10 Choosing a Cultivation Technique

When he got home, Tahir immediately went to his room to change his shirt and wrap his hand. Gin noticed the blood on his shirt and on his hand. He followed Tahir to his room to ask him what happened.

Tahir heard Gin ask him what happened to him, but he remained silent. He didn't want to talk about it. His face was red with rage. He felt like he would explode if he started talking about it. Gin stood there for a minute, but soon gave up when he saw Tahir was able to wrap his hand somewhat steadily. He turned around to walk out of the room but looked back over his shoulder to say, "Just let me know if you need any help. Rin is currently with your mother. So, she'll keep her busy." Gin closed the door to the room behind him as he walked out

Tahir nodded his head even though Gin's words never really registered in his head. He knew that Gin was there to help, but he wanted to be alone. He was definitely mad, but he was mostly mad at himself, at his own powerlessness. He vowed that he would never be too weak to stand up for himself again. Once he made his vow, he reached a place of stillness and solid conviction in his heart. He knew what he needed to do. So, he pulled out the leather book that Kali gave him and used the blood already dripping from his hand to touch the book. Immediately, the book let out a golden glow that filled the room. Luckily, there were no windows in his room. So, no one noticed the bright light.

As the light began fading Tahir head started to pound. There was a large amount of information pouring into his head, and it threatened to overwhelm him. But Tahir refused to give in to darkness and persevered. Once the headache faded, Tahir noticed that he knew the summary information of hundreds of cultivation techniques. "No wonder that hurt. I spent a few days just memorizing the herbs in 2 books." Tahir began to review the information he received.

He noticed the first thing included in the information was a summary of each type of cultivation techniques.

Most cultivation techniques focus on improving one aspect of a person to enhance and break through the limits of an individual. Cultivators may choose to cultivate more than one type of technique, but each additional type of cultivation technique used requires that much more time in order to achieve success. It is recommended that individuals choosing to cultivate dedicate their time to one type of cultivation technique and learn how it type of cultivator can combat other types of cultivators. When people cultivate similar types of techniques, it's usually the one with higher cultivation that can triumph with little exception.

Body Transformation Cultivators focus on enhancing the vitality and strength of the body. They will cultivate vital energy which increases longevity and creates immense strength. The energy core is decentralized and ingrained throughout the body leading to less complicated, but still immensely powerful combat capabilities. Body transformation cultivators use elemental energy to stimulate the body and enhance vital energy. Weapon Forgers tend to use this system because it allows them to interact with all materials and create different items. Body transformation cultivators can fuse with different natural and spiritual items in order access elemental techniques.

Qi Cultivators focus on gathering spirit energy and use its essence to transform the body and assign an attribute of elemental energy. They will develop a centralized core of energy in the body that can be used for a variety of combat methods which include close and long-range combat abilities. Warriors who aren't worried about crafting tend to use this system as these cultivators are focused on survivability. While qi cultivators do not possess the immense strength of body transformation cultivators, they can use spirit energy to enhance their physiques during combat and access to a variety of elemental techniques based on the cultivation method chosen. Some qi cultivation methods have more than one elemental attribute. However, the more attributes a cultivator gathers, the more time needed to cultivate and keep those elements in balance.

Soul Cultivators will focus on using spiritual energy to grow the capacity and strength of to increase capability for study of laws using the understanding of the laws to gather natural energy and enhance the body. Soul cultivators focus on mental attacks, hidden weapons, and the use of tools for combat. Soul cultivators tend to have the weakest physique; however, they can disrupt the soul of other cultivators more easily gaining time to use various long-range methods such as talismans and formations to subdue their opponents. Alchemists and Talisman crafters tend to use soul cultivation methods as it enhances their ability to observe changes in the crafting process and the world around them. This can also enhance rune crafting during the talisman creation and formation creation process as it allows for crafters to closely observe how runes interact in the environment.

Tahir nodded his head after reviewing the summary information. Although slightly more detailed, it offered mostly the same information that Kali gave him yesterday. He began reviewing one summary after another throughout the entire day. He continued his daily routine of collecting items and handing out food somewhat absentmindedly throughout the day until well after night fall.

At one point, Rin pulled Gin to the side and asked if Tahir was ok. Gin whispered to Rin in reply, "I think he got into a bad fight when he went out. He was wounded when he came back. That's why I had you continue to keep his mother occupied."

Rin had a sad expression on her face when she replied. "I hope he'll be ok. I'm still not sure why he wants us here. I'll go make us some pallets in the spare room for us to sleep."

While they were whispering, Tahir never showed any signs that he heard what they said. At night, he went to check on Adria. She noticed something was amiss. "Tahir, what's wrong?"

When his mother called his name, it broke his concentration. He was going over the hundreds of choices for cultivation techniques in his mind all day without stopping. When his concentration was broken, he noticed how tired his mind was. However, his time was fruitful. He narrowed it down to a few choices. He responded to his mother. "Nothing mom. I'm just thinking about some information I read trying to make sure I remember." He didn't want to tell his mother what happened in the market earlier today. The last thing she needed right now was something to worry about.

Adria looked at her son suspiciously before replying. "Alright. Well good night. Make sure you get some rest."

Tahir smiled at her. "I will. Don't worry." He then went to his room and closed the door. He'd spent the whole to narrow down his choices to 3 different choices.

Body Transformation Art - Flame Metamorphosis Technique: This Earth level technique uses high intensity flames and fire elemental energy to strengthen the body. Fire elemental close combat techniques work well with this method. Forgers in the later stages of cultivation will be able to handle metals directly during the forging process.

Qi Cultivation Technique - Golden Flame Mantra: This Heaven level technique uses solar energy to create a core of energy and develop a golden spiritual flame. Fire elemental close combat techniques work well with this method. Alchemists who want enhanced combat capabilities prefer to use this method.

Soul Cultivation Technique - Moon Meditation Scripture: This Earth technique uses astral energy and moonlight to strengthen and nurture the soul. Most soul cultivators choose this scripture to replace sleep as they spend most of the day crafting. While this doesn't accumulate soul strength rapidly, its gentle nature allows for constant improvement with minimal risk of damaging one's soul. Those who cultivate this scripture need access to a quiet area with direct exposure to astral energy.

Tahir reviewed these summaries and made his final decision. He called out to Kali in his mind to get more information on these 3 scriptures.

As soon as he called out, he was transported to the same place in the alchemy tower where he left last time. "I've decided to cultivate these three."

Kali shook his head in resignation. "So, it seems you've decided to cultivate all three type of cultivation methods after all."

Tahir nodded his head with confidence and conviction. "Yes. I only have myself for support. There's no one else in my family to support me. So, I need to be able to fight using any and all methods. I can't achieve my goals in this life if I have weaknesses."

Kali stared at Tahir for over a minute and saw that the conviction on his face never wavered. "Since that's the case, I think you might be interested in something else I have to show you."