Within his spiritual space, Gavin simulated a three-eyed man practicing the Claw Technique. The simulated figure quickly reached the peak of the Gathering Energy Realm and stepped into the Bronze Rank. However, once there, his progress stalled—the realm refused to advance any further.
"The ultimate goal of any cultivation system is immortality," Gavin mused. "But achieving true immortality requires the support of all three paths. Without balance, even if one attains immortality, it will be incomplete and riddled with weaknesses."
For that reason, the three fundamental paths—Body, Energy, and Spirit—had to be connected.
In his past life, he had followed the Spirit Path. Yet, even then, he had needed to first transform his body into an immortal body before he could break through to the legendary immortal realm. Likewise, if a cultivator followed the Body Path, they would need to refine their spirit into an immortal spirit before advancing further.
This meant that before he could build a practice system for his tribe, he first needed to establish a framework—one that allowed all three paths to interconnect and support each other beyond the mortal realm.
Another crucial element was the Mysterious Space.
From his observations, the Mysterious Space served as a bridge to the Sea of Consciousness—a realm that was key to deeper spiritual development. Whether his tribe members could sense it or not remained uncertain, as none of them had yet broken through to the Bronze Rank. However, his clone was different. His clone could perceive the Mysterious Space.
That thought made him pause.
"Oh! I need to create a cultivation system for my clone as well."
The Body Path wouldn't work for the clone—the power within its blood locked it at the initial stage of the Bronze Rank, preventing bodily advancements.
"The Energy Path won't work either," he realized. "The magic core within the clone's body has a fixed energy reserve, and its physical form cannot withstand the energy required for an Intermediate Bronze Rank."
That left only one option—the Spirit Path.
Yet, even this path posed difficulties. The clone's Magic Core was formed through the binding of three forces: Life Energy from the body, Magic Energy, and Spirit Power. If the spirit power were forcibly strengthened, it would cause the Magic Core to advance as well, which would, in turn, place immense pressure on the clone's body.
There was, however, another method.
A technique known as Spirit Differentiation—a method of cultivating the spirit by separating wisps of it and allowing each fragment to grow independently. Over time, once the practitioner had developed their spirit fragments to a sufficient level, they could merge them back together, consolidating their power to break into the next realm.
"But for my clone, things will be different," Gavin thought. "When the time comes to advance, the clone will have to suppress the natural growth of the Magic Core while allowing the Spirit Path to develop."
This realization added another layer of complexity to his task. Not only did he need to design a cultivation system for his tribe, but he also had to develop a specialized method tailored to the unique constraints of his clone.
Gavin wanted to test his cultivation theory using his clone, but at the moment, the clone was occupied. It was meeting with the humans, Elan and Alice, at a hidden location near a passage that connected both sides of the mountain range.
Through his spiritual link, Gavin could see and hear everything from the clone's perspective.
After receiving the basic inheritance of four professions—excluding Artist and Priest, which were unavailable—the clone took a moment to process the information. He understood why they couldn't provide the Priest inheritance, and as for the Artist profession, it was divided into four distinct paths. Among them, he was most interested in Painter and Puppeteer, though he couldn't acquire them just yet.
Once the clone secured the boxes of books, it turned its wolf-like head slightly, curiosity flickering across its bestial features.
"Now that our interests are partially aligned, tell me—what is the Wright family's long-term goal?"
Elan and Alice exchanged glances before Alice gave a subtle nod, prompting Elan to speak.
"We plan to establish a town in that area and gradually expand our control over the entire pocket region."
The clone tilted its head, studying them.
"I don't think your family has the strength to accomplish such a goal. How do you intend to do it?"
Alice answered first. "I am a Sixth-Rank Mage, which means I can take a loan from the Magic Council to construct a basic Magic Tower. We plan to build the town around it."
Elan added, "With a solid defense system and the Magic Tower as our core, we can ensure that even an Eleventh-Rank professional won't be able to destroy the town easily."
The clone's glowing eyes narrowed. "And what of the William family? Will they simply allow this?"
Elan's expression hardened. "Of course not. But we have a plan. It may also cause some complications for you."
"What complications?" the clone asked.
Alice explained, "The main army of the continent's forces is engaged in a standoff. Many small nobles—either too weak or too afraid to act independently—are hesitant to align with the army or move south. We plan to invite them to our settlement. Their presence will disrupt the balance of power between the William family and the incoming forces. Then, in the spring, while they're too busy competing for influence in the camp, we will quietly begin construction on the Magic Tower."
The clone considered this carefully before replying. "That means you must survive through the last month of winter—the harshest period. From the western side, travel to your settlement will be nearly impossible."
Elan nodded. "That's why we need your help. In two or three days, the William family will attack the Three-Horn Rhino Tribe. We want you to strike at them while they are engaged in battle."
The clone remained silent for a moment, contemplating the implications. Then, it asked the most crucial question.
"What is their strength?"
Elan responded without hesitation. "In their camp, they have three Sixth-Rank Knights, three Fifth-Rank Warriors, forty lower-ranked professional warriors, seven Fifth-Rank Knights, twenty-five lower-ranked knights, two Fourth-Rank Mages, and five lower-ranked mages. However, they will leave behind some forces to keep an eye on us, including one of the Sixth-Rank Knights."
The clone remained deep in thought, processing the information.
Sensing its hesitation, Alice quickly added, "Your tribe doesn't need to fight them to the death. Once they're engaged in battle with the Black Stone Tribe, your warriors should strike swiftly, inflict as much damage as possible, and then retreat before they can retaliate."
The clone gave a slight nod. "Fine. Inform me through the familiar bond when the time comes."
Elan and Alice exchanged a glance before Elan spoke. "We should return now. If we're gone too long, Alfred will notice our absence."
The clone nodded again, watching as the two turned and disappeared into the northern passage. Once they were gone, the clone also turned to leave.
Meanwhile, within his spiritual space, Gavin waited for the clone to return with the inheritance books. However, before that could happen, a frantic voice transmission echoed in his mind.
Jion's urgent voice rang out. "Totem! Something is happening to Via! A blood tree phantom has appeared in her sea of consciousness!"
Gavin's eyes widened in alarm. Via was the most talented member of his tribe—if something happened to her, it would be a devastating loss.
Instantly shifting his focus, Gavin extended his spiritual field, locking onto Via's presence. He connected with her spirit and sent a direct voice transmission.
"Via, relax and lower the defenses of your sea of consciousness."
A moment later, Via's voice came through, steady but tinged with uncertainty.
"Yes, Totem."
With her compliance, Gavin's spirit surged forward, diving into her sea of consciousness to investigate the anomaly.