With the introduction out of the way, Wei Tianshan's expression grew more focused as he prepared to delve into the practical aspects of cultivation.
"Now, let us discuss the core energy cultivation methods the most common way to cultivate that forms the foundation of all practitioners. The Qi Gathering realm consists of nine stages, each building upon the previous to strengthen your spiritual Energy foundation."
The ancestor gestured with his crutch, spiritual energy swirling around it to demonstrate. "However, you must understand that there are three primary paths of cultivation, though most focus on only one due to resource limitations and talent constraints.
First is Qi cultivation, which you'll begin with the manipulation and refinement of spiritual energy within your body. This is the most accessible path, requiring only Some talent ,dedication and proper techniques.
Second is body cultivation, also known as physical cultivation. This involves using heavenly and earthly materials to strengthen the body, or even using qi to do so, though the latter is significantly slower.
Body tempering is known to be one of the most costly ways to cultivate. Unless one has both immense wealth and exceptional talent, most would rather practice additional defensive techniques and acquire more defensive artifacts instead of pursuing this path.
Third is soul cultivation, which is unique and exceedingly difficult. Most cultivators are naturally unaware of their soul's existence, therefore making it nearly impossible to cultivate directly.
Normally, with the advancement of cultivation, the soul is strengthened passively. If one's soul follows the natural steps of cultivation, they wouldn't encounter direct soul awareness until the peak of Golden Core or the Nascent Soul realm."
Wei Tianshan's eyes gleamed as he continued, "That said, there are naturally those who don't lack the resources and talent to pursue multiple paths or all simultaneously. Hence, I'll teach them all to you as well.
Just so you understand the timing one would typically start soul nourishment techniques at the Golden Core stage, while physical cultivation techniques are usually taught at the Void Prying stage.
The Next realm in cultivation The Body Integration Stage is when one would start incorporate rules into the physical body, making it the optimal time to begin serious body tempering."
The ancestor's gaze became more intense as he addressed Wei Chen directly. "Now, with your physique and spiritual roots are of Yang attributes, you'll maximize your potential by cultivating Yang-aligned techniques.
You naturally lean toward them, and Yang power techniques are exponentially more effective when you cultivate toward your attributes.
With increased cultivation levels, you can attempt to cultivate other attributes if desired, but you'll notice it's nowhere near as easy, and the resulting power is mediocre in comparison."
Wei Tianshan paused, studying his great-grandson carefully. "The foundation stages Qi Gathering stages one through nine will determine everything that follows.
Each stage requires gathering and refining spiritual energy, which in turn then reversely strengthening your meridians expanding your dantian.
The first three stages focus on sensing and gathering qi, stages four through six involve initial refinement and circulation, while stages seven through nine are for compression in preparation your foundation for breakthrough to Foundation Establishment."
Looking directly at Wei Chen, the ancestor asked, "I have several Yang attribute energy cultivation methods available: sword, spear, bow, and halberd techniques. Which would you prefer to start with?"
As he spoke, Wei Tianshan used his spiritual energy to demonstrate each weapon, manifesting ethereal versions. The sword appeared first elegant and precise, its spiritual flames dancing along a razor-sharp edge.
Next the spear, longer and more aggressive, its Yang energy crackling like controlled lightning at the tip.
The bow materialized with arrows of pure light, while the halberd combined the cutting power of an axe with the thrusting capability of a spear, its Yang energy swirling in complex patterns.
While Wei Chen pondered his choice, Wei Tianshan continued to explain each weapon's advantages and drawbacks to help guide his great-grandson's decision.
"The sword offers versatility and precision quick strikes, elegant footwork, and techniques that can adapt to nearly any situation. It's the most balanced weapon, suitable for both offense and defence, but lacks the raw power of heavier weapons.
The spear provides exceptional reach and piercing power, allowing you to keep enemies at distance while delivering devastating thrusts. Its Yang techniques can create barriers of fire and light, but it can be unwieldy in close quarters.
The bow grants you the advantage of range and the ability to infuse arrows with Yang energy for explosive or penetrating effects.
You can strike from safety and support allies, but you're vulnerable if enemies close the distance.
The halberd combines multiple weapon types into one you can cut, thrust, and hook with devastating Yang-enhanced strikes. It offers tremendous power and versatility, but requires significant strength and skill to master effectively."
The ancestor watched Wei Chen carefully, spiritual energy still maintaining the glowing weapon demonstrations as he awaited his great-grandson's choice.
While Wei Chen remained deep in thought, weighing each weapon's merits, a question suddenly occurred to him. He looked up at his ancestor with curious eyes.
"Great-grandfather, could I perhaps cultivate more than one weapon technique?"
Wei Tianshan observed his great-grandson's expression, noting how the young man seemed unaware of the deeper implications and was simply considering the information at hand.
The ancestor's weathered face took on a knowing look.
"Sure, as many as you want really," Wei Tianshan replied, his tone deceptively casual. "However, beware there is an old saying: 'A cultivator of all arts is a master of none.'"
He deliberately paused, studying Wei Chen's face to let the wisdom sink in.
The weight of those words hung in the air between them. The ancestor didn't bother finishing his explanation; he had gotten his point across clearly enough.
Several minutes passed in contemplative silence. Wei Chen's brow furrowed as he processed not just the weapon choices, but the deeper lesson about focus and mastery.
The young man's cultivation journey was just beginning, and already he was learning that power came not from quantity, but from depth of understanding.
Suddenly, Wei Chen's eyes flashed with determination, as if he had come to a decisive conclusion.
"Bow and Halberd," he declared firmly.
Seeing the thoughtful process that had led to his great-grandson's decision, Wei Tianshan nodded approvingly.
With a subtle gesture of his weathered hand, spiritual energy swirled, and two jade slips materialized in the air, floating gently toward Wei Chen. Alongside them, two thick physical tomes appeared, their covers emanating faint Yang energy.
"Sun Striking Bow and Star Shatter Halberd Art," Wei Tianshan announced with satisfaction. "Unlike other teachings where the energy cultivation method is separated from weapon techniques, each of these comprehensive arts contains its own integrated systems defensive techniques, attacking methods, movement arts, and core energy cultivation methods all woven together."
Wei Tianshan gestured toward the floating texts with reverent precision. "These are complete cultivation systems that can be practiced all the way to the peak of Soul Transformation realm, Wei Chen. Each contains the full depth of martial and spiritual wisdom accumulated over millennia."
The ancestor's eyes blazed with ancient knowledge as he began explaining the intricate systems. "The Sun Striking Bow follows the Nine Celestial Trajectories, with each trajectory containing twelve Solar Positions creating 12 distinct arrow manifestations."
Spiritual energy swirled as Wei Tianshan demonstrated. "Your dantian will develop a specialized Solar Qi Reservoir, storing pure solar essence that can instantly manifest as arrows.
During Qi Gathering stages 1-3, you'll open the Solar Meridians and learn the first arrow forms. Stages 4-6 will focus on Solar Refinement, mastering the intermediate forms while your qi transforms into concentrated solar essence.
Finally, stages 7-9 will complete your foundation with the advanced forms, allowing simultaneous storage of all arrow types."
The ethereal bow glowed brighter as he continued. "The Nine Celestial Trajectories include Dawn Ascent, Noon Strike, Dusk Descent, Solar Flare, Corona Pierce, Solar Wind, Prominence Burst, Solar Eclipse, and the devastating Solar Storm. Each can be executed with twelve variations three power levels, four cardinal angles, and five special modifications."
Turning to the halberd demonstration, Wei Tianshan's expression grew more intense. "The Star Shatter Halberd Art utilizes Intense Solar Yang specifically designed for breakthrough and destruction. Nine Fundamental Forms combined with twelve Combat Variations create devastating sequences, but more importantly, this system develops yang qi capable of shattering any obstacle.
The spiritual halberd blazed with such intensity that the air around it seemed to warp. "Your yang qi will reach temperatures rivalling actual solar fire. The Nine Fundamental Forms Solar Cleave, Star Point Thrust, Celestial Hook, Solar Whirlwind, Star Break, Solar Sweep, Stellar Combination, Solar Destruction, and the ultimate Star Shatter each can be modified with twelve distinct variations of intensity, range, speed, and special effects."
Wei Tianshan's voice took on a tone of profound importance. "What makes these techniques truly extraordinary is their integration.
Both systems reinforce each other's solar yang cultivation, creating dual pathways that accelerate your progress exponentially. The bow develops precision and solar qi storage, while the halberd cultivates power and breakthrough force."
The ancestor gestured broadly, encompassing both weapon demonstrations. "Together, these technique combinations will create an incredibly solid foundation. At Soul Transformation realm, you'll be able to manifest actual miniature suns as power sources, achieve perfect balance between ranged precision and melee devastation, and transform your very body into a conduit for pure solar yang energy."
His gaze fixed intently on Wei Chen. "The solar qi from both systems will naturally replenish during daylight hours, reaching maximum power and regeneration speed at solar noon. This means you'll be strongest when the sun is at its peak, embodying the very essence of Yang cultivation."
Wei Chen reached out with trembling hands itching to get a first grasping the jade slip for the Sun Striking Bow.
The moment his spiritual consciousness touched the ancient wisdom within, knowledge flooded his mind like cascading sunlight. Images of celestial trajectories, solar qi circulation patterns, and arrow manifestation techniques streamed through his awareness.
"Begin with nurturing the Solar Meridians," Wei Tianshan instructed, his voic-+/e taking on the tone of a master guiding his first student. "Feel for the nine pathways that correspond to the celestial trajectories.
They run differently from normal meridians following the sun's path across your spiritual body."
Wei Chen closed his eyes, following the jade slip's guidance. He spent several minutes meditating to settle his breathing, allowing his body to reach a state of perfect equilibrium. As his heartbeat steadied and his mind cleared, he slowly began to perceive the true nature of the yang attributes surrounding him.
He could sense faint threads of warmth within his body, like golden veins waiting to be awakened.
As he began circulating his qi according to the Dawn Ascent pattern the first of the Nine Celestial Trajectories he felt the yang pathways within his body begin to tremble with anticipation, resonating with the solar yang energies of the world around him.
Something extraordinary happened as his cultivation progressed. His Ning Yang Body immediately responded to the technique, creating a powerful repulsion then a attraction field around him. Solar yang energy from the surrounding world began flowing toward him like rivers converging into the ocean.
The range of his qi gathering extended far beyond what any normal cultivator could achieve, pulling in Sun yang and Solar yang energy from hundreds of meters in all directions. Due to it being earlier morning the amount wasn't vast but was more thane enough for a just starting cultivation.
Within his dantian, two of the nine celestial trajectories began to manifest as illusory shadows faint but unmistakable impressions of the Dawn Ascent and Noon Strike pathways taking shape in his energy centre. Simultaneously, within his mind space, ghostly images of solar trajectories flickered like distant stars, responding to his body's natural attunement to these specific energy attributes.
"Incredible," Wei Tianshan breathed, his eyes widening as he observed the phenomenon. "Your Ning Yang Body is amplifying the gathering speed tremendously. What would take others hours of meditation, you're accomplishing in mere minutes."
Wei Chen felt the ease with which the solar energies responded to his call. The Sun yang qi felt warm and nurturing, like gentle morning light, while the Solar yang energy blazed with intense power.
Both types flowed into his meridians with unprecedented smoothness, as if his very constitution was designed to channel these forces, his body responding instinctively to gather the energy attributes it was naturally attuned to.
"Good," his ancestor observed, watching the subtle changes in Wei Chen's spiritual aura. "Now, as you circulate along the Dawn Ascent meridian, visualize the sun rising on the horizon. Feel its warmth, its inevitable ascension, its promise of a new day."
Following the instruction, Wei Chen felt his qi take on a different quality lighter, warmer, more vibrant than before. The sensation was intoxicating, like basking in the first rays of dawn after a long, cold night.
"That's solar qi," Wei Tianshan confirmed with satisfaction. "Now, attempt the basic arrow formation. Don't force it simply let the solar qi gather at the tips of your fingers, as if you were drawing back an invisible bowstring."
Wei Chen extended his right hand, mimicking the motion of drawing a bow. To his amazement, specks of golden light began coalescing around his fingertips, forming the ghostly outline of a luminous arrow. It flickered and wavered, barely maintaining its shape, but it was undeniably there.
"Remarkable," the ancestor murmured. "Your Yang spiritual roots are even more compatible than I anticipated. Most beginners take weeks to achieve even that basic manifestation."
Encouraged by his initial success, Wei Chen grasped the second jade slipthe Star Shatter Halberd Art. This knowledge felt different as it entered his consciousness: heavier, more aggressive, like the weight of falling stars. The Intense Solar Yang cultivation method seemed to burn through his spiritual pathways, demanding strength and determination.
"The halberd technique requires a different approach," Wei Tianshan explained, manifesting a training halberd of spiritual energy. "Solar yang for the bow is about precision and storage. Solar yang for the halberd is about intensity and breakthrough, destabilization . Watch."
The ancestor demonstrated the first fundamental form Solar Cleave. His spiritual halberd blazed with such intense yang energy that the air around it shimmered like a desert mirage. The weapon moved in a perfect vertical arc, and Wei Chen could feel the destructive power even from a distance.
"Now, circulate your qi through the Intense Solar Yang pathway. It will feel like liquid fire at first, but your Yang constitution can handle it."
Wei Chen began the circulation pattern for Solar Cleave, and immediately gasped. The qi felt like molten metal flowing through his meridians, far more intense than the gentle warmth of the bow technique. But his Yang spiritual roots seemed to drink in the sensation, instead of searing pain from the heat he could feel nothing but pure power.
Gripping the training halberd his ancestor manifested for him, Wei Chen attempted the basic Solar Cleave form. Yang energy erupted along the weapon's edge as he brought it down in the prescribed arc. The technique was crude, unrefined, but the raw power was unmistakable.
"Both systems are now awakened within you," Wei Tianshan announced with profound satisfaction. "The dual pathways will strengthen each other as you progress. Practice the bow technique during dawn hours when the ascending sun aligns with your solar qi. Practice the halberd technique at noon when the sun's intensity peaks."
Wei Chen nodded, feeling the two different types of solar yang energy circulating within his body the stored, precise energy of the bow, and the intense, breakthrough power of the halberd. For the first time since beginning his cultivation journey, he truly understood what it meant to possess Yang spiritual roots.
"Remember," his ancestor cautioned, "these are lifelong cultivation methods. Master the first techniques of each system before attempting the intermediate forms. Rush nothing the foundation you build now will determine your ultimate achievement."
With jade slips absorbed and training weapons manifested, Wei Chen began his true cultivation journey.