Years

As Eldris closed the door behind them, a faint chuckle escaped his lips. Evan, catching the sound, looked at him curiously.

"You make it sound so simple," Evan remarked with a hint of irony.

Eldris looked at Evan, his eyes reflecting the depth of eons, "Oh, I might have omitted a small detail. While the description is accurate, the journey itself is a different beast."

Evan raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to come.

"You see, accumulating the required amount of soul qi isn't as straightforward as it sounds," Eldris began, choosing his words carefully. "Even if you were to remain in this chamber, cultivating non-stop, absorbing the needed qi could take years."

Evan's face paled slightly. "Years?"

Eldris nodded, "And that's just the accumulation. The compaction of the soul? That's an even bigger challenge. While those with prodigious talent might take a few months, many remain stuck at that threshold for decades. Some, unfortunately, never manage to cross it in their lifetime."

Evan swallowed hard, the weight of the journey ahead suddenly pressing down on him. The path of cultivation wasn't just about understanding and practice; it was about perseverance and overcoming numerous unforeseen challenges.

Eldris, sensing Evan's rising anxiety, patted him on the shoulder, "But fret not. Every journey has its hurdles. It's the essence of cultivation. It tests your resolve, pushes your limits, and makes you stronger. Embrace it, and you'll find a way."

Evan took a deep breath, processing Eldris's words. The road ahead might be long and challenging, but he was determined to tread it, one step at a time.

Eldris guided Evan to a balcony that overlooked the vast expanse of the Eldrake Pyramid and the sprawling Soul Meadow beyond. The view was breathtaking, with myriad colors shimmering in the distance, each representing a unique treasure or energy source.

"The Eldrake Pyramid and the Soul Meadow are not just about cultivation chambers," Eldris began, his voice echoing with the wisdom of ages. "They hold treasures that could accelerate your cultivation by leaps and bounds. Some of these treasures could provide you with the energy you need to reach the Resonance Stage in mere moments, and some could even guide you through the compaction of your soul."

Evan's eyes widened in awe and disbelief. "Such treasures actually exist?"

Eldris nodded, "Yes. But obtaining them is no child's play. Many have ventured into the depths of the Soul Meadow, driven by ambition and greed. Some have found what they sought, but many more have met their end, their souls forever lost in the meadow's labyrinthine mazes."

Evan gulped. He had always known that the path of cultivation was fraught with dangers, but the idea of souls being lost forever was daunting.

Eldris continued, "At your current level, even if you were to miraculously obtain one of these treasures, holding onto it would be another challenge altogether. Powerful beings, both from within the pyramid and from the outside world, are constantly on the lookout for such treasures. They wouldn't hesitate to claim them, even if it means taking them from a budding cultivator like you."

Taking a moment to let the gravity of his words sink in, Eldris then said, "Right now, your primary focus should be to cultivate. Build your foundation, strengthen your soul, and when the time is right, the treasures of the Soul Meadow will be within your grasp. But until then, rushing into the unknown would only lead to disaster."

Evan nodded, understanding the wisdom in Eldris's words. While the allure of immediate power was tempting, he knew he had to be patient and lay a solid foundation for his journey ahead.

"Very well," Evan finally replied, determination evident in his voice. "I'll cultivate and strengthen myself first. When I'm ready, the treasures of the Soul Meadow will be mine."

Eldris smiled approvingly, "That's the spirit. Remember, the path of cultivation is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it step by step, and you'll reach heights you've never even dreamed of."

Eldris listened intently as Evan explained the intricacies of the Harmonic Resonance Cascade technique he'd been using. The young cultivator's hands gestured fluidly, representing the ebb and flow of qi during each phase, and his descriptions were vivid and detailed.

"You see, Eldris," Evan began, "The Harmonic Resonance Cascade is more aligned with physical cultivation. The first step, Harmonic Initiation, is where I begin by meditating to align my mind, body, and spirit. It helps me sense the qi around me with more clarity. Then, I move to the Resonance Absorption, drawing the qi in and letting it resonate with my soul. This allows me to filter out and absorb only the most compatible qi."

Eldris nodded, understanding the principle behind it. The absorption of external qi was common in many cultivation techniques, but the filtering process Evan described was indeed unique and crucial.

"I've also been practicing the fifth step, Soul Nourishment. While I understand its importance in the grand scheme of things, I feel that the benefits aren't as immediate or significant compared to the other stages."

The old sage's eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting his thoughts. "Your assessment is accurate. The Harmonic Resonance Cascade, as you described, leans heavily towards reinforcing the physical form. While it's true that a stronger vessel allows the soul to grow more freely, direct soul cultivation techniques are more efficient for your goal."

Evan's eyes brightened, "Exactly! That's why I was hoping you might know of a technique that focuses more on soul cultivation. The cascade is useful, but I feel I might be missing out on more optimal soul growth."

Eldris paused, pondering for a moment. "Your intuition serves you well. There are indeed techniques specifically designed for soul cultivation. Such techniques place the soul at the forefront, nurturing it directly with refined qi, rather than just using the remnants from physical cultivation."

He then walked over to a large shelf, scanning the numerous scrolls and tomes. After a moment, he selected a thin, ancient-looking scroll, its surface etched with golden glyphs that pulsed softly.

"This," Eldris announced, "is the 'Soul Nexus Codex.' It's a technique that emphasizes soul cultivation. While it has some similarities to the Harmonic Resonance Cascade, its primary focus is on expanding, nurturing, and refining the soul."

Evan's eyes widened with excitement. "This is exactly what I've been searching for! Thank you, Eldris."

Eldris smiled, "Remember, young cultivator, the path of cultivation is vast and endless. Always be ready to adapt and evolve. The techniques are tools to aid your journey, but your soul's tenacity and determination are the true drivers of progress."

With the new technique in hand, Evan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was eager to delve into the depths of the Soul Nexus Codex and unlock the secrets to a more potent soul cultivation.