World
The mystical world of "Ephemeral Ascension" is called Celestia. Celestia is a vast and interconnected tapestry of existence, comprising the lower realm, the middle realm, and the upper realm.
These realms are governed by powerful cultivation forces, each holding sway over different aspects of the cultivation world.
The lower realm, better known as the Mortal Realm, is a realm split up into millions of different worlds. The lower realm has the least amount of Ephemeral Qi. Cultivators who live in the Mortal Realm can only reach the third stage of cultivation, the Foundation Building stage.
The middle realm is called the Samsara Realm. The Samsara Realm is a transitional space where cultivators undergo rigorous training to harness the increased amounts of Ephemeral Qi, refine their bodies, and ascend to the upper realm. It is within this realm that various cultivation clans and sects vie for supremacy, each with its unique techniques and philosophies. Cultivators who live in the Samsara Realm can at most, reach the sixth level of cultivation, the Heavenly Ascendant realm.
At the pinnacle of Celestia lies the upper realm, better known as the Immortal Dominion. This domain is home to the Eight Divine Forces, revered for their unparalleled strength and influence. These forces, such as the Azure Phoenix Divine Sect, Celestial Dragon Divine Clan, and others, govern different aspects of the Immortal Dominion, shaping the destiny of the upper realm. The upper realm contains the most amount of Ephemeral Qi and cultivators who live in the Immortal Dominion can reach the 9th and highest known stage of cultivation - the Eternal Dao Emperor stage.
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Tiers of Forces
1) 8 Divine Forces - must have multiple Divine Immortal stage cultivators and at least 1 Eternal Dao Emperor stage cultivator.
2) Immortal Forces - must have multiple Dao Sovereign stage cultivators and at least 1 Divine Immortal stage cultivator.
3) Sovereign Forces - must have multiple Heavenly Ascendants and at least 1 Dao Sovereign.
4) Ascendant Forces - must have multiple Spiritual Sages and at least 1 Heavenly Ascendant.
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Cultivation Realms
1) Mortal Disciple: The initial stage of cultivation, where individuals focus on enhancing their physical and mental attributes through rigorous training. They may use basic martial techniques but lack access to true mystical energies.
2) Qi Disciple: Channeling the vital life force, known as Ephemeral Qi, individuals at this level learn to harness energy for minor enhancements. They can perform basic Qi techniques and sense the flow of Qi in the environment.
3) Foundation Building: Cultivators at this stage solidify their foundation, forming an internal reservoir of Ephemeral Qi. They gain the ability to project their Qi externally, strengthening their attacks and defenses.
4) Core Formation: Achieving a breakthrough, practitioners form a Core within their dantian, a central energy hub. This grants access to more potent techniques and the ability to manipulate spiritual energy.
5) Spiritual Sage: In this realm, cultivators refine their Core and elevate their spiritual connection. They can manipulate spiritual energy with greater finesse, unlocking advanced techniques and even communing with spirits or otherworldly entities.
6) Heavenly Ascendant: Marking a profound transformation, individuals at this stage transcend mortal limits. They can manipulate celestial energies, control the forces of nature, and possess a heightened awareness of the universe.
7) Dao Sovereign: Masters of the Dao, these cultivators comprehend the fundamental principles governing existence. They can manipulate the fabric of reality, creating and altering laws to suit their will. Dao Sovereigns are revered as living embodiments of the Dao.
8) Divine Immortal: Ascending to a divine realm, cultivators at this stage achieve a transcendent form, leaving behind mortal concerns. They wield divine power, can manipulate time and space, and may even create their own pocket dimensions.
9) Eternal Dao Emperor: The pinnacle of cultivation, these beings have mastered the Eternal Dao, becoming one with the universe. Eternal Dao Emperors possess unimaginable power, capable of reshaping worlds, traversing dimensions, and embodying the eternal cycle of existence. They are revered as true rulers of the cosmic order.