Wait… I’m a Druid in a Cultivation World?! - Chapter 23

“The Spirit Beast Cultivation: Demonic Insects Section?”

The moment Qi Ping saw those words, his heart jolted violently.

“No way…”

Lately, he had been racking his brain for ways to cultivate his Gold Marrow Bees, but aside from relying on plant growth to accumulate resources, he hadn’t come up with anything. After much deliberation, Qi Ping concluded that he could only turn to the knowledge of beast-taming sects—after all, how could he, alone, compare to their millennia-old legacy of spirit beast cultivation?

But that would take a long time. In Qingshi County, he had never even heard of manuals detailing how to raise spirit beasts.

Here, not only were combat-type spirit beasts rare, but beast-taming techniques were even scarcer.

Qi Ping had already resigned himself to the idea that he might have to wait until he reached Foundation Establishment to find a method to break through the bloodline limits of his Gold Marrow Bees. He believed in their immense potential—just their “Master Brewer” talent alone, if elevated to the second rank, would multiply their value exponentially!

Foundation Establishment-level elixirs were incomparably more valuable than those for Qi Refinement. Even if the honey from Gold Marrow Bees still couldn’t match elixirs in potency, its worth wouldn’t be far off—at the very least, it would be of immeasurable value to Qi Ping’s cultivation!

Yet something he had assumed would only be obtainable at late-stage Qi Refinement—or even Foundation Establishment—had now fallen into his hands so easily!

It was unbelievable!

“Please let there be cultivation methods for bee-type spirit beasts…”

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Qi Ping continued flipping through the manual.

[Introduction to Demonic Insect Cultivation: Among all types of spirit beasts, demonic insects are one of the most challenging to raise. However, their cultivation is relatively straightforward due to their high tolerance for trial and error and low demand for rare medicinal ingredients…]

[Basic Cultivation Methods: Spirit Herb Cultivation, Carnivorous Cultivation…]

[Special Cultivation Methods: Mutagenic Elixirs. This manual details seven primary mutagenic elixirs…]

[Profiles of Common Demonic Insects and Their Cultivation Traits: Blood Mosquito, Venomous Serpent Ant, Illusionary Dream Moth…]

[Mutagenic Elixir #1: Bloodline Mutation Elixir (Primary Ingredients: Radiant Grass, Blood Ginseng…)]

After a quick skim, Qi Ping didn’t find any specific information on bee-type demonic insects or their cultivation methods. Yet, his face was alight with excitement.

Just flipping through [Spirit Beast Cultivation: Demonic Insects Section] had completely expanded his thinking!

Though this manual only covered cultivation techniques—omitting crucial knowledge like contracts, combat training, and emotional bonding—and even had only three of the original seven mutagenic elixirs remaining, Qi Ping was still thrilled!

Because he possessed the Beast King Druid profession. The hardest parts—contracts and emotional bonding—weren’t his main obstacles. What he truly lacked were cultivation methods!

While this manual didn’t detail bee-specific techniques, Qi Ping could adapt many of the general methods described.

He could even infer certain insects’ combat styles and other non-cultivation-related information from the text.

Moreover, according to the manual, five of the seven elixirs could be used on nearly all demonic insects! Of the three remaining mutagenic elixirs, all were universal—meaning they could likely be applied to his Gold Marrow Bees!

Even better, one of the two primary ingredients for the Bloodline Mutation Elixir—Blood Ginseng—was something Qi Ping already possessed!

Once again, he had stumbled upon treasure without even trying!

“This is incredible!” Qi Ping roared inwardly. How could he not be ecstatic after obtaining such a perfectly suited legacy?

The advancement of his Gold Marrow Bees was now within reach!

“Well? Do you like it?”

Sister Nan, seeing Qi Ping’s exhilaration, knew the manual would be a huge boon for him.

“I love it, Sister Nan!”

Qi Ping didn’t hide his excitement. Since she had willingly given him such a priceless treasure, feigning indifference would be downright disingenuous.

“But… isn’t this too valuable? I really want it, but I feel guilty taking it…” He scratched his head awkwardly.

The worth of this manual was incalculable. Just one of the three remaining mutagenic elixirs alone would fetch an astronomical price—let alone the entire legacy!

“You just saved my life. Are you saying my life isn’t worth a demonic insect cultivation manual?”

To put him at ease, Sister Nan even rolled her eyes at him.

“Sister Nan, that’s not what I meant. I genuinely feel indebted. Beating those two robed cultivators was a joint effort—without you, I might not have survived, especially against that Ink Cicada…”

“So I can’t take full credit for saving you. But I really do want this manual. How about I give you some more Gold Marrow Honey? It’s the most valuable thing I have right now.”

“This batch is particularly potent. Since you’re close to breaking through to the fifth level of Qi Refinement, consuming it should give you a high chance of success. Once I have more spirit stones in the future, I’ll make it up to you properly…”

Hearing this, Sister Nan was pleasantly surprised.

She hadn’t misjudged him!

Earlier, her hesitation in giving Qi Ping the manual hadn’t been out of reluctance—after all, it was useless to her. Without the critical knowledge on contracts and emotional bonding, the manual was little more than clutter.

If she tried to sell it, she’d probably be dead within twelve hours. Such a legacy was far too dangerous to expose—that was why she had hesitated.

But Qi Ping’s reaction confirmed she’d made the right choice. It was precisely because of his character that she had ultimately decided to entrust him with the manual.

Once Qi Ping successfully cultivated his Gold Marrow Bees, it would benefit her too.

She just hadn’t expected repayment so soon.

The words “break through to the fifth level of Qi Refinement” were impossible to ignore. She had been stuck for so long, unable to afford the right spirit herbs or elixirs.

“Little Qi, I’ll shamelessly accept your Gold Marrow Honey. I really do need it to break through. But forget about future spirit stones—just promise that when you’re strong someday, you won’t slam the door in my face if I come asking for help…”

“Of course not! If Sister Nan ever needs anything within my power, I won’t refuse!”

They shared a smile, both knowing this experience had deepened their friendship.

Qi Ping guessed Sister Nan would soon advance to the fifth level of Qi Refinement with the honey. Combined with her combat experience and poison techniques, she’d become a formidable ally.

Having such a comrade would provide him with an extra layer of security.

More friends, more paths. Today’s events had proven that perfectly.

Especially someone like Sister Nan—skilled, experienced, and gifted with danger premonition. Such an ability could prove invaluable in the right circumstances.

After settling the matter of the manual, Qi Ping stored it away, and the two began sorting through their spoils.

The first thing that caught their eyes was the Ink Cicada.

With this treasure, their journey back to Misty Cloud Mountain would be far safer!