A week later.
In a dimly lit classroom, an elderly man in his seventies stood before a group of young cultivators. His wispy white hair danced with each gentle gesture as he began to lecture on the fundamentals of cultivation.
"Humans possess a unique gift – the ability to attain Rank 10, the pinnacle of cultivation. Our world is comprised of ten distinct ranks, each serving as a benchmark for a cultivator's prowess."
The old man's eyes twinkled as he continued, "Cultivators who achieve Ranks 1 through 5 are referred to as Ascendents. These individuals have begun to tap into the mysteries of cultivation, but their journey is only just beginning."
A hint of reverence crept into the old man's voice as he spoke of the higher ranks. "Those who surpass Rank 5 are bestowed the title of Transcendents, or Immortal Cultivators. These exceptional beings have transcended the limitations of mortal men, unlocking the secrets of the universe and achieving unparalleled power."
One of the disciples, a young man with a curious gaze, raised his hand. "Elder, what are the names of the first five ranks of cultivation?"
The elderly man smiled, "Very well, let us begin. Today, I will only explain the names of the first five ranks of cultivation."
He cleared his throat before continuing, "Rank 1 is called _Essence Awakening_. This is the initial stage of cultivation, where one's dormant Essence is stirred, granting them access to the fundamental energies of the universe."
The elderly man's eyes sparkled as he explained, "Rank 2 is called _Meridian Forging_. At this stage, cultivators learn to forge and temper their meridians, creating a resilient network of pathways for their Qi to flow, and laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs."
He nodded, "Rank 3 is called _Foundation Establishment_. Here, cultivators create a resilient foundation for their future cultivation, weaving a complex network of Qi pathways and meridians, establishing a strong and stable base."
The elderly man's expression turned serious, "Rank 4 is called _Core Formation_. This stage is crucial, as cultivators forge a brilliant, crystalline core within themselves, amplifying their abilities and granting them access to new dimensions of power."
Finally, he concluded, "Rank 5 is called _Nascent Soul_. At this stage, cultivators give birth to a radiant, nascent soul, imbuing them with an aura of wisdom, clarity, and inner light. This marks a profound turning point in their cultivation journey."
The elderly man paused, surveying the room before adding, "It's essential to note that each of these ranks is further divided into three stages: Initial, Mid, and Late. Cultivators must progress through each stage, refining their techniques and solidifying their foundations, before advancing to the next rank. This journey is long and arduous, but with dedication and perseverance, one can reach the pinnacle of cultivation."
As the elderly man finished his lecture, the disciples nodded thoughtfully, taking mental notes. However, at the back of the class, Wei Ying remained oblivious, his head resting on the black wood table, fast asleep.
One of the disciples, a tall and lean young man, whispered to another, "Can you believe it? They thought he might have a rare bloodline, but it turns out it's just a...trash bloodline!" The surrounding disciples stifled giggles, trying not to disturb the elderly man.
However, not everyone shared in the amusement. A few disciples, seated near the front, remained serious, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. One of them, a quiet and reserved young woman, glanced back at Wei Ying, her eyes filled with a hint of sympathy.
But would these insults matter to Wei Ying, even if he heard them? No. For someone like Wei Ying, who had lived a past life as a formidable demon, insults were nothing more than a distant whisper. His previous life had been a tapestry woven from threads of bloodshed, betrayal, and cunning. He had danced with fate, outwitting his enemies and defying the odds and whenever he faced an opponent he couldn't beat he immediately retreated. As a demon, Wei Ying had been the embodiment of shamelessness and viciousness, with no qualms about doing whatever it took to survive and thrive. Wei - ying pursue's but that didn't mean he was afraid of death. And so, the mocking words of his fellow disciples were merely a gentle breeze that caressed his skin, leaving no mark or impression.
The elderly man, seemingly oblivious to the whispers, smiled warmly at his disciples. "Remember, cultivation is not just about achieving power, but also about understanding yourself and the world around you. Let us take a short break before we proceed with the next lesson."
...
A day later
Bang Dong Xie's short red hair seemed to blaze with intensity as he bellowed in a manly tone, "I am Bang Dong Xie, and I will teach you the ways of martial arts!" His toned physique rippled with power as he stood before the gathered disciples.
"Today, you will practice the fundamentals of martial arts," he declared, his eyes burning with enthusiasm. "Watch closely, for I will demonstrate the most basic yet essential technique. Concentrate!"
With a swift, fluid motion, Bang Dong Xie launched a flurry of strikes against the wooden dummy before him. His movements were a blur, leaving the disciples struggling to keep up. In the span of a few breaths, he unleashed 19 swift and precise strikes, each one landing with a resounding thud.
The disciples watched in awe, their eyes wide with wonder. Some of them looked like they were about to be enlightened, while others seemed bewildered, their minds struggling to process the speed and complexity of Bang Dong Xie's technique.
Bang Dong Xie's intense gaze swept across the gathering, his voice firm and commanding. "You will all practice these techniques, and master them. These fundamental skills are essential for those who do not hail from the Major Four Clans."
He paused, his expression acknowledging the presence of disciples from the esteemed clans. "As for those of you from the Major Four Clans, you will, of course, have access to your own clan's unique techniques and traditions. However, it is still essential for you to understand and master these fundamental skills, as they will serve as a foundation for your future growth."
Bang Dong Xie's eyes seemed to bore into the souls of his students, his voice dripping with an unspoken challenge. "I expect nothing but dedication and perseverance from each and every one of you. Let us begin our training, and may the strongest among you rise to the top!"
Bang Dong Xie's piercing gaze came to a sudden halt, fixing intently on a single disciple. The object of his attention was none other than Wei Ying, whose raven-black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, framing his pale face and accentuating his striking black eyes. Even in repose, Wei Ying's features seemed to exude an aura of quiet strength.
Bang Dong Xie's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression a mixture of curiosity and disdain. It was no secret that Wei Ying was a member of one of the esteemed Major Four Clans, yet his demeanor and behavior were a far cry from the proud and noble heritage of his clan.
A whisper seemed to echo in the air, a cruel taunt that only Bang Dong Xie's keen ears might have picked up: "This disciple is a mockery of his clan..." The instructor's gaze lingered on Wei Ying, as if daring him to prove himself worthy of his illustrious lineage but Wei Ying never payed heed to him as if the instructer has never existed and continue resting.