the direction where the old fortune teller and the young boy had escaped and chased after them.