Standing in the middle of the courtyard, Ryujin reviewed the techniques bestowed upon him by Master Xiao Mihwa.
[Basic QI Gathering Tectnique]
The Basic Qi Gathering Technique serves as an introductory practice for those embarking on their journey of cultivation. Focusing on the fundamental principles of harnessing Qi, this technique teaches the practitioner how to draw in and accumulate ambient Qi from their surroundings. By employing controlled breathing and mental concentration, the cultivator learns to guide Qi to specific points within their body, enhancing their inner vitality. While considered elementary in the realm of cultivation, mastering this technique lays the essential groundwork for more advanced Qi-manipulating practices, allowing practitioners to build a strong foundation on which to cultivate their skills further.
[Mortal Tier : Wind Steps]
[Description: Wind Steps is a mortal-tier technique that harnesses the practitioner's heightened agility to emulate the fluid movements of the wind. By relying on their natural swiftness and flexibility, the user can execute rapid and graceful motions, evoking the sensation of gliding through the air. This technique allows for swift changes in direction and the ability to traverse distances with remarkable speed, making the practitioner appear as though they are carried by the wind itself. While lacking the profound power of higher-level cultivation methods, Wind Steps demonstrates the potential of a mortal who maximizes their physical capabilities.]
[Spiritual Tier : Elemental Blade Slash]
The Elemental Blade Slash is a transcendent sword technique that harnesses the practitioner's profound elemental connection. Through the fusion of their inner Qi and the elemental energies, the cultivator channels the essence of nature into their blade strikes. Utilizing the unique Characteristic User Qi, the technique generates potent Slash Energy, with the strength of the attack directly linked to the practitioner's Qi intensity. This technique's versatility extends to both offense and defense, amplifying its effectiveness. It epitomizes the zenith of spiritual cultivation, demanding a deep comprehension of elemental dynamics and their synergy with the user's Qi.
"Hmm, well, it's a good technique. While Wind Steps give me more mobility, the Elemental Blade Slash will provide me with a stronger attack, but it requires Qi," Ryujin contemplated.
He considered using his status points to increase his Qi, but ultimately decided that using the Qi gathering technique to naturally accumulate Qi would be a better approach.
"Let's try the cultivation technique first," he said, deciding to focus Qi gathering technique before before delving into the others.
Ryujin followed the technique that had been implanted in his mind by sitting cross-legged in a lotus position, regulating his breath to enter through his nose and exit through his mouth. Within the technique, he had to follow the flow of the air entering and leaving without losing his concentration. He then directed the energy that entered into his Dantian, which was located in his abdomen, and circulated it throughout his body. This process required intense concentration as he followed the path of energy being manipulated.
1 minute...
5 minutes...
10 minutes...
[Congratulations, User has successfully gathered Qi.]
[Qi +20]
Ryujin felt the Qi within him, but he continued to focus, collecting Qi until the sun began to rise again. Unbeknownst to Ryujin, he had been cultivating for an entire day, and when he finally opened his eyes, he realized that morning had arrived.
"I feel stronger, do i have reach 1st Qi Refinement Realm?" said Ryujin while still seating and Try to open His "Window status"
"Status"
________________________________
[Status]
[NAME: Ryujin]
[LEVEL: 19 ] - [[HIDE]]
EXP : 15 / 19000
[STRENGTH : 32 (+25) ] [ENDURANCE:21(+50) ] [DEXTERITY : 19 (+33)]
[AGILTY: 22 (+17) ] [INTELLIGENCE : 31 (+1000) ]
[SENSE:30 (+1000) ] [QI: 28 ]
[STATUS POINT: 190]
[SKILL POINT : 1]
[AGE: 18 YEARS OLD]
[LIFESPAN: 97 YEARS OLD]
[CULTIVATION VEIN: Mortal]
[CULTIVATION: Mortal ]
[BLOODLINE: Mortal]
[PHYSIQUE: Mortal]
[CULTIVATION TECNIQUE: Basic Qi Gathering]
[SKILLS]
-[NAMELESS HALO] - [[View All]]
-[UNKNOWN BLINDFOLD]- [[View All]]
-[ENCHANCHED SENSE] - [[View All ]]
-[SHADOW SWORD] - [[View All]]
-[WIND STEPS] - [[View All]]
-[ELEMENTAL BLADE SLASH] - [[View All]]
[WEAPON : Yun Shadow Sword [Mortal Tier]
________________________________
"I gained only QI +20 for the first time and 8 for almost a day? Why is it so little... is it because of the basic technique?" Ryujin wondered, puzzled by the slow progress in accumulating Qi. However, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he noticed that his cultivation hadn't advanced to the 1st Qi Refinement stage.
"Wait... What the... why haven't I reached the 1st Qi Refinement?" Ryujin exclaimed in surprise. Based on the knowledge he had acquired, someone would achieve the 1st Qi Refinement stage once they successfully stored Qi in their Dantian. Ryujin had managed to store Qi in his Dantian, so he should have broken through by now. Yet, the system still indicated that he was in the mortal realm.
"I'll ask Master later... and for now, let's master Elemental Blade Slash and Wind Steps," Ryujin Said while little confuse .
With focused intent, Ryujin's body seemed to meld with the breeze as he initiated the Wind Steps technique. His movements became fluid and effortless, like a leaf dancing on a gentle gust. Each step he took was imbued with a fleeting grace, his feet barely touching the ground as he traversed the courtyard. It was as if he had become one with the wind itself, his agility and speed enhanced to a supernatural level.
Ryujin weaved through imaginary obstacles, changing direction on a whim, his form almost indistinguishable in its fluidity. A trail of faint afterimages accompanied his movements, a testament to the sheer swiftness of his steps. It was a display of both mastery and finesse, showcasing the true essence of the Wind Steps technique. As he continued to practice, Ryujin could feel a surge of improvement, as if the technique itself acknowledged his dedication. Soon, the mastery of Wind Steps was leveling up, granting him an even deeper connection to the wind's elusive power.
With unwavering determination, Ryujin dedicated himself to honing both techniques. Although he didn't immediately push them to their maximum levels, his efforts were steadfast. As he immersed himself in the practice of Elemental Blade Slash, an energy is covering his sword, a surge of realization flowed through him. Notifications lit up his mind, signaling his acquisition of Sword Qi comprehension, followed by the emergence of Sword Aura comprehension. These Techniques occurred as he progressively advanced his mastery in the Elemental Blade Slash technique.
[Wind Steps Lv. 4 >> Lv. 5]
[Elemental Blade Slash Lv. 2 >> Lv. 3]
[Congratulations! You have Attained Sword Qi Comprehension Lv. 1]
[Congratulations! You have Attained Sword Aura Comprehension Lv. 1]
"Ughh... I'm so sweaty, I should take a bath now," Ryujin muttered as he sheathed his sword and made his way to his room, determined to cleanse himself and freshen up.
When Ryujin reached his room and opened the door, he was greeted with an amusing sight. The maid who always prepared his breakfast was fast asleep, her body sprawled in an awkward and comical position on his bed. Soft snores escaped her lips, creating an oddly surreal ambiance. A soft chuckle escaped Ryujin's lips as he found the situation both amusing and endearing.
He stood there for a moment, observing the sleeping maid. He couldn't help but feel grateful for her dedication and hard work throughout the day. With a smile, he decided not to disturb her rest and quietly closed the door.
Turning his attention to his own needs, Ryujin decided to head for an outdoor bath since his room's bathroom was currently occupied. The events of the day had left him tired, and the prospect of a warm bath sounded like the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate.
As he settled into the outdoor bath, he let the warm water soothe his muscles and let his mind wander. Thoughts of the new techniques he had learned and his progress in cultivation filled his thoughts. The desire to master the Elemental Blade Slash and further refine his Wind Steps technique fueled his determination.
After his refreshing bath, Ryujin changed into clean clothes. A gentle smile lingered on his lips as he reflected on the quirky events of the day and the peculiar sight of the sleeping maid. With a sense of contentment, he made his way toward Master Xiao Mihwa's quarters to discuss his cultivation progress and inquire about the techniques he had learned, particularly the Elemental Blade Slash.
"Master, your youngest disciple has come," Ryujin announced as he stood before Master Xiao Mihwa's room.
"Enter," came the response. As Ryujin stepped inside, Master Xiao Mihwa continued, "What do you wish to ask, Disciple?"
"Master, I have been cultivating, and it was successful. According to the technique, as long as I gather Nature Energy within my body and nurture my Dantian, I should have reached 1st Qi Refinement, but I didn't break through," Ryujin explained to Master Xiao Mihwa, who was meditating in a lotus position behind the screen.
"Really? That's strange. Let me check your body," Xiao Mihwa said, using her aura to examine Ryujin's body. As she assessed Ryujin, her expression turned contemplative. While Ryujin possessed a normal human body, he also contained Qi within it. There were two possible scenarios: either his body couldn't absorb Qi and he needed a breakthrough, or he simply hadn't accumulated enough Qi to reach 1st Qi Refinement.
"How is it, master?"
"Ryujin, it seems that you need to push your body to its limits in order to achieve 1st Qi Refinement. You have to break through the limits of your mortal body," Master Xiao Mihwa explained, providing a potential reason for Ryujin's current situation.
"Thank you, master. I'd also like to ask about something else," Ryujin continued, wanting to inquire about Qi Sword and Sword Aura.
"What is it, disciple?"
"Master, when I practice the Elemental Sword Slash, there's something strange happening to my sword," Ryujin explained to his master, careful not to reveal everything about the Sword Aura and Qi Sword just yet.
"Strange energy on your sword?" Master Xiao Mihwa responded before instructing Ryujin to demonstrate the peculiar energy on his sword. "Can you show it to me?"
"Yes, master," Ryujin replied. He unsheathed his sword, took a seat, and then activated Qi Sword and Sword Aura on his blade. Concentrating his Qi onto the sword, he also enveloped himself and the weapon in the Qi, creating the Sword Aura. Despite his limited Qi reserves, the Sword Aura manifested as a faint blue-green shade.
Observing this, Xiao Mihwa was taken aback. Although Ryujin's Sword Aura wasn't particularly intense, achieving such a level indicated that he was already a Sword Master. Ryujin's lack of Qi actually contributed to his ability to form a thicker Sword Aura. "Ryujin, actually you have become a Sword Master?"
"Sword Master? What's the difference from the Cultivation Realms, master?" Ryujin asked, slightly puzzled.
"As I've mentioned before, you can enter the sect if you possess a remarkable physique, impressive cultivation, or mastery over a specific weapon. Becoming a Sword Master signifies your mastery over a particular weapon—a sword, in this case. Cultivators have various weapon options such as fists, swords, staffs, spears, and others. However, many cultivators avoid mastering weapons to an extensive degree, as it might hinder their overall cultivation progress. Their primary focus lies in cultivation and techniques, with weapons serving as secondary tools," explained Xiao Mihwa, shedding light on the concept of being a Sword Master.
"Are there further levels within the title of Sword Master, Master?" Ryujin inquired.
"Indeed, there are," Xiao Mihwa responded with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
"The progression is as follows:
Sword Cultivator - Sword Master - Sword Lord - Sword King - Sword Monarch - Sword Sage (Transcendent) And there are even higher levels beyond that," she elucidated, providing Ryujin with a glimpse into the hierarchical advancement that Sword Masters could attain.
"Master, do you know who has reached the level of Sword Sage or higher?" Asked Ryujin to her Master
"Well, one of the ancestors of the Celestial Sword Sect, Zhang Haoran, is known to have reached the level of Sword Sage. Below him, there's his disciple Ran Zuhfa, who achieved the rank of Sword Monarch. Ran Zuhfa also serves as the sect leader of the Celestial Sword Sect. Rumor has it that he has advanced to the Soul Formation Realm." Explain Xiao Mihwa To him
"Thank you, master. I will practice even harder to reach that level," Ryujin said confidently.
"You have the right spirit, Ryujin. Remember, the path to becoming a Sword Sage is not an easy one. It requires unwavering dedication, countless hours of practice, and a deep understanding of the sword's essence. Keep honing your skills, refining your techniques, and pushing your limits. With determination and perseverance, you may one day stand among the great Sword Sages of history," Master Xiao Mihwa replied, her voice filled with encouragement.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I will take my leave to continue my training," Ryujin said as he bowed and then left the room.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Dear reader,
Cultivation is about becoming a nature and defying the nature, the higher the cultivation, the higher the pressure from nature to eliminate the cultivator from this world. Mortals cultivate to become nature, but when they have become nature, they need to create their own domain. This domain is rejected by the world because a world has balance, and higher cultivators disrupt that balance. That is why cultivation has its own limit in this world.
This is a very interesting and thought-provoking concept. It is true that in many cultivation stories, the higher one's cultivation level, the more powerful they become, but also the more dangerous they are to the world around them. This is because cultivators are essentially defying the natural order of things by extending their lives and gaining powers beyond those of ordinary mortals.
At a certain point, cultivators become so powerful that they begin to disrupt the balance of the world. This can lead to all sorts of problems, such as natural disasters, plagues, and even the collapse of entire civilizations.
This is why many cultivation stories feature limits on cultivation. There may be a hard limit on the level of cultivation that one can achieve, or there may be severe penalties for those who try to push too far.
This concept is also reflected in real-world religions and philosophies. For example, in Buddhism, one of the goals of enlightenment is to achieve nirvana, a state of perfect peace and freedom from suffering. However, it is said that nirvana is a state of non-existence, and that those who achieve it are essentially erased from the world.
This is because Buddhism teaches that the world is full of suffering, and that the only way to escape suffering is to cease to exist. In a way, this is similar to the concept of cultivation limits in cultivation stories. Once a cultivator achieves a certain level of power, they become so dangerous to the world around them that they must be eliminated.
I hope this explanation clarifies any potential confusion.
Sincerely, Chain Of Life