"Arya, today you are going to have your blood tested to determine if you can cultivate elemental energy. If you can, we will also find out what your elemental energy is. But don't be discouraged if you cannot cultivate," Bryan said to his son Arya as they made their way to the village testing room.
"Today, I'm going to teach you some basics about cultivation. Whether you can cultivate or not, this knowledge will help you survive in a world where the powerful people's sets the rules. Power is everything. If you have power, the rules don't apply to you. But if you don't, you must learn whom to offend and whom to avoid. If you can cultivate, this information will guide you in your journey as a cultivator."
Bryan continued, "This planet we live on is called 'Seedling.' It was given this name because it serves as the foundation of cultivation for humans here. Every cultivator born with energy has an elemental affinity, and this elemental energy forms the basis of cultivation on this planet. To support this elemental energy, cultivators need seeds. After every 10 levels of cultivation, a seed is required to advance further. These seeds determine your future potential.
"Powerful seeds can enhance your strength and abilities. If two people face off, and one has a higher-ranked seed while the other has a lower-ranked one, the one with the higher-ranked seed can win, even if their elemental energy level is lower. The gap in power is determined by the quality of the seed."
Bryan paused and smiled faintly. "As for me, being the village chief and the strongest cultivator here, my cultivation is at the 32nd level of elemental energy. Look at this."
With a flick of his hand, three 1 white 2 pink colerd, glowing rings appeared, hovering around his right hand. "These are called 'seed rings.' They grant their owner abilities. Higher-ranked seeds give better and more powerful abilities, and some can even grant multiple skills. Every breakthrough after acquiring a new seed significantly increases one's strength. But as cultivation levels rise, stronger seeds are required to support that immense power."
He continued, "Once a cultivator reaches the 10th rank and acquires their first seed, they are granted a 'seed weapon.' This weapon is entirely formed from the seed itself. A stronger seed results in a stronger weapon. However, having a good fighting weapon also matters. Without one, even a strong seed may not reach its full potential.
"For instance, a level 51 cultivator with a high-quality seed and weapon could fight evenly with a level 56 or 57 cultivator who has a good seed but no weapon. The difference in strength depends on the combination of seed quality and weapon quality.
"Your seed weapon evolves as you gain new seeds. My seed weapon, for example, is this dagger." Bryan concentrated on his seed rings, which melted into liquid before reforming into a sleek and sharp dagger. "Although it resembles a dagger, it is actually a sword. Due to my current cultivation level, it hasn't evolved into its true sword form yet. Unfortunately, with my limited talent and responsibilities as village chief, I may never reach the level required for its full evolution."
Bryan's tone grew serious. "After breaking through five seed rings, a cultivator can choose a second element. Every cultivator is born with one elemental affinity, but after reaching five rings, they can decide whether to continue with the same element or add a second. Most people choose a second element because combining two elements exponentially increases attack power.
"If I ever reach the fifth seed ring, my dagger will evolve into the Wind Sword. Even in its current form, it is one of the best high-rank killing weapons. It can hold its own against a level 35 cultivator with the same seed quality but no seed weapon."
He looked at Arya with a faint smile. "That's enough for now. This is a lot for a little boy like you to understand, but it's good knowledge to have. Ultimately, everything depends on your luck—the element and weapon you're destined to receive."
After hearing all this information and his father's final words about luck, Arya could only smile bitterly. Together, they continued walking toward the testing room at the heart of the village.