Three Phases! . . .
To establish a robust foundation in the martial arts, one must embark on a rigorous regimen of training from a tender age. This path entails more than merely ascending to specific cultivation levels; it involves gradual and painstaking enhancement of one's fundamental martial skills. Such an approach is imperative for any aspiring superior cultivator.
Cha Eun Xiao keenly recognized that this had been the profound deficit in his previous life—the absence of a guiding mentor, someone to impart the wisdom of the ages and refine his martial foundations. In essence, he required the tutelage of an exceptional master. Yet, there existed another dimension of cultivation, the secretive phases beyond the highest level of cultivation, guarded zealously by the great sects.
Lei Dadi shared an enigmatic smile as he expounded, "Following the Dao Origin Stage, there exist roughly three additional phases. Only after successfully navigating these three phases can one aspire to attain the status of an immortal cultivator. Upon surmounting the final phase, the cultivator ascends to the realm known as Human Realm Upon Heavens."
These intriguing designations—Tittle Phase, Cage Phase, Tatter Phase—resonated in Cha Eun Xiao's mind, illuminating a previously uncharted path in his martial journey. This nomenclature remained unfamiliar, for he had never encountered these terms before. His prior assumption of his unparalleled knowledge in this world now seemed somewhat misguided.
In response to Cha Eun Xiao's inquisitiveness, Yun Piaoliu delineated the essence of the Tittle Phase, explaining, "The Tittle Phase signifies the first progression beyond the ninth level of Dao Origin Stage. Its very name, 'tittle,' suggests that one must refine their ability to perceive minuscule details. For instance, when a rock or blade hurtles toward you, requiring less than a second to reach its destination, you must discern every intricate facet of that object within that fleeting moment. In reality, you must perform even more admirably. Within that second, you will need to scrutinize every nuance of the approaching object and then dismantle it."
With the revelation of such abilities, Yun Piaoliu clarified, "This is the essence of the Tittle Phase. In this stage, you gain the capacity to deconstruct a blade into fragments with a single finger, without the utilization of any spiritual qi. I want to emphasize, not destruction but disassembly—rendering it into its constituent parts."
The implications of this insight left Cha Eun Xiao astounded. "So, does it signify that if I were at level nine of Dao Origin Stage and confronted an adversary of the same level but in the Tittle Phase, they could instantaneously discern every aspect of my weapon and dismantle it?"
The prospect was chilling, and Cha Eun Xiao further exclaimed, "In essence, they could disassemble my weapon in an instant! That's the essence of the Tittle Phase!"
Yun Piaoliu nodded, affirming Cha Eun Xiao's understanding. "Indeed, that's the essence of the Tittle Phase."
This newfound knowledge astounded Cha Eun Xiao, causing him to contemplate the implications. "So, if one were to attain the pinnacle of the Tittle Phase, they would possess unparalleled perceptual abilities, enabling them to master the world around them. What could possibly oppose such formidable prowess? Would they not be invincible?"
Feng Wuying interjected with a sense of perspective. "The realm of cultivation is boundless. The range of your vision is a testament to the depth of your understanding. Yet, regarding the Tittle Phase's invincibility, I must respectfully disagree. It represents just the first of the three Great Phases. On that fateful day, Wu Fa had already transcended this phase and advanced into the Cage Phase."
The somber admission came from Lei Dadi, who said, "Our adversaries had left us no room for victory. Though all of us were at the pinnacle of Dao Origin Stage, we were one phase below Wu Fa. It was as if three mortals had taken up arms against a god. Wu Fa emerged triumphant. We had no alternative but to marshal our efforts to safeguard one another. Wu Fa had no interest in sustaining injuries. Otherwise, none of us would have survived that calamitous confrontation."
Cha Eun Xiao was incredulous. "This defies all logic! How can two individuals at the same cultivation level be so disparate in power?"
Lei Dadi sighed heavily, affirming, "This is the stark reality."
Cha Eun Xiao, still bewildered by the enigmatic revelations, inquired further. "What precisely is this Cage Phase? How can it possibly surpass the astonishing clarity of the Tittle Phase, which grants insight into the very fabric of the world?"
Lei Dadi began to elucidate, stating, "While the Tittle Phase excels at scrutinizing objects, it is confined to the examination of physical entities. In the Cage Phase, however, the cultivator attains mastery over space itself. In the case of Wu Fa, he had only just embarked upon the initial stages of this phase, granting him the ability to transform the spatial surroundings of his adversary into an inescapable cage."
He continued, revealing the extent of this power, "Even when confronting opponents at the Dao Origin Stage, this spatial cage immobilizes them temporarily. They become ensnared, with no recourse but to await Wu Fa's impending assault. The duration of this entrapment is but a breath's time, yet it provides ample opportunity for a Dao Origin Stage cultivator, or even a Sky Origin Stage cultivator, to inflict severe harm or death upon the immobilized foe. To counter this, we maintained a vigilant watch over each other, ensuring a significant distance between us at all times. This tactic was employed to prevent us from becoming ensnared simultaneously, as it would have rendered us helpless and susceptible to Wu Fa's ruthless advances."
Cha Eun Xiao's incredulity persisted, as he remarked, "This seems utterly astounding, but it does not represent the totality of the Cage Phase's potential, correct?"
Lei Dadi affirmed his suspicion, explaining further, "Indeed, what Wu Fa demonstrated merely constitutes the rudimentary application of the Cage Phase's capabilities. In its entirety, this phase endows the cultivator with authority over spatial manipulation, enabling them to immobilize adversaries while simultaneously affording the cultivator the power to traverse the space at will. Envision a scenario where you confidently launch an attack upon Wu Fa, only for him to vanish instantly and reappear in a seemingly impossible location. From that vantage point, he could launch a counteroffensive, capitalizing on the element of surprise."
The concept of controlling and manipulating space appeared godlike in its potency, evoking Cha Eun Xiao's incredulous response. "Control space? Move space? Is this not a power typically reserved for deities?"
Feng Wuying was on the brink of revealing the details of the Tatter Phase, the third and final phase. However, Lei Dadi intervened, invoking a rule established by their forebears and explaining his reservations. "At present, it is not the opportune moment to delve into the intricacies of this matter. Our traditions dictate that any disciple must first advance beyond the eighth level of Dao Origin Stage before gaining insight into the three phases. Moreover, I hold reservations about imparting excessive knowledge at this juncture, fearing that it may potentially influence Cha Eun Xiao's mindset adversely. With the latent power he possesses from the inner core of the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish, attaining level eight of Dao Origin Stage is only a matter of time. As he advances, he will naturally encounter opportunities to deepen his understanding."
Feng Wuying, with a hint of amusement, responded, "I acknowledge your concerns, but time is not an abundant resource for us. The three months ahead of us may prove to be exceedingly challenging for Cha Eun Xiao. Prepare yourself for this arduous period. When I say challenging, I mean it will be fraught with peril. During these upcoming months, you will have scant time for respite. You will still have time to eat and answer nature's call, but little else. Washing your face will become a luxury of the past."
Yun Piaoliu's voice assumed a steely edge as he cautioned Cha Eun Xiao, "What we require of you is unwavering determination and the will to endure the impending tribulations. These next three months will be akin to a descent into the inferno—a relentless trial of your mettle."
In response to the gravity of their words, Cha Eun Xiao understood that the journey ahead was fraught with extreme challenges. The trio of venerable mentors was sparing no effort to prepare him for the grueling trials that lay ahead.