Cultivation

The system of cultivation used in this novel:

- Elementary Stage

This is where every mortal starts, whether or not they have Qi inside of them. This realm is vast in population due to the rarity of cultivators. To become a true cultivator, one must break through this stage and start his ascension.

- Qi Condensation.

The true start of the journey. Here, each cultivator has to discern their affinities and their talent, two crucial elements that will dictate the ease or difficulty of the rest of the climb. They also gain access to their meridians and dantians truly for the first time and gain the soul gaze ability, which allows them to very briefly see the world through Qi. However, at this level, this ability is still weak and demands more training. This stage is divided into three sub-stages: Bronze; Silver; Gold. At the end of the gold stage of the Qi Condensation, one can go to the next major step with a breakthrough. This place is fundamental to the future development of a cultivator, as they are at their most vulnerable. The sole purpose of this stage is to increase the amount of Qi one's body hold, with no regard to quality or technique.

- Foundation Establishment.

The second step. Here, each cultivator has to decide their path, their Dao for the rest of their journey. They have to choose one way to ascend, deal with their tribulations and start to refine their Qi into something more powerful. This stage is also separated into three parts: Bronze; Silver; Gold. After that stage, cultivators can't absorb Qi of a different element than what they chose without suffering some backlash. They also can't easily change their cultivation methods, except if the two methods are compatible in some way. This is the make-or-break stage of cultivation, where countless talented young men and women died due to carelessness. In order to ascend from this stage, one must go through a heart tribulation.

- Core Formation.

The third step. In this stage, cultivators have to work on their Qi, and create something powerful and beautiful out of nothing, a core. This core is enclosed upon their soul, protecting them from outside harm and also refining Qi into an even greater level of Qi. At this stage, the body has to go through several tribulations to follow the soul, otherwise, the cultivator will become a body-less soul, floating through the world. Those that have the strongest wills will be able to continue their ascension without their bodies, but those too attached to the mortal world will become evil spirits, ghosts, revenants, etc... Once more, it is separated into three stages: Bronze; Silver; Gold.

- Nascent Soul.

The elevation of the soul, the fourth step. Here, cultivators continue their ascension by morphing their beings into something greater than themselves, separating themselves from the mortal world at the same time. Mind you, this does not mean leaving their body behind but rather becoming more than just human. At this stage, cultivators become Half-Immortals, not quite undying yet, but with gigantic lifespans to accompany their ridiculous strength. Their previous limits shattered, they constantly see the world and reality the way it is intended to be seen. They push through the barrier between their souls and the physical world, before manifesting their will directly into the physical world. At this stage, techniques start to lose their meaning as a cultivator of this level can shape reality the way they want. Once more separated into three: Bronze; Silver; Gold, a cultivator has to face the hardest tribulations to date before going on the next stage.

- Immortal Ascension.

The true end-game of cultivators, the fifth step. Apotheosis, ascension, all of those terms can be used to describe the transformation of a mortal into something truly sublime. A God. This stage isn't limited by sub-stage, and there's nothing higher than this. However, the strength one obtains when reaching this step can vary from cultivator to cultivator, as their whole life is taken into account when ascending to the Heavens. Congratulations, you've become immortal as well. Nothing can truly kill you. Your body is but a mere aspect of yourself, and if it was to be gravely injured, you could easily recreate it with just a thought. You could also discard your flesh suit forever, pursuing the stars more metaphorically. The opportunities are limitless, the rules of the universe bend to your will--forever.