In the vast world of cultivation, strength is not measured by words or lineage, but by one's mastery of the Heavenly Dao and their connection to the Origin of all things. The journey of a cultivator is divided into nine foundational realms, each representing a qualitative leap in power, understanding, and existence.
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1. Body Tempering Realm
The beginning of the path. In this realm, cultivators strengthen their physical bodies to withstand the strain of qi. Muscles, bones, organs, and meridians are refined.
Stages: Skin → Flesh → Bone → Marrow → Viscera
Goal: Build a vessel capable of holding spiritual energy.
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2. Qi Gathering Realm
Once the body is tempered, cultivators begin absorbing Qi from the world into their dantian.
Stages: 1st to 9th Layer
Goal: Establish a stable flow of spiritual energy and refine qi for battle.
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3. Foundation Establishment
Cultivators condense their spiritual qi into a firm, unshakable foundation. This is the first realm where a cultivator can be considered a "true" disciple in most sects.
Goal: Form a spiritual foundation that will support higher realms.
Danger: Foundation may be flawed or cracked if rushed.
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4. Core Formation Realm
The dantian compresses the refined qi into a Golden Core, a self-sustaining source of power.
Early Core: Cloudy and unstable
Mid Core: Clear and luminous
Peak Core: Solid, with inscriptions of Dao patterns
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5. Nascent Soul Realm
The cultivator births a Nascent Soul—a spirit form of themselves that can exist independent of their body.
Abilities: True flight, soul attacks, advanced techniques.
Trait: Can project spiritual pressure across vast distances.
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6. Soul Sea Realm
The soul undergoes baptism in the vast sea of consciousness, expanding its influence.
Goal: Connect to the spiritual essence of Heaven and Earth.
Orb Tie-in: Lin Yuan's Origin Devouring Orb may react uniquely at this stage.
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7. Dao Comprehension Realm
The cultivator gains insight into the fundamental laws of reality—Fire, Ice, Sword, Life, Death, and beyond.
Manifestation: Dao Domain begins to form.
Rare: Only 1 in 1,000 make it here.
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8. Void Shattering Realm
The cultivator begins to transcend mortal limits. Space itself becomes fragile around them.
Ability: Instant movement, small-scale reality manipulation.
Risk: Crossing this stage improperly leads to disintegration.
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9. Ascendant Realm
The final known realm of the mortal plane. The cultivator's soul, body, and spirit become one with the Dao, preparing them to ascend beyond the world.
Rumor: Those who ascend leave behind nothing but a legacy—or destruction.