The Path of Cultivation

The martial arts school Kai was heading to look pretty darn impressive - it was huge and had lots of different buildings for classrooms, practice areas, and a courtyard that could fit an army in it.

The place was packed with people too - about 100 students milling around in total excitement.

As Kai walked towards the entrance he saw everyone else seemed just as eager as him to learn new skills from their teachers.

His pals Leon, Aoi, and Ethan joined him in this world of martial arts with mixed feelings: thrilled yet anxious.

Master Liang, a seasoned martial artist with a kind demeanor, appeared at the entrance and introduced himself to the students. He began by explaining the changes that occurred in the world and the opportunities and dangers that came with them.

"The world has changed, my dear students. The plants and animals have mutated, and they possess a higher level of intelligence and consciousness.

As a result, we must be cautious and vigilant. However, we have been blessed with spiritual energy, which can help us in our cultivation and improve our abilities.

In this class, I will be introducing you to the path of spiritual cultivation that can turn your dreams into reality."

Master Liang explained how martial artists were divided into seven ranks with levels of Lower, Middle, Upper, and Peak respectively.

He also discussed the various benefits of each rank and the challenges that lay ahead for those who wished to progress.

"Now, I will teach you how to gather spiritual energy and reach the Novice rank," Master Liang said. He showed the class ways to gather spiritual energy, and the students began to practice.

As Master Liang roamed the class to check if anyone was having any trouble with circulation, he was surprised to see Kai and his friends gathering spiritual energy more easily and quickly than others. Master Liang asked Kai how he was able to gather and circulate spiritual energy so easily.

"I'm not sure, Master Liang," Kai replied. "I just feel like I can do it."

Master Liang thought to himself that Kai had great potential and continued to roam the class. Meanwhile, Kai thought of the skill he had chosen yesterday when preparing for school, called "Spiritual Absorption"

He opened his skill window and read the description of the skill:

"Spiritual Sensing: It develops the ability to sense and perceive spiritual energy in his surroundings. This allows him to detect the presence of other cultivators, spiritual beasts, or sources of potent spiritual energy.

Enhanced Spiritual Energy: He would be able to absorb spiritual energy from his environment, increasing the amount of spiritual energy within his own body."

After around 15 minutes, Master Liang ended the circulation of the whole class and ended the classes there. He gave them the assignment to keep practicing at home so they could reach the Novice rank.

As Kai finished gathering spiritual energy, the system appeared and congratulated him.

"Host, you have finished your first circulation and gathering of spiritual energy. You have increased your spiritual energy stat and also gained some experience. When the experience bar is full, you will reach Novice rank."

Kai opened his attribute window and saw that his spiritual energy stat had increased by 2 points, and he had gained 20 experience points.

[Attribute Window]

Name: Kai

Age: 17

Rank: None

Level: 0

Experience: 20/100

Strength: 12

Defense: 9

Agility: 11

Intelligence: 11

Endurance: 10

Spirit: 8

Luck: 13

Charm: 14

Vitality: 10

Spiritual Energy: 12

Unused Stat Points: 15

Excited by his progress, Kai realized that if he continued to work hard and diligently, he would soon reach the Novice rank.

With the class coming to a close, the students exited the room, their hearts brimming with unwavering determination and eager anticipation.

The path of cultivation stretched out before them, a boundless realm of possibility and self-discovery.

They yearned to traverse this journey, immersing themselves in the ancient art of martial prowess, refining their skills, and ascending to unparalleled heights of strength and enlightenment.