Chapter 3: The Cultivation Hierarchy and Ali's Determination
The cultivation world was vast and intricate, a labyrinth of power levels and barriers that determined one's strength and status. In Stone Dam Village, knowledge of the cultivation hierarchy was limited, but it was still a crucial part of their lives. There were nine major cultivation levels in total, each representing a significant leap in power and understanding of qi. Each of the first six major levels was subdivided into nine sub-levels, while the last three major levels were divided into three sub-levels each.
In Stone Dam Village, most people were familiar only with the first two major levels. The first major level, known as Body Formation, was the foundation upon which all future cultivation was built. Hamza, Ali's grandfather, held the highest cultivation level in the village, having reached the 9th sub-level of Body Formation. His immense strength and deep knowledge of qi made him a respected figure, although his traditional ways were often questioned by others.
Elder Temir, Hamza's most vocal opponent, had reached the 8th sub-level of Body Formation. His ambition and desire for power were well known, and he constantly sought to modernize the clan's cultivation methods. Temir's grandson, Bolat, was considered a prodigy, having already reached the 3rd sub-level of Body Formation at a young age. This achievement fueled Temir's belief that Bolat was destined for greatness and that he, Temir, should lead the clan.
Ali, on the other hand, was still at the 1st sub-level of Body Formation. His progress was slower, and this made him a target for mockery from others in the village. Despite this, Ali remained determined, guided by his grandfather's teachings and the belief that their ancient methods held untapped potential.
Cultivation was not just about advancing through levels but also about overcoming significant barriers. Within Body Formation, there were major barriers after the 3rd, 6th, and 8th sub-levels. These barriers were challenging to break through, and many cultivators found themselves stuck at these points for years. Hamza had broken through all these barriers, while Temir had yet to surpass the final one at the 8th sub-level. Bolat, though young, showed promise and was expected to advance quickly.
Ali trained diligently under his grandfather's watchful eye, determined to prove himself. He understood the significance of the Coming of Age ceremony and the expectations placed upon him. Despite the mockery and doubt from others, he remained focused, his heart set on upholding his clan's legacy.
Ali's days were filled with rigorous training. From dawn until dusk, he practiced the techniques passed down through generations of his clan. His grandfather's teachings emphasized not only physical strength but also mental fortitude and spiritual awareness. Ali knew that he needed to break through to the 2nd sub-level of Body Formation if he were to have any chance of competing with Bolat and earning the respect of the village.
Hamza watched his grandson with a mixture of pride and concern. He saw the determination in Ali's eyes, a reflection of his own resolve in his younger years. "Remember, Ali," Hamza would often say, "cultivation is not a race. It is a journey. Patience and perseverance will lead you to true strength."
Despite these words, Ali felt the pressure mounting. The annual Coming of Age ceremony was approaching, and the village was abuzz with anticipation. Temir's plan to use Bolat's prowess to challenge Hamza's leadership was no secret, and Ali knew that he had to close the gap between himself and Bolat before the ceremony.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground, Ali sat cross-legged on a flat rock, attempting to meditate and refine his qi. His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching from the day's exertions. He focused on his breathing, visualizing the flow of energy through his meridians.
"Ali," Hamza's voice broke the silence. The elder approached, his presence commanding yet gentle. "You are pushing yourself too hard. Rest is as important as training."
Ali opened his eyes, looking up at his grandfather. "I need to be stronger, Grandfather. I need to reach the 2nd sub-level before the ceremony."
Hamza sighed, sitting down beside Ali. "Strength is not only measured by the level of your cultivation. It is also in your heart and mind. Do not forget that."
Ali nodded, though the weight of his ambition and the looming ceremony pressed heavily on his shoulders. He resumed his meditation, determined to make the breakthrough.
Days turned into weeks, and Ali's efforts began to bear fruit. He could feel the barrier to the 2nd sub-level weakening, his qi becoming more refined and potent. The villagers, however, remained skeptical. Whispers of doubt and mockery were common, but Ali used them as fuel for his determination.
Temir, ever watchful, noticed Ali's progress. He sneered, confident in Bolat's superiority. "Let the boy try," he thought. "He will never surpass Bolat. And when the time comes, our clan will see who truly deserves to lead."
As the Coming of Age ceremony drew nearer, the atmosphere in Stone Dam Village grew tense. Ali continued his relentless training, driven by the desire to honor his grandfather's legacy and prove his worth. His body grew stronger, his mind sharper, and his spirit more resolute.
One evening, during a particularly intense training session, Ali felt a sudden surge of energy. His qi flowed more freely, the barrier to the 2nd sub-level shattering like glass. He gasped, feeling a new level of power coursing through him. He had done it. He had reached the 2nd sub-level of Body Formation.
Hamza, witnessing the breakthrough, smiled proudly. "Well done, Ali. You have taken an important step. Remember, this is just the beginning."
Ali nodded, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. The gap between him and Bolat had narrowed, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As the ceremony approached, Ali knew that his journey was far from over, but he was prepared to fight for his place and his clan's honor.