The dust in the arena had settled, but the echoes of Wu Tian's victory remained. The disciples of the Emerald Moon Sect—once dismissive of his existence—now regarded him with a mixture of wariness and awe. He had done the impossible, defeating a Qi Refining disciple without the use of conventional cultivation. But to Wu Tian, this was only the beginning.
His body still pulsed with the aftereffects of The Third Gate—Flowing Blood. His blood coursed through his veins like molten fire, his heart beating in rhythm with an unfamiliar power. His very essence had begun to transform, yet he knew this was only the first step toward unlocking his full potential.
A voice cut through the murmurs of the onlookers.
"Wu Tian."
He turned to see Elder Rong, one of the sect's overseers for outer disciples. His expression was unreadable, but there was a sharpness in his gaze—one of scrutiny, perhaps even interest.
"Come with me."
Sealed World Cultivation Ranks
As Wu Tian followed Elder Rong, he recalled everything he had learned about the cultivation system within the Sealed World. Unlike the greater realms, where cultivation paths ascended to near godhood, the Emerald Moon Sect and its world had a strict limit to progression. The power structure of their world was as follows:
Qi Sensing Realm (1-9 Stages)
First step toward cultivation, sensing Qi in the surroundings.
Weak enhancement of strength and speed.
Qi can slightly nourish the body, making one healthier.
Qi Refining Realm (1-9 Stages)
Strengthened muscles, bones, and stamina.
Ability to circulate Qi to enhance physical attacks.
Minor resistance to illnesses and toxins.
True Qi Formation (Early, Mid, Late)
Qi can be stored and controlled within the body.
First use of Qi-based attacks (simple energy bursts).
Body becomes significantly tougher than a mortal's.
Spirit Awakening (Low, Mid, High)
Awakening of innate talents (e.g., elemental affinity, body constitution).
Capable of Qi manifestation (external energy waves).
Can create basic barriers and Qi shields.
Pseudo-Core Realm (Early, Mid, Late)
Formation of an incomplete core in the dantian.
Allows Qi projection—attacks beyond one's body.
Can briefly float in mid-air but not true flight.
Those who reach this level start sensing Space-Time anomalies in this world.
Breaking out of this world requires a connection to the Dao of Space.
No cultivator in this world has ever gone beyond the Pseudo-Core Realm. The limitations of the plane prevent ascension unless one discovers a way to break free.
Unlike traditional cultivators, Wu Tian followed the Heaven Defying Body Cultivation, a method unknown to this world. His progress was measured not by Qi refinement, but by the unlocking of the hidden Gates within his body:
The First Gate—Unshackled Flesh (Enhanced physical strength and endurance)
The Second Gate—Rooted Bones (Tempering bones to withstand immense pressure)
The Third Gate—Flowing Blood (Qi beginning to circulate, strengthening body movement and resilience)
The Fourth Gate—Iron Marrow (Yet to be unlocked—potential unknown)
He clenched his fists as he walked. The world may have limits, but he refused to be bound by them.
Recognition and a New Identity
Elder Rong led Wu Tian into a secluded hall deep within the sect's grounds. Ancient scrolls lined the walls, and faint inscriptions pulsed along the stone floor—a chamber reserved for matters of importance.
The elder turned, his eyes sharp. "You have disrupted the natural order."
Wu Tian remained silent, but his stance was unwavering.
Elder Rong continued. "A janitor defeating a Qi Refining disciple? It is unheard of. Tell me—what cultivation path do you follow?"
Wu Tian met the elder's gaze. He could not reveal the truth—not yet. The golden stone, the book in his mind, the gates within his body—these were secrets he would keep to himself.
"I follow the path that has been set before me," Wu Tian said, his voice even.
Elder Rong's lips curled in amusement. "A vague answer, but one I expected." He walked toward a large wooden table, picking up a single jade token engraved with the Emerald Moon Sect's insignia.
"Take this," Elder Rong said, tossing it toward Wu Tian. "As of today, you are no longer a janitor. You are an outer sect disciple of the Emerald Moon Sect."
A murmur passed through the few observing elders. This was unprecedented.
Wu Tian caught the token, its cold weight resting against his palm. He had taken his first step.
A New Rival Emerges
As Wu Tian left the hall, the other outer disciples cast wary glances his way. He could feel their unspoken words—fear, doubt, resentment.
But one gaze stood out from the rest.
A slow, deliberate clap echoed from the entrance. Wu Tian turned, meeting the cold, calculating eyes of Jiang Yue.
She was a senior outer disciple—renowned not only for her beauty but also for her ruthless ambition. Few dared to cross her, and those who did rarely remained within the sect for long.
She stepped forward, her lips curling into a smirk. "So, you've clawed your way out of the dirt. But tell me, Wu Tian—how far do you think you can go?"
Wu Tian's expression remained calm. "Farther than you can imagine."
Her smirk widened. "Good. Then I won't feel bad when I crush you."
A challenge had been issued. Another battle awaited.
Wu Tian's journey had only just begun.