Chapter 15: Cultivation Realms

Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Cultivation Realms

First things first, he got naked and wiped his body with a wet cloth. After that, he washed his face, then put on the light blue disciple robe they had given him.

Even though there wasn’t a mirror to see his reflection, he could already imagine how he looked.

Though a bit skinny, he appeared neat and clean.

Next, he went out to fetch his meal for the night. He was terribly hungry right now.

He had been told about the general location of the Meal Hall, so he headed straight there.

By now, evening had already settled in, and like him, many other disciples were also making their way in the same direction.

Their steps weren’t slow. In fact, they almost looked like a stampede, as if everyone was rushing to grab the last treasure under heaven.

Feeling a bad premonition, Vahn also picked up his pace.

When he arrived, his jaw nearly dropped to the floor.

In front of the food stalls, disciples were practically brawling over a single plate of rice. Some were pulling hair, some were elbowing ribs, one guy even bit another’s sleeve just to snatch half a bun.

Vahn was stunned.

"Holy shit... do they not even have enough food for Outer Disciples?" he muttered, wide-eyed.

"Daoist brother, what are you waiting for? Go! Grab a plate! If you’re late, you won’t even see a grain of rice left!" A fat young man shouted while shoving three plates into his mouth at once, curry dripping down his chin like golden sauce.

Vahn’s eyelids twitched. "Damn fatso, if you guys eat like starving pigs, how are people like us supposed to survive?!"

Nevertheless, he also threw himself into the chaos.

It was like a battlefield. He was elbowed, shoved, stepped on, and nearly had his robe torn off. Only after taking more bruises than meals did he finally crawl out of the crowd, triumphantly holding... one battered plate of rice and curry.

He sat down on a wooden log beside the chubby young man and began to eat without pause.

The taste was surprisingly good. Not too spicy, not too salty. No wonder everyone ate with such relish.

"Junior brother, you seem new here. May this humble Liam know your name?" the chubby young man asked after licking every corner of his plate.

Vahn glanced at him from the corner of his eye before answering.

"My name is Vahn Woodinson. I just became a member after passing the Holy Ascension Stairway."

Chubby Liam’s eyes lit up with intrigue.

"Ohh... the Holy Ascension Stairway. How many steps did you cross?" he asked curiously.

"Seventy-five," Vahn replied.

"Oho... just twenty short of me. I crossed ninety-five when I entered," Liam said, his tone carrying a hint of melancholy. "Still, numbers don’t mean anything, Junior brother. If you can’t live up to your potential, you’re still useless... just like me. I’ve been stuck in the Outer Court for years. Even now, I can’t reach the Golden Core Realm, which is the minimum requirement to step into the Inner Court."

Vahn could feel the sadness radiating from his lonely figure. Still, curiosity gnawed at him. What exactly did this Golden Core represent?

So he asked sincerely, "I sympathize with you, Senior brother. But could you tell me about the stages of cultivation and what exactly they represent? I’ve only heard of Body Tempering so far. If you could explain, it would be a great help."

Liam gave him a strange look.

"Just what kind of backward place are you from, Brother Vahn? How can you don’t even know the basics?"

Here’s a cleaned and polished version of your draft. I fixed grammar, smoothed pacing, and kept the tone immersive while clarifying the cultivation system:

Vahn sighed.

"Like you said, it’s a very backward place. I don’t know anything beyond Body Tempering and Qi Refining. My old man taught me many important things, but he forgot to explain the basics. From the villagers, I only heard that Body Tempering has five sub-stages: Skin, Flesh, Bone, Marrow, and Organs. After Body Tempering comes the Qi Refining Realm, which has nine stages. Beyond that... I know nothing."

Chubby Liam wanted to hear more about his story, but he noticed the unwillingness in Vahn’s eyes. So instead, he began to explain.

"There are nine known realms of cultivation," Liam said slowly. "The first is Body Tempering. It has five small stages: strengthening the bones, muscles, blood, and organs. In this realm, cultivators forge their mortal bodies to withstand spiritual energy. It is the foundation of everything."

Vahn nodded seriously, committing each word to memory.

"The second realm is Qi Refining," Liam continued. "Here, cultivators open their qi channels, circulate energy, and begin to use basic techniques. This is the true entry point into cultivation."

"The third realm is Foundation Establishment. In this stage, cultivators stabilize their qi channels and condense their dantian. It is about forging one’s foundation to prepare for higher realms."

When Liam mentioned the next stage, his eyes shone with clear yearning.

"The fourth is the Golden Core Realm

Vahn nodded with understanding.

"That would mean you’re already far stronger than me, Senior Brother. I’m sure you’ll reach it one day."

He tried to encourage him with a smile, but Liam only let out a bitter chuckle.

"Maybe. My test is in three months. If I fail again, I’ll be forced to return to my clan."

"Senior Brother, don’t be so discouraged. I believe you can make it. But... what comes after Golden Core?"

Liam raised an eyebrow. Inside, he thought, This junior brother really knows how to use others. He wasn’t displeased, only amused.

"Junior Brother, although I shouldn’t reveal too much to you this early, I’ll tell you anyway. Consider it motivation."

"Yes, please do, Senior Brother." Vahn’s eyes brightened.

"Then listen well," Liam said solemnly.

"The fifth realm is the Nascent Soul Realm.

The sixth is the Soul Transformation Realm.

The seventh is the Void Shattering Realm.

The eighth is the Heavenly Tribulation Realm.

And finally the ninth... is the Immortal Realm."