Chapter 26: The Ascension of Legends
Li Mei sat across from Ethan, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and determination. She had taken it upon herself to enlighten him about the profound world of cultivation, the ladder of power that stretched far beyond their current realms.
"Listen, Ethan," Li Mei began, her voice steady and filled with conviction. "In our journey to become Martial Gods, we must comprehend the various cultivation levels that lie ahead of us. These levels serve as milestones, marking our progress and unlocking unimaginable power."
She leaned forward, her gaze locked with Ethan's, as she elaborated on each stage of cultivation. "The first level is Mortal, where one embarks on the path of martial arts. It is the foundation, where we lay the groundwork for our journey. After Mortal, we enter the realm of Martial Practitioner, where our Qi is awakened, allowing us to tap into the elemental forces of the world."
Li Mei's voice resonated with authority as she continued, "From there, we ascend to Martial Expert, where our control over Qi becomes more refined, and our attacks gain in potency. Next is Martial Elite, a level where we begin to manifest our true potential, surpassing the limitations of ordinary practitioners."
Ethan listened intently, absorbing the knowledge like a sponge, his mind hungry for understanding. Li Mei's words painted a vivid picture of the challenges that lay ahead.
Li Mei's voice grew more animated as she spoke of the higher echelons of cultivation. "At the level of Martial Master, we unlock the pinnacle of mortal potential, attaining a profound understanding of the martial arts. Then comes Martial Grandmaster, a realm where we embody the very essence of mastery, our every movement an exhibition of divine skill."
Her voice dropped to a reverent whisper as she said, "Martial King, a rarefied realm, a domain of legends. Those who reach this stage command awe and respect, their martial prowess unmatched."
Ethan's eyes widened, the weight of the journey ahead settling upon his shoulders. Yet, his determination remained unshaken.
Li Mei's voice regained its strength as she continued, "Beyond Martial King lies Martial Emperor, a realm of near-mythical power. Those who ascend to this level transcend the boundaries of mortal existence, wielding strength that borders on the divine."
She paused for a moment, her eyes gleaming with a mix of reverence and wonder. "And then, there is the realm of Martial God, the ultimate summit. A Martial God embodies the epitome of power, their presence capable of shaking the very foundations of the world."
Li Mei took a breath, her eyes meeting Ethan's once again. "But, Ethan, there is a myth, a tale whispered among the martial world. It speaks of a realm even beyond the Martial God—the realm of Deity Ascension. It is said that those who achieve this transcendent state ascend to the domain of gods, their power echoing through eternity."
Ethan's heart pounded with anticipation, his mind swirling with the possibilities that lay ahead. The magnitude of their journey stretched far beyond what he had ever imagined.
With those words lingering in the air, Ethan's determination burned brighter than ever, his heart aflame with the drive to push beyond the boundaries of mortal limitations. The journey to Martial Godhood awaited them, and they would face it head-on, side by side.