Save The Parallel Universe

Chapter 20: The Ten Great Realms

"Given your current rate of progress, in three years, not only will you surpass all your senior brothers and sisters, but surpassing me will also be within your reach. With such talent, you should have entered Taiyi Mountain. However, Immortal Xuansu brought you here. I suspect he wants to temper you."

Lu Li was puzzled, "Temper?"

Saint Aoki nodded, "Yes, temper. When you first arrived, you were arrogant despite having no skills. This is a grave mistake in cultivating immortality. Now, your achievements are extraordinary, yet your arrogance has diminished. This fits the saying, 'The newborn calf is not afraid of the tiger.' Previously, your arrogance stemmed from ignorance; you didn't understand the secrets of the cultivation world. Now, with some understanding, you realize how much your previous assumptions differed from reality."

Lu Li's expression was strange. After a moment of silence, he nodded, "That's indeed the case."

Saint Aoki, gratified by Lu Li's understanding, continued, "While I cannot teach you supreme skills here, I can help correct some of your bad habits. The Ethereal Wood Technique is an entry-level technique of the Taigu Sect. It is considered inferior. Even if you master it, you can at most become a junior sage. To advance further, you must perform well in the Immortal Discussion Conference and strive to enter Taiyi Mountain. That is where the core of the Taigu Sect lies."

Lu Li asked with curiosity, "Since Taiyi Mountain is the core of the Taigu Sect, what is the purpose of Luoxuan Mountain and Jiushu Mountain?"

Saint Aoki said, "That question is too complex to answer quickly. You will understand in time. For now, let me tell you this: the Taigu Sect has many disciples, but Taiyi Mountain has limited space and cannot accommodate everyone. Therefore, disciples are dispersed among Luoxuan Mountain and Jiushu Mountain, which are examined and screened by these two mountains' twenty-four major branches. The disciples with the best talent are sent to Taiyi Mountain to learn more profound techniques."

Lu Li praised, "That's a good approach. It refines the essence and discards the dross, ensuring Taiyi Mountain always holds the top position."

Saint Aoki sighed, "For over two thousand years, the Taigu Sect has followed this practice. That's why it has become one of the top three cultivation sects."

Lu Li asked, "What are the other two sects?"

Saint Aoki answered, "In the Three Realms, there are six major powers. The most mysterious is the Piao Miao Immortal Palace in the Upper Realm, known to very few. The Lower Realm has the Yao Domain and the Wan Yu Sect. The Middle Realm includes the Yunxu Realm, where the Taigu Sect is located, the Xie Tian You Hun Realm, home to the Demon Island, and the Huan Hai Meng Li Realm, where the Xuan Yu Heavenly Palace is situated. The three major cultivation sects are Taigu Sect, Xuan Yu Heavenly Palace, and Wan Yu Sect. The Demon Island and the Yao Domain's Yao Hous Peak are demon-related, always at odds with the three major sects."

Lu Li inquired, "What are the Three Realms?"

Saint Aoki explained, "The vast world is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Realms. The Upper Realm is above the Nine Heavens, the Lower Realm is the surface and underground, and the space between these two is the Middle Realm."

Lu Li was surprised, "So my birthplace is in the Lower Realm, but I've never heard of the Wan Yu Sect. Where is it?"

Saint Aoki replied, "The Wan Yu Sect is the largest of the three major cultivation sects, located on the Seven Absolute Mountains. I don't know the specifics. The reason I called you here today is to discuss the Ethereal Wood Technique and the Immortal Discussion Conference."

Lu Li pondered, "What do you want to discuss?"

Saint Aoki said, "First, let's talk about the Ethereal Wood Technique. Though it is only an entry-level technique, it embodies the essence of growth and renewal. Cultivating it to a certain level allows you to absorb the essence of the world's vegetation and transform it into usable power, giving you a significant defensive advantage."

Lu Li noted, "I've already grasped that. However, I feel the Ethereal Wood Technique isn't very strong in offense."

Saint Aoki hesitated, "Your point is partially correct but not entirely accurate. While the Ethereal Wood Technique itself lacks powerful offensive force, the Ethereal Wood Array should not be underestimated."

Lu Li asked in surprise, "I haven't heard of any senior brother practicing the Ethereal Wood Array."

Saint Aoki explained, "The three major branches of Cui Xuan Peak all practice Ethereal Wood Techniques. Among them, the Cui Zhu Sect focuses on the Ethereal Wood Technique, the Qi Xuan Sect emphasizes the Ethereal Wood Array, and the Cang Shan Sect practices both the Ethereal Wood Technique and the Ethereal Wood Array. Over the years, the Qi Xuan Sect has had the most disciples and ranked first, while the Cui Zhu Sect had the fewest and ranked last. Last time, it was only due to Yang Lie's efforts that the Cui Zhu Sect temporarily surpassed the Cang Shan Sect."

Lu Li calmly stated, "In three years, the Cui Zhu Sect will become the top sect, surpassing both the Qi Xuan Sect and the Cang Shan Sect, and will secure first place among the four peaks of Luoxuan Mountain in four years."

Saint Aoki was shocked by Lu Li's calm demeanor. The twelve-year-old boy spoke with such assurance as if he already knew the outcome.

Touched, Saint Aoki said, "It all depends on you now. Although I am not your official master, you are from the Cui Zhu Sect, and your achievements will bring honor to our sect. Now that you are a junior sage, there are some things you should prepare for."

Lu Li asked, "What things?"

Saint Aoki said, "In the Taigu Sect, cultivators are classified into nine levels, which you are aware of. But this is just a classification within our sect to differentiate and encourage disciples. In reality, the path of cultivation has ten realms: Foundation Establishment, Item Control, Artifact Refining, Spirit Gathering, Nascent Soul, Golden Core, Immortal Body, Earth Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, and Golden Immortal. Currently, you are roughly at the early stage of Spirit Gathering, having passed the Artifact Refining stage."

Lu Li was surprised, "The Ten Realms of Cultivation? Are these universal across the three major sects or specific to the Taigu Sect?"

Saint Aoki answered, "These ten realms are recognized by all cultivation sects. Different sects use different titles for each realm, similar to our Taigu Sect's nine levels."

Lu Li nodded, "I understand now."

Saint Aoki continued, "The third realm of cultivation, Artifact Refining, holds special significance for cultivators."

Lu Li asked, "What significance?"

Saint Aoki explained, "The path of cultivation is against the heavens, and those who achieve success are rare in a millennium. It involves numerous hardships and tribulations. To cope with various calamities, cultivators must also enhance their defensive power. Thus, Artifact Refining becomes crucial. Artifact Refining involves creating magical tools, spiritual artifacts, immortal tools, and divine artifacts. These can serve as defensive treasures or offensive weapons. A cultivator who obtains an immortal tool or divine artifact can greatly enhance their power."