Li Yan hadn't a clue that his little ingenuity could never possibly outsmart someone who had been living for hundreds of years. At this very moment, his Seventh Senior Brother was busy imparting the most basic knowledge of cultivation to him. Lin Da Qiao—perhaps because he had long lacked a suitable confidant and now felt unusually responsible—was diligently carrying out the task entrusted to him by Li Wu Yi. He was laying out everything he knew about common matters in the immortal world, and in doing so, Li Yan was absorbing a wealth of previously unknown information.
To begin with, Lin Da Qiao explained the system of cultivation ranks in the immortal world. He detailed concepts such as spirit root attributes and divine consciousness—basic elements that, although Li Yan already knew something about, he had to feign ignorance of. After all, he was now a blank slate in front of his teacher. Yet, as he listened intently, he began to see things in a new light and acquired many new insights.
Lin Da Qiao went on to explain—from the grand scale of realm divisions down to the minutiae of techniques like fasting for nourishment (or "pi gu")—leaving Li Yan utterly engrossed. For instance, once the hierarchy was established, the way cultivators address one another changed drastically. Unlike mortal society, where the older one is always deemed the elder, in the immortal world one's strength is the only measure of seniority. Even if an 80-year-old disciple at the Nascent Qi stage meets a 20-year-old youth who has just reached Foundation Establishment, the younger one is compelled to respectfully refer to the older as "Elder" or "Predecessor." Furthermore, if both belong to the same sect, they must use titles like "Shi Shu" (Master's Uncle) or "Shi Bo" (Venerable Senior), for failing to do so might invite a single raised hand—a lethal, uncompromising punishment. In this world, the strict enforcement of hierarchy is even harsher than in mortal dynasties.
Lin Da Qiao also stressed that even among peers, it is considered grossly impolite to let one's divine sense wander carelessly. Casually scanning others with your spiritual vision is a grave breach of etiquette; if you happen to encounter someone temperamental, such a glance might quickly provoke a violent response. And when encountering someone of higher rank…unless you have plenty of backing or happen to be met by a generous soul with a large heart, offending such a senior is almost equivalent to signing your own death warrant.
He explained further that once a cultivator transcends two major realms, they must be addressed as "Old Ancestor." If they advance three realms, they earn the title "Supreme Old Ancestor." As for the fourth realm—this stage exists only beyond the mortal realm, requiring one to ascend to the celestial realm of spirit (Xianling) because the laws of nature and the concentration of spiritual qi can no longer support further advancement on earth. At present, the Wangliang Sect already boasts five Nascent Soul (Yuan Ying) Grand Old Ancestors. Whispers even spoke of two among them being fearsome, battle-hardened late-stage Nascent Souls or even ancient demons. Why these two had not ascended to the celestial realm, however, was a secret far beyond the ken of someone like Lin Da Qiao at his level.
After all this, Li Yan couldn't help but recall his earlier actions in the main hall—his impulsive behavior, the way he had shamelessly attempted to sneak peeks at everyone. Although he hadn't used divine sense explicitly, the subtle act of observing others, whether overtly or covertly, was practically the same sin. Now, having learned the rigid rules of etiquette within the immortal world, Li Yan realized just how reckless he must have appeared.
Lin Da Qiao then explained how these hierarchical distinctions even affected the process of taking one's master. In general, a master only accepts disciples who are one realm below in cultivation—unless the disciple's potential is so extraordinary that the senior takes special notice. Only in that rare case might a master choose a disciple who is several realms below, instantaneously elevating them as a registered disciple. Until one reaches a certain level in cultivation, however, a disciple remains in that in-between "registered" state. Consequently, the transmission of techniques is usually reserved for peers who embarked on the path together or for a master who is merely one realm above; instances of cross-rank teaching are exceedingly uncommon. This helped Li Yan understand why the elder from the steward hall had been so astonished when Li Wu Yi casually called him "disciple"—and why his plump master seemed to take an unusual interest in him. That very care stirred in Li Yan feelings of both curiosity and mild disquiet, reminding him of all that had transpired in the military strategist's hall, and filling him with an inexplicable anxiety.
Next, the lesson turned to the subject of spiritual stones. Lin Da Qiao revealed that the three stones currently nestled in Li Yan's storage pouch were none other than "spiritual stones." They were special minerals that arose naturally between heaven and earth, integral components of entire spirit veins. Each stone contains the type of spiritual qi that a cultivator needs to progress. Typically, a spiritual stone is imbued with a single attribute; only on very rare occasions does a stone contain multiple elemental energies.
He went on to describe the two types of spirit veins: "living" and "dead." A living spirit vein is one from which spiritual qi naturally flows, like the currents Li Yan felt permeating the air here in the Wangliang Sect. These are immense veins deep within the earth that continuously produce qi through the cycles of the five elements. Over time, as the qi accumulates it rises and gathers in the air. These spirit veins, naturally, are associated with specific attributes. For instance, near the base of Four Elephants Peak there lies a mighty earth spirit vein—ideal for those training in earth-based techniques—while Little Bamboo Peak is nourished by a water spirit vein. In contrast, a "dead" spirit vein is one that, owing to shifts in the natural laws, can no longer produce qi. Over the ages, the remaining qi in these veins settles and solidifies within stone, forming the spiritual stones. Even living spirit veins are composed of spiritual stones, albeit ones that harbor extremely lively qi, making them all the more difficult to harness.
Furthermore, spiritual stones are graded into four categories, based on the concentration and purity of the qi within them: low, medium, high, and exquisite. Such stones allow cultivators to continue their training even in areas devoid of ambient qi, and on the battlefield they can replenish one's inner power rapidly. Their utility goes far beyond mere cultivation or alchemy. They are vital materials for powering formation arrays, activating spiritual artifacts, and even controlling constructed puppets or devices. In short, these stones are indispensable in the immortal world—not only do they serve as a medium for cultivation and refinement, but they have also become the common currency by which transactions occur. The common metals of the mortal realm, such as gold or silver, simply mean nothing here.
Lin Da Qiao explained that spirit veins could be further subdivided by the quality of spiritual stones they produce. Apart from being classified by their elemental attribute—such as fire or water—they are also grouped into low, medium, and high-level veins depending on the quality of the qi within. In a given vein, the spiritual stones will generally be of similar quality, though sometimes the very core of the vein will yield stones of exceptional quality. Generally speaking, a living spirit vein is not harvested—who would want to break the source of such vital energy?
According to Lin Da Qiao, the very best spiritual stones he'd seen were several medium-level specimens safeguarded by some of his senior disciples. These were cherished like the most precious treasures. High-level stones, on the other hand, were typically reserved for masters at the Golden Core stage or the venerable elders. Exquisite spiritual stones are almost the stuff of legend; it was said that even the entire sect might not possess more than one or two of them.
Moving on, Lin Da Qiao demonstrated the role of spiritual stones in driving spiritual artifacts. With a tap of his hand on the storage pouch sitting on the table, a flash of radiant light revealed two items in midair: a delicate miniature sword and a small, boat-like object reminiscent of a skiff. Li Yan's eyes shone with interest—it was the third time he had seen something unfurl from that mysterious pouch, and his curiosity soared. He silently promised himself that he would soon pry into the pouch's secrets.
"Little junior, look here," Lin Da Qiao said, "these two items are spiritual artifacts crafted by our sect's artifact masters…" He went on to explain that the Wangliang Sect's Old Lord Peak not only produces alchemical medicines but also boasts a cadre of artifact and talisman masters. Every sect of at least second-tier status possesses such specialists, though the Four Great Sects have a veritable army of the very best on the continent.
Unlike mortal weapons, cultivators require instruments capable of channeling various types of spiritual qi. Even the most powerful mortal arms would shatter like glass or crumble to dust once infused with spiritual energy. Artifact masters are special cultivators who transform rare celestial materials into tools designed for the immortal world. Their creations are categorized into various tiers—from spiritual artifacts and spirit treasures, to talismans, magical treasures, and even immortal artifacts or sacred relics. For a Nascent Qi disciple, owning even a single spiritual artifact is remarkably rare; many third-tier sects have none to spare. A spirit treasure is a step above, both in quality and in power, and is typically reserved for advanced Nascent Qi or early Foundation Establishment disciples. Talismans only come to the fore after Foundation Establishment, unleashing power strong enough to shake the heavens, while magical treasures are confined to those who have formed their Golden Core or have reached the status of Nascent Soul elders. As for immortal artifacts, Lin Da Qiao admitted he wasn't even sure if his sect possessed any—they belong only to legends, said to be capable of annihilating an entire world.
Just as with spiritual artifacts in general, these items vary in quality. The finest examples can unleash nearly their full potential—eighty to ninety percent, if not a full hundred—while inferior ones might only exhibit half or less of their intended might. With a subtle gesture, Lin Da Qiao pointed at the two items in midair. Instantly, the miniature sword elongated to a length of seven or eight zhang, and the small boat swelled to two or three zhang, nearly filling the living room. With a swift, precise motion of his hand, he restored them to their original size and allowed them to settle onto the table. Li Yan found himself utterly mesmerized.
The explanation continued: Li Yan's possession of this modest sword was because he had only just reached the second layer of the Nascent Qi stage, meaning he was only just beginning to practice with spiritual artifacts. Unlike other new disciples—who, upon entry, had already reached at least the fifth layer and had their artifacts pre-assigned—his mentor could do nothing more than provide him with a standard-issue item. Should he wish to upgrade later, he would have to acquire a superior one on his own. Similarly, the small boat was intended for use in flight. By infusing it with spiritual qi or charging it with a spiritual stone, it could soar at impressive speeds—capable of traveling several thousand li a day, provided one's spiritual reserves and stone supply were adequate. Of course, as some cultivators reach Foundation Establishment, they prefer to fly under their own power, which can be even faster—unless, of course, one possesses superior flying artifacts or talismans.
Lin Da Qiao then pointed to the dark-green long robe Li Yan was wearing and the boots on his feet. "These," he explained, "are also spiritual artifacts—of a lower grade, of course. The robe offers a modest form of protection, while the boots serve to enhance your agility during battle. They are considered low-cost artifacts. Moreover, each peak's disciples have specific insignias embroidered on the cuffs of their clothing. You are free to wear these or any other garments you prefer, but most disciples choose the standard uniform. With so many disciples spread across the five peaks, it becomes difficult to tell who belongs where if everyone is dressed differently. That is why, for day-to-day life, almost everyone adopts the standard attire. However, when the sect faces important matters, it is mandatory to wear this uniform so that management and coordination can be carried out smoothly."
Only then did Li Yan finally notice that the insignia on his own garment's cuff was a small golden bamboo—an unmistakable symbol of Little Bamboo Peak.
The lecture wasn't finished yet. His Seventh Senior Brother then tapped once more on the storage pouch, and as brilliant light flashed, three sheets of talisman paper appeared on the table. Lin Da Qiao began to expound on their importance. He explained that each talisman paper, once used, would lose a part of its innate potency. These papers could serve both offensive and defensive purposes—they might be used to attack foes, to create protective barriers, or even to cast spells that summon a light rain or gentle snowfall. The talisman papers themselves were classified into various types: spiritual talismans, magical talismans, talisman treasures, immortal talismans, and sacred talismans.
While cultivators could obviously channel pure spiritual qi to attack or form a protective shield, doing so consumed a great deal of energy. In contrast, talisman papers rely solely on their inherent potency for power. They are categorized broadly into two types. The attacking talismans—such as "Fire Bomb Talisman," "Wooden Thorn Talisman," "Water Arrow Talisman," "Wind Blade Talisman," and the like—require only a small infusion of spiritual qi to activate. This means that even a disciple at the Nascent Qi stage may be able to unleash power comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment or even Golden Core cultivator, albeit depending on the talisman's grade. Such feats are beyond what many immortal techniques can achieve, as those techniques demand commensurate levels of cultivation.
By far, however, the rarest and most treasured among them are the defensive talisman papers. These are life-preservers—the kind for which there is a price but no open market. For instance, the three defensive talisman papers distributed to new disciples in the Wangliang Sect are a rarity, a privilege that lower-tier sects could scarcely dream of offering. They represent the pinnacle of the major sect's commitment to safeguarding its disciples when they venture out into the world. Each talisman paper is meticulously crafted from an assortment of extremely rare and precious cultivation materials. According to Lin Da Qiao, the "Fire Iron Wall Talisman" is considered one of the top-tier spiritual talismans—capable, at its utmost strength, of withstanding a full-force assault from an early Foundation Establishment cultivator. Such protection is invaluable, and it stands as a testament to the sect's formidable resources.
After covering these fundamental topics, Lin Da Qiao took a brief pause. Noting Li Yan's earnest expression and the way he absorbed each detail as if it were gospel, Lin Da Qiao felt a great sense of satisfaction—as if he had finally discovered his true calling as a mentor.
This detailed lesson, filled with discussions on cultivation levels, hierarchy and etiquette, as well as the indispensable roles of spiritual stones and talisman papers, left Li Yan both enlightened and reflective. In that moment, he fully realized that every small action he had taken earlier—his impulsive curiosity at the main hall—was nothing compared to the vast, complex world he was now beginning to understand. Despite his youthful inexperience, every word spoken by his Seventh Senior Brother was like a key unlocking a world of ancient secrets, hidden techniques, and a complex social order governed by power rather than age.
Li Yan could only marvel at the depth of knowledge contained within these seemingly ordinary objects: a few small stones that were, in fact, conduits for immense power; a storage pouch capable of manifesting intricate artifacts; and even the simple uniform he wore, which marked his loyalty to Little Bamboo Peak. All these elements—the spiritual stones, the meticulously graded talisman papers, and the nuanced distinctions in cultivation ranks—formed an interconnected web of magic, strategy, and tradition.
As Lin Da Qiao continued to explain more details about the fundamentals of the immortal world, Li Yan's heart pounded with both excitement and trepidation. The vast, mysterious world of cultivation, with all its unfathomable rules and hidden techniques, stretched out before him like a challenging path. Yet, deep inside, Li Yan resolved that even if his cunning might not fool centuries-old masters, he would work tirelessly to master these arcane arts and, perhaps someday, forge his own path in this extraordinary realm.