The courtyard was still buzzing after Elder Xuan's lesson on the Paths. Disciples whispered among themselves — some already dreaming of becoming Alchemists, others Array Masters or Forgers.
Elder Xuan turned to leave when a young student suddenly raised his hand.
"Elder Xuan," he called nervously. "You said Alchemy requires one to refine herbs and control the essence of nature… but how can we know if we're suited for it? What do we need to begin on such a path?"
The elder paused. A faint smile appeared on his weathered face.
"A good question," he said, his voice echoing faintly through the courtyard. "To walk any path in cultivation, one must first understand the Elements — the very foundation upon which heaven and earth were built."
He flicked his sleeve, and the world around them dimmed. Qi gathered in the air as a vast circular diagram appeared above the disciples — a spinning wheel of light, divided into radiant segments.
"In this world," Elder Xuan began, "there exist Nine Fundamental Elements. They are the essence of creation, the forces that shape all life, all cultivation, and all Dao."
The Nine Elements of the Mortal Realm
The glowing wheel began to turn, each section pulsing with energy as he spoke. "The first five are what we call the Common Elements — they form the foundation of nature itself."
1. Water – Fluid, gentle, but boundless. Water cultivators are calm and adaptive, excelling in healing, illusions, and flow-based techniques.
2. Fire – Fierce, destructive, and pure. Fire cultivators burn brightest in battle and excel in alchemy, tempering through passion and will.
3. Earth – Steady, enduring, unyielding. Earth cultivators possess unmatched defense and fortitude, capable of shaping terrain and fortifying Qi.
4. Wind – Free, elusive, unpredictable. Wind cultivators master movement and speed, often feared assassins or messengers of the sky.
5. Metal – Sharp, precise, and absolute. Metal cultivators embody strength and clarity, forging indestructible bodies and weapons.
As the symbols glowed, threads of each element danced across the air, intertwining before the disciples' stunned eyes.
"Then," Elder Xuan continued, "there exist the Heavenly Elements — rarer, more profound, and feared by the heavens themselves."
6. Lightning – Swift and destructive. Those with lightning affinity embody judgment — their strikes pierce through all falsehood.
7. Time – Eternal yet fleeting. Few ever awaken this element. It grants glimpses into the flow of destiny, but meddling with it invites heavenly wrath.
8. Space – Infinite and boundless. Space cultivators can traverse realms, bend distance, or create voids that defy reality.
9. Chaos – The forbidden element. Said to predate all others, it holds creation and destruction in equal measure. None who possess it have lived ordinary lives.
The courtyard was silent. The wheel above shimmered with all nine colors before fading into nothingness. "Every cultivator," Elder Xuan said, "is born with affinity to one or more of these elements. Your affinity determines your potential — an alchemist with Fire or Wood affinity will excel, while one with Metal may struggle."
The same student who had spoken earlier raised his hand again. "Elder, what about those who have no affinity at all?"
The elder's expression grew solemn.
"Those without affinity walk the most difficult road. They must rely on comprehension alone to borrow the power of heaven and earth. Yet…" — his gaze shifted subtly toward Tian Shen — "it is not always a curse."
He turned back to the class.
"Some legends say there exists a tenth — a hidden element beyond the Nine. An element that transcends balance and breaks all order. But such things…" — he smiled faintly — "are myths best left to history."
The disciples bowed in respect, each one deep in thought. Some were eager to discover their elements. Others feared their potential might not match their dreams.
As they dispersed, Tian Shen lingered behind, staring at where the wheel had vanished. "Nine elements…" he murmured. "But what if the world forgot one?"
A faint pulse stirred deep within his dantian — chaotic, formless, and unlike anything he'd ever felt.
Unseen by all, a whisper echoed faintly in the wind. 'The chaos stirs once more…'