The days at the Clear Spring Sect turned into weeks, and Lin Xue began to understand the vast world of cultivation—a world she had only glimpsed through the stories told in her village. The structured hierarchy of cultivation levels fascinated and intimidated her in equal measure.
One evening, as she swept the stone steps of the training grounds, Lin Xue overheard two senior disciples discussing their recent breakthroughs.
"I finally reached the peak of Qi Condensation," one of them said, his voice brimming with pride. "Soon, I'll attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment."
The other disciple chuckled. "Don't get ahead of yourself. The barrier to Foundation Establishment isn't easy to overcome. You'll need a stable spiritual foundation and plenty of resources."
Lin Xue listened intently, absorbing every word. She later approached Sister Mei, eager for clarity.
"Sister Mei," she began, "can you explain the cultivation levels to me?"
Sister Mei smiled, setting down the herbs she was sorting. "Of course. Cultivation is the process of refining the body, mind, and spirit to transcend mortality. It is divided into stages, each representing a deeper connection to spiritual energy and greater power."
She gestured for Lin Xue to sit beside her. "The first stage, where every cultivator begins, is Qi Condensation. This is where you learn to sense and absorb spiritual energy from the world. Your goal is to refine this energy and store it within your dantian, the core of your spiritual power."
Lin Xue nodded, eager to learn more. "And after that?"
"Once your dantian is full and stable, you attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment," Sister Mei continued. "This is the first major milestone in cultivation. In this stage, you solidify your spiritual foundation, allowing you to cultivate more advanced techniques. It's also the point where your lifespan begins to extend."
Lin Xue's eyes widened. "Lifespan extension? How much longer can you live?"
"It varies," Sister Mei said with a smile. "A Foundation Establishment cultivator can live up to 150 years, depending on their talent and the strength of their foundation."
Sister Mei's expression grew more serious. "The next stage is Core Formation, where you condense the spiritual energy in your dantian into a Golden Core. This stage marks the beginning of true power. A Core Formation cultivator can live for 300 years or more and is capable of feats that ordinary mortals can only dream of."
Lin Xue leaned forward, her heart racing. "What comes after that?"
"Beyond Core Formation lies Nascent Soul, where a cultivator's spiritual essence takes the form of a nascent soul within their core. This stage grants immense spiritual awareness and power, as well as a lifespan of up to 500 years. Few ever reach this level."
"And immortality?" Lin Xue asked, her voice hushed.
"That," Sister Mei said, her tone reverent, "begins with Soul Ascension, the stage where one transcends mortal limits entirely. Those who reach this level are considered true immortals, their lifespans stretching indefinitely as they ascend to realms beyond our comprehension."
Lin Xue's mind spun with the enormity of the journey ahead. "And you, Sister Mei? What stage are you in?"
"I am at the early stage of Foundation Establishment," Sister Mei replied with a modest smile. "It took me years of discipline and countless failures to reach this point."
Lin Xue lowered her gaze, her fragmented roots weighing heavily on her heart. "With my condition, can I ever hope to reach even Foundation Establishment?"
Sister Mei placed a comforting hand on Lin Xue's shoulder. "The path is harder for you, yes. But cultivation is not just about talent—it's about perseverance. Many prodigies fall because they lack the will to endure. If you have that will, you can overcome your limits."
The next day, Lin Xue began her formal training. The first lesson was learning to sense spiritual energy—a task that required intense focus.
Sitting cross-legged on the cold stone floor, Lin Xue closed her eyes and followed the senior disciple's instructions.
"Clear your mind," the instructor said. "Feel the world around you. The air, the earth, the faint hum of energy that binds all things together. Spiritual energy is everywhere; you must only learn to recognize it."
Hours passed, but Lin Xue felt nothing. Frustration gnawed at her, but she refused to give up. She remained in meditation long after the other disciples had left, her body stiff and her mind weary.
Finally, a faint warmth brushed against her senses. It was fleeting, like a whisper carried on the wind, but it was there. Lin Xue's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding.
"I felt it," she murmured. "I felt it."
As the days turned into weeks, Lin Xue continued to train. Each small success filled her with hope, though the progress was painstakingly slow. Her fragmented roots meant she had to work twice as hard for half the results, but she refused to let that deter her.
Meanwhile, Yan began to explore the sect grounds, his laughter bringing a rare lightness to Lin Xue's heart. She often reminded herself that every sacrifice she made was for him—for his safety and their future.
Late one night, as Lin Xue practiced alone under the moonlight, she clenched her fists and made a silent vow.
"I will reach immortality," she whispered. "No matter how long it takes, no matter how much I must endure. For Yan, for myself—I will rise."
The Eternal Flame within her burned stronger with each passing day, its embers a testament to her unyielding spirit.