The Call of Cultivation

As Liu Chen and Zhou Xin sat by the bank of the Whispering Mist River, their makeshift fishing rods in hand, Zhou Xin turned to Liu Chen with curiosity in his eyes.

The sun's warm glow illuminated Zhou Xin's youthful countenance, unveiling his distinct features. He possessed a mischievous grin that played upon his lips, exuding a sense of playful charm. His eyes sparkled with a vibrant energy, reflecting both his curiosity and an unmistakable glimmer of mischief.

"So what are you going to do next?" Zhou Xin asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Liu Chen paused for a moment, gazing at the rippling waters of the river. With a deep breath, he began to share his innermost thoughts.

"I want to go down the path of cultivation," he confessed, his voice steady yet filled with determination.

"There's something within me, an indescribable urge to become strong. It's as if an invisible force is urging me forward."

Zhou Xin's eyes widened, his excitement matching his friend's revelation. He could hardly contain himself as he reeled in a big Yellowcheek Carp fish, its shimmering scales reflecting the sunlight. Standing up, he pumped his fist in the air.

"I got it!" Zhou Xin exclaimed, his voice echoing across the riverbank. "If you're embarking on the path of cultivation, then count me in! We'll face the challenges together!"

In the realm of cultivation, the existence of spiritual qi bestows a divine blessing upon the world. It is a mystical energy that empowers both humans and creatures to defy the will of the heavens and embark on a path of profound growth.

Within this realm, the lifespan of an ordinary human spans approximately 70 to 100 years. However, by delving into the art of cultivation and surpassing the limitations imposed by human nature, one can transcend the earthly barriers that bind them.

As cultivators advance and break through the boundaries of their foundational cultivation, they tread upon a sacred path known as the qi foundation level. It is at this stage that their spiritual energy undergoes a remarkable transformation, enabling them to extend their life span by an additional 100 years.

Through diligent cultivation and the defiance of heavenly constraints, cultivators not only strengthen their own essence but also liberate themselves from the limitations of mortality.

With each breakthrough and the subsequent shattering of heavenly shackles, the cultivator's age limit expands, defying the very constraints imposed by the heavens themselves

In this world, every living being is bestowed with a spiritual root, be it humans, animals, or any other creature. When one reaches the age of ten, their spiritual root begins to grow, signifying a crucial juncture in their cultivation journey.

It is at this pivotal stage that breaking free from the shackles of their spiritual root becomes imperative. If successful, they can ascend to the qi stage.

However, breaking free from these constraints and ascending to the qi foundation level is not an easy feat. Many ordinary humans, lacking resources, support, or guidance, tend to falter or succumb to fear.

Failure at this critical stage can lead to the destruction of their spiritual root, the very foundation of their being, resulting in death. Thus, many choose to abstain from this perilous cycle and opt to lead a mortal life.

Although not everyone possesses the necessary talent or resources to embark on the cultivation path, those with innate talent can still break free from these earthly constraints.

Nevertheless, the majority of individuals lack the talent and resources required to supplement their cultivation journey, leading them to remain as mortals.

Once one becomes a cultivator, it is often advised to detach themselves from earthly desires and part ways with their parents in search of opportunities and growth.

"I do not wish to leave my father and mother,"

Liu Chen spoke with a heavy heart, acknowledging the possibility of losing them as they prepared to depart from the riverbank towards their village.

"In that case, how do you plan to become a cultivator?"

Zhou Xin inquired, having witnessed numerous individuals leave their village in pursuit of opportunities and cultivation.

"Once I breakthrough to the qi stage, I will find a way for my mother and father to become cultivators, even if it is the last thing I do,"

Liu Chen declared with a resolute tone as they reached their humble abode.

Ever since he drifted from the river, this small village had become his new home, with the village chief and his wife embracing him as their own child. The bond between them grew strong, and Liu Chen couldn't bear the thought of parting ways with his newfound parents.

"Hahahah, my dear child, we are already old, and we have long given up on such hopes since we crossed the age of ten,"

Li Meiying responded, her voice tinged with regret. She knew that due to her ordinary spiritual roots and limited talent, she could never become a cultivator.

"But I refuse to give up. I have been contemplating this deeply," Liu Chen asserted, his determination unwavering.

He couldn't fathom a future without his parents, and he was determined to find a way to fulfill his dream and grant them the opportunity to cultivate.

"Well, if you say so," the village chief Zhang Wei chuckled, amused by Liu Chen's ambitious aspirations.

He knew the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead for a young cultivator, especially one with limited resources and connections.

However, Zhang Wei couldn't help but admire Liu Chen's determination and spirit. The boy's unwavering belief in his own abilities was a testament to his character.

"Remember, Liu Chen, the path of cultivation is not an easy one. It requires great sacrifice and relentless effort," Zhang Wei advised, his tone tinged with wisdom. "But if anyone can defy the odds and achieve the impossible, it's someone like you."