Daily life of a cultivation judge

"So, where are the dream ambrosia bees?" Yang Qing asked, a smile on his face as his meaningful gaze fell on Meifeng's main body, the sycamore tree. In truth, he didn't need to ask—he had sensed the hive the moment he arrived, nestled within Meifeng's trunk.

As though waiting for the question, Meifeng eagerly grabbed Yang Qing by the arm and pulled him toward her main body. "Let me show you!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.

Yang Qing didn't resist her pull. He was just as excited, though he held himself back so as to maintain the image of the calm, composed elder brother.

But as he drew closer to the trunk, his excitement flared. A subtle, refreshing scent of dream ambrosia honey drifted toward him—it was the alluring fragrance of morning dew, gentle breeze, wild blossom, ripe fruit, and the fresh breath of spring, all wrapped into one inviting, mouthwatering aroma.

The nearer he came, the stronger its effect. It wasn't overpowering; on the contrary, it was exquisitely delicate. Yet that very subtlety was enough to excite the senses and drive them into overdrive, maddening him with the desire to consume it.

Once at the trunk, with a gentle swipe of Meifeng's hand, a cylindrical hole opened to reveal a star-shaped silver jade silk hive. It carried a delicate beauty that perfectly matched the spring-blossom fragrance wafting from it. The hive looked soft to the touch, with small circular holes dotting its surface.

Meifeng leaned slightly toward it and gently said, "Sister Lihua, the friend I told you about is here."

No sooner had she spoken than a small head crowned with silver-gold appeared from one of the holes. A moment later, the rest of the body emerged, revealing a bee the size of a date. Its resplendent golden-orange hue shimmered across its body, while its wings glowed with the color of dawn. Its very presence radiated spring and tranquility. Just being around it, gazing at it, or smelling it, one would feel their mind relax, their soul refreshed, and their body at rest.

The bee flew onto Meifeng's outstretched palm, patted her with one of its limbs, then turned to face Yang Qing.

"Nice to meet you, Master Yang Qing. This lowly one is Lihua, queen of my hive," said the bee, communicating through her spiritual sense. Her tone was soft and tranquil, making one feel as though they were resting in a meadow beneath the protective shade of a tree, drifting into slumber while watching the clear blue sky under the warm rays of the sun, accompanied by a refreshing breeze.

"Nice to meet you, Lihua. I am Yang Qing. I would prefer it if you just call me that—without the Master," Yang Qing said as he cupped his fist in greeting.

"Very well... Yang... Qing," Queen Lihua replied, acquiescing to his request, though it was clear she struggled with it, given the gulf in strength. After all, she was only a peak-stage core formation spirit beast with little to no offensive strength to speak of. The person before her—though she could not discern his realm—radiated a power her senses convinced her was far greater than even Meifeng's.

It surprised her, though. As powerful as he was, and despite them being strangers, she felt very relaxed around him—and it wasn't even because of her innate ability.

Dream ambrosia bees were pitifully weak in terms of offense, which was nearly nonexistent. Their only means of survival lay in their powerful illusory skills, which they used to hide themselves. At the same time, they possessed a strong spirit that not only sharpened their ability to sense danger but also gave them a tranquil heart and mind, allowing them to remain relatively undisturbed and level-headed even when facing perilous situations such as their own death.

The heavens were not unjust. Though it had given them frail bodies and weak offensive abilities that made them easy prey for almost everyone, it had at least granted them a tranquil heart that could easily accept the hand they were dealt. As such, dream ambrosia bees were usually serene in most circumstances, to the point that even if their entire hive was being eradicated, they would meet it with equanimity.

And as the queen of her hive, Lihua had the strongest spirit, which left her with the most even-tempered mind and heart. At the same time, she was the most attuned to her race's abilities—at least when measured against those within her hive. As such, she could tell that the relaxed feeling she experienced when gazing at this newcomer wasn't born of her kind's innate racial ability, but was instead something natural, which was why she couldn't help but feel curious about him.

Earlier, when Meifeng told her there was someone she wanted to introduce her to—"her amazing benefactor and senior brother," as she called him—Lihua had taken it as Meifeng selling her and her hive to curry favor or pay tribute. Neither possibility had surprised her; as a dream ambrosia bee, she had already accepted and surrendered herself to the fact that she had no authority over her own life or that of her kin. Such was the fate of the weak, and having lived for close to four thousand years, it was something she had long since come to accept.

So when Meifeng mentioned her senior brother, Lihua figured that this so-called senior brother was some other spirit beast Meifeng might be paying tribute to. After all, as powerful as Meifeng was, Lihua knew there were spirit beasts far stronger than her. Not to mention, since Meifeng thrived on illusory abilities just like her, she likely shared the same weakness as her when it came to either physical strength or pure destructive abilities, which was why, if she truly was paying tribute to another powerful figure, it wouldn't have been strange.

And when it came to tribute, Lihua could understand why she and her hive would be considered worthy offerings. The dream ambrosia honey they produced was highly beneficial to spirit beasts, helping them strengthen and refine both their souls and wisdom pearls—especially the former, which was often their greatest weakness and became increasingly important as they advanced further up the realm.

Lihua had already resigned herself and her hive to being used for barter. The only thing she hoped was that this senior brother would be as accommodating and considerate as Meifeng—or if not to the same degree, then at least enough that half her hive might survive. And if they didn't... well, her heart and mind were already prepared for it, and so were her kin.

But now, looking at Yang Qing and the sense he gave her, she found herself both surprised and hopeful. Their kind couldn't survive or thrive alone—not with how weak they were. They needed cooperation with a much stronger party, which, given the disparity between the two sides, usually meant subjugation and serving as slaves. That was simply how things were for them.

And as accepting as they were of that reality, it didn't mean Lihua was okay with it or indifferent to it—especially now, as a queen.... and as a mother too. As much as she had resigned herself, she still hoped for a better outcome for her hive, one born of true cooperation where they won't have to live in degradation.

And right now, or since they got acquainted with that noble sacred flame swan, Miss Gu Xing, a thread of that hope had formed, that maybe, just maybe, things might end up different for them.