Not far from Wang Lin's village, three young men were flying at high speed on mounts. The mounts cut through the air with ease, their feathers sparkling in the sun as if they were made of pure energy. Each of the young men seemed to have a presence to match, wearing robes that made them even more imposing. The young man in the middle, with a serious expression, looked at the others and said in an authoritative voice, "So, friend Bei Ning, do you think we'll find anyone capable in this isolated place?" The question was direct, but the tone was curious. The young man next to him, Bei Ning, let out a sigh of frustration, looking at the vast field below as he spoke. "Honestly, I don't care. I hate these recruitment missions." He frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the task. "Going from village to village looking for potential disciples… isn't my style." The young man in the middle laughed at Bei Ning's answer and, in a more relaxed tone, replied:
"Hahaha, I hate these sect missions too, but at least the rewards are good." He leaned forward slightly, as if he was enjoying himself. "And who knows, we might find a real talent here. A disciple like the ones who stand out doesn't even need to undergo tests."
As the young men continued to travel at high speed, one of them looked at the village in the distance, still visible on the horizon, and muttered:
"This village seems simple, but who knows, there might always be a surprise." The young man said this with a thoughtful expression, but without much hope. They had done this type of mission many times before, and although they sometimes found great talents, most of the young men failed to pass the rigorous recruitment tests of the sects.
The trio flew towards the village, their gazes fixed on the humble homes and simple lives of the inhabitants. In the distance, the youths could see the movement of the villagers, some preparing for the arrival of the sect representatives, others simply going about their daily routines.
Descending over the village, the three imposing figures were greeted by the elderly village leader, who was waiting for them with a reverent and respectful expression. Bowing slightly, the elderly man said humbly,
"Great immortals, please follow me. The youths are ready and eager to meet you."
The three cultivators nodded, following the village leader as he led them to an area where the local youths were waiting in anticipation. Each of the youths wore expressions of nervousness and excitement, knowing that this was a rare opportunity that could completely change their destinies.
As soon as they reached the front of the group, the representative in the middle—a young man with a piercing gaze and a robust physique—stepped forward and spoke in a firm, powerful voice:
"Greetings, everyone! My name is Feng Lu, and I am a representative of the Immortal Fist Sect." He paused briefly, letting the young people take in his presence, his gaze determined as if he were assessing each one.
Then, the representative on the right stepped forward. He had a haughty bearing, his hair tied in a bun, and a sharp gaze. With a slight smile, he said:
"Greetings, young people. I am Bei Ning, representative of the Five Element Sect." He looked around, scanning the expectant faces, especially keeping an eye out for those who might have an elemental affinity.
Lastly, the young man on the left, with a more serious expression, stepped forward with firm steps. His head was completely shaved, and on his forehead were several black dots tattooed in a pattern that resembled Buddhist symbolism. He wore the simple robes of a monk, but he exuded a deep and serene presence.
"I am the representative of the Heavenly Soul Sect." His words were brief and direct, without any unnecessary enthusiasm, in keeping with his sober and reserved demeanor.
The aura of the three cultivators was so impressive that the youths were momentarily speechless, simply watching in reverent silence. Some felt palpable nervousness, while others looked with fascination and admiration at the men who could lead them onto the path of true cultivation.
The anticipation was palpable, and the hearts of the youths raced as they imagined what was to come.
Bei Ning stepped forward, drawing even more attention from the youths. In his hand, he held a shining crystal sphere, seemingly simple, but emanating a faint energy. Watching the youths with an intense gaze, he continued:
— The assessment to join the Five Element Sect will be very straightforward. — His voice was firm, conveying seriousness. He held up the sphere so that everyone could see it clearly. — This crystal ball will determine your affinity with the natural elements. Pay attention to the rules: if the ball does not glow when touched, you are automatically eliminated. — His expression became even more solemn, emphasizing the importance of the test.
The young people looked at each other, nervous and anxious, as Bei Ning continued:
— Now, if the ball indicates an affinity between E and C level, you will be qualified to advance in our sect's selection process. However… — He paused briefly, letting the suspense hang in the air. — If your affinity reaches a level higher than C, you will automatically be admitted to the Five Element Sect.
The anticipation among the young people grew. For many, this was a possible dream, but there was also the fear of failure. The possibility of gaining automatic admission filled the air with hope and ambition, and each of them wished to be the one with high affinity.
"Form an orderly line, and come one at a time," Bei Ning instructed, beginning the test that would determine each one's fate.
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(Some information I forgot to include)
The **first stage of cultivation**, known as **Body Refinement**, is the initial foundation for any cultivator. It marks the time when the body begins to be prepared to withstand and manipulate Qi, the life energy of the world. At this stage, cultivators do not have direct access to Qi, but work hard to strengthen their bodies to the extreme using physical and spiritual methods.
Main Objective
The focus of Body Refinement is to purify and strengthen the body to make it a suitable receptacle for Qi in later stages. This includes:
1. Enhancing the muscles, bones, and internal organs to resist attacks and absorb energy.
2. Increasing physical endurance and strength to face everyday challenges and the early tests of cultivation.
3. Creating a solid foundation so that future techniques will be more effective.
Stage Divisions
Body Refinement is divided into 9 levels, with 1st level being the most basic and 9th level being the pinnacle of this stage. Each advancement represents a significant improvement in the body.
- 1st to 3rd level:
The cultivator begins to train the body with intense exercises. At this point, progress depends mainly on willpower and discipline. The body becomes stronger and more resilient, comparable to elite athletes in the mortal world.
- 4th to 6th level:
Physical strength and muscle density increase dramatically. Cultivators can begin to perform superhuman feats, such as running long distances without tiring or withstanding impacts that would kill an ordinary human. At this point, bodily abilities begin to be activated for those who possess them.
- 7th to 9th level:
The body reaches a state of perfection for the initial stage. Skin becomes tougher, reflexes are heightened, and cultivators can crush rocks or bend light metals with their bare hands. These levels prepare the body for the transition to the next stage: Qi Condensation.
Techniques and Methods
In Body Refinement, methods vary depending on the sect or cultivation style:
- Intense physical training:Push-ups, running, weightlifting, and other exercises are common, as demonstrated with Wang Lin.
- Medicinal herbs and pills:Consuming herbs or elixirs strengthens the bones and muscles, speeding up the strengthening process.
- Energy baths: Some sects immerse disciples in special potions or rivers rich in residual Qi, helping to purify and energize the body.
- Special techniques:Unique methods that utilize rhythmic breathing, control of internal strength, or even strikes to shape the body.
Benefits
Upon reaching the highest levels of Body Refinement, the cultivator:
1. Obtains physical strength and endurance that make him/her far superior to ordinary humans.
2. Develops a solid foundation to withstand the impact of Qi in the next stage.
3. Gains resistance to minor illnesses and injuries, with faster recovery.
4. Acquires specific body abilities, depending on talents or techniques.
Limitations
1. Reliance on the physical body: This stage is purely physical, and the cultivator does not yet possess magical abilities or direct control of Qi.
2. Difficulty in advancing: As the level increases, progression becomes slower, requiring specific resources, techniques, and training.
3. Weakness against more advanced cultivators: Even at the peak of Body Refinement, a cultivator will be inferior to someone in the Qi Condensation stage due to the lack of energy techniques.
Conclusion
Body Refinement is essential for any cultivator, as it serves as the solid foundation that will support all future progress. Even though it is an initial stage, it defines an individual's growth capacity in cultivation, making it a watershed between the strong and the weak.