Chapter 2: Foundations Of Power
You are looped before me like aabatholithic mountain, its spires piercing the heavens. The air here was thick with energy, unlike anything I had felt before. Even the qi in the Feng Clan's sacred grounds paled in comparison to the richness of this place. Every breath I took invigorated my body, nourishing the soul and the planet within me. Yet, I knew this was no time to be complacent.
The Void Sect was not just the strongest power in the Lower Realms—it was the proving ground for prodigies. Here, the most talented individuals gathered, each believing themselves destined for greatness. I was no exception, but I understood that my journey was fundamentally different from theirs. My universe wasn't just a tool for cultivation; it was a part of me. Its growth dictated my strength, and its survival depended on my mastery.
The moment I stepped into the sect's grounds, an e, older was me. His name was Elder Su Yuan, a man whose presence exuded both wisdom and overwhelming power. His piercing gaze scanned me as if trying to unravel the mysteries of my existence. For a moment, his expression was unreadable, but then a faint smile crept across his face.
"So, you're the one who caused such a stir," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Feng Tianwei's son. I can feel the potential within you—it's vast, almost limitless. But potential means nothing if you can't control it."
I nodded silently, understanding the weight of his words. I wasn't here to rely on my lineage or my gifts. I was here to grow, to transform into someone capable of wielding the power within me.
"Come," Elder Su Yuan continued, motioning for me to follow. "The sect leader has ordered that you be placed in the Core Disciple Hall. Normally, only those who reach the Nascent Formation Realm are permitted, but exceptions must be made for one such as you."
The Core Disciple Hall was unlike anything I had seen before. It was located at the heart of the sect, surrounded by ancient formations that hummed with energy. The hall itself was a grand structure, built from materials that seemed to absorb and amplify qi. As we approached, I felt my inner universe resonate with the energy here. The tiny planet within me stirred, as if eager to absorb the surrounding power.
Inside the hall, a dozen other disciples were gathered. Each of them radiated auras that were strong, refined, and intimidating. These were the elite among elites, individuals who had climbed to the top through sheer determination and talent.
Elder Su Yuan introduced me with a simple statement: "This is Feng Yu. Treat him as one of your own."
Some of the disciples looked at me with curiosity, others with disdain. To them, I was a child who hadn't yet reached the Nascent Formation Realm, a mere beginner among masters. But I didn't let their judgment faze me. Strength wasn't about age or appearance—it was about the ability to prove oneself, and I was prepared to do just that.
Over the next several weeks, I immersed myself in the Void Sect's teachings. The techniques here were far more advanced than anything I had encountered in the Feng Clan. The sect emphasized balance and precision, pushing disciples to understand not just their qi but the laws of the world itself. For me, this was an opportunity to refine the connection between my cultivation and the universe within me.
My first major challenge came in the form of the Void Baptism Ritual, a trial designed to test a disciple's ability to withstand and absorb pure energy. For most, this was a dangerous process. The unrefined energy could easily overwhelm their donations, damaging their cultivation base.
For me, it was an opportunity.
As I sat in the center of the ritual array, energy surged toward me in waves, crashing against my body like a storm. I could feel its intensity, its raw, untamed power, but instead of resisting, I let it flow into me. My inner universe responded immediately, drawing the energy inward and channeling it into the tiny planet within me. The planet glowed brighter, its features becoming more defined. Mountains rose higher, rivers flowed faster, and the atmosphere thickened, teeming with vitality.
By the time the ritual ended, the elders were stunned. Not only had I absorbed the energy without harm, but I had done so effortlessly as if my body was designed for it.
After the ritual, Elder Su Yuan summoned me to his private chambers. The room was simple yet exuded a sense of profound depth as if every object within it held secrets of the universe.
"You are unlike anyone I've ever seen," he said, his tone serious. "Your talent is undeniable, but talent alone is not enough. Your cultivation path is unique—one I cannot fully guide. But there are things you must understand if you wish to progress."
He handed me a scroll, its surface covered in ancient, cryptic symbols. "This contains the fundamentals of universal creation—a technique passed down from the Void Sect's founder. It may help you better understand the connection between your cultivation and the world within you."
I accepted the scroll with gratitude, knowing its value was immeasurable.
In the days that followed, I devoted myself to studying the scroleachings, which were profound, delving into the intricacies of internal balance, the interaction of qi with space, and the creation of celestial bodies. As I meditated, I could feel my inner universe stabilizing further. The planet within me was no longer a fragile world—it was becoming a foundation, a solid core upon which greater things could be built.
But I also began to understand the challenges that lay ahead. The Soul Nourishment Realm was not simply a step toward the Nascent Formation Realm. It was a critical phase where the foundation of one's cultivation was solidified. Any mistakes here could result in catastrophic consequences in the future.
My progress slowed as I focused on stabilizing my soul and strengthening the tiny planet within me. I could feel its energy radiating outward, connecting with my body and mind. The process was slow, almost painstaking, but I knew it was necessary. My inner universe was my greatest strength, but it was also my greatest responsibility.
One day, as I meditated, Elder Su Yuan approached me with the news.
"The sect leader has decided to test your potential further," he said. "You will be sent to the Heaven's Altar, a sacred site where the energies of the Lower Realms converge. It is a place of great danger, but also great opportunity. If you can survive, it will push your cultivation to new heights."
I nodded, determination filling my heart. The journey ahead would not be easy, but I was prepared to face whatever challenges came my way.
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Current Cultivation Realm: Soul Nourishment Realm (Late Stage)
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Cultivation Realms:
1. Qi Gathering Realm
2. Qi Condensation Realm
3. Core Refinement Realm
4. Soul Nourishment Realm
5. Nascent Formation Realm
6. World Embryo Realm
7. Heavenly Body Realm
8. Divine Vessel Realm
9. Solar Ascension Realm
10. Universal Formation Realm