''Father,'' Fang Hao called out as his father meditated in front of a pond at the peak of the mountain. His father wore the usual black robes, with closed eyes, holding a sword in his hand that made it release buzzing sounds.
Looking around, he inspected the area closely. It was the first time he was allowed to come here.
The spiritual qi was dense, and even as a mortal who had not started cultivating yet, he felt like he was walking through thick soup, which made him frown at the slowed walking speed he experienced.
Fang Xiong heard Hao's voice and opened his eyes. Seeing he was struggling to move, he released an aura that secured a small area for him to pass, allowing him to approach.
''Been a long time, Little Hao,'' he called out, looking at the child who was now bigger, feeling sad that he was not there for him.
Hearing this, Hao fell quiet. He didn't like that his new parents didn't accompany him. He wanted to ask a lot of questions, but they were never around, and it left him with a bad taste.
Was this the truth of cultivation? Allowing the years to pass and letting them slip away without spending time together?
''Come sit in front of me,'' Xiong pointed at a mat in front, watching his son change emotions multiple times. He knew that Hao was upset with him and Jing, so he decided to explain stuff.
Sitting down, Hao looked at his father, who seemed unchanged by time. Opening and closing his mouth, he sighed, not knowing what to say. Finally, he decided to talk.
''Father, you and mother have been in closed cultivation for a long time, and even sister never visited again. Why?'' Hao asked, feeling as if he had done something wrong.
His father let out a sad smile and spoke, ''Your mother, don't blame her. She was severely wounded giving birth to you and had to focus on her recovery. As for your sister and me...'' He paused, deep in thought, before continuing, ''It will be best if I start with how we get resources in this world.'' He looked at Hao with a complex expression.
''You should already know she is in the Sword Hall sect, the biggest sect in the area. In this world, they are considered one of the top leading powers. I was a disciple and climbed up to an elder before retiring and wanting to start a clan with your mother,'' he looked at Hao with a fatherly gaze and continued.
''This city didn't exist back then. The region had two big cities while I decided to make the third one, this was three thousand years ago.''
''Hao, it's time I tell you about the cultivation realms so you have an idea,'' he said, deciding to share the knowledge.
''First, every being is capable of cultivation, even now, you are cultivating without knowing how.'' This shocked Hao as he was confused, thinking he hadn't read any manuals.
''Our world is one of the richest in spiritual energy out of all the medium worlds. Because of this, your body will absorb spiritual qi from the air, making it strong even without a cultivation art.''
''I'm going a bit off-topic, and I will come back to this after I explain the cultivation realms,'' he said, summoning a massive blank paper scroll and using the air to draw on it.
''First realm, Mortal Body: Shell. You don't have to cultivate here. By the age of 15, your body will be at its peak. That's why the sects recruit at that age. At the moment, you are in the Early Stage. This stage does not have a Peak and Zenith, so don't worry about it.'' He seemed to know that Lin Niang had shared some information with Hao but didn't mind.
Feeling conflicted, Hao initially thought he might have betrayed Lin Niang and caused her trouble. However, after careful consideration, he realized that the information she had shared was not significant enough to bring any harm to her.
''Next is Muscle Reinforcement, as the name suggests, we call it Muscle realm for short. In this realm, you train to make your muscles and flesh stronger. Normally, once you enter the sect, they will give you a cultivation art.
''There are many ways to get stronger, but the results will vary depending on where you focus. Your body in that realm can only hold so much stress and energy, so the key is to find a balance that suits you. Some cultivators focus on brute strength, while others emphasize speed or endurance.''
Seeing Hao's understanding, he continued, ''After that, we have Veins Strengthening: Vein realm for short. This realm is a bit more unique since you can add a portion of the bloodline to your cultivation.'' He took a small vial that emanated a threatening aura, and Hao realized it was from the Skyscarab that attacked the city.
''I have spent 5 years refining this bloodline. We actually got lucky; for your sister, I had to go on a long journey to find a decent one.'' He smirked before storing it away.
''When it's time, I will give you this bottle. People would kill for it, so it's best to not let them know.'' He winked playfully.
Only now did Hao realize why his father was in closed cultivation for so long; it was for his own good. ''Anyway, don't feel bothered. Five years is nothing but a dream for me.'' Seeing Hao getting affected, he just laughed.
"Then it's Marrow Infusion. We use the term 'Marrow.' Remember, this is one of the most important realms, as you can go up to Zeni in it, but it's hard. Your sister was able to do it, and that's why the sects are mad for her. But you, being my blood, I also expect you to reach it,"Looking at Hao's face, he encouraged him.
Pausing here, he opened his mouth, ''These 4 realms are considered the foundation. Once our bodies are strong, we can focus on our power and soul.''
''We combine our Body, Muscles, Blood, and Marrow, and then we can decide to break through to the next stage, which you already know as Vital Core Forging. We call it Vital Core.'' Now, he paused as he thought about his daughter, wearing a worried expression.