Leopold leaned forward; his fingers poised over the glowing interface as the cultivation method's completed template shimmered before him. The system pulsed with a faint hum, its ethereal energy radiating a sense of anticipation. This was the moment of truth: testing whether his creation would hold up in the complex tapestry of his world.
Faye hovered beside him, her crimson eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Well, Master Leo," she teased, "time to see if your little masterpiece can survive the chaos you've unleashed in your world."
Leopold tapped the Test Function icon, and the system responded immediately. A simulated environment unfolded before him—a pristine, untouched realm representing the Qiari's continent. The projection populated itself with figures, each glowing faintly with the golden hue of qi.
The first cultivator appeared, their form shimmering as the simulation began. This Qiari, a Fire Tribe youth, sat cross-legged in meditation, their qi coalescing into faint flickers of flame around their body. The Foundation Realm trial began, requiring them to draw energy from their surroundings and balance it within their dantian.
"Let's see how they handle the basics," Leopold muttered, his sharp gaze fixed on the projection.
The youth's progress was steady, but tension mounted as their qi wavered. A misstep caused the flames to flare uncontrollably, forcing them to halt and recalibrate. After several attempts, they achieved stability, their aura glowing brighter as they advanced.
Faye clapped her hands together, her grin widening.
"Not bad for a beginner. Though that little flare-up was delightful. A reminder that fire isn't always their friend."
The simulation progressed to the next stage: Core Formation. The youth, now older and more experienced, faced the daunting task of compressing their qi into a solid core. The process was grueling—each attempt caused visible strain, their body trembling under the pressure.
"This stage separates the determined from the reckless," Leopold said. "Too much force, and they risk a core collapse."
The cultivator's first attempt failed spectacularly. Their qi destabilized, causing a backlash that sent them reeling. Yet they persevered, refining their technique and adjusting their approach. On the third attempt, the core solidified within their dantian, radiating a steady golden glow.
Faye let out a low whistle.
"Impressive. They're learning. But imagine what happens if someone tries to skip ahead—instant fireworks."
The final stage of the test began: Nascent Soul. The cultivator's spiritual energy swirled around them, forming a hazy silhouette that mirrored their form. Their task was clear—manifest their soul as a distinct entity, a feat that required confronting their deepest fears and insecurities.
The projection shifted, revealing the cultivator's internal struggle. Memories of failure, loss, and doubt surfaced, creating a spectral battlefield within their mind. The silhouette wavered, its form unstable as the cultivator wrestled with their demons.
Leopold leaned closer, his expression intent.
"This is where most will falter," he said. "It's not just about power—it's about self-awareness."
The cultivator's struggle was intense, but they persevered, their determination shining through. The Nascent Soul solidified, its form radiant and steady. The simulation concluded, the cultivator standing taller and more composed, their journey evident in their aura.
With the simulation complete, Leopold turned to Faye, who was practically buzzing with excitement.
"Well, Master Leo," she said, "your method works. Grueling, unforgiving, and oh-so-dramatic. I love it."
Leopold smirked, his sharp eyes gleaming. "Now comes the real challenge—integrating it into the world."
He accessed the Integration Settings on the interface, considering his options. The method could be introduced universally, offered as a rare discovery, or tied to specific locations and events.
"Let's keep it subtle," he decided.
"The method will emerge as a hidden legacy—something they must uncover and earn."
Faye tilted her head, her smile mischievous. "A treasure hunt for power? Perfect. It'll create just the right amount of chaos."
Leopold designated ancient ruins, secluded mountain peaks, and deep forests as the cultivation method's points of origin. He imbued fragments of the method into relics, scrolls, and inscriptions scattered across the world, each guarded by natural challenges or spirit beasts.
"The method will be rare at first," he said, his tone thoughtful.
"But once it's discovered, it will spread naturally. The Qiari and Nykara will shape it in their own ways."
Faye clapped her hands, her grin widening.
"Oh, Master Leo, you've outdone yourself. This is going to turn your world upside down."
As the interface dimmed, leaving only the soft glow of the library, Leopold leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but satisfied. The cultivation method, a blend of ambition, challenge, and philosophy, was now part of his world.
Faye floated closer, her crimson eyes gleaming with excitement. "So, Master Leo, what's next? Are we just going to sit back and watch the chaos unfold?"
Leopold allowed himself a rare smirk. "Exactly. Let's see who dares to walk the path I've created."
As the library's golden hum enveloped them, Leopold felt a flicker of anticipation. His world had taken another step forward, and the stories that would emerge from this new chapter promised to be extraordinary.
The dense foliage of the jungle whispered with the sound of rustling leaves and distant animal cries as Kael pushed through the undergrowth. Sweat beaded on his brow, the humid air clinging to his skin. The faint glow of the qi rivers in the distance guided his path, their ethereal shimmer a constant reminder of the power flowing through the land.
Kael wasn't supposed to be here.
As a hunter from the Fire Tribe, his duties were clear: protect the borders and bring back game. But Kael had always been restless, his curiosity often leading him beyond the boundaries of his tribe's volcanic territory. Today, that curiosity had drawn him to a tale whispered by the elders—a story of ancient ruins hidden deep within the jungle, remnants of a time before the tribes had risen.
The dense trees began to thin, revealing a clearing bathed in a golden glow. At its center stood a crumbling stone structure, its surface entwined with vines and glowing faintly with residual qi. Symbols etched into the weathered stone pulsed softly, their patterns shifting like a living language.
Kael's breath caught in his throat. He stepped closer, his cautious movements accompanied by the faint hum of energy emanating from the ruin. His heart pounded, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through him.
"This must be it," he whispered to himself. "The place the elders spoke of."
As he approached, a low growl echoed from the shadows of the ruin. A sleek, feline form stepped into the light—a spirit beast, its fur shimmering with golden qi. Its eyes locked onto Kael, unblinking and fierce.
Kael froze, his hand instinctively reaching for the knife at his belt. The beast didn't attack but prowled slowly, its movements fluid and predatory. It was a guardian, Kael realized, bound to protect whatever lay within the ruin.
The spirit beast circled him, its growl deepening. Kael swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his blade. But something stopped him from attacking. Instead, he lowered his weapon, his gaze meeting the beast's.
"I'm not here to take or destroy," he said, his voice steady despite his fear. "I just... want to understand."
The beast paused, its ears flicking as if considering his words. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, it stepped aside, revealing an opening in the stone structure. Kael exhaled shakily, his legs trembling as he moved past the beast and into the ruin.
Inside, the air was cool and charged with energy. Faint beams of light filtered through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating a pedestal at the center of the chamber. Upon it rested a scroll, its surface glowing with golden inscriptions that shifted and danced like fire.
Kael approached slowly, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The scroll seemed to hum as he drew near, its energy brushing against his skin like a warm breeze. He hesitated, his hand hovering over the relic.
"This is it," he murmured. "The power the elders spoke of. But what am I supposed to do with it?"
As if responding to his words, the inscriptions on the scroll shifted, forming symbols he could almost understand. A pulse of energy flowed from the scroll, enveloping him in a faint golden glow. Images flashed before his eyes—figures meditating, their bodies surrounded by swirling qi; mountains and rivers bending under the force of their will; and a path stretching endlessly upward, shrouded in light and shadow.
Kael staggered back, his mind reeling from the vision. "This... this is more than just power," he said, his voice trembling. "This is a way forward."
The scroll's glow dimmed slightly, its energy settling. Kael reached out again, this time with determination. He lifted the relic carefully, its warmth spreading through his hands.
As he turned to leave the ruin, the spirit beast watched him silently, its gaze no longer threatening but almost approving. Kael nodded to the creature in silent thanks before stepping back into the jungle.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Kael's resolve was clear. He would uncover the secrets of the scroll, no matter the cost.