Chapter 3: Birth of Life and Breaking Expectations
The Heaven's Altar loomed before me, a place where the raw power of the universe converged. It was said that the altar was created when a star collapsed, leaving behind a remnant of its boundless energy. To those seeking to ascend, it was a sacred ground for transformation. For me, it would be the site where my soul, body, and universe evolved to the next level—the Nascent Formation Realm.
Elder Su Yuan's expression was grave as he stood beside me. "This is no ordinary breakthrough, Feng Yu. To form a nascent core is to lay the foundation for your future as a cultivator. It is a path fraught with peril, even for someone of your unparalleled talents."
I bowed deeply to him. "Thank you, Elder. I will succeed."
As I stepped onto the altar, the chaotic energy surged toward me, a tidal wave of pure, unrefined qi that sought to crush my will. But within my inner universe, the tiny planet pulsed with life, ready to undergo its greatest transformation yet.
---
Sitting cross-legged at the center of the altar, I closed my eyes and began drawing the altar's energy into my body. The storms of qi spiraled into my meridians, raging like an unending tempest. My body screamed under the strain, but I pressed on, guiding the energy into my inner universe.
The tiny planet within me trembled as the qi poured in, saturating its core and igniting its surface. Mountains rose higher, rivers flowed faster, and the atmosphere thickened with vitality. Yet, the process was incomplete. To ascend, I needed to create life—a reflection of the universe's essence.
As the energy reached its peak, my soul was pulled inward, drawn toward the tiny planet's surface. In an instant, I found myself standing amidst towering mountains and vast plains, the very landscape of my inner world. My ethereal form shimmered with golden light, connected to the nascent core that pulsed deep within the planet.
---
The realization struck me: this was my opportunity to breathe life into my universe. With a thought, I willed the energy within the core to flow outward, shaping it into forms of life. The first creation was a humanoid figure, a reflection of myself, standing tall amidst the rolling hills. Its eyes glowed with a spark of consciousness, and as it took its first breath, the world around us seemed to brighten.
Next came animals, each crafted with care. Mighty beasts roamed the forests, swift birds soared through the skies, and schools of shimmering fish filled the rivers. Each creature was imbued with a fragment of my soul's intent, forming a delicate balance of life across the planet.
The process was exhausting but exhilarating. For the first time, my universe felt alive, not just a barren world of energy but a thriving ecosystem. The nascent core at the planet's heart grew stronger, its energy stabilizing and radiating outward.
---
When I opened my eyes, the transformation was complete. My body, soul, and universe were in perfect harmony. The Nascent Formation Realm had been reached, and I could feel the profound changes within me. My control over qi had grown sharper, my body was stronger, and my inner world now pulsed with vibrant life.
Elder Su Yuan, who had been watching from a distance, approached with a rare smile. "Remarkable. You not only formed a nascent core but also breathed life into your universe. Such a feat is unheard of, even among the most talented cultivators."
I nodded humbly, though my heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Elder. This is just the beginning. My universe still has much room to grow."
He chuckled. "Indeed. But for now, rest. Your next steps will be even more challenging."
---
Back at the Void Sect, my breakthrough had not gone unnoticed. The disciples whispered as I passed, some in awe and others in envy. Among them was a group led by Lian Xue, the daughter of a powerful noble family. Her reputation as an arrogant and cruel individual preceded her, and it seemed I had caught her attention.
"Well, well," she sneered as she approached me in the central courtyard, flanked by her friends. "The prodigy of the Void Sect. Tell me, Feng Yu, does it feel good to have everything handed to you because of your family's name?"
I regarded her calmly. "Strength is earned, not given. Do you wish to test yours against mine?"
Her eyes narrowed, and her friends laughed mockingly. "You think you're untouchable? Let's see how strong you are."
---
Without waiting for my response, she attacked. Her icy qi manifested as a blizzard of sharp spears that hurtled toward me, while her friends unleashed their techniques in unison—a wave of fire, wind, and lightning aimed to overwhelm me.
The nascent core within me pulsed, and my universe responded. A golden barrier formed around me, deflecting their attacks effortlessly. The clash of energies sent shockwaves through the courtyard, but I remained unmoved.
Lian Xue's expression faltered, but she quickly masked it with anger. "You think a shield will save you?" she snarled, pouring more power into her next attack.
This time, I didn't wait. My body blurred as I moved, closing the distance between us in an instant. With a wave of my hand, I shattered her attack and sent her sprawling to the ground. Her friends hesitated, fear flashing in their eyes, but they, too, were swiftly defeated.
---
As Lian Xue struggled to her feet, I stood over her, my gaze steady. "Strength is not about arrogance or cruelty," I said. "If you wish to challenge me, do so with honor. Otherwise, you'll only embarrass yourself."
Her face flushed with humiliation, and without another word, she turned and left, her friends trailing behind her.
The encounter left me with mixed feelings. While it was satisfying to put them in their place, I couldn't help but feel pity for their narrow-mindedness. They failed to understand the true essence of cultivation—a path of growth, understanding, and harmony.
---
Returning to my meditation, I refocused on the path ahead. The nascent core within my universe pulsed with life, its energy spreading across the planet and nurturing the creatures I had created. This was just the beginning. My universe still had infinite potential, and I was determined to unlock it all.
As I closed my eyes, I felt the tiny planet stabilize further, its surface teeming with vibrant life. The journey was far from over, but I was ready for whatever lay ahead.
---
Current Cultivation Realm: Nascent Formation Realm (Early Stage)
---
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 (Final Realm)