Three Foundations of Cultivation

After Immortal Union left, Selene was in deep contemplation about her situation. Being favored by an Immortal and receiving their aid--becoming an Immortal Seed. 

This was not something every Cultivator was offered, especially someone of her stature.

Weak. Frail body. Short.

She was only at the First Foundation of Cultivation, too.

Similarly, her friends were Immortal Seeds in the past. Dawn was naturally guided by her father, Immortal Defiance, while Sun was also favored by Immortal Defiance.

Both were strong, even among their peers, if they stood at the extreme, Selene stood on the other extreme.

Although, Dawn and Sun were not too far ahead in terms of cultivation; Dawn was at the Second Foundation, Sun was only at the first.

Selene reflected on Immortal Union's final lecture before he left.

'The First Foundation, Awakening; one has broken through the First Breakthrough, developing three Qi Cores within their mind, heart, and stomach. Qi Cores will continuously take in Natural Qi and refine it into 'Human Qi'.'

'First Foundation Cultivators can manipulate their Human Qi, and apply it to simple methods, such as saturating the body and strengthening muscle and bone, or empowering weapons to become sturdier.'

'Human Qi is initially mundane but can fuel a Cultivator's physical methods. Improving the manipulation and application of Qi, one can take the next step and cultivate Dao Arts. Thus, reaching the Second Foundation of Cultivation.'

This milestone was especially pointed towards Sun and Selene. They're both First Foundation Cultivators.

Selene could merely emit her Qi in an slightly controlled fashion, she seldom used it externally, such as to emit light. 

Their were other methods of using Qi externally, such as expelling streaks of Qi as blades, or clumps of Qi as projectiles. These methods, however, are mundane.

Most Cultivators focus on the internal application of their Human Qi.

The First Breakthrough of cultivation requires one to develop three Qi Cores, this enhances the person's mind, 'flow of Qi'--or heart--and physical body. In short, strengthening the Cultivator.

Selene's body was frail and weak, but her Qi Cores alleviated some of that weakness, slightly strengthening her, but not so significantly.

Sun, on the other hand, wielded notable strength. Second only to Dawn in combat power, Sun would be a better example of the amplification Qi Cores provide.

Although, Sun's current capabilities do not focus towards combat, but healing. He abandoned combat strength for support, while he doesn't lack in strength, he chose to develop a different path.

Sun's method of healing was rather mundane. By pouring his Qi into the targets 'mind', heart, and stomach, it allows their recovery to be amplified. Of course, this merely improves the rate of recovery, it can not fix severe injuries.

It was similar to how Qi Cores nourish the body.

Regardless, this method is mundane.

Should Sun look for a more efficient method of healing, he would have to practice Dao Arts, thus stepping into the Second Foundation of cultivation.

Currently, with the ability to manipulate their own Qi and apply it to simple methods; Selene would be rather low in the First Foundation, Sun would be doing significantly better but still within the First Foundation.

So, focusing on progressing to the Second State was most important. 

Selene was browsing through a few scrolls in their living quarters.

The inside on the cabin wasn't too lavish but very comfortable. The main hall room had a dining table, cushioned benches, and matted floors. 

The storage room was on the left side of the main hall, it was divided between necessities--food, water, clothing--and cultivation resources. Their separate bedrooms were on the right side of the main hall.

Selene was sitting on one of the cushioned benches and studying a collection of books.

Offensive Dao Arts, defensive Dao Arts, supportive Dao Arts, so on.

She was browsing for potential Dao Arts to focus on, but she could not decide on one single one. Selene kept a list of the Dao Arts she wanted to practice when she got the time.

"If I can't choose a Dao Art, I won't be able to cultivate to the Second Foundation. Does the Dao Art I choose truly matter? I should have questioned Lord Immortal Union more, but he seemed in a hurry, I didn't want to obstruct him."

"Cultivators usually practice numerous Dao Arts, self Healing Arts are most common, so that would be best. Offensives Dao Arts... most of these seem physically intensive, the few seem mentally burdensome."

"I guess I should find Dawn for help."

With a sigh, Selene stood from the seat and sorted the books back where they belong. She exited the cabin and headed towards the Spirit Spring outside the cave.

...

In the bright but gentle starlight of Early Hour, Dawn was sitting in front of the White Tiger Statue, sitting in a meditative position.

Crossing her legs and resting her open palms faced up on her knees, eyes closed as she hummed rhythmically.

A gentle breeze tugged at her sleeves as it played with her long black hair. 

Pale golden light flickered around her figure, like a candle flame caught in the wind.

Dawn picks up on faint tapping sounds echoing out of the cave. 

The light fades and her rhythmic humming stops. Dawn stands and walks around the tiger, and watches as Selene emerges from the cave.

"You noticed me coming?" 

"Yes, it is very quiet, and your foot steps gave you away."

'Huh.'

"Do you need any help?"

Selene joined Dawn in front of the White Tiger Statue, they sat side by side as Selene relayed her troubles to Dawn.

"Dao Arts are not only important to the Second Foundation, they are also important to one's Way. Specifically, Cultivators might have an affinity towards certain Dao Arts, that is wholly because of their Way."

"Naturally, you should also try and find the Dao Art you feel most compatible with. Of course, you would have to trail and error with various Dao Arts to find the most befitting one."

"You will realize what fits you best when get a certain 'feeling'. I had a similar moment like that, but my conditions were different."

Immortal Defiance guided Dawn as an Immortal Seed, but he also left his 'Way' for Dawn to inherit.

What is a Way?

It is the central beliefs of a person, a core piece of their identity that defines their self.

Normal people have a Way, but it is mere and often not too significant. 

Cultivators express their way through their cultivation.

Immortals express their Way through the world.

Ultimately, it is an important part of one's life, especially to Cultivators.

Naturally, this meant that Selene wasn't able to choose a random Dao Art to cultivate, this might cause confliction against her Way, or may simply be the least efficient option, hindering prospects.

"Would I have enough time to experiment with each Dao Art I come across? The books in our living quarters alone offer close to fifty different Dao Arts. Even if I only focus on the list I recorded...?"

Dawn contemplated for a few breathes time, recalling a bit of information before replying to Selene.

"Consider it like this. There are the three foundations and four states of cultivation, but there are also titles assigned to each foundation and state. They should also help you better understand what you are aiming for."

"The First Foundation--Awakening. Manipulating Human Qi to amplify external and internal factors. The Second Foundation--Comprehension. It denotes one understanding their Way and affined methods."

"The Third Foundation--Interpretation. It allows one to become more in touch with the world, protecting their own Way while 'freely' interacting with the world."

That last piece of information, 'Interpretation', left Selene confused. Maybe she would understand it when she reached the Second Foundation, 'Comprehension'.

'Comprehension', that was something she could understand. 

"Understanding one's own Way and other affined methods."

"I could single out Dao Art's that resonate with my Way 'on paper', but experimentation would ultimately be the best way to find the most suitable Dao Art to my Way."

Dawn nodded and added on.

"Furthermore, it is important to develop a sufficient understanding on a Dao Art. Initially, they might seem very compatible, but as you search every intricacy, you might find flaws that don't truly suit your Way."

Selene sighed, the First Foundation was comparatively easy to achieve, but the Second Foundation sounded meticulous and excessively difficult.

"So trail and error is the only way, huh?"

"Unfortunately. I recommend practicing supplementary Dao Arts that suit you, first. Later on, you can experiment which Dao Art to cultivate as your primary."

'Will I be able to figure all this out in a week?'

Selene continued to sit by Dawn and discuss about specific Dao Arts that Selene could look into.

Due to Selene's weak physical stature, defensive Dao Arts should be her priority, then supportive Dao Arts, with offensive Dao Arts as the least concern.

Additionally, Selene could also try to practice mundane methods in the meantime, such as releasing Qi as her initial offensive method.

"I don't think you should worry too much, Selene. It took me three weeks to find truly suitable Dao Arts, and another three weeks to establish my primary Dao Art."

"There is a difference though..."

Selene wanted to voice her defense, but held off due to the touchy subject. Dawn noticed and sighed in response.

"I know what you mean. My Fathers guided me throughout those times. Immortal Union has offered to guide us, and you... you have Lord Immortal Adamant interested in you too."

"Adamant..."

She never forgot the proposition offered to her by Immortal Adamant. If the support of Immortal Union wasn't enough, then would Immortal Adamant offer any advice?

"To not only receive the support of Immortal Union, but also the possibility of becoming an Immortal Seed. It is up to you, but please don't hold yourself back on our account."

"I understand..."

...