Chen Yu let that sink in. "So, I've basically got access to everything from the start, but I have to learn to control it all at once. No pressure."

[The difficulty in mastering this technique is what makes it so unique. Most cultivators spend their entire lives mastering a single element or Qi pathway, focusing their efforts to advance within that narrow field. The Primal Heavenly Body requires a different approach. The user must simultaneously draw upon multiple forces of nature and integrate them into a single, cohesive cultivation method. Without balance, the user risks elemental backlash or Qi deviation. However, with balance, the cultivator gains unparalleled power.]

Chen Yu leaned back against the tree, thinking. "Alright, that sounds pretty intense. So it's not just about brute strength, it's about keeping all the elements in harmony. Got it. But what about how it works here? Is it... the same?"

[The Primal Heavenly Body is highly adaptable. In any universe or dimension, the five elements are fundamental forces of creation. Whether in this world or another, Earth will always represent stability and strength, Water will always embody flexibility and nourishment, Fire will always symbolize power and transformation, Wind will bring speed and freedom, and Lightning will spark energy and destruction. These forces exist in harmony with the laws of every universe.]

The system paused, and Chen Yu could almost feel it assessing him.

[However, how these elements interact with your cultivation base and the Qi of this world may vary. The Primal Heavenly Body will adapt to the unique properties of this realm. In this world, Qi is influenced by the environment, the heavens, and the spiritual flow of natural forces. You must learn to synchronize your internal elemental balance with the world around you. In doing so, you will not only increase your control over the elements, but you will also unlock new layers of potential.]

Chen Yu frowned, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "So it's not just about sucking in elemental energy from the world. I have to adapt to this world's version of Qi, too.

[Your initial attempts to absorb the five elements were instinctual. While you triggered the first stage of the Primal Heavenly Body, this technique is more than simply gathering elemental energy. It is about refining your body, your spirit, and your mind to become a perfect conduit for the elements. As you continue to practice and understand the technique, the power of each element will grow, and your body will adapt to handle greater amounts of energy.]

Chen Yu nodded, piecing it together. "So, the more I practice and understand how the elements work together, the stronger I'll get. But if I mess up, I could, what, explode?"

[Elemental backlash may cause severe injury or death if balance is lost for an extended period of time. The five elements are forces of nature, and tampering with them carelessly can result in catastrophic consequences. However, with proper cultivation and understanding, the Primal Heavenly Body will enable you to harness the full power of nature itself, elevating you beyond the limitations of other cultivators.]

He let out a long breath, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips despite the seriousness of the explanation. "So... it's like juggling five grenades. Cool. I guess that's my life now."

The system remained silent, as if acknowledging his humor without comment. Chen Yu stared up at the sky, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. The enormity of what he'd stumbled into began to sink in. He had the potential to control not just one, but all five elements. If he could master this, he wouldn't just be another cultivator—he could become something far greater.

But that power came with a price. If he lost control, if he got too cocky, he could easily end up dead. It was a high-risk, high-reward path, but what other choice did he have?

"Alright, alright," Chen Yu muttered, stretching out his limbs, feeling the faint hum of the five elements lingering in his body. His muscles still ached from the earlier near-deviation, but he was starting to feel the balance return. "So, do the stages and powers work the same as they did for me in the novels?"

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There was a brief pause before the system's voice echoed in his mind once more.

[The Primal Heavenly Body functions similarly to the cultivation stages found in the novels you are familiar with, but it's true potential goes far beyond those fictional interpretations. The stages you will experience are unique to this technique and will evolve as your understanding of the elements grows.]

Chen Yu frowned. "So, the basics are the same, but there's more to it?"

[Correct. The stages of the Primal Heavenly Body are based on how well you can balance and control the five primal elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning. As your cultivation deepens, so too will your mastery over these elements. Let me explain the stages.]

Chen Yu leaned back against the tree, listening intently as the system continued.

[Stage 1: Elemental Awakening – The first stage is about awakening your body's ability to interact with the five elements. At this level, you will begin to sense and absorb the elemental forces from your surroundings. However, your control will be limited. You can summon small quantities of each element and use them in basic ways, such as creating defensive barriers of earth, generating small flames, or summoning gusts of wind for mobility. Your focus here is learning to balance the elements within your body.]

[At this stage, your physical body will also start to strengthen in ways associated with each element. Earth grants you resilience, Water gives you flexibility and healing, Fire enhances your internal energy and drive, Wind lightens your body, and Lightning sharpens your reflexes. However, without proper balance, you will experience elemental backlash, which can cause severe damage or disruption to your cultivation. This is the stage you are currently approaching.]

Chen Yu nodded slowly, still processing. "So I'm basically a walking, talking sponge for the elements. Got it. But what about the next stages? How do things get more... serious?"

The system responded without hesitation, its tone precise and measured.

[Stage 2: Elemental Resonance – Once you progress to the second stage, your ability to resonate with the elements improves dramatically. At this stage, you will be able to combine elements in creative ways, unlocking more powerful attacks and defensive techniques. For example, you could merge Fire and Wind to create a flaming cyclone or combine Earth and Lightning to generate explosive shockwaves through the ground.]

Chen Yu raised an eyebrow. "Resonance, huh? So I'll be able to mix and match elements... That could come in handy if I ever need to get creative."

[Indeed. But with greater power comes a higher demand for balance. This stage is where you will most likely struggle, as the temptation to rely too heavily on one element can cause disruption in the flow of energy.]

Chen Yu nodded, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I can already see how that might be a problem. Alright, what's next?"

[Stage 3: Elemental Synergy – In this stage, the five elements become fully integrated into your body and spirit, working in complete synergy. You will no longer be merely manipulating the elements—you will be one with them. Your body will be able to channel larger amounts of energy, and the elemental forces will flow through you with ease.]

[At this stage, you gain the ability to manifest large-scale elemental phenomena. You could summon a river from nothing, raise mountains from the ground, create storms of fire and wind, or even call down lightning at will. Your body will begin to adopt minor elemental traits as well, such as heat resistance, enhanced agility, and the ability to survive extreme environments.]

[More importantly, your connection to the elements will allow you to create Elemental Constructs, powerful avatars or manifestations of pure elemental energy. For example, you could create a dragon made from fire and lightning, capable of fighting alongside you in battle.]

Chen Yu's eyes widened in amazement. "Elemental dragons? Seriously? Now we're talking." His excitement was palpable, though he quickly sobered up, realizing the responsibility that came with that kind of power.

[Stage 4: Elemental Sovereignty – The final stage is where you become a true Sovereign of the Elements. By now, your mastery over the elements will be so complete that you can reshape the battlefield at will. You will no longer just command the elements—you will become an embodiment of their primal power.]

[Your Elemental Sovereign Domain will also come into play. This ability allows you to create a domain around you where you are the absolute ruler of the elements. Within this space, your power is magnified, and your enemies will find it nearly impossible to counter your elemental techniques.]

Chen Yu whistled, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, at the final stage, I'll basically be a walking natural disaster. That's... insane."