A Beekeeper in a Magical World

The pages were filled with alchemical formulas!

They recorded various magical medicines, materials required for alchemical creations, doses, and processes.

If these formulas were all genuine, in terms of value alone, they'd be enough to incite a global scramble.

And he believed they were authentic.

Surely, no one would be so bored as to painstakingly jot down this extensive collection of formulas merely as a prank.

The word count on this was probably nearing that of a lengthy .

Of course, alchemy required talent.

Without the talent, even with the formulas, one couldn't produce anything.

Alchemy wasn't just a simple concoction of various magical medicines; it required constant infusion of mental power by the alchemist, using magic throughout the process, with no room for slack until the crafting was complete.

Temperature, time, sequencing... various parameters needed adjustments based on the circumstances, some of which couldn't be reflected in the formulas. Thus, for complex alchemical creations, several alchemists needed to collaborate.

Hua Mi's issue wasn't just about lacking talent; he didn't even possess magic.

However, he could impart the knowledge contained within to Hilia.

Her talent wasn't lacking, and with a formula, he believed she could quickly figure out how to practice it.

Finally, he could lay claim to the title of an alchemical mentor.

Though he couldn't practice himself, it didn't hinder his ability to teach, much like many swimming coaches on Earth who couldn't swim themselves.

Hua Mi stowed away the notebook into his ring space.

Just then, he suddenly heard some commotion from his rear right side.

Most likely, it was the commotion caused by the magic array, drawing someone's attention.

Turning around, he vaguely saw two figures within the mist.

Hua Mi first controlled the swarm while simultaneously aiming his infrared thermal imager toward that direction.

Indeed, there were two "warm" figures.

And their figures seemed somewhat familiar.

The newcomers emerged from the mist, entering the cleared ruins.

"Hello, team... is it you?"

Lei Luo first appeared surprised, then he folded his arms, pretending, "Didn't expect you to dare venture this deep alone; seems like you've got some skills."

His companion maintained a similar posture.

Both stood with crossed arms, leaning back-to-back, like models striking some corny pose.

"..."

Had he not eavesdropped on their conversation earlier, Hua Mi would have thought these two had some issue.

Even after learning their true intentions... he still found it a bit odd.

But at least, they had no ill will; their mannerisms were just unique.

Upon learning they also intended to stay overnight here, Hua Mi didn't mind and proactively extended, "You can call me the Bee Whisperer."

"Levistus Deligobano."

"Carter."

These were their names, a brother-sister duo.

"Tonight, let's take turns keeping watch," Hua Mi suggested.

"That was our plan."

After Deligobano's statement, he strode forward proudly, although his attention was immediately caught by Little Ford.

Due to the mist, at first glance, it wasn't clear and seemed like some magical creature attacking. He immediately leaped back, crackling with electricity in his hands.

Little Ford had been lying peacefully, but seeing him suddenly emitting electricity, he sprang up, cautiously eyeing him.

"Calm down, it's my mount," Hua Mi promptly stopped the electric outburst.

"Cough, I know."

Deligobano retracted the lightning power, skillfully masking the awkwardness.

...

Night fell.

Despite the agreement, Hua Mi remained awake, meditating throughout.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, the siblings planned to heed Hua Mi's advice and head to the adventurers' guild for a task.

At least in Hua Mi's view, it was the most convenient and legitimate way for them to integrate into the adventurers' circle, better than aimlessly stumbling around.

But before they departed, they insisted on helping Hua Mi find the Otherworldly Tree.

Seeing their determination, Hua Mi agreed.

As a rare magical plant, the Otherworldly Tree could likely attract nearby magical beasts.

Having an extra person would be an added help, considering Little Ford's constitution could easily handle a few more.

After breakfast, the three mounted Little Ford together and set off in search of the Otherworldly Tree.

The area circled on the map didn't look significant, but in reality, it was expansive.

Riding around on Little Ford for the morning, they found two sources of floral scents, but unfortunately, they weren't worth cultivating for honey sources.

Later on, Hua Mi relinquished control of the mount, initiating "auto-navigate" mode, allowing it to roam freely within the forest's boundaries.

But then again, there was no guarantee this circled area was the right one.

That adventurer might have remembered it wrong.

Or perhaps, the Otherworldly Tree had long vanished.

After all, in such perilous adventure lands, things were ever-changing...

In the afternoon, scout bees detected a distinct floral scent.

Though not harboring much hope, they had a target to track and naturally went to investigate.

So, they urged the mount to speed towards the target.

...

Approaching their destination, Hua Mi instructed Little Ford to slow down, gradually drawing closer.

"Do you guys feel... a bit cold?" Deligobano probably didn't mean physically.

Hua Mi's black robe could automatically regulate temperature, keeping the body comfortable, so usually, he wouldn't feel the chill.

But at this moment, he indeed sensed a chilling feeling.

Not from the external environment, but a chilling sensation seemingly affecting the soul.

This was a magical effect that led to emotional decline!

Thinking this, instead of succumbing to the low spirits, Hua Mi felt invigorated.

Only magical plants with abundant magical elements could generate such unique effects, indicating that the object ahead might be the Otherworldly Tree!

However, while invigorated, he had to be doubly cautious.

Hua Mi informed his two companions about this, urging them to be wary of the surroundings to prevent ambushes from nearby magical beasts.

"Don't worry! Any beasts that come, I'll take care of them!" Deligobano's spirits were high, raising a flag.

Hearing the crackling noises behind him, Hua Mi discreetly swallowed two Thunderflower Honey Pills, preventing his teammates from mistakenly harming each other.

...

Upon closer observation, as they neared the target, the vegetation around dimmed in color.

Though flourishing, it lacked the vibrancy seen elsewhere. This was probably due to the magical effect in this area.

As they drew nearer, the fragrance intensified.

It was a peculiar aroma, not intoxicating, but seemingly touching the soul, making it hard to resist feeling swayed.

Once close enough, Hua Mi remotely commanded a scout bee to fly over.

From the aerial view, the bee passed over a collapsed ruin.

Through the dense fog.

The next moment, a stout, majestic tree came into view.

The tree wasn't very tall, but its trunk was robust, interwoven with countless vines, and its canopy spread like an open umbrella.

Flowers dotted its branches.

The flowers, in a yellowish hue, almost covered the entire canopy.

Yet, instead of vibrant vitality, it carried a sense of melancholy

, akin to sighs during a sunset.

The entire tree emitted a dim, eerie green light, casting the surroundings in the same dreary shades.

The ground around was littered with mounds.

Like graves.

Considering the Otherworldly Tree's nature, finding buried bodies here wasn't surprising.

But who had buried them was another matter.

That aside, as long as the dead didn't rise as zombies, it didn't matter much.

What warranted attention were three magical beasts lying around the Otherworldly Tree.

They were positioned symmetrically in three different directions.

Seemed like they were intentionally arranged to guard it.