Wait… I’m a Druid in a Cultivation World?! - Chapter 33

Deep in the dense forest, about five miles from the Golden Marrow Bees’ nest, Qi Ping stood in a clearing. Before him hovered fifty drones, each roughly twice the size of an ordinary Golden Marrow Bee.

These were the subjects of the bloodline mutation elixir.

At this moment, all fifty drones gazed at Qi Ping with unwavering determination and desire. Every one of them was ready to charge forward without hesitation, fearless even in the face of death!

For them, this was not just a trial—it was an unparalleled honor.

“Buzz… (Boss, let’s begin!)”

“Buzz… (Boss, we’re ready!)”

The fifty drones spoke in unison.

Meanwhile, surrounding Qi Ping and the fifty drones were a staggering 1,500 Golden Marrow Bees, all watching the transformation ceremony with utmost seriousness.

Nearly the entire colony had gathered, including the queen herself, who stood supported by the swarm!

The bees on the outer edges watched the fifty drones with eager anticipation and envy.

They knew this was an immensely significant ceremony for the colony. If successful, their swarm would grow ten times stronger than it was now!

Under Qi Ping’s abundant supply of spirit herbs, their numbers had already increased by 1.5 times, and their individual strength had more than doubled. Now, under his leadership, their race had a chance to grow tenfold stronger once more!

Naturally, their expectations were sky-high.

In the face of such a scene, Qi Ping did not hesitate. He gave a solemn nod.

Then, he retrieved a vial of bloodline mutation elixir from his storage pouch and placed it before the fifty drones.

This vial contained a combination of the five successful batches of elixir he had previously prepared.

“Each of you must consume only until you feel perfectly balanced—no more, no less. That’s when the chances of a successful bloodline evolution are highest. Understood?” Qi Ping warned seriously.

Though he wished for every drone to succeed, he knew that was impossible.

An elixir with such effects was far beyond what someone of his current status and strength should possess.

If there were a potion with a 100% success rate, it would be far more suitable for spirit beasts like the Azurecloud Crane or Blazing Flame Tiger—and its price would be dozens, if not hundreds, of times higher.

Right now, Qi Ping could only hope that his skill, [Beast King’s Blessing], would play a significant role.

[Beast King’s Blessing: Your animal companions gain increased leveling speed and a higher chance of successful evolution.]

This evolution success boost should improve the drones’ odds after consuming the bloodline mutation elixir.

“Buzz… (Yes, Boss!)” The fifty drones answered in unison once more.

Without another word, they resolutely surged toward the elixir.

Qi Ping watched nervously as the liquid steadily diminished under their consumption.

“Success or failure—and how far they evolve—all hinges on this moment!”

The 1,500+ Golden Marrow Bees watching from the sidelines shared his sentiment. The future strength of their colony depended entirely on what happened next!

The drones consumed the elixir swiftly, and soon, the vial was nearly empty, leaving only a small residue.

Qi Ping had intentionally prepared extra to avoid shortages due to an excessive number of participants.

“There’s still enough for one more!”

Seeing that one additional drone could still be enhanced, Qi Ping called out.

As soon as he spoke, the fastest drone shot forward.

It wasn’t the strongest, but its speed and reflexes were unmatched—none of the others could compare!

In no time, this Golden Marrow Bee finished off the remaining elixir.

“The transformation is about to begin…”

Qi Ping’s heart tightened with tension.

The watching bees felt the same.

After consuming the elixir, the fifty-one drones scattered, each landing on the ground.

A strange yet powerful crimson-gold light began emanating from their bodies, dyeing the entire clearing in a thick, bloody gold hue.

As the glow intensified, the drones’ auras turned ferocious. A violent surge of blood-tinged spiritual energy erupted from within them!

Savage. Powerful. Dangerous. That was the impression they gave off now.

This anomaly lasted only briefly before the first critical moment arrived.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Fifteen consecutive explosions rang out as fifteen drones burst apart, reduced to fragments.

Seeing this, Qi Ping’s brow furrowed deeply.

Merely enduring the initial violent medicinal properties was just the first step—yet 30% of the drones had already perished!

Only thirty-six survived the first wave.

Those that endured quickly entered the second phase of transformation.

Under the influence of the gold-streaked crimson energy, their bodies began rapidly changing.

• Some developed transparent, blade-like wings, wider and sharper than before.

• Others grew thicker, more vicious mandibles.

• A few had their stingers turn pitch-black and unnaturally thick.

• Some expanded in size, transforming into giant Golden Marrow Bees.

• Others saw their golden patterns fade, gradually shifting to a blood-red hue.

These were the more favorable mutations.

Then there were the useless ones:

• Some grew enormous, bulging eyes.

• Others sprouted a second stinger.

• Many became grotesquely bloated—the most common mutation.

• Some had their legs thicken to an absurd degree.

Such aberrations were described in the elixir’s records as normal.

Bloodline mutation elixirs carried a high chance of malformation. This kind of forced evolution was entirely different from the natural, steady progression of a bloodline awakening through accumulated strength.

However, there was also the possibility of overpowered organ enhancements—a stroke of incredible luck. Even one such mutation could boost an insect’s combat power by tenfold or more.

But just as the drones’ bodies began adapting to these changes, the second wave of deaths struck.

Those that developed useless traits or suffered abnormal mutations quickly succumbed to the elixir’s violent medicinal properties, their bodies exploding one after another.

Only those with strong mutations and continuously strengthening physiques survived, persisting in their evolution.

The mortality rate in this phase was far worse than the first—twenty-three more drones perished!

Only thirteen remained.

“Only thirteen left?!”

At this point, Qi Ping’s heart was in his throat. The second wave’s death toll was devastating!

Fortunately, only one final step remained.

If they could stabilize their mutations, fully integrate the changes, and successfully advance to late-stage Rank 1, their evolution would be complete…