In this sci-fi martial world, power comes from Qi Circuits — a fusion of ancient body refinement and lost precursor bio-nanotech. Humans (and some aliens) build internal "circuits" by absorbing ambient Qi (universal energy) from crystals, stars, ruins, or even combat. These circuits run through meridians (energy channels) like wires in a machine.
The path is divided into 9 Major Realms, each with sub-stages. Progression is weak-to-strong: early realms focus on body forging and foundation, middle realms on energy control and techniques, late realms on domain and near-godhood.
Cultivators are ranked from lowest to highest. Most people on frontier worlds like Khar-9 never awaken even the first circuit.
1. Foundation Realm (Body Forging)
Purpose: Open meridians, purify flesh, build basic Qi flow.
Sub-stages: 1–9 Layers (each layer opens more meridians).
Signs: Skin toughens, bones denser, minor strength/speed boost. No external Qi release yet.
Average people: Stop here or never start. Miners like early Lian are Layer 0 (unawakened).
2. Circuit Awakening Realm
Purpose: Form the first true Qi circuit loop in the body.
Sub-stages: Early, Middle, Late, Peak.
Signs: Can circulate Qi internally for bursts of power. Skin glows faintly under strain. First minor techniques possible (e.g., reinforced punch).
Common among: Colony guards, low syndicate enforcers.
3. Core Condensation Realm
Purpose: Compress Qi into a solid "core" in the dantian (lower abdomen).
Sub-stages: Early, Middle, Late, Peak.
Signs: Can release Qi externally (shockwaves, Qi blades). Flight for short bursts. Lifespan +50–100 years.
Common among: Elite syndicate fighters, planetary academy graduates.
4. Stellar Circuit Realm
Purpose: Expand the core into a miniature star-like structure. Link circuits to stars/constellations for resonance.
Sub-stages: 1–9 Stars (each "ignites" a new circuit node).
Signs: True flight, Qi armor, energy projection (beams, swords). Sense Qi in environment. Lifespan +200 years.
Common among: Sector champions, academy instructors.
5. Nebula Dominion Realm
Purpose: Form a personal domain (Qi field) around the body.
Sub-stages: Early, Middle, Late, Peak.
Signs: Domain suppresses weaker cultivators. Control gravity, elements in small area. Destroy mountains. Lifespan +500 years.
Rare: Only seen in mega-corporation elders or hidden sects.
6. Galaxy Forging Realm
Purpose: Rebuild the body into a miniature galaxy. Circuits become vast networks.
Sub-stages: Small Galaxy, Medium, Large.
Signs: Create illusions, teleport short distances, shatter space. Survive in void. Lifespan thousands of years.
Legendary: Planetary governors, ancient clan heads.
7. Void Ancestor Realm
Purpose: Merge with the void. Body half-energy.
Sub-stages: Initial, True, Perfect.
Signs: Instant teleport across planets, rewrite local laws of physics, create life from Qi. Near-immortal.
Mythical: Only whispers in ancient ruins.
8. Star Forge Progenitor Realm
Purpose: Become a living forge of stars. Create new Qi circuits in others.
Sub-stages: One Star Forge to Nine.
Signs: Resurrect the dead, forge artifacts from nothing, control star systems. Body indestructible.
Lost: No living cultivators known.
9. Eternal Origin Realm
Purpose: Transcend the universe. Origin of all Qi.
Sub-stages: Unknown.
Signs: Rewrite reality, travel timelines, become one with the cosmos.
Fable: Only the ancient progenitors who caused the Collapse reached this. Some believe the old man with white machine eyes and the shadow serve (or hunt for) remnants of this realm.
Key Notes
Pure vs Augmented: Natural Qi circuits clash with cybernetic augs. Most augs block higher realms. Only legendary "harmonized" augs allow both paths.
Breakthroughs: Often require life-death pressure, rare herbs, ancient manuals, or forbidden methods (like stealing cores/hearts/eyes)
Talents: Measured by meridian width, Qi affinity, bloodline.
Forbidden Paths: Shortcuts exist—body reconstruction, soul devouring, relic fusion—that bypass talent limits but corrupt the cultivator.