Soul Transformation grade demon insects were already exceedingly rare in the Star-Sea Continent. Those cultivated and contracted by cultivators were even fewer. In the commonly known history of the continent, any cultivator capable of commanding such insects was a figure of immense renown. Even ordinary Soul Transformation cultivators didn't dare offend such masters. This proved just how terrifying high-level insect-controlling cultivators could be.
However, the strength of most such cultivators was limited because the resources required to raise a large group of high-level insects were staggering—more difficult than raising a Soul Transformation cultivator. Thus, the number of high-level insects was usually capped. Otherwise, the daily food requirements alone could bankrupt a cultivator. If one was struggling with their own cultivation, where would they find the resources to raise so many insects?
But Qi Ping—or rather, the Bee Daoist...
Lin Yue and Wang He, the two powerful administrative leaders of the Qingyuan Academy, looked at Qi Ping with utter shock. Others might lack resources, but Qi Ping? 'Rich' didn't even begin to describe him. As Vice-Principals, they knew exactly how much wealth the Qingtian Domain contributed to Qi Ping every day. And that was just a portion of what he held!
Their Principal's bee swarm not only had superior farming techniques to feed themselves, but they could also earn money for him! Other people's high-level insects drained money; the Principal's bees actually turned a profit!
Furthermore, the spirit wood cultivated by the Principal produced resources at a lightning-fast rate, especially the trees that produced the essence of the sun, moon, and stars. Resources that were once considered extremely scarce across the Star-Sea Continent had nearly become a local specialty of the Qingtian Domain under the Principal's care! This alone brought in a terrifying amount of income every year.
For such a wealthy man with top-tier production-and-combat spirit bees, once he raised Soul Transformation insects, he would truly become an existence that could influence the fate of the entire Star-Sea Continent! The influence of the Qingyuan Academy would no longer be confined to the Qingtian Domain; it would become a peak power on the entire continent!
"Principal is mighty!" Lin Yue and Wang He shouted in unison. A fire was lit in their hearts. The economic and trade center of the Star-Sea Continent—they were going to make it happen!
"Stop flattering me. Any more questions?" Qi Ping shook his head helplessly.
"None for now, Principal!"
"Good! Then take some time to prepare. If there are any difficulties or risks, communicate with me immediately. This won't happen overnight; it will take at least a few decades. But because this move is so important, you must consider every angle. Try to ensure no problems arise," Qi Ping instructed seriously.
Even a Soul Transformation or Void Refinement cultivator had blind spots and cognitive inertia. In fact, the higher the cultivation, the stronger that inertia could become. Qi Ping used to think that cultivators who had lived for ten thousand years must be wise as demons, but as his understanding of the Dao deepened, he found that high-level cultivators often became more stubborn and blindly confident due to the constant elevation of their Dao-heart. It was the only way they could maintain their mental stability.
Qi Ping's own Dao-heart was relatively peaceful, which was better than the more obsessive types, but he still couldn't entirely avoid these pitfalls. Thus, relying on the collective wisdom of his trusted subordinates was necessary. The bigger the project, the more cautious Qi Ping became.
"Understood! We will give it our all!" Wang He and Lin Yue bowed and departed.
Qi Ping didn't dally. He immediately issued a notice for the exchange of spatial spells. This wasn't limited to teleportation arrays; he collected everything—defense, escape, or attack spells. The research value of the Dao of Space was immense, worth any amount of effort and time.
As Qi Ping contracted more powerful spirit wood, his speed in comprehending attribute powers through the Shepherd of Trees talent, 'Plant Sovereign,' increased. Although his primary cultivation followed the Path of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, the burden of law comprehension didn't stress him too much. He had enough time to practice the Dao of Space on the side.
As expected, in the current Star-Sea Continent, spatial spells—though precious—were far less attractive than Soul Transformation grade spirit herbs. Once the exchange request was posted, first-rate powers across the continent began sending requests. In a short time, Qi Ping gathered no fewer than ten spatial spells, including the spatial teleportation formation.
This level of enthusiasm slightly exceeded Qi Ping's expectations. "It seems I still underestimated the allure of Soul Transformation spirit herbs!"
Soul Transformation insect corpses were useful, and for cultivators with matching attributes, they were as good as spirit herbs. But spatial spells were copyable. Aside from being rare and sought by a few, they were 'prestigious but impractical' compared to the tangible value of a Soul Transformation herb. The scarcity of spirit herbs in the Star-Sea Continent had become Qi Ping's greatest leverage in acquiring rare spells and knowledge.
However, this also meant Qi Ping had to spend his days working hard in his self-made Grade 5 spirit land, tirelessly cultivating Soul Transformation resources. Fortunately, with the recovery traits of the Earth Immortal Druid, he could handle high-intensity cultivation while simultaneously focusing on researching spatial spells.
As the days passed, one spatial spell after another was mastered. Qi Ping's combat strength surged once more. In the Qingtian Domain, with his mastery of Yin-Yang Five Elements and spatial spells, Qi Ping's strength had reached a point even he couldn't accurately estimate. With the addition of the Yin-Yang Five Elements Array covering the entire domain, his power would step up yet another level.
He even planned to add a spatial layer to the domain's defenses after fully researching the remaining spells. This knowledge, like the spells themselves, was traded for resources.
Over the years, Qi Ping had thoroughly mastered the techniques of the Yin-Yang Five Elements. He had practiced almost every common spell and even fused them into his own set of techniques, covering body tempering, defense, attack, and support to maximize his combat effectiveness.
The same applied to formations. With the advantages of the Earth Immortal Druid, the formations in the Qingtian Domain were 'armed to the teeth.' Even if Qi Ping weren't present, a Soul Transformation cultivator charging in would face certain death. This was Qi Ping's current confidence!
Just as Qi Ping was finishing his mastery of spatial spells, an event occurred that sent massive shockwaves through the Star-Sea Continent. Under Lin Yue's years of planning, the Qingyuan Academy struck like lightning. In less than half an hour, they bought up every spirit seed available on the market across the Star-Sea Continent!
After the purchase, these seeds were quickly transported back to the Qingtian Domain by the Netherworld Bees and Sky-Flame Bees. On that day, most people thought it was a mundane event; they assumed someone just needed a large quantity of seeds in a hurry. But as news spread, people realized that almost all the spirit wood seeds accumulated over the years across the entire continent had been bought out!
The move was incredibly fast, giving merchants no time to raise prices. In fact, because of the volume, many merchants had even given large discounts. By the time most people reacted, it was too late. The price of spirit seeds plummeted into a shortage, then skyrocketed several times over. Some rare spirit wood seeds even increased tenfold in price! This single wave turned spirit seeds from a surplus commodity into a rarity.
In reality, this didn't affect the continent too much, as spirit wood seeds weren't a daily necessity. Qi Ping had acted this way primarily to prevent merchants from price-gouging. He had money, but the volume was so massive that even a small price increase would result in an astronomical final cost.
However, such a large move naturally caused a stir.
"The Bee Daoist and the Qingyuan Academy have been low-profile for years. Is this massive buyout a sign of some big move?"
"The Qingtian Domain started a tree-planting trend years ago, but compared to the whole continent, it wasn't that noticeable. But the seeds they bought this time... even if they planted them across the entire Qingtian Domain ten times over, they wouldn't use them all, right?"
"When things are abnormal, there must be a reason. I suspect the Bee Daoist has found something incredible!"
"Exactly. No matter how much money he has, he wouldn't waste it like this. He bought up every seed on the market! He must be planning something big!"
For a time, countless cultivators across the Star-Sea Continent were abuzz with discussion. Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation cultivators, and even hidden Void Refinement old monsters, began to pay attention. It was too strange!
Before, the Bee Daoist collected Soul Transformation insect corpses and formation knowledge—that made sense. He was raising insects and studying formations. Collecting spatial spells also just meant he wanted to study space. But what was he going to do with a literal mountain of spirit wood seeds?
It was incomprehensible! And it was this unknown that sparked curiosity—and fear.
At this moment, in a mysterious location on the continent, several powerful cultivators who stood at the peak of the Star-Sea Continent gathered to discuss the matter.
"What do you all think of the Bee Daoist's recent actions?" one cultivator, whose footfall could make the continent tremble, asked.
"He promoted tree planting years ago, seemingly looking for a specific type of spirit wood. This sudden buyout suggests his previous tests were successful. But what secret is hidden in these seeds that makes him go through such effort and expense?"
"It's hard to guess, but the interests involved are likely even higher than Soul Transformation spirit herbs..."
As those words fell, a strange light flickered in everyone's eyes. They had already been tempted by his special Grade 4 spirit vein and his ability to provide Soul Transformation herbs. Now, the potential massive benefits hidden in these seeds made them even more restless.
If they had hesitated before because they couldn't gauge his strength or feared the karmic backlash of killing someone with such great destiny, they were now find it impossible to remain calm in the face of such a huge opportunity.
"Does everyone have thoughts on this?"
As the question was asked, fierce glints appeared in the eyes of those present.
Yet, just as the group was discussing enthusiastically, a terrifying figure from beyond the Star-Sea Continent descended. A voice carrying immense pressure rang out:
"Are you all preparing to strike against the Bee Daoist? But do you know that he is a rare Earth Immortal? Even if you all banded together, you might not be able to kill him."
"What? An Earth Immortal?"
"Yes. To kill him, there is only one way..."
At this moment, Qi Ping, residing in the Qingtian Mountain Range, had no idea that the top powerhouses of the continent were plotting against him. But even if he knew, he wouldn't care. He had already discussed the potential consequences with his confidants like Lin Yue.
His strategy was simple: If they came, he would fight! In the Qingtian Domain, he was invincible! Furthermore, he was on the verge of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, and his bee swarm was nearly ready for their evolution. Whatever they had, he would face it.
Qi Ping looked at the mountain of spirit wood seeds brought back by his bees, his face beaming with excitement. 'Mountain' was not a metaphor; the seeds were literally piled into a massive hill.
"With so many seeds, it's enough to plant the entire Qingtian Domain ten times over! I wonder how many spirit trees with Immortal-grade potential will emerge from this?"