Zhang Shaozhong gradually adapted to the heightened senses. Although he would occasionally blush at the late-night chatter of the couple next door or feel dizzy from the reflection of distant billboards, it was no longer enough to disrupt his normal life.
He even began to enjoy the feeling of being a "human high-definition radar," especially when helping Ye Meier find her carelessly discarded earrings, which were particularly useful.
These physical changes also piqued his curiosity even more.
What am I doing? Have I embarked on the path of cultivation?
How did those two real big shots cultivate in their original worlds?
How were those supernatural powers of flying, escaping, moving mountains and overturning seas mastered?
That evening, after the live stream ended, Zhang Shaozhong brewed a pot of tea (as requested by Ling Qingxue), opened a dozen beers (as ordered by Ye Meier), and set out peanuts and melon seeds. Like a curious child, he formally extended an invitation to the two big shots for an "academic discussion."
"Two big shots!"
Zhang Shaozhong said sincerely, "Look, I guess I've... uh, half a foot in the door of cultivation? Although the method is a bit strange."
Could you tell me about proper cultivation in your area? For example, how are realms divided? What should one pay attention to? Let me broaden my horizons!
Ling Qingxue picked up her teacup and gently blew on it, the rising steam softening her cool and aloof expression.
She spoke first, her voice like a clear spring striking stone: "In our realm of cultivation, the most important are 'enlightenment' and 'qi refinement.' The Dao is the foundation, and qi is the vessel. Although the division of realms varies slightly among different schools, they can generally be divided into..."
Immortal Sect System:
Qi Refining Stage: "Sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, drawing qi into the body, tempering the meridians, and building the foundation for the Dao. This is the beginning of cultivation, and the key is to persevere and solidify the foundation."
Foundation Establishment Stage: "The Qi Sea takes shape, the True Essence liquefies, and lifespan greatly increases. One can begin to cast spells and fly by controlling objects."
Golden Core Stage: "True essence condenses into a pill, containing immense power, and divine sense can be projected outward, perceiving the surrounding area. Only at this stage can one be called a 'True Person'."
Nascent Soul Stage: "The golden elixir breaks free from its cocoon and transforms into a nascent soul, which is equivalent to a second life. One can begin to glimpse the laws of heaven and earth and possesses great supernatural powers."
Nascent Soul stage and above: "The Nascent Soul grows, resonates with heaven and earth, and even merges with the Dao and ascends... Such realms are profound and mysterious, and cannot be fully described in words."
Ling Qingxue emphasized: "The cultivation of immortality emphasizes gradual progress and following the natural order. One's temperament is especially important. One must avoid impatience and delusions, and maintain a cautious and diligent mindset. If inner demons arise, one is prone to going astray and falling into demonic possession, with no way out."
Zhang Shaozhong listened with great interest, nodding repeatedly: "I understand! Steady progress, focusing on cultivating the mind! Then... what about the demonic path?"
He looked at Ye Meier, who was happily cracking sunflower seeds.
Ye Meier spat out the sunflower seed shells and scoffed, "That pretentious nonsense from them is too long-winded! They haven't uttered a single word in hundreds of years! We, the demonic path, value doing whatever we please and being the only ones who matter!"
The Demonic Path System:
Condensation Stage: "Forget about spiritual energy, demonic energy, bad luck, and malevolent energy, as long as it's energy, I'll absorb it! I'll forcibly refine it with my own will and condense demonic essence! The process will be painful, but it'll be fast!"
Foundation Establishment Stage (referred to as Body Forging in Demonic Path): "Use demonic energy to frantically temper the physical body, making it as powerful as possible! Limb regeneration? A piece of cake! The key is to be tough and fierce enough!"
Core Formation Stage (Demon Core): "Demon essence condenses into a core? No, no, no, we call that a 'Demon Seed'! Planting the seed of one's own will, becoming even more domineering! Devour! Evolve!"
Nascent Soul Stage (Demon Infant): "A demonic seed hatches, giving birth to a demonic infant! Incomparably ferocious, with overwhelming combat power! One of them can easily take on two or three of their own level!"
Nascent Soul stage and above: "The demonic infant grows, transforming into countless forms, devouring heaven and earth! The ultimate goal is to become the sole 'Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Lord'!"
Ye Meier said smugly, "We demons are fast! We're strong! What inner demons? Inner demons are the nourishment for our growth! The crazier we are, the stronger we become! Of course, the downside is that we can easily lose control of ourselves, or get ganged up on and beaten to death, hahaha!"
Zhang Shaozhong was stunned.
Good heavens, these are two extremes! One is like a rigorous academic course at a regular university, and the other is like a self-taught extreme survival training camp.
Zhang Shaozhong tried to summarize: "So, you fairies absorb pure 'spiritual energy' and slowly refine it; while you elder sisters absorb all kinds of energy and forcibly transform it?"
Ling Qingxue immediately corrected: "No. Spiritual energy is the pure energy of the origin of heaven and earth. Demonic energy, evil energy, etc. are all transformed from turbid energy and malevolent energy. Although absorbing turbid energy may lead to rapid progress, it will make the foundation unstable, easily damage the foundation of the Dao, and cause endless trouble."
Ye Meier retorted, "What nonsense about pure and impure energy! Energy is energy! As long as it makes you stronger, it's good energy! You hypocritical immortals just don't dare to face the true nature of power!"
Zhang Shaozhong quickly tried to smooth things over: "Then... what about 'Tao' and 'mind'?"
Ling Qingxue: "The Tao follows nature, and one can see one's true nature by understanding one's own mind. Cultivation is the cultivation of the mind; when the mind is clear, the path to enlightenment is open."
Ye Meier: "The Dao? I am the Dao! Mindset? The mindset of the strong is the best mindset! Those who obey me prosper, those who defy me perish!"
Zhang Shaozhong then asked, "What's the difference between a 'Golden Core' and a 'Demon Seed'?"
Ling Qingxue: "The Golden Core is the ultimate condensation of true essence, perfectly harmonious and pure, containing the vitality and creation of life."
Night Enchantress: "The Demon Seed is the embodiment of my will, domineering and incomparable, capable of devouring everything! Their Golden Cores look like quail eggs, all show and no substance!"
...
An "academic exchange" about cultivation systems quickly turned into a fierce clash between the philosophies of immortals and demons.
Ling Qingxue quoted classical texts, her tone cold but unyielding; Ye Meier argued irrationally, her fallacies and heresies forming a unique school of thought.
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