Lin Feng sat cross-legged in front of Master Yan, his mind racing with new questions. After his breakthrough to the 10th Stage, the vastness of his potential left him both excited and overwhelmed. With the power he now possessed, he had one pressing question: What were the cultivation stages? And why had they been broken?
"Master," Lin Feng asked, his voice steady but curious, "Can you tell me about the different stages of cultivation and the meaning of the 10th stage?"
Master Yan studied Lin Feng for a moment, a slight smile forming on his lips. The boy's curiosity was strong much like his own had been in his youth. He began to explain, his tone both patient and knowing.
"To understand the 10th stage," Master Yan started, "you must first understand the different cultivation paths and their stages. Every cultivator must follow a specific path, be it Qi Gathering, Body Tempering, or something else. But the goal is the same, to refine oneself and break through the mortal limitations."
1. Qi Gathering Path:
1st to 9th Stages: "Qi Gathering cultivators focus on refining spiritual energy, gradually drawing in and cultivating the world's essence. With each stage, they get closer to perfecting their connection with the universe's spiritual forces. They build a foundation for higher cultivation," Master Yan explained, his voice calm and measured.
10th Stage - Heaven's Forbidden: "But the 10th stage... for us, this is a forbidden stage, one that breaks the heavens' laws. You and I have transcended the natural limits of Qi Gathering. We wield power that should not exist, and because of it, the heavens are wary of us," Master Yan finished with a slight frown, his expression growing serious.
2. Body Tempering Path:
1st to 9th Stages: "The Body Tempering path strengthens the body, making it more resilient to damage and increasing its overall power. Each stage pushes the body beyond normal human limits," Master Yan continued, explaining the body-focused path with a focused gaze.
10th Stage - Heaven's Forbidden: "In the 10th stage of Body Tempering. It becomes nearly indestructible, capable of performing feats that defy logic and nature itself," he said with quiet reverence, as if remembering his own mastery of it.
3. Foundation Building Path:
1st to 9th Stages: "Foundation Building is about strengthening the core of a cultivator's energy. It allows cultivators to stabilize both their body and their spiritual power. The higher their stage, the more solid their foundation becomes," Master Yan said, explaining the importance of these early stages.
10th Stage - Heaven's Forbidden: "The 10th stage here is where the foundation becomes unshakable. The energy within the cultivator's body becomes an unstoppable force. It's a refinement of everything, the very core of their being," he added, eyes narrowing as if considering the vastness of what he'd said.
4. Golden Core Formation Path:
1st to 9th Stages: "The Golden Core is the heart of a cultivator's strength. As cultivators progress through the stages, their Golden Core grows in size and power, eventually granting them a greater mastery of their spiritual energy," Master Yan explained.
10th Stage - Heaven's Forbidden: "In the 10th stage of Golden Core, the cultivator reaches a level of perfection no one else has ever attained. Their Golden Core becomes an incomprehensible source of power. Even the heavens fear such power, for it can tear through the fabric of reality itself," Master Yan said, his voice grave as he described the dangerous power of this stage.
5. Nascent Soul Path:
1st to 9th Stages: "The Nascent Soul Path is one of the most stages. The cultivator refines their soul, gradually increasing their control over spiritual energy and gaining immense power over time," Master Yan continued.
10th Stage - Heaven's Forbidden: "In the 10th stage, your soul transcends all known limitations. You and your soul become connected to the very forces that govern the world itself.
"The succeeding stages… I'll tell you some other time," Master Yan said with a smile and patted Lin Feng's head.
Lin Feng processed Master Yan's words, the weight of what he'd said settling over him. It felt like a heavy mantle, but also something powerful.
"Master, how is it that we, of all people, reached the 10th stage?" Lin Feng asked, his curiosity intense. "What made us capable of achieving something so... forbidden?"
Master Yan paused, a faint smirk forming on his lips. "Because we sought the truth beyond the heavens' reach. We cultivated a path of our own. The heavens fear those who break their rules."
Lin Feng's gaze sharpened as he asked the next question, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Master, how did you create this path? What is the story behind it?"
Master Yan leaned back, his eyes distant as if seeing through the years. "The story is long, Lin Feng but I will tell you. My creation of this forbidden path is a tale of brilliance and tragedy of how the heavens feared us and shattered our lives. You are now a part of it. You must understand this path fully. Only then can you begin your true journey."