First Contact with Cultivators

Days passed since Jo Yuan had faced Elder Liu, and he felt a mix of fear and excitement. He never expected the elder's death would bother him so much compared to the first few times he killed him, but now something unusual was happening. He often felt a pull, an energy guiding him, like a compass leading him toward something greater. Would cultivators truly come for him? How would they even know he existed?

One afternoon, as Jo Yuan trained in a secluded grove, he felt a strange warmth enveloping him. The air became restless, and suddenly, three figures appeared before him. They were not just any ordinary martial artists; these were cultivators, dressed in flowing robes that shimmered under the sunlight. Their presence felt powerful, like a storm ready to unleash its fury.

"How did you find me?" Jo Yuan asked, astonished. He looked at their serene faces, noticing the way their eyes seemed to pierce through him as if reading his very soul.

The leader of the group, a tall woman with long black hair, smiled gently. "We sensed your energy from miles away. It is rare to find someone with spiritual roots. Our kind has methods to detect those with potential, even when they are far."

Jo Yuan was puzzled. "But how can you tell? What is your method?"

The woman explained, "Cultivators have a natural connection to the spiritual realm. We can feel the vibrations of others. When someone with spiritual roots appears, it creates ripples in the energy around them. It is like a signal that calls us."

Her companion, a burly man with a thick beard, added, "We also have artifacts that enhance our senses, allowing us to pinpoint individuals with unique energy signatures."

Jo Yuan listened carefully, realizing the depth of their knowledge. He felt a mixture of admiration and awe. He had always been alone in his search, but now he stood before beings who understood the world he yearned to join.

As they gathered closer, Jo Yuan noticed the air always parted around them. Each cultivator radiated confidence, their presence suffocating. He wondered what their hierarchy was like. "What are the major realms in the cultivation world?" he asked, curiosity bubbling inside him.

Is it the same books he has read on Earth?

The woman nodded, appreciating his question. "There are three major realms: Qi Building, Foundation Building, and Core Formation. Each major realm has nine minor realms beneath it. In every stage, one must break through a bottleneck to progress."

Jo Yuan furrowed his brow, intrigued. "What is a bottleneck?" although he already knew, he still wanted to confirm.

The burly man stepped forward. "A bottleneck is a point where one's progress halts. It can be due to insufficient energy, lack of understanding, or even mental barriers. Overcoming a bottleneck is essential for advancement."

"Qi Building is the first stage," the woman continued. "In this realm, cultivators learn to gather and refine their Qi, the vital energy of the universe. Once they solidify their foundations, they move to the Foundation Building, where they strengthen their bodies and minds. Finally, in Core Formation, they establish their core, becoming true cultivators."

Jo Yuan felt the authenticity of their words. He had longed to understand this world, and now it was unfolding before him like a scroll revealing hidden truths. But a thought nagged at him. "You said you sensed my spiritual roots. How do you confirm it?"

The three cultivators exchanged glances, and the leader spoke again. "We can perform a simple test to confirm your roots. It involves channeling our energy into you and observing the reaction. If you possess spiritual roots, it will resonate with our energy."

'This is it. I hope they don't recognize it. Please, I hope my conjecture is right.' Jo Yuan nodded, feeling a thrill of anticipation. He wanted this chance. "I agree," he said eagerly. "Please, test me!"

The cultivators stepped forward, forming a circle around him. As they began to channel their energy, Jo Yuan felt a warmth spread through his body. It was unlike anything he had experienced before—a surge of power awakening deep within him.

"Focus," the woman instructed. "Let your energy flow. Show us your roots."

Jo Yuan closed his eyes, concentrating with all his might. He envisioned the energy flowing from the earth, through his feet, up to his core. As he opened himself to their influence, a brilliant red light erupted from his body, illuminating the grove. The cultivators gasped in unison, their faces filled with awe.

"Remarkable!" the bearded man exclaimed. "You possess a fire spiritual root. This is extraordinary!"

Jo Yuan's heart raced. 'As expected, they did mistake my bloodroot for a fire spiritual root. Ha ha!' everything was according to his plan.

He had been searching for a way to join the world of cultivation, and now, it seemed his journey was about to truly begin.

The leader smiled warmly at him. "You have great potential. Join us, and we will guide you on the path of cultivation."

Eagerly, Jo Yuan nodded. "I will. I want to walk the path of immortality!"

"Good! HAHAHA!"