Wait… I’m a Druid in a Cultivation World?! - Chapter 40

Inside the Fusheng Society…

“By now, everyone is well aware of the situation. The demon insects have emerged, and two of our own in the Fusheng Society have already died because of them. Let’s share whatever information we’ve gathered and discuss possible countermeasures.”

Unlike his usual habit of starting with casual banter, Wang Shan cut straight to the point, his expression grave.

One of the Fusheng Society members had been devoured by demon insects just yesterday while out gathering information. Combined with Lin Chaoyang’s death, the situation had reached a critical point.

No one had the mind for anything else today. Their sole purpose in gathering was to exchange information and brainstorm solutions.

“I’ll go first,” said Zhou Pangzi, the one who had previously suffered from insect venom during the Black Spirit Duck incident. “I don’t have much new information, so I’ll just share my plan: I’ve decided to return to the mortal world with my wives and children and leave the cultivation world behind.”

“Life as a rogue cultivator is too hard. It was manageable before, but now, between the bandit cultivators and this insect plague, rent has gone up, and safety is no longer guaranteed.”

“My children have spiritual roots, but their talent is mediocre at best. If their future is as difficult as mine has been, it’s better to return to the mortal world and live as wealthy commoners.”

“I’ve sold everything I own. After paying the relocation fee, I still have plenty left. Yesterday, I contacted the Hongyun Merchant Guild and arranged to pay for their escort to take my family away from here. If any of you are interested, you can join us.”

Zhou Pangzi’s face was full of resignation. If not for sheer desperation, who would willingly give up cultivation?

Once they returned to the mortal world, the spiritual energy there would be so thin it might as well be nonexistent. Once used up, it would be nearly impossible to replenish.

Cultivation would be out of the question.

As the spiritual energy in their bodies dwindled and vanished—unless replenished by spirit stones or similar resources—their cultivation bases would gradually fade.

No cultivator would willingly return to the mortal world unless forced by circumstances.

But for the safety of his wives and children, Zhou Pangzi had no other choice.

After hearing this, Qi Ping and the others nodded in understanding. For Zhou Pangzi, this was indeed the best option.

Wang Shan chimed in, “I’ve made the same decision. Let’s go together. With the Hongyun Merchant Guild’s protection, it’ll be much safer. Some people have been killed by bandit cultivators on their way out.”

“However, after sending my wife to the mortal world, I plan to return. I’ll try to find work under one of the three great families. I’ve hit my limit, but I can at least save up resources for my children to use when they venture into the cultivation world in the future.”

“Also, I’ve heard that the number of demon insects emerging from the secret realm is far greater than anyone imagined. The Qingyuan Sect and the three great families have dispatched many late-stage Qi Refinement and Foundation Building cultivators to suppress them, but they’ve only dealt with a small fraction. Many late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators have died, and several Foundation Building experts have been injured.”

“Even Foundation Building cultivators were injured?” The group was stunned.

Had things really gotten this bad?

“Yes,” Wang Shan confirmed.

The only one who remained calm was the sallow-faced, skinny Li Peng, who casually added, “Brother Shan is right. The demon insects’ numbers and strength have reached a point where even the combined forces of the three great families can’t handle them.”

“But there’s no need to panic. The number of demon insects staying in Qingshi County won’t be too high. I estimate about sixty percent of us rogue cultivators will survive this crisis.”

“So my plan is simple: stay put. Whether I live or die will depend on luck.”

The others were speechless. This was classic Li Peng—a man who remained unfazed even after nearly being drained dry by a male cultivator.

Qi Ping couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something quietly unhinged about him.

But Li Peng seemed to have other secrets. Despite his seemingly aimless demeanor, he was remarkably well-informed about everything in Qingshi County. If he said this, it was almost certainly true.

“Let me add one more thing,” Li Peng continued. “Regarding the bandit cultivator problem, there’s a rumor that the Qingyuan Sect hasn’t acted because some of those bandits are affiliated with the Heretic Devotees Alliance.”

“I’m not sure if that’s the reason for the Qingyuan Sect’s inaction, but it’s absolutely true that the Heretic Devotees Alliance is involved.”

Heretic Devotees Alliance? The group was puzzled. What kind of organization was this, to make even the Qingyuan Sect hesitate?

“The Heretic Devotees Alliance is a group that troubles the entire cultivation world. If they’ve disguised themselves as bandit cultivators here, they’re definitely plotting something. In my opinion, they might be even more dangerous than the demon insects—and their plans might be connected to the insects.”

“Of course, the Heretic Devotees Alliance doesn’t always bring disaster. Sometimes they spread cultivation techniques or rare treasures—though the chances of that are slim.”

“In short, staying here isn’t necessarily a death sentence. There might be opportunities for those willing to take the risk. Those who prefer stability can leave; those who want to gamble can stay.”

The group exchanged glances, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.

But they knew that when Li Peng spoke, his words were almost always true.

After asking for more details about the Heretic Devotees Alliance, it was Qi Ping, Sister Nan, and Meng Shanshan’s turn to share their plans and knowledge. After a brief discussion, the group dispersed.

Wang Shan and Zhou Pangzi went to the Hongyun Merchant Guild to arrange their return to the mortal world.

Li Peng headed straight for the brothel.

Meng Shanshan revealed that she had formed a partnership with a disciple from a sect in another region, who had promised to take her away once his business in Qingshi County was done. She had come today to bid everyone farewell on behalf of her father.

After this parting, they might never meet again…

Sister Nan, like Qi Ping, chose to stay. She didn’t hesitate at all.

Qi Ping sensed that she had some compelling reason to remain in the cultivation world—perhaps even in Qingshi County specifically.

But since she didn’t volunteer the information, he didn’t ask. Everyone had their secrets.

As for Qi Ping, leaving was never an option. A place that could effortlessly sustain the growth of large quantities of mid-grade first-tier spirit herbs was reason enough to stay.

There was also the mystery beneath the Blood Ginseng. Qi Ping planned to dig it up once his Swift-Cutting Bees had multiplied enough.

Before, he could afford to wait and grow stronger slowly.

But if he didn’t act now, he might never get another chance.

When the time came, he would send a small group of Gold Marrow Bees to scout the path while he, the Bee King, the majority of the swarm, and Old Man Zhou prepared to flee at a moment’s notice. That way, he could maximize his safety.

But just as Qi Ping returned to his mountain peak from the Fusheng Society and was about to tend to the Blood Ginseng, a group of Gold Marrow Bees urgently led him elsewhere.

“Buzz… (Boss, trouble!)”

“What happened?”

“Buzz… (Follow us! There are dangerous insects!)”

When Qi Ping followed the bees through a dense patch of forest, dozens of demon insect corpses and an equal number of Gold Marrow Bee corpses came into view…

His expression instantly darkened.