Back at the spiritual mountain, Jonathan marveled at how quickly his injuries had healed. His energy felt fully restored, and he couldn't hide his amazement.
"So, you're not only a skilled cultivator but also an impressive healer," Jonathan said, acknowledging the woman's talents.
She managed a small smile, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I learned a thing or two from my master before he passed."
"With skills like yours, you could contend with any of the realm's greats," he praised. "Judging by the way you controlled your energy, you must be at least at the Glorious tier, right?"
"You overestimate me," she replied with a faint laugh. "I'm only a five-star Grandmaster. Advancing has been slow since I lost my master. It took me ten years to reach Grandmaster from Master… and that's partly because time works differently in the two realms."
A wave of solemn energy washed over them, thick and almost tangible. Jonathan could feel the weight of her sorrow, even though he was still untrained.
"Two realms?" he asked, curiosity sparked. "And if it took you ten years… just how old are you?"
The question amused her, bringing a glimmer of warmth back to her expression. "In my realm, I'm sixty-six years old, but in this one, I'm thirty-three."
"So time moves twice as fast there," he mused, piecing it together. "That means… you've been without your master for thirty-six years there—eighteen here."
The woman nodded, and Jonathan felt an urge to ask more. "Can you teach me?" he asked, excitement lighting his eyes.
She studied him thoughtfully. "I don't mind, but cultivation isn't something to take lightly. Each stage requires dedication and an understanding of what lies ahead."
As she began to explain, Jonathan's gaze grew intense, absorbing every word.
"In cultivation, there are nine tiers," she began. "Each represents a deeper mastery of spiritual energy. We start at the Novice level, Tier 1, where fighters just begin their journey with basic techniques and minor energy control."
"That's the starting line?" Jonathan clarified.
She nodded. "Yes. Next is the Adept level, Tier 2, where cultivators gain a slight physical boost and begin learning low-level elemental skills. After that comes Disciple, Tier 3, where they start developing unique paths. They can project energy attacks and have a minor command over elements."
He leaned forward. "And Master level?"
"At Master, Tier 4, one hones advanced techniques, strengthens endurance, and forms energy shields. But despite their power, Master-level cultivators still have limitations on their energy."
"Then there's Grandmaster, right?" Jonathan asked, sensing she was next to reach.
"Correct. At Grandmaster, Tier 5, cultivators are recognized as true experts. They can unleash devastating attacks and powerful defenses, although prolonged battles can still wear them down."
He felt a spark of awe but couldn't help but press further. "What about the levels beyond?"
The woman's eyes took on a distant look. "After Grandmaster is Ascendant, Tier 6. Ascendants are nearly legendary. They can manipulate reality within their reach, achieving full mastery of energy and high-level elemental control. However, using ultimate techniques can leave them vulnerable."
"Wait… they can change reality?" he whispered, astonished.
She nodded. "Yes, but only within limits. After Ascendant is Glorious, Tier 7. Glorious cultivators have transcended mortal bounds; they radiate divine energy that inspires awe and fear. They can unleash immense power and heal from severe injuries, though they often require rest after battles."
"And the last two levels?" Jonathan asked, unable to imagine powers beyond that.
"Beyond Glorious is Half-Immortal, Tier 8. A Half-Immortal straddles the line between mortality and divinity. They have nearly endless energy, control over time and space, and can even regenerate, though a defeat could take them decades to fully recover."
Jonathan's eyes widened, speechless at the idea of such strength. "And the highest level…?"
She paused, her expression somber. "The final stage is Immortal, or for some, Demon King, Tier 9. At this level, they transcend mortality completely, wielding either divine or dark power. They control all elements, bend reality to their will, and manipulate time and space in their domain. They're nearly impossible to kill, yet bound by cosmic laws—disrupting balance could bring catastrophic consequences."
Silence hung between them as Jonathan struggled to process it all. "And you… do you aspire to reach that level?"
The woman looked into the distance, her eyes reflecting a mixture of longing and resignation. "Once, perhaps. But my master taught me that true mastery lies not in power alone, but in understanding one's purpose."
She turned to him, her expression softening. "Why do you want to learn cultivation, Jonathan? Is it just for power, or is there more?"
He hesitated, then spoke with sincerity. "I want to protect the people I care about. I've always felt helpless, but after seeing your abilities… I want to know what's possible."
She nodded, as if she'd been waiting for this answer. "Cultivation can bring strength, but it won't ease your pain or fears. It's a path that demands sacrifice. But if you're certain, I can teach you the basics."
His face brightened with resolve. "I'd be honored to learn."
The woman placed a steadying hand on his shoulder, her touch firm yet comforting. "Then we'll begin. I'll teach you to sense the energy within and around you. From there, the journey is yours."
As the sun dipped below the mountains, casting a warm glow, Jonathan felt a newfound sense of peace and purpose. With her guidance, he was about to step into a vast, hidden world—one that would forever shape his destiny.