Realms of Energy Cultivation

Energy Cultivation Realms (Ki)

1. Body Tempering Realm

2. Energy Refinement Realm

3. Meridian Opening

4. Foundation Forging Realm

5. Core Formation Realm

6. Energy Phases Realm (Yin-Yang Phase→ Sublime Reality → Energy Heart Spirit Establishment)

7. Energy Sea Opening Realm

8. Life Palace Realm

9. Primordial Spirit Realm

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As they stepped out of the Medical Pavilion, the streets around them buzzed with people, an energetic crowd that seemed to fill Direstone City. Astrid took in the sights, her wide eyes betraying her curiosity, even though her face remained relatively stoic.

“This city is quite large and busy. Is it like this all the time?” she remarked, trying to sound composed, yet there was a hint of awe beneath her measured tone.

Bohn chuckled softly, glancing around. “Yes, and as you can probably see, the city most definitely has its charm,” he said, gesturing toward the various shops and stalls that lined the streets. “We’re almost there.”

The streets had a rustic theme to them, with simple wooden stalls and shops that looked as if they’d been part of the city for ages. People darted past them at high speeds, their feet barely touching the ground, indicating that most of the population of the city was probably cultivators.

They soon arrived at a small shop that felt different from the vibrant scene outside, standing out with its less-than-inviting exterior, a different style, and a welcoming feel.

“This is the place? I hope the food here is good,” Astrid said, a skeptical note creeping into her voice as she scrutinized the shop's exterior.

“Trust me, you’re going to love the food here,” Bohn replied with a grin, stepping inside.

The interior was cozy, reminiscent of a traditional ramen shop, but surprisingly empty. Only a few seats were filled, but the people sitting there wore cultivator robes, and their mannerisms indicated a good background. A little bell jingled as Bohn entered. Hearing the bell, a cheerful woman emerged from the back, her apron dusted with flour and sauce.

“Doctor Bohn! So good to see you!” she exclaimed, her smile genuine.

“Good to see you too, Miss Sunday,” Bohn replied, returning her warmth. “I brought this kiddo along. She needs some hearty food to help aid her recovery; pills would be counterintuitive, so food from a spiritual chef was the only real option. She hasn’t been eating well either, and we need large quantities of Tier 1 food. Yes, she can eat a lot. Her master is paying! She could eat the whole shop down if she wanted to…”

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“Kiddo, what do you feel like eating?” Miss Sunday asked, her eyes glinting with amusement.

“Meat!” Astrid replied, momentarily caught up in the excitement, then added, “But I hope it’s actually good.”

“Great choice! I’ve got some fresh Tier 1 meat from a Skyfang Beast,” Miss Sunday said, hurrying to the back, but not before a young man came out of the back with a plate of food and served it to another customer who had been silently awaiting her order.

Astrid was still skeptical but decided to judge the food only after having a bite. While Miss Sunday worked, Bohn leaned closer to Astrid. “You know, Skyfang Beasts really have excellent recovery abilities. That’s why their meat is also great for helping with muscle recovery and more. It will be useful for your condition.”

“Really? How does it help?” Astrid asked in a monotone voice.

“Well,” Bohn continued, “the meat is full of nutrients that help rebuild muscle and replenish energy. It’s like a muscle regeneration supplement.”

“That sounds good,” Astrid said thoughtfully.

Miss Sunday soon returned with a beautifully arranged platter. “Here you go! Skyfang Beast skewers with a honey glaze, and I added some herbs for extra flavor. I also grilled some fire flowers on the side for a little kick!”

Astrid’s eyes watered from the heat; her nose was having a field day. “I really hope it's as good as it looks. Thank you for the food! Let’s dig in,” she said as she examined the vibrant colors on the plate.

“Please do!” Miss Sunday said, placing the platter. Astrid picked up a skewer, taking a cautious bite. Her eyes closed for a moment, the flavors washing over her. “Oh damn! This is so great!” she said, her skepticism crumbling as she reached for another skewer, caught up in the moment.

“Chew the food, Astrid!” Bohn laughed, his tone light. “Right, I should be careful; don’t want to get indigestion,” Astrid thought, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “But this food is incredible!”

Miss Sunday chuckled, pride shining in her smile. “She’s really a big eater, isn’t she?”

“Seriously,” Astrid said, savoring another bite. “I feel like I could eat this forever!”

Bohn shook his head. “Looks like you’re really enjoying this, huh?”

“Of course! Who wouldn’t? This is amazing!” Astrid replied, her mind focused only on the food in front of her.

“Remember to chew!” Bohn laughed, leaning back in his chair, enjoying the scene. “If you keep this up, you’ll be the talk of the shop!”

“I don’t care!” Astrid declared, waving her hand dismissively, though her cheeks were full. “This food is all mine! No touching it!” She gestured to the skewers.

Miss Sunday laughed heartily. “Save some room for dessert as well.”

“Dessert?” Astrid’s ears perked up. “What kind?”

Miss Sunday said with a twinkle in her eye, “You’re going to love it, I promise.”

With another bite of the skewers, Astrid mumbled, “Kay!”

Bohn shook his head, still chuckling as he watched her. “You sure are a handful.”

“I’m just enjoying the food! It's been quite a while since I’ve eaten so freely,” Astrid beamed.

As she eagerly finished her skewers, Miss Sunday returned with a delightful dessert—a bowl of sweet rice pudding topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon. “Here you go!” she said with a warm smile. The pudding looked creamy and rich, while the berries glistened like jewels. Astrid’s eyes sparkled as she took her first bite, savoring the sweetness that danced on her tongue.

“This is great!” she exclaimed, pure delight radiating from her as she dug into the dessert.

Astrid asked, “But I wonder how long it takes to perfect a dish like this.”

“Years of practice,” Miss Sunday said, “mixing ideas from different individuals to make this.”

As she indulged in the dessert, she unwound unconsciously. For the first time in a long while, her worries were forgotten. Bohn watched her with a mix of amusement.

Astrid thought to herself, 'I just wish I could eat like this every day. Or I could just eat at places like this all the time,' and spoke, "Are there more shops like this around in Direstone City?"

“Oh, definitely,” Bohn said, leaning back in his chair. “This city is full of good places. You’ll find plenty of places with amazing food, just that they become increasingly expensive, but you don’t have to worry about that for now.”

With a final bite of dessert, Astrid leaned back in her chair, a sense of contentment washing over her.