As the energy from the Fire Spirit Jade merged with his Qi, a profound transformation began. His dantian, the core of his cultivation, quivered with each pulse of energy, expanding and contracting in harmony with the jade's rhythm. The gravitational field around him warped slightly, causing loose stones to tremble and rise into the air.
Sweat beaded on Ye Tian's forehead as he guided the energy with unyielding focus. The Qi within him thickened, shifting from a gaseous mist into dense liquid droplets. The process was excruciating, each transformation feeling like his body was being wrung dry and refilled with molten power.
The Fire Spirit Jade flared brilliantly, pouring its remaining essence into him. With a final surge of energy, the transformation completed.
A ripple of energy erupted from Ye Tian, shaking the chamber and scattering the stones that had hovered midair. He opened his eyes, a faint golden light shimmering within their depths.
"Qi Condensation," he whispered, his voice steady despite the immense power coursing through him.
Understanding the Path
As he steadied his breathing, Ye Tian reflected on his newfound strength. The Qi Condensation realm represented a pivotal step in cultivation. His Qi, now compressed into a liquid state, was far more potent and refined. The power at his fingertips felt limitless compared to before.
He recalled the progression of cultivation realms, each more challenging than the last. Body Tempering laid the foundation, strengthening the physical vessel. Qi Gathering followed, allowing one to draw spiritual energy and form a reservoir of power. But Qi Condensation was where refinement began, where raw power transformed into a precise and deadly force.
Beyond this lay Core Formation, the creation of a spiritual core, and Nascent Soul, where one's soul would ascend to a higher state of awareness. The path extended further still, but Ye Tian knew those heights were distant for now.
For the moment, mastering this realm was enough.
Cultivation Levels Clarified
Ye Tian's thoughts turned inward, his newfound power allowing him to better understand the cultivation realms.
1. Body Tempering: Strengthens the body to withstand and harness Qi.
2. Qi Gathering: Absorbing spiritual energy to cultivate a reservoir of Qi.
3. Qi Condensation: Compressing Qi into a dense, liquid state for more refined control.
4. Core Formation: The creation of a spiritual core, marking a major milestone.
5. Nascent Soul: Formation of a spiritual consciousness, enabling domain techniques.
6. Void Stage: Commanding spatial forces, touching the threshold of true mastery.
7. Saint Realm: Ascension to mastery over universal laws and elements.
The journey ahead was clear, but each step would require both effort and cunning.
The Path of Endless Heights
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the dense forest that bordered the Jade Serpent Sect. Ye Tian walked alone, his pace steady, his senses attuned to the quiet rhythm of the wilderness. He had left the sect grounds early, seeking solitude and the challenges the world beyond promised.
Martial cultivation wasn't confined to the safety of sect walls. True strength was forged in the crucible of the unknown, amidst dangers that demanded growth or death. Ye Tian understood this well.
As he moved deeper into the forest, the air grew cooler, tinged with the faint scent of damp earth and wild herbs. The hum of life surrounded him—chirping insects, rustling leaves, the distant call of a bird. But Ye Tian's focus was elsewhere, his mind sharpening the gravity techniques he had named.
A Challenge Arises
The quiet was shattered by a distant roar—a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the trees. Ye Tian paused, his eyes narrowing as he extended his senses. A faint ripple of energy brushed against his awareness, wild and untamed.
"A spirit beast," he murmured. "And a strong one."
Curiosity piqued, he adjusted his path, moving toward the source of the commotion. The forest thickened, the canopy above filtering sunlight into dappled patches on the ground.
It didn't take long to find the beast. In a clearing ahead, a massive creature stood, its form a blend of feral power and primal elegance. It was a Bloodshadow Tiger, its crimson-striped fur gleaming in the light, eyes burning like twin embers. The beast snarled, pawing at the ground, its attention locked on a mangled deer at its feet.
Ye Tian remained hidden, observing the creature. It wasn't the largest spirit beast he had encountered, but its aura marked it as dangerous—perhaps a peak Qi Gathering equivalent.
The Power of Gravity
"This will do," Ye Tian said softly, stepping into the clearing.
The tiger's head snapped toward him, lips curling back to reveal sharp fangs. It growled, a sound that made the air tremble.
Ye Tian's expression remained calm, his stance relaxed. He extended his hand, channeling his Qi into the ground beneath the beast.
"Earth's Push," he intoned.
The ground erupted beneath the tiger, sending it hurtling into the air. The beast roared in fury, twisting mid-flight. But before it could recover, Ye Tian shifted his focus.
"Heaven's Pull."
A powerful force yanked the tiger downward, slamming it back into the earth with a resounding crash. Dust and debris flew, and the clearing fell silent save for the beast's ragged breaths.
The tiger staggered to its feet, blood dripping from its mouth. Its eyes locked onto Ye Tian, now filled with both rage and caution.
"You're durable," Ye Tian remarked, a hint of respect in his tone. "Let's see how you handle this."
He gathered his Qi, compressing it into a dense sphere that pulsed with raw energy. The orb flickered ominously as he hurled it toward the beast.
"Infernal Graviton."
The explosion that followed was deafening, a shockwave rippling through the clearing. When the dust settled, the tiger lay motionless, its body battered and broken.
Ye Tian approached the fallen beast, his gaze thoughtful. Spirit beasts like this often carried valuable cores—condensed energy that could aid cultivation. He retrieved a small knife from his robe and carefully extracted the beast's core, a gleaming red orb that radiated warmth.
A Path Forward
"This will be useful," Ye Tian muttered, pocketing the core.
As he turned to leave, a faint glimmer caught his eye. Amid the debris lay a fragment of crimson crystal, pulsing faintly with energy. Ye Tian picked it up, sensing the faint traces of fire elemental Qi within.
"A Bloodshadow Fragment," he noted. "Rare… and potent."
The forest was full of surprises, and this was only the beginning of his journey. Ye Tian's lips curved into a faint smile as he resumed his path.
The world beyond the sect was vast and unforgiving, but that was precisely what he sought. Each step forward brought him closer to the pinnacle of strength, a journey that demanded everything and promised nothing.
He relished the challenge.