Chapter 184: Dao Debate (2)

"You will come to understand all this information in due time. However, there's no harm in telling you now," the black-armored giant replied, his words measured. "Soul strength is classified into eight levels. From weak to strong: Yin Soul, Settled Soul, Conscious Soul, Soul Perception, Yang Soul, Soul Will, Yuan Soul, and Divided Soul!"

"Yin Soul refers to the soul level of ordinary individuals. At its apex, it can linger in the world after the body’s death. Some individuals, consumed by immense resentment, might transform into vengeful spirits if they perish during the utmost Yin hour, in extremely Yin locations. This is essentially caused by a Yin Soul which refuses to disperse!"

"The Settled Soul level can be achieved by most first-grade martial artists in the Middle Land. Those who reach this level are just barely able to perform Internal Vision," the black-armored giant continued.

"At the Conscious Soul level, one can perceive the inner workings of their organs and meridians with clarity. You can invoke fear in others with a mere glance. With the right techniques, you can even manipulate certain qi refining equipment. To become a qi refiner, you must reach the peak of the Conscious Soul level."

Understanding dawned on Wu Yuan. This Conscious Soul level probably referred to the ability to control objects via telekinesis, albeit to a small extent.

"You are currently at the Soul Perception level," the black-armored giant stated, his gaze fixed on Wu Yuan. "At this level, you possess the ability to multitask. Your Soul Force and soul sense are also greatly enhanced. Your comprehension of the profoundness of heaven and earth will also deepen. You can wield powerful weapons, and remotely control objects to eliminate enemies hundreds of meters away. Typically, only Golden Core qi refiners are able to reach this soul level."

Wu Yuan's eyes widened in surprise.

"But the speed at which the object moves is lacking. Even Savant experts could easily evade my attacks, let alone qi refiners," Wu Yuan confessed.

"Naive!" the black armored giant scoffed. "You truly believe that all qi refiners are foolish enough to manually control objects with their Soul Force alone? Such a method would consume an astronomical amount of energy," the giant shook his head disapprovingly. "By infusing essentia into spirit equipment or artifacts, then executing techniques, you can significantly amplify their power!"

"Even ordinary people know how to utilize equipment. Are you telling me you don’t? The soul serves as the foundation, just as the body needs to be tempered to develop strength. Do you enter a battle unarmed? You must forge weapons and armor and learn martial skills," he explained.

"Spirit equipment, artifacts, and techniques are all 'tools’. The stronger your soul and essentia, and the better the tools you wield, the more your strength can be magnified, perhaps ten times, or even 100 times." the black armored giant elucidated.

These words triggered a sudden realization in Wu Yuan.

He was right! Controlling an object to eliminate enemies was akin to felling a large tree. Attempting to do so with bare hands would require an immense amount of strength. However, if one wielded an axe, the required strength was reduced by more than tenfold. One’s soul strength was undeniably important, but techniques and spirit equipment were equally crucial. When combined, they allowed one to unleash formidable power.

"Above Soul Perception is Yang Soul. At this level, your telekinesis abilities are enhanced, and you can even project thoughts into the minds of weaker beings, invading their souls. However, it is important to note that invasion is the extent of your influence; you cannot replace them," the black-armored giant elaborated. "Those who reach this level are often referred to as Amethyst Cradle Reverands. In the Greenridge Macrocosm, they can rule over regions, and during the prime of the Summerpeak World, they were the top powerhouses."

Yang Soul? Amethyst Cradle Reverands? Wu Yuan listened intently, making mental notes of this newfound information.

"I have limited knowledge of the higher levels, such as Soul Will, Yuan Soul, Divided Soul, etc. They belong to the level of immortals and devils," the black armored giant solemnly declared.

"Do not aim too high. Your soul talent is remarkable, having reached the Soul Perception level even before becoming a qi refiner. However, soul progression is akin to cultivating martial arts. It advances rapidly at the initial stages, but reaching the Yang Soul stage may take countless years," the giant warned.

Wu Yuan nodded subtly, his thoughts swirling. Soul talent? Unbeknownst to others, the rapid growth of his soul was primarily attributed to his Visualization of the black pagoda.

“In macrocosms, talent is typically assessed based on various factors such as age, physical constitution, and lower and middle dantian lobes. The evaluation categorizes talent into three major classes: first-class, second-class, and third-class, each with three sub-classes: lower, average, upper, totaling nine talent grades.” The black armored giant explained.

“Your soul talent and qi refining talent are first-class, which is not bad. In the Greenridge Macrocosm, you stand a high chance of being recruited into large sects and families. Hehe, it's my good fortune that I was able to find you in the ruins of the Summerpeak World. Of course, it's also your good fortune that you entered the Fourth Eldritch Realm. It appears our meeting is fated,” the black armored giant stated.

Good fortune?

“Realm Master, is talent the only criteria evaluated? Are other aspects not assessed?” Wu Yuan asked.

The Cloudstride Sect considered talent, willpower, intellect, and many other factors when they recruited disciples.

“Other aspects?” The black armored giant chuckled. “Ordinary people would have to pass through multiple stages to even get a chance to meet me, and even then, I might not bestow them the cultivation inheritance. However, in your case, I’ve already assessed your practical martial skills via the redsoil assassins.”

“Considering the fact that you could reach this cultivation level at seventeen years old in the Summerpeak World, I imagine you must have practiced arduously. However, your talent is still the key factor. I’ve waited 100,000 years for someone like you to show up. Even if I wait another 100,000 years, there’s no guarantee that someone with greater talent will show up. Therefore, I see no need for additional tests.

"Diligence is important. But sometimes, hard work simply cannot match up to raw talent.” The armored giant said, “If one wants to become an Archeldritch or Archimmortal, one must possess a combination of talent, unwavering perseverance, luck, and many other virtues."

"All I ask of you is to attain the Shambhala phase. Even if you lack in other areas, your talent is sufficient to compensate for any shortcomings."

𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Wu Yuan was taken aback, yet he had to admit that the relative importance of hard work versus natural talent remained unclear. After all, those who truly stood at the pinnacle often possessed abundant talent, relentless diligence, and fortuitous encounters.

"Realm Master, you mentioned the Shambhala phase and the Golden Core phase. What are these phases?" asked Wu Yuan, his curiosity piqued.

"Ah, it seems your sect is rather average, given that they are unaware of this information. Over 100 qi refiners have emerged over the past few millennia in the Middle Land. Do you not have a single qi refiner in your sect?" the black-armored giant sounded a little surprised. "However, this only goes to prove your dedication and perseverance."

More than 100 qi refiners? Wu Yuan was astounded. In other words, since the Martial King divided the world into thirteen continents, over 100 individuals had entered the Heavenly Rankings?

"Heaven and earth is boundless, consisting of countless realms. Cultivation systems abound, including the Golden Core path, eldritch cultivation, eldritch body, demonic divine path, devil path, blood devil path, and countless others, each with their own intricacies and ever-changing nuances," explained the black armored giant. "However, stripping away all external differences and delving into the essence, there are only two fundamental types: qi refining and body refining."

Qi refining? Body refining?

"Those you refer to as first-grade martial artists have essentially reached the pinnacle of their body tempering phase," the black-armored giant elaborated. "At this stage, the lower dantian lobe becomes exceptionally robust. Then, if the spiritual qi and soul unite to open the qi sea dantian and unlock the middle dantian lobe, one can naturally generate high-grade energy refined from spiritual qi—essentia!"

"This phase is known as the Qi Sea phase. Reaching this phase signifies the initiation of qi refining, and earns one the title of qi refiner, what you might refer to as Heavenly Rankers."

Wu Yuan's eyes widened, comprehension dawning on him. Finally, the path of transcendence became clear. So Heavenly Rankers are basically qi refiners at the Qi Sea phase.

"At the Qi Sea phase, one has a lifespan of 500 years. The phase is divided into nine stages." stated the armored giant. "Qi Sea cultivators can soar through the skies, slay their enemies by controlling swords or artifacts, and manipulate spiritual qi to perform wondrous feats."

"Spirit equipment, what you call first-grade divine equipment, can only be properly wielded by those who have reached the Qi Sea phase. Typically, a qi refiner can effortlessly overpower an ordinary martial artist, be it in close combat or from a distance," the armored giant stated with a faint smile.

"However, nothing is absolute. Take you for example. When you reach your body’s human limit, defeating a qi refiner of higher phase is not an insurmountable challenge!" he chuckled.

Wu Yuan was taken aback. Defeat a Heavenly Ranker?

"It’s not abnormal. In terms of skill level, you are no weaker than them, both harnessing heaven and earth’s power," the black-armored giant said. "Regular first-grade martial artists would be killed in an instant, as their human limits are extremely weak due to their weakened bloodline.”

“But you, Wu Yuan, are different. You already possess a strength exceeding 200,000 catties. After undergoing Marrow Cleansing and Blood Transfusion, when your inner organs reach their limit, your attacks will hold unimaginable might."

"Essentia has its limits. Qi refiners at the Qi Sea phase, particularly those in the initial three stages, mostly fight in close combat. With essentia combined with their physical strength, they can only muster a force of about two million catties. By that time, your punch can also unleash millions of catties of force."

"Dispatching weaker qi refiners will not be a difficult task for you," the black-armored giant laughed. "And if they opt to control objects via telekinesis? Relying solely on the power of essentia, a spirit weapon can only travel a limited distance of several dozen zhangs from their body. With a single leap, you can cross 500 meters. Where can they hide? With strong vital qi strengthening your mind and command over spiritual qi, those weaker spirit weapons may not even be able to approach you."

"The only issue is that qi refiners can fly, evading your pursuit. But as long as you grow strong enough, a bow and arrow would suffice to dispatch those qi refiners who cannot dodge in time," the black armored giant uttered confidently.

He had encountered numerous qi refiners over countless years, and had a deep understanding of the Qi Sea phase.

Wu Yuan swiftly realized that this aligned with his previous conjectures. They appeared to be the same cultivation phase on the surface, yet different foundation levels could yield vastly different strengths.

"Of course, this pertains solely to dealing with weaker qi refiners. For those who have reached the fourth stage of the Qi Sea phase and beyond, their essentia is greatly augmented. You must exercise caution when dealing with them," the black-armored giant continued, "However, with your talent, once you reach your human limit, I predict you will soon become a genuine eldritch cultivator. At that juncture, it won’t be inconceivable for you to rival qi refiners at the ninth-stage Qi Sea phase."

As the black-armored giant chuckled, a deep and rumbling sound echoed through the air. "At least, for the Qi Sea cultivators hailing from the wild and untamed territories of the Middle Land, defeating them won't pose much of a challenge!"

Eldritch cultivator? Wu Yuan's excitement swelled within him. It was evident that the realm master possessed complete mastery over an entire eldritch cultivation system.

"Qi refining and body refining is, at its core, a philosophical debate of the Dao," the giant explained. [1]

"Qi refiners hold the belief that heaven and earth knows no bounds. They open their middle dantian lobes, drawing in the boundless spiritual qi of heaven and earth, and wield control over its power. With a mere thought, they can vanquish foes in worlds beyond, and with a single technique, they can obliterate an entire world. Eventually, they transcend their mortal forms, ascending to become beings who eternally dwell within the vast cosmos," the black-armored giant uttered softly.

"But the body refiners beg to differ. They hold the conviction that the physical body is unique in heaven and earth. The so-called limitations of the human body are nothing more than the restrictions imposed by the lower dantian lobe upon mortals. By merging soul and body, body refiners unlock a myriad of unimaginable powers within their physical forms. They care little for artifacts, as their bodies serve as their most formidable artifact," the giant said.

"They have little use for the arcane arts, because they can shatter all laws with a single punch!"

1. The various cultivation systems or paths can also be considered Daos. However, I would like to differentiate them from the Daos which refer to the workings and laws of heaven and earth, such as the elements. Hence, I will not refer to them as Daos, but they are still inherently part of the Dao as a whole. ☜