Chapter 13: Cultivation

That day, Xu Xuan approached Xiaobai with a heart full of joy, eager to share the news that he had discovered he could cultivate. Xiaobai stood quietly in a meadow bursting with blooming flowers, a gentle breeze softly stirring her hair.

"Xiaobai, I've realized I can cultivate now!" Xu Xuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Tilting her head slightly, Xiaobai looked at him with a faint smile. "Xu Xuan, I’ve actually noticed for some time. You are currently at the Qi Refining stage, which is just the beginning of the cultivation journey."

Xu Xuan looked puzzled. "Qi Refining stage? What does that mean?"

With a gentle wave of her sleeve, the flowers around them seemed drawn by an invisible force, slowly drifting down to form a brilliant wreath encircling them.

"Xu Xuan, cultivators in this world have distinct levels of advancement. It all begins with Body Tempering, where one hones the physical form to become a vessel capable of holding spiritual energy. Your current Qi Refining stage involves absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transforming it into your own strength," Xiaobai explained patiently.

Xu Xuan listened intently, his eyes filled with curiosity. "What comes after that?"

Xiaobai continued, "After Qi Refining comes Foundation Establishment, which is like laying a solid foundation for a grand building. This stage stabilizes the root of spiritual power within your body. Following that is the Golden Core stage, where a golden core forms in the dantian, marking a significant leap in a cultivator’s power. With the Golden Core, you can wield far more potent spells."

Unable to contain his curiosity, Xu Xuan asked, "And then?"

"After the Golden Core is the Nascent Soul stage. At this point, your soul can leave your body and roam the world, allowing you to explore and practice unique arts. The Spirit Severing stage enables communication with the will of heaven and earth, gaining profound insight into the Dao. At Void Refinement, one attains deep understanding of both oneself and the laws of nature, harmonizing soul and body with the cosmos. The Fusion stage brings a further surge in power, where the union of body and soul reaches a new pinnacle," Xiaobai’s voice flowed like a gentle stream beside Xu Xuan’s ear.

Xu Xuan’s eyes widened in awe. "What about the Great Ascension?"

"The Great Ascension stage nears transcendence. Cultivators at this level possess extraordinary power. Once they overcome their tribulation, they become immortals. Immortals come in many forms: True Immortals, Wandering Immortals, and Genuine Immortals. Mortal Immortals cultivate successfully within the human world and maintain close ties to it; Ghost Immortals are linked to the Netherworld; Earth Immortals cherish the land they protect; Golden Immortals wield tremendous magical power, and the Grand Golden Immortals stand at the apex of the immortal realm," Xiaobai elaborated in detail.

Xu Xuan felt as though he had stepped into an immense and magnificent new world. "What lies beyond the Grand Golden Immortal?"

Xiaobai’s expression grew solemn. "Beyond Grand Golden Immortal is the Primordial Grand Golden Immortal, an almost invincible existence. Higher still are the Half-Saint and True Saint stages. Saints command the very laws of heaven and earth, standing as the most powerful and revered beings in this world. They are immortal and indestructible—the ultimate pinnacle that all cultivators aspire to."

Xu Xuan took a deep breath, his heart brimming with longing. "Xiaobai, I want to continually advance through these stages and explore this vast, magnificent world of cultivation."

Xiaobai smiled encouragingly. "Xu Xuan, your determination is admirable. But the path of cultivation is long and arduous. Each breakthrough demands immense effort. You must be prepared for the challenges ahead."

Clenching his fists firmly, Xu Xuan declared, "No matter how difficult it gets, I will never give up."

From that day on, Xu Xuan cultivated with even greater diligence. He rose early and rested late, seeking out places rich in spiritual energy within the mountains and forests to absorb the essence of the world.

As he trained, he often recalled Xiaobai’s teachings about the levels of cultivation, his heart swelling with anticipation for the future. He knew his journey had only just begun, with countless trials and wonders awaiting him on the path ahead.