One Month Later
The Silent Leaves Pavilion remained shrouded in quietude. Few were permitted to enter that place, and fewer still understood how a boy of such youthful appearance occupied the position of Guest Elder of the Four-Leaf Clover Sect.
Among the outer disciples, all that was known was that on the day of his arrival, three elders had gathered behind closed doors—and by the end of that night, a unanimous decision had been reached.
— "Did you hear? The new Guest Elder will be giving a sermon today at the Silent Leaves Pavilion."— "Yes. Elder Shin mentioned that he has reached the peak of Qi Circulation, nearly touching the level of the Elders."
Outer and inner disciples alike discussed the recent arrival of the new Elder with growing excitement. The presence of a new powerhouse on the board signified a shift in the balance of power among neighboring sects—and, consequently, more resources, opportunities, and security for those affiliated with the Four-Leaf Clover Sect.
That afternoon, the pavilion was filled to capacity. Disciples, external Elders, and even a few members of the inner court occupied the seats. The hum of voices was constant, and the anticipation of meeting the new Elder made the air itself feel heavy.
It did not take long for a young boy of about ten years of age to pass through the pavilion doors. To everyone's astonishment, he walked calmly toward the podium.
— "What? That's the new Elder?"— "He doesn't look more than twelve… how is that possible?"— "Is this some kind of joke?"
The murmurs spread like waves—until the boy released his Qi outward.
It was not a violent surge, nor an oppressive display—only a clear and stable circulation that instantly silenced the entire hall.
With a voice still youthful, yet firm, he began:
— "Good afternoon to everyone of the Four-Leaf Clover Sect. My name is Sai, and I have been appointed Guest Elder. At the request of the Elders, today I will speak about the fundamental stages of cultivation."
The pavilion fell into absolute silence.
— "As is common knowledge, to tread the path of cultivation, a mortal must possess elemental veins. These determine a cultivator's initial talent. However, veins do not necessarily limit the element one may ultimately master. There exist manuals, rare resources, and special practices capable not only of altering elemental affinity, but also of expanding an individual's innate talent."
Several disciples widened their eyes. That statement alone already contradicted conventional understanding.
— "The first realm of cultivation is Body Refinement. At this stage, the cultivator must open their Qi channels. The number and quality of these channels determine the limits of this realm, while also strengthening the physical body, preparing it to endure spiritual energy. Without an adequate bodily foundation, advancing beyond this point is nothing short of suicide."
Sai paused briefly before continuing.
— "The second realm is Qi Absorption. Here, the cultivator learns to draw in the energy of the external world and circulate it through their channels. Circulation must not be forced, but harmonized. Chaotic Qi breeds instability; stagnant Qi leads to decay. It is within this realm that basic techniques begin to emerge—and where many fail by neglecting the balance between speed, purity, and control."
Many disciples felt their hearts race. His words explained mistakes they had carried for years.
— "Finally, we arrive at the realm of Foundation Establishment, also known as Dao Foundation Establishment."
The expressions of many Elders changed.
— "At this stage, Qi ceases to be mere circulating energy and becomes structured. Within the Dantian, the cultivator constructs a spiritual temple—the foundation that will support all future realms. The more solid, detailed, and coherent this temple is, the greater the cultivator's potential will be."
Sai raised a finger.
— "In general, foundations can be classified into four levels:An Unstable Foundation, merely functional;A Structured Foundation, solid yet ordinary;A Perfect Foundation, without apparent flaws;And a Dao-Aligned Foundation, in which the temple directly reflects the path the cultivator has chosen to walk."
The hall was utterly absorbed.
— "The realms beyond these are vast and profound, far too much for today. Therefore, rather than advancing further, I will instead explain the correct principles for opening and stabilizing Qi channels…"
The sermon lasted throughout the entire afternoon. Not a single soul rose from their seat. Many disciples broke through invisible bottlenecks; others attained fleeting moments of insight; and a few were able, for the first time, to glimpse a clear path ahead.
At the end, Sai concluded:
— "Lastly, I will open a ceremony to accept disciples. On Mount Heishi, I have prepared a small test. Those capable of reaching the summit will be considered to have passed the first stage. The test will remain active for the next three days."
He inclined his head slightly.
— "Thank you for your attention."
Sai stepped down from the podium and headed toward the exit.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Only after the Guest Elder left the pavilion did the hall erupt into excited voices. Many still remained motionless, feeling the echo of his words reverberate within their own Dantians—as if, in that very moment, their paths had been silently rearranged.