"It's a method of manipulating an energy source called Qi, right? You're supposed to achieve a breakthrough into a cultivation realm... But honestly, I'm still not entirely sure."
At these words, Instructor Wu lifted his gaze toward the drifting clouds above.
"Indeed, you seem to be a complete novice," he said calmly. "Yet you've grasped the basics. Cultivation is the practice of harnessing the universe's boundless energies to transcend the limitations of mortal flesh. It is a journey that strengthens both body and spirit, allowing you to ascend to higher realms."
"Higher realms?" Aziel echoed, curiosity igniting in his eyes.
Instructor Wu nodded. "That's correct. In the art of cultivation, there are distinct realms one strives to ascend. I will only say this once, so pay close attention. The realms progress as follows."
He outlined the ranks that symbolize a cultivator's advancement. Each realm represented a significant leap in power and understanding:
Dormant Realm
Initiate Realm
Adept Realm
Prodigy Realm
Elite Realm
Sovereign Realm
And beyond…
Aside from the Dormant Realm, each realm contains five layers, with the fifth serving as the breakthrough point to the next stage.
It was a lot of information to absorb, but once the logic clicked, the concept became clear. In his previous world, cultivation didn't exist—it seemed unique to this place, a distinct path to strength.
Aziel's mind raced with realization. "So... does that mean I can cultivate too?" he blurted. "I've skimmed Yi Chen's cultivation manual, but I can't even sense Qi, let alone manipulate it. If I can't do that, then how—"
"That is because your Dantian remains dormant," Instructor Wu interrupted.
"Dormant?" Aziel repeated, recalling the term from their earlier conversation.
"Correct. Everyone is born with a Dantian, but not everyone awakens it. Think of it as the energy core within a cultivator's body—a reservoir where Qi, your life force, is collected, stored, and refined for martial arts and cultivation."
"An energy core..." Aziel murmured, his eyes widening as he tried to visualize it.
"The majority of people remain in what we call the Dormant Realm for their entire lives," Instructor Wu continued. "Their Dantian stays inactive, never touched by Qi. They remain ordinary mortals, never learning to harness the Qi they cannot sense, and thus cannot awaken their Dantian."
Aziel frowned. "So, if I awaken my Dantian, I'll be able to use Qi…?"
Instructor Wu inclined his head again. "Precisely. Once your Dantian awakens and you absorb your first traces of Qi, you'll officially enter the Initiate Realm. That's the first phase on the path of cultivation."
Aziel's heart raced. If that was all it took, he saw the first milestone toward his goal. "Great! Let's do it right now. Show me how to awaken my Dantian."
But Instructor Wu's expression remained impassive. "Your initial task is simpler: learn to sense the Qi around you. Close your eyes, calm your breathing, and try to perceive the flow of Qi permeating your surroundings."
Aziel complied, shutting his eyes and attempting to conjure a mental image of Qi. Was it like mana? That was all he had to compare it to—an invisible energy floating around, an ever-present yet untouchable force.
In silence, Aziel concentrated, waiting for a hint of anything. Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes stretched longer. Eventually, what felt like an hour crawled by, and he sensed nothing except the chilly breeze against his skin.
Was his comparison to mana misguided? Probably.
"Instructor Wu," he finally spoke, cracking his eyes open a sliver, "could you tell me more about Qi?" A determined look shone in his gaze, as though deeper understanding might unlock a door for him.
"Qi," Instructor Wu replied calmly, "is the vital force that flows through every living thing. It exists in the air you breathe, the ground beneath your feet, the plants and trees around you, and the stars in the sky. More importantly, it courses within you."
Aziel kept his eyes closed, trying to summon a sharper vision of Qi based on the instructor's words.
"In its raw form, it's formless yet potent," Instructor Wu continued. "However, once harnessed by a cultivator, Qi can take on various uses and manifestations. Do you see what I mean? Are you able to sense it?"
"Yeah... sort of," Aziel replied, though he wasn't particularly confident. Nonetheless, he kept his eyes closed, straining to detect even the slightest ripple of energy in the air.
He remained still for a while longer, refusing to surrender despite feeling nothing. Disciples passed by the training grounds, stealing curious looks at Aziel's still figure but not daring to interrupt. They were too weary from their own sparring. Aziel maintained silence, pouring every ounce of concentration into the effort. However, frustration simmered inside him, and the hunger clawing at his stomach only worsened his agitation.
Eventually, his resolve wavered. "Instructor Wu... are you sure there's Qi to be felt here? I can't sense a thing," he muttered, cracking an eye open.
Instructor Wu, who had silently observed him the entire time, simply pointed behind Aziel. Following his gesture, Aziel turned—and his eyes widened.
At the edge of the field, Yi Chen sat cross-legged in the same spot he'd occupied when Aziel began. His eyes were still shut, yet the air around him swirled and danced in subtle, graceful currents. An invisible tide pulsed around his body, though Aziel could barely perceive it. It was clear something was happening. Yi Chen was cultivating.
"As you can see," Instructor Wu said evenly, "Yi Chen has no trouble cultivating in this environment. Don't let that dishearten you. You're a beginner, and sensing Qi comes naturally to those with a higher affinity—they often awaken their Dantian with minimal effort. But for most, it takes patience and careful practice. That's all for today. Go and rest—and take Yi Chen with you."
'Time... but I don't have that kind of time,' Aziel thought, his fists clenching.
He was about to protest again when a shout from the hall rang out: "Dinner!"
Yi Chen's eyes snapped open. He exhaled a long breath, and the soft currents surrounding him dispersed into the air. Seeing Aziel still in place, he stood and hurried over.
"That's our cue," he said. "We should go before they run out of anything good. Are you done for today?"
Aziel lowered his head in frustration. "You go on ahead. I'm not hungry, and I haven't finished training yet. I want to stay here a while longer."
Instructor Wu's face hardened slightly. "If I were you, I'd follow Disciple Yi Chen. Neglecting your body will only make it harder for you to achieve your goal. It will also make tomorrow's session all the more grueling. If you truly wish to continue training afterward, I won't stop you—but eat first."
At that, Aziel sighed and forced himself to stand. They were right. Hunger was distracting him, and pushing through starvation would only hinder his progress. What he needed most at that moment was food.