Li Wei walked toward the Technique Hall, his footsteps steady and purposeful. Reaching the Essence Flow stage had unlocked new possibilities for him. His energy manipulation capability, now refined to a precision of 3 micrometers—about the width of a strand of spider silk—placed him tantalizingly close to Awakening.
For the past three years, Li Wei had diligently practiced the basic technique, Zen Force Flow. This unranked technique, used by cultivators throughout the kingdom, cultivated balance, calmness, and energy flow. Its 18 movements stimulated the body, Dantian, meridians, and nervous system, laying a solid foundation for Li Wei's current achievements.
Entering the Technique Hall, his steps quiet, Li Wei spotted his father, Li Qiang, the hall's master, engrossed in an ancient tome. As Li Wei approached, Li Qiang looked up, his eyes warm with pride.
"Ah, Wei'er," Li Qiang greeted him. "I sense a significant shift in your energy. Your Zen Force Flow practice has borne fruit."
Li Wei nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I've successfully reached the Essence Flow stage, Father. My energy manipulation capability has refined to 3 micrometers. I feel the threshold of Awakening within reach."
Li Qiang's gaze turned introspective. "Your progress is remarkable, son. Half a step away from Awakening, the initial substage of Blooming Jade... You're poised to transcend your current limits."
Li Wei felt a surge of excitement. Reaching the Essence Flow stage and achieving 3-micrometer precision opened up the possibility of learning graded techniques. "I'd like to select a graded technique, Father."
Li Qiang smiled warmly. "Let's take a look together, Wei'er. Come." He led Li Wei through the Technique Hall's shelves, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. As they walked, Li Qiang's gaze turned serious. "Wei'er, you've reached a crucial threshold," he said, excitement shining in his eyes. "Your bodily strength and energy manipulation capability have advanced significantly. You're now ready to practice proper energy cultivation techniques."
Li Wei's curiosity piqued, though he already knew much of what his father might say. For years, he had acted with maturity beyond his age, which had distanced him somewhat from his father. He longed for a warmer, more fatherly bond, yet his reserved nature held him back. Additionally, he knew that in a world where demonic possession was a real concern, his premature maturity might raise suspicions.
"What specifically makes it dangerous for those with lower talent to practice energy cultivation techniques, Father?" he asked, hoping to reconnect with him.
Li Qiang's expression turned serious. "Those below the Waning Dull talent level, with Narrow Dantians, possess functioning Dantians but are considered Fractured due to their weak microscopic precision and macroscopic manipulative capability. This instability makes it hazardous to practice advanced techniques."
Li Wei nodded, seeking clarity. "And why is microscopic precision and macroscopic manipulative capability so crucial for energy cultivation?"
Li Qiang's eyes lit up. "Microscopic precision allows for refined energy control, while macroscopic manipulative capability enables the cultivation of complex energy patterns. Without these, the risk of energy backflow, Dantian damage, or even physical harm increases significantly."
Li Wei's understanding deepened. "I see. My half-step to Awakening in the Blooming Jade level talent, with a Deep Dantian surpassing the perfected Waning Dull level, grants me the necessary stability and precision."
"Exactly, son," Li Qiang affirmed. "To practice energy cultivation techniques, one needs microscopic precision, macroscopic manipulative capability, and a certain level of physique and resilience. Your current talent and capability make you exceptionally eligible."
They reached a section of the Technique Hall filled with intricate diagrams. "Our classification system evaluates both innate talent and cultivated abilities. There are ten main levels: Gray Vein with Fractured Dantian, Dull Vein with Narrow Dantian, Iron Vein with Small Dantian, Amber Vein with Expanding Dantian, Jade Vein with Deep Dantian, Crystal Vein with Wide Dantian, Sapphire Vein with Vast Dantian, Phoenix Vein with Boundless Dantian, Eternal Vein with Divine Dantian, and Transcendent Vein with Infinite Dantian."
Li Wei nodded, familiar with the system. "And within each level, there are substages, like the five substages of Blooming Jade: Awakening, Resonance, Mastery, Ascendancy, and Perfection."
Li Qiang smiled. "Each substage reflects increasing mastery within Blooming Jade, with precision improving from 1.5 micrometers to 50 nanometers. As you progress to higher cultivation levels, you'll find that each realm requires a corresponding level of microscopic precision and macroscopic control to harness energy safely and effectively. The same applies to higher-level techniques, which demand increased control to handle the intensity and complexity of their energy patterns."
Li Qiang's expression turned encouraging. "And once you've perfected your current level of talent and precision, Wei'er, you can progress to higher levels. Achieving Perfection in Blooming Jade will grant you the foundation to advance to Crystal Vein, and eventually, even higher levels like Sapphire Vein or Phoenix Vein."
Li Wei's eyes widened with excitement, his determination ignited.
"That's the spirit, Wei'er," Li Qiang said, pride shining in his eyes. "Now, let's find a suitable technique for you to start with."
Li Qiang led Li Wei to an intricate, gilded bookshelf. His voice took on a solemn tone as he began explaining the classification of techniques.
"Techniques," he began, "are categorized into eight grades: Innate, Aureate, Ascendant, Ethereal, Sovereign, Saint, Dao, and Eternal. Each grade requires specific cultivation levels and precision. Techniques at higher grades demand precise control and stronger Dantians to handle the sheer power they unleash."
He continued, "At the lower levels, techniques are divided into Low, Intermediate, and High tiers. As you progress to the higher levels, there are additional subdivisions: Lesser, Greater, Quasi, and unique stages specific to each technique. Mastery over any technique is a path of discipline and skill, and within each stage, the degree of mastery is further classified."
Li Wei listened closely as his father explained the progression.
"Mastery is broken down into five stages: Foundation, the beginner's level; Proficiency, where skill begins to sharpen; Advancement, showing refined control and effectiveness; Unity, a deep harmony with the technique; and finally, Transcendence, the ultimate level of mastery."
Having set the foundation, Li Qiang reached for a scroll bound in a dark phoenix-feather cover and handed it to Li Wei. "This," he said, "is Harmonized Flow of the Eternal Phoenix. It's a technique most suited to you now, given your recent advancements. Though classified as an Advanced Innate-grade technique, it has a unique quality—it possesses the power of an intermediate Aureate-grade technique, despite requiring no physical body modification or change. Its classification remains Innate only because it is thought to be the foundational volume of a much higher-grade technique."
Li Wei felt a surge of excitement as he took the scroll. His father explained further, opening the scroll to the first chapter.
"Let's go through the chapters together."
Chapter 1: Azure Breath of the Phoenix (蒼龍之息)
Focus: Enhanced Respiration for Energy Capture
"At this stage, you will learn to refine your breath control, using 3-micrometer precision to absorb energy-carrying molecules from the air—oxygen and other essential elements. This stage builds a powerful connection to your internal energy."
How It Works:
"You will practice a series of rhythmic breaths to synchronize with the energy around you. By precisely tuning your breath cycle, you enhance the intake of oxygen and ambient energy into your bloodstream, boosting ATP production and oxygen efficiency. This focus on respiration will gradually elevate your energy capacity and metabolic power."
Chapter 2: Radiant Dawn's Embrace (光曦之擁抱)
Focus: Concentrated Light and Thermal Energy Absorption
"In the second stage, you'll learn to harness light and thermal energy. Using your micrometer-scale control, you will gather diffuse light and ambient heat and direct it to your energy organ for storage."
How It Works:
"Position yourself to absorb light—either natural or artificial. Through adjustments in posture and breathing, you will absorb light photons and infrared radiation, storing the energy within your energy organ to draw upon as needed. This stage is especially useful during prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing reliance on your internal energy reserves."
Benefits:
"Aside from energy harvesting, this technique will let you tap into an abundant energy source without exhausting your reserves."
Chapter 3: Zephyr's Flow (微風之流)
Focus: Microcurrent Wind Capture and Static Charge Absorption
"The final chapter teaches you to manipulate air currents and static energy. You'll create localized micro-vortices, directing air currents toward your body to capture kinetic energy. Simultaneously, you will absorb static charges present in the atmosphere, especially in high-density particle areas."
How It Works:
"By subtly controlling micro-scale air currents, you create gentle whirlwinds that funnel airflow toward you, capturing kinetic energy. Your energy channels also become fine-tuned to absorb ambient static charges, which can be especially potent in certain environments, such as during thunderstorms."
Benefits:
"This stage grants you a sustainable energy source even in environments where light or heat might be limited, improving your adaptability and endurance."
After explaining the three chapters, Li Qiang concluded,"When you've mastered each of these techniques individually, you'll be able to combine them into the Harmonized Flow of the Eternal Phoenix (永恒鳳凰之流). This combination will let you draw from both internal and external sources, elevating your energy capacity and refining your precision even further. When you can execute the Harmonized Flow of the Eternal Phoenix it will bring you to the very first level of Foundation mastery."
Li Wei's eyes glowed with anticipation as he absorbed his father's words. The Harmonized Flow of the Eternal Phoenix represented a significant step on his path, one that could lead him toward future breakthroughs.