Wait… I’m a Druid in a Cultivation World?! - Chapter 19

For his second animal companion, Qi Ping had originally hoped for one with high offensive and defensive capabilities—something that could hold its own in direct combat.

Creatures like the Armored Savage Bear or the Crimsonflame Tiger would have been ideal. Their frontline combat prowess would perfectly compensate for Qi Ping’s own lack of strength, and when paired with his Golden Marrow Bees, they could unleash devastating lethality.

For example, the Armored Savage Bear could engage the enemy head-on, while the Golden Marrow Bees exploited their speed to deliver venomous strikes.

If Qi Ping were even luckier and managed to share the bear or tiger’s physical or defensive talents—combined with the Wooden Shield Technique—his defensive and survival abilities would skyrocket.

However, such spirit beasts had one fatal flaw for Qi Ping: they were simply too large! And without a spirit beast pouch, keeping one by his side would be far too conspicuous.

It would be like broadcasting to every opportunistic rogue cultivator: “I’ve got something valuable here!”

Even if bandits didn’t target him outright, in a real fight, such a massive beast would easily draw focused attacks—possibly even inviting stronger enemies.

So, until he acquired a spirit beast pouch, Qi Ping had no intention of considering this type of companion—unless he stumbled upon an exceptionally suitable one.

As a compromise, he now sought a spirit beast that was easy to conceal yet still capable of holding its own in combat.

His top priority at the moment was a flying-type spirit beast.

Creatures like the Azurecloud Crane or the Thunderhawk were ideal—unobtrusive in size, decent in direct combat, and highly compatible with his Golden Marrow Bees.

If no suitable flying beasts were available, alternatives like the Stoneback Porcupine, Ironclad Tortoise, or Starlight Lynx could also be considered.

“The situation is too dangerous right now. Once I reach Druid Level 2, I’ll contract a second animal companion as soon as possible—just to boost my strength and survive this wave of rogue cultivators…”

In the future, as his Druid level increased, he’d gain more slots for animal companions. There was no need to obsess over perfection for each one. As long as it wasn’t outright terrible, it would do for now.

Besides, Lin Chaoyang’s news about the secret realm had given Qi Ping a bad premonition.

A perfect spirit beast was far too rare. If he insisted on waiting for one, he might die before ever finding it.

As for stumbling upon a divine beast by sheer luck? Qi Ping had never even dreamed of such a thing.

…..

“What’s on your mind? You seem lost in thought.”

Sister Nan’s voice snapped Qi Ping out of his reverie.

“Oh, I was just thinking about what to buy this time… and what kind of liquor Old Man Zhou wants,” he replied casually.

“That old coot! Just grab him whatever—maybe drinking less would let him live a few more years!”

Her tone made it clear that she and Old Man Zhou were quite familiar—otherwise, she wouldn’t have spoken so bluntly.

“Well, liquor’s his one vice. People have tried talking him out of it, but he says if he can’t drink, he might as well keel over right now.”

“What a drunkard… though he’s not wrong. Without reaching Foundation Establishment, lifespan caps at under two centuries anyway. Might as well enjoy yourself—a few years more or less doesn’t matter much.”

“So, might as well let the old man have his way.”

“Enough about him—time’s wasting. Let’s sell our goods, buy what we need, and head back early. Nighttime is far more dangerous than the day!”

“Right. Lead the way, Sister Nan.”

Without further delay, the two headed straight for Zhiyuan Trading House.

Though the streets were lined with stalls, nothing caught their eye—at least, nothing worth spending spirit stones on.

Along the way, Qi Ping spotted two patrols from the market’s guard force, all composed of mid to late Qi Refinement cultivators.

And these were just the visible forces—proof of the Greenrock Market’s formidable security.

…..

Zhiyuan Trading House was tucked away in a corner of the market’s eastern district. Its inconspicuous location meant fewer customers, but also lower rent and fees.

As a result, Boss Gao relied mostly on repeat business from regulars.

When Qi Ping and Sister Nan arrived, they saw Boss Gao warmly ushering out a pair of customers.

Spotting them, the middle-aged (Qi Refinement Level 6) merchant immediately brightened.

“Sister Nan! Brother Qi! It’s been too long—come in, come in! Let me brew you some tea first!”

His service was impeccable—no wonder he kept his loyal clientele.

After a cup of tea, Sister Nan took out thirty Spiritnourishing Fruits.

“Boss Gao, what’s your offer for this batch?”

With a practiced eye, the merchant assessed them swiftly.

“Five Grade B+, thirteen Grade B… Sister Nan, your farming skills have improved!”

He gave her an impressed look.

Her plot wasn’t even spirit land, yet she’d grown so many high-grade fruits—something even some proper spirit farms struggled with.

“You flatter me. It’s all thanks to the quality fertilizer materials you sourced for me!”

“For a valued customer like you, of course I’d go the extra mile.”

“The big trading houses usually pay 67 to 69 spirit stones for this grade. How about 72 from me?”

Boss Gao’s transparency was why his regulars trusted him—he prioritized long-term gains over quick profits.

“Deal!” Sister Nan agreed without hesitation.

Years of farming had made her an expert on market prices—Boss Gao’s offer was indeed fair.

After swiftly counting out 72 low-grade spirit stones, he stored the fruits away.

Now, it was Qi Ping’s turn.

Without delay, he placed eleven jars of honey on the table.

“Boss Gao, take a look.”

The moment the jars appeared, both the merchant and Sister Nan gasped.

“Four Grade A- and seven Grade B+ honeys?!”

Boss Gao’s voice held genuine shock.

Neither had expected Qi Ping to produce Grade A honey—a feat no less difficult than growing Grade A Spiritnourishing Fruits.

While not extremely rare, producing it in the ordinary Misty Mountain Zone D was still remarkable.

“Brother Qi, your beekeeping skills have surpassed even your teacher’s!” the merchant praised.

Old Man Zhou, despite their long partnership, had rarely supplied Grade A honey. Yet here was Qi Ping, delivering it now!

“I’ve had some breakthroughs recently, but it’s all built on Old Man Zhou’s teachings—his accumulated wisdom,” Qi Ping said modestly.

Naturally, he wouldn’t mention the Golden Marrow Bees or the abundant spirit flowers.

“Still, your comprehension is exceptional. In all my years, I’ve met few who could master a craft so quickly!”

“The big houses usually pay 53 to 56 stones. How about 59 from me?”