The governance systems across various sects and kingdoms in the cultivation world are fascinating and diverse. One notable example is the Celestial Mountain Empire, which is governed by a royal council rather than a single emperor. It is essential not to confuse the Celestial Mountain Empire's main domain with its branches in the lower worlds. The primary domain of the Celestial Mountain Empire exists in the immortal world.
There are five main types of worlds, each offering a different level of resources and power thresholds. These worlds range from inferior worlds with minimal resources to the golden immortal world, the most privileged realm in existence.
Inferior Worlds
Inferior worlds are the lowest grade of realms in the cultivation universe. They can only accommodate cultivators up to the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. Those born in these worlds face significant hardships, as resources are exceedingly scarce, making cultivation challenging and time-consuming. This scarcity is why individuals born in inferior worlds are often considered unfortunate; they have to work far harder to achieve even modest levels of power.
Some do not even regard inferior worlds as fully complete worlds, instead calling them "semi-worlds." Reaching the peak of Nascent Soul in an inferior world does not allow a cultivator to ascend automatically to a higher realm. To advance, cultivators must rely on Ascension Platforms, which are not naturally occurring but instead constructed by powerful sects and empires seeking to recruit promising talents. Not all inferior worlds are fortunate enough to have an Ascension Platform, which further limits opportunities for those born there.
Lower Worlds
The next grade up is the lower world, where cultivation can advance to the half-step Celestial Ascension realm. Lower worlds are regarded as complete worlds, meaning that cultivators who achieve the Celestial Ascension realm here can automatically ascend to a higher world. Resources in these worlds are considerably more abundant, allowing talented cultivators a reasonable chance to reach Celestial Ascension.
Higher Worlds
Higher worlds represent a significant leap in cultivation potential. Those born in these realms are generally considered lucky, as cultivation is much easier due to the dense and potent natural aura. In higher worlds, cultivators can progress up to the Ethereal Mastery realm. Upon reaching the peak of Ethereal Mastery, they are naturally able to ascend to the next tier. Higher worlds also contain Ascension Platforms, enabling easier travel between higher and lower realms for members of large sects and dynasties. Unlike inferior worlds, higher worlds permit individuals from superior worlds to enter without restrictions on their aura; those with stronger cultivation than Ethereal Mastery can also enter as long as they restrain their cultivation base with special techniques; the easiest way, however, is for a higher ranking cultivator simply to create a clone if they wish to enter.
Immortal Worlds
Immortal worlds accommodate cultivators who reach the True Immortality realm. Resources here are incredibly abundant, allowing even those with limited cultivation talent to achieve Foundation Establishment before the age of 50. In immortal worlds, individuals with normal aptitude can expect to attain at least the Nascent Soul stage before the end of their lifespan. This realm is rich with opportunities and powerful cultivation environments that foster growth and advancement.
Golden Immortal World
The golden immortal world is the highest grade of world and stands alone in its class. This world can support cultivators who reach the Primordial Sovereign realm, the pinnacle of cultivation. The abundance of resources is unparalleled, allowing even those with minimal cultivation ability to reach the peak of Qi Condensation. Being born in the golden immortal world is akin to winning a cosmic lottery. Even the mortals of this world enjoy prosperous, healthy lives free of hardship, due to the sheer richness of resources and the aura present here.
Cultivation in the world of realms progresses through a series of stages. The hierarchy of cultivation stages is as follows:
Qi Condensation
Cultivators in the Qi Condensation stage, the foundational level of cultivation, are equivalent in strength to rank 0 mages. They enhance their power by gathering and condensing Qi from the environment or other sources.
Foundation Establishment
Foundation Establishment cultivators, while not yet as strong as rank 1 mages, surpass the abilities of rank 0 mage apprentices. At this stage, they gain the ability to fly using specialized tools, such as flying swords, which gives them a significant mobility advantage.
Core Formation
Core Formation cultivators possess power comparable to quasi-rank 2 mages. They are regarded as formidable figures in inferior worlds and often serve as the backbone of sects within lower worlds. However, in higher-grade worlds, their abilities are relatively unremarkable when compared to more advanced cultivators. Nevertheless, Core Formation cultivators are treated with great respect by mortals across all realms, often revered as kings or queens due to their power.
Nascent Soul Cultivators
Nascent Soul cultivators hold power equivalent to peak rank 3 mages. In lower and inferior worlds, they are seen as powerful individuals and are often revered as elders or even chiefs of prominent sects. Despite their status in these worlds, they are not considered particularly powerful in higher-grade realms. This difference in perception underscores the immense gap between the resources and cultivational auras available in various worlds.
Tribulation Cultivators
Tribulation realm cultivators are as powerful as mid-rank 4 mages. They are the pinnacle of power in lower-grade worlds and command immense respect. However, inferior worlds lack the strength to generate tribulations. For Nascent Soul cultivators in inferior worlds, the only pathway to advancement is to pass a tribulation, which requires migrating to a more powerful world capable of generating this critical step.
Void Refining Cultivators
Cultivators in the Void Refining realm are as powerful as half-step rank 5 mages. In lower worlds, they are seen as near-invincible, while in higher worlds, they serve as the backbone of many prominent sects. Anyone who reaches the Void Refining realm is likely to leave a lasting legacy for their descendants, who can live in wealth and comfort for thousands of years. However, reaching this level of cultivation is challenging, even in immortal worlds, where resources are rich but still demand exceptional talent and perseverance.
Celestial Ascension Realm
The Celestial Ascension realm is a pivotal threshold in cultivation. Once a cultivator achieves this realm, they can no longer enter inferior or lower worlds, as their power would destabilize the delicate balance in these lower realms. However, some cultivators can temporarily suppress their strength to half-step Celestial Ascension, allowing limited access to these worlds. Celestial Ascension cultivators, equivalent in power to late-stage rank 5 mages, are regarded as high-ranking figures wherever they go, often respected as "big shots" in the cultivation community.
Sovereign Spirit Cultivators
Sovereign Spirit cultivators are typically elders in powerful sects within higher worlds. Even in immortal worlds, Sovereign Spirit cultivators are respected as rare and formidable individuals. Their power is comparable to early rank 6 mages, making them highly influential and revered figures even among other advanced cultivators.
Ethereal Mastery Cultivators
Ethereal Mastery cultivators can live for millions of years, and their power should never be underestimated. They represent the pinnacle of cultivation within higher worlds, leading dynasties and ruling over vast sects. They are as powerful as rank 7 mages, a level where a qualitative gap exists between them and the realms below. This qualitative leap makes Ethereal Mastery cultivators vastly superior to Sovereign Spirit cultivators.
Ultimate Convergence Cultivators
Cultivators at the Ultimate Convergence stage can no longer reside in higher worlds, as their aura and power would disrupt the balance. They are restricted to immortal worlds or the golden immortal world. Ultimate Convergence cultivators can live for tens of millions of years, and they often hold elder positions in the dynasties and sects of immortal worlds. They possess power equivalent to rank 8 mages.
Transcendent Beings
Transcendent Beings are frequently the leaders or sect masters of dynasties and sects in immortal worlds. They are as powerful as rank 9 mages, allowing them to influence the lives of countless cultivators and sects with just a word. Their authority and power place them among the most revered figures in the immortal world.
True Immortality Cultivators
True Immortality cultivators, as strong as rank 10 mages, possess an unlimited lifespan. They are typically the founding ancestors of sects and dynasties in immortal worlds or high-ranking elders in the golden immortal world's forces. True Immortals are exponentially stronger than Transcendent Beings; no number of Transcendent Being cultivators could even scratch a True Immortal. This qualitative difference elevates True Immortals to a nearly godlike status, making mortals appear as mere illusions or fragile drawings in the sand, easily erased by a single wave of their hand.
Cosmic Entity Cultivators
Cosmic Entity cultivators are among the few allowed to leave the world of cultivation, holding roles as supreme elders in golden immortal world sects and organizations. With power equal to rank 11 mages, Cosmic Entities possess abilities that vary widely. Some wield one complete law, while others command thousands, resulting in a vast range of power even within the same realm. New Cosmic Entities are marginally more powerful than True Immortals, but those who have existed as Cosmic Entities for millennia are countless times stronger.
Eternal Ascendant Cultivators
Eternal Ascendant cultivators, comparable to rank 12 mages, are the peak fighters of the cultivation world and are bound by duty to defend it against potential invaders. In the golden immortal world, Eternal Ascendants serve as the highest leaders, holding the ultimate authority and responsibility.
Primordial Sovereign Cultivators
Primordial Sovereign cultivators, as strong as rank 13 mages, serve as the founders and ancestors of the most influential forces within the golden immortal realm. They hold the authority to modify the world of cultivation's rules to some degree, exerting a near-absolute power that shapes the very fabric of the realms below them.