Cultivation stages start with the Body Purification Stage, a crucial beginning where a practitioner cleanses their physical vessel, flushing out impurities and toxins that hinder their spiritual growth. Once they successfully break through this initial phase, they transcend into the Spirit Purification Stage, where they begin to refine their inner essence, honing their spiritual energy to foster a deeper connection with the life qi that flows through all things.
As they progress, they will eventually form their meridians, intricate pathways that channel energy throughout their body, leading them into the Meridian Formation Stage. This marks a significant turning point in their journey as cultivators, for those who master the Meridian Formation Stage will enter what is known as the true cultivation stage, the revered Nascent Soul Stage.
In this advanced state, a cultivator can harness the essence of life qi to nourish their very soul, resulting in a transformation that allows them to transcend the limitations of the mortal realm. Those who have reached the Nascent Soul Stage are granted extraordinary abilities, enabling them to soar through the skies and traverse bodies of water with grace and ease, earning them the esteemed title of True Cultivators in this world.
Among them is Elder Han, a formidable figure who was chosen to accompany the young disciple Wang Zi. As a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, he flew through the air like a hawk, effortlessly covering vast distances until he arrived at the Sect Headquarters. Upon landing, he released Wang Zi onto the ground, his usual cold gaze fixated on the young man.
"Follow me," he commanded, his tone leaving little room for disobedience.
With a mix of confusion and apprehension, Wang Zi complied, muttering to himself, 'What is this all about? Why has he abducted me all of a sudden? But then again, Elder Han only moves at the behest of the higher-ups, so perhaps the real person who wishes to see me is him.'
As they approached a grand entrance, Wang Zi's eyes widened. The door was intricately carved from beautiful jade, adorned with countless symbols that resonated with power. 'A Formation Door!' he thought, recognizing it as a protective spell designed to guard against intruders. This door also possessed an alerting system that would notify all elders and the entire sect of any potential threats. It was a legendary formation spell crafted by the ancestors of the Moon Sword Sect, considered one of the treasures of the Crimson Moon City.
Elder Han approached the door, placing his hands on the surface while murmuring incantations that signaled their arrival to the higher-ups. Slowly, the door creaked open, revealing a magnificent hall filled with vibrant paintings and exquisite sculptures, each telling a story of the sect's illustrious history. Guards stood vigilant at the sides of the hallway, their presence a testament to the importance of this place.
They soon arrived at another door, which appeared much more ordinary compared to the grand entrance they had just passed. The guards flanking this door opened it, revealing a round table where the Elders of the Moon Sword Sect were seated. At the center, a youth with striking white hair sat, his light blue eyes glinting with anticipation as he regarded the newcomers.
Wang Zi and Elder Han immediately bowed their heads in respect.
"Medical Hall Elder Han Ming greets Sect Leader."
"Outer Court Disciple Wang greets Sect Leader."
The sect leader, a figure of authority and wisdom, smiled slightly at them. "Elder Han, please take your seat."
As the Elder moved to sit between two other elders, the Sect Leader's attention turned to Wang Zi, who felt the weight of the leader's gaze upon him.
"Disciple Wang," he began, "I received a report of your arrival from Inner Sect Disciple Yang Lin yesterday. He informed me of your two-month absence."
Nodding, Wang Zi prepared to explain. "I apologize for the trouble caused to the sect.
During my mission. I was ambushed by a beast that nearly took my life, but a mysterious immortal intervened, assisting me out of goodwill. Not only that, but he also aided me in my cultivation."
Gasps echoed around the table, eyes widening in disbelief, for the mention of an immortal was a significant revelation. The sect members were well aware of the rarity of such encounters, and Wang Zi's claim that this immortal had helped him cultivate only heightened their curiosity.
He continued, releasing his Spirit Purification Stage aura, which caused the elders to stare in astonishment. "Before you went missing, you had only reached the Fourth Realm of Body Purification Stage. To think that you jumped to the Seventh Realm of Spirit Purification Stage in just two months—is that immortal provided you with some miraculous pills or elixirs?"
The elders leaned forward; their interest piqued. Wang Zi maintained his composure as he replied, "He transferred his Origin Qi to me."
The mere mention of 'Origin Qi' sent shockwaves through the council. Origin Qi was the life essence each cultivator was born with, the foundational energy that defined their potential in the realm of cultivation. It was a truth universally acknowledged that no one could give away their Origin Qi; it was an intrinsic part of their being, and to lose it meant the end of their path as a cultivator.
A hushed silence fell over the room, and then the Elder of the Discipline Hall's voice broke through the tension, filled with incredulity. "You must be lying! How dare you speak such nonsense in this council hall, in front of the Sect Leader?"
While most cultivators would have crumpled under the weight of the elder's oppressive aura, Wang Zi stood firm. He had not only enhanced his physical and spiritual strength through various potions but also fortified his mind against such pressures. Still, a trickle of blood escaped his nose as he struggled against the unyielding force.
The tension escalated, but the sect leader, sensing the rising conflict, clapped his hands to regain control of the room. The sound echoed, breaking the hostility that hung heavily in the air.
With a sharp intake of breath, the Elder ceased his pressure, bowing his head to the Sect Leader in a show of respect. "I apologize for my irrational behavior, Sect Master."
The Sect Leader, however, merely scoffed, his attention shifting back to Wang Zi, who remained surprisingly composed.
Despite the shock of the revelation, the sect leader's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "Origin Qi is the essence of a cultivator's life. If someone were to give you their Origin Qi, it would jeopardize their own cultivation, potentially ending their journey forever. Are you absolutely certain of what you claim?"
Without a hint of hesitation, Wang Zi replied, "I asked the immortal the same question, and he shrugged it off, saying, 'In the upper realm, transferring Origin Qi is merely a child's trick. Once a cultivator ascends to the upper realm, they no longer require their Origin Qi, as their very existence becomes a source of Origin Qi.'"
The sect leader's eyes widened, his expression shifting from skepticism to intrigue. He leaned forward, captivated by Wang Zi's words. "And what of your own Origin Qi? What happened to it?"
With sorrowful eyes, Wang Zi recounted, "When I was gravely injured, the poison coursed through my body and annihilated my Origin Qi. It was a devastating loss."
A deep silence enveloped the council, and the Sect Leader sighed heavily. "We must take greater precautions to monitor the beasts in the nearby forests. It is our duty to protect our disciples and ensure they do not fall victim to such dangers. As Sect Leader, I am ashamed that I allowed one of our own to suffer."
As he bowed his head in remorse, the other elders quickly spoke up, their voices resonating with solidarity.
"You need not apologize, Sect Leader. We elders are also responsible for this oversight."
"Indeed, Sect Leader, we must learn from this and ensure that no disciple faces such peril again."
One by one, the elders expressed their commitment to tightening security measures and improving scouting efforts around the sect's territory.
After the meeting concluded, Wang Zi was escorted to the Inner Sect Court, where he was met with a gentle reminder from one of the elders.
"Take care of yourself, Disciple Wang."
Wang Zi nodded, bowing his head in gratitude before departing from the Inner Sect Court. Though he longed to speak with Yang Xin, the setting sun beckoned him home. He shook his head, deciding it would be best to return to his residence.