Night Discovery

Chapter 8: Night Discovery

The campfire flickered softly as the group settled in for the night. The excitement of the day's events had died down, replaced by a sense of weary relief. Li Wei watched the others from the edge of the firelight, listening to their quiet chatter and laughter. It was moments like these that he treasured, but they also reminded him of his weakness. He felt an urge, deep within his bones, to become stronger—to reach heights that he could only imagine.

As the fire died down and the others retreated to their tents, Li Wei quietly gathered his things and slipped away. The night was dark, with only the faint glow of the dying fire behind him. He moved silently through the trees, heading to a secluded spot he had found earlier. It was a small clearing, surrounded by ancient trees whose branches formed a natural canopy, shielding him from the night sky.

Once there, Li Wei sat cross-legged on the soft grass and closed his eyes, calling upon his Immortal Cultivation System. The familiar rush of energy filled his senses as the interface materialized in his mind, a translucent screen displaying his current stats and attributes. It was a comforting presence, like an old friend who held the key to his growth.

Li Wei's gaze swept over the interface, looking for anything new. His eyes widened when he saw a new section labeled "Immortal Stone." There were two glowing icons, each pulsing with a soft, ethereal light. He had never seen these before, and the system provided no explanation for their purpose. But he felt their power, a latent energy waiting to be unleashed.

The Immortal Stones intrigued him. They were unlike anything he had encountered, and their presence hinted at deeper mysteries within the system. He knew that understanding them could be the key to unlocking new levels of cultivation, but for now, they remained enigmatic.

Setting the Immortal Stones aside, Li Wei turned his attention to the Scroll of Nirvanic Rebirth, an ancient artifact stored within his dantian. He opened the scroll in his mind, and the words flowed across his consciousness like a river of light. The scroll contained detailed knowledge about the cultivation realms, each stage representing a step toward immortality.

The first stage, Qi Condensation, was where a cultivator learned to harness and control their internal energy. Li Wei had achieved this stage, but the scroll detailed various techniques to refine and stabilize the flow of Qi. He practiced these techniques, feeling the energy swirl within him, forming a harmonious pattern.

Next was the Foundation Establishment stage, where a cultivator solidified their connection to the natural world. It required deep understanding and focus, but it also opened new doors to power. Li Wei knew that reaching this stage would be a significant milestone, one that would increase his strength exponentially.

Beyond Foundation Establishment lay even higher realms, each more challenging than the last. Core Formation, where a cultivator formed the core of their power, and Nascent Soul, where the soul began to transcend the physical body. The final stage, Ascension, was the ultimate goal—a state of true immortality. When you reached the Ascension Stage, which is the final stage of cultivation, the scroll recorded that it was from there that one becomes a true cultivator and from there, the real journey begins. As he tried to gain information about the realms above Ascension stage, he couldn't as he was too weak to access it.

Li Wei felt the weight of the journey ahead, but he was undeterred. The Scroll of Nirvanic Rebirth was his guide, and the Immortal Cultivation System was his companion. With them, he believed he could navigate the complex path of cultivation and awaken the full potential of his Immortal Cultivation system.

He practiced in the glade for hours, the night air crisp and the forest alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Each movement was precise, each breath controlled, as he refined his techniques and explored the boundaries of his power. He focused on controlling his Qi, allowing it to flow freely without overwhelming him. 

As dawn approached, Li Wei felt a surge of energy, a sensation that the Immortal Stones were resonating with his progress. Though he didn't yet understand their full purpose, he knew they were important. They were a mystery that he was eager to unravel.

With the first light of morning peeking through the trees, Li Wei returned to camp, careful not to wake the others. He slipped back into his tent, his mind buzzing with the night's discoveries. The Immortal Stones were an unexpected gift, a source of power that held untold potential. He was determined to unlock their secrets and continue his journey toward immortality.

As he closed his eyes to rest, Li Wei felt a sense of calm. The road ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them. The Immortal Cultivation System was on his side, and with it, he would find the strength to become the dragon he was destined to be.