The summer sunlight spills upon the mountain gate of Xuantian Sect, illuminating the broad bluestone steps. After undergoing the rigorous entry assessment, Lin Tian finally becomes an official disciple of Xuantian Sect and embarks on his journey of cultivating immortality. Xuantian Sect, this seemingly serene immortal cultivation sect, actually encompasses an extremely complex cultivation system and intense internal competition. Here, every disciple is in pursuit of higher cultivation levels and deeper understanding of the Dao, while Lin Tian is ready to carve out his own path of immortality in this vast realm of cultivation. In Xuantian Sect, the cultivation realms are divided into nine levels: **Qi Condensation Realm, Foundation Establishment Realm, Golden Core Realm, Nascent Soul Realm, Deity Transformation Realm, Dao Integration Realm, Mahayana Realm, Tribulation Transcending Realm**, and the ultimate **Ascension Realm**. Each realm represents different levels of a cultivator's mastery of spiritual energy, condensation of mana, and improvement of mental state. 1. **Qi Condensation Realm**: This is the initial stage for novice cultivators. The main task is to perceive and absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, store it within the body, and initially learn to utilize it. This realm is further divided into nine minor levels. Lin Tian is currently at the fifth level of the Qi Condensation Realm, and the spiritual energy can already flow relatively smoothly within his body. 2. **Foundation Establishment Realm**: When a cultivator reaches the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm, they can attempt to establish a foundation, condensing the spiritual energy within the body into a stable "foundation" to lay a solid foundation for future cultivation. Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm begin to possess genuine combat capabilities and are able to employ more advanced spells. 3. **Golden Core Realm**: After a successful foundation establishment, the cultivator will gradually condense the spiritual energy into a golden core, entering the Golden Core Realm. Cultivators in the Golden Core Realm not only experience a significant increase in cultivation level but also have their lifespan greatly prolonged. 4. **Nascent Soul Realm**: The golden core continues to evolve and eventually forms a nascent soul, marking the Nascent Soul Realm. Cultivators in the Nascent Soul Realm approach the mysteries of the Dao of heaven and earth and possess powerful combat power and vitality. 5. **Deity Transformation Realm**: The nascent soul continues to cultivate and gradually combines with the divine soul, and the cultivator enters the Deity Transformation Realm. The divine soul can leave the body for more powerful attacks or exploration. 6. **Dao Integration Realm**: This is the realm where immortal cultivators integrate with the Dao of heaven and earth. The cultivator's power reaches an unprecedented height, and the goal of cultivation is close to ascension. 7. **Mahayana Realm**: The Mahayana Realm is the final step before a cultivator's ascension. Cultivators in this realm have largely broken free from the shackles of mortals and are always prepared to face the tribulation and ascend to the immortal realm. 8. **Tribulation Transcending Realm**: Cultivators in this realm will confront the greatest test before ascension - the tribulation. Only by passing the tribulation can a cultivator truly enter the Ascension Realm and become an immortal. 9. **Ascension Realm**: The Ascension Realm is the symbol of a cultivator becoming an immortal, signifying that the cultivator has successfully escaped the mundane world and entered a higher existence level. Lin Tian is currently in the middle stage of the Qi Condensation Realm and still has some distance to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm. Nevertheless, he has already demonstrated extremely high potential, especially with the assistance of the strange stone, his speed of cultivating spiritual energy far exceeds that of his fellow disciples of the same age. There are numerous inheritances of cultivation techniques within Xuantian Sect. Disciples select the techniques that suit them based on their individual talents and interests for cultivation. When Lin Tian entered the sect, he obtained an ancient and profound basic technique within Xuantian Sect - "Xuan Yuan Sutra". This technique is the fundamental technique of Xuantian Sect, one of the basic techniques that novice cultivators must learn, and also the foundation of all advanced techniques. The content of "Xuan Yuan Sutra" is extensive and profound, covering the absorption of spiritual energy, the opening of meridians, and the initial application of spiritual consciousness. Cultivating the "Xuan Yuan Sutra" not only enhances the condensation of spiritual energy but also makes the cultivator's body more resilient, laying the foundation for future cultivation of more advanced techniques. When Lin Tian cultivated the "Xuan Yuan Sutra", he felt the depth and mystery of this technique, especially with the aid of the strange stone, his control over spiritual energy became more precise. Xuantian Sect also imparts various offensive and defensive spells. Most of these spells are based on spiritual energy and are achieved through different hand seals, incantations, and mental methods. Lin Tian gradually mastered some basic spells during his cultivation, such as **"Fire Spirit Formula"**, **"Wind Control Technique"**, and **"Sword Control Technique"**. - **Fire Spirit Formula**: By concentrating spiritual energy at the fingertips, one can release flames for attack. This is one of the most basic offensive spells, with relatively low power but is flexible and versatile in actual combat. - **Wind Control Technique**: After cultivating this technique, a cultivator can manipulate the wind using spiritual energy for rapid movement or to disrupt the enemy in battle. - **Sword Control Technique**: This is a compulsory swordsmanship for disciples of Xuantian Sect. One can drive the sword through spiritual energy for long-range attack or defense, and it is highly powerful. On the first day of becoming a disciple of Xuantian Sect, Lin Tian profoundly felt the strict discipline and arduous cultivation tasks of the sect. Different from the immortal life he imagined, the cultivation within the sect is full of monotony and hardship. In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines into the valley, Lin Tian is awakened by the morning bell and enters the training ground with many disciples to commence a day of cultivation. The cultivation arrangements of Xuantian Sect are extremely compact. From the absorption of spiritual energy in the morning to the practice of basic spells at noon and the recitation of mental methods in the afternoon, each task is arranged methodically. Newly admitted disciples must strictly adhere to these cultivation courses to lay a solid foundation for cultivation. Although Lin Tian was mentally prepared, he still felt physically and mentally exhausted. However, he did not retreat but gave his all in each cultivation. The elders of Xuantian Sect have extremely high expectations for new disciples. They not only require disciples to master spiritual energy and spells but also focus on cultivating the disciples' mental state and morality. Most of these elders are highly accomplished predecessors. Their guidance is both strict and filled with wisdom. Lin Tian benefited greatly from their teachings and gradually understood that cultivating immortality is not merely the pursuit of power but also the pursuit of the sublimation of the soul and the perfection of the Dao. In the cultivation courses of Xuantian Sect, the cultivation of spiritual energy holds an extremely crucial position. Spiritual energy is the foundation of a cultivator's cultivation. Only by mastering the absorption and application of spiritual energy can one go further on the path of cultivating immortality. Every morning, Lin Tian would come to the mountaintop and practice absorbing spiritual energy in the morning light. Here, the spiritual energy is abundant. Lin Tian sits cross-legged, closes his eyes and concentrates. The spiritual energy within his body flows slowly in the meridians, resonating with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Initially, Lin Tian was not yet proficient in controlling spiritual energy and often felt that the flow of spiritual energy in the meridians was not smooth, even causing intermittent stinging pain. However, as time passed, Lin Tian gradually grasped the way of operating spiritual energy. He learned how to adjust his breathing and mental state to ensure the smooth flow of spiritual energy in the meridians. After several months of cultivation, Lin Tian's spiritual energy cultivation steadily improved, and the spiritual energy within his body became more condensed and abundant. Apart from the cultivation of spiritual energy, the mastery of spells is also an important task for cultivators. Xuantian Sect teaches a wide variety of basic spells, including Wind Control Technique, Fireball Technique, Protective Talisman, etc. Each spell requires disciples to repeatedly practice to grasp its essence. Lin Tian is intelligent and diligent. He quickly made significant progress in the cultivation of spells. On the training ground, Lin Tian often exchanges spells with other disciples. He discovered that everyone's understanding and application of spells are unique. Some disciples excel in offensive spells and can quickly condense spiritual energy to unleash powerful attack power; some disciples focus on defensive spells and can instantly cast a solid shield to withstand the enemy's attack. Through exchanges with them, Lin Tian constantly improved his spell skills and realized some unique ways of applying spells. Cultivating immortality is not only about the cultivation of spiritual energy and spells but, more importantly, the tempering of the mental state and the cultivation of the Dao heart. The elders of Xuantian Sect are well aware that only cultivators with a firm mental state can go further on the path of cultivating immortality. Therefore, they attach great importance to the cultivation of disciples' mental methods and temper the disciples' Dao hearts through various means. The cultivation of mental methods is mainly carried out through meditation and recitation of scriptures. Most of the scriptures of Xuantian Sect were written by successive eminent monks and great virtues, with extensive and profound content covering all aspects of cultivating immortality. Lin Tian would comprehend the Dao every day during the recitation of scriptures and gradually realized that cultivating immortality is not only the pursuit of power but also the pursuit of the tranquility and harmony of the soul. During the cultivation of mental methods, Lin Tian gradually understood a principle: The path of cultivating immortality requires not only the cultivation of the body and nature but also the cultivation of the heart and morality. Only when there is no fear in the heart can one face all difficulties and challenges; only when the Dao heart is firm can one remain unwavering in the face of external temptations on the long road of cultivating immortality. In Xuantian Sect, from time to time, the elders would arrange some special tests of the mental state to assess the disciples' Dao hearts. Once, Lin Tian was assigned to carry out a task. The content of the task seemed simple but was filled with tests of the mental state. Lin Tian and several other disciples were sent to a desolate valley and were required to cultivate alone here for a month without any contact with the outside world. Although the environment of this valley is harsh, it is rich in spiritual energy and is a favorable place for cultivation. However, the loneliness and silence here posed a great challenge to Lin Tian's mental state. During the day, he could still alleviate the loneliness in his heart through cultivation and meditation, but when night fell, the darkness and silence around seemed like an invisible pressure, oppressing his soul. During this period, Lin Tian felt unprecedented loneliness and helplessness, but he did not give up cultivation because of this. He often recalled his grandfather's teachings and the instructions of the elders of Xuantian Sect, telling himself that he must persevere. Only by overcoming the fear and loneliness within can he continue to advance on the path of cultivating immortality. After a month of cultivation, Lin Tian not only improved his cultivation level but also made significant progress in his mental state. There are many disciples within Xuantian Sect. Although everyone cultivates in the same sect, the internal competition is exceptionally fierce. Lin Tian quickly felt the pressure of this competition. In the world of cultivating immortality, resources are scarce, and magical treasures and spiritual medicines are precious items that cultivators dream of. To compete for these resources, competition among disciples is inevitable. Although Lin Tian's personality is introverted, he is not afraid of competition. Within the sect, he befriended some like-minded friends, including Li Tianyuan, Zhang Yunfeng, and Su Qingyi. Li Tianyuan has a bold and forthright personality and ranks among the top in cultivation among new disciples; Zhang Yunfeng is intelligent and resourceful and is good at strategizing; while Su Qingyi is a gentle female disciple. Her cultivation talent is extremely high and is hailed as the outstanding one among the new generation of disciples. The four of them assist each other in cultivation and forged a deep friendship. However, as their cultivation levels increase, friendship and competition also begin to coexist among them. Every time the sect holds a martial arts competition, the four of them will participate, exchange skills, and inspire each other. Although there are wins and losses in the competitions, they never hold grudges because of this but cherish the friendship among them even more. In one martial arts competition, Lin Tian and Li Tianyuan unfortunately met in the semi-finals. Both of them are masters of swordsmanship, and the battle was extremely intense. On the martial arts field, the sword lights interwove, and the spiritual energy fluctuated. Both sides went all out without reservation. In the end, Lin Tian narrowly won over Li Tianyuan with a brilliant sword move and advanced to the finals. Despite the loss, Li Tianyuan was not discouraged. He expressed his admiration for Lin Tian's performance and discussed the insights of swordsmanship with Lin Tian afterwards. Although Lin Tian won in this competition, he understands that there is no guarantee of eternal victory on the path of cultivating immortality. He needs to remain humble and enterprising at all times. His friendship with Li Tianyuan, Zhang Yunfeng, and Su Qingyi also became stronger as a result. They decided to continue to support each other and make progress together in the future cultivation. As his cultivation deepens, Lin Tian's cultivation level gradually stabilizes, but he also realizes that his progress begins to slow down. The basic cultivation of Xuantian Sect is important, but without higher-level cultivation and guidance, a disciple's cultivation is prone to stagnation. Lin Tian is not willing to remain at the current level and aspires for higher realms.
By chance, Lin Tian discovered an ancient handwritten copy in the scripture depository of the sect. The cover of the handwritten copy had turned yellowish, with the four characters "Xuan Yuan Secret Record" written in ancient seal script on it. Out of curiosity, Lin Tian opened the handwritten copy and found that it recorded some rare cultivation methods as well as some ancient legends. One particular passage particularly caught Lin Tian's attention. According to the book, deep in the back mountains of Xuantian Sect, there was a forgotten cave dwelling. Inside the cave dwelling were precious magical treasures and cultivation resources left by ancient cultivators. However, this cave dwelling was also full of dangers, and no one had been able to enter it safely so far. Lin Tian was deeply attracted by this record. He realized that this might be a rare opportunity but was also fraught with risks. After some deliberation, Lin Tian decided to attempt to go to this legendary cave dwelling to seek a chance to break through the cultivation bottleneck. He shared this idea with Li Tianyuan, Zhang Yunfeng, and Su Qingyi. Although the three were shocked upon hearing it, they also realized that this was a rare opportunity and ultimately decided to go with Lin Tian. For this adventure, Lin Tian and his companions made thorough preparations. They selected the most suitable magical tools and elixirs for the exploration and formulated a detailed action plan. The group of four quietly left the sect and headed towards the depths of the back mountains. The environment of the back mountains was complex and changeable, with towering ancient trees and misty fog, full of mystery and the unknown. Lin Tian walked cautiously at the front, holding a spiritual sword and vigilantly observing the movements around. They followed the path mentioned in the handwritten copy, passing through several hidden caves and deep valleys, and finally arrived at a mountain wall covered with vines. According to the handwritten copy, this was the entrance to the cave dwelling. Lin Tian took out a strange stone and inserted it into a groove on the mountain wall. With a slight vibration, a passage slowly opened on the mountain wall. The four looked at each other, filled with both excitement and a hint of unease in their hearts, but they soon firmed their resolve and entered the passage one after another. Inside the passage, the light was dim and the air was filled with an old and musty smell. After walking for a while, they arrived at a spacious cave hall. In the center of the hall stood a huge stone statue, and in front of the statue was an ancient altar. Several glowing items were placed on the altar, among which a pearl emitting a soft blue light was the most prominent. Lin Tian's gaze was deeply drawn to that pearl. He sensed that the pearl contained powerful spiritual energy and seemed to be a magical treasure left by the ancients. However, just as he was about to approach the altar, a low voice suddenly rang out around the cave hall. The eyes of the stone statue instantly lit up, and two red rays shot directly at Lin Tian. It turned out that this cave dwelling was equipped with a powerful protective array. Once someone approached the altar, the array would be triggered, initiating an attack.