The battle with the Azure Frost Sect's elder left Feng Xiao exhausted, yet exhilarated. The clan had survived, and the people he cared about were safe, at least for the moment. As he lay in his chamber, healing his qi and reflecting on the day's events, he knew that he couldn't afford to be complacent. The Azure Frost Sect was just one of many enemies that would come for him and his clan. He needed to grow stronger.
The clan elders, recognizing his victory and the impressive power he displayed with Celestial Phoenix Ascension, decided to impart more knowledge to Feng Xiao about the path of cultivation. This would be critical if he wanted to rise beyond his current level. Elder Yuan arranged a private meeting with him the next morning in the clan's sacred hall, a place where only high-ranking members gathered.
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The Sacred Hall of the Feng Clan
The hall was grand and serene, with ancient carvings on the walls depicting warriors and beasts locked in epic battles. Elder Yuan stood near a large stone tablet that listed the cultivation realms, pointing to each one as he explained their significance to Feng Xiao.
"These are the cultivation realms, each representing a different stage of spiritual and physical refinement," Elder Yuan began. "Understanding these realms will help you on your path."
Feng Xiao listened intently as Elder Yuan outlined each realm.
1. Qi Condensation: The starting realm where a cultivator refines and gathers qi within their dantian, strengthening their physical body and life force. This is the foundation for all higher realms.
2. Foundation Establishment: The cultivator solidifies their qi, laying a strong foundation. Techniques at this level become more powerful, as the cultivator begins to harness elements like fire, water, and wind.
3. Core Formation: A golden core of pure qi is formed within the dantian, greatly increasing the cultivator's strength. This is often the realm where most mid-level techniques can be learned, and abilities become far more potent.
4. Nascent Soul: At this stage, a cultivator's soul gains physical form, creating a spiritual avatar known as the Nascent Soul. It grants extraordinary insight and the power to access high-level techniques. Feng Xiao knew that reaching this realm would be crucial for him.
5. Spirit Severing: The cultivator separates their spirit from mortal attachments, enabling them to harness powerful spiritual techniques. This realm is difficult to achieve, as it requires deep understanding and intense meditation.
6. Void Transformation: Here, a cultivator's physical body transforms to the point where they are no longer bound by mortal limits. Techniques reach terrifying potency at this stage, and cultivators can alter reality around them.
7. Immortal Ascension: The final known stage, where a cultivator transcends mortality, becoming an immortal. Legends speak of only a few who have reached this level, and they are often spoken of in awe.
As Elder Yuan finished, Feng Xiao's mind buzzed with ambition. He was currently in the Foundation Establishment realm, but he wanted to reach much further, to levels that would allow him to protect the people he cherished and face any threat.
"Now that you know the realms," Elder Yuan said, "it's time to prepare for the next stage in your journey. The cultivation techniques you possess are powerful, but to ascend further, you need additional skills and perhaps a powerful companion. I will reveal a few of these skills, but you must choose the one that resonates most with you."
Elder Yuan waved his hand, and three ancient scrolls appeared, each detailing a unique technique.
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The Three Techniques
1. Celestial Serpent Binding (Nascent Soul Level): This technique calls upon the spirit of the Celestial Serpent to bind an enemy, draining their energy and immobilizing them. The user can manipulate serpent-like manifestations of qi to surround the opponent and strike fear into their heart. However, mastering this technique requires profound control over one's qi and spiritual awareness.
2. Phoenix Rebirth Flames (Core Formation Level): An advanced fire technique that combines offense and healing. The user's flames not only scorch the enemy but also rejuvenate the user, allowing them to heal wounds mid-battle. At higher levels, this technique allows the user to revive from near-death by consuming their own qi reserves.
3. Void Mirror Reflection (Spirit Severing Level): This rare technique creates a mirror-like shield that reflects attacks back at the enemy. The Void Mirror drains a considerable amount of qi but can repel even the strongest attacks, allowing the user to turn their opponent's strength against them.
Feng Xiao studied each scroll carefully, contemplating his options. The Phoenix Rebirth Flames resonated deeply with him, especially after mastering Celestial Phoenix Ascension. The idea of combining attack and healing power felt like it would complete his skill set, allowing him to push beyond his current limits. He picked up the scroll with a firm resolve.
"I choose the Phoenix Rebirth Flames," he declared.
Elder Yuan nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Phoenix Rebirth Flames will elevate your combat abilities, and it aligns with the Celestial Phoenix Ascension, enhancing your compatibility with fire-based techniques."
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Days of Training
Feng Xiao dedicated himself to learning the Phoenix Rebirth Flames technique. Training took place in a secluded clearing within the clan's grounds, where he could practice without interruption. To master this technique, he needed to increase his control over fire qi and develop a deep connection with its regenerative qualities.
The first few days were spent visualizing and internalizing the concept of rebirth—the idea that fire could destroy yet also heal. As Feng Xiao meditated, he tapped into his deepest reserves of qi, focusing on channeling it through his entire body rather than just his attacks. His goal was to create an internal cycle of flames that would strengthen his own life force as he unleashed attacks on others.
Once he felt confident, he began practicing in earnest. He summoned his flames, allowing them to dance around his body, feeling the energy pulse through him. At first, his control was shaky, and the flames were difficult to sustain. But with each day, he grew more proficient, learning to summon the Phoenix Rebirth Flames almost instinctively.
Feng Mei, who had been watching his training from a distance, approached him one evening. "Feng Xiao, you've come a long way. I can feel the heat of your flames even from here."
Feng Xiao smiled, grateful for her support. "Thank you, Feng Mei. This technique is demanding, but I feel like it's unlocking something within me."
She gave him an encouraging look. "I have no doubt you'll master it soon."
Her words filled him with determination, and he resumed his training with even more focus.
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Testing Phoenix Rebirth Flames
After weeks of intense practice, Feng Xiao was ready to put the Phoenix Rebirth Flames to the test. He ventured into a nearby forest with Feng Mei, who would act as a sparring partner. She used her ice-based techniques to create a challenging environment, summoning cold barriers and freezing winds to keep him on his toes.
Feng Xiao activated the Phoenix Rebirth Flames, his aura bursting into vibrant fire. The flames seemed to glow with a life of their own, radiating both heat and a faint healing warmth. As he clashed with Feng Mei's icy barriers, his flames intensified, effortlessly melting her defenses while rejuvenating his own energy.
"Impressive," Feng Mei remarked, dodging his fiery strikes. "Your flames aren't just destructive—they're sustaining you."
Feng Xiao grinned. "That's the power of the Phoenix Rebirth Flames."
But the true test came when Feng Mei summoned an ice dragon using Glacial Convergence, a Core Formation technique that manifested a powerful ice construct. The dragon roared and charged, its icy breath chilling the air.
Feng Xiao focused, channeling his qi to its peak, and unleashed the Phoenix Rebirth Flames in a massive burst. His flames surged forward, meeting the dragon head-on, the heat clashing with the ice in a dramatic explosion. As the dragon melted, Feng Xiao could feel the flames' warmth rejuvenating him, healing minor injuries and refreshing his qi.
The successful test of the Phoenix Rebirth Flames boosted Feng Xiao's confidence. He had unlocked a technique that could both devastate his enemies and sustain his own life force—a formidable weapon for future battles.
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A New Path Forward
Returning to the clan grounds, Feng Xiao felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had grown, not just in power but in understanding. He was no longer the naive young cultivator he once was. With each technique and every battle, he was coming closer to his goal of protecting his clan and rising to the highest realms.
As he gazed out over the mountains from the clan's peak, he vowed to press forward, no matter the cost. He still had many realms to conquer, many techniques to master, and many battles to face. But with the Phoenix Rebirth Flames and the Celestial Phoenix Ascension at his command, he knew he could achieve anything.
Feng Mei joined him, standing by his side as they looked out into the distance together. There was a sense of peace between them, an unspoken bond that grew stronger with each passing day.
"Wherever your path leads, Feng Xiao," she said softly, "I'll be there."
He looked at her, a grateful smile on his face. "And I wouldn't want it any other way."
Their journey was far from over, but together, they were ready to face whatever awaited them.
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End of Chapter