As Qi Ping entered his state of enlightenment, that familiar sensation washed over him once more.
The operation of the natural laws of heaven and earth became incredibly clear at that moment, especially the flow of spiritual energy. Qi Ping could perceive with sharp clarity the ambient spiritual energy from all directions continuously surging into his body. Simultaneously, the Wood Flame Art accelerated its circulation under his conscious guidance.
Insights related to the Wood Flame Art flooded his mind. Concepts that were usually obscure and difficult to grasp now felt within reach, and previously awkward or inefficient aspects of his cultivation were corrected one by one.
As his comprehension deepened and the influx of spiritual energy was continuously refined, Qi Ping’s aura grew steadily stronger during this process.
Soon after, a relatively powerful aura swept outwards from him—Qi Ping’s cultivation had clearly broken through to the sixth level of Qi Refining!
“I’ve broken through!”
When Qi Ping emerged from his contemplative state and saw that his cultivation had reached the sixth level of Qi Refining, he was utterly captivated and delighted by the sensation of powerful strength and vigorous vitality.
This was the allure of the path to immortality and longevity!
“And the Wood Flame Art has also reached the Minor Achievement stage…”
Qi Ping hadn’t expected to reach the Minor Achievement stage in the Wood Flame Art after practicing it for such a short time. This technique was far more difficult than the Wood Shield Art. Back then, he had practiced the Wood Shield Art for five years without reaching Minor Achievement. Yet now, the more difficult Wood Flame Art had reached that stage in about a month. The difference was immense.
“It really goes to show how vast the difference having the right aptitude can be,” he mused.
Qi Ping was becoming increasingly aware that the path to longevity required not only cautious step-by-step progress and utilizing available resources wisely, but also the assistance of suitable innate talent.
He believed the reason for his rapid enlightenment this time, aside from his conscious efforts to temper his mind and comprehend the Dao, plus the Druid class advantage, was largely due to the new talent—or status buff—he gained after slaying the Demon Insect King.
[For defending the balance of a region and eradicating a foreign entity, you have received the blessing of Heaven and Earth. Druid Experience increased by 32 points.]
[Heaven and Earth’s Blessing: For defending the balance of a region and eradicating a foreign entity, you have received a blessing from Heaven and Earth. Your probability of entering sudden enlightenment is increased. Your affinity with the natural laws of Heaven and Earth is increased…]
This was his greatest harvest from this venture, aside from the Demon Insect King’s corpse, the four spirit-origin stone pillars, and the fragmented jade pendant.
First, the 32 Druid experience points weren’t an enormous amount—roughly equivalent to about ten days of normal gains—but it would allow him to reach Level 4 Druid about ten days earlier. In the current chaotic and dangerous environment, that was a decent gain.
However, what truly delighted Qi Ping were the effects of the Heaven and Earth’s Blessing:
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Increased probability of sudden enlightenment!
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Increased affinity with the natural laws of Heaven and Earth!
In the world of cultivation, the value of these two attributes was self-evident. For someone like Qi Ping, whose innate comprehension wasn’t exceptionally high, this was a godsend. Not only would comprehending techniques and the Dao become somewhat easier, but he could also occasionally experience accelerated breakthroughs.
For instance, this time he had directly elevated his cultivation to the sixth level of Qi Refining and advanced the Wood Flame Art to the Minor Achievement stage. This single advancement had saved him at least several months of time.
“I wonder up to what level the effects of this Heaven and Earth’s Blessing will remain significant?” Qi Ping pondered.
He estimated it would still have noticeable effects even at the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages. After all, this was something triggered by an entity even an Nascent Soul venerable would covet, so it should accompany him effectively up to that level. For stages beyond that, perhaps he would need to accomplish more significant deeds.
“It seems I should pay attention to opportunities like dealing with the Demon Insect King in the future. Ensuring my own safety first, but gaining more blessings like this would be excellent.”
“The Druid path is inherently about maintaining natural ecological balance, walking a path harmonious with Heaven, Earth, and nature. Defending the ecological balance of a region and eradicating foreign entities aligns perfectly with that essence.”
Qi Ping found this path quite agreeable. In contrast, he felt little connection to the more common cultivation paths like the Path of Slaughter, the Path of Emotionless Asceticism, the Path of the Sword Immortal, or even the Path of Defying the Heavens.
The road to immortality was diverse and flourishing. Qi Ping believed that by the time he reached the Spirit Transformation stage, he would have surely comprehended his own unique Dao.
After reflecting on the effects of the blessing, Qi Ping turned his attention to his current status panel.
【Name: Qi Ping】
【Level: Lv3 (205/400)】
【Class: Beast King Druid (Primary), Jungle Druid (Secondary)】
【Talents: Animal Companion, Nature’s Affinity】
【Animal Companions: (2/3) Golden Marrow Bee, Emberflame Crow】
【Wild Shapes: (1/1) Golden Marrow Bee (Includes: Golden Marrow Bee, High-Speed Cutter Bee, Big-Bellied Bee, Balanced Bee, Venomous Bee, Ink-Armor Bee)】
【Shared Talents: Master Brewer, Yang Fire Constitution】
【Special Talent: Heaven and Earth’s Blessing】
【Skills: Lv2 Plant Growth (161/200), Lv1 Beast King’s Grace (23/100), Lv4 Barkskin (15/800), Lv1 Healing Touch (20/100)】
【Constant Skills: Speak with Animals, Befriend Animal, Wild Heart】
(Druid Level EXP +172, Plant Growth EXP +75, Beast King’s Grace EXP +6, Barkskin EXP +103, Healing Touch EXP +18)
Over a month had passed since he contracted Ya Ya. His Druid experience had increased significantly.
“My Druid level experience is already past the halfway point. I should break through again within two months. Not bad.”
“Plant Growth is only 39 EXP away, so that should level up within a month. Once it reaches Level 3, I should be able to cultivate five-hundred-year Blood Ginseng, and then I can attempt the next metamorphosis for the bee swarm.”
“Barkskin is progressing well too. Level 4 Barkskin is already stronger than many defensive spells I know about, and it can be cultivated further.”
Qi Ping was very satisfied with the experience gains during this period. Seeing the numbers increase brought him joy and gave him a clear idea of how far he was from his next improvement and harvest. It also allowed him to adjust and correct the direction of his comprehension based on the experience gains.
In the following days, Qi Ping didn’t immediately head to Blue Stone Market. Instead, he found a secluded place to cultivate and rest. Having just experienced a major battle, he needed time to sort out his thoughts and plan his next steps clearly.
Furthermore, he had left scouts near Peak Number Seven. He wanted to see if anyone would come searching there after a day passed. If powerful experts showed up, Qi Ping would ignore the unknown risks outside the Qing Tian Region and immediately flee with Old Man Zhou. If no one came, he could temporarily set aside that worry and proceed to Blue Stone Market. There would be no need to risk venturing into unfamiliar and potentially more dangerous territories, especially since the security situation in the regions surrounding the Qing Tian Region was reportedly far worse than it had been here before.
On the morning of the second day, the bees reported back: no one had appeared at Peak Number Seven.
Hearing this, Qi Ping felt temporarily relieved and set off immediately for Blue Stone Market.
His goals for this trip were to acquire the spirit stones needed to rent land in the B District, and to purchase the seeds and other supplies necessary to establish a new territory suitable for his bee swarm’s development.
This time, Qi Ping intended to select a plot in the B District with suitable area and location, aiming to create a perfect domain tailored for his growth.
His path of development through farming was now truly beginning.
