Kaelith gazed at his parents, their voices a harmonious blend as they discussed the nature of the ethereal lights and the mysterious energy they had encountered.
He listened intently, absorbing every word, while his mind began to drift into contemplation. The serene ambiance of the forest, coupled with the profound discussion, led him into a deep state of introspection.
For a few minutes, Kaelith remained silent, lost in thought. The concepts of natural essence, Divine Sense, and the energy that permeated their world swirled in his mind. After a moment, he emerged from his reverie with a question that had been forming in his mind.
"Father, Mother," he began, his voice curious and earnest, "what is cultivation really? Can you explain it in simple terms?"
Lian and Shen exchanged a knowing glance before Lian knelt beside Kaelith, her eyes warm with understanding. "Cultivation, my dear, is like planting a seed and helping it grow into a strong, healthy tree," she explained gently.
"But instead of a seed, it's your body, mind, and spirit that you're nurturing. By practicing certain techniques and meditating, you gather the natural energy around you, called 'Essence,' and use it to become stronger, healthier, and wiser. Just like a tree grows towards the sky, you grow towards becoming the best version of yourself."
Kaelith considered their words for a moment. Then, he asked, "How different is the cultivation process in our world compared to the stories I told you about from my previous life?"
His parents fell silent, contemplating the question. The moments stretched as they considered the similarities and differences between Kaelith's stories and their lived experiences. Finally, Shen spoke, his tone thoughtful.
"Kaelith, the process and principles of cultivation in our world are remarkably similar to those you described from your stories," he said. "In fact, I would say that the fundamental aspects are almost identical, perhaps aligning as much as ninety percent. The techniques, the gathering and harnessing of Essence, the stages of growth—all these elements are nearly the same."
Lian nodded in agreement, her expression one of reflection. "The core tenets and practices resonate deeply with the narratives you shared. While there may be some differences in specifics and cultural context, the essence of cultivation remains consistent. It's as if the stories you read were echoes of our reality."
Kaelith, his curiosity further piqued, posed another question. "Is the cultivation world as battle-oriented as in my stories? Is power truly the supreme law here?"
His parents exchanged a thoughtful glance before Shen replied, "It is both true and false, Kaelith. While power undeniably plays a significant role, there are laws and rules within every kingdom, sect, family, and any group of people.
Most individuals adhere to these laws, striving for order and harmony. However, there are always those who seek to exploit their power for personal gain. This tendency often leads to conflicts between individuals, clans, sects, and even entire kingdoms.
The quest for resources is another major reason for these conflicts. In a world where spiritual herbs, mystical ores, and ancient relics can drastically enhance one's cultivation, the desire to control these resources often leads to bitter disputes.
One person's right to these treasures might lead to another's misery, creating an unending cycle of contention and struggle."
Lian nodded in agreement, adding, "The same dynamics likely existed in your previous world, though perhaps in a different form.
The battles you described, whether individual duels or large-scale wars, stem from similar motivations—power, dominance, and the enforcement of one's will. Resources, too, played a pivotal role. Just as cultivators here fight for precious resources to advance their skills and status, people in your world likely vied for wealth, land, and influence.
Even where laws and regulations governed society, conflicts arose when those with power sought to bend the rules to their favour, leading to inevitable clashes."
She then imparted a piece of wisdom, her voice taking on a solemn tone. "If even the heavens and the earth, which made life possible, could not create true equality, what can man do?"
Kaelith fell silent, absorbing the profound truth in his parents' words. He contemplated the inherent nature of power and conflict, the struggle for dominance that seemed to permeate every realm of existence.
Resources were always at the heart of these struggles—whether they were spiritual treasures in this world or material wealth in his previous one, the battle for control and ownership was a constant theme.
After a moment, he spoke, his voice thoughtful and reflective. "It seems that the law of the jungle prevails," he mused. "In the end, it is the nature of life for the strong to assert their will and for the weak to find their place within the established order.
The quest for power and resources drives this eternal struggle, ensuring that conflict and competition remain constant companions."
His parents nodded, recognizing the maturity in his understanding. This realization marked another step in Kaelith's journey, as he began to grasp the complex interplay of power, law, survival, and the relentless pursuit of resources in the cultivation world he was now a part of.
Kaelith emerged from the simple revelation, his gaze steady as he faced his parents. "Mother, Father," he began, his tone laden with curiosity and a hint of scepticism,
"Why does cultivation seem so different from the tree analogy you used? Cultivators appear more like parasitic consumers of the heavens and earth than anything else.
Moreover, why is there an endless supply of resources despite the fact that most cultivators consume them as if they were drinking water? Resources are not typically renewable, so how is it that they have not been exhausted after millennia?"
His parents were taken aback by the depth of his inquiry and the stark revelation it contained. They exchanged a startled glance, their expressions reflecting a mix of shock and contemplation. For several moments, they pondered the implications of Kaelith's question, the silence heavy with their introspection.
Finally, Lian spoke, her voice thoughtful and measured. "Kaelith, your observation touches upon a profound truth. Indeed, cultivators draw heavily upon the natural essence of the world, and it does seem as though we take more than we give back.
This perception of parasitism is troubling, and it challenges the harmonious image we often associate with cultivation."
Shen nodded, adding, "As for the resources, it is indeed perplexing. While some resources can be regenerated over time, the sheer scale of consumption should have led to noticeable depletion.
The fact that it hasn't suggests there may be deeper, hidden truths about the nature of these resources and their replenishment."
Kaelith, his mind racing with this new line of thought, pointed out, "Consider the idea that millennia have passed, yet the resources remain abundant.
This suggests there is something beyond our current understanding at play. For example, how much have each of you consumed to reach your current levels of cultivation? Now, multiply that by billions, assuming there are that many cultivators in the world, which we don't even know for sure."
Lian, still grappling with the enormity of his initial question, responded thoughtfully, "In fact, there are truly billions of cultivators alone.
When you include mortals, the number is even larger by a significant margin. The size of our world is incomprehensibly vast, yet the continuous availability of resources remains an enigma."
Shen continued, "The number of resources we've consumed individually is staggering when viewed in isolation. Even though cultivators do grow some of the resources they need, this cultivation alone wouldn't suffice to cover the vast amounts consumed.
If multiplied by billions, it indeed paints a picture of insatiable consumption that should have left the world barren. This raises significant questions about the sustainability of cultivation practices.
Perhaps there are mechanisms we are unaware of that continuously replenish these resources, or there are aspects of the world and its energies that operate beyond our current understanding."
Kaelith's insight into the hidden dynamics of resource consumption and renewal opened a new realm of contemplation for his parents. They realized that the true nature of their world's cultivation practices might be far more intricate and mysterious than they had ever considered.
Kaelith, his expression growing more intense, ventured another thought. "There is something even more troubling to consider," he began, his tone grave.
"From what I understand about cultivation, the process fundamentally involves extracting the essence found in heaven and earth, and then cultivators hoarding this energy within their bodies.
This essence naturally pools in certain energy centres within the body, such as the Dantian. If countless cultivators are continuously drawing upon the world's essence and storing it within themselves, it could imply a relentless depletion of the natural reserves."
His parents exchanged another glance, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and contemplation. The implications of Kaelith's observation were indeed worrying, suggesting a deeper, perhaps unsustainable practice at the heart of their cultivation.
Shen, breaking the silence, responded thoughtfully, "Your point raises significant concerns, Kaelith. Cultivators are indeed extracting and hoarding the essence of heaven and earth within their bodies, which indicates a substantial drain on the world's natural reserves.
The energy centres within a cultivator's body, where essence is stored and refined, might be acting as reservoirs that continuously siphon from the environment. Yet the world always provides more energy for us, even though we offer little in return."
Lian added, her voice filled with a newfound apprehension, "Such a practice, if left unchecked, could indeed lead to an imbalance. The natural world could suffer from this constant extraction, leading to a gradual depletion of the very essence that sustains it. This might explain why the replenishment mechanisms, if they exist, have to work tirelessly to maintain the balance."
Kaelith nodded, his earlier contemplation deepening into a realization. "It seems plausible that the equilibrium of our world is maintained by forces or mechanisms beyond our understanding.
Otherwise, the relentless consumption by so many cultivators would have long since exhausted the natural reserves. We must consider the possibility that there is a hidden truth at play, one that ensures the continuous supply of essence despite our extensive consumption."
Kaelith's parents listened intently as he continued, "As I mentioned earlier, consider the sheer amount of essence each of you has consumed to reach your current levels of cultivation.
If we multiply that by billions, assuming there are that many cultivators, and considering the vast amount of time that has passed, it paints a picture of extraordinary consumption.
Given the immense number of practitioners and the amount of time that has elapsed, the natural resources should logically be depleted or at the very least, nearing exhaustion by now."
His parents fell silent, their expressions shifting from contemplation to a mix of mourning and anger. The stark realization of this simple yet profound truth cut deep. How had they, experienced cultivators, never questioned the sustainability of their practices?
Lian's eyes filled with sorrow, her voice trembling slightly. "How could we have been so blind? This truth was right before us, and yet we never saw it. We've been drawing from the world's essence without a thought for the long-term consequences."
Shen's face contorted with anger, directed more at himself than anyone else. "It is infuriating to realize that such a fundamental truth escaped us.
We've been so focused on our own cultivation and growth that we failed to consider the broader implications. The very essence that sustains us could be on the brink of exhaustion, and we did nothing to prevent it."
The weight of their realization settled heavily upon them, a profound mix of grief for their oversight and anger for their collective ignorance.
They had unwittingly participated in a cycle that could potentially devastate the very world they sought to understand and protect.
Kaelith looked at his parents with deep understanding, his eyes reflecting a shared sorrow. "I have witnessed similar issues in my previous life," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of remembered sorrow.
"With the advent of the scientific age, humanity began to act like a virus, consuming and destroying at an unprecedented rate.
They created materials and substances that would take millennia upon millennia for the earth to neutralize, producing these in unthinkable quantities all for the fleeting pleasure of luxury and ease. In doing so, they slowly killed their home world—the very cradle that birthed them, nurtured them, and sustained their existence.
He paused, his expression grave. "The parallels are unsettling. Just as humanity in my previous world exploited and drained the earth's resources, cultivators here might be depleting the essence of heaven and earth without fully comprehending the long-term consequences.
It is a sobering realization, knowing that despite the advanced practices and profound understanding of energy and essence here, these cultivators might be repeating the same destructive patterns."
Kaelith's gaze intensified as he continued, "I cannot, in good conscience, follow a path that perpetuates such cycles of consumption and destruction.
The very thought of killing the world that gave birth to me, nurtured me, and sustains me merely to exist in a state of continuous cultivation is abhorrent.
I seek a different path—one that harmonizes with the natural order, respects the delicate balance of life, and ensures that the essence of heaven and earth is preserved, not depleted."Kaelith's words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between advancement and preservation.
His parents' expressions softened as they absorbed his insights, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to reevaluate their practices to ensure the sustainability of their world.
Lian, her voice quiet but resolute, spoke first. "With this truth now laid bare before us, we must ponder the weight of its implications.
We hold a responsibility to our world and to future generations of cultivators. Yet, the enormity of this knowledge brings with it a daunting reality—the possibility of changing this course is almost insurmountable, even if we spread this truth."
Shen nodded, his expression sombre. "People are inherently resistant to change, especially when it challenges their comforts and the foundations of their beliefs.
Even if we were to reveal this truth to the world, the likelihood of it being embraced and acted upon is slim. The inertia of tradition and the allure of power are powerful forces. It seems almost impossible to alter the path of a world so deeply entrenched in its ways."
Kaelith, understanding the profound truth of their words, affirmed, "Such was the plight in my past life as well.
Wise men and women saw the truth and tried to warn humanity, but their voices were often drowned out by the clamour for progress and convenience.
People are often unrepentant, unable to grasp the severity of their actions until it is far too late. It is a tragic flaw, one that echoes across worlds and ages."
Kaelith, still deep in thought, continued, "There are still many discrepancies and puzzling points regarding this topic, but I want to shift the conversation to the reason I brought this to your attention.
First, it is to raise awareness of this reality. As the old saying goes, 'One should never defile and destroy the place from which they are nourished, the ground upon which they rest, and the environment that sustains them.'
Understanding and respecting this principle is crucial for our survival and harmony."
He paused, gathering his thoughts before revealing his second reason. "The second reason is that since I first gained the ability to see these ethereal lights and regained certain memories,
there has been something I always wanted to try. However, I couldn't proceed without having a safety net in place in case something goes awry. You, as experienced cultivators, are that safety line."
His parents looked at him with a mix of curiosity and concern, their attention fully captured by his earnest words. Kaelith continued, "This endeavour might explain some of the discrepancies we've discussed.
By attempting it, we may uncover more about the essence and the true nature of our world's cultivation practices. Your presence will ensure that I can explore this safely, and together, we might find answers to the questions that have long eluded us."
Kaelith took a deep breath, preparing to explain his plan. "What I am about to attempt comes from an idea I read in a light novel called 'Treasures of Heaven and Earth.'
In the story, the main character is taught by a wise old man a unique method of understanding and harnessing essence. This technique, genius in its simplicity, involves delving into the essence of one's own energy first, rather than simply absorbing external essence."
His parents watched intently as Kaelith settled into a meditative posture, murmuring to himself, "All those years of simply meditating will finally come into use."
He closed his eyes and began to focus inward, reaching out with his consciousness to sense the essence within his own body.
He felt the familiar flow circulating through him, a gentle, pulsing rhythm that resonated with his very being. As he concentrated, he visualized the pure essence within, appreciating its texture and flow, noting its nuances and fluctuations.
This was the first step: to understand the essence of his internal energy before attempting to interact with the external energies of the world.
Kaelith's murmurs were barely audible, but his parents could hear him say, "Focus on the core... understand the essence... feel the connection within."
With his internal essence fully attuned, Kaelith slowly stretched out his hand, as if to touch the ethereal lights dancing around the herb.
He concentrated deeply, guiding his internal essence outward, reaching into the mists of energy that enveloped the plant. The process was delicate, requiring immense focus to maintain the harmonious flow between his inner essence and the external world.
As he reached out, Kaelith felt a subtle resonance, a harmonious vibration between his essence and the surrounding energy.
Encouraged by this connection, he continued to guide his essence, blending it gently with the ethereal lights. He murmured softly, "Follow the essence... let it guide you."
In his mind's eye, Kaelith envisioned the essence within him interacting with the external essence, not forcefully drawing it in, but inviting it to dance with his own.
He felt the rhythm of this energy, like a song that needed nurturing. He began to adjust the flow, increasing the intensity slightly, allowing the essence to resonate more strongly.
His parents watched intently as Kaelith's breathing became deep and rhythmic. They could sense a subtle shift in the energy around them, a gentle pulse as if the environment itself was responding to his actions.
The forest seemed to hum in harmony, the moonlight and starlight growing brighter as if acknowledging the respectful exchange.
The ethereal lights around the herb began to respond, their glow intensifying.
He visualized the essence swirling around him, coalescing in a harmonious dance. The lights shimmered, their movement becoming more fluid and vibrant.
He focused on the single herb, directing the harmonious essence towards it.
The essence flowed like a gentle stream, enveloping the herb. Kaelith sensed the energy merging with the plant, enhancing its natural growth.
The herb began to transform, its appearance shifting from ordinary green to a radiant, opal hue. He maintained the flow, allowing the essence to saturate the plant fully.
Suddenly, the essence pulsed with a brilliant opal green light, and a wave of energy spread out from the herb like ripples in a pond.
The energy washed over Kaelith, revitalizing him, clearing his mind, and filling his body with a comfortable hum. He opened his eyes to see the herb had transformed into a much taller, more vibrant form, swaying gently in the breeze.
Kaelith's parents stared in shock at the sight before them. What had been ordinary herbs were now half-foot tall strands of silver-green grass, their appearance vibrant and otherworldly.
The grass swayed gently in the breeze, and a crisp, clear chime echoed as the leaves shook, adding an ethereal quality to the transformation they witnessed.
His parents stared in shock, their eyes wide with amazement. Lian was the first to find her voice, whispering, "Kaelith... this is extraordinary."
Shen, equally astonished, stepped closer to the grass, his movements slow and deliberate as if he couldn't trust his own eyes. He reached out and touched the grass, feeling its texture and energy.
"This is thousand-year grass," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "We have never seen or heard of anything like this. To manifest such a rare and valuable herb... it's beyond remarkable."