Chapter 1: A Not so normal day in the life of a geek
Rohan was a 25-year-old young man with a passion for both the intricacies of mathematics and the enchanting realms of fantasy. By day, he worked tirelessly at a game development company, utilizing his keen intellect to craft intricate mathematical models for a groundbreaking new physics engine.
His dedication to his work was unmatched, and his colleagues often marveled at his ability to solve complex equations with ease.
But outside the office, Rohan led a double life of sorts. In the evenings, he retreated to the sanctuary of his local library, seeking solace amidst rows of dusty tomes and weathered manuscripts. It was here, surrounded by the comforting scent of old paper and ink, that he felt most alive.
Rohan's love affair with books began at a young age, sparked by a chance encounter with a tattered copy of "The Lord of the Rings." From that moment, he was hooked, devouring everything from epic fantasy sagas to cutting-edge scientific theories with equal fervor. As he made his way through the library, his eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of new arrivals and forgotten classics alike.
He would lose himself for hours in the pages of his favorite novels, immersing himself in worlds of magic and adventure that felt more real than the mundane realities of everyday life. Amidst the sea of books, one sight never failed to catch Rohan's eye – the librarian. She was a vision of grace and beauty, with flowing locks and a captivating smile. Rohan found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
Every time he entered the library, his heart raced at the prospect of seeing her, and he would steal furtive glances in her direction whenever he thought she wasn't looking. He longed to strike up a conversation with her, to learn more about the woman behind the desk who held his heart in her hands. But fear held him back, and he remained rooted to the spot, unable to muster the courage to approach her.
What if she rejected him? What if she already had a boyfriend? These doubts plagued Rohan's mind, filling him with a sense of insecurity that threatened to consume him. Yet, despite his inner turmoil, Rohan couldn't shake the feeling that fate might have brought them together for a reason. As he stood there, gazing at the object of his affection from across the room, he vowed that one day, he would find the courage to make his feelings known.
On this particular evening, as Rohan perused the shelves of the library, his heart skipped a beat when he spotted the librarian, her gentle smile lighting up the room. Summoning all his courage, he made his way over to her desk, his palms sweating and his heart pounding in his chest.
"Excuse me," he said, his voice coming out as a nervous squeak. "I was wondering if you could recommend any good fantasy novels? I'm looking for something new to read."
The librarian's eyes sparkled with interest as she looked up from her book cataloging. "Of course!" she exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting. "Do you have any particular preferences? Epic quests, magical realms, or perhaps something a bit more grounded in reality?" Rohan's mind raced as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.
"Um, I guess I'm open to anything," he replied, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I just love getting lost in new worlds and experiencing grand adventures." The librarian's smile widened, and she began to rattle off a list of recommendations, her passion for literature evident in every word. As she spoke, Rohan found himself hanging on her every syllable, captivated by her enthusiasm and knowledge.
"Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be sure to check them out." As he turned to leave, a sudden burst of courage surged through Rohan, and he turned back to face the librarian once more. "Um, I was wondering if... if you'd like to grab a coffee sometime?" he blurted out, his heart racing with anticipation.
The librarian's eyes widened in surprise, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'd love to," she replied, her voice soft and genuine. "How about tomorrow evening? There's a quaint little café just down the street." A wave of relief washed over Rohan as he nodded eagerly, a broad grin spreading across his face. "Tomorrow evening it is," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
As he walked out of the library, a newfound sense of hope filled Rohan's heart. Perhaps, he thought to himself, this was the beginning of a grand adventure of his own – one that would rival even the most epic tales he had ever read. As he looked forward to his date with the enchanting librarian, he couldn't help but feel that his life was finally beginning to resemble one of his beloved fantasy novels.
Meanwhile, in a Different World...
Somewhere far away in a different world, a certain group of islands was being besieged by the Sea Kings. They were led by a powerful Naga called Gao, known for his wisdom and intellect. Gao had a gem on his forehead that shone blue, unique to Nagas, considered the king of beasts.
This particular Naga seemed already injured, indicating either recent advancement or a deadly battle with a formidable adversary. The air crackled with tension as the battle raged, the clash of steel against scale echoing across the blood-soaked battlefield.
The Sea Kings, led by Gao, launched a relentless assault on the islands. Their goal was clear – to breach the defenses of the Seven Great Islands and lay claim to the coveted sub-realm dungeon governed by all 15 clans of the islands together. But the defenders, led by the valiant warriors of the Ning Clan and countless others, stood firm.
Their determination was unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds. With each passing moment, the fate of their home hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of annihilation. Amidst the chaos, Gao, the mighty Naga, loomed like a specter of death, his azure gemstone gleaming ominously on his forehead.
This gem, a mark of his superiority, signified that he had crossed into the Nascent Soul stage, elevating him to a level of power and intellect that few could rival. But even the mighty Gao was not invincible. As the battle raged on, he found himself grievously wounded, his once-proud form marred by the scars of combat.
His scales, once impenetrable, were now rent and torn, oozing with dark ichor that stained the earth beneath him. The injuries he sustained were severe – deep gashes crisscrossed his body, each one a testament to the ferocity of the battle. His limbs hung limp and lifeless, shattered by the relentless onslaught of the defenders.
Worst of all, his once-proud gemstone, the source of his power and intellect, had been cracked and dulled, its once-bright glow fading with each passing moment. As the battle reached its climax, Gao realized that defeat was inevitable. With a roar of fury and frustration, he turned and fled.
His wounded form slithered away into the depths of the ocean, his dreams of conquest shattered by the resilience of his foes. In the aftermath of the battle, amidst the wreckage and carnage that littered the battlefield, Ning Jian, a young master of the Ning Clan, stumbled upon the fallen form of the mighty Naga.
His heart pounded with excitement and trepidation as he approached cautiously, his eyes widening in awe at the sight before him. Gao lay sprawled on the ground, his once-majestic form now reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory. His breathing was labored, his eyes glazed with pain as he struggled to lift his head.
But Ning Jian had no intention of taking Gao prisoner. Instead, his eyes were drawn to the cracked gemstone on the Naga's forehead, its faint glow still visible despite the damage it had sustained. With trembling hands, Ning Jian reached out and plucked the gemstone from Gao's brow, marveling at its weight and brilliance.
He knew instinctively that this gem was no ordinary trinket – it was a source of immense power, capable of unlocking untold secrets and unleashing unimaginable forces upon the world. With a mixture of excitement and fear, Ning Jian tucked the gemstone into his pocket and made his way back to his clan's encampment.
His mind raced with possibilities. Little did he know that fate had other plans in store for him and the gemstone he now possessed. When he presented the gemstone to his wife, a healer named Lian, she reached out to touch it. Her fingers brushed against its smooth surface.
In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through her body, filling her with a newfound sense of vitality and strength. The gemstone, imbued with the mystical Qi of the fallen Naga, started to merge with Ning Lian's spirit and did something to her body. A few months later, she gave birth to a daughter named Ning Rong.
She also gave a piece of the gem to her best friend Lu Jia, who soon gave birth to a boy. Tragically, Lu Jia and her husband died soon after. The boy showed signs of vitality, and it was believed the gem had something to do with it.
They both were commoners but were like family to Ning Lian. She never showed it, but she blamed herself for their demise. With their deaths, the clan also lost two Qi manifestation cultivators. However, the child born showed talent for cultivation, although time would reveal how high when he turned five years old.
The gem was extremely potent. It was almost impossible for a cultivator couple to birth a child this early, and both of them did because of a mere broken gem. Both children had cultivation potential. Most cultivators couldn't even give birth before they died, which was why clans usually fell instead of getting wiped out by someone.
Cultivators often used pills to ease childbirth. The gem's influence was profound, and its power undeniable. Ning Lian could see the potential for both children to become great cultivators, but the cost was high. The gem had taken lives to bestow life, a paradox that haunted her thoughts.
So she decided to do what a sister should do.
Chapter 2: Truck-kun Has No Mercy
I was heading home from the library, where I had spent hours immersed in my favorite cultivation novels and some encyclopedias I liked to read in my free time.
It was already dark outside, and the dim light from the street lamps barely lit the road. As I was crossing the street, I suddenly heard a screeching sound from the side. Then, there was an impact, and everything went black. I felt as if I had been enveloped in a comfortable, dark void.
"It seems like I'm dead and ironically got killed by truck-kun. After reading so many transmigration novels and laughing at protagonists for such a lame death, I met the same end," I sighed.
"The only regret I have is missing my first date ever, but I have to say, this afterlife is rather comfortable.
I was a programmer and a developer.
It wasn't a bad life, nor was it exciting, but it was definitely lonely, and the only thing that ever kept me company were my books. Those were the moments I truly cherished."
As I mused about my life, I suddenly felt a push, and then something grabbed me. Panic surged through me. "Wait, what? How can I feel panic and how can I feel something touch me? How can I hear these buzzing sounds, and why is everything so blurry? Wait, wait, wait—have I actually transmigrated into a baby?"
My thoughts raced as I grappled with the realization that I might have transmigrated into the body of a baby. Panic surged through me as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. The sensations of touch, sound, and sight overwhelmed me with their sheer intensity.
Struggling to focus through the haze of confusion, I attempted to move my limbs, only to find them unresponsive. Panic threatened to consume me as I frantically searched for some semblance of control over my new body. Gradually, as my senses adjusted to the unfamiliar sensations, I began to piece together my situation.
I could feel the gentle sway of being cradled, the warmth of another body pressed against my own. The buzzing sounds around me resolved into soft murmurs and coos, and the blurry shapes coalesced into the comforting contours of a familiar face.
Realization dawned upon me like a bolt of lightning. I was in the arms of a woman, maybe my mother.
As I nestled into the warmth of the woman's embrace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this unexpected second chance at life.
Though the path ahead was uncertain, I resolved to embrace my new existence with courage and determination.
After all, if my countless hours spent immersed in cultivation novels had taught me anything, it was that every new beginning held the potential for adventure and discovery.
I closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
When I eventually stirred from my slumber, I found myself in a cozy nursery bathed in soft, golden light filtering through the curtains.
Blinking my eyes open, I took in my surroundings with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
The gentle rocking motion of my cradle soothed me, and I turned my head to catch sight of my mother, who had been watching over me. It was a kindly face, lined with beauty and warmth, gazing down at me with affection.
"Ah, you're awake," the woman murmured, a smile gracing her lips. "How are you feeling, little one?" I tried to respond, but all that came out was a series of gurgles and coos.
Frustration welled up inside me as I struggled to articulate my thoughts. This new body felt clumsy and unfamiliar, its limitations a constant reminder of my predicament.
The woman chuckled softly, reaching down to gently stroke my cheek. "Don't worry, little one. It takes time. But you'll learn, I promise." Though I couldn't understand the words, I found solace in the soothing tone of the caretaker's voice.
With a determined resolve, I vowed to adapt to my circumstances and make the most of this second chance at life.
As days turned into weeks, I embarked on a journey of discovery, gradually mastering the art of communication and mobility.
I realized that the woman was my mother's best friend and that my real mother in this world had died. I couldn't help but feel remorse for some reason, and I kept thinking about my life and parents in my real world.
Yes, real, because for me this felt like a lie.
I also learned that my father had passed away after learning about my mother's death.
I can never understand such people—how can anyone love another person so much, well, aside from their own parents. I was adopted in a way, but not really, as this woman, Ning Lian, treated me like a son. But other servants considered me what my mother was to Ning Lian, a servant.
I was considered a servant to Ning Lian's daughter and the little she-devil Ning Rong.
I was left speechless when one day Ning Lian suddenly lifted off—yeah, like started hovering in mid-air—and left through the window in a hurry. As I watched her levitate effortlessly, bathed in a radiant aura of swirling energy, it hit me that coupled with the Chinese-themed world around me, I had truly hit a jackpot.
Or maybe I was doomed.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning—I had indeed been born into one of those cultivation worlds I had often read about in my favorite novels. As Ning Lian disappeared through the window, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.
On one hand, the prospect of living in a world filled with martial arts, mystical powers, and ancient wisdom filled me with exhilaration.
But on the other hand, I knew all too well the dangers that lurked within such realms—treacherous adversaries, deadly beasts, and unforgiving trials that tested one's strength and resolve to the limit.
With a determined set to my jaw, I knew that I had to tread carefully in this new world. Drawing upon the knowledge gleaned from my countless hours spent immersed in cultivation novels, I resolved to hone my skills, cultivate my qi, and navigate the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined this world.
I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. For amidst the grandeur and splendor of this fantastical realm, I knew that I would face challenges unlike any I had ever encountered before.
I was hoping that considering the fact that even my caretaker was able to fly, and knowing that in cultivation novels those who can fly are usually powerful cultivators in their own right, and the fact that our manor was big from what I had observed meant that I had been born into a relatively well-off cultivation clan.
So there was a good chance I was born with good talent, as usually in this type of world, your talent matters a lot. I felt extremely eager to start cultivating and wanted to experience how it felt to fly. But the only thing I had learned was that my name in this new world was Ning Feng.
A few months passed by, and I was starting to understand what these people were trying to say, and my intelligence had already shocked the entire clan as I was able to respond to their actions very precisely.
As months drifted by, my comprehension of the language and customs of the clan grew by leaps and bounds. My innate intelligence and keen observation skills quickly earned me a reputation as a prodigy within the clan, with whispers of my remarkable abilities spreading.
At the tender age of one year, I was already able to understand writing and speak the language somewhat, but I never did that in front of others, and I was able to walk properly—as properly as can be for the body of a one-year-old.
I wanted to read the cultivation books; that was the main reason for me to put so much effort into learning the language.
At first, everyone found it weird that a one-year-old was trying to learn how to read, but the excuse of my intelligence made it possible to navigate around that problem.
I wanted to know more about this world, and the best way to do that without arousing too much suspicion was to go back to my favorite habit of reading books.
All that walking around had helped me map out the whole manor of the Ning clan.
So today, I was going to sneak into the library to read some books, or at least that was supposed to be the first step in my grand plan to become an immortal cultivator.
heheh
But a sudden yell collapsed it like a house of cards as my mother appeared behind me like a ghost with an emotionless face, and it sent shivers down my spine.
"Feng'er, what are you doing here? I have been searching for you throughout the compound." I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding in my chest as I turned to face my mother, or rather the woman who had adopted me after my real mother died on that fateful night.
Her piercing gaze cut through me like a blade. For a fleeting moment, I considered fabricating a lie to cover my tracks, but the steely resolve in her eyes told me that she would see right through any deception.
"I... I was just..." I stammered, my mind racing for an excuse, but my words faltered in the face of my mother's unwavering scrutiny. But before I could utter another word, her expression softened, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes as she approached me with measured steps.
"Feng'er, you know you're not supposed to be here without supervision," she chided gently, her voice tinged with a mixture of admonishment and affection. "The library is off-limits to novices like you. It's too dangerous."
I swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt wash over me at her words. I knew the rules, of course—the library was strictly forbidden to those who had not yet attained a certain level of cultivation, for fear of exposing them to powerful and potentially harmful knowledge.
"I'm sorry, Mother," I murmured, bowing my head in shame. "I just... I wanted to learn more about cultivation, to become stronger, and..." My voice trailed off as I struggled to articulate the burning desire that had driven me to defy the rules of the clan. But her gentle hand on my shoulder urged me to look up, meeting her gaze with newfound determination.
"I understand, Feng'er," she said softly, her tone tinged with understanding. "But you must trust in the guidance of your elders. They will teach you everything you need to know in due time. Patience is the key to mastering the art of cultivation."
As we were walking back to my room, I said, "Mother, I just want to read about some general knowledge about the world, and I will not mess around with knowledge from the books." She sighed and said, "Alright, but you can only read them when I am around." And suddenly, she took out a book from her sleeves, which read 'Basics of Cultivation'. I pouted and said, "So you were going to teach me anyway."
She laughed and said, "You have been bugging me for a long time, and how can I let Feng'er be disappointed in his mother?"
Chapter 3 : Geek learns Basics Of Cultivation
Lost in the depths of my thoughts, I couldn't help but marvel at the bizarre turn my life had taken. Here I was, a normal person from another world, thrust into a realm of mystical energies and ancient traditions.
It was like being in one of those cheesy cultivation novels I used to read back home, except this time, it is real and it happened to me , I wonder whether there really are people chosen by the heavens like the protagonist or what I like to call MC.
I was wondering about how the first cultivator discovered cultivation, and whether the people were able to preserve that knowledge.
From what I have heard, when others were teaching the children of the clan, this world has a history of 300,000 years and there has been ups and downs in history.
Where one era was greater than one preceding it, and there were also times where the era succeeding the previous one was worse in terms of knowledge and techniques.
If I have to guess, considering cultivation novel cliches, it must have been due to hoarding of knowledge by the strongest cultivators and their deaths causing that knowledge to be lost due to some war between them or maybe something else.
As we entered in my room, an annoying little devil was waiting for us in the room.
My adoptive mother opened a worn leather-bound book, its pages yellowed with age.
With a gentle smile, she began, " I usually wouldn't tell all this to some one your age, but I know you already understand a lot more than what someone your age normally would." She gave me a knowing look ,
She probably thinks it has something to do with that gem from that naga, just like her daughter, the annoying devil beside me, who is way too intelligent for some who is only about 4 years old.
...…
My adoptive mother tried to make it easy for both of us to understand by giving examples and telling stories of great cultivators.
She was pretty good at this whole thing.
I tried to simplify what she was trying to convey .
As I understood, I summarized the whole thing in my mind:
So anyone who wanted to start cultivating must have a soul sense first but not every one in this world possessed one .
I was lucky to have been born into a cultivation clan and just like I had thought there were people with high and low talents but to my surprise, although talent matters a lot, there were still a few exceptions .
There were those, who were able to rise despite the lack of talent, but they lived long ago so the knowledge of how they did it was not known.
There were rumours of those people finding extremely rare treasure in the void forest in sub realm dungeon which helped them ascend and even improved their talents but talent wasn't everything.
Comprehension in my opinion played just as much of a role, if not bigger and like how soul sense awoke at the age of two , talents usually awoke at the age of five.
......
"There are people who can literally flip mountains, fly in the sky and beyond and even travel from one continent to another within a matter of a few hours." Ning Lian said with a playful smile trying to make both of us more interested in this , well mainly the little devil.
" Mother what should I do if I want to fly?" The little devil princess asked with eyes blazing.
"You will have to take one step at a time, cultivation is a slow burning process. " She explained further.
I gain summarized what she told us about cultivation process
so cultivation levels are divided based on complexity of spiritual roots.
they are divided mainly into 7 grades :
Body tempering - those who create Red Dao seal
Qi manifestation– those who create- Orange Dao seal
Foundation establishment– those who create yellow Dao seal
Core Formation– those who create – green Dao seal
Nascent soul– those who create -blue Dao seal
Then there are two more levels above it which I don't know the name of-
those who create - indigo seal
those who create -violet seal
Cultivation within the realms was divided based on two things the amount of Qi they have accumulated and good enough comprehension of that level.
Which are –
Low
Mid
High
Peak
When someone reaches the required threshold of comprehension for the next minor realm, their qi automatically starts evolving into a higher form and takes the form of a new dao seal for the major realm or grows denser for minor realm .
....
I continued listening to Ning Lian as she told us about various legends of which one caught my attention, " The jade immortal is the most powerful cultivator in the history of our islands ."
"Mother , why are some people weak and others strong." The little devil asked a crazy profound question with a naively nonchalant face.
Ning laughed, "You can attribute it to many things but you probably wouldn't understand most of them right now, in future you will get to know about it without anyone telling you," She had a face which suggested she was reminiscing about her past, "But the most important thing is your talent."
She skimmed over this subject and didn't reveal too many things to her 2 and 4 year old kids.
One thing I noticed was the fact, that people relied more on their special physique, which is basically another word for talent, to climb the major and minor realms rather than their comprehension most of the time, and the main reason I would attribute it to would be, the martial culture here .
As everyone thinks, without battles one can't progress in cultivation, but I doubt comprehending realms can'y be done by breaking down the process of cultivation and understanding essence of qi, which I plan to do as I want to avoid battles for as long as I can.
People can usually start cultivating once they are 8 years old.
Soul sense grows along with qi in a proportional measure, and the chasm between realms keeps on growing bigger and bigger as we advance further down this path.
It becomes harder to comprehend the qi without enough talent but that doesn't mean its impossible.
Then there are concepts for examples element like fire , water, wind , shadow , blood , light, space , etc or something elusive like healing, soul, etc or something abstract like life , death , yin-yang, emotions, time, etc.
Which can be comprehended or given by a special physique or can be gained by luck , these concepts can enhance the techniques and give cultivators total control over the element they have comprehended.
The most important part of concepts is -> to advance to core formation and nascent soulyou must master a concept, along with comprehending the next major realm and accumulating enough qi.
If someone comprehended next major realm , then he then must attune his dao seal to a concept or else the cultivator wouln't be able to advance. .
Once you add a concept to the seal it changes from just a concept to a dao giving you completely new level of control over that element.
There are higher and lower concepts based on their ranks , there maybe something that comes after the dao too too but I haven't read about it yet.
This was what I understood till now, Ning Lian continued to tell other interesting things but the little devil was stuck on becoming able to fly and shatter mountains with her tiny fists.
"Mother what about after nascent soul realm?" my sister asked.
" There is no need for you to worry about that for now little one, people above that are legendary figures." Ning Lian said with a chuckle.
"Everyone has same number of spiritual roots, so, you can also reach the heights jade immortal reached, be a little patient." Ning Lian mentioned something interesting.
Hmm... although everyone who has soul sense possess roughly the same number of spiritual roots, what sets them apart is if someone possess a special physique .
"That's interesting". I thought while coming up with various theories.
"I have been speaking for so long do you even understand half of what I said little Ning ." Ning Feng just dutifully bobbed his head looking very innocent .
" The biggest benefit of comprehending realm is, if you can comprehend the minor realm next to the one you are in, before accumulating enough Qi to advance to next minor realm of Body tempering realm, your cultivating speed will not be any lower than those with spirit or special physique depending on your cultivation technique .
Basically comprehension of cultivation realms can compensate for talent, which is great news for me.
One benefit I posses over everyone else in this world was my systematic education which , no doubt will give an huge advantage coupled with the fact that I have mental capacity of adults in this age .
I can spend most of my time trying to understand cultivation realms while others will be dreaming of battling the heavens.
His sister asked "How strong are the people at violet grade." Sometimes she wasn't just a little devil born to torment him after all, Ning Feng nodded to himself.
"Violet grade?" Ning Lian started laughing and said wistfully, "It's only seen once in a 10 millennia and that might even cause a great battle between sects.
Experts would try to prevent that from happening." I pondered about what she just said.
She had an amused expression as she added, " Although talent is a crucial factor in determining your fate as a cultivator its not everything.
Some with low talent might form a third dao seal although cases like these are as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns .
Reaching core formation is something most people can never achieve, and even those with good talent get stuck at foundation establishment , and people with this much strength are already eligible to enter great clans as elders on the Seven great islands."
The little devil acted as if in deep thought..
As mother mentioned more stuff as off handed remarks, I realized a few things.
Unlike what I had thought before, our clan was only an above-average clan in this part of the world, called the seven great islands, separated by sea from the great dao continent, one of the two main continents.
Although they were called the seven great islands, they paled compared to the great dao Continent in terms of land and population.
"Mother, if cultivators can live for so long, why does the clan only have around 100 members, and why does Father have only one sister?" my sister asked again, showing she might be a little too intelligent for her age.
"That's because as a cultivator gets more powerful, it gets harder to give birth to children. But the children born from these cultivators are usually endowed with high talent and sometimes even powerful physiques.
However, there is always a chance that those born have low talent ." Ning Lian stood up as she said the last line.
"Alright that's enough for today, you two come with me, I have prepared a special medicinal bath for both of you." She grinned like a devil just like her daughter.
.....
As the months passed and my soul sense awakening ceremony loomed, I felt a little excitement . Would I be among the lucky few blessed with high talent and a powerful physique?
Or perhaps I would be an average guy. That sounded fine to me as well. I didn't care much about glory and stuff.
Everyone in the clan would gather to congratulate the family of the child who awakened, as most cultivators came from commoner backgrounds.
Talent was a rare occurrence that could happen to anyone, though some had a slightly higher chance than others, especially those within the clan.
Outsiders could become elders if they reached Foundation Establishment, though they couldn't become clan leaders.
This was how most clans operated in this world. If an outsider wanted to become a clan leader, they had to marry into the clan.
Polygamy was also a common in this world, just like in any other respectable cultivation world.
Chapter 4: The Soul Ceremony and Ning Rong's Awakening
As the days passed, the time had come for my soul ceremony, which coincided with my second birthday. The clan members gathered, not necessarily for me but because the ceremony included other children. Despite being adopted in name, many clan members regarded me as a servant to Ning Rong, just as my mother had served Ning Lian. They allowed me to participate only because of my intelligence, which suggested I might have high talent or even a rare physique. Typically, those not of the clan bloodline wouldn't receive such a grand ceremony, but this year was an exception, as two other children would also undergo their soul ceremonies—a rare event usually occurring once every two or three years for a single child.
As I stepped into the grand hall, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The air was thick with anticipation, the buzz of conversation filling the room as clan members from far and wide gathered to witness the rare and prestigious soul ceremony.
The hall itself was a sight to behold, adorned with elaborate tapestries and shimmering banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze. Tables groaned under the weight of lavish feasts, while colorful lanterns cast a warm glow over the proceedings.
But amidst the splendor of the decorations, my eyes were drawn to two figures standing at the center of the room—Ning Sia and Ning Dong, the other children chosen to undergo the soul ceremony alongside me. They stood side by side, their faces flushed with excitement as they awaited their turn to step into the spotlight. Meanwhile, I, with my average face and striking red eyes, couldn't help but feel like the odd one out.
As I made my way through the crowd, I caught sight of Ning Rong, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders. She flashed me a mischievous grin, her pink eyes twinkling with amusement.
"So, little one," she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "ready to take your place as the clan's resident servant?"
I rolled my eyes, shooting back with a grin of my own. Despite the well-known fact that I was taken in because my parents, who had served Ning Lian, died, it still felt awkward whenever this little imp reminded me. "Please, Ning Rong, we both know I'm only here because they mistook me for someone with actual talent."
Ning Rong let out a peal of laughter, her melodic voice echoing across the hall. "Ah, but don't worry," she said, her tone teasing, "I'll put in a good word for you with Mother. Maybe she'll let you scrub the floors instead of fetching tea for once." Her remark made me cringe slightly; Ning Lian was a cultivator at the Foundation Building stage, and there was no way she hadn't heard that.
This little devil was in for it now. Sigh.
Before I could come up with a witty retort, Ning Rong's expression softened, her pink eyes clouding with guilt as she realized her mistake right after. "Hey, listen," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I'm sorry about what I said earlier. You know I didn't mean it, right?"
I nodded, understanding the truth behind her words.
Before I could respond, however, our mother Ning Lian's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Ning Rong, how dare you speak to your brother like that?" she scolded, her eyes flashing with anger.
Ning Rong recoiled. "I-I'm sorry, Mother," she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't mean to—".
After all she was only a child who was only 4 years old.
As Ning Rong stood there, frozen she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt wash over her. What had she done? How could she have spoken so carelessly to me, especially on a day as important as my soul ceremony?
The weight of her words hung heavy on her conscience .
"I'm sorry, Ning Feng," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean any of it."
But even as the words left her lips, she knew they offered little comfort. Her apology was inadequate in the face of the words she had spoken. How could she make amends for her thoughtless actions?
As she struggled to come to terms with her guilt, Ning Dong's voice cut through the air, his words laced with sarcasm. "You didn't say anything wrong, Ning Rong," he said.
Instead of easing her conscience, his words only stoked the flames of her anger. How could he say something like that? It was unforgivable. How dare he? The guilt churned within her, threatening to consume her from the inside out.
But before she could finish her thoughts, a strange sensation washed over her—a tingling warmth that spread from the tips of her fingers to the depths of her soul. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she felt a strange pressure building behind them, threatening to consume her from within.
Then, in a flash of light, her eyes changed—deep pink orbs with slitted pupils, reminiscent of a serpent's gaze. The room fell silent as everyone turned to stare, their expressions a mix of shock and awe.
I could only watch in astonishment as my sister's transformation unfolded before my eyes, her once-familiar features now distorted by the strange power that coursed through her veins.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a sudden surge of pain ripped through her mind, tearing at her thoughts with merciless force. She cried out in agony, clutching at her head as waves of darkness threatened to engulf her.
But amidst the chaos, she felt something else—a strange pressure building behind her right eye, growing more intense with each passing moment. As she reached up to touch it, her fingers came away slick with blood, staining her skin with crimson hue.
The room spun around her as she stumbled backward, her vision swimming with tears and confusion. "What is happening to me? And why is Ning Dong lying unconscious on the ground before me?" she thought, bewildered.
...
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. What happened before my eyes was truly bizarre. Ning Dong suddenly collapsed after Ning Rong glared at him when he mocked me. From the few books I had read, I deduced it might be a soul attack. It's usually very hard to learn without a special physique, and the way her eyes changed suggested she had a powerful soul physique.
Her eyes led me to suspect that the reason she had this physique had something to do with a strange crystal or gem Ning Jian had taken from the Naga. I doubted they even realized I knew their little secret. She must have a powerful physique as it awakened before the age of five. Only someone with a powerful physique can utilize Qi to damage others before they even start cultivating; even those with regular physiques can't perform such a feat.
I had been reading many books that Ning Rong had been secretly bringing me from the library. I focused more on how Qi worked and how it interacted with the world, along with topics like formations, runes, and alchemy. But most of my time was spent understanding how spiritual roots and Qi meridians worked inside a human body, how Qi helped form meridians, and how they formed Dao seals.
Surprisingly, this clan had pitiful knowledge about how Qi interacted with the human body compared to other subjects. To sense my own body, I needed soul sense, which I was supposed to awaken today. All I needed to do was sit and meditate, focus on my soul sea, and it would automatically activate—or at least, that's what they said.
What shocked me was that after the incident, only Ning Rong's right eye was bleeding, and the glow had faded away from it but not from her left eye. This suggested she might possess another ability. This theory wasn't based on any solid knowledge but mostly on my understanding of clichés. It was a scary thought, and I realized I needed to talk with her before this was revealed.
Chapter 5 : Doing Nerdy Things and stat sheet
As Ning Rong's tearful apology echoed in the air, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her. Despite her mischievous nature, she was still just a child, grappling with emotions far beyond her years.
And as I watched her sobbing before me, I knew that her remorse was genuine, her heart heavy with regret.
"It's okay, Ning Rong," I said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me." she was just a 4 year old kid after all.
Her sobs began to subside, replaced by a shaky smile as she looked up at me through watery eyes. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, returning her smile with one of my own. "Of course," I replied. "Besides, it takes a lot more than a few thoughtless words to get under my skin."
Ning Rong's smile widened, and for a moment, it seemed as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. But then, without warning, her smile faltered, her eyes rolling back in her head as she collapsed to the ground in a heap.
Panic surged through me as I watched her fall, my heart pounding in my chest as I knelt beside her limp form. "Ning Rong!" I cried, shaking her gently in a futile attempt to rouse her.
But she remained unresponsive, her breathing shallow and labored as she lay motionless on the ground. Desperate for help, I looked up to see our 'mother' Ning Lian hurrying towards us, her expression a mix of concern and fear.
"What happened?" she demanded, dropping to her knees beside us and taking Ning Rong's pulse. But before I could respond, Ning Rong stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she groaned softly.
"I-I'm okay, Mother," she murmured weakly, struggling to sit up. "I just... I just felt dizzy, that's all."
But our mother wasn't convinced, her brow furrowing with worry as she examined Ning Rong's pale face. "We need to get her to the healer 's quaters I will examine her there " she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. She brought me along with her.
With a gentle hand, she helped Ning Rong to her feet, supporting her as she led us out of the grand hall and towards the healer's chambers. Along the way, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at my gut, a nagging suspicion that there was more to Ning Rong's fainting spell than met the eye.
As we reached the chamber Ning Lian told me wait for a while in the hall and laid Rong on bed and started to examine her body and after 15 min she came outside in hall of the healing chamber along with Rong who looked a bit tired.
But before I could ask something elders came and I shut my mouth .
"Alright it looks like you would be going through your soul ceremony with me and Rong Rong" Ning Lian said trying to lift the mood .
"I think I overreacted , I didn't mean to hurt anyone." Ning Rong said her gaze downcast.
I think the elders were eyeing my sister with various emotions and that's the reason Ning Lian brought both of us here , This Ning Clan has 5 elders two of which are Ning Rong's parents , Ning Jian , he is father of Rong whom I have never met for some reason .
While other three are Ning Jian's siter and her husband and the last one is another female cultivator from Ning Lian's generation and they both were rivals but it seems something is going on between them as both of them are always at each others throat and it probably have something to do with Ning Jian. Whatever these affairs outside of marriage business is none of my business .
" Ning feng come here and drink this potion and open your soul sea. Carefully sense your spiritual roots , it will help you in the future . " Ning Lian ordered with a stern Voice
" Coming, mother ." I took the soul potion and sat down , carefully Uncorking it , I drank it one gulp.
As the potion slid down my throat, a tingling sensation spread through my body, like a warm embrace wrapping around me. It was a curious feeling, one that I couldn't quite put into words, but it left me feeling strangely invigorated, as if a dormant energy within me had suddenly been awakened.
Closing my eyes, I focused on the sensation, allowing it to wash over me like a gentle tide. And then, as if by magic, I felt a shift within me, a subtle stirring deep within my soul.
At first, it was barely perceptible, like a whisper in the wind, but as I concentrated, the sensation grew stronger, until it felt as though my entire being was resonating with a newfound power.
Opening my eyes, I glanced down at my hands, half-expecting to see them glowing with some otherworldly light. But to my surprise, they looked just the same as they always had – ordinary, unremarkable, and utterly human.
And yet, I knew that something had changed within me, something fundamental and profound. It was as if a door had been opened, revealing a vast expanse of untapped potential that lay dormant within my soul.
With a sense of wonderment, I turned my attention inward, focusing on the depths of my being where my spiritual roots lay dormant. And there, to my amazement, I sensed them – not just one or two, but dozens upon dozens of spiritual roots, each pulsating with a vibrant energy that seemed to resonate with the very essence of my being.
I counted them one by one, marveling at the sheer number of them. One hundred in total – an ordinary feat, considering that the average cultivator possessed a similar number.
But even as I marveled at my newfound abilities, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. What did it all mean? And how was I supposed to make sense of this newfound power?
As if in response to my thoughts, I felt a strange sensation wash over me, like a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of a tree. It was my soul sea, I realized – the reservoir of spiritual energy that lay at the core of my being.
Closing my eyes once more, I focused on the sensation, allowing it to guide me as I explored the depths of my soul. And there, in the heart of my being, I found it – a swirling vortex of energy, pulsating with a radiant light that seemed to dance and shimmer with every passing moment.
With a sense of awe, I reached out to touch it, allowing my consciousness to merge with the swirling mass of energy. And in that moment, I felt a connection – not just to myself, but to everything around me.
It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a world of possibilities that stretched out before me. I could sense the energy of the room, the very essence of the walls and floor that surrounded me. And beyond that, I could feel the presence of others – my mother, the elders, and even Ning Rong, whose energy signature pulsed with a familiar warmth that I couldn't quite explain.
And then, as if on cue, I felt a gentle tug at the edges of my consciousness, pulling me back to reality. Opening my eyes, I found myself staring into the concerned gaze of my mother, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and apprehension.
"You did well, Ning Feng," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "Your soul sea is open now, and with it, you have unlocked the ability to cultivate and how many spiritual roots do you have ?."
"Hundred " I said and they looked surprised. "What ?" I asked " normal kids don't listen and don't even try to sense their roots while you actually took time to count them ." Xi Luo said .
Oh so that's what they were surprised about and here I thought I was some genius or something .
"Go back to your room and rest . I will come with Rong rong." I bobbed my head like a dutiful little duckling and ran away to my room .
I closed the door and laid down while closing my eyes and started sensing my Body again with soul sense I could various thread like patterns flickering like candle light about go out and according to what I have read so far these roots would combine to form various patterns which will eventuallyform a dao seal.
I think maths is not very developed in this world either nor do they teach critical thinking skills to children or any sort of other formal education , the only ones who get any kind of knowledge are scions of the clan like Rong and that's the case for a clan which actually have a Core formationexpert guarding it.
with relatively so few people having the ability to cultivate , it is definitely going to hinder progress and these people who are old stay in power for longer .
I think the way the way runes have been described as well as when someone advances from Qi manifestation to foundation establishment and body tempering to Qi manifestation their soul sea expands hints at the fact advancement might have something to do with manipulating qi to resonate with soul sea or vice versa.
While spiritual roots form patterns which help in that resonance and that's the reason everyone has a unique Dao signature as they have to comprehend the Qi in ways that suits their body so its unique for everyone
Runes are often depicted as intricate symbols imbued with profound meaning, and their use in cultivation implies a link between external symbols and internal energies.
It is possible that by understanding and harnessing the power of these symbols, cultivators can channel and manipulate qi in a way that resonates with their soul sea.
The unique Dao signature formed by spiritual roots further reinforce this idea of resonance and alignment. Each cultivator possesses a distinct Dao signature that reflects their individual nature, strengths, and weaknesses.
By comprehending and mastering the next cultivation realm earlier than the Qi has finished accumulating for their current realm , cultivators can unlock their full potential and achieve greater resonance with their soul sea, thus accelerating their cultivation progress.
Although this is only a rudimentary theory I think I might be able to accelerate my cultivation speed with the help of runes although I haven't any such records but I doubt cultivators would share such secrets anyway.
I have always been fascinated by litrpg in my previous life and unfortunately this world doesn't have any system plus I think numbers help in motivating me to move further –
Name – Ning Feng
Stage – N.A.
Soul sense- 10 m
Strength – 0.1
Stamina – 0.1
Defence-0.1
Reflexes -0. 1
Essence Qi-1
Unique abilities-
Runes (entry level)
Concepts-
N.A.
Techniques-
N.A.
I just took every stat that I currently possess as 0.1 for reference I took the strength I had before I transmigrated , I would have to test how an average human here compares to me later , I think Rong have her task cut out for tomorrow , I should tell her to come to the beach tomorrow morning.
Chapter 6 : Beach Day with books
As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, Ning Feng stood on the sandy shores of the beach, his eyes wide with wonder at the sight before him. Strange, beautiful plants of various colors dotted the landscape, their vibrant hues standing out against the golden sand and azure waves.
Some of the plants seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, casting a soft, ethereal light that illuminated the surrounding area. Others twisted and curled in bizarre shapes, their tendrils reaching out towards the sky as if yearning for the warmth of the sun.
Ning Feng marveled at the diversity of plant life before him, each species more fantastical than the last. There were plants with petals that glowed like embers, casting flickering shadows on the ground below. Others sported intricate patterns of swirling colors, their leaves rustling softly in the morning breeze.
As he walked along the shoreline, his footsteps leaving imprints in the wet sand, Ning Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of the beach. It was a place unlike any he had ever seen, a world of magic and wonder that seemed to exist outside of time.
Lost in his admiration, Ning Feng didn't notice the approach of a small figure until she was almost upon him. Turning around, he saw a 4-year-old girl with silver hair and pink eyes making her way towards him, her footsteps light and graceful in the sand.
"Did you bring what I asked for?" I asked with a smile .
"Of course I did ." She pulled out a book which read 'Runes'
The reason I told her to bring this book and the reason for my interest in the runes was the fact the runes in this world shared too many similarities with programming in my previous life. Both involved the manipulation of patterns and sequences to achieve desired effects, whether in the digital realm or the realm of Qi.
The book 'Runes' appeared as if it were plucked from the depths of a forgotten realm, its cover adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer and shift with an otherworldly light. The material felt ancient beneath her fingertips, the texture smooth yet strangely cool to the touch, as if it held secrets untold within its pages.
The letters of the title were etched in a script that was both familiar and alien, their curves and angles forming patterns that danced before his eyes. Each page was filled with intricate diagrams and symbols, their meanings shrouded in mystery yet somehow familiar to his soul.
As he flipped through the pages, he felt a sense of awe wash over him, as if he were tapping into a source of power that transcended mortal understanding. It was a feeling both exhilarating and humbling, as if he were standing on the threshold of a vast and uncharted realm.
It was his favourite book along with formations although he haven't delved deep in that aspect yet as he was studying runes , alchemy and even healing but his main focus was runes for now.
"Hey Feng how do you even understand all that gibberish , no matter how hard I try It all just goes over my head and even in our clan only the clan leader and mother know something regarding runes or any other knowledge everyone else just know how to smash things ."
She is talking to me by using Fist name , I think calling her Rong all the time due to my habits from my previous world might have influenced her without me knowing it and now she calls me Feng like its not something weird but fortunately she doesn't do that with others or I will be in trouble .
"That is something I don't understand how can they ignore knowledge which can help them accomplish so many things ".
With a disdainful expression evident on her face, she uttered, "They're simply incapable of comprehending. It's been said that Elder Xi Luo ventured into the realm of healing, yet she couldn't even grasp the basics of healing qi, let alone the intricate concept of healing that our mother commands. She entertained the laughable notion of competing with our mother, who stands as one of only two third-grade healers across the Seven Great Islands, the other being the esteemed clan leader of the Lin clan."
Our Ning clan, the eldest among the fifteen clans of the Seven Great Islands, boasts the deepest foundations after tens of thousands of years of unrivalled dominance. The power across the islands has been consolidated within these fifteen clans.
As for fourth-grade abilities, only two individuals have ascended to such heights throughout the entire expanse of the Seven Great Islands.
Among the 15 clans there are only 4 clans with core formation cultivators and 5 core formation cultivators in total , as one of them is a independent cultivator who hasn't established a clan or remarried after his first wife died or so the rumours among servants suggest.
" why do you keep on reading about runes and why not focus on healing mother can really help you on that". She asked. " why do you ask such profound questions , you are only 4 years and few months old , you are very weird ." she looked at me with a shocked pikachu face as if I have blasphemed or something .
"Bonk"
"Ouch, why did you hit me?" I exclaimed, rubbing my sore arm where her tiny fist had made contact.
The little girl, with silver hair cascading down her shoulders, shot me a glare that could freeze fire. "Weirdest pipsqueak in the world has the gall to call me weird. Are you looking for a beating?" she retorted, her voice laced with indignation.
"Oh," I muttered, taken aback by her ferocity. But as she continued to glower at me, it dawned on me that I had become too accustomed to this body, forgetting that I was only two years old and a couple of months. Plus, why was this little girl so violent? I silently hoped she wouldn't turn into a yandere in the future as she is already a Tsundere for sure , she just cant take a compliment.
As she stood there, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, I realized I had to diffuse the tension. "Um, I didn't mean it like that," I said awkwardly, trying to backtrack. "Actually, your silver hair is really pretty. It's unique, just like you."
To my surprise, her face turned an even deeper shade of red, and before I could react, her tiny hand connected with my arm once again. "Sh-shut up!" she stuttered, avoiding my gaze as she hit me in embarrassment.
I winced at the blow, feeling a mixture of pain and frustration. Why did I always manage to say the wrong thing? And why did she have to resort to violence?
As she turned away, still blushing, I cursed my luck silently. Being stuck in the body of a two-year-old was bad enough, but having to deal with a feisty little girl like her made it even worse. And if she turned out to be a yandere in the future, well, I didn't even want to think about it.
Sighing inwardly, I resigned myself to my fate, knowing that I would have to tread carefully around her from now on. After all, the last thing I needed was to get on the bad side of someone who clearly had no qualms about hitting me.
I resolved to be more careful with my words in the future, lest I incur her wrath once again.
After all, the last thing I needed was to make an enemy out of someone who seemed perfectly capable of holding her own, even at such a young age.
Plus I don't want to get knocked out like Ning Dong and then, don't wake up for a whole day, that really scared everyone in the clan but obviously they wouldn't do anything to clan's little princess after all both her parents are Foundation establishment cultivators and her grandfather is a core formation cultivator and a fourth grade alchemist I doubt anyone would dare mess with her on the entire Seven great islands aside from that eccentric independent cultivator .
"Hey Feng why are you daydreaming again?" she seemed annoyed.
"Nothing just feeling truly fortunate to have someone like you as my friend" I replied cheekily.
"Huh! That's a given. Where would you find a friend as loyal as me?" she responded proudly.
"Yeah, a friend so loyal who would even steal from her own home for him," I said with a dramatic nod.
She paused, seemingly unsure of whether my remark was a compliment or sarcasm. Well, it was both, but I doubted a child could comprehend that.
"I...uh, thanks," she finally said, her confusion palpable.
I couldn't help but laugh internally at her childlike behaviour. Bantering with her was always entertaining, even if she didn't always grasp the nuances of sarcasm. But that was part of her charm, I supposed. And despite her occasional temper and penchant for violence, she was still my friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It was moments like these that reminded me of just how young she really was, despite her fierce demeanour. She acted tough but the fact was because of her demeanour not many kids talked to her but no one dared to mock or tease or they will be in for a world of pain and while she may not have understood my sarcasm, I knew that her loyalty was genuine, and for that, I was truly grateful.
"Whatever tell me about runes. I am very curious since you are always so engrossed in them. What is so amazing about them anyway" she asked.
"Did you bring the other things as well ?" I inquired.
"Yes" she replied and took out special pouch which looked like an inflated green frog and she started to take out some shiny stones they were of course qi stones.
"Qi stones?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued as she rummaged through the pouch.
"Yes," she replied, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she carefully extracted the shiny stones. Each one radiated a faint aura, pulsing with the energy of qi. Qi stones were precious commodities in our world, imbued with concentrated spiritual energy that could be harnessed for various purposes. Some cultivators used them to enhance their cultivation, while others employed them in the creation of runes and formations or for assistance in alchemy and healing.
As she continued to delve into the pouch, she retrieved a piece of paper and a normal pen. It seemed mundane compared to the other items she had shown me, but I knew better than to underestimate its significance. After all, even the simplest tools could hold great power in the hands of a skilled cultivator.
But then, she produced something else – a vial of runic ink and a runic pen. Unlike the ordinary pen, the runic pen was intricately carved with ancient symbols, each one representing a different aspect of the runic language. The runic ink, too, seemed to shimmer with a mysterious light, hinting at its magical properties.
I marveled at the contrast between the ordinary pen and the runic tools. While the former seemed mundane and ordinary, the latter exuded an aura of mystique and power. It was as if they were conduits for tapping into the arcane forces that permeated our world, allowing us to channel and manipulate them to our will.
"Wow," I breathed, unable to tear my eyes away from the runic pen and ink. "That's incredible."
She smiled, pleased by my reaction. "I thought you'd like it," she said, her tone tinged with satisfaction. "What are runes anyway?" She asked.
"Ah, runes," I began, eager to share my fascination with her. "Well, runes are ancient symbols imbued with mystical properties. They can be inscribed onto objects or surfaces to invoke specific energies or effects. Essentially, they're a form of art passed down through generations."
As I spoke, her eyes widened with interest, encouraging me to continue. "And what makes them truly remarkable is their versatility," I explained. "With the right knowledge and skill, runes can be used for various purposes – from protection and healing to enhancing one's abilities or even casting spells and those are Qi stones They're infused with concentrated spiritual energy, known as Qi, which can be harnessed by cultivators to enhance their cultivation or perform certain techniques. Think of them as reservoirs of power that can be tapped into when needed." I Explained.
"So do you understand where am I going with this ?" she shook her head .
"Before I show you, let me tell you a few things, all professions are divided into 7 grades, from 1 to 7.
The higher the better, similar to cultivation levels but the level of someone's capability is not dependent on level of cultivation it depends mostly on ones comprehension of that particular subject but also having higher cultivation helps greatly in understanding how Qi at that level works and making it easier for the cultivator to comprehend the knowledge and processes required for that profession." I had my own thoughts on this but now was not the time for that.
"Now let me show You".
Chapter 7: Runes 101
Well I have been practicing drawing runes whenever I had the time but not with runic tools and ink but rather with normal ones as the process is rather similar but what is truly different is to comprehend the runes and understand how to weave the pattern for that rune and effect you desire I can understand how people in this world might struggle with the concept of patterns and sequences.
But Since I am some one from 21st century who has delved into programming its all I have ever practiced with and information age made it possible for people to share ideas and knowledge improving everyone while in this world its completely opposite people hoard all the knowledge they can .
As I delved deeper into the intricacies of runes, I couldn't help but marvel at their complexity and power. Runes, ancient symbols infused with spiritual energy, held the key to unlocking incredible abilities and manipulating the forces of nature. Each symbol was a conduit for Qi, allowing cultivators to channel their energy and manifest their intentions into the physical world.
With a sense of anticipation, I retrieved a piece of monster skin from my pocket. This skin had been specially processed for rune inscriptions, its surface prepared to receive the intricate markings. Alongside it, I produced a runic pen and a vial of runic ink, essential tools for the creation of runes.
The runic pen was crafted from fine materials, its tip sharp and precise, capable of etching intricate symbols with ease. The runic ink, on the other hand, shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow, indicating its potent magical properties. Together, these tools formed the foundation of runic magic, enabling cultivators to inscribe their intentions onto various surfaces and imbue them with Qi.
As I prepared to demonstrate, my mind drifted into an internal dialogue, reflecting on the nature of runes and their creation. I pondered the similarities between runes and programming, two seemingly disparate disciplines that shared a common thread. Both involved the manipulation of patterns and sequences to achieve desired effects, whether in the digital realm or the realm of Qi.
I reflected on how runes were crafted by weaving Qi into intricate patterns to achieve specific effects. The process was akin to programming using code – a concept I was familiar with from my previous life as a programmer and developer. It was a process akin to programming, where language and syntax were used to manipulate digital systems.
With my newly awakened soul sense, I could now control Qi, a feat impossible without this vital ability. I took a deep breath, ready to attempt my first runic cast: creating a level one fireball.
Turning to Ning Rong, I began to explain my thoughts. "You see, even though I possess the knowledge and understanding comparable to that of a first-grade rune master, I don't consider myself as such. It's one thing to comprehend the theory, but it's another to apply that knowledge in practice. I've yet to fully harness my abilities and put them to use."
Ning Rong nodded in understanding, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and admiration. With determination coursing through my veins, I focused my Qi, guiding it through the runic pen as I began to inscribe the intricate symbols onto the monster skin. With each stroke, I felt a surge of energy pulsating beneath my fingertips, a testament to the power that lay dormant within me.
With focused intent, I kept on inscribing the runes onto the monster skin, each stroke deliberate and precise. As the symbols took shape, I infused them with Qi, channeling my energy into the intricate patterns. With each line I drew, I felt a connection to the ancient art of runes, a sense of power and purpose coursing through me.
Finally, with the last symbol complete, I released the Qi, activating the rune and unleashing its magic into the world. A surge of energy pulsed through the air as the rune flared to life, casting a warm glow in the dim surroundings. I watched in awe as a small flame flickered into existence, dancing atop the surface of the rune.
A small flame flickered to life, dancing atop the surface of the rune. I grinned in triumph, exhilarated by the success of my first runic cast. With newfound confidence, I turned to Ning Rong, excitement gleaming in my eyes. "See? With a little practice, anything is possible." I think I am a little too excited the fact that I succeeded on my fist try is making me feel a little too happy.
But what I just created is not a fire ball but only one of most important runes in creating fireball rune.
As I meticulously crafted each rune, I found myself delving deeper into the intricacies of runic magic. With every stroke of the runic pen, I could feel the subtle shifts in qi energy, each rune resonating with the flow of spiritual power that surrounded us.
Ning Rong watched with keen interest as I worked, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns that adorned the parchment. "How do you know where to put each rune?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious art of runecraft.
"It's all about understanding the flow of qi," I explained, my voice tinged with excitement. "Each rune is like a piece of a puzzle, fitting together to form a cohesive whole. By channelling qi energy through the runic pen, I can imbue each rune with its unique properties and purpose."
As I continued to work, I described the significance of each rune, detailing its role in the creation of the fireball spell. "The linking rune acts as the foundation, connecting all the other runes together," I said, pointing to the central rune at the heart of the design. "Without it, the spell would lack cohesion, like a chain with missing links."
"Then there's the targeting rune," I continued, indicating the rune positioned at the edge of the parchment. "This rune determines the intended target of the fireball, allowing us to direct its destructive force with precision and accuracy, This rune ensures that the flames are directed towards specific enemies or objects, rather than indiscriminately spreading out in all directions. "
"The chain reaction rune is crucial for ensuring the rapid spread of the flames," I explained, gesturing to the intricate patterns that encircled the parchment. "Once the fireball is launched, this rune triggers a series of secondary reactions, causing the flames to ignite and spread in a chain-like fashion."
"And finally, there's the explosion rune," I concluded, pointing to the rune nestled in the center of the design. "This rune amplifies the power of the fireball upon impact, unleashing a devastating explosion that engulfs everything in its path."
As I spoke, I couldn't help but marvel at the complexity and beauty of the runic symbols before me. Each rune seemed to pulsate with its own unique energy, vibrating with the potential for untold destruction or creation.
But despite my enthusiasm, I couldn't ignore the challenges that lay ahead. As I attempted to link the runes together, I struggled to maintain control over the flow of qi energy. My hands trembled with exertion as I fought to channel the spiritual power with precision and finesse.
Despite my knowledge and understanding of rune theory, I found myself struggling to fully link all the runes together. My lack of practice in qi manipulation proved to be a significant obstacle, causing me to falter and stumble in my attempts.
With each failed attempt, frustration threatened to overwhelm me. But I refused to give up. Drawing upon my newfound understanding of qi manipulation, I steadied my focus and redoubled my efforts.
And then, on my seventh try, a sense of clarity washed over me. With a surge of determination, I channelled the flow of qi energy with unwavering resolve, weaving the runes together into a seamless tapestry of power and purpose.
As the final rune fell into place, a brilliant light erupted from the parchment, bathing the room in a dazzling array of colours. Ning Rong gasped in amazement, her eyes wide with wonder as she beheld the majestic fireball rune before her.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "I never imagined runic magic could be so... breathtaking."
Ning Rong gazed at the rune in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. "That's amazing, Feng," she exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it."
"Here, take this". I offered with a smile on my face.
"What? how can I take this you expended one whole hour making this and I can tell by looking at your face it was mentally very draining , not to mention the resources we used qi stones alone were valuable enough , I doubt you can make another one today . how can I accept something so precious." She gently pushed my hand away.
"believe me when I say I understand level one runes better than most of level one rune masters on seven great islands as most of them just cram the runes and use hit and trial to make them which causes them to waste a lot of time and effort as for me I am only going to get better and better at this and I probably will not fail at making these level one runes in the future although it's definitely very draining on my soul sense. You are the closest person to me and I want to give my first ever creation to you, it can help you kill someone in low Body tempering realm and hurt someone in mid level body tempering realm." I explained.
Cultivation within the realms was divided based on two things the amount of Qi they have accumulated and when someone reaches the required threshold of comprehension for the next minor realm
Which are – Low, Mid ,High and Peak
Then, their qi automatically starts evolving into a higher form and takes the form of a new Dao seal for the major realm or grows denser for minor realm .
" Bonk"
"What now?" I asked with a wronged face.
"Look at how small you are and talking about protecting me but since you are offering it so generously I will take it ." she said and quickly snatched the spell scroll from my hand while at wondering what just happened . why is she so violent ?
"I am small because I am 2 years old , you tsundere?" he exploded
"what-dere and whatever come home with me or else mother will take her demon form again?" she said while skipping away .
This damn she devil will one day anger me to death. Damn kids and I think I need to make new adjustments in my stats, after all I am a level one rune master now . heheh.