Fourth level in the Mortal Realm

Even though Shui didn't release any noise, all of the Earth Realm figures in the clan could vaguely feel a fluctuation spread across the plateau. Though they weren't sure where it came from, the sensation made them wonder if a beast lord had emerged. This subsequently caused them to waste time investigating the source but Shui didn't know this.

He had finally attained a one-star saint body and could call himself a cultivator who trained in energy, soul and body. The new power he felt had him in hyper mode so he quickly made his way to the forge. After putting on clothes of course.

Since snow had started to fall, only Bartos came to the forge daily since his apprentices would have things to take care at home. Due to this, Shui ended up learning that Gus and Broc were married while Yur lived with his little sister. Gus and Broc were one thing, but Shui was surprised to hear that Yur could help out at home and had a sister to take care off. Appearances truly were deceiving.

When he made it to the forge, Shui gave Bartos a short greeting before entering Yur's forge. It was smaller than Bartos' but it wasn't a bad place. Shui already had his own materials packed away in a chest near the entrance so there was no need to worry about what to use.

In his energetic state, he chose to make a sword. He quickly sunk into a state of absolute focus and put everything into his craft. In this condition, he didn't notice Bartos observing him from behind. Though Bartos couldn't detect him using nature energy or the transcendent force in his body, he could still detect his aura that was no longer being restrained.

During the winter, it was decided that Shui would live with his family so there were more chances to check his cultivation, but that didn't change anything. He didn't know whether it was caution or habit, but Shui's aura was always under wraps like his eyes. Only now when he was single-mindedly focused could he barely feel his true aura.

As Shui poured his heart into the sword, he became increasingly efficient in controlling his new strength. The hammer in his hand may have seemed to be brought down with his full strength, but Shui knew how much force he should use. By the last strike, he was completely in control of himself and could calmly finish the final touches. While inspecting the finished product, a plain longsword, Bartos called out to him.

"Not bad."

"Uh, Uncle Bartos. Thanks."

Even after making the sword, he only now noticed his uncle's presence. This blunder reminded Shui of how careless he was, but he actually didn't have a full grasp of the consequences.

"Looks like another artifact."

"Yeah, it invigorates the wielder so that they can use their maximum power easier."

For an artifact of blessed special-rank it was rather good, but it couldn't compare in value to his first creation. Even so, Shui felt proud of it. Since it was midwinter they wouldn't put it up for auction soon, so he planned on holding on to it for the meantime. Once Shui cooled down, Bartos brought up his concern. Though there was no need to force the issue, he was always a straightforward person.

"Shui, what level of cultivation do you possess?"

"I'm,"

Due to the suddenness of Bartos' question, Shui almost blurted out the answer. The only thing that stopped him was the shock he gained from comprehending what he was asked.

"If you don't want to say I won't force you."

Shui wasn't determined to keep it a secret from his uncle, and since he already knew he could cultivate, Shui decided to be honest.

"No...It's third level in the Mortal Realm."

"I see."

Though Bartos knew Shui could cultivate, he wasn't expecting him to be at the third level. One must know that in the clan, only four children under ten had this cultivation and they were all trained by the clan elders. The fact that Shui could have such a cultivation without any apparent help was mind-boggling to say the least. It honestly made Bartos more curious but he decided to hold himself back. There was no reason to try to dig out all of the boy's secrets, and who knew if ears were on nearby walls.

"I'm sorry I hid it from you, but it's not 'cause I don't trust you. It's just..."

"It's fine. I know you don't want the clan to find out."

Shui nodded in response. He had mixed feelings regarding the clan and he wasn't planning on spending his life in it either, so it would be better if they didn't find out about his talent.

"I'll keep this a secret from Lilia and Kate."

"Really?"

"Mhmm, those two aren't good at holding their tongues."

Shui didn't want to talk badly about them behind their backs, but he agreed with what Bartos said.

Soon after attaining one-star saint body, Shui felt the opportunity to reach the fourth level in the Mortal Realm. Others might find his speed astonishing, but Shui felt that it was only natural. He knew the three c's to breakthroughs and was always trying his best in all three.

The c's to breakthroughs were Comprehension, Control and Condition. Comprehension spoke to one's understanding of the realm they were in. Without understanding the cultivation realm one was in, one wouldn't be able to take a step further on their path. Putting it simply, comprehending the realm was like looking at an invisible road; only when the realm was understood could one see the road in front of them. In the realms below the Monarchy phase, comprehension provided the least contribution of the three c's, since one could advance with only shallow comprehension of the realms. However, this wouldn't work when entering King Realm.

Control was about one's authority over their energy. Without being in full control over the power granted by their cultivation, it was still possible to advance further, but eventually the energy would go out of control and kill the cultivator or worse. For as it was once written, with great power comes great responsibility. A child who couldn't control themselves wasn't worthy of seeking to defy the heavens.

Condition was the simplest and also the most unpredictable of the three c's. It spoke to one's state of being. The heart, mind and body must all be in the right condition for a breakthrough to take place properly. Though the right condition didn't necessarily mean peaceful, if the cultivator forcefully tried to breakthrough without being in a stable enough state, it could lead to mental collapse. This was when nature energy corroded the cultivator and turned them into a mindless beast. The only fate left for such a beast was obviously to be executed.

Though the danger of mental collapse was always present during breakthroughs, Shui didn't worry about it. Whenever he felt that it was time to breakthrough, he was always confident it would succeed.