The very next day after Wei Chen's awakening, he and Liu Qin stirred in bed together, the excitement of the night before still lingering in the air around them.
The conversation with his mother still rested heavily on his mind. As he opened his eyes, he found Liu Qin's onyx blaAck eyes staring back into his, sill shaking off the sleepiness.
She offered him a gentle smile and a soft "good morning."
His heart pounded with strong, steady beats, still getting used to the feeling of its strong that seem to echo in the silence ,the coolness of the early morning creating a seemingly tranquil atmosphere around Wei Chen.
From their elevated position in the Wei compound, he could see the distant crimson-tinted walls of Crimson Jade City stretching toward the horizon.
Before the peaceful moment could continue any further, three sharp knocks echoed at the door though from Wei Chen's enhanced perspective, they sounded more like loud bangs that reverberated through his sensitive hearing.
He paused, wondering who would be coming at this early hour with such urgency.
The fierceness of the knocking made him wonder if there was an emergency. Quickly jumping out of bed, he tied his robes and made his way swiftly to the door.
Opening it, he encountered a figure he didn't expect to see.
"Sorry, I know how the young body is this early in the morning. I hope I am not interrupting anything," said the figure at the door his great-grandfather, ancestor to the Wei clan, Wei Tianshan.
"Grandfather, what are you doing here? Is there something wrong with Father?" Wei Chen asked, his voice clearly showing concern. Remembering that his father went to heal his injuries.
Wei Tianshan made a contemplative 'mmm' sound at the young man's tone, pleased to see such filial concern. As a son should, he thought approvingly.
"The cultivation body you possess, with the talent you have awakened it's a waste every day you don't control it properly. Being sickly all your life means you are worse off than others when it comes to the knowledge of a cultivator! " completely ignoring his great grandson query.
"With your Heaven Grade Mid spiritual roots, you could reach Foundation Establishment within months instead of the decades it takes most cultivators."
"Get dressed and bring the girl with you. She can observe at a distance," his great-grandfather commanded, then turned and walked away without further explanation.
Wei Chen quickly went back inside to tell Liu Qin to get ready, explaining that his ancestor would guide his cultivation.
After they dressed hurriedly, they stepped outside but didn't see the ancestor anywhere.
Just then, Wei Chen heard the distinctive sound of the ancestor's crutch striking the floorboards echoing from somewhere deeper in the compound.
Deciding to follow the sound, they made their way through the twisting halls until they came to a massive door. Strangely, there were no guards posted.
"Where is this?" Liu Qin asked, not being familiar with this part of the compound.
The massive door swung open of its own accord, revealing the ancestor sitting cross-legged in the air, floating in meditation.
The chamber-like space was surprisingly open about , with no roof to speak of.
However, with the soft rays of early morning light just barely illuminating the area, Wei Chen could see a clear dome-shaped covering, a barrier likely formed from formations protecting the space above.
The room was circular, about hundred meter in diameter, its walls made of wood with intricate inscriptions carved into every surface.
The floors themselves were covered in formation inscriptions as well, creating a complex web of cultivation-enhancing arrays.
From the difference in Qi density from the passage Wei Chen could sense that this was built over a branch of the main spirt vein the energy flowing through the chamber was much more condense and vibrant in his perception.
Wei Chen looked around in amazement while Liu Qin remained by his side, holding one of his hands as they walked together into the sacred space.
The ancestor, as if with a mere thought, manifested a simple stool from the air. "Girl, sit," he commanded Liu Qin, then gestured for Wei Chen to come forward.
"Other than cultivation techniques and methods, you are missing the fundamental information that cultivators within a cultivation family or sect should know. So let's start with that. Let me tell you about the Sacred Beast World and the continents."
Wei Tianshan's voice took on the tone of a teacher as he began the lesson, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.
"The world we live in is vast beyond ordinary mortal comprehension , divided into five great continents, each with their own unique characteristics and powers.
First, the Tianlong Continent the largest of all continents, with a population of approximately nineteen billion souls. It is dominated by the Eternal Dragon Empire, which is divided into states such as Azure Cloud, Golden Flame, and Jade Mountain just to name the most common ones.
Next are the Major cities widely know there and contained the highest concentration of cultivators include Dragon Heart City, Eternal Fortress, and Mystic Capital. The continent is home to powerful sects like the Eternal Dragon Sect, Thunder God Academy, and Mystic Arts Pavilion.
I have jade slips for you to read with more in dept information . About there forces and inner working , the information contained Is typically not general knowledge.
"Second, our own Qilin Continent is the second largest, with over eight billion inhabitants. Here lies our Sacred Beast Empire, divided into seven states based on the imperial houses that control the entire continent.
There are no other kingdoms to speak of normally, city lords and subordinate sects and families are overseers of the resources and give tributes based on where they are located.
Naturally, there are forces that are not imperial-run and also cross over state borders, like merchant organizations, bounty houses, information merchants, and shadow assassin pavilions.
Other than these key forces, the imperials only require a percentage tax based on the resources of the area occupied by the forces or families.
Naturally, you can refuse, but there are people who would come and drink tea when you refused and issue a warning.
It's up to you if you want to hand over a piece or be replaced.
I was once such a person, but rather than serving the house itself ' House Sanguis', I served the emperor directly. Even in my latter years, I worked overseas in different continents to expand the empire's influence."
"Serving the emperor directly" that was new. And even working outside the continent? "Surely your skills were needed here," he had said in shock upon learning his grandfather worked for the imperial family.
With the title he carried, he had an imperial position, Wei Chen thought. Now learning he worked to expand the imperial reach in other continents, he could only imagine if his grandfather had never left the imperial palace, only to be further entrusted with the empire's outer workings in such a position and working so closely with the emperor or empress how influential he would be…
Wei Chen trailed off, figuring possibly why that person would have such contention with his great-grandfather.
Wei Chen's eyes flashed at the thought, thinking to himself internally.
Then will what happened to him also happen to me? I seem to be putting myself in such a position, am I not? I previously had an inkling, but what if the enemies are too many to face? What if those who were allies withdraw to defend themselves?
"Mmm, expanding the empire's influence is also a form of defense. Protection comes in many forms. While others guarded our borders, I planted seeds of imperial influence across distant continents. Every trade route I secured, every alliance I forged, every enemy I eliminated in foreign courts all of it strengthened our empire's reach." corrected
"Also worry not," his great-grandfather's words interrupted his running inner thoughts.as if reading his mind.
"As I am now not really providing much help other than scaring some bigger ants, I have plans put in place to strengthen my cultivation... If being weaker didn't suit my needs in crippling the power that person controls, creating a heart demon and causing him to fail in breaking through void prying realm I would just be at my current realm."
"So cultivate in peace, and grow up steadily, and enjoy it while you do.
Your choice, while hasty and seemingly not necessary on the surface if not for the falling out, you would have been born in imperial circles.
Making acquaintances with persons who are currently in power, or will be, is never a bad thing , just ensure you benefit just as much . With my name and your talent, they would take you seriously."
"Just don't be too dumb about it and fall into their traps and machinations and die before I can save you or you can grow up."
"Yes, grandfather."
Looking more attentive, his mind a bit freer and his shoulders relaxing a bit under his great-grandfather's words.
"Now continuing..."
Wei Tianshan gestured toward the walls, where a detailed map was inscribed in the formations. "We are currently located in Crimson Jade City, which sits at the border between House Sanguis and House Solaris territories. This strategic location has made our city a crucial trading hub."
The ancestor pointed to different areas on the map as he spoke. "To our west lies the Crimson Highlands of House Sanguis.
Where one og it major cities Crimson Bastion sits atop ancient battlefields.
The iron-rich red soil there produces the finest Spirit Grade Blood Clotting Herbs and Muscle Strengthening sand, blood soul mines . Each are resources that are valued buy cultivators up to the peak of the foundation realms.
Especial for the first and second stages of body tempering , which is equivalent to Qi gathering and foundation establishment realm respectively.
Their other major cities include Blood Heaven, known for its Expert-level Alchemists who specialize in life-preserving pills, and Battleborn where blood spirits roam, the Crimson Berserkers cultivate and train their martial techniques."
"To our east stretches the Golden Desert of House Solaris, with their pyramid capital Golden Apex catching the first rays of dawn.
The desert's unique spiritual environment produces rare Spirit Grade Golden Lotus and Soul Flowers that can only grow under intense solar energy.
Cities like Eclipse and Sun Haven serve as waypoints for caravans carrying these precious herbs to other territories."
Wei Chen absorbed this information eagerly, understanding the economic significance of his family's location.
"Now, for the cultivation levels and what you can expect in terms of life span as you progress on your path," Wei Tianshan continued.
Qi Gathering (1-9 stages) - 120 years average lifespan
Going forward the realm are further categorized in (Early/Mid/Late/Peak) Foundation Establishment - 200 years, Golden Core 500 years, Nascent Soul - 1,000 years, Soul Transformation - 2,000 years , Void Prying - 3,000 years , Body Integration - 5,000 years , Tribulation 8,000 years , Ascension 12,000 years"
"Your spiritual roots are classified into grades that determine your cultivation speed and potential:
Spiritual Root Grades:
Mortal Grade - Basic cultivation ability, Spirit Grade - Enhanced cultivation speed, Earth Grade - Exceptional talent , Heaven Grade - Legendary potential
Each grade is further divided into Low, Mid, High, and Peak levels.
Your Heaven Grade Mid spiritual roots place you among the most blessed cultivators in the entire world perhaps one in a million among other cultivators possess such talent."
Wei Tianshan reached into his robes and withdrew a small pouch, from which he produced several glowing stones.
"These are Low-grade Spiritual Stones crystallized spiritual energy mixed with earth fragments. They're the basic currency of cultivation."
He held up different stones as he spoke. "One Mid-grade stone equals one hundred Low-grade stones, and one High-grade stone equals one hundred Mid-grade stones.
Peak-grade stones are so rare that they're typically only found in the treasuries of major sects and imperial houses as they controlled the most Spiritual Rich mines ."
The ancestor set the stones on the floor, where they immediately began to resonate with the chamber's formations. "With your talent, you could absorb the spiritual energy from these stones to accelerate your cultivation.
However, your Celestial Nine Yang Body is so potent that you might shatter Low-grade stones instantly.
More importantly, with your Heaven Grade Mid spiritual roots, you will discover you harmony to the world around you will be higher , of course you have nothing to compare too.
However other what might achieve or consider impossible that would not be the case for you.
lest say comprehending Intent at Foundation Establishment instead of the golden core realm . This while the soul resonate easier due to naturing due to the increase of cultivation
"Intent?" Wei Chen inquired.
"It's an aspect of cultivation, and its accumulation was one's perception or meaning about said thing."
"What do you think is the most common use of a sword or even fire?" Wei Tianshan asked.
"To burn? To kill?" Wei Chen asked while answering.
"Correct. To take it even further, a sword can defend, and fire can heal.
"After destruction can there be creation. "
With that said, 'Intent' is the mental manifestation of one's thoughts. It's driven by one's meaning using mental energy, and it's also the precursor to higher forms."
Wei Tianshan continued. "the comprehension of Intent an the stages of cultivation are what separate true masters from mere brutes with similar realm of cultivation ."
He gestured, and illusory images appeared in the air. "Normally, at the Golden Core to Nascent Soul levels, cultivators begin to comprehend Intents.
Sword Intent, Fire Intent, Water Intent, and so forth.
This is the first step toward true mastery of your chosen path.
However, true geniuses and those with Heavenly talents can comprehend Intent much earlier some even at Foundation Establishment or late Qi Gathering stages."
"At Nascent Soul to Soul Transformation, Intent evolves into Domain areas of space where your understanding becomes reality. "
A Sword Domain where all blades obey your will, a Flame Domain where fire bends to your command. Again, exceptional talents with Heaven Grade spiritual roots like yourself might comprehend Domain at Golden Core or even early Nascent Soul."
"Soul Transformation to Body Integration sees the comprehension of Rules the fundamental forces that govern reality.
The Rules of Destruction, the Rules of Creation, the Rules of Time itself.
These are divided into Elemental Rules like Fire and Water, Conceptual Rules like Space and Time, Emotion Rules like Love and Hatred, and Weapon Rules like Sword and Spear.
Only the most extraordinary geniuses can touch upon Rules before reaching Soul Transformation and even then, only those with Heaven Grade spiritual roots can have the connection to perceive as such ."
"And finally, at Body Integration and beyond, one begins to touch the Laws itself the inner working of our reality. The Rules of Sword, the Laws of Fire, the Laws of Space. This is the realm where legends are born."
Wei Chen felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the cultivation path ahead, but also exhilarated by the possibilities. With his Heaven Grade Mid spiritual roots, he might be able to comprehend Intent at Foundation Establishment, and perhaps even touch upon Domain at Golden Core achievements that would mark him as a true genius among cultivators.
"Speaking of legends," Wei Tianshan said with a slight smile, "our empire is also home to countless Spirit Beasts, each with their own cultivation ranks and abilities." He gestured, and new images appeared majestic creatures of various forms.
"Beast Cultivation Ranks progress similarly to humans but with longer lifespans:
"What makes Spirit Beasts truly fascinating," the ancestor continued, "is their transformation abilities. At Rank 4, they can achieve partial human transformation, though their head remains bestial. At Rank 5, they gain full humanoid form while retaining beast features. Rank 6 beasts can achieve perfect human appearance, and at Rank 7, they can even form bloodline clans."
"In the Crimson Highlands, you'll find Blood Wolves that have reached Rank 3, their red-tinted fur containing traces of life energy. The Golden Desert hosts Sun Lions of Rank 4, some of which have already achieved partial transformation and serve as guardians for House Solaris."
Wei Chen's eyes widened as he imagined encountering such creatures.
"Now, for practical matters," Wei Tianshan said, producing more items from his robes. "These are herbs you'll need to understand, come touch then and feel the spiritual energy they contain." He laid out several specimens, each radiating different levels of spiritual energy. This was done she his grand to get a general feel of herbs .
"This Spirit Grass is only ten years old a Mortal Grade herb suitable for early Qi Gathering stage cultivators. It can be used to create Basic Qi Condensing Pills." He pointed to a more vibrant plant. "This Meridian Opening Fruit is thirty years old, perfect for helping cultivators break through to higher Qi Gathering stages."
"This Foundation Stone Flower is eighty years old still Mortal Grade but at the peak of that ranks suitable for Foundation Establishment. "
And this," he held up a golden flower that seemed to pulse with inner light, "is a 150-year-old Golden Lotus, a Spirit Grade herb that can aid in Golden Core formation."
Mortal Grade (1-100 years), Spirit Grade (100-500 years), Earth Grade (500-1,000 years) , Heaven Grade (1,000-5,000 years) are grades and ages correspond with the grades, they are also further divided Low, Mid, High, and Peak.
"Each herb has its proper use and value. A skilled Alchemist can transform these raw materials into pills that enhance cultivation speed, heal injuries, or provide temporary power boosts. The profession ranks progress from Apprentice to Journeyman, Expert, Master, Grandmaster, Saint, and finally Venerable."
"The other major professions include Formation Masters who create arrays like this chamber, Artifact Refiners who forge weapons and tools, Beast Tamers who form bonds with Spirit Beasts, Talisman Masters who create single-use magical items, and Diviners who can peer into fate itself."
"In Crimson Jade City, we have branch offices of several major trading companies. The Celestial Merchant Guild has Journeyman-level Alchemists who can process herbs from both territories. The Golden Sun Trading Company specializes in solar-enhanced artifacts from House Solaris, while the Crimson Life Consortium deals in blood-cultivation resources from House Sanguis."
Wei Chen absorbed all this information, his mind racing with possibilities. "Grandfather, what about the Spirit Veins you mentioned? I can feel the energy in this chamber."
"Spirit Veins are concentrations of spiritual energy within the earth itself. They're ranked from Essence Veins, Spiritual Veins , Earth Veins, to Heavenly Veins . Our family compound sits atop a Mid-grade Spirit Vein, which is why we could afford the land most orginzation overlook such 'minor' resources."
"A High-grade Spirit Vein can support a small sect, while a Peak-grade Earth Vein forms the foundation of major cities and imperial capitals. At the Heaven Vein level, the spiritual energy is so dense that it forms qi pools and even qi crystals naturally."
"The formations in this chamber are designed to channel and concentrate the Spirit Vein's energy. To create an ideal cultivation environment."
"As for cultivation techniques," Wei Tianshan continued, "they're ranked similar to everything el Mortal, Spirit, Earth, and Heaven Grade. Each grade is further divided into Low, Mid, High, and Peak levels. Your Celestial Nine Yang Body is compatible with Yang-attribute techniques. "
He produced a jade slip from his robes. "This contains our family's prized Spirit Grade High-level technique: the Crimson Sun Cultivation Method. It's perfectly suited for your location between the two territories, as it draws power from both life energy and solar energy."
"The technique has three types of applications: the core cultivation method for energy gathering, martial techniques for combat, and auxiliary techniques for supporting skills. As you advance, you'll need to master all three aspects."
Wei Chen accepted the jade slip reverently.
"Remember," Wei Tianshan said solemnly, "cultivation is not just about personal power. It's about understanding your purpose in the world, protecting those you care about, and contributing to the overall greater good while pursuing personal gains."
"With your Heaven Grade Mid spiritual roots and Celestial Nine Yang Body, you could potentially reach Nascent Soul within a few years instead of the centuries it takes most cultivators. More importantly, you might comprehend Intent and Domain far earlier than others marking you as a true genius of your generation."
"But power without wisdom is destruction, and wisdom without power is helplessness. You must cultivate both your strength and your character."
The ancestor stood up from his floating meditation position. "For now, we'll begin with basic energy circulation. The foundation you build in these early stages will determine how far you can climb quickly. Liu Qin, since you're here, you might as well learn the basics too."
As the morning sun climbed higher over Crimson Jade City, casting long shadows across the bustling streets where merchants from both territories conducted their trade.
Wei Chen prepared to take his first real steps on the path of cultivation. The knowledge his great-grandfather had shared painted a vast picture of the world beyond their city walls a world of incredible opportunities and equally incredible dangers.
But for now, in this sacred chamber built over a Spirit Vein branch and enhanced with formations, surrounded by the wisdom of his ancestors and the support of his beloved Liu Qin, Wei Chen felt ready to begin his journey toward the heights of cultivation.
The chamber seemed to pulse with energy, ready to witness the first steps of what could become a legendary cultivation path.
And in the distance, the crimson walls of their city stood as a reminder that even in this border location between two great houses, greatness could be achieved by those with the talent, determination, and wisdom to reach for it.