Journey Towards Dao

“Explain to me every action you took during your cultivation and how exactly you reached the 2nd Stage of Qi Refinement.”

Despite his father’s usual expressionless face, Auslen could sense the stark seriousness in his tone. He immediately began to recount his actions during the past two hours.

“... and after drinking the first droplet of Elixir, I was able to extract the entire Profound Qi strand —”

“Stop. You managed to extract a complete strand of Profound Qi from a singular droplet of Elixir?”

Auslen paused before nodding his head solemnly.

“Yes, Father. Did I mess something up?”

Cedrick fell silent as he stared at Auslen incredulously. His voice carried vestiges of disbelief as he spoke once more.

“It’s not that you did anything wrong, Auslen.”

He breathed deeply to calm himself before looking at Auslen in apparent reevaluation.

“In truth, even 100 points of Soul Force is theoretically enough to extract a complete strand of Profound Qi from a singular droplet of Qi Refinement Elixir.

“However, just because a practitioner has over 100 points of Soul Force doesn't mean that they can utilize the entirety of that Soul Force in an efficient manner. As a matter of fact, most cannot!

“It takes sufficiently powerful Willpower to completely and efficiently mobilize Soul Force, and that Willpower requirement only increases as the Soul Force grows stronger.

"Willpower is a form of mental strength that requires years of experience and self-understanding in order to increase!

“The fact that you could extract an entire strand of Profound Qi from the Elixir droplet implies that your Willpower is incredibly powerful.

“However, you're only 6-years-old!

“It's simply incomprehensible, even more so than your frighteningly powerful Soul Force.”

After Cedrick’s atypically intense exclamations, the room fell into harsh silence.

Hearing his father’s words, Auslen internally sighed.

Of course Auslen knew why his Willpower didn't match up with his young age, but he refused to disclose this secret to anyone, not even to his parents in this life.

He didn't reveal his thoughts on his face, forcing his expression to maintain its cute and naïve appearance.

Cedrick’s eyes turned somewhat downcast as he thought silently, ‘With such Soul Force and Willpower, Auslen is nearly fated to walk that Path.’

After the moment of silence passed, Cedrick spoke up, “We'll return to the topic of your Willpower later. Tell me what you experienced after advancing to the 1st Stage of Qi Refinement.”

Thankful for the topic change, Auslen hurriedly explained, “After advancing, I could feel my body growing stronger! But, after a little while, It just stopped. And I saw from the clock that I still had a couple more hours of free-time, so I kept—”

Cedrick interrupted, “Did you not feel any distracting sensations during your advancement to the 1st Stage?”

“No. I felt really good! I only realized that something was wrong once I reached the 2nd Stage and felt really hungry!”

Cedrick was silent. He examined Auslen in uncertainty before picking up Auslen’s right wrist.

After sensing the relatively normal situation within his body, Cedrick then lifted the small wrist to his nose and gave it a light sniff.

As he caught a faint, yet unmistakably sweet fragrance, Cedrick couldn’t help but be somewhat astonished.

He spoke absentmindedly, “Body-Nourishing Elixir?”

Auslen's eyebrow raised slightly as he asked, “What’s Body-Nourishing Elixir, Father?”

Now that he had successfully pacified his confusion, Cedrick let go of Auslen’s wrist while answering his question.

“Body-Nourishing Elixir is another type of Elixir, specifically produced to nourish and protect the body.

“When particularly powerful cultivators have children, their children will almost always have abnormally strong Soul Force in comparison to ordinary humans. However, too strong of Soul Force will inevitably produce massive amounts of strain on the body, leading to weakness and even premature death.

“For this reason, such cultivators will soak their newborns in Body-Nourishing Elixir to protect their bodies until they are strong enough to bear the load of their abundant Soul Force.

“It seems the Body-Nourishing Elixir that remained inside your body is the reason why you could so easily complete the advancement to the first stage of Qi Refinement without experiencing the normal bouts of hunger.”

Auslen nodded before asking in confusion, “But Father, if that’s true, why were you so surprised earlier? And why didn’t you let me know cultivation was going to make me so hungry?”

Cedrick sighed with unspoken despondency before answering one of Auslen's questions. “When most children absorb Body-Nourishing Elixir, the amount that is left within their bodies is typically enough to last for one year, at most.

"However, your body absorbed far more Body-Nourishing Elixir than normal to account for the overwhelming Soul Force straining your infantile body. It seems that more Body-Nourishing Elixir was hidden within you than I had expected.

“For that reason, I didn't account for the remaining Body-Nourishing Elixir in your body assisting you in completing your first advancement.”

Auslen asked in childish confusion, “But if it’s so good, why don’t we just drink this Body-Nourishing Elixir after cultivating to stop us from getting so hungry?”

Cedrick’s eyelids twitched as he spoke, “Body-Nourishing Liquid isn't easy to obtain, Auslen. It's only created in very small quantities from an exceedingly rare Spirit Plant. There is only one of such Spirit Plant in the entire Empire! Cultivators have to apply to the Imperial Family just for the minute chance of obtaining a very limited amount.”

Then, Cedrick’s eyes grew several degrees more serious.

“Now, the reason as to why I didn't warn you about the symptoms of intense hunger that follow successful advancement is to teach you first-hand an exceedingly important lesson.”

Seeing his Father’s sudden seriousness, Auslen straightened his back as he focused his attention completely on his incoming lecture.

“No matter where or who you receive it from, you should never practice any Cultivation Method or Martial Technique lightly! Methods and Techniques are created by humans, and humans are not perfect.

“Due to imperfections in their creation, most of the Methods and Techniques that are easily obtainable often inflict varying degrees of damaging side-effects onto the cultivator. That's why you must be incredibly diligent when making a decision to practice anything given to you by someone else, outsider and family member alike!”

Auslen felt the gravity of the situation and nodded his head solemnly. He indeed was somewhat too hasty, believing that anything his parents gave him was good for him.

However, he knew it wasn’t too serious, as his brother Aiden had been practicing the very same Qi Refinement Method as him.

Cedrick continued, “Of course, you don't truly have to worry about your Qi Refinement Method, as every practitioner cultivates the same Method within this realm. The hunger you experienced is not a side-effect of the Method, but a byproduct of cultivation itself."

Auslen's expression betrayed his confusion, forcing Cedrick to continue his explanation.

“Auslen, Profound Qi does not have the ability to energize and nourish the body, despite what you think you felt. It only has two functions: to stimulate the body while circulating within the meridians and to transform the body during advancement of cultivation.

“Once the transformation's finished, the body is restructured on the micro-scale, allowing the body to contain much more space which increases its maximum energy capacity. However, that newly empty space now has to be filled with something else.

“Technically, you've already completed your advancement to the 2nd Stage of Qi Refinement. However, it can be said that your body is now in an extremely malnourished state, which food consumption will help replenish. This will continue to occur after each successful advancement in cultivation.”

Auslen nodded as he understood. However, he didn't feel too comfortable with the fact that he would have to continue experiencing that disturbing sense of starvation throughout his cultivation journey.

Cedrick continued, "It isn’t until you have built your foundation that you'll have to consider what Method you will practice for the rest of your cultivation journey. That brings us back to our earlier topic.”

Cedrick sighed once more, and Auslen couldn’t help but see faint sadness swirling within his golden eyes.

After a moment of contemplation, Cedrick said, “Have you happened to read about Dao Paths during your trips to the Royal Library?”

Auslen’s thought silently before he nodded: “I read a bit, but none of it made much sense to me. I know that it’s very important after the Foundation Establishment Realm, but I don’t know about the other stuff. I am not even sure what ‘Dao’ is.”

Cedrick nodded and elaborated, “Unfortunately, even I cannot tell you for certain what the Dao truly is, and neither can any other cultivator on this planet. However, I can comfortably speak to the Dao Path. I will explain only the basics to keep you from becoming too confused.”

Auslen nodded and smiled to indicate he was listening.

Cedrick explained, “A Dao Path, on the most basic level, is an amalgamation of the entirety of a cultivator’s life experiences condensed into a singular, quantifiable form. They are created to allow the cultivator to connect to the endless Dao, enabling cultivation past the Foundation Establishment realm.

“Dao Paths can be divided into Inferior Dao Paths and Grand Dao Paths. The grade of Dao Path a cultivator can obtain depends on three factors.

“The first factor is Soul Force, the second is Willpower, and the last is the Cultivation Method.”

Auslen was listening silently as he finally gained a better grasp on the concept of Dao Paths. He somewhat understood why his father brought up the subject at this point.

He asked, “So, the Cultivation Method that I'll use to break through to Foundation Establishment will affect my Dao Path?”

“Yes. The Dao Path is not just an abstract concept, but a very real phenomenon. It requires both a strong body and soul to withstand.

“I won't explain too much for now, however, I'll inform you that your aptitude is frankly exceptional. I'm not quite sure how your Willpower can grow so strong so quickly, but your talent ensures that you'll walk an excellent Dao Path, perhaps far stronger than even the Grand Dao Path, of which your mother and I traverse.”

Auslen was confused once again.

“Is there another Dao Path above the Grand Dao Path?”

Cedrick nodded, “Very few cultivators are aware of it, but yes. Above the Grand Dao Path exists the Heavenly Dao Path.”

Surprised, Auslen asked, “Why don’t people know about it?”

And why are you so certain that I can condense such a mysterious Path?

Fortunately, Cedrick answered both of his questions.

“Heavenly Dao Paths are unheard of because no cultivator has successfully condensed such a Path within the last twenty thousand years, at the very least! The prerequisites are far too strenuous for any cultivator to meet.

“According to some ancient records, even 200 Soul Force points may not be enough. In addition, their Willpower has to be strong enough to bend every single unit of Soul Force to form that Dao Path.

“Finally, they must successfully cultivate a Heaven Tier Cultivation Method. Otherwise, they would be unable to strengthen their body to the point of withstanding the Dao Path, causing the Dao Path condensation to fail.”

Auslen had learned yet another new term.

He asked, “Heaven Tier Cultivation Method? How many tiers are there?”

“Both Cultivation Methods and Martial Techniques share the same Tier classification system. From the most basic to the most complex, the order is as follows: Yellow Tier, Black Tier, Earth Tier, and Heaven Tier.

“Both your mother and I have access to Methods and Techniques up to the Earth Tier.

“However, in order for you to have a chance to successfully condense a Heavenly Dao Path, you must practice a Heaven Tier Cultivation Method.”

Vaguely understanding what his father was building up to, Auslen asked childishly, “If I can’t access it, how do I cultivate it?”

The hint of sadness in Cedrick’s eyes grew deeper, causing Auslen to feel somewhat anxious.

“Do you desire to walk a Heavenly Dao Path, Auslen.”

Auslen couldn't understand why his father would ask him such a question. Who in their right mind wouldn’t desire to practice the most powerful of methods and wish to walk the rarest of Paths?

Auslen asked hesitantly, “Do you not wish for me to cultivate a Heaven Tier Method, Father?”

Cedrick shook his head and said softly, “It’s not that I don't desire for the best for you, Auslen. However, the most talented of cultivators often attract the most harmful of dangers.”

Auslen waited for him to continue, but seeing as he had no interest in elaborating on this purported danger at the moment, Auslen had no choice but to ask another question.

“Is this kind of like what you asked me in the Talent Evaluation Chamber?”

Cedrick sighed and simply said, “Yes.”

Auslen nodded to himself and said, “Then I'll stand by what I said then. I wish to cultivate a Heaven Tier Method! I want to walk a Heavenly Dao Path!”

Suddenly, the air in the room changed.

For the second time in Auslen’s life, he witnessed his father’s blank expression collapse and transform into a beautiful smile. However, Auslen could not locate any happiness within.

Only pity.

Cedrick spoke once more.

“In order to obtain a suitable Heaven Tier Method for yourself, you'll need to leave the Royal Palace later this year and travel to the Eastern Empyrean Continent to join the Five Profound Elements Sect.

“Their Sect Entrance Examination will take place in five months' time, and I'll send you there myself once the time arrives.”

Auslen’s spine trembled slightly from astonishment. He couldn’t believe he was being told he had to leave the Royal Palace so soon!

Cedrick continued speaking, leaving Auslen no time to arrange his thoughts.

“Your cultivation will be suspended for now, as your body needs time to be completely nourished. You also need to properly adjust to your increased strength.

“You're allowed to rest for the remainder of the day. However, beginning tomorrow, you shall begin your Martial Technique training.”

Cedrick erased his smile from his face and turned his black-robed back towards Auslen. His figure vanishing from Auslen’s sight in an instant.

Auslen’s emotions roiled tumultuously, faint nausea rising up as those emotions settled violently in the pit his stomach.

The one and only time Auslen had stepped foot outside, he had been hunted down by a Demon, surrounded by blood and death as he had to watch his brother’s retainers eaten in front of him.

Now, he was being told that he had to leave the fucking continent for an extended period of time, far away from the safety of the Royal Palace!

Auslen very much wanted to find his father and retract his previous unqualified statement.

However, before he took a step towards the closed door, he forcefully held himself back and closed his eyes tightly.

Breathing deeply, Auslen gradually regained his calm as he lightly rubbed the green ring on his finger, reminding himself that his soul was sufficiently hidden.

At the very least, it should be impossible for a random Medial Demon to notice his unnatural Soul Force.

After a few moments of rumination, the rising nausea slowly faded as he opened his eyes, golden pupils shining slightly in determination.

Auslen knew that he would not be satisfied with himself if he wasted his advantages and stifled his own future for the sake of short term safety. He could handle the possibility of danger, but he couldn't tolerate self-inflicted regret!

If I can only obtain a Heaven Tier Cultivation Method from this Five Profound Elements Sect, then that is where I shall go. Otherwise, I'll regret it for the rest of my life!

After Auslen’s thoughts were in order, he forced himself to reveal a relaxed smile before walking through the door, roaming through hallways until he eventually exited his palace.

He began walking through his personal garden at a leisurely pace, passing by many colorful flowers and beautiful trees.

Walking along the stone path, Auslen stopped in front of his large Peach Blossom Tree, from which flower petals were raining down constantly in the cool spring wind.

Glancing down at his beautiful wooden recliner, which Vincent thoughtfully had placed underneath the shade of the tree, he sat down on it with a small sigh.

He laid down and closed his eyes in fatigue, peach blossoms falling gently onto his scattered red robes and half-loose golden hair.