Deep in the dense forest, about five li from the hive.
Qi Ping stood in a clearing. Before him flew fifty drones, each roughly twice the size of a standard Golden Marrow Bee. They were the subjects for the Bloodline Mutation Potion.
Currently, these fifty drones looked at Qi Ping with determined, longing gazes. Every one of them possessed a resolve to face death without looking back. To them, this was not just a test; it was a supreme honor.
"Buzz buzz... (Boss, let's begin!)"
"Buzz buzz... (Boss, we are ready!)"
The fifty drones spoke in unison. Simultaneously, surrounding Qi Ping and the fifty drones was a staggering crowd of fifteen hundred Golden Marrow Bees, watching the ritual with utmost seriousness. Almost every bee had come, including the Queen Bee!
The bees on the periphery looked at the fifty drones with anticipation and envy. They knew this was a monumental ritual for the hive. If it succeeded, their colony would undoubtedly become ten times stronger than it was now!
Under Qi Ping's ample supply of spirit herbs, their numbers had already grown by fifty percent, and their individual strength had more than doubled. Now, under their leader's guidance, their race had the chance to surge in power once more.
In this atmosphere, Qi Ping did not hesitate. He nodded solemnly. He took out a bottle of Bloodline Mutation Potion—a mixture of the five successful portions—and placed it before the drones.
"Each of you must eat until you feel you are in your most comfortable state. Do not eat too much, and do not eat too little. This will give you the highest chance of success. Do you understand?" Qi Ping urged.
While he hoped every drone would succeed, he knew that was impossible. A potion with such a high success rate was not something his current status could obtain. Potions with a hundred-percent success rate, if they existed, were usually reserved for creatures like Azure-Cloud Cranes or Crimson-Flame Tigers, and their price would be dozens or even hundreds of times higher.
Right now, Qi Ping only hoped his Beast King's Grace skill would be effective.
[Beast King's Grace: Your Animal Companions gain increased level-up speed and a higher success rate for mutations/evolutions.]
This effect should boost the survival rate after consuming the potion.
"Buzz buzz... (Yes, Boss!)" the fifty drones answered in unison.
Without another word, they dove resolutely toward the potion. Qi Ping watched the liquid level drop, his heart growing increasingly anxious.
'Whether we succeed and to what level they evolve depends on this moment!'
The fifteen hundred bees on the perimeter shared his tension. The fate of their race was about to be decided. The drones ate quickly. Before long, the bottle was almost empty. This was the extra portion Qi Ping had prepared just in case he had chosen too many drones.
"There is still one portion left!" Qi Ping called out.
As his voice fell, the fastest drone shot forward. It wasn't the strongest, but its speed and reaction time were unparalleled; none of the other drones could compare. Soon, this bee had consumed the very last drop.
"The mutation is beginning."
Qi Ping's heart tightened. The fifty-one drones landed on the ground, spreading out. A strange, powerful red light mixed with golden glimmers began to emanate from them, dyeing the clearing in a rich blood-gold hue.
As the light appeared, the aura around the drones became violent. A surge of blood-colored spiritual energy erupted from their bodies!
Fierce, powerful, dangerous... that was the feeling the drones gave off. This phenomenon lasted for a short while before the first tragedy struck.
Fifteen violent explosions echoed in quick succession. Fifteen drones were instantly blown into fragments.
Qi Ping's brow furrowed. Simply enduring the violent medicinal properties was just the first step, yet thirty percent of the drones had perished instantly. Only thirty-six remained.
The drones that survived the first wave began the second stage of mutation. Their bodies underwent rapid changes under the influence of the blood-red spiritual energy.
Some grew wider, more transparent wings that resembled sharp blades...
Some developed thicker, sharper mandibles...
Some grew blackened, massive tail stingers...
Some expanded in overall size, transforming into giant Golden Marrow Bees...
Some lost their golden patterns, turning entirely blood-red...
These appeared to be positive changes. However, there were also useless mutations.
Some grew abnormally large eyes...
Some grew a second tail stinger...
Some became incredibly bloated and obese—this was the most common result...
Some developed massive, heavy legs...
These variations were described as "normal" in the Demon Insect manual. Consuming this potion carried a high risk of deformity. This was entirely different from a natural, gradual evolution.
However, there was a chance for "Ultimate Organ Strengthening." If even one such mutation appeared, it could increase an insect's strength tenfold.
As the specific parts began to mutate, the second wave of deaths began. Those that evolved useless organs or mutated in the wrong direction soon succumbed to the violent energy and exploded. Only those with powerful organs and rising physical strength could survive.
The mortality rate of this stage was far higher than the first. Twenty-three drones died in quick succession! Only thirteen remained.
"Only thirteen left?"
Qi Ping's heart was in his throat. The death rate in the second wave was terrifying. Fortunately, there was only one step left. If they could stabilize these changes, merge them with their bodies, and successfully break through to the First-tier Late-stage, the mutation would be complete.