In a realm dominated by the pursuit of mystical cultivation, a secluded village lies nestled between undulating hills and dense forests. Untouched by grand ambitions of power and cosmic importance, the people here find joy in life's simpler aspects: the annual harvest, the thrill of hunting, and the craftsmanship of everyday objects. For them, cultivation is an abstract notion, something only the most gifted or fortunate can pursue.
Yet, in the heart of this bucolic world, a subtle change is taking root. It's personified in a young boy named Evan, just ten years old, but with dreams that stretch far beyond the village boundaries.
The first rays of dawn break through the dense canopy of leaves, casting a mosaic of light and shadow over the forest floor. Evan, filled with youthful energy, joins Old Thomas, the village's carpenter and sage. With the promise of a new day, the two set off into the woods, a realm as generous as it is unforgiving.
"Today, I'll teach you how to pick the right kind of wood," Old Thomas tells Evan as they make their way deeper into the forest. "Not all wood is equal, and understanding that difference is crucial."
As they walk, Old Thomas teaches Evan about the textures, grains, and properties of various kinds of wood. They pass tall oaks with their gnarled branches, birches clothed in white bark, and willows that seem to weep into the streams below them. The older man explains the virtues of each: Oak for durability, birch for fine carving, and willow for flexibility.
As Evan listens, he can't help but notice the forest's vibrant ecosystem: squirrels darting up trees, birds serenading each other in a never-ending chorus, and the occasional rustle of what could only be larger game moving through the underbrush. He feels alive, deeply connected to the world around him.
"Here, try this one," Old Thomas suggests, handing Evan a small axe as they stand before a young birch tree. "Remember, aim for a clean cut, right at the base."
Evan takes the axe with trembling hands, aware that this is a rite of passage in some way. He steadies himself and aims carefully, putting all his weight behind the blade as it meets wood. It takes a few tries, but finally, the tree yields to his effort, falling with a soft thud.
Old Thomas beams at him. "Well done, lad. You've got it. You've got the spirit of a true woodsman."
As they gather their harvest of logs, tying them together to haul back to the village, Evan can't shake the feeling that he's touched something ancient, something important. He knows that this simple skill, learned from a humble carpenter, is his first real step on a much greater journey—a path leading him from the Mortal Seedling stage of cultivation toward an unimaginable future.
As Evan returned to the village, carrying his share of logs, his thoughts swirled around the concept of cultivation. In the world of Virea, cultivation wasn't merely a pastime or an optional pursuit; it was the backbone of society, the axis upon which power, influence, and even longevity spun. While Old Thomas had shown him the virtues of understanding wood, Evan knew that understanding Qi—the essential life force—was the key to unlocking one's fullest potential.
Starting at the Mortal Seedling stage, cultivators begin their journey by learning to channel and store Qi into specialized pools within their bodies. The quantity and quality of Qi in these pools could define one's destiny. However, the initial stage also called for physical training. Much like the woods have their unique properties, human bodies required conditioning to become suitable vessels for Qi. Basic exercises like running, push-ups, and sit-ups were just the beginning; advanced cultivators practiced complex regimens that could challenge the very limits of human physiology. Evan knew he was at the bottom rung of this elaborate ladder, but the desire to climb it burned brightly within him.
The physical training wasn't just about strength, speed, or endurance; it was about harmonizing the body with the energies of the world, making oneself a more effective conduit for the immense powers that could be harnessed through cultivation. Evan's eyes brightened at the thought. Though he was yet to take his first real step into the world of cultivation, he knew that he was ready to embark on this perilous yet exhilarating journey.
Evan's early life had been modest but nurturing. He was born and raised in this small, forgotten village that seemed like a tiny dot on the grand map of Virea. His mother, Mara, was a hard-working woman with gentle eyes and strong hands, skilled in weaving and herbal medicine. She never spoke much about Evan's father, who had died mysteriously just before Evan was born. All that was left of him was an inscrutable, simple ring, and a story shrouded in unanswered questions.
The village had always been insular, a community bound by traditions and a simple way of life. While they had heard of cultivators and their exploits, their limited understanding was garnered from the stories of travelers and old books that had long lost their luster. Consequently, cultivation wasn't a part of their daily lives; the community found more value in the tangible—farming, hunting, and craftsmanship.
Though his physique was frail, and his Qi potential seemingly low, Evan never felt ostracized. The villagers were a warm and accepting folk, placing value on community over individual prowess. Old Thomas, the village carpenter, was a testament to this culture. His Qi pool was nothing to boast about, but his wisdom and skill made him one of the village's most respected members.
However, Evan always felt a sort of 'calling,' as though some greater destiny lay ahead of him. Perhaps it was the blood of his enigmatic father flowing through his veins, or maybe it was the natural yearning of a young boy seeking something beyond the horizon; either way, Evan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was meant for something more.
It was a dream that seemed almost impossible given his current circumstances. Yet, Evan held onto it, nurturing the flame of aspiration against the winds of reality. Even as he went about his daily chores and mingled with his neighbors, his mind was often adrift, contemplating the unseen, untapped world of possibilities that cultivation could offer. And so, each day became a step, albeit a small one, towards the path he was so eager to tread.