A Beekeeper in a Magical World

In essence, this ability allowed the soul to freely roam while the body remained alive. Different from a post-mortem soul, it was more liberated and powerful, capable of tasks impossible in a physical state, accessing places restricted or entirely inaccessible to the body.

Mastering this secret required robust mental strength as a prerequisite, along with the assistance of the magic circle, materials, and incantations.

The grey-robed figure had somehow obtained this record, but unfortunately, it was incomplete.

The magic circle, materials, and incantations were all incomplete.

Otherwise, Hua Mi would've been keen on learning it. His specialization in mental strength aligned perfectly with this technique.

"Let's keep this. Maybe, by some stroke of luck, I'll get the other half someday," Hua Mi concluded his investigation, retracting his mental strength.

Not bad for the wait.

Although the content held within wouldn't immediately benefit him, it was all extremely valuable and worth preserving properly.

Stowing away the Contemplation Sphere,

Hua Mi pondered, "Setting aside the other discoveries, if that initial encrypted message is indeed a code, where might it be used?"

His first thought lingered on the Sulcar Principality, where the grey-robed figure had spent roughly two years in the Strelia Village, as per Zeleka's account. It was a considerable duration, residing in a tower outside the village, rarely interacting with anyone.

There might be some hidden secrets within.

Perhaps it was worth exploring.

As for the timing... that could wait. He had been quite occupied recently.

...

In the tireless efforts of Da Xiong, Lu Fei's single room was smoothly completed in Huayu Town.

Overall, it met Hua Mi's expectations. Though not visually appealing, its strength and durability made for easy access.

To celebrate the completion, Hua Mi treated Da Xiong to a meal. After spending time together, their bond grew, and Da Xiong gradually opened up to him.

During the meal, Da Xiong voluntarily brought up his regretful past—a tragic and cliché tale but enough to haunt him for life.

"One full moon night, I completely transformed into a beast, unexpectedly broke free from restraints, and killed my wife," Da Xiong's voice choked. "She trusted and supported me, never heeding others' gossip, always firmly by my side... I can't bear to imagine how desperate she must have felt before... She deserved better."

Da Xiong desired the death penalty by law, yet the Kingdom of Turlun's legislation absolved berserkers of legal responsibilities during complete transformations.

Upon confirming his state during the crime, he was acquitted, unable to forgive himself. He once contemplated suicide but couldn't fathom descending into the Nine Hells. Thus, he became reclusive in the neglected Black Forest.

Encountering Hua Mi that fateful night and under the influence of the Honey of the Mirage Blossoms, his perspective changed. He sought redemption, dedicating himself to preserving the forest's ecology, aiding creatures, and enriching its species.

He contemplated visiting Blackstone Town, offering free help, but feared rejection as a berserker. Hua Mi reassured him, considering the town's resilience, exemplified by Col living peacefully there. Encouraged, Da Xiong appeared more certain about his future path after baring his soul.

In the following days, Hua Mi harvested the fourth batch of Thunder Blossom Honey, the second batch of Mirage Blossom Honey, and the second batch of Feathered Mirage Honey. Alongside these, he obtained another Blood Cyan Crystal, totaling two. He decided to wait until he had five before visiting Brass City for enhancement.

Regarding crossbreeding bee species, no success was found. The newly acquired Measurement Bees, like the Doomsday Solitary Star, faced reproductive isolation from other bee species. Time flew, and the Windchime Blossom Honey would soon finish brewing, marking the launch of "Bee Whisperer's Cottage" phase two.

One day, while engrossed in reading, Hua Mi heard bustling sounds outside the wooden house—footsteps and chatter approaching. Looking out, familiar faces drew closer—the forefront featured Carter and Clark, both showing decent recovery.

Bard Jimmy followed, flamboyantly dressed in purple, sporting exaggeratedly funny makeup. Centaur Manit brought up the rear, his usual brooding and low-pressure demeanor.

It seemed Mordu's incident had concluded. Nite had teleported them here through Manit's portal.

"The green-eyed guy's fallen," the bard gleefully exclaimed, "The joint international representative group has taken over the association and is discussing a renaming!"

"That guy did some atrocious things behind the scenes..." Carter lamented, "He was a madman."

Hua Mi, having not followed recent news, was unaware of the situation. Carter presented a newspaper with extensive coverage—reporting the president's imprisonment in the Abyssal Cliff Prison, the continent's most heavily guarded jail on Exile Island. Escaping scholars remained at large.

This event caused a stir across the continent, even in the remotest villages, discussing the matter.

Excited about the victory, the bard offered a free, exhilarating performance for everyone. Hua Mi knew of the bard's abilities, having witnessed his impromptu act in the palace. His ability to evoke emotions and visuals surpassed even films.

Why miss a free show? Manit had urgent matters and left.

The remaining trio, along with the eight little ones, enjoyed a rollercoaster of a play. Though a solo act, Jimmy managed an epic performance, utilizing minimal props and appropriate gestures, providing immense emotional value for the audience. No wonder the bard was immensely popular.

As they departed, the sun had set. Little White had long dozed off. Hua Mi planned to complete today's tasks before resting, continuing to read under lamplight.

Unwittingly, drowsiness crept in. With a yawn, he propped his chin on his hand, intending a brief nap.

Awakening to the cold morning light filtering through the window, he marveled at his sleep quality.

"My sleep's impeccable; I can doze off like that." He chuckled, rising to open the door for a customary stretch and fresh air intake.

But as he pushed the door, he froze.

"Fog?" The woods were blanketed in a thick white mist, its density varying notably with height—thin above a meter, obscuring legs below that mark.

Snow vanished, replaced by an eerie fog—it didn't seem magical or scientific.

Then, he noticed a hint of red.

"Morning, big bro." Xiao Hong flew over to greet him.

"Morning..." Hua Mi paused. "Did you just call me what I think you did?"

"Big bro, of course."

"..." Something felt off.

Pressing his temples, he realized—he wore rough cloth.

Where's my black robe? My cozy, all-weather, comfortable Robe of Tranquility!

Happy Double Festival, and here are ten thousand words!