The Path of an Immortal

The moon shone brightly in the night sky, its silver light reflecting off the flowing river beside Arjun's small village. A gentle breeze carried the whispers of the leaves, and the sound of crickets filled the silence. Arjun sat beside his father, staring into the fire that crackled softly between them. He had waited for this moment for a long time.

"Father," Arjun finally spoke, his voice filled with curiosity. "I want to know about cultivation. I've heard the village elders speak of warriors who defy the heavens, who soar through the skies, and who command the elements with a mere thought. I want to be one of them. I want to become immortal."

His father, an aging man with a rugged face and deep-set eyes that held more wisdom than Arjun could comprehend, let out a slow breath. "Cultivation is not just about power, Arjun. It is a path of discipline, struggle, and sacrifice. Are you sure you are ready to hear what it truly means?"

Arjun's eyes burned with determination. "I am ready, Father. Tell me everything."

His father gazed into the flames, lost in thought for a moment. Then, he began. "The path of cultivation is divided into six major realms. Each step forward separates the weak from the strong, the ordinary from the extraordinary. You wish to know the path to immortality? Listen well."

Mortal Realms (Foundation Stages)

"Before a cultivator can even dream of immortality, they must first strengthen their body and spirit. This is where every journey begins. The first realm is called Body Refinement. A person must temper their muscles, bones, and organs through rigorous training. Without a strong body, no amount of spiritual energy will save you."

Arjun nodded eagerly. "So, it's about training my body to endure hardships?"

His father gave a small smile. "Yes. But it is not just about strength. Pain will be your companion, and suffering will be your teacher. The second realm is Energy Condensation. Here, a cultivator starts drawing spiritual energy from the world, forming a core within their dantian. This energy is the foundation of all future growth."

Arjun's brows furrowed. "Is it difficult?"

His father chuckled. "It is like trying to hold water in your hands without letting a drop slip. Many fail before they even reach the next stage—Foundation Establishment. This is where the body and spirit merge with the energy core, creating the true foundation for a cultivator. Only those with a firm foundation can move forward."

Spiritual Ascension Realm (Qi Cultivation Stages)

"And what happens after?" Arjun pressed on.

His father poked at the fire with a stick before continuing. "Once the foundation is set, a cultivator enters the realm of Spirit Awakening. This is when they unlock their dantian fully and gain their first spiritual ability. For example , as someone drawn to archery, it could mean sensing the wind, enhancing your eyesight, or even forming arrows from energy alone."

Arjun's eyes widened in excitement. "So this is where the true power begins?"

His father nodded. "But power alone is useless without control. That is why the next stage is Qi Manifestation. Here, one learns to externalize their energy, controlling it like an extension of their own body. Only when you master this can you move to Soul Tempering. This stage is the hardest because it involves refining one's mind and willpower. The weak-willed can never step beyond this point."

Martial Dao Realm (True Cultivation Begins)

"What happens after that?" Arjun asked eagerly.

His father's expression grew serious. "This is where the path truly begins. Entering the Martial Adept stage means choosing your path. Some take the way of the sword, some the way of fists, and others, may choose the bow. But mastery of your weapon is only the beginning. In the Grand Warrior stage, you begin absorbing pure spiritual essence, transforming your body beyond human limitations. And then comes Dao Formation."

Arjun tilted his head. "What is Dao Formation?"

His father's voice took on a reverent tone. "It is the moment a cultivator comprehends a great truth of the world. Fire, wind, space, lightning—whatever element resonates with your soul, you will begin to understand its deeper laws. The moment you step into this stage, you are no longer just a warrior—you are a force of nature."

Celestial Pathway Realm (Half-Immortal)

Arjun could barely contain his excitement. "And then? Do they become immortals?"

His father shook his head. "No. This is where many stop. The Heaven's Gate stage is the true separation between mortals and those who walk the path of the divine. One must break open the barrier between the heavens and the earth, allowing celestial energy to flow into their being. This grants them abilities beyond human comprehension."

Arjun's breath hitched. "So this is when people can fly?"

His father chuckled. "Yes, though flying is the least of what they can do. The next stage is the Saint Realm. This is where a cultivator's resonance with the world reaches its peak. They can summon storms with a thought, split mountains with a single arrow, and defy the laws of nature itself."

Arjun swallowed hard. "And then?"

His father's eyes darkened. "Then comes the Void Shatterer. This is the final stage before a cultivator transcends mortality. Space bends to their will. Time slows or accelerates at their command. Only those who reach this stage have the qualifications to challenge the heavens."

Divine Ascension Realm (True Immortals)

Arjun's heart pounded in his chest. "What happens to those who challenge the heavens?"

His father smiled, but there was a trace of sorrow in his expression. "If they succeed, they step into the Celestial Lord stage. At this level, a cultivator becomes a being of pure energy, unshackled from the physical world. They rule over domains, shaping reality itself. Those who go further ascend to Heavenly Monarch, capable of altering the balance of existence. And beyond them, only the Supreme Saints remain. Beings whose very thoughts can rewrite the laws of the universe."

Beyond Mortal Comprehension (Godly Ascension)

Arjun stared at his father in awe. "And that is the end? That is the final stage?"

His father shook his head. "No, my son. There are legends of those who go beyond even the heavens. Ancient Deities, Cosmic Sovereigns, and Primordial Creators. These beings are said to forge worlds, create life, and exist beyond time itself. But whether such power is meant for mortals is a question few dare to answer."

Arjun exhaled slowly, his mind spinning with the vastness of what he had just learned. "Father… I want to walk this path. I want to step beyond mortality and touch the heavens."

His father studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Then you must prepare yourself, Arjun. The road ahead is long and unforgiving. But if your will is strong, one day… you may truly become an immortal."

"Each stage has 9 realm under it." Said his Father.

And so, under the night sky, a young boy's journey toward legend began.