Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!

After actually learning that Bai Yunqi only knew the latter half of the 'Devouring Technique', Jiang Yuan was also somewhat tempted to learn it.

The main reason was that this cultivation technique seemed to have some similarities with the Soul-Devouring Demon Skill, though the former was more gentle and primarily focused on devouring Spiritual Power, using the devouring of humans or demon beasts as a last resort; whereas the latter drained the lifespan of living beings for personal gain.

He pondered whether he could create something of his own by merging these two skills?

Of course, this was all dependent on Bai Yunqi learning the complete technique, hoping he could learn alongside.

Through some time of observation, Jiang Yuan discovered a pattern — the cultivation techniques rewarded by the system disappeared after he read them; but those obtained from other sources remained unaffected after reading.

For instance, the 'Heaven-Burning Scripture' was still lying intact in his storage box.

If it weren't for Yun Mo really needing the 'Five Elements Thunder Technique,' and if he hadn't promised the Red Thunder Deer that he would pass this cultivation technique back to suitable Red Thunder Deer cultivators in the future, he would have loved to experiment and confirm the theory.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz~"

While contemplating the next travel plans, Jiang Yuan rode the paper crane, holding the blade, flying to the gathering place of Phantom Bees.

Unlike before when ten odd Phantom Bees gathered together, today as soon as he flew over, he noticed a huge oval object hanging under the last branch of the World Tree, surrounded by no less than twenty Phantom Bees.

[Beehive: A place for bee colonies to live and reproduce. Once harvested, it can be placed where conquered bees can gather nectar from blooming flowers.]

"Can I raise Phantom Bees directly?" Jiang Yuan was thrilled. If he could capture and raise them, he could acquire bee venom anytime!

However, upon checking the system details, he found that Phantom Bees could not be tamed or domesticated.

After eliminating a large group of Phantom Bees and obtaining sixteen portions of bee venom, he went to collect the empty beehive. Recalling how Xie Chenyuan had mentioned that the Centaur Race on An Yi Island domesticated demon bees to brew honey wine, he figured he should take some time to see if he could buy some demon bees on the island for rearing.

Honey is indeed a great thing, especially the honey produced from high-quality crops grown in his own fields, which is unquestionably top-notch.

It would be even better if he could bring it back to the real world, even if only for personal consumption, as purchasing honey without a reliable source always risks counterfeit goods.

The busy mining work soon came to an end.

Before leaving, Jiang Yuan specifically checked the materials needed to upgrade the World Tree — besides twenty bags of high-efficiency fertilizer, three portions of White Jade Dew were still missing, and such rare materials could only be obtained randomly through charity orders.

"Completing charity orders demands relentless farming and harvesting, indeed a cycle like a well-designed game." He placed the raw materials for making high-efficiency fertilizer in the Bait Workshop, taking advantage of the nightfall to gain cooking experience in a larger and brighter kitchen.

"The food my brother makes is really delicious!" Qingniao, having spent the entire day gaining experience in the new instance, licked their fingers contentedly and exclaimed excitedly, "Can you pack a few grilled fish for me later?

Although I can easily absorb Spirit Stones through refining, it's still quite tiring to be busy over there. If I could eat some delicious food, the cultivation effect would definitely improve!"

Wan Mingchuan boasted proudly, "My master's cooking is the best in the world! You'll know after spending more time at home, no matter what he does, master is always the best!"

"Does your master know there's a lingering resentment on you?" Qingniao shook her little feet, squinting at him, "You can't let it linger on you for too long, this kind of resentful remnant can breed evil if bound too long, you'll be easily tainted."

"Can you deal with it?"

"Of course not, apparently you've reached some agreement with this remnant, until it turns evil, I can't help you burn it away. If ever it really tries to taint you, I will intervene to help!"

The brief conversation between the two kids caused Jiang Yuan to frown at his disciple, realizing he had to push Wan Mingchuan to advance in realm and bring the journey to the Otherworld on the agenda.

After dinner, with everyone else settled, he called Bai Yunqi, "Tonight, let Zhile go alone to familiarize herself with Carefree City on her own, and you come with me. As discussed last time, the old dragon can allow you to reference the complete version of the 'Devouring Technique'.

Go today and learn as much as you can, and don't worry if you can't remember everything, there'll be more opportunities to learn in the future."

Bai Yunqi instantly became excited, "Venerable Family, I will do my utmost!"

Besides the bee venom, Jiang Yuan had specifically prepared several Second Grade Antitoxic Pills.

Bringing his contracted pet, he teleported to Yellow Dragon Ridge, and upon landing, they were met by dry winds sweeping through the majestic cliff canyon, carrying yellow dust under the bright moonlight, covering their faces with dust.

"Senior Zhou, I newly refined some Antitoxic Pills, here to deliver the medicine!" Standing at the flattened entrance of the Underground Palace, they took turns calling several times before a slight tremor echoed from the earth.

The massive body of old dragon Zhou Jian lay coiled inside the Underground Palace; he vaguely heard someone saying they had come to deliver Elixirs.

Who could it be?

He shook his muddle-headed mind, struggling to recall.

"Please come in!" Zhou Jian nearly slipped back into his drowsy state, but instinct told him it's best to let them in for a talk, otherwise once trapped in toxic hallucinations, who knew when he'd regain consciousness.

Following the familiar path deep into the Underground Palace, upon seeing the old dragon, whose eyes were barely open, Jiang Yuan realized that his poisoning had flared up again!

"Senior Zhou, I brought a dozen portions of bee venom along with Antitoxic Pills, do you need help?"

"Snore~ Snore~"

All that greeted him was a string of deep snores. Bai Yunqi opened his Blue Silk Fan restlessly, "Venerable Family, he looks in a bad condition. What should we do?"

"Force it down!" Jiang Yuan decided swiftly, "Senior Zhou is immense and powerful; as long as he is unconscious, we are at constant risk of annihilation, come help pry his mouth open!"

System identification results showed that old dragon's previous dosage of bee venom for suppressing toxins had expired, and he hadn't undertaken successful cultivation to counteract the toxins. Though the effectiveness of bee venom due to certain resistance wasn't as potent as before, it would at least keep him conscious for a few days.

The two of them struggled for half a day to pry open the old dragon's mouth and thrust a portion of bee venom inside, swiftly retreating with Bai Yunqi before he could react to the sting.

Indeed, after tossing a while, spitting out a mass of black water, the old dragon eventually regained his clarity.

"Thank you so much, young friends." He took some time to comprehend the situation, then transformed into a human form, sitting weakly on a dirt seat, sighing heavily, "I overestimated my abilities and underestimated the potency of toxins in my body.

Xuanyuan Yangguang is truly despicable! If we ever meet again, I shall shred him to pieces!

Young friends, I fear your bee venom and Antitoxic Pills can only keep me momentarily lucid.

Furthermore, I've noticed that the toxins within are gradually adapting to the antidote, meaning that before, after consuming bee venom, I could sustain absolute clarity for about half a month, now the poisoning flares intermittently.

This time after taking bee venom, I doubt I can last ten days, even adding Antitoxic Pills provides no lasting relief...

If your timely aids hadn't come, I wouldn't have willed myself to endure and force-feed the antidotes, and might never wake from this sleep."

Zhou Jian looked at Jiang Yuan with a face full of sadness, "Young friend, perhaps only you can assist me now. Could you do me a favor?

In return, I will allow your friend to remain in the Underground Palace to study the complete 'Devouring Technique.' Of course, I will also strive to dispel any doubts he may have, until he fully masters it."