Inside the Life-Prosperity Association...
"The situation is clear to everyone now. The Demon Insects have appeared, and two of our members have died because of it. Let's each share the information we've gathered and any countermeasures we've thought of."
Wang Shan didn't waste time with small talk this time. His expression was extremely grave as he went straight to the point. With one member gnawed to death just yesterday and Lin Chaoyang's passing, the situation was dire. No one was in the mood for anything else; they were there for one purpose: information and survival strategies.
"I'll go first," said Fatty Zhou, whose Black Spirit Ducks had once been poisoned. "I don't have much news, so I'll just state my plan. I'm going back to the secular world with my wives and children. I'm leaving the cultivation world."
"Being a loose cultivator is too hard. It was fine before, but now we have marauders, insect plagues, rent hikes, and no security. My children have spiritual roots, but they aren't great. If their future is as difficult as mine, I'd rather they live as wealthy men in the secular world."
"I've sold everything, and after the relocation fee, I still have a good amount left. I contacted the Hongyun Merchant Guild yesterday. I'm paying them a fee to take my family away. If any of you have similar thoughts, you can come with me."
Fatty Zhou's face was filled with helplessness. Who would give up on immortality unless forced? Once they returned to the secular world, the spiritual energy would be so thin it would be almost impossible to replenish. Cultivation would be out of the question. As their internal energy dissipated without supplement, their realms would slowly fade. But for the safety of his family, he had no other choice.
Everyone expressed their understanding; for Fatty Zhou, this was indeed the best path.
Wang Shan added, "I have the same plan. Let's go together. With the Merchant Guild, it'll be safer. Some people were butchered by marauders halfway through their departure. However, after sending my wife to the secular world, I'm coming back. I plan to find a way to work for one of the three great families as a servant. I have no hope for myself, but I can save up some capital for my children to use later in the cultivation world."
"Also, I heard today that the number of Demon Insects that emerged is far beyond imagination. The Qingyuan Sect and the families sent many Foundation Establishment and late-stage cultivators, but they only solved a small fraction of them. They even lost several late-stage cultivators, and a few Foundation Establishment experts were injured."
"Foundation Establishment experts were injured?" The crowd was stunned. Things were that serious?
"Yes," Wang Shan confirmed.
Among the group, only sallow-faced Li Peng remained calm. He said nonchalantly, "Brother Shan is right. The number and strength of the insects have reached a point where even the three families combined find it hard to handle. But don't worry too much. There won't be that many staying in Qingshi County. I estimate about sixty percent of us loose cultivators can survive this crisis. So, my response is simple: I'm staying. Whether I live or die depends on luck."
"..."
The others were speechless, but this was classic Li Peng—a man who remained fearless even after nearly being drained dry. Qi Ping felt the man had a sort of calm madness about him. However, Li Peng's identity seemed to hold secrets; despite his messy life, he knew many things in the county clearly. If he said this, it was likely true.
"Let me add one more thing," Li Peng continued. "Regarding why the Qingyuan Sect hasn't moved against the marauders... there's a rumor that members of the Evil-Favored Alliance are among them. I can't be sure if the sect is afraid to act, but the presence of the Alliance is definitely true."
The term "Evil-Favored Alliance" confused the group. What kind of power was that? Even the Qingyuan Sect was wary?
"Evil-Favored Alliance?"
"Yes. It's an organization that gives the entire cultivation world a headache. Since they've appeared here as marauders, they must be plotting something. In my view, they might be even more dangerous than the Demon Insects. Perhaps what they're planning is related to the insects. Of course, they don't just bring danger; sometimes they spread manuals or natural treasures, though the chances are low. In short, staying here might offer a chance for wealth amidst danger. Those who want stability can leave; those who want to gamble can stay."
Li Peng's words left everyone looking at each other. This was a lot to take in. But they knew that when Li Peng spoke, it was usually the truth.
After asking for more details about the Alliance, it was the turn of Qi Ping, Sister Nan, and Meng Shanshan. They each stated their plans and what they knew. After a brief discussion, they bid each other farewell.
Wang Shan and Fatty Zhou went to the Merchant Guild to arrange their departure. Li Peng headed toward the brothels. Meng Shanshan said she had formed a partnership with a disciple from a sect in another domain, who promised to take her away once his business in Qingshi County was finished; she had come on her father's behalf to say a final goodbye.
After this parting, they might never meet again.
Sister Nan chose to stay, just like Qi Ping. She didn't hesitate. Qi Ping felt she had a reason why she had to remain in the cultivation world, or perhaps specifically in Qingshi County. But if she didn't say, he wouldn't ask. Everyone had their secrets.
Qi Ping, of course, wouldn't leave. A place that could easily provide for the growth of a large batch of middle-tier spirit herbs was reason enough to stay. And regarding the secret beneath the Blood Ginseng patch, he planned to try digging it up once his Ring-cutter army was ready. Previously, he could afford to wait for his strength to grow, but if he didn't act now, there might not be a future opportunity.
When he dug, he planned to send a small number of bees to scout while he, the Queen, the main swarm, and Old Man Zhou stood ready to flee at a moment's notice. That would maximize his safety.
However, as Qi Ping returned to the mountain from the association and prepared to tend the herbs, he was hurriedly led away by the Golden Marrow Bees.
"Buzz buzz... (Boss, something happened!)"
"What is it?"
"Buzz buzz... (Come with us! There are very fierce bugs!)"
When Qi Ping followed the bees through a dense thicket, dozens of Demon Insect corpses and dozens of Golden Marrow Bee corpses came into view simultaneously...
Qi Ping's face instantly turned grim.