Chapter 41: The Stages of Cultivation
The next day, at Taihua Mountain’s Qingyan Peak, in front of a cluster of buildings, there was a snow valley where Yu Ling’er was preparing to start the day’s cultivation with Ye Xuan.
The path up the mountain was perilous, not just for ordinary people but even for martial artists. This difficulty was why the main hall of Taihua Mountain was situated halfway up. The peak, where the spiritual energy was abundant, was an ideal place for cultivation.
In the valley, one could see spiritual crystals on the snow walls, visible to the naked eye, useful for cultivation.
Before starting, Yu Ling’er asked Ye Xuan, “Brother Ye Xuan, have you completely memorized the Taihua Heart Method?” After clearing up the misunderstanding with Ye Xuan, Yu Ling’er seemed more natural and youthful in his presence.
“Mm,” Ye Xuan nodded, “I remember it all. It’s incredible, but after you recited it once, I memorized the Taihua Heart Method completely. And surprisingly, my body automatically starts circulating it whenever I think about it, without even needing to understand it.”
Yu Ling’er was speechless. She had previously suggested that Ye Xuan diligently cultivate to prove her father wrong someday. But now, she felt somewhat overwhelmed by Ye Xuan’s remarkable talent. “This is too exaggerated! I recited the method once, and without even understanding it, his body is automatically circulating it.”
In her past life, Ye Xuan was genuinely devoid of spiritual roots, and even after merging with a inner demon, he hadn’t succeeded in cultivation. Perhaps, Ye Xuan indeed received a divine gift from the Beidu Star Lord. Otherwise, his current change was inexplicable.
After her initial shock, Yu Ling’er coughed lightly and began to explain, “Brother Ye Xuan, you’re incredible. I have a Heavenly Spiritual Root, considered a rare talent. I can automatically cultivate, but not to the extent where my body cultivates a method without understanding it. However, the real challenge in cultivation begins after Qi Gathering. Let me explain the divisions of cultivation realms.”
In fact, Ye Xuan was already somewhat familiar with the basic knowledge of this world from the script world, but he only knew the basics. He listened attentively as Yu Ling’er spoke.
“In this world, the realms of cultivation for mortals are divided into: Qi Gathering, Enlightenment, Foundation Building, Object Manipulation, Spirit Communication, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, Void Refinement, and Dao Fusion. However, it’s only after reaching the Object Manipulation realm that one is considered to have truly embarked on the path of cultivation, glimpsing the minor mysteries of the Dao.”
She continued, “But the realms beyond that are mainly about the accumulation of cultivation. Before reaching Object Manipulation, it’s impossible to defeat someone who has surpassed it. However, a cultivator at the Object Manipulation realm might defeat those at higher levels.”
“In this world of cultivators, strength isn’t solely determined by one’s realm… The real power in this world comes from techniques and spiritual treasures. The strength of techniques depends on one’s cultivation; the greater the cultivation, the more powerful the technique. Even the strongest cultivator is useless without powerful techniques.”
“The pinnacle of power is achieved when one’s cultivation and mastery of techniques are both advanced. Magical treasures are crucial for cultivators, as they set a lower limit on one’s power, especially the spell-binding treasures that target others. But all of this is irrelevant if the gap in cultivation is too vast.”
After explaining the basics of cultivation realms and the importance of techniques and treasures, Yu Ling’er then turned to Ye Xuan’s current state,
“Brother Ye Xuan, your cultivation has now reached the Qi Gathering realm. Next, I will teach you the Qi Gathering technique to stabilize your realm. This process shouldn’t take too long, typically half an hour is enough. First, sit down and close your eyes to concentrate…” Yu Ling’er instructed.
Under Yu Ling’er’s guidance, Ye Xuan quickly entered the state of Qi Gathering. He then stabilized his cultivation level, firmly establishing himself in the Qi Gathering realm.
“Uh…” At that moment, Yu Ling’er was stunned. “Wait, I’ve only spoken eight words and haven’t even started teaching you the Qi Gathering technique yet! And you’ve already stabilized your realm? This is too much!”
Yu Ling’er remembered her own experience; it had taken her the time of burning a single incense stick to stabilize her Qi Gathering, a feat that had delighted her parents immensely. “Are you really a first-time cultivator?”