The path of cultivation

The gentle rustling of leaves outside the Jade Pure Sect's lecture hall accompanied the soft murmurs of students settling into their seats. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting intricate patterns on the polished wooden floor. The scent of ink and old parchment filled the air as dozens of young disciples, clad in simple blue and white robes, sat cross-legged, their gazes fixed on the elderly man standing at the front of the class.

Jin Jue sat near the middle of the hall, his hands resting on his lap, listening intently. Unlike many of the disciples born into noble families with strong cultivation lineages, he had no such privilege. Born in the chaos of war, he had clawed his way here, seizing his chance to learn the profound mysteries of cultivation.

Elder Wu, the instructor for the new initiates, was a man of formidable presence despite his frail appearance. His long white beard swayed slightly as he gestured with one hand, his voice steady and authoritative.

"Before you can walk the path of cultivation, you must first understand its foundation. This world, and everything within it, is bound by the flow of spiritual energy—the lifeblood of all things, drawn from the heavens and the earth. To cultivate is to harness this energy, refining it into qi, strengthening oneself beyond mortal limitations."

He extended a hand, and instantly, the air around him rippled. Threads of golden qi coiled around his fingers like living serpents, radiating an aura of vast power. The students inhaled sharply, some shuffling back instinctively, as the pressure in the room subtly shifted.

Elder Wu gave a small smile and withdrew his qi. "Even the weakest cultivator can extend their lifespan, strengthen their body, and defy nature itself. But the path is perilous. Many fail, and failure often means death."

A solemn silence filled the room.

Elder Wu turned, tapping a long wooden pointer against the massive scroll hanging on the wall behind him. The scroll depicted a towering diagram—a map of cultivation realms, each inscribed with elegant calligraphy.

"These are the nine great realms of cultivation. To truly understand the path ahead, you must know what awaits you."

He pointed to the first realm.

1. Qi Condensation Realm (聚气境)

"The first step. Here, a cultivator absorbs spiritual energy and refines it into qi. This process is simple in theory but difficult in practice. Many fail to even enter this stage due to weak talent or flawed techniques. Qi Condensation has four stages: Early, Mid, Late, and Peak. Only by stabilizing your qi can you hope to advance."

Jin Jue clenched his fists. This was where all disciples started. He had no noble bloodline, no secret techniques—only determination.

2. Foundation Forging Realm (锻基境)

"Once your qi has been refined, you must temper your body and meridians, creating a foundation for greater power. This is the first major hurdle. Weak foundations lead to weak cultivation, limiting your future potential."

A few students exchanged uneasy glances. Stories of disciples stuck at this stage for decades were common.

3. Core Formation Realm (结丹境)

"At this stage, qi condenses into a Golden Core, greatly enhancing a cultivator's strength. The quality of one's core determines future progress. Those who fail to form a stable core suffer severe backlash, often crippling their cultivation forever."

Jin Jue took a deep breath. He had heard of cultivators who gambled their futures on this step, only to be reduced to crippled old men.

4. Nascent Soul Realm (元婴境)

"The Golden Core hatches into a Nascent Soul, a second consciousness that enhances spiritual control and longevity. A cultivator at this level is considered a true expert."

A murmur spread through the hall. Reaching this stage meant stepping beyond the realm of ordinary cultivators.

5. Spirit Transformation Realm (化神境)

"At this stage, the soul begins to transform, granting abilities that defy mortal understanding. Some cultivate avatars, others gain divine sight or manipulate the laws of nature."

Jin Jue's mind buzzed. This was the stage where legends were born.

6. Void Severing Realm (断虚境)

"Here, one begins severing their mortal ties, moving toward the path of true immortality. Few ever reach this level. Breaking through requires trials that test one's will, body, and spirit."

Elder Wu's voice grew heavier.

7. Great Ascension Realm (大乘境)

"At this stage, one wields cosmic forces. But to advance further, a Heavenly Tribulation must be overcome. Lightning, fire, ice—these tribulations judge whether one is worthy of transcendence. Many perish here."

Some disciples swallowed nervously.

8. Mahayana Realm (大乘境)

"A realm of demigods. Those who attain this level are near-immortal, standing at the peak of the mortal world."

Jin Jue's blood burned with ambition.

9. Immortal Ascension (飞升境)

"The final step. One must break free from the mortal realm entirely, ascending into the celestial domain. This is the goal of all cultivators—but few ever succeed."

Silence fell upon the class. The weight of this knowledge was overwhelming.

Elder Wu let the moment settle before speaking again. "To step onto this path is to defy fate. Some of you will succeed. Some will die trying. The choice is yours."

Jin Jue inhaled deeply. He had chosen this path the moment he stepped into the Jade Pure Sect.

Failure was not an option