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Chap beter 1: A Humble Beginning
Yifang, born into a modest family in a small village, is no different from other children except for one thing: his low cultivation potential. Despite his family's hopes, Yifang struggles to even begin the most basic level of cultivation. At the age of 10, he takes his first steps into the world of cultivation, only to find that his progress is agonizingly slow. He begins in the Connection Stage, where he learns to connect with spiritual energy, but the flow of energy feels weak and distant.
Lesson: The reality of his cultivation struggles sinks in—he has no innate talent and his path will be long and arduous.
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Chapter 2: The First Seed of Hope
Yifang's slow progress is disheartening, but he remains determined. His family encourages him, even though they fear he might never reach the levels of cultivation other children in the village attain. One day, while wandering through the forest, he finds a strange flower that seems to pulse with faint spiritual energy. Unknown to him, this flower has a rare property—its essence boosts cultivation. Though it doesn't immediately make a huge difference, it gives Yifang hope.
Lesson: Yifang learns that patience and persistence, along with a little luck, may make all the difference in his journey.
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Chapter 3: The Reluctant Teacher
At age 12, Yifang is sent to the local cultivation academy, where he meets Master Ren, a strict but wise teacher. Master Ren sees Yifang's slow cultivation and doubts whether he has the potential to progress. However, seeing his determination, Master Ren agrees to teach him basic techniques. While the other students progress quickly, Yifang lags behind, but Master Ren's lessons provide him with the necessary foundation.
Lesson: Despite his slow growth, Yifang's perseverance earns him a chance to learn from a true master.
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Chapter 4: Struggling with the Basics
Yifang spends years working through the basics of cultivation. At age 15, he has just barely reached the Connection Stage. His family's worries grow, and even Yifang starts questioning if he is cut out for this life. His classmates excel at cultivating spiritual energy with ease, but Yifang's connection is fragile and inconsistent. Despite this, Master Ren encourages him to keep going, saying, "Not all who are slow are weak."
Lesson: The journey ahead is long, and slow progress is still progress.
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Chapter 5: The First Breakthrough
At age 17, after years of struggle, Yifang experiences a breakthrough. During a quiet night of meditation, he feels a faint surge of spiritual energy coursing through him. It's the first time his connection feels solid. He doesn't reach the Foundation Stage yet, but the experience is enough to bolster his confidence. He continues refining his techniques, eager to solidify his newfound connection.
Lesson: Small victories add up, and even the smallest progress is worth celebrating.
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Chapter 6: A New Challenge
Yifang is introduced to the Foundation Stage curriculum at age 18. While many of his peers advance with ease, Yifang struggles to adapt to the new techniques. His cultivation is still at the very beginning, and he wonders if he will ever be able to leave the Connection Stage behind. His frustration mounts, but he learns a critical lesson from his fellow students—cultivation is about persistence, not speed.
Lesson: It's not about how fast you cultivate, but how steadfastly you stick to the path.
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Chapter 7: The Arrival of a Mysterious Visitor
A mysterious traveler arrives at the academy, a figure cloaked in a deep blue robe. He is known as Master Lian, a former cultivator who has fallen into obscurity. Master Lian takes an interest in Yifang's struggle and offers him a mysterious spiritual talisman. The talisman doesn't directly increase Yifang's cultivation but helps him better control his energy, making it easier to gather spiritual power. With Master Lian's advice, Yifang begins to refine his approach to cultivation.
Lesson: Sometimes, the smallest of gifts can open doors to new paths.
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Chapter 8: An Unexpected Surge
One night, while practicing alone in the academy's cultivation hall, Yifang experiences a surge of spiritual energy. It's fleeting, but it feels real this time. For the first time in years, Yifang is able to push past the Connection Stage. He feels the energy gathering inside him, and for the first time, he can clearly feel the flow of spiritual energy in his body. This is his first real breakthrough into the Foundation Stage, though still fragile.
Lesson: Cultivation is unpredictable, but consistency brings results in the long term.
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Chapter 9: The Lingering Doubt
Though Yifang reaches the Foundation Stage at age 19, doubt lingers in his heart. His classmates have long since surpassed him in terms of cultivation, and their progress accelerates as they grow older. He struggles with envy, but Master Ren reminds him that his path is his own. "Do not compare yourself to others; measure yourself against who you were yesterday."
Lesson: The only person Yifang should compete with is himself.
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Chapter 10: A Gift from the Heavens
At age 20, after years of hard work, Yifang receives an unexpected blessing—a rare spiritual crystal falls into his hands during a routine meditation. This crystal, imbued with ancient energy, helps him stabilize his connection to the spiritual world and dramatically enhances his growth. With this newfound resource, Yifang finally reaches the Foundation Stage in earnest, and the other students take notice of his persistence.
Lesson: Even in times of hardship, the universe can offer help when it's needed most.
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Chapter 11: Gaining Confidence
Yifang's journey takes a positive turn. After reaching the Foundation Stage, his confidence begins to rise. He has spent five years cultivating, but now he's starting to feel the rewards of his labor. His understanding of spiritual energy is growing, and his body is becoming more attuned to the flow of energy. Although still not as fast as his peers, Yifang knows that he's on the right path.
Lesson: Confidence grows from the accumulation of small successes.
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Chapter 12: A Test of Willpower
At age 22, Yifang is chosen to participate in the academy's Trial of Willpower, a test to push cultivators to their limits. He faces a series of grueling challenges that push his mental and spiritual limits. Despite the odds, Yifang succeeds, though barely. His willpower is stronger than ever, and this victory boosts his belief that he can cultivate to the highest levels, even if it takes a lifetime.
Lesson: A cultivator's greatest strength is their ability to persevere through challenges.
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Chapter 13: Encounters with Rivals
Yifang's slow progress doesn't go unnoticed. He encounters rivals who mock him for his low cultivation potential, but their words only fuel his determination. He focuses on his personal growth, vowing to rise above their criticisms. As he meditates deeply one evening, he begins to understand more about his own energy pathways and how to refine them. This knowledge brings him one step closer to mastering his cultivation.
Lesson: Enemies can provide the motivation needed to push beyond one's limits.
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Chapter 14: A Moment of Clarity
At age 24, Yifang experiences a rare moment of clarity during a long meditation session. The energy around him feels more tangible, and for a brief moment, he feels truly connected to the natural world. His understanding of his energy deepens, and he realizes that his slow cultivation is simply due to his unique path. He doesn't need to rush—his journey will unfold in its own time.
Lesson: True understanding comes when a cultivator learns to listen to the world around them.
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Chapter 15: A Taste of Perfection
Though Yifang has only reached the Foundation Stage, he experiences a brief moment of profound spiritual insight. For the first time, he feels like he's touched the edge of Perfection, a stage far beyond him. It's an indescribable sensation that leaves him craving more. He knows that this glimpse of the highest stage of cultivation is a sign that he is on the right path.
Lesson: Even the smallest glimpses of perfection are enough to inspire a lifetime of effort.
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Chapter 16: The Path of Magicka
After years of cultivating the Foundation Stage, Yifang discovers a book on the path of Magicka—a form of cultivation focused on harnessing magical energy. While he knows his primary path is through spiritual cultivation, this new path intrigues him. He begins to study it slowly, integrating its teachings into his existing techniques. The slow progress continues, but Yifang remains motivated by the potential of combining both paths.
Lesson: Sometimes, the road less traveled offers unexpected rewards.
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Chapter 17: The First Test of Magicka
At age 26, Yifang participates in a Magicka Trial, a test for those pursuing the path of magic. His progress is slow, and many doubt his abilities, but his persistence pays off. He successfully completes the trial, though it's clear his magical abilities are still in their infancy. Nevertheless, he gains valuable insights into how magic can complement his spiritual cultivation.
Lesson: Even the smallest steps toward mastery can change