The massive library door glided shut behind Shi Yao with a soft, almost sighing sound, sealing him within a realm of hushed reverence. Flickering fire lanterns, casting long, dancing shadows that painted the towering shelves in hues of amber and deep umber, illuminated the vast space. Row upon row of massive shelves, laden with books bound in cracked leather and faded cloth, stretched horizontally as far as the eye could see, their silent ranks hinting at the untold stories and forgotten histories held within.
"I need to find a technique that can let me refine impure qi," Shi Yao muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper in the echoing silence. His footsteps echoed softly through the profound stillness, the soft thud of his boots against the stone floor seeming almost sacrilegious in this quiet sanctuary of knowledge. He kept walking forward, his gaze sweeping across the countless spines of the books. So much knowledge… it's almost overwhelming. But seeing how big this library is, he thought, a slight frown creasing his brow, this is probably going to take a long, long time.
As Shi Yao continued his exploration, the titles on the shelves blurred into a seemingly endless stream of forgotten lore. He passed sections dedicated to light movement skills, their descriptions promising agility and speed, and strength-enhancing arts, their covers depicting formidable warriors. Yet, his initial goal remained elusive.
Deeper within the labyrinthine rows, he stumbled upon a section marked simply "History." Here, shelves overflowed, filled to the very brim with volumes containing the accumulated knowledge of this world's past. Shi Yao ran his fingers along the spines, his eyes scanning for anything that might offer a general overview.
His gaze then fell upon a book bound in a rich, deep blue leather. Prominently engraved in elegant script on its cover were the words "Southern Continent."
"I originally came here searching for a technique to refine my qi," Shi Yao murmured to himself, carefully pulling the blue book from the shelf. "But knowledge about this world is more crucial. I should take this opportunity and find out more about the continent I'm currently in."
Shi Yao's eyes scanned the ancient text, his finger tracing the faded characters that spoke of the Southern Continent's past. He finally reached a passage detailing the rise of the major powers. The founding of the Yunwei Dynasty was marked with a date equivalent to Earth's 600-700 AD, a period that echoed the tumultuous eras of the late Roman Empire and the early Tang Dynasty in his memory. The Xuanlan Empire's emergence followed shortly after, within the same century.
He continued to read, confirming the current year as 1412 in this world's calendar. So, he thought, a mental calculation running through his mind. That means these kingdoms have been around for roughly 700-800 years. That's… a long time. Longer than most empires lasted back on Earth. He paused, considering the implications. The Ming Dynasty started around 1368… so this world is a bit ahead in terms of years since those formations, but the initial rise was around a similar timeframe to some major historical periods I remember. Interesting.
He wondered if the length of their histories contributed to the deep-seated animosity he had read about earlier. Seven or eight centuries of potential conflict and unresolved grievances could certainly fuel such a long-standing hatred between the Yunwei Dynasty, ruled by King Yunzhen, and the Xuanlan Empire, led by King Wujian, two equally powerful forces whose current relationship remained fiercely heated, though the historical reasons for their animosity were conspicuously absent from the text.
Shi Yao carefully placed the blue book detailing the history of the Southern Continent back onto its designated shelf. He took a moment, his gaze sweeping across the seemingly endless rows of other volumes, a sense of wonder and the weight of so much unknown knowledge settling upon him.
He moved further along the shelves, his fingers lightly trailing across the spines of countless books, their titles hinting at forgotten eras and powerful techniques. Then, his fingers brushed against a book with a cover of deep, earthy brown. The title, embossed in shimmering gold lettering, read simply: "The 6 Continents."
Curiosity piqued, Shi Yao carefully pulled the book from the shelf. It felt heavier than it looked, the pages thick and slightly yellowed with age. He found his way back to the quiet corner table and settled down once more, the firelight casting warm, dancing shadows on the open pages.
The book began with a general overview of the world's geography, depicting a vast expanse divided into six major landmasses. Shi Yao's eyes scanned the descriptions, absorbing the details of each continent.
* The Northern Continent: The text painted a picture of a land dominated by volcanic peaks that spewed smoke and ash into the sky, creating a perpetual twilight in some regions. Vast lava fields stretched for miles, interspersed with geothermal vents and fiery hot springs. It was a harsh environment, the book explained, but one that had given rise to powerful fire practitioners who could harness the raw energy of the land.
Shi Yao frowned slightly. A continent of fire… that must be quite a sight. And I can imagine the kind of intense cultivation possible in such an environment.
His gaze moved to the next description.
* The Western Continent: In stark contrast, the Western Continent was described as an immense, arid desert, its rolling dunes stretching endlessly under a scorching sun. Water was a precious commodity, and life was often a struggle. Yet, the harsh landscape had fostered resilience and a deep connection to the earth, making it a primary domain for earth-type cultivators. While kingdoms existed, they were scattered and often smaller due to the limited resources, resulting in the lowest population among all the continents.
A whole continent of desert… Shi Yao mused. It sounds unforgiving. I wonder how different their cultivation styles are, drawing power from the earth.
He continued reading.
* The Central Continent: The book's description of the Central Continent was filled with superlatives. It was depicted as a land blessed with abundant spiritual qi, its very air thick with potent energy. This had naturally attracted countless cultivators of all disciplines, making it the strongest continent, the heart of the cultivation world, and a place where masters of all elements could be found in abundance.
Shi Yao's breath hitched. The strongest continent… it sounds like the place where true power resides. I wonder if the Celestial Wind Sect has any connections there.
He turned the page, eager to learn more.
* The Eastern Continent: The description of the Eastern Continent took a darker turn. It was portrayed as a land shrouded in mists and secrets, known for its proliferation of poison cultivators and shadowy assassination sects. The volatile environment and the lack of strong central authority had made it a haven for criminals and those who preferred to operate outside the bounds of law.
A shiver ran down Shi Yao's spine. Poison cultivators and assassins… that sounds like a dangerous place. I should probably avoid traveling there anytime soon.
He read on.
* The Middle Continent: The book then described the Middle Continent as a vibrant hub of commerce and trade. Its fertile lands and strategic location had made it the wealthiest continent, filled with bustling markets, grand auction houses, and countless shops offering goods from all corners of the world. It boasted the highest population density among all the continents, a testament to its prosperity.
Shi Yao's eyes lit up slightly. A rich continent filled with markets… maybe if I ever find a way back home, I could find some useful resources or even information there.
Finally, he read about the last continent.
* The Southern Continent: The book confirmed what he had already learned – it was the continent he currently resided on, known for its diverse landscapes and the presence of both the Yunwei Dynasty and the Xuanlan Empire.
Shi Yao closed the book, his mind buzzing with the newfound knowledge. The world was so much larger and more varied than he had ever imagined. Each continent sounded distinct, with its own unique character and cultivation focus. This overview had painted a much richer picture of the world beyond the Southern Continent, giving him a better sense of the vastness and diversity of his new reality.
The next hour and a half melted away as Shi Yao, now seated comfortably on the cool stone floor, delved deeper into the history of this new world.
One book led to another, each filled with tales of ancient heroes, forgotten kingdoms, and pivotal events that shaped the current landscape. Volumes, their pages whispering with the echoes of the past, began to form a small mountain beside him – a testament to his voracious reading. He absorbed accounts of long-lost civilizations, the rise and fall of powerful dynasties, and the legendary feats of cultivators from ages past, his mind painting vivid pictures of a world both wondrous and fraught with conflict.
The sun had ascended to its zenith, a brilliant orb dominating the azure sky. Its light now poured down upon the world, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. Outside the library's stone walls, the midday sun blazed, casting sharp shadows across the fertile fields. Rays of sunlight slanted down, illuminating rows of young crops in a nearby farm, each tiny seedling reaching eagerly towards the life-giving warmth. The air outside would be alive with the buzz of insects and the gentle rustling of leaves, a stark contrast to the quiet stillness within the library's walls.
As Shi Yao placed the history book back amongst its brethren, his gaze drifted to a section specifically labeled "Cultivation Fundamentals." He reached out and selected a modestly sized volume entitled "Phases of Cultivating the Foundation." Opening it with a gentle rustle of aged paper, he began to read:
Phases of Cultivating the Foundation
The esteemed Foundation
Establishment stage, the bedrock upon which all further cultivation is built, is generally accepted to comprise three distinct major phases:
Stages One through Three: Bone Refinement. This initial period of Foundation Establishment centers on the meticulous and persistent refinement of the cultivator's skeletal structure. Through the deliberate absorption and circulation of spiritual qi drawn from the surrounding environment, the aspirant strengthens and tempers their bones, laying a vital groundwork for future advancements in power and endurance. The process involves guiding the flow of qi through specific meridians, allowing its essence to gradually permeate and fortify the very structure of their being.
Stages Four through Six: Internal Organ Refinement. Progression beyond the initial bone refinement phase requires a shift in focus towards the delicate internal organs. This crucial stage differs significantly from the former, as mere absorption of ambient spiritual energy proves insufficient. To effectively refine the organs and unlock the potential of these middle stages, a cultivator must utilize the potent energy contained within the Beast Core. These cores, harvested from creatures possessing spiritual energy, offer a concentrated form of power necessary for the intricate and demanding process of internal refinement.
Stages Seven through Nine: Meridian Refinement. The final major phase of Foundation Establishment involves the crucial task of refining the network of meridians that crisscross the cultivator's body. A normal individual possesses an intricate system of energy channels, and in these advanced stages, the focus shifts to expanding and strengthening these pathways, allowing for a smoother and more powerful flow of spiritual qi. This meticulous process enhances the cultivator's ability to channel and control energy, laying the groundwork for the more profound transformations of higher cultivation realms.
Shi Yao spent a little more time scanning the surrounding shelves, hoping to stumble upon another scroll or book that might shed light on the elusive beast cores, but his efforts proved fruitless. With a sigh, he concluded, "There's no other information about beast cores here. I'll just have to ask Master later."
Standing up, his joints popping slightly from sitting on the floor for so long, Shi Yao stretched his arms above his head, easing the stiffness in his back. He gathered the stack of history and cultivation books beside him and carefully returned each one to its rightful place on the towering shelves, ensuring they were neatly aligned with their neighbors. "Alright," he murmured to himself, brushing off his robes, "time to continue looking for what brought me here in the first place."
For the duration of an incense stick burning (roughly half an hour), Shi Yao diligently explored the various sections of the library. He moved with a renewed focus, his eyes scanning labels and titles, his steps carrying him through rows dedicated to elemental techniques, spiritual exercises, and various cultivation theories. Finally, after what felt like an extensive search, his gaze landed on a section with neatly lettered characters that read: "Qi Purification."
A wave of relief washed over him. "Finally found it," he muttered, a small smile gracing his lips. "That wasn't an easy search."
Shi Yao stepped into the "Qi Purification" section, his gaze sweeping across the shelves, but instead of the overflowing abundance he had seen in the history section, this area was noticeably less crowded. Only a handful of scrolls lay neatly arranged on the shelves. "Hmm," he mused aloud, a slight frown creasing his brow, "looks like qi purification techniques aren't all that common."
Undeterred, Shi Yao began to examine the scrolls. He picked up a thin, yellowed scroll titled "Gentle Flow Purification Method," quickly reading its description which spoke of a slow but safe way to gradually cleanse minor impurities over a long period. He then picked up another, heavier scroll labeled "Turbid Qi Dissipation," its contents detailing a more forceful technique that risked destabilizing the qi if not performed correctly.
As he continued his quick perusal, his fingers brushed against a scroll made of a smoother, almost silken material, tied with a simple jade clasp. The title, written in elegant, flowing script, caught his eye: "Qi Clarification Art."
Curiosity piqued, Shi Yao carefully untied the jade clasp and unrolled the scroll. The characters within were meticulously written, each stroke precise and deliberate. He held the scroll wide, his eyes scanning the introductory paragraphs, eager to understand more about this technique.
The text began: The Qi Clarification Art stands as a time-honored and reliable internal cultivation method specifically designed for the purification of impure or unstable qi. Such imbalances can arise from various factors, including the absorption of external energies that are not fully compatible with one's own, errors in qi absorption during early cultivation, or the lingering effects of premature breakthroughs. This technique, while not offering a rapid or forceful cleansing, prioritizes the gradual restoration of internal harmony. Its core principles emphasize the stabilization of the dantian, the thorough clarification of the meridians, and the cultivation of long-term internal balance, providing a solid foundation for future advancement.
Shi Yao nodded slowly as he finished reading the introduction. "Yeah, this seems like exactly what I need." He began to carefully roll the scroll back up, a sense of satisfaction settling within him. However, just as he secured the crimson tassel, a sudden, vibrant thrumming resonated deep within him. His Heavenly Devouring Pulse Art, usually a calm and steady presence, flared to life with an unexpected intensity.
A powerful tingling sensation coursed through his meridians, an almost eager pull emanating from somewhere nearby, as if his unique cultivation art was resonating with a potent, unseen force. It wasn't a hostile sensation, but rather an enhanced connection, a powerful call drawing his attention towards an unknown source.