Xianzhou Continent - Year 2989 of Cycle of Qi (CQ)
The two-year mark had just passed for Silak, each day now a step further into self-discovery and adventure. Under the watchful eyes of his parents, a picturesque scene unfolded in their yard. Sunlight dappled through the leaves overhead, painting shifting patterns on the grass where the family of three sat nestled beneath a sprawling tree.
"Physical Body Cultivation," Rajah Bayani began, his voice a low rumble, "is also known as Corporeal Refinement. While it encompasses several smaller realms, you don't need to fully master one before moving to the next. The key is to grasp the initial understanding, enough for your young body to withstand the influx of Qi."
Dayang Iskra picked up the thread, her gaze gentle as she addressed Silak. "The Corporeal Refinement Realm is divided as follows:" She held up five fingers as she listed, "Bone Enhancement, Tendons Strengthening, Bloodline Awakening, Muscle Activation, and Skin Tempering."
"Everyone has the potential to enter the Corporeal Refinement Realm," she continued, "but the level of mastery varies greatly based on their innate talent, their potential for growth, and the specific cultivation techniques they use. Different clans and races are often known for particular aptitudes."
"Orcs and Ogres," Rajah Bayani added, nodding, "are renowned for their natural talent in Bone Enhancement and Muscle Activation. Dwarves excel in Skin Tempering, their resilience legendary. Elves, on the other hand, are particularly gifted in Tendons Strengthening. And the various beast clans often possess unique Bloodline talents."
"This is common knowledge throughout the continent, something most cultivators understand," Iskra explained, glancing at her son to ensure he was following.
"What about Humans, Mother?" Silak asked, his brow furrowed in thought. "What talents are we known for?"
His mother paused, considering. "Hmm. Compared to other races, Humans don't possess a standout talent in any single aspect of Corporeal Refinement. However," she emphasized, a smile touching her lips, "our strength lies in our adaptability. We can cultivate all five realms, unlike some other races. Our racial talents lean towards flexibility and creativity in our approach."
"But it's true," she clarified, "we can't typically outmatch other races in their specific areas of expertise. A Human, for instance, would be hard-pressed to surpass an Orc or Ogre in raw Bone Enhancement and Muscle Activation, both in speed of development and ultimate mastery."
"I see," Silak murmured, absorbing the information. "I will remember that, Mother."
Their small lesson continued for several more hours before they began to discuss Silak's individual cultivation path. He would begin with Bone Enhancement, progressing only once he achieved an initial level of mastery. His father would take responsibility for gathering the necessary resources through hunting expeditions with the other warriors, while his mother, skilled in both cooking and alchemy, would prepare these ingredients for his use.
A few days later...
Silak carefully unrolled the cultivation scroll his parents had provided – Titan's Ossuary – a technique specifically tailored to his young age.
'Now, this is interesting,' he thought, his eyes scanning the intricate diagrams and flowing script. "It appears the core principle is to create controlled, minor fractures in the bones, which then heal with the aid of specific resources. This process integrates the essence of those resources, strengthening the previously brittle bones."
He tapped a finger against the scroll. "Hmm, adjustments are definitely needed. I'm still a few months shy of my third birthday. Starting early is good, but the intensity described here is for someone far older. My body can only handle so much micro-damage at this stage."
He considered his youth. "On the other hand, my recovery rate should be significantly higher due to my age. Perhaps the quality of enhancement will be lower initially, but the frequency of training can be higher." He nodded to himself, a determined glint in his eyes.
"Argh!" Silak grunted, his small fists striking a wooden training dummy with surprising force, mimicking the movements described in Titan's Ossuary. "Ugh." His face contorted with discomfort, but it only sharpened his focus.
The technique aimed to create minute damages and fractures in his bones through specific postures and strikes against the dummy, ensuring balanced development.
Silak stood panting after a particularly grueling set of strikes. "I think… that's enough for this session." He wheezed, lifting his sweat-soaked shirt to toss it aside before collapsing onto the cool grass.
Dayang Iskra approached slowly, her footsteps barely disturbing the quiet. "Done for today, little one?" Her voice held a note of concern. "Remember our reminders – don't push yourself too hard. You're still so young; take your time, do it slowly, okay?"
"No need to worry, Mother," Silak said, looking up at her, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "I promised I'd listen to you, remember?"
"You better have." She handed him a stoppered bottle filled with a murky liquid. "Drink this right away. And don't forget to add the powders I gave you to your bath later."
Silak eyed the concoction with distaste. "I think drinking this is more painful than hitting that wooden dummy, Mother," he confessed, accepting the bottle. 'This stuff is an absolute nightmare,' he thought, wrinkling his nose. 'I have no idea what's in it – Mother refuses to tell me – but it's the most bitter, vile thing I've ever tasted!'
Dayang Iskra chuckled softly at her son's exaggerated suffering, finding his reaction to the drink far more amusing than his training efforts. "I'm afraid the contents and recipe are a closely guarded secret for now. How about this? I'll reveal it all to you once you achieve initial mastery in Bone Enhancement."
And so, Silak's life settled into a rigorous routine of training for the next few months, each day bringing him closer to his third birthday and further down the path of cultivation.