Main Chapter: The Seven Stages.

2039 of the Black Lightning Grand Sage, 22th day of the first month of Spring. North-west, Central Plains of the Greater Lands. Qing Ruo Mountain, Education Ring, Qing Ruo Academy. Time: 08:31.

Thirty-one minutes after the morning classes were to begin Mou Lin showed up.

Used to his lateness and easygoing manner the members of Class 1-A continued to do their own thing. And while they did Mou Lin slowly evaluated them.

Dai Tian who had despite being the second born chose to become the heir. Tan Cui who disappeared when she was 5 only to reappear suddenly one year ago. The "fallen genius" Xuan Yu who still managed to stay on top so far. The "rising genius" Xuan Yi who had yet to dominate. Fan Hua who willing chose to grow up in the Medicine Hall.

Ming Xie who personally experienced the cruelty a nation constantly at war could bring about. Hou Dun who was a conduit for his parent's wishes and Hou Xiang who wanted to fight all that. Lou Jian who shined brightly despite the darkness he was forced to witness, and Seung Do who grew up with so much hatred directed at him.

"Hopefully I will be enough." Mou Lin softly muttered and then he gathered the class' attention.

"With you guys now able to handle yourself a bit in combat. It is about time we finally moved onto the topic of your advancement from here."

Hearing those words Lou Jian smacked the table and stood up. Surprising those around him but with a quick look, they realized he was just excited.

"Though this kind of stuff is common knowledge. It is best to go through it, so we are all on the same page. There are 7 major stages in cultivation. 3 minor stages and four tribulations that you will be faced with. The 1st Stage; Qi Condensation. The 2nd Stage; Foundation Establishment. The 3rd Stage; Core Formation. The 4th Stage; Nascent Soul. The 5th Stage; Spirit Severing. The 6th Stage; Dao Seeking. The 7th Stage; Immortal.

The 3 minor stages are always; Entry, Mid, and Peak. And are marked by the different attainments of each stage. Well, Entry 1st Stage is the only one that does not have an attainment. So, the marker for it is a little less clear and some prefer to say the 1st Stage does not have an Entry stage.

And the tribulations… are where most people die. Some people believe the act of cultivating is going against fate. And the tribulations are divine punishment. Others believe that the tribulations are a divine test."

"What does Sir Lin believe?"

"Neither, I don't know the origin. So, I don't assume."

"Seriously?"

"Such a cheap answer."

Mou Lin shamelessly laughed the complaints of his student off.

"Well, forgive this instructor of yours so he can tell you about the 1st Stage."

Placing his finger on the board behind him. A diagram came to life. Showing in intricate details a human-shaped image. With a series of lines running through their body that originated from a spot near the stomach.

"Like you can guess from the on the nose name. Qi Condensation is about taking in the Qi that surrounds you and storing it in your Dantian. Condensing it into Core Qi which is kinda similar to the concentrated Qi you saw at the Peak.

Of course, your Core Qi is in no way harmful to you. However, it will be so unique to you that it is harmful to others. So, do not try to help someone else out by transferring your Core Qi."

"Sir Lin, I don't think that's possible."

"I would not be surprised if one of you made it possible. Just because it has yet to be done. Does not mean that it cannot be done."

Pointing at the center of the diagram. Mou Lin made the center of it and the lines coming from the center take on a faint glow.

"The Qi you gather will run along these lines. You can think of it operating like your other circulatory system.

The aim of this stage is to fill yourself up with as much Core Qi as you possibly can."

The diagram began to glow brighter and brighter. The lines growing a little more robust, where they originally looked flat and empty.

"Once you reach the half-way point of what your Dantian can hold then you will no longer be mortal. Your senses will be heightened, your body strengthened and many of the illnesses and poisons that would affect a mortal will not bother you. Also, your lifespan will be extended. Living until your 200 will be easy."

The diagram on the board did a little flex and pumped its chest before returning to its former position.

"Once you have completely filled your Dantian. You will awaken your Soul Sense. Which in simple terms a heightened awareness. That will allow you some degree of your surrounding even if you cannot use any of your other senses."

The diagram on the board, the lines within glowing brightly, suddenly had light glowing from its head. It then sat in the lotus position as if it reached enlightenment. From the side, another similar diagram appeared. Tiptoeing comically, raising its knees high up as it snuck up on the other diagram. Then raised its hand to give the other a good slap.

But the other dodged it. With the little play over. The board went white again.

"There is another third benefit that possessing Core Qi gives you. However, it is advised you never use it unless you absolutely need to."

Without a word or a chant. The very first spell that Mou Lin revealed showed up again.

"Core Qi is extremely malleable to the person it belongs to. A clear intent is enough to use a spell. This, of course, is equivalent to you sacrificing progress for speed. And so the Academy advises that you only do so in dire circumstances. Mostly, in part because of how long the Qi Condensation process actually is. It is highly possible by the end of your 5 years at the Academy. You will only be at the Peak of the 1st Stage. Now, every Sect has its own method of how to condense Qi. So, you'll have to enter into a contract with the Sect to gain access to the Reflecting Moon's method."

After Mou Lin said so a group of ten servants came in and each went to each student and placed before them a book and a contract sheet.

"If you accept the contract then you'll be considered not just a member of the Qing Ruo Academy but an official member of the Reflecting Moon Sect."

Most of the students; Dai Tian, Tan Cui, Xuan Yu, Lou Jian, and the Hou siblings simply signed where they were supposed to. Ming Xie however, was reading carefully and so was Fan Hua and Xuan Yi each for different reasons. While Seung Do was merely hesitating.

In the end, they all signed it.