Among all of Qi Ping's current animal companions, the ones with the highest cultivation were the Little Stone Essence and Ya-ya. Both had reached the peak of Rank 2 Perfection, and due to their powerful bloodlines, their combat strength was immense.
Ya-ya, in particular, was much stronger at utilizing and developing its bloodline power than a typical Gold-Flame Crow because of the spell knowledge Qi Ping provided. However, to break through to Rank 3, it still needed time to accumulate and continue developing its potential.
Next was the Little Flower Demon, Tongtong. She was currently at the late stage of Rank 2, not far from perfection. Combined with her terrifying and eerie soul-based talents, she was actually the one among Qi Ping's companions most likely to threaten a Golden Core cultivator. If Qi Ping hadn't been focusing his energy on the spiritual trees, Tongtong might have reached Rank 2 Perfection long ago.
Then there were the Golden Marrow Bee King, the little fox, the Cloud-Dream Immortal Tiger, and the Three-Colored Deer, all of whom had reached the middle stage of Rank 2.
The Golden Marrow Bee King, in particular, had consumed Royal Jelly brewed from Solar Essence, Lunar Essence, Astral Essence, and the Heart of the Dark Moon. Its bloodline, physical body, and soul foundation were growing stronger by the day, already showing signs of breakthrough and transformation. A special aura of the sun, moon, stars, and dark moon began to appear on its body, much to Qi Ping's delight!
This could be said to be the first time the Golden Marrow Bee King was evolving based on its own foundation since it started following Qi Ping! Qi Ping was very excited about this. From its current state, the Bee King's transformation would likely bring an unexpected surprise. Once it completed its special transformation, the bloodline of the entire swarm would inevitably soar once again!
When that happened, the probability of the swarm successfully devouring the Demon Insect King's bloodline would increase further. Previously, Qi Ping hadn't let the swarm transform through consuming massive amounts of spiritual herbs because it was too resource-heavy and had a lower success rate compared to mutagenic potions. Only the Golden Marrow Bee King was worth the massive investment of rare herbs.
Fortunately, after being nurtured for so long, the Golden Marrow Bee King was finally nearing its first transformation—and it appeared to be an extraordinary one!
Besides the Bee King, the one likely to transform soonest was the Three-Colored Deer. Being of the Forest Soul bloodline, the vast number of spiritual herbs and rare trees Qi Ping planted in his territory was the perfect cradle for it. With the various types of honey and herbs Qi Ping provided, its bloodline was growing stronger. Qi Ping estimated that after the Bee King, the Three-Colored Deer would be next.
Once the Three-Colored Deer evolved, Qi Ping's comprehension through the Tri-Color Spirit would increase as well. One must remember that the comprehension talent of a Nine-Colored Deer was among the highest of all divine beasts, so Qi Ping valued this talent highly.
His final animal companion was the Clear-Manifestation Green Snake he had recently contracted. Because of its unique talent, Qi Ping had very high requirements for it, so its current growth speed wasn't fast, only at Rank 1 Perfection. However, in terms of combat power, Qi Ping was certain that it was the strongest Rank 1 creature he had ever seen—even Qi Ping himself couldn't compare. Its foundation was terrifyingly strong, and its potential was immense.
And then, there was the Little Stone Essence currently undergoing its transformation right before Qi Ping's eyes.
But as Qi Ping sensed the signs of a breakthrough to Rank 3, his excitement didn't last. Instead, his expression changed drastically!
"Suppress the breakthrough! Direct all power into bloodline growth!"
Qi Ping hadn't expected the bloodline transformation and the rank breakthrough to happen at the same time. He didn't even care if his shout would disturb the Stone Essence!
Breaking through to Rank 3 was normally a good thing, but it absolutely could not happen at this time and place! Becoming a Rank 3 spirit beast would trigger a Heavenly Tribulation! Once the tribulation arrived, the aura of the thunderclouds would permeate heaven and earth, inevitably attracting countless cultivators! The Qingyuan Sect would never allow a Golden Core-level entity to breakthrough on their territory without investigation!
If a Golden Core or even a Yuan-Soul expert were lured here, Qi Ping's sanctuary would be finished. That would be a true disaster!
Fortunately, upon hearing Qi Ping's command, the Little Stone Essence immediately diverted all its energy into its bloodline transformation, suppressing the restless barrier of its cultivation realm. Qi Ping only breathed a sigh of relief when the Rank 3 aura gradually vanished from the Stone Essence's body.
"Even though its breakthrough would give me Golden Core-level power, the risk of the Heavenly Tribulation is just too high..."
Thinking of this made Qi Ping feel a bit uneasy. From the Golden Core stage onward, every realm came with a tribulation—something no one could escape.
"I need to set up the Heavenly Extinction Yin-Yang Array as soon as possible. With a formation capable of dealing with Golden Cores, combined with 'Natural Perception' and the Cloud-Dream Immortal Tiger's divinations, I can choose the most suitable time and place for the Little Stone Essence to break through safely. And if the purge of Starfall City and the plan to kill the Golden Core go smoothly, I might even be able to have it breakthrough while the Qingyuan Sect's attention is entirely diverted."
This would further increase the probability of the Little Stone Essence surviving the tribulation. This was another reason why many cultivators in the cultivation world struggled to grow—the Heavenly Tribulation covered a wide area and lasted a long time, easily drawing attention and inviting unpredictable dangers. Thus, many rogue cultivators and even sect members would head deep into dangerous forbidden zones to avoid being disturbed. To a degree, the danger from fellow cultivators during a breakthrough was more terrifying than the hazards of the zones themselves.
"Let's wait for now. Since its foundation has reached this point, it can trigger the Rank 3 tribulation at any time. A little later won't hurt..."
Qi Ping was currently approaching the peak of power in the Qingtian Domain, but it was also his most dangerous period. He had to be cautious at every step; an accident now would be unacceptable.
As the Little Stone Essence completely suppressed its breakthrough, the intensity and strength of its bloodline transformation actually increased by another level! A very special Military Conquest Power began to emerge from its body!
"This energy fluctuation... it's even more terrifying than when Ya-ya transformed!"
Delighted, Qi Ping hurriedly cast 'Potential Ignition' on it! As the spell landed, the Military Conquest Power on the Stone Essence's body surged once again!