The library's golden glow bathed Leopold in a warm light as he leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The vast shelves around him stretched into infinity, each one filled with books that pulsed faintly with qi-infused energy. Despite the comforting hum of the library, Leopold's mind buzzed with an idea that had been simmering for days.
"Master Leo," Faye's playful voice cut through his thoughts, drawing his attention to where she sat cross-legged on a floating grimoire.
"You've been staring at that interface for hours. Planning your next masterpiece?"
Leopold glanced at her, his smirk growing.
"You could say that," he replied. "I've been thinking about the cultivation systems in those Xianxia novels I used to read. They had a structure, a philosophy, a path that defined progress. My world... it needs that."
Faye adjusted her glasses, her crimson eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"A structured path to immortality? Trials, breakthroughs, and mystical realms? How very... on brand for you."
Leopold chuckled, a low, warm sound that resonated in the quiet.
"It's not just about immortality," he explained. "It's about giving my world's inhabitants a challenge worth striving for. Something that pushes them to grow, to adapt. Right now, they're grasping at qi without direction. They need a framework."
Leopold's gaze drifted to the shimmering interface, his mind wandering back to late nights spent immersed in novels filled with daring protagonists, ancient sects, and battles for supremacy. Those stories had been an escape, a respite from the grueling pace of his old life. Now, they were his inspiration.
"In those novels," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "cultivation was more than just a means to power. It was a journey. Each realm represented a step forward, each breakthrough a testament to perseverance. It wasn't just about strength—it was about understanding."
Faye tilted her head, watching him with a mix of amusement and intrigue.
"And you want to bring that to your world," she said softly. "But tell me, Master Leo, what's stopping them from using this cultivation method to tear each other apart?"
Leopold arched an eyebrow.
"Conflict drives growth," he said simply. "But it's not the method that creates chaos—it's the choices of those who use it. My job isn't to control them. It's to give them the tools and see how they wield them."
Faye clapped her hands together, her smile widening.
"Well, aren't you the hands-off creator. Fine, fine, let's hear it. What kind of grand cultivation method are we talking about?"
Leopold leaned forward, his sharp gaze focused as he swiped his hand across the interface. The Creation Tab shimmered to life, its options unfurling like the pages of an ancient tome. He selected Energy Templates, then navigated to a new submenu labeled Cultivation Methods.
"The path will start with grounding," he said, his tone thoughtful.
"A Foundation Realm, where cultivators establish their connection to qi. From there, they'll progress through stages that refine their body, mind, and spirit."
"Classic," Faye remarked, her voice light. "But what's the catch? There has to be a catch."
Leopold nodded. "Each breakthrough will require overcoming specific trials—physical challenges, mental resilience, and even moral dilemmas. It won't just be about gathering qi. It'll be about earning the right to ascend."
Faye's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Ooh, trials and tribulations! I like it. What about realms? Got fancy names in mind?"
Leopold smirked, swiping again to bring up a blank template. "Foundation Realm. Core Formation. Nascent Soul. Each one a milestone. Each one harder to achieve than the last."
Faye floated closer, her grin widening as she peered over his shoulder.
"And what happens when someone reaches the peak? Immortality? Godhood? Or something else entirely?"
Leopold's gaze grew distant for a moment, his voice soft but resolute.
"That's for them to discover. The method will guide them, but the journey... the journey is theirs."
For a moment, the library fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of the glowing interface. Then Faye leaned back, her laughter light and melodic.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you, Master Leo? Playing God, crafting paths to power. It's like you're writing your own Xianxia epic."
Leopold glanced at her, his smirk returning.
"Perhaps. But this time, the story isn't mine. It's theirs."
The shimmering text of the template filled the air, glowing brighter as Leopold's vision began to take form. The cultivation method, a balance of ambition and challenge, was only the beginning. What came next would shape the future of his world.
Leopold's fingers hovered over the glowing interface as the Creation Tab expanded into a blank slate of endless possibilities. Lines of ethereal text flickered into view, waiting for his input. With a deep breath, he began shaping the cultivation method he envisioned.
"This is where it all begins," he murmured, his voice steady but tinged with excitement.
Faye, perched beside him on the edge of a floating grimoire, leaned forward with her crimson eyes sparkling.
"Don't keep me in suspense, Master Leo. What's the grand plan? Are we going for something simple, or are you aiming to drive them mad with complexity?"
Leopold tapped the interface, and the first realm materialized in glowing letters: Foundation Realm. The system provided a template, and he began adjusting its parameters.
"Foundation Realm is where they'll ground themselves," Leopold explained.
"It's about establishing their connection to qi and stabilizing their energy flow. No fancy techniques yet—just the basics."
He added detailed notes:
Requirement: Draw qi from the environment to form a qi foundation within the dantian.
Challenge: Balance the intake of qi to avoid instability or overloading.
Goal: Achieve equilibrium, symbolizing readiness for higher realms.
Faye raised an eyebrow. "Sounds straightforward, but I bet you'll spice it up. What happens if they mess up? Explosions? Sudden qi sickness?"
Leopold smirked. "If they can't manage the basics, they won't survive the next steps. Consider it a filter."
He moved to the second realm, his fingers dancing over the interface. Core Formation appeared, its text glowing with a faint golden hue.
"This is where it gets interesting," Leopold said, his tone sharpening. "Cultivators will condense their qi into a core, a tangible representation of their power."
He added parameters:
Requirement: Compress qi into a solid core while maintaining balance.
Challenge: Endure the immense strain on body and mind during the compression process.
Reward: Enhanced energy efficiency and access to more advanced techniques.
"And the risks?" Faye asked, her grin widening.
"Let me guess—shattering cores, irreversible qi blockages, dramatic internal explosions?"
Leopold chuckled. "All of the above. But the real challenge comes in the third realm."
He entered the third stage: Nascent Soul Realm. The shimmering text turned silver, and the air around them seemed to grow heavier.
"Nascent Soul," he said. "Where cultivators manifest their soul as a separate entity. It's not just about power—it's about self-awareness."
The details flowed seamlessly:
Requirement: Merge mental strength with qi to create a spiritual avatar.
Challenge: Overcome mental barriers, fears, and unresolved emotions during the manifestation process.
Reward: A Nascent Soul that acts as both a guardian and an extension of the cultivator's will.
As the realms took shape, Leopold paused, his sharp gaze focused on the glowing text.
"Cultivation isn't just about techniques and power," he said.
"It's a philosophy. Perseverance, balance, and harmony with the world—these need to be ingrained in the method."
He added guiding principles to the template:
Balance: Excessive focus on power leads to instability. Cultivators must maintain harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
Perseverance: Advancement requires overcoming trials, not shortcuts. Those who seek quick power will face dire consequences.
Respect for Qi: Qi is a living force, not a tool to be abused. Recklessness invites calamity.
Faye tilted her head, her tone thoughtful.
"You're giving them rules, but also freedom to interpret them. That's... surprisingly lenient for you."
Leopold nodded. "It's their journey. If they fail, it's because they strayed from the path—not because I forced their hand."
Leopold completed the basic structure of the cultivation method and activated a simulation. A projection appeared before him, showing a Qiari cultivator embarking on the path. The figure meditated, drawing qi into their dantian, their aura glowing faintly as they entered the Foundation Realm.
The simulation progressed rapidly. The cultivator advanced to Core Formation, their body trembling as they compressed their qi into a golden core. The tension was palpable as they reached the Nascent Soul stage. Images of their past and fears surfaced, creating a vivid mental battle that pushed them to their limits.
"Good," Leopold murmured, his sharp eyes tracking every detail. "The challenges are difficult, but not impossible."
Faye clapped her hands, her grin mischievous. "And they'll look so dramatic while they're at it. Blood, sweat, tears—the whole package."
Leopold made a few final adjustments, ensuring the cultivation method was balanced yet challenging. He added optional side paths—body refinement for warriors, spiritual enlightenment for mystics—to give cultivators flexibility.
"Done," he said at last, leaning back. The glowing text solidified, the cultivation method template now complete.
Faye floated beside him; her crimson eyes gleaming with admiration.
"You've outdone yourself, Master Leo. This is going to shake things up."
Leopold's smirk returned. "That's the idea."
As the template uploaded into the system, Leopold felt a flicker of anticipation. The path to immortality had been forged. Now, it was up to his world's inhabitants to walk it.