As a unique spark of enlightenment surged within his heart, a distinct aura gradually solidified around Qi Ping.
Roughly half an hour passed. When Qi Ping finally opened his eyes, the special intent surrounding him had fully formed.
"Did I... just comprehend the first level of Dao-heart Intent?"
Surprised by this sudden windfall, Qi Ping was momentarily stunned. This enlightenment had come quite unexpectedly.
Ever since he had learned about Dao-heart Intent from Meng Yan, Qi Ping had been constantly attempting to explore it. He had reflected repeatedly on his experiences across two lifetimes, hoping to find the conviction of his heart.
He thought back to his previous life—his academic career that spanned over a decade, the countless books he had read, and his eventual entry into society as a beast of burden. He had hated that life, yet he had been unable to break free from the constraints of family, societal norms, and the rules of the world. In the end, he had been just another unremarkable face among the masses.
In this life, he had transmigrated to the cultivation world. He had been saved by Old Man Zhou just as he was about to die of hunger and illness. He had then spent five years as a bottom-tier rogue cultivator. Though he lived freely, he deeply understood the hardships of the path. Talent limitations and the scarcity of resources meant that even with hard work, he was destined for mediocrity.
Eventually, Qi Ping had gradually let go of his obsession with the immortal path and accepted his ordinary life as a beekeeper. It was only when he awakened his Druid profession that he found hope. By using his animal companions and the resources gained from farming, he had truly stepped onto a path that offered a glimmer of a future.
However, Qingshi County had slowly descended into chaos. From marauding cultivators to demonic insects, and now the sect wars—more and more people were dying. Qi Ping had seen many meet their end in this troubled world, dying like mere ants. From low-level rogue cultivators to cultivation families and sect geniuses, everyone was being sucked into this massive whirlpool.
Qi Ping did not want to live a life of constant fear, nor did he want to become one of them. Rather than risking his life in the center of the storm, he preferred to farm and raise bees in peace. Using his Druid abilities to nurture spirit herbs, sense the laws of nature, and understand the cycles of life and death—these were the things he truly loved.
Yet, no matter how many times he had reflected, he had always felt as though he were separated from the truth by a thin membrane he could not pierce. This was a barrier that no amount of resources could break; it could only be overcome through one's own enlightenment. No external force could help him.
Later, Qi Ping realized he had been too impatient. Many cultivators spent their entire lives without ever grasping their Dao-heart. He had only been on this path for a few years, yet he had already reached this stage—he had already surpassed many others. The key to comprehending one's Dao-heart was to truly live one's life. It was a journey that spanned an entire cultivation career and should not be rushed. One should simply reflect during the gaps in their training.
Qi Ping had only intended to take a good rest today, but he never expected that, by a twist of fate, he would fully realize his Dao-heart Intent.
'This is truly a case of "planting a flower only for it to wither, while a willow branch stuck in the ground grows into a tree."'
Dao-heart enlightenment was truly elusive! No wonder it acted as a barrier for countless cultivators, even trapping brilliant geniuses.
'Though, my Dao-heart Intent is quite peculiar...'
After sensing the aura around him for a while, Qi Ping discovered it had a significant protective effect. It seemed capable of warding off spiritual energy attacks. However, he had never read about this specific type of intent in any records. Common intents included Slaughter, Heartlessness, Passion, Combat, Protection, and so on—but Qi Ping's was none of those.
While he was still exploring its capabilities, the Druid attribute panel recorded his new realization as a special talent, listed alongside the Blessing of Heaven and Earth.
(TN: Special Talent: Blessing of Heaven and Earth, Farming Domain (1st Level Dao-heart Intent))
(TN: Farming Domain: A unique intent generated after comprehending the first level of Dao-heart. After obtaining it, you can control more universal laws and energy; it also has a good effect on resisting heart-demons. In addition, this talent has two special effects:)
(TN: Effect 1: It can form a special protective intent around the user, which can be used to block attacks from Spirit-Soul, spiritual power, and other forces. The protective will increases with the level of Dao-heart comprehension.)
(TN: Effect 2: Within the user's home territory, they can control significantly more power of heaven and earth. The degree of control increases with Dao-heart comprehension.)
"Farming Intent... Farming Domain... is this my Dao-heart?"
When Qi Ping saw the details, he was momentarily dumbfounded. This was quite something! And he absolutely loved it!
The basic effects of the Farming Domain were the same as any other Dao-heart Intent—it allowed for a massive increase in the control of laws, spiritual power, and the physical body, while also providing resistance against heart-demons. However, the special effects were quite unique.
First, there was no issue with the protective effect. It aligned perfectly with Qi Ping's primary goal since beginning his cultivation: defense and safety. The protective will was a flawless match for his needs.
But the second effect was a bit uncanny—the ability to control more of the world's power within his own territory!
'Actually, it's somewhat similar to the Slaughter Intent. Slaughter Intent also sees a significant boost on ancient battlefields or during large-scale wars...'
'According to Effect 2, my combat power will be amplified when I fight on my own land. Furthermore, if I can control more of heaven and earth's power in my territory, it should be a massive help when I set up powerful arrays.'
'However, this makes me an even more stereotypical "enhanced version" of a formation master. I'll be incredibly powerful in my own nest, but my combat strength will drop several tiers the moment I leave.'
Qi Ping had no complaints about this; in fact, he quite liked it. For one, he didn't plan on going out unless necessary. Secondly, it didn't weaken his individual strength—it simply raised his defense even higher. His combat system was just particularly explosive when he was on his home turf.
'In the future, when I go out, I'll have Wild Shape and Natural Perception to help me escape. Once both I and the swarm break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, a massive swarm of Rank 2 bees will provide incredible protection...'
'Looking at it that way, this is perfectly fine. If I encounter a strong enemy, I'll just flee back to my nest and finish them there. But if I do lure them back, I must pull them up by the roots to ensure the location of my territory isn't leaked!'
Overall, Qi Ping was extremely satisfied with the Dao-heart he had realized. For a man who loved farming, it couldn't be more appropriate.
'I wonder what the result will be when my Dao-heart Intent merges with my Fire True Meaning?'
In cultivation, when Slaughter Intent merged with Sword Intent, it became the extraordinary Slaughter Sword Intent. Curious, Qi Ping immediately set about attempting the fusion.