CHAPTER 19

After a lengthy discussion with Rongxia, and while it was obvious she did not know the most important details, I still received a few important ideas.

Ascending often symbolizes a transcendence of the mortal body and soul. At this stage, the cultivator sheds their human weaknesses, becoming closer to divine or immortal beings. This ascension represents a significant leap in power, longevity, and status.

It is often accompanied by challenges like a "heavenly tribulation" — a series of lightning or cosmic attacks sent by the heavens to test the cultivator's worthiness. If the cultivator can survive the tribulation, they can successfully ascend to the next realm. Failing this test often results in death or severe injury.

But what were the 'heavens'? How do you test 'worthiness'? And who would be the judge?

She did not know the answers to those questions.

However, she believed strongly that ascending meant a progression to a new and higher realm. Once they reach a certain pinnacle in their cultivation path, they can "ascend" to a higher world, which is usually a realm where the rules of existence are different and cultivators of higher strength reside.

To put it into different terms, it would mean to move to another world.

Was it possible? Of course. After all, I, myself, was from another world.

However, a 'higher' world? What would a 'higher' world be like?

Was I from a 'higher' or 'lower' world compared to this one?

Once again, who could judge that?

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So many answers that only brought about so many more questions.

There was, at least, something I could understand for sure: there were strong people here but they all tried to go beyond the pinnacle and, potentially, some succeeded.

I needed to figure out what their pinnacle was and how far or close I was to it because I, too, would love to go beyond my own present level.

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Then again, this cultivation of theirs should enable me to do so.

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I went back to reading my parchments on cultivation techniques.

The "Breath of the Willow" technique focuses on helping beginners cultivate Qi with minimal strain, nurturing their ability to absorb and circulate spiritual energy. It is particularly effective in refining the flow of Qi within the dantian, the energy center located just below the navel, which acts as the foundation for all future cultivation practices.

Ok.

But how does one go about activating this energy center located just below the navel?

Through my discussion with Rongxia, I managed to glimpse a few things related to the basics. Since she went through them herself, she was able to give me more detailed information which was appreciated.

Having a native for guide is indeed rather useful.

I first learnt of a few basic requirements before I could proceed. They are mainly:

Awareness and Sensitivity to Qi: Before creating a dantian, a cultivator must develop basic awareness of Qi. They need to sense the ambient Qi in their surroundings, which can come from nature, such as the air, earth, or sunlight. Without being able to perceive and manipulate Qi, it's impossible to form a functioning dantian.

That would obviously not be a problem at all.

Qi is nothing but energy in the same way as mana is. As for me, my mana sensitivity is obviously at an incredibly high level. I would dare to say, humbly, that no one would dare say they are the best while I remain alive.

Purifying the Body and Meridians: A cultivator's body must be free from impurities and blockages in their meridians (the energy pathways in the body) to allow smooth Qi flow. Many cultivation techniques emphasize cleansing the body of toxins, often through special herbs, meditation, or preliminary exercises. A blocked or impure body will make Qi flow erratic, potentially causing internal injury.

Even less of a problem.

Thanks to my tattoos and reforging of the body through the 42 principles of mana itself. I own an immortal and perfected body according to the genes I was born with.

As for the energy pathways? They are filled to the brim with a constant flow of energy (my 'mana').

Calming the Mind and Achieving Mental Clarity: A calm, focused mind is essential. Cultivators must clear their mind of distractions and focus on their breath and energy. Mental stability and clarity are crucial because the process of creating the dantian requires a deep meditative state. If the mind is unsettled, Qi flow might become chaotic, leading to failure or even Qi deviation (a dangerous imbalance of energy).

No one could harness the truths of magics without a calm and clear mind. This was easy as well.

Finally, Basic Qi Control: Before forming a dantian, a cultivator should be familiar with basic Qi circulation techniques, such as synchronizing their breath with Qi movement.

And that is where the cultivation technique coomes in play. I have those right now too.

Though they are the lowest kind according to Rongxia, they should still be able to do the job. While I could wait to find a better one, why should I?

I would simply need to adjust things as I go.