Wait… I’m a Druid in a Cultivation World?! - Chapter 62

After casting [Plant Growth] four times, Qi Ping felt his mental energy beginning to wane.

However, he could still focus enough to study the Woodflame Art.

This was the limit he had discovered through trial and error.

Back when he was at Qi Refining Layer 3, using [Plant Growth] (Level 2) more than four times would leave him too mentally exhausted to cultivate properly—a state where mistakes were far more likely.

Now that he had broken through to Layer 4, his spiritual perception had strengthened slightly, but it still wasn’t enough for a fifth casting. The only difference was that four castings now felt slightly easier.

So, performing four [Plant Growth] spells at peak mental condition was Qi Ping’s current limit—the point where he could still cultivate safely afterward.

After tending to the fire spirit grass, Qi Ping watched the noticeably grown plants with satisfaction before finally pulling out the Woodflame Art to study.

As long as the herbs keep growing faster, I’ll always have reserves. No need to panic!

However, the sight of Qi Ping accelerating the growth of fire spirit grass had completely stunned the Solar Crow.

Its intelligence and awareness far surpassed that of the Golden Marrow Bees, so it understood just how terrifying—and valuable—this ability was.

“Caw-caw— (Boss, you—you—)”

“Caw-caw— (What kind of spell is this?! The effect is insane! This is incredible!)”

The Solar Crow was so shocked it could barely form coherent words.

Not only was the spell’s effect mind-blowing, but Qi Ping didn’t even seem heavily drained after using it!

As an animal companion, the crow could clearly sense that Qi Ping was still in decent condition.

If that were the case, the implications of this ability were immense.

“It’s part of my unique talents. Remember how I said I’d help restore your bloodline? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!”

Seeing the Solar Crow’s reaction, Qi Ping grinned and continued:

“It’ll take some time to cultivate the fire spirit grass. Once they’ve matured further, we can start slowly rebuilding your bloodline. Later, I’ll also try refining the grass into medicinal solutions and honey to boost its effects.”

“Caw-caw! (Boss, you’re amazing!)”

The Solar Crow flapped its wings, looking like it was about to prostrate itself in worship.

Qi Ping suddenly realized that this bird—which had initially seemed so noble and imposing—had the makings of a classic villain’s lackey.

But he didn’t dwell on it. After instructing the crow to bask in the sun and recover its strength, Qi Ping turned his full attention to studying the Woodflame Art.

……

“Wood and fire dual-attributes…”

“Using wood to nourish fire…”

“Wood’s gentleness as the form, fire’s ferocity as the intent…”

“No wonder this is considered a high-grade dual-attribute Qi Refining technique!”

“It’s not easy to grasp, but it’s truly extraordinary!”

Nearly two weeks had passed since Qi Ping began studying the technique.

Thanks to the Forest Druid’s boost to perception and mental clarity in wooded areas, his prior experience with the Woodshield Art, and the enhanced fire-attribute comprehension from [Solar Body], he had barely grasped the basics—just enough to attempt switching cultivation methods.

Yet he didn’t consider this time wasted. On the contrary, it was more than worth it.

After truly delving into the Woodflame Art, Qi Ping realized it was far superior to the Woodshield Art—it would allow him to grow stronger and more stable during Qi Refining.

More importantly, with [Solar Body] as a foundation, he could solidify his cultivation base even further.

Now that he’d experienced what a true talent felt like, Qi Ping finally understood why major sects placed such importance on innate gifts when selecting disciples.

Without talent, cultivators had two choices:

1. Endure painfully slow progress.

2. Rely on spiritual herbs to brute-force breakthroughs—resulting in an unstable foundation, poor mana control, chaotic dantian energy… and a host of other issues.

Low aptitude wasn’t just about slow absorption rates—it also affected refining efficiency, the body’s ability to assimilate spiritual energy, and more.

After Qi Ping used honey to rush from Layer 1 to Layer 4, these problems had already begun surfacing.

His control over the energy in his dantian was far from precise. Poor mana control didn’t just weaken his techniques—it also made energy more prone to wild fluctuations, a critical danger during breakthroughs.

“If not for my above-average mental strength—thanks to constantly draining and recovering it—the issues would probably be even worse…”

While there were ways to mitigate these problems (and some cultivators had risen to greatness despite mediocre talent), the odds were abysmally low.

That’s why filtering disciples by aptitude was simply the most efficient approach.

“Thankfully, after contracting the Solar Crow and gaining [Solar Body]—plus the Forest Druid’s buffs—I won’t have to worry about talent until at least Foundation Establishment.”

Right now, Qi Ping felt incredibly grateful for [Solar Body]. It meant he could rebuild his foundation properly while switching to the Woodflame Art.

Without it, he estimated it would’ve taken him months just to grasp the basics—just like when he first practiced the Woodshield Art and Old Man Zhou called him a “blockhead.”

…..

“Let’s begin!”

After over two weeks of preparation, Qi Ping was finally ready to switch techniques.

He had studied the Woodflame Art inside-out, memorized every fundamental aspect, and ensured both his body and mind were at their peak.

He had even retreated deep into the forest and stashed his herbs in his storage pouch—just in case that green-robed woman from the Green Yuan Sect showed up again.

With all these precautions, Qi Ping felt no anxiety about the process—only absolute confidence.

He had prepared thoroughly, rehearsed every step, and knew the worst-case scenario was dropping a layer or two in cultivation—a minor setback for him.

Once he confirmed everything was in place, Qi Ping slowly began dispersing the Woodshield Art energy within him.

Immediately, his spiritual power grew turbulent—even wild.

Yet his expression remained calm as he steadily activated the Woodflame Art circulation method.

This was destined to be an arduous process.

His mana raged, and his body felt like it was being torn apart.

For nearly two full days, Qi Ping endured this grueling transition.

The violent energy placed tremendous strain on his physique, but he clenched his teeth and persevered.

Fortunately, the Woodflame Art incorporated the wood-attribute energy of the Woodshield Art, making the conversion slightly smoother.

Whenever injuries surfaced, Qi Ping used [Healing] to mend them.

Finally, after two days of relentless struggle, Qi Ping—who had been ceaselessly suppressing and reorganizing his internal energy—opened his eyes once more.

Bloodshot veins covered his sclera.

But what shone even brighter was the excitement and triumph in his gaze.