Chapter 8 - Inspiring Purpose

Xin Yang spent countless hours in the clan library, absorbing knowledge and understanding the intricacies of the cultivation world. Through the countless texts he read, he learned about the different types of techniques, ranging from auxiliary and battle styles, and divided into Earth, Sky, Spirit, and Heaven ranks. There was even mention of a higher rank, known as the Supreme Rank, but its existence was shrouded in mystery.

The ranking system also extended to weapons, with an additional classification of Soul Rank. These weapons were incredibly rare, and once bound with the cultivator's blood, they would grow stronger with their cultivation. Similarly, herbs followed the same ranking system as techniques.

The world of cultivation also had its own currency, known as Spirit Stones, which were mined from spirit veins. These stones were more valuable than the gold coins used by both mortals and cultivators, and their value was determined by their rank, Low, Mid and High, with high rank stones being more highly sought after obviously, because the Qi is purer and more concentrated.

Occupations in the cultivation world were diverse, with Alchemists creating pills, Blacksmiths crafting weapons, and Formation Masters constructing formations.

Physiques also played a crucial role in the cultivation world, but lacked a clear ranking system. Instead, every physique was unique and had its own strengths and weaknesses. There were also individuals born with exceptional gifts, known as special talent, like the legendary expert born with The Supreme Bone, granting him immense physical strength.

Finally, Xin Yang understood the meaning of "spark," which referred to the color of a cultivator's spiritual roots, determining their potential for absorbing and purifying Qi. The colors ranged from Green to Yellow, Red, and Orange, and could be influenced by special talent and physiques, with those with lower ranked spiritual roots facing greater difficulty in cultivating.

Spark means that there is a higher level of spiritual talent present in your roots. For example, Ye Meng had a yellow-graded spiritual root but with a faint spark of red, making him more talented than other yellow-graded cultivators.

After closing the ironically titled "Cultivation World for Dummies," Xin Yang stood up and approached Ye Meng. He told him that they had no techniques or resources and needed to find a way to acquire both. Xin Yang used his unique brainstorming technique but struggled to come up with a viable plan in their current world.

That's when he had a sudden idea. "Brother Ye, have you heard the saying 'revenge is a dish best served cold'?" he asked Ye Meng. When Ye Meng confirmed, Xin Yang revealed that he had a brilliant plan that would make them the richest cultivators. However, he wouldn't reveal the details yet as he was still figuring out the logistics. He did tell Ye Meng that they would need to find more people with special talents or physiques like his.

When Ye Meng asked why Xin Yang had read the books, despite them being about common sense, Xin Yang explained that he came from a faraway, undetectable island where his ancestors wanted to live a carefree life away from the cultivation world. He was talented and wanted to explore the cultivation world, so the patriarch of his clan gave him a Random Teleportation Talisman and sent him to the city.

With that explanation, Ye Meng and Xin Yang set off to the nearest city to search for special talents or physique holders. When they reached the city's gates, Xin Yang asked Ye Meng which direction they should go.

Indicating the direction to the east, Ye Meng stated, "The Red Gem City is approximately a three-day journey on foot from here."

With a fist in the air, Xin Yang declared, "Alright, let's go!" and began walking towards the east.

Unaware of the fact that he still had time left at his inn, the innkeeper recorded it as yet another tenant who had passed away.

…

As they journeyed on, a sly grin spread across Xin Yang's face. Something was brewing in his mind, something big. Ye Meng noticed this and looked at his friend quizzically, but before he could ask, Xin Yang spoke up.

"We have come a long way and accomplished so much, but there's still one thing that we need to do," Xin Yang said mysteriously. "I have a plan, but I need to think it through carefully."

"What plan?" Ye Meng asked, intrigued.

"Patience, my friend," Xin Yang replied with a smile. "I'll tell you when the time is right. For now, let's continue our journey"

As Xin Yang and Ye Meng continued their journey towards the city, they began to delve deeper into their conversations. They talked about their beliefs and ideas on life and the world around them.

"I believe that life is about the journey, not the destination," Xin Yang said thoughtfully. "It's about the experiences we have and the relationships we build along the way. The destination is just a momentary satisfaction, but the journey is what truly shapes us."

Ye Meng nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree more. Life is a precious gift, and it's up to us to make the most of it. I believe that we have a purpose in this world, something that we were meant to do, and it's up to us to discover it and fulfill it."

Xin Yang nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "I like the way you think. To me, it's not just about discovering our purpose, but also about making a difference in the world. We have the power to impact people's lives and make a positive difference, and that's what I strive to do every day."

"That's a great philosophy," Ye Meng said, impressed. "I also believe in making a difference, but for me, it's about finding balance between our personal needs and the needs of others. We have to be kind and compassionate, not only to those around us, but also to ourselves."

The two men continued their conversation, discussing their beliefs and ideas on life, love, and the world. They shared their experiences and perspectives, and as they talked, they came to understand each other even more.

As the hours passed, the two men continued their journey, deep in thought and reflection. They were two like-minded individuals on a journey, not just towards a destination, but towards a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.

As the day drew to a close and the sun sank below the horizon, casting the sky in an array of warm, vibrant hues of orange and red, Xin Yang and Ye Meng decided to set up camp for the night. With the sound of the rustling leaves and chirping crickets as their background music, they got to work. In no time, a crackling fire was set up, providing the two companions with the warmth and comfort they needed.

As they sat by the fire, roasting some savory meat and sipping steaming cups of tea, they delved deeper into their dreams and aspirations. Xin Yang spoke first, his voice tinged with passion and determination.

"I'm not limited by the boundaries set by others, my friend. My ability to think beyond the constraints of convention and common sense is what sets us apart."

"Indeed," Ye Meng replied, intrigued by Xin Yang's words. "You have a way of seeing the world differently, one that challenges the norms and breaks down the barriers. It's what makes you who you are and what makes us powerful."

As they continued their conversation, Xin Yang shared his beliefs and ideals, ones that defied the conventional wisdom of the cultivation world. He spoke of his vision for a better world, one where people are free to express themselves, to pursue their dreams, and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The two of them continued their conversation well into the night, exchanging ideas, theories, and beliefs about the future. They spoke of the obstacles they would face and how they planned to overcome them, of the people they wanted to help, and of the legacy they hoped to leave behind.

As the night wore on, the two friends could feel their exhaustion creeping in, yet they were reluctant to end their discussion. Finally, as the fire flickered and the stars twinkled in the sky above, they wished each other a good night's sleep and climbed into their cozy tents.

Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Xin Yang and Ye Meng felt invigorated and confident. They were eager to continue their journey, to make new friends, and to bring their ideas to life. As they drifted off to sleep, the sound of the fire's crackling embers and the serene melody of the night lulled them into a deep and peaceful slumber, ready to face whatever the future may bring.