Ch 16: Reflecting on the Paths of Power

Feng Liang lay on the mat inside his small cottage, the quiet sounds of the forest filtering through the wooden walls. His body felt renewed, almost humming with a barely contained energy.

Yet, as he stared at his hand raised in the air, he found himself deep in thought, his mind grappling with what had transpired over the past few days. The shadowy figure he had seen in the water... that divine, imposing reflection of himself... still lingered in his mind.

"Who... or what was that?" Feng Liang whispered to himself, lowering his hand. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to grasp the meaning behind the vision. It felt familiar, as if it had something to do with his past life or the vast potential hidden within him. Yet, the more he tried to think about it, the more elusive the answer became, slipping through his mental fingers like sand.

With a sigh, Feng Liang sat up, running a hand through his now white hair.

"It's pointless trying to figure it out right now," he murmured.

"The answer will come when I'm ready for it."

He stood up, stretching his limbs, feeling the renewed power coursing through his body. His muscles were firm and resilient, stronger than they had ever been. But despite this newfound strength, Feng Liang had no desire to rush into action.

He had grown fond of the peace and solitude of his cottage, of the quiet days spent meditating by the lake. Here, time seemed to move slowly, giving him the space to focus on his cultivation without distraction.

For the next 15 days, Feng Liang immersed himself in a routine of meditation and inner cultivation. His mornings were spent seated on the mat, his legs crossed and his hands resting on his knees as he drew in the Qi from the surroundings, circulating it through his meridians.

The Heavenly Void Scripture guided his every breath, each cycle of Qi refining his body further, making it stronger and more attuned to the energy of the universe.

Each day, Feng Liang could feel the Qi within him growing more refined, more powerful. His dantian, the center where his Qi was stored, expanded slightly with each session, becoming a more stable and efficient reservoir.

By the end of the two weeks, Feng Liang had achieved a minor breakthrough in his cultivation. His body hummed with new energy, his senses sharper, and his connection to the Qi in the world around him had deepened considerably.

With a smile on his face, Feng Liang stood up and stretched, feeling the stiffness leave his body.

"I'm making progress," he said aloud, satisfaction evident in his voice. He stepped outside, letting the fresh air fill his lungs. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature... the rustling of leaves, the soft calls of birds, and the gentle rush of the nearby waterfall.

Feng Liang made his way down to the edge of the lake and sat once more by the water's edge, the sunlight casting a golden shimmer across the surface. The fish, curious as ever, began to gather around him, their sleek bodies gliding through the water in a graceful dance. He watched them for a moment, their quiet presence comforting in its simplicity.

But even as he enjoyed the serenity of the scene, Feng Liang's thoughts began to drift once more to the world he had left behind... the world of Murim. The martial world had been his home for so long, a world where strength was everything. But now, having been reborn into this new path of cultivation, he couldn't help but compare the two ways of life.

"Murim..." Feng Liang whispered, staring into the water.

"Unlike cultivation, Murim follows the way of strength through martial prowess. Power is everything there, but it's fleeting. It doesn't last like it does in cultivation."

He closed his eyes, recalling the teachings of the martial world.

"In Murim, there are eleven realms of power, each one representing a different level of mastery over one's martial arts." As he spoke, the memories of those realms came flooding back, clear and sharp.

- First Realm: Martial Initiate

The beginning stage where a martial artist starts training their body and learning basic techniques. Strength is still ordinary, but skill begins to develop.

- Second Realm: Qi Apprentice

In this realm, martial artists begin to understand and use Qi, though it is still basic and uncontrolled. Their techniques become sharper, and they can channel their Qi for short bursts.

- Third Realm: Martial Practitioner

Here, the martial artist gains better control over their Qi, allowing them to enhance their strength, speed, and resilience. Techniques become more refined and deadly.

- Fourth Realm: Qi Master

A significant step forward, the martial artist can manipulate Qi more freely, channeling it into their strikes, movements, and defenses. They can project their Qi outward to strike at a distance.

- Fifth Realm: Inner Strength Master

In this realm, the martial artist learns to circulate their Qi through their entire body, enhancing every movement. Techniques become almost supernatural, and their strikes can shatter stone.

- Sixth Realm: Martial Grandmaster

The martial artist becomes a true force to be reckoned with. Their Qi is refined and powerful, allowing them to dominate most opponents. They begin to grasp the essence of their martial path.

- Seventh Realm: True Martial Expert

This realm marks the beginning of a deeper understanding of the martial way. The martial artist's Qi becomes much more potent, and they can imbue their techniques with their understanding of the world.

- Eighth Realm: Qi Ascendant

A rare level, where the martial artist can gather and control vast amounts of Qi, allowing them to perform feats that border on the miraculous. Their presence alone can inspire fear in weaker opponents.

- Ninth Realm: Martial Sage

A level few ever reach. Here, the martial artist can manipulate their surroundings with their Qi. Their techniques become nearly invincible, and they can engage entire armies alone.

- Tenth Realm: Qi Paragon

This realm represents the pinnacle of Murim martial strength. The martial artist can use their Qi to manipulate the world itself. Mountains can be moved, and seas can be parted by their will.

- Eleventh Realm: Heavenly Demon or Martial Saint

The ultimate level of Murim, reserved for only the most powerful. In this realm, the martial artist transcends normal human limitations. Their Qi becomes a force of nature, and their techniques can reshape the very world.

Feng Liang shook his head, sighing.

"But even at the highest level of Murim... the Heavenly Demon Realm... the energy they wield doesn't last. It dissipates too quickly, and the power consumption is immense. Even my father, the Heavenly Demon, can't maintain his strength indefinitely."

He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers.

"Cultivation is different," he muttered.

"The energy cultivated in this path is stored and refined, lasting longer, and growing more potent with time. It's like a deep well that never runs dry, as long as I keep drawing from it."

Feng Liang stood up from the edge of the lake and walked toward a large tree nearby. His footsteps were light, but his body felt as strong as iron, each movement filled with the latent power he had cultivated over the past weeks. He placed his hand on the trunk of the tree, feeling the rough bark under his fingers.

"Even if I only reach the Core Formation Realm, I'm confident I could match my father in power," he said softly, his mind turning toward the future.

"But to truly become invincible… I'll need to reach the Nascent Soul Realm."

The thought sent a thrill through him. The Nascent Soul Realm... the point where one's soul became tangible, a manifestation of their spiritual power. It was a stage far beyond anything Murim had to offer, a level of power that would make him nearly untouchable. But he knew that it wouldn't come easily. The road ahead was long and arduous, filled with countless trials and dangers.

"I have to speed up my cultivation," Feng Liang muttered to himself.

"I need to break through the Qi Refining Realm and gain control over the Qi within me. Only then can I start to truly harness my power."

He clenched his fists, a look of determination crossing his face.

"I will reach the Nascent Soul Realm," he vowed.

"No matter what it takes."

With renewed resolve, Feng Liang turned away from the lake and began walking back toward his cottage. The path of cultivation stretched out before him like a winding road through the mountains, filled with both danger and opportunity. But Feng Liang was ready. He had tasted power, and now he was determined to seize it fully.

The days of peace and quiet were over. It was time to ascend.