This aura of Foundation Building?
Upon sensing the sudden emergence of Qi Ping’s Foundation Building presence, Old Zhou was completely dumbfounded, staring at Qi Ping in shock. Foundation Building?
How did Qi Ping reach Foundation Building?
Old Zhou wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him, or even if he was dreaming!
This was simply too unbelievable!
He knew Qi Ping’s aptitude all too well. For Qi Ping to reach the third layer of Qi Refining in such a short time was unlikely, and reaching the mid-stage of Qi Refining would already be considered incredibly fortunate.
Yet now, he was suddenly being told that Qi Ping had achieved Foundation Building! It was utterly absurd!
Old Zhou’s mind nearly short-circuited.
After a long pause, he once again perceived the Foundation Building aura emanating from Qi Ping and had no choice but to accept the fact.
“You little rascal! You nearly gave this old man a heart attack!”
Although Old Zhou had no idea what had happened, the evidence was right before his eyes, and he was genuinely happy for Qi Ping from the bottom of his heart.
After all, in this world, Qi Ping was the person he cared about most right now.
And what brought him comfort was that even though Qi Ping had reached Foundation Building, he was still the same as before, never looking down on him, a simple beekeeper.
He didn’t expect anything in return, but being disliked or abandoned would indeed be unpleasant, especially for an old man nearing the end of his life.
“Hehe.” Qi Ping just grinned smugly.
Having finally achieved something significant, he just had to shock Old Zhou!
Otherwise, how could he live up to this laid-back old man’s expectations?
“In that case, let’s head back to Qingshi County! Is it convenient to bring those Green Dew Bees? I’ve raised them for so long; it wouldn’t be right to abandon them deep in this forest…”
Old Zhou didn’t ask Qi Ping how he had achieved Foundation Building. He wasn’t particularly concerned about it.
In truth, Old Zhou quickly stopped dwelling on it because he had long since made peace with such matters. While he was shocked, he didn’t take it too seriously.
For him, as long as Qi Ping was safe and sound and could occasionally share some good wine with him, that was wonderful. He didn’t care about anything else.
Whether Qi Ping was strong or weak, these were his only wishes.
“Of course it’s convenient. I’ll be right back!”
As Qi Ping finished speaking, he flashed away.
Soon after, Qi Ping returned to the courtyard.
“So fast?” Old Zhou asked in surprise.
He had barely started packing his things.
“Yep, not a single one left behind, all safely in the spirit beast pouch!” Qi Ping said, patching his spirit beast pouch.
Taking away a colony of Green Dew Bees was naturally no challenge for a Druid like Qi Ping.
“Good!”
Old Zhou then continued packing. Since Qi Ping said they were going to a new place and their original location, Sector D, Peak 7, was no longer safe, he might as well bring everything useful.
Old Zhou eagerly stuffed items into the storage pouch Qi Ping had given him. Since there was enough space in the pouch, it was easy to transport.
But as he was almost done packing, Old Zhou couldn’t help but offer a reminder:
“Qi Xiaozi, even though you’ve reached Foundation Building, don’t forget to stay cautious. Don’t underestimate the seasoned Foundation Building combatants in Qingshi County, or the backing they have from the major sects…”
Old Zhou usually felt Qi Ping was quite sensible, but he was still very young. Reaching Foundation Building at such a young age could lead many to become arrogant and reckless. He didn’t know how many cultivators met their end each year due to that very mindset.
“Don’t worry, old man. I value my life above all else!” Qi Ping replied with a smile.
“That’s good to hear!”
After packing up, Qi Ping quickly took Old Zhou back to the Cloud Mist Mountains. With the ability of [Nature’s Perception] to seek good fortune and avoid danger, they encountered no unexpected troubles and returned safely to the depths of the Cloud Mist Mountains.
Deep within the Cloud Mist Mountains, at a certain distance from his own territory, Qi Ping had already set up an advanced illusion array and a concealment array, supplemented with defensive and offensive formations.
Inside, he had long since planted many flowers, plants, and fruit trees, including a good amount of spiritual fruits suitable for winemaking.
Qi Ping had designed all this to keep Old Zhou from getting bored. After all, if he wasn’t going to cultivate, he’d still need some hobbies and activities to pass the time.
Over the next few days, Qi Ping didn’t return to his own territory to focus on his matters. Instead, he helped Old Zhou build a house, one just like the one they had on Peak 7 in Sector D of the Cloud Mist Mountains.
Qi Ping also made a trip to Peak 7 to bring back any familiar flowers, plants, and potted greenery that were still alive.
Once everything was arranged, the place truly had a touch of its former atmosphere.
The smile on Old Zhou’s face showed just how satisfied he was.
As for the Green Dew Bees they brought, thanks to Qi Ping being a Druid, they adapted very quickly.
Moreover, this place was rich with spiritual energy, no matter how thin, it was still far better than the mortal realm. The Green Dew Bees seemed quite happy, diligently collecting nectar each day, building their new hive, and brewing honey.
For a while, the place was buzzing with lively activity.
Afterwards, Qi Ping spent a few more days drinking with Old Zhou, discussing recent events in Qingshi County in detail, and sharing some secrets about the major sects.
Only then did Qi Ping return to his own territory.
Qi Ping had considered bringing Old Zhou into his own territory, but it held too many secrets. While Old Zhou was completely trustworthy, it would still be inconvenient.
It was easier to simply bring anything suitable for Old Zhou over to him, saving trouble and allowing Old Zhou to live more comfortably and freely.
As for the health-promoting honey suitable for Old Zhou, as soon as they returned to the Cloud Mist Mountains, Qi Ping helped him refine a portion, which noticeably revitalized his body.
Going forward, Old Zhou just needed to slowly consume the honey to nourish his health. Adding eight or ten years to his lifespan shouldn’t be a problem. With luck, he might even break through one or two cultivation layers, gaining a few more years beyond that.
But that was likely Old Zhou’s limit.
Qi Ping mentioned he would try to find ways to further extend Old Zhou’s life, but Old Zhou refused.
“This old man’s life has already been quite fulfilling. Don’t go against heaven’s will to prolong it for me. I don’t want to linger on like that. For me, living longer isn’t necessarily better.”
“It’s better to go with the flow of time. Perhaps in reincarnation, I’ll be granted a new and better life… if such a thing as reincarnation exists.”
Upon returning to his territory, Qi Ping took a moment to settle his thoughts and then resumed his cultivation life.
For Old Zhou, his life was already complete enough.
But for Qi Ping, Foundation Building was merely the true beginning of his path in cultivation.
Understanding the laws of nature, creating his own techniques—his journey of immortal cultivation had now truly begun.
“After so many days, the little stone spirit is probably getting anxious. Time to complete the contract ceremony.”
Qi Ping felt it was time to finalize the contract with his fifth animal companion.
He then summoned the little soot ball stone spirit from his spirit beast pouch.
“Huh? We’re home? That was so fast!” the little stone spirit exclaimed in surprise, rubbing its sleepy eyes.
It had only dozed off for a moment, and they were already here!
