"With so many spirit wood seeds, it should be enough to produce a few trees with Immortal-grade potential!"
"The only uncertainty is whether I can gather a full set of Five Elements and Yin-Yang attributes for these Immortal-grade trees."
Since he had bought up the vast majority of spirit wood seeds on the continent, no matter how low the probability, he was bound to find several with staggering potential.
"Now, it all depends on the efforts of Chang Qing and Chang E."
The siblings, whom he and Old Man Zhou had saved by chance, had now become key players in his plan to cultivate high-potential spirit wood. Their situation was a microcosm of the current Qingtian Domain. Through its unique mechanisms, the domain had discovered countless brilliant individuals with special talents, allowing them to explode with a potential that would have otherwise been buried. The light from these individuals had become one of the many dazzling foundations of the Qingtian Domain.
After confirming the seeds were in good condition, Qi Ping handed the task to Lin Yue. Under Lin Yue's organization, Qi Ping would be able to identify the most promising spirit wood at the fastest possible speed.
With the spirit wood matters arranged, Qi Ping returned to researching his spatial spells. He also began using the spirit herbs he had prepared to refine mutagenic liquids for the bee swarm's evolution to the Soul Transformation stage.
The Golden Marrow Queen had already undergone a thorough transformation under the powerful Yin-Yang bloodlines of the Netherworld Bees and Sky-Flame Bees! Currently, the Queen possessed the resilient physique and super-recovery of the Sky-Flame Bees, along with their scorching Sky-Flame Demon Fire. In terms of spirit, she possessed the powerful soul and indestructible essence of the Netherworld Bees.
Through a long and gradual process of Yin-Yang fusion and tempering, the two King-grade bloodlines in the Queen had not weakened. Instead, due to the harmony of Yin and Yang, both attributes had further evolved and strengthened. In both physical and spiritual strength, she had surpassed the individual Netherworld or Sky-Flame bees!
Originally, those two were Qi Ping's strongest special King-grade bloodlines, but now, they were thoroughly outclassed in combat power by the Golden Marrow Queen and the Equilibrium Bees! This was the terrifying potential of the Equilibrium Bees, which preserved the best traits for advancement. Any suitable bloodline would be gradually integrated into their own, allowing them to reach even higher peaks.
Thus, Qi Ping's current army of Equilibrium Bees was a force capable of sweeping through any Nascent Soul cultivator below the Soul Transformation stage! Most terrifyingly, these matured Equilibrium Bees not only excelled in combat but also inherited the brewing talent Qi Ping valued most! They were elite in both production and war.
Over the years, to prepare for future dangers, Qi Ping had grown his swarm to nearly a hundred thousand! With their individual traits and overwhelming numbers, this army of a hundred thousand was the strongest force below the Soul Transformation level. Qi Ping had invested a massive price to cultivate this swarm, but it was an investment destined to be worthwhile.
More than half of the swarm consisted of Equilibrium Bees. Once they matured, they assisted Qi Ping in farming. Working alongside the Bixia Earth Loongs, which produced Wood-Origin Spiritual Energy, they tirelessly produced high-quality honey. This honey was now a top-tier cultivation resource in the Star-Sea Continent, on par with high-level pills.
Thus, Qi Ping didn't need to spend resources to maintain them; instead, they made him incredibly wealthy. The only price he paid was the initial investment and the provision of spirit lands—things he currently had in abundance. The profits from the swarm's honey would now become the strongest foundation for raising Soul Transformation grade insects!
Time flew by, and five years passed in a flash.
During this time, the spirit wood industry in the Qingtian Domain became even more prosperous. However, compared to before, countless more eyes were now curiously watching these trees, trying to uncover their secrets.
With the Bee Daoist's name attached to such an earth-shattering move, this event had tugged at many people's nerves. From the day the seeds were bought, hidden spies in the Qingtian Domain had been watching without pause. A wave of tree-planting even swept across the Star-Sea Continent. Although many didn't know the exact point of it, they figured if the Bee Daoist was doing it, there must be a reason. If their ability allowed, planting some trees wouldn't hurt; it could be a side business at worst.
What they didn't know was that doing this wouldn't reveal the true benefits of spirit wood. The only effect was that they were helping Qi Ping grow trees. If a suitable one appeared, he would just buy it. This actually lowered Qi Ping's costs significantly.
Naturally, such abnormal behavior couldn't escape the eyes of the Qingyuan Academy, especially Lin Yue. Once he discovered these anomalies, he immediately reported them. Today, he sought an audience with Qi Ping for the fifth time to discuss the situation.
"Principal! Those 'eyes' have undergone a major change recently..." Lin Yue, who was majestic and imposing before others, stood respectfully before Qi Ping.
"Oh? In what way?" A hint of interest appeared in Qi Ping's eyes. He had long known about the 'eyes' in the Qingtian Domain. Lin Yue had previously asked if they should be purged, but Qi Ping had refused. For him, stable development was the priority. If they wanted to watch, he would let them see their fill. Besides, these people served as 'experience fodder' when they broke through, and once they were killed in the future, they would become fertilizer for the domain.
"It's like this, Principal. For the past few years, the number of spies watching us had been gradually decreasing. But recently, the number has suddenly skyrocketed several times over. I suspect those behind them are planning a move soon."
"Moreover, these new spies are different from the previous ones. They carry a strange, inexplicable aura."
"However, our control and penetration of external forces are too limited, and there are too many factions on the Star-Sea Continent. I haven't been able to gather any effective information."
Lin Yue was deeply worried. There were too many powerful factions at their peak on the continent. If they all joined forces, who knew how many terrifying old monsters or bizarre methods would emerge? He had previously advised Qi Ping to be cautious, as abnormal moves could bring unpredictable risks. The current situation was proof of that.
Yet, Qi Ping insisted on proceeding, so Lin Yue gave his full support.
"Is that so? A strange aura?" Qi Ping's brow furrowed slightly. Even with confidence, such uncontrollable situations were a headache. He was most worried that those who once used the Star-Sea Continent as a 'pasture' would take the opportunity to intervene.
However, he had to continue the spirit wood cultivation. It was not only about increasing resource production but also the key to his future breakthroughs and development. It was the most effective way to increase the Qingtian Domain's strength. Absorbing the essence of the sun, moon, and stars was the most profitable endeavor possible. With so many trees growing, the resources, strength, and vitality of the Qingtian Domain were growing exponentially. If anyone had designs on him, he would face them.
"Yes, Principal. I believe these new arrivals must be dealt with, or they might cause serious future trouble," Lin Yue said solemnly.
"Mmh. Give me the information and locations of those abnormal personnel. I will plant Heaven-Return Seeds in them!"
Heaven-Return Seeds—true to the name, once planted, one could 'return to heaven' (die) at any time. This was a spell Qi Ping had created specifically for these 'eyes.' It involved condensing a seed with immense self-destructing power that would take root and sprout inside the target. Whenever Qi Ping wished, he could detonate it.
This spell was cast based on his high-level attainment and the empowerment of the Earth Immortal Druid. It could be silently implanted into the bodies of low-realm cultivators. Below the Void Refinement stage, there was no possibility of removal. Thus, from the moment they entered the Qingtian Domain, their lives were already forfeit.
After planting the Heaven-Return Seeds in all the 'eyes,' Qi Ping breathed a secret sigh of relief. No matter what they planned, they would be destroyed the moment they showed any signs of abnormality.
With the seeds planted, Qi Ping continued his spatial research. Shortly after, he finally constructed a perfect spatial teleportation formation! He immediately set up a dozen interconnected arrays within the Qingtian Domain. Furthermore, he surrounded them with self-sustaining Yin-Yang Five Elements Arrays. Anyone below the Soul Transformation stage would be killed instantly by the formation's attacks.
When these teleportation arrays were opened to the public, they caused a massive sensation!
"Am I seeing this right? Twelve spatial teleportation arrays?"
"Heavens, how many teleportation arrays are there in the entire Star-Sea Continent? Qingtian Domain just set up twelve at once?"
"I feel like the prestige of our domain just jumped several levels!"
"Agreed! Only the most peak locations on the continent have multiple teleportation arrays. Wait, even those places don't have this many, do they?"
"Does that mean in terms of teleportation infrastructure, Qingtian is number one in the Star-Sea Continent?"
"They say a teleportation array is a symbol of a region's power. By that logic, is Qingtian aiming to be the number one domain?"
"This is incredibly fierce!"
"It's just 'wealth without humanity'!" (TN: A slang expression meaning someone is so rich it's almost absurd).
"Senior Bee Daoist is amazing!"
For a time, the entire Qingtian Domain was filled with excitement and joy. Every citizen felt an unspeakable sense of pride. This was their home! Because the Qingtian Domain treated them as people and respected them, they had long ago developed an inseparable sense of belonging.
As for others on the continent, their eyes turned 'yellow as lemons' with envy. Even more people chose to join the Qingtian Domain after this. A teleportation network wasn't just a symbol of power; it was a guarantee for rapid development. The efficiency of all economic and vital activities would increase, and thus the speed of earning wealth would rise.
For Qi Ping, however, the current significance of these arrays was primarily strategic. If war broke out, they would serve as flexible strategic hubs. With these arrays, one spirit bee could perform the work of ten. Furthermore, the terrifying combat power the Qingtian Domain had accumulated over the years could be amplified by these formations to a level that even surprised Qi Ping.
The sheer number of genius cultivators and powerhouses born in the Qingyuan Academy was immense. Qi Ping excelled in combined attack formations; when these people formed a cultivator army, they could shake the heavens! And the twelve arrays were just the beginning. Once Qi Ping's preparations were fully revealed, the Qingtian Domain would display the most terrifying defensive-counterattack capability.
Aside from the shock of the arrays themselves, the usage fee was significantly lower than other arrays on the continent. This was mainly because Qi Ping had enough materials and didn't worry about minor wear and tear. The arrays themselves also benefited from the Earth Immortal Druid traits, reducing their consumption. Even with lower prices, Qi Ping would still make a fortune!
Thus, the people of the domain were even more thrilled. Even those who didn't need to travel across space wanted to experience it. Since the opening of the arrays, Qi Ping's pockets began to swell rapidly again.
"The spatial teleportation arrays are complete, so strategic mobility is no longer an issue. Mid-to-low tier combat power, combined with the bee swarm, is solidified."
"Now, the only thing lacking is Soul Transformation level power. Once the Soul Transformation bee swarm appears, combined with the teleportation network, we can truly clash with the top powers. The longer this drags on, the more it favors me..."
"The only concern is the appearance of a Void Refinement powerhouse."
Regarding the final concern, Qi Ping currently had no counter, unless the opponent dared to enter the Qingtian Domain. But someone at that level would likely know the terror of an Earth Immortal within their own domain.
"So, in that case, I'll have to use demonic methods. If an opponent dares to strike, I'll send my bees to slaughter their entire faction."
Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Qi Ping's eyes. If it truly came to that, he wouldn't mind shattering the opponent's entire region!