'I'll wait until the Blood-Blaze Garment is grown and Yaya finishes its metamorphosis before I deal with those spoils. I'll count them slowly then!'
Currently, his loot was hidden by the bees in various corners of the Azure Heaven Domain. He didn't plan to retrieve it yet. Having just clashed with that organization, bringing those items back would be too risky.
Aside from the herbs, seeds, and scrolls of knowledge, he wouldn't even bring the rest back to his territory. When he went out to buy the divination beast, he would simply have the bees bring the spoils directly to the Black Market, leaving all the risk to them.
Thinking of the Blood Food organization felt like a massive boulder pressing down on his chest.
When he destroyed the last batch of six thousand blood foods, Qi Ping had clearly sensed the world's mourning and its subsequent joy, along with another increase in his natural affinity. He was now certain that the organization was plundering the providence of heaven and earth, causing massive damage to the world.
Unless he could create a world of his own, he could never escape the influence of this organization. From what he knew, even the most powerful secret realms and small worlds relied on the main world of cultivation to exist. Qi Ping's arrays and his own breakthroughs were all based on the world's power. As a Druid, his power came from nature; if the world withered and died, where would his power come from?
If the world were to fall, everything he had built would vanish like a dream. Even if he could ignore the suffering of the infants, he couldn't ignore the destruction of the world.
As long as he had the strength and his own safety was guaranteed, he would never show mercy to that organization. He would kill every single one of them he could.
He didn't know if anyone else besides the Black Market was opposing them, but every person helped.
'Just wait. The Bee Daoist will reappear!'
This belief came from his very core; it was the fury of a Son of Nature.
In the moment his resolve solidified, the world suddenly trembled!
Immediately, the surrounding worldly energy became hyperactive. Mysterious waves of power poured into his body, washing over his soul and flesh. Qi Ping felt as if he were wrapped in a warm, comfortable embrace.
A soothing warmth circulated through him, nourishing his body and mind. His animal companions watched in shock. A vast, divine power of heaven, earth, and the laws of nature had tightly enveloped him. A majestic, sacred aura radiated from his body.
"Chirp chirp... (What's happening to Boss?)"
The Spirit Fox, which had been lying in his lap, was pushed away by the surging energy.
"Yoo yoo... (I was sleeping by his leg and got pushed out too. But I can feel this power; it's very comfortable. It must be good for him!)"
The Three-Colored Deer was the most sensitive to the power of nature and the world; its bloodline was beloved by the forest. Its judgment was almost certainly correct.
The little Flower Demon flew over as well, having been awakened by the unique aura. The Bee Queen and Yaya watched the chaotic trio with a bit of helplessness. They were more experienced and realized their boss was likely gaining a deep insight. It was a wonderful thing!
The only one who didn't react was the Stone Essence, which looked like a lump of coal. It had been sleeping for years and showed no signs of waking.
The state of baptism lasted for about the time it took to burn an incense stick. During this time, black, foul impurities were expelled from his body, forming a dark crust on his skin. When he finally woke, he noticed the sticky, unpleasant layer.
"What is this? Impurities from my body?"
He immediately cast a Cloud and Rain spell to wash himself clean. After doing so, he noticed a significant change. His body felt clear and pure, and spiritual energy flowed through him with unprecedented ease. His soul felt more refined and clear, and his thoughts seemed faster. Even his Farming Domain talent felt empowered.
'Have I been baptized by the world?'
He quickly recognized the symptoms. Such a baptism was incredibly rare; many cultivators never experienced it in their entire lives. It was a massive blessing, though it left him a bit puzzled.
'Is it related to the blood food? Or the organization behind it?'
The organization was plundering the world, and he was disrupting them. It was logical for the world to reward him.
'Or perhaps it's related to my Dao heart?'
He remembered clearly that the baptism had begun right after he resolved to let the Bee Daoist reappear.
'If that's the case, it makes sense.'
As the world withered, its own laws would surely attempt a self-rescue, making its interests aligned with Qi Ping's. It wasn't just a feeling; he sensed his connection as a Druid to the world had become much tighter.
Soon, he discovered a startling change on his attribute panel:
His special talent, "Blessing of Heaven and Earth," had evolved into "Heaven-Earth Favor."
[Special Talent: Heaven-Earth Favor]
[Heaven-Earth Favor: You have received the blessing and favor of the world itself.]
[Effect 1: Increased speed of comprehending worldly laws and a higher probability of sudden enlightenment.]
[Effect 2: You can mobilize a greater amount of the world's energy.]
[Effect 3: When facing beings loathed by the world, you receive a boost from the world's power.]
[Effect 4: Your spiritual energy affinity is increased.]
[Effect 5: Your body, soul, and comprehension have been baptized; your natural talents have been enhanced across the board.]
[Effect 6: Divination and curses targeted at you will be significantly weakened by the world.]
[Effect 7: You have gained a wisp of Qi Fortune (Providence).]