As the early morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, I sat cross-legged before Master Shen Tao, composed yet eager for the lesson that was about to unfold. Shen Tao, my teacher, exuded an air of quiet authority, a calm presence that made every word he spoke feel like a command from the heavens.
He stood a short distance away, his hands clasped behind his back. His voice was steady, yet brimming with wisdom. "Ling Fei," he began, "you have shown great promise. It is time you understand what cultivation truly means in this world."
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I nodded, absorbing his words. "Cultivation begins with absorbing the natural energies of the world—Qi," he explained. "This energy flows through everything, from the heavens and the earth to the blood of beasts. It is the very essence of life itself, the driving force behind all cultivation. It strengthens our bodies, minds, and spirits. But remember, Qi is not limitless. If uncontrolled, it can overwhelm you and cause irreversible damage."
I felt a sense of understanding settle within me. I had felt Qi during my training, but I had never truly grasped its depth. The more I learned, the more I realized how much I had yet to understand.
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Shen Tao's voice grew more deliberate as he continued. "Now, let me explain the realms of cultivation. These realms represent significant leaps in power and understanding. As you ascend, the disparity between each realm grows exponentially."
I leaned forward, eager to learn more. Shen Tao continued, outlining the path that lay ahead of me:
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1. Qi Condensation Realm
At this stage, a cultivator refines their Qi to create a core. It is the first step into the world of cultivation, and yet, it is fraught with danger. The process is delicate, and there is a rare chance that one's core can shatter, potentially damaging the dantian and rendering the cultivator incapable of further cultivation. The heavens, it seems, rarely show mercy.
Stages: First Condensation to Ninth Condensation.
Focus: Refining the body to accommodate the core, absorbing Qi, and preparing for advanced techniques.
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2. Foundation Establishment Realm
Here, the cultivator stabilizes their foundation, aligning their Qi with their chosen path. The limits of mortality begin to stretch at this stage.
Stages: Early Foundation, Intermediate Foundation, Late Foundation.
Focus: Developing unique techniques, expanding Qi capacity, and beginning to understand the laws of the world.
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3. Core Formation Realm
At this point, a cultivator's Qi condenses into a new type of core. It is the moment when the truly extraordinary cultivation begins.
Stages: False Core, True Core, Golden Core.
Focus: Mastery of advanced techniques and a deeper understanding of the laws of nature.
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4. Nascent Soul Realm
The Nascent Soul represents a miniature version of the cultivator's soul. This stage allows for mastery over profound techniques and control of the elements.
Stages: Infant Nascent Soul, Adolescent Nascent Soul, Mature Nascent Soul.
Focus: Uniting the mind, body, and soul to wield advanced techniques and laws.
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5. Ascension Realm
Cultivators transcend mortal limits at this stage, gaining partial control over the laws of the universe. It is a realm where they are on the cusp of divinity.
Stages: Initial Ascension, Grand Ascension, True Ascension.
Focus: Harnessing higher laws, manipulating reality, and ascending toward divinity.
"Unfortunately, about the next realm which affiliated with immortality, I don't know much and dare not think about it."
Shen Tao's words resonated deeply within me. These realms were the steps I would climb, each one a test of my strength and understanding. But it wasn't just about power. "There are three primary paths a cultivator may follow," Shen Tao continued, shifting his focus. "Each path reflects different aspects of your nature and affinity. First, the Sky Path," Shen Tao explained. "This path represents purity, freedom, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Practitioners focus on harmony with natural laws, using techniques that emphasize balance and defense."
I could already imagine the calm and serenity that such a path might bring.
Example Techniques: Heavenly Light Barrier, Calamity's Wrath.
"Second, the Earthly Path," he continued. "This path symbolizes vitality, resilience, and a deep connection to the physical world. Cultivators enhance their bodies and learn to control the environment around them."
I felt a certain strength in this path, a desire to ground myself in the earth.
Example Techniques: Earthshaker Fist, Vital Bloom.
"Lastly, the Beast Path," Shen Tao said with a certain gravity. "This path embraces primal instincts and the bond between humans and beasts. Cultivators fuse their souls with beast spirits or transform into powerful hybrids."
Mastery of these paths required focus, Shen Tao explained. "A balance between paths results in versatility, while specialization leads to unparalleled power in a specific domain."
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Shen Tao's tone shifted again. "Cultivators align their Qi with various elemental or conceptual attributes to refine their abilities. These attributes determine the nature of your techniques and strengths."
Elemental Affinities
"Fire, water, wind, earth—each element brings its own advantages. Rare attributes like Yin and Yang are highly sought after. But some attributes, such as space, time, and fate, are considered supreme, difficult to master and even harder to control. I don't know much about the special ones. "
I nodded.
"Ling Fei," Shen Tao said, a knowing smile on his lips, " The road will not be easy, but with courage, wisdom, and determination, but don't give up."