The students quickly settled into their seats, leaning forward toward the teacher, excited to receive new lessons about the mysteries of Flux.
The professor waited until all the students were comfortably seated, their attention fully directed toward him. "Very well, each of you has the lifespan of 8 springs, which is the perfect moment to begin the path of a Flux cultivation practitioner," declared the professor, addressing the eager gazes of the students. "Before we delve into the practice of cultivation, let's gain a better understanding of what Flux is and how its cultivation works."
"Flux is the term we use for the energy that sustains everything in this world—from its very foundation to the creation of the visible, tangible, sensory, and audible things," the professor patiently explained, ensuring everyone grasped the concept correctly. "Flux permeates all things, and it's impossible to find an environment where it isn't present—except under artificial circumstances. A master of formations, a sorcerer, an arcanist, or even a skilled blacksmith armed with the correct inscriptions could create an isolated environment that separates Flux, preventing it from entering that space."
"Of course, this would require an extreme and temporary effort. Gradually, Flux would push through the barrier created, reclaiming the space from which it was temporarily excluded."
"Practitioners or 'Flow Cultivators' absorb small quantities of Flow into themselves through unique techniques, resulting in specific effects based on the path of power the individual intends to follow." The Professor paused briefly, allowing the knowledge he had imparted to settle properly in the students' minds before continuing. "Some use Flow to strengthen their minds and become what they call Magi, Wizards, Sorcerers. Others align their existence with what we refer to as the intention of the sword. Still, others do so with different types of weapons, employing various forms of Flow manipulation under different names."
"We, in the Country of Waven, primarily use Flow to strengthen our bodies through five stages of body cultivation, preparing ourselves to merge with the Flow and elevate our spirits."
"The Five Stages of Body Cultivation are: Skin, Blood, Bones, Muscles, and finally, Core," the professor asserted. "Advancing through the stages requires a methodical approach. For instance, attempting to cultivate Muscle Stage without first cultivating Bone Stage would cause your muscles to break and fracture your own bones due to the immense strength they would generate. This assumes that your blood can contain and transport sufficient Flow to provide the absurd energy they will demand."
"The practice of Flow Cultivation, or more accurately, the cultivation of the Five Body Stages, demands dedication and patience. Often, you must subject your body to tremendous stress to unlock the potential and energy stored within the accumulated Flow, thus achieving the desired transformation."
"But, professor," one of the curious students raised their hand, "how can a person force the potential and energy of accumulated Flow within themselves?"
"Isolated practice, combat training, cultivation techniques, and high-stress situations in real combat," explained the professor. "The cultivator begins to shape their body and will toward bodily refinement. You could say it's a process of forging and reshaping the body we currently possess."
"Professor, how strong is someone who cultivates the Five Stages of Body?" Ciona Han inquired.
The professor paused briefly, contemplating how to answer Ciona's question without leaving room for further doubts. "Well, let's see. A Cultivator who has completed the stages of Skin, Blood, Bones, and Muscles can exert a strength, speed, and endurance equivalent to the combined power of eight strong adults." The professor paused again, choosing his next words carefully. "However, let's say the cultivator has reached the final step of the Core stage. In that case, that quantification of eight would need to be multiplied by five, granting the cultivator the same physical power as forty adults."
A murmur filled the classroom as the students absorbed the information the professor had provided. It was hard for them to believe that a person could attain such strength solely through training and dedication.
Kizaer observed the unfolding class in silence, seemingly disinterested in the topic once the professor began discussing the Five Stages of cultivation. However, driven by curiosity, Kizaer raised a hand and asked in the most innocent manner possible, "Professor, who is the strongest person in our school? And at which stage of body cultivation does this person currently is?"
The professor raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by such a simple yet intriguing question. "Obviously, the strongest person in our school is the Venerable Director Ling," he replied with a small chuckle. "As for which 'Stage' he is at… let's just say he left the Five Stages behind quite some time ago, and his cultivation is firmly rooted at a level far beyond any of your imaginations."
Once again, murmurs filled the classroom. Before anyone could inquire further about the stage where Venerable Ling resided, the professor interrupted the buzz and continued with the lesson.
"Alright, settle down. Put aside these advanced questions; they won't bring you any immediate advantage to know this," the professor gestured with his hands to calm the students. "Now that we've discussed Flow and the Five Stages of Body Cultivation, let's focus on what you need to start learning."
The students' attention was once again fixed on the professor's words. There wasn't a student in that room who didn't want to become stronger by following the teachings that would follow.
"You will begin at the first step of body cultivation: Skin," the professor said as he returned to his desk and retrieved small booklets from one of the drawers. These booklets were meant to be distributed among the students.
Kizaer took one of the booklets for himself. Unlike the other excited students, he read the title on the cover: 'Cultivation of the Five Body Stages: The Three Levels of the Skin Stage.' Kizaer scratched the side of his head as he internalized his thoughts. 'Levels and stages, huh? Not for me, not for this diligent and persistent young master here.'