Auxiliary chapter

**Auxiliary Chapter: The Path of Claws and Cores**

*(A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation Realms & Beast Evolution)*

I. Human Cultivation Realms**

1. Qi Condensation Realm**

- **Stages:** 1-9 (Peak)

- **Breakthrough Requirements:**

- Stage 3: Manifest Qi externally (frost fingertips)

- Stage 6: Achieve "Circular Breathing" (Qi sustains body)

- Stage 9: Form "Dantian Sea" (10x capacity boost)

- **Lifespan:** 120 years at Peak

2. Core Formation Realm**

- **Stages:** Early/Middle/Peak

- **Key Traits:**

- **Early Core:** Walnut-sized, elemental affinity emerges

- **Middle Core:** Self-rotating, refines Qi 24/7

- **Peak Core:** "Jade Core" forms (indestructible base)

- **Notable Practitioners:** Elder Liang (Middle), Sect Master (Peak)

3. Nascent Soul Realm**

- **Stages:** Soul Infant/Grown/Perfected

- **Requirements:**

- Survive "Heavenly Tribulation"

- Core hatches into miniature soul self

- **Current Status:** Only ruins of past masters remain

II. Beast Cultivation Path**

*1. Mortal Beast (Stage 1-9)**

| Stage | Traits | MC's Progress |

|-------|--------|--------------|

| 1-3 | Enhanced physique, basic Qi absorption | Achieved via devouring Icebloom Herbs |

| 4-6 | Innate abilities manifest (Frost Claw) | Unlocked during Direwolf fight |

| 7-9 | Partial human speech, elemental resistance | Current stage |

2. Spirit Beast (Earth Grade)**

- **Early:** Human-level intelligence (MC now)

- **Middle:** Bloodline memories surface (Arctic Dominion)

- **Peak:** Temporary human form possible

3. Sacred Beast (Heaven Grade)**

- **Titan Class:** Can reshape terrain (Frostbear Spirit)

- **Mythical Class:** Transcends physical form

III. Hybrid Anomalies (Like the MC)**

**Unique Traits:**

- **Dual Core System:**

- *Beast Core:* Blood-red, stores primal energy

- *Human-like Core:* Cracked ice-storm hybrid

- **Breakthrough Risks:**

- Bloodline corruption (85% = loses speech)

- Qi deviation (Lightning + Frost conflict)

(Current Status:** of Bai Zhanxiong MC)

- **Realm:** Early Spirit Beast (Equivalent to Core Formation Early)

- **Bloodline Purity:** 79%

Qi Reserves:

58/100 (Stormclaw active)

IV. Political Power Comparison**

| Realm | Human Equivalent | Sect Status |

|-------|------------------|------------|

| Mortal 7-9 | Qi Condensation 7-9 | Inner Disciple |

| Spirit Early | Core Formation Early | Elder Candidate |

| Spirit Peak | Core Formation Peak | Sect Master Tier |

**Note:** Beasts are *feared* at equal realms due to:

- Innate physical superiority

- Bloodline skills (no technique manuals needed)

V. Progression Checklist for **

**Next Goals:**

1. **Devour Glacier Serpent Core** (Mid-Spirit Beast breakthrough)

2. **Balance Storm/Frost Qi** (Prevent self-implosion)

3. **Delay Bloodline Assimilation** (Find "Soul Anchoring Herb")

**Warnings:**

- At 85% bloodline: Vocal cords freeze permanently

- At 90%: Begins forgetting human memories