Chapter 14: The endless journey of cultivation
Instructor Xin, after providing an overview of the geography of the Thousand Dao Realm, poses a question to the students, "Since you all aspire to become cultivators, it's important for you to understand the concept of dao. Can anyone here explain what dao is?"
Liu Ying eagerly raises her hand and answers, "Dao is the ultimate path that encompasses the rules of the cultivation world. It enforces these rules and administers trials and tribulations to those who seek to become immortals." She smirks, convinced that her response is unmatched.
However, Instructor Xin remains unsatisfied and asks, "Does anyone else have a different perspective on the meaning of dao?"
Tang Jian, filled with enthusiasm, steps forward and replies, "Dao is like an invisible thread that runs through the fabric of existence. It is the underlying rhythm of the universe, guiding and governing all things. Just as a river flows effortlessly, the dao invites us to find our own flow in life. It's not merely a concept to understand but a path to be walked. Through the cultivation of our hearts, minds, and spirits, we can catch a glimpse of the true essence of the dao and embark on a transformative journey toward enlightenment."
Tang Jian's eloquent words impress those around him, particularly Instructor Xin, who remains unaware that Tang Jian had borrowed these lines from a fairy tale he had read as a child in his previous life. Everyone praises him, except for the three nobles, especially Liu Ying, who glares at Tang Jian with envy and annoyance, feeling that he has stolen her spotlight.
"Excellent answer, young Tang. You're correct," acknowledges Instructor Xin. "Dao is not merely a set of rules for cultivation, but a guiding path for all living beings." He proceeds to further explain the cultivation world to the students.
According to Instructor Xin, the Thousand Dao Realm consists of eleven cultivation stages, each with nine layers.
The first stage is the Body Forging Realm, where cultivators must rigorously train to refine their bodies in order to accommodate Qi energy when they break through. This stage lays the foundation for cultivators, but it does not signify true cultivation, as even those without spiritual roots can reach this point.
The second stage is the Qi Condensation Stage, where cultivators refine their meridians and convert spiritual energy into Qi energy. The human body contains nine main meridians and 108 subsidiary meridians, which transport and supply Qi energy to different parts of the body, similar to how veins and arteries supply blood. To advance in this stage by a layer, one must refine one main meridian and twelve subsidiary meridians. By refining the meridians, cultivators collect and condense spiritual energy from the surroundings into Qi energy. This process is akin to breathing—inhaling spiritual energy and exhaling Qi energy while performing martial techniques. Once a cultivator reaches this stage, they can be considered full-fledged cultivators.
The third stage is the Core Formation Stage, where cultivators further condense Qi energy within their bodies. They form a solid core using Qi energy in their abdomen, strengthening the Qi energy to its limit and making it more destructive.
The fourth stage is the Nascent Soul Stage, the most complex stage of all. Here, cultivators convert the Qi energy in their cores into spiritual energy and enhance their soul power. This stage tests a cultivator's true potential, regardless of whether they are external cultivators or soul cultivators. Both types must dedicate themselves to refining their souls in this stage. When a cultivator reaches the peak of the Nascent Soul Stage, their soul undergoes a metamorphosis.
Cultivation follows a repetitive cycle in which cultivators refine their bodies and souls repeatedly to keep up with the Dao and the spiritual energy within them. If a soul cultivator fails to refine their body properly, they will encounter difficulties in containing their soul power. Likewise, if an external cultivator neglects to refine their soul properly, they will face challenges in collecting spiritual energy in the later stages. Therefore, every cultivator refines both their soul and body in the respective stages where such refinement is required.
The entire class, whether commoners or nobles, appears captivated by the vastness of the cultivation world as they listen to Instructor Xin's explanations.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Observing the students getting lost in their thoughts, Instructor Xin interrupts, saying, "Don't delve too deeply into these cultivation stages. They are merely the beginning of the boundless cultivation world. I will only explain these four stages since it is unnecessary for you to learn about the later stages at this moment. Only about one in ten cultivators can surpass the Nascent Soul Stage and advance in their cultivation."
While the class engages in deep discussions about the cultivation world, a beggar named Liang Meng, brimming with curiosity, raises a question, "Instructor Xin, I've heard that these cultivation stages can prolong a person's lifespan, and there's a significant difference in strength between each stage. Is that true?" Tang Jian and his classmates are also eager to hear the answer to this intriguing question.
Instructor Xin meets Liang Meng's gaze with a serene expression and begins to explain, "Yes, you heard correctly, young Liang. These four stages can indeed extend a cultivator's lifespan. For instance, the Body Forging Stage can prolong one's life by at least 50 years, the Qi Condensation Stage by 100 years, the Core Formation Stage by 200 years, and Nascent Soul Stage cultivators can live for at least 500-600 years."
Instructor Xin elaborates in detail, moving on to address the second part of the question. "As for the gap in strength between stages, Liang Meng's observation is accurate. There is a substantial disparity in power levels among different cultivation stages. For example, a Qi Condensation Stage cultivator can defeat 10-12 peak Body Forging Stage martial artists, while a Core Formation Stage cultivator can defeat 25-30 peak Qi Condensation Stage cultivators. This discrepancy in strength continues to widen as cultivation levels increase."
Hearing these words, the entire class buzzes with excitement as students chat animatedly with each other, eagerly anticipating what the future holds in the world of cultivation.
Interrupting the enthusiastic chatter, Instructor Xin raises his voice to regain everyone's attention. "Alright, enough chattering for now. Return to your newly assigned dormitories, and remember to attend tomorrow's class at the same time."
With the end of the class, everyone starts to leave one by one. However, Tang Jian remains behind and approaches Instructor Xin to ask a question. "Instructor Xin, you mentioned that we need to repeatedly refine our souls and bodies. So why are there soul and external types of cultivation when we refine both aspects? And how many types of cultivation exist in this vast world?"
Impressed by Tang Jian's perceptive inquiry, Instructor Xin responds, "Young Tang, cultivators refine their souls and bodies to maintain a balanced harmony between the two. Soul cultivators primarily focus on refining their souls while also refining their bodies enough to contain their soul power. Similarly, external or body cultivators do the same. They primarily focus on refining their bodies while ensuring their souls are adequately cultivated." With this answer, Instructor Xin resolves one of Tang Jian's queries and moves on to the second one. "As for the types of cultivation, there are nearly a thousand in the Thousand Dao Realm. The main types are Soul Cultivation, External Cultivation, Alchemy Cultivation, and Refining Cultivation. Each of these main cultivations has its own branches and variations. Because of these vast number of cultivation types our realm is named Thousand Dao Realm."
Satisfied with the answers and his thirst for knowledge momentarily quenched, Tang Jian politely bows to the instructor in appreciation and leaves, deep in thought.
A sudden voice startles Tang Jian as he walks away from the classroom. "What are you thinking about so deeply?" The voice belongs to Li Bai, who surprises Tang Jian and nearly causes him to trip.
"Whoa! You scared me, Li Bai. Why were you standing there? It's a good thing no one else was around; otherwise, they would have surely mocked me," Tang Jian exclaims, a mix of panic and relief in his voice.
Realizing his mistake, Li Bai quickly apologizes, "Forgive my rudeness. I didn't mean to startle you like that. I was just waiting here for you so we could move our belongings to the new dormitory. Everyone else has already finished moving."
Understanding Li Bai's intentions, Tang Jian nods in approval, and together they proceed to shift their luggage to the newly assigned dormitory.
As Tang Jian and Li Bai make their way to the dormitory, their conversation gradually shifts from the immediate task at hand to their excitement about embarking on their cultivation journey. Tang Jian, his mind still filled with the knowledge shared by Instructor Xin, can't help but ponder the vastness of the cultivation world.
"Li Bai, can you believe the depth of what we've just learned?" Tang Jian asks, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "The cultivation stages, the different types of cultivation—it's all so fascinating. I can't wait to explore more and uncover the secrets hidden within this realm."
Li Bai, sharing his friend's enthusiasm, nods in agreement. "Indeed, Tang Jian. The Thousand Dao Realm holds countless mysteries waiting to be unraveled. We have only scratched the surface, but with each step on our cultivation path, we will inch closer to understanding the true depths of this world."
As they arrive at their new dormitory, Tang Jian and Li Bai find themselves surrounded by the bustling energy of their fellow classmates settling in. The room is simple yet comfortable, with wooden furniture and a tranquil ambiance that fosters a sense of focus and dedication.