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Twitter: @RedMirage_PtM
Further Reading
Are you a compulsive reader of Wuxia and Xianxia like I am? Are you looking for something to binge read while you wait for the next book release? Be sure to check out these original English novels on Amazon.
World of Beasts by Tinalynge
Nirvana Rebirth by Shadowsfinger
Legends of Ogre Gate by Jeremy “Deathblade” Bai
I’ve also been enjoying LitRPG of late. If you’re interested in this genre, make sure to check out Endless Online, as well as Silver Fox & the Western Hero. Both are written by M. H. Johnson. The first is a fantastic blend of sword, sorcery, and science fiction. The second is a xianxia novel with a LitRPG twist.
If you’re interested in joining a community of likeminded readers, I suggest the following Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WesternWuxia/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cultivationnovels/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
The Cultivation Systems
This record is a summary of the cultivation systems on the Ling Nan Plane. Note that cultivation systems can change depending on the type of plane or the stability of the plane.
Qi Cultivation (Human)
Some humans are talented in harvesting the ambient energies of heaven and earth. They cultivate qi, enabling them to perform fierce magics by bending the elements themselves. Angelic cultivators gravitate toward this powerful but complex path.
Qi Condensation – Cultivators start their cultivation journey by condensing qi from their surroundings into their Dantian. They can circulate this qi in their qi pathways, executing qi techniques by expending it. A cultivator’s qi pool expands and deepens as they cultivate. Many schools separate each step of the process into grades.
Foundation Establishment – After forming a sufficiently large qi pool, cultivators solidify it into solid pillars known as a foundation. Their foundation grows from the bottom of their Dantian and eventually grow tall enough to reach the top. Their qi thickens, and the amount of thickened qi they control depends on the height of their foundation. Foundation-establishment cultivators can fly a short distance from the ground using treasures like flying swords or special boots.
Core Formation – When their pillars reach their maximum height, cultivators melt them into a core, the most efficient way to store qi. Qi now takes the form of a fluid that travels in and out of their core. The core grows until it reaches its maximum size. At this point, cultivators are able to use their potent qi to fly unaided.
Rune Carving – By carving runes onto their core, moral humans can transcend. Not much is known about this realm, but legends say rune carving cultivators can generate a “domain.”
Body Cultivation (Human)
Let’s face it, some people aren’t as they are strong. For those people, body cultivation is the preferred way to get ahead. Devilish cultivators and descendants of deities are drawn toward this brutal, straightforward path. Body cultivation makes one physically stronger, tougher, and nearly unkillable at higher cultivation levels.
Body Strengthening – Body cultivators start off by performing a basic strengthening of their body, purifying it in the process. Typically, the body is nourished with qi and then refined with an opposing qi, removing any impurities.
Bone Forging – After sufficiently strengthening their body, body cultivators must forge their bones to further support their growth. Bones are the basis of strength and durability. They traditionally subject their bones to intense quantities of qi, strengthening and tempering them in the process. They become akin to magic treasures, making it extremely difficult to shatter them using strength of an equivalent realm. Bone-forging cultivators gain the ability to manipulate their weight by using voids that are formed in their bones, making it easier to wield heavy weapons and use their immense strength to their advantage.
Marrow Refining – Once the bones are strong enough, it is necessary for cultivators to refine their marrow. Marrow is the basis of their blood, which feeds the remainder of their body in turn. Marrow--refining cultivators gain powerful regeneration abilities stemming from the deep pool of vitality hidden within their marrow and the voids in their bones.
Blood Awakening – To transcend, body cultivators must awaken the divinity within their blood. How this is done is uncertain, though descendants of a god have a much easier time in doing so.
Soul Cultivation (Human)
The foundation of a cultivator is their soul. Sufficient soul force is necessary to become a professional, such as an alchemist or spiritual blacksmith. In some cases, a sufficiently strong soul is required to advance in cultivation. Buddhists and evil spirits often lean toward soul cultivation.
Innate Soul – Cultivators are born with an innate soul, and it grows as the cultivator advances in qi condensation. Eventually, with sufficient cultivation, the soul will make a rapid breakthrough into incandescence.
Incandescent Soul – In the incandescent realm, the soul begins to shine with incandescent light. Advanced soul manipulation of objects and mental communication is then possible.
Resplendent Soul – Once the soul is sufficiently incandescent, it becomes resplendent. A wrapping appears around the soul, which is called a resplendent vestment. It embellishes the soul and prepares it to transcend. Long-range scanning is possible at this realm.
Transcendent Soul – A transcendent soul grows sufficiently large and gains the ability to move. Since it has broken free from its shackles, it can then leave the mortal body and operate independently from it.
Demonic Cultivation
Humans aren’t the only ones who can cultivate. Demons, manifestations of natural forces in the material world, take a different path. They are incapable of cultivating their qi, body, and soul separately. For demons, these three components are part of a complete cultivation system. Demon bodies can grow to massive sizes.
Demonification – Spirit beasts are products of nature. By gaining demonic qi from their natural
