"To cultivate, you must follow a cultivation manual," Elder Jia explained. "The quality of the manual directly influences your success in breaking through to the next realm. A higher-tier manual not only improves your chances but also builds a stronger foundation, reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks during your progression."
Elder Jia paused briefly before continuing, "Cultivation manuals are ranked from lowest to highest as Common, Profound, Earthly, Heavenly, and Immortal. Each rank, except for the Immortal tier, is further divided into four sub-levels: Low, Medium, High, and Top."
This time, Feng Fan raised his hand, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Elder Jia, why isn't the Immortal tier divided into sub-levels like the others?"
Elder Jia offered a patient smile. "It's not that the Immortal tier cannot be divided; it's that this world lacks the means to differentiate among its levels. In truth, the Immortal tier is how we call all tiers higher than Heavenly, but there should exist more. Such mysteries are beyond our current understanding."
Feng Fan nodded thoughtfully. 'This Xianxia setting is accelerating way too fast. An Immortal realm already being introduced? Shouldn't we wait for the protagonist to at least reach the peak of the current world power system first?' He sighed inwardly, feeling like the plot wasn't playing by the usual rules.
"Now, for the most important part," Elder Jia said, his tone serious. "Our sect has a library where you can find cultivation manuals and battle techniques. Access to these manuals requires sect points, which can be earned by completing missions."
"However, for the next six months, you will have free access to specific sections of the library based on your Talent Grade. After this period, you'll need to earn sect points to continue accessing these resources. Those with Heavenly or Immortal Talent will enjoy unrestricted access to all levels of the library without ever needing to use sect points. All sect points will be engraved on your sect token. You'll all receive one after leaving here."
He paused briefly. "As for your cultivation resources, they've been allocated according to your talent grade and will be delivered to your quarters within the next three hours. Use this time wisely to visit the library and select a suitable manual for your training," Elder Jia instructed, his gaze sweeping over the group.
"Now, while Qi Cultivation is considered the orthodox path, it is not the only route to immortality," Elder Jia continued, his tone steady. "Body Cultivation is another viable path. However, very few choose to do it, and for a good reason. Unlike Qi Cultivation, which relies heavily on talent, Body Cultivation doesn't, but it comes with a price: agonizing pain. Only those with poor Qi Cultivation talent typically resort to it."
At his final words, all eyes turned toward Feng Fan, their expressions a mix of pity and amusement.
Feng Fan, however, met their gazes with a smirk. 'Pain?' he thought, his confidence unwavering. 'Heh, I've written so many stories of god-chosen warriors enduring unimaginable pain during their training. I can endure some pain too!'
"The realms for Body Cultivation," Elder Jia continued, his voice commanding the room's attention, "progress from lowest to highest as follows: Body Forging, Bone Forging, Organ Tempering, Marrow Cleansing, Vein Awakening, Divine Strength, Breaking the Void, Body Integration, and finally, Immortal Body Ascension."
He paused, scanning the group. "That concludes the basics. You are now free to head to the library and select a cultivation manual suitable for your path. Choose wisely."
As the crowd began to disperse, Elder Jia's gaze fell on Feng Fan. "Feng Fan, stay behind. There's something important I need to discuss with you."
Feng Fan looked at Elder Jia and nodded, but before he could walk over, a voice gathered everyone's attention.
Standing in the doorway was a stunningly beautiful woman, radiating an aura of confidence and allure. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, gleaming under the hall's light.
She possessed an hourglass shape that could make even statues of goddesses envious, with a generous bust and wide, shapely hips that emphasized her feminine allure.
She wore a flowing robe that clung to her figure in all the right places, with a neckline that hinted at her ample chest.
"Elder Jia, you're finally done? Took you long enough," she said, carrying a teasing edge that hinted at her bold personality. She glanced around the room with interest. "I heard there are some promising seeds this time. I'm planning to take one as my disciple."
Elder Jia nodded at her words. "Of course, Elder Zou. If both disciple and master are satisfied, a master-disciple relationship can be established."
Elder Zou didn't waste any time with pleasantries and strode directly toward Xue Qiang. It was clear she hadn't come to search for a disciple but had already chosen her target.
Stopping before the girl, she introduced herself with a commanding yet warm tone.
"Little one, my name is Zou Meili. I've cultivated for over a thousand years and have reached the Dao Seeking Realm. I heard you summoned a red phoenix during your Qi evaluation. As it happens, I specialize in fire arts. How about becoming my disciple? I can assure you, under my guidance, you'll be treated exceptionally well."
Xue Qiang hesitated briefly before lowering her head respectfully with her hands cupped. "This disciple greets master."
Elder Zou nodded in approval, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. "Excellent! No need to waste time in the library. I will personally teach you my cultivation arts."
With that, she gently took Xue Qiang's hand, and in the blink of an eye, the two vanished, leaving behind a faint ripple of energy.
It quickly became evident that Elder Zou wasn't the only one with a predetermined choice.
Moments later, more elders stepped forward, each claiming their chosen disciples. It was clear these selections had been decided beforehand.
Huang Xue, another prodigy with an Immortal-grade talent, was approached by a mesmerizing elder, Yao Meixiu, known for her expertise in wood cultivation arts. Her elegant demeanor radiated an air of serene wisdom as she extended the same offer to Huang Xue, whisking her away moments later.
After the commotion settled, Elder Jia approached Feng Fan, his expression serious. "Feng Fan, you heard what I said earlier about body cultivation, correct?"
Feng Fan nodded.
"Most people from Earth lack the resilience needed to endure the pain required for body cultivation," Elder Jia began. "But for you, it's the only viable path. Are you willing to face the suffering and take this road?"
Feng Fan's lips curled into a confident smile. "Of course. What's a little pain compared to the chance for immortal life? I'm ready to endure whatever it takes!"
Elder Jia nodded in approval. "Good! I'll reallocate most of your resources to body-tempering elixirs. A menial disciple will guide you on how to use them effectively. I truly hope you succeed in this path."
Feng Fan, who had been reading Elder Jia's thoughts throughout the conversation, sensed the elder's genuine goodwill. It was clear that Elder Jia sincerely wanted to help him succeed.
'Not bad,' Feng Fan mused to himself. 'I'll go easy on him when the time comes. Just a little punishment, but I'll let him live.'
—
"ARGHHHHH! HOW THE HELL DOES ANYONE ENDURE THIS PAIN?!" Feng Fan screamed, his voice echoing with agony.