Cultivation Tiers and Descriptions (Incomplete)

Body Refinement

-Cleanses and tempers the body in Qi, which both strengthens it and prepares it for the higher stages of cultivation. The Starting point of all cultivators.

Qi Core

-Now that the body is adapted to Qi, one can form a special organ (Qi core). It houses Qi and provides a power source for Techniques and Abilities, the presence of a strong source of Qi further strengthens the body, and the body is able to be reinforced with Qi. Furthermore Qi can be used to restore fatigue and replenish vitality

Aperture Opening

-The cultivator opens their apertures (tiny, pore like openings on the body), this allows Qi to very quickly and efficiently enter and leave the body. There are Nine great apertures and 36 lesser apertures. Only these apertures can be opened at this stage. Most cultivators open around a third of their apertures before advancing to the next stage (3 Great, 12 lesser) Those who open the maximum amount have a reduced need to eat/drink, greater Qi absorption and regeneration rate as well as stronger body. Apertures left unopened in this stage can never be opened, unless forced open by a cultivator of godlike power or a great treasure/medicine

Xiantian

-Opening the apertures has allowed the cultivator to connect to the world, no longer needs to eat or drink, impervious to mortal poisons as well as ordinary fire and ice. Regular iron and steel weapons are unable to effectively hurt cultivators of this realm. Increased bodily strength, regeneration, and lifespan. 1st great divide and life elevation.

Spirit Refinement

-Following the elevation of ones life, the cultivator can access their own spiritual sea and temper their will. Greater will/spiritual power, and (in some rare cases) intelligence.

Soul-Body binding

-Optional (Must choose either this or Soul Manifestation)

-By refining their spirit, the cultivator has congealed their soul. The cultivator then uses their own soul to synchronize with their body.

-High synchronization rates allow much finer control over the body (absolutely crucial for body refiners), but also bind the soul to the body.

-Makes it much harder for the soul to live on after death, cultivator is harder to possess and is less able to possess others. Makes body refinement much easier

Soul Manifestation

-Optional (Must choose this or soul-body binding)

-By refining their spirit the cultivator had congealed their soul. The cultivator then supports their soul with Qi to make it lasting and strong in the physical world. High manifestation rates allow the soul to have a stronger presence in the world, but also make it more independent from the body.

-Cultivators body is weaker and more easily killed compared to counterparts, but soul can live on after death and even posses a new body. Makes body refinement much harder

Law Comprehension

-The cultivator begins to understand the basic laws, processes, and components that make up the world. Uses their enchanted soul to sense, understand, and even control the laws. Cultivators who took the path of Soul-Body synchronization imbue their bodies with the power of their laws, cultivators who took the path of Soul Manifestation manifest their laws as an external ability.

-The Heavenly Tribulation descends on those attempting to reach this state. There are different types of Tribulations.

-Cultivators with wills too weak are consumed by the laws they comprehend, and become comprehension remains.

-Lifespan increased, much greater bodily strength and vitality as well as greater control over the world. 2nd Great divide and life elevation.