As shown earlier in the story, there are four realms and four gates that are known to low-level cultivators like Yang Lin Shao.

First Gate: One must pass through this gate to become a cultivator. Yang Shao passed through this gate on accident.

Lianqi: The ki condensation phase. Cultivators in the first realm cannot intentionally manipulate ki, but ki flows through their body in much higher concentration than a mortal. In this phase, the cultivator lets ki into his body and, in the process, purifies himself.

Second Gate: Though this gate is hard to break down, it does not result in heavenly tribulation.

Zhouji: The foundation establishment phase. Cultivators at this phase can manipulate ki freely, but their control is not automatic. A Zhouji can strengthen his body with effort, but he is vulnerable wherever he does not fortify himself.

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Third Gate: Little is known about this gate, but it is known that a cultivator who breaks this gate down must face the judgment of heaven.

Jindan: The golden core phase. A Jindan's control over ki is automatic, and his defenses are only lowered when he lets them down intentionally or he is asleep. Nothing in the world can hope to break a Jindan's defenses other than cultivators of equal or greater power.

Fourth Gate: Only a handful of people on Haishan have ever passed through this gate. Little is known about this gate other than the fact that those who reach the fourth realm must face heavenly tribulation.

Yuanying: The nascent soul stage. Cultivators at this stage can crack the earth and split the heavens, but a Yuanying is not yet immortal. It is said that the stage beyond this one grants immortality.