Kaelien wandered aimlessly through the dense forest, his senses amplified by the energy saturating this new world. The wind rustled the leaves above him, and he could feel every vibration, every movement around him. The ground beneath his feet seemed to respond to his steps, almost as if he were an integral part of the land itself.
The world he had just discovered was clearly different from anything he had known. The vitality surrounding him was more natural, more profound. He could feel the omnipresent energy in every blade of grass, every tree, every breath of air. This energy, this force he was perceiving, was at the core of the world itself.
"Système, explain the rules of this world " he thought, his curiosity finally awakened. He needed to understand the workings of this place before deciding how to act.
The System's mechanical voice echoed immediately in his mind, answering his call with cold efficiency. [ This world operates on the principle of spiritual energy cultivation. The beings here strive to accumulate this energy to strengthen their bodies, minds, and souls. There are several levels of cultivation, each allowing one to transcend the limits of the human body and access powers that are nearly divine. ]
Kaelien paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the treetops above him. Cultivation of spiritual energy... So that was the key to power here. The concept wasn't foreign to him, having read similar ideas in stories, but it was still vague. He needed more details.
"What are these levels of power?" he asked, calmly.
The System complied, and a new translucent screen appeared before him, detailing the different cultivation levels in this world.
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[Power Levels of Planet Gaïa]
Spiritual Awakening: The first level of cultivation. Cultivators begin to sense the spiritual energy around them and channel it into their bodies to enhance their strength, endurance, and speed. This level is divided into nine sub-levels, ranging from 1 to 9, with each sub-level representing a greater ability to manipulate the energy more fluidly.
Qi Condensation: Cultivators at this level learn to condense spiritual energy into Qi, an essential force for their power. This Qi strengthens their body and allows them to start using basic techniques. This level also has nine sub-levels. With each advancement, their mastery of Qi improves, allowing them to manipulate the energy around them more effectively and convert it into powerful attacks.
Spiritual Foundation: A level where cultivators form a solid foundation for their spiritual energy. They use Qi in a much more sophisticated way, and their body undergoes permanent changes, becoming far more resilient. This level is divided into nine sub-levels. As they progress, cultivators gain finer control over their Qi and techniques.
Nascent Soul: At this level, cultivators begin to form their spiritual soul, the source of higher power. They transcend human limitations and can manipulate their environment impressively. This level is divided into three stages: Initial, Intermediate, and Peak. Progressing through these stages reflects the increasing strength of their soul and their ability to use more destructive and sophisticated techniques.
Saint: Saint-level cultivators have transcended their humanity. They can manipulate spiritual energy with terrifying precision and can change the course of battles with their mere presence. This level is also divided into three stages: Initial, Intermediate, and Peak. Saints often lead great sects or empires, and their power rivals that of kings and rulers.
Celestial: The ultimate level of cultivation. Celestial cultivators are legendary beings, capable of manipulating the very laws of nature and transcending the limits of life and death. Their power is beyond the comprehension of mortals and saints. This level is also divided into three stages: Initial, Intermediate, and Peak. Celestial cultivators are practically invincible, and their lifespan is nearly infinite.
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Kaelien smiled. He was already at the peak of this hierarchy: Peak Celestial. That simple term suggested that he had transcended most of this world's limits. He could manipulate the world at will, as if it responded to his very thoughts and desires.
He now understood that this world functioned on principles of power and cultivation. Everyone sought to climb the ranks to achieve unimaginable levels of strength. But for him, this quest held no meaning. He didn't need to follow that path. He was already at the top.
However, that didn't mean he couldn't observe others. Power struggles, rivalries between sects, battles for ascension… All of it could be fascinating to watch from a distance.
As Kaelien pondered the implications of his power, he was reminded of how different his situation was from that of most inhabitants of this world. They would toil, strive, and fight to grow stronger, unaware that someone like him existed—someone who had already surpassed the very limits they were reaching for.
"System, how do the beings of this world typically advance in their cultivation?" he asked, though he was more curious than concerned. It was unlikely that anyone would be a threat to him, but understanding the dynamics of this new world could be entertaining.
[ Beings in this world accumulate spiritual energy through meditation, training, and combat. Many join sects, organizations dedicated to nurturing talented individuals and advancing their cultivation. Rivalries between these sects are common, and the most powerful often hold sway over entire regions or kingdoms.]
"Interesting" Kaelien thought. It seemed this world would be filled with conflicts of ambition and power—something that might be amusing to observe from the shadows. The idea of watching others struggle for power, while he remained untouchable, was strangely satisfying.
For now, there was no rush to act. He had all the time in the world, and none of the inhabitants here would even know of his existence unless he chose to reveal it.
With a faint smile, Kaelien resumed his walk through the forest. This world, with all its untapped potential, was his playground. And while others fought and clawed their way toward power, he would simply watch, waiting for something—or someone—interesting enough to draw his attention.
For now, that was more than enough.