It took only three more days for her to finally do so and stabilize her new realm. Naturally, just like her sister, she was already very much looking forward to Theodore's introduction to the next cultivation stage which they'd be tackling from here on out. Therefore, after dinner, the three of them sat down together for exactly that purpose.
"By the way, I've been intending to ask this for a long time, but never really found a proper opportunity. So... 'Initial Ascension Stage'... does that mean that there are other stages with the word 'ascension' in their title as well?"
Her eyes sparkling with curiosity, Xie Mei watched her knowledgeable lover with rapt attention. This question had been on her mind ever since she had first heard the term–right now was the most convenient time to finally get some clarity on the matter.
"It's great that you brought this up, as I've wanted to tell you about this for a while now, too. Initially, before the creation of the Heavenly Court, countless different worlds had just as many ways to refer to their various cultivation stages–and to this day, some still persist in walking their own path in this regard. Almost all of the names currently being used were thought up by the deceased Heavenly Emperor, with the Heavenly Empress later continuing the tradition."
Smiling wryly for a moment, he shook his head, caught somewhere between helplessness and amusement, aware of how ridiculous what he was about to say would sound.
"Originally, the Initial Ascension Stage was actually called the Apotheosis Stage–but because the Heavenly Emperor only ever grew stronger, he needed to come up with names for the various stages and realms which he trailblazed as well. Later on, he recognized that squandering such a great moniker as 'Apotheosis' on an early, comparatively inconsequential cultivation stage as this one... was a complete waste. Therefore, he renamed it and utilized the name 'Apotheosis' again for another stage... which he then christened the 'Advanced Ascension Stage', as the term 'Apotheosis' fit much better for yet another stage that he achieved later."
Seeing the two girls' stunned expressions, his smile couldn't help but widen.
"There are some other patterns you'll probably pick up on soon, for example that he really liked to use the prefix 'Tri'. But let's not get too off-topic now, alright?"
Only after they had obediently nodded and suppressed their merry grins did he finally get started with the main theme of this evening.
"The Initial Ascension Stage marks the first real step beyond that which an ordinary person could achieve with incredible luck, persistence and opportunities on their side. It will begin to mark a fundamental change in the very origin of the lives of those who manage to advance to its pinnacle. There are fair arguments that can be made about it essentially marking the first proper evolution of oneself, slowly developing towards what could be called 'the divine'. Obviously, what someone sees as a 'god' differs depending on the breadth of their understanding. A native of the wilderness who has never ventured beyond the surrounding few tribes might actually see a significantly stronger individual–like an Energy Refinement Stage expert, for example–as a god! However, seen from the position of the Heavenly Court, anyone not even of the Initial Ascension Stage amounts to far less than dust. It's all a matter of perspective."
He paused for a moment to let it all sink in, then resumed his lecture.
"Regardless, it is undeniable that this stage marks the first transformation towards a truly higher state of being. As usual, it consists of six individual realms. In sequential order, these are: Unshackling, Dantian Engraving, Armillary Ring Creation, Soul Garment, Tri-Aspect Reverberation and Mundanity Shedding."
Ignoring the mirthful snort that had escaped Xie Mei at the mention of that second to last realm, he carried on calmly. Han Junqiao, however, annoyedly elbowed her sister, causing the girl to glance at her with a reproachful pout.
"The first four realms do correspond with the initial four cultivation stages that you've previously worked your way through. So it comes as no surprise that the Unshackling Realm is focused on the physical body. More specifically, it aims to allow someone to rise above the restrictions imposed upon them by their genes. In case you don't know what those are, please read up on them later. All you need to understand is that to properly proceed, you have to–in essence–repeat what you did during the Body Refinement Stage. Have Energy suffuse your entire physical form and attempt to actively reinforce it once more. That should instinctively allow you to understand how exactly to continue. But again, I have to warn you: As soon as you feel like you cannot go on any longer, cease this process at once, then move on to the next realm!"
Although the two of them had never ignored his warnings, he still put on a stern expression to really get his point across. If he could prevent a tragedy from befalling his lovers by being overly nitpicky, then he would gladly be a bit of a killjoy.
"Now, as you should have already understood, the Dantian Engraving Realm concerns itself with further improving your Dantians and preparing them for the future–a shocker, I know. Neither of you should encounter any sort of stumbling block here, as your Cultivation Techniques should inform you about the runes and symbols that you'll need to use, as well as their exact positioning. Simply follow this guidance and utilize the Energy within your Dantians to engrave these shapes into their walls. Unless you royally screw up, you should not be capable of managing to irreparably damage your Dantians, but just in case, advance carefully and slowly!"
To individuals with outstanding Talents like them, moving at an unhurried pace was a luxury that they could more than afford–and it was also what often allowed them to advance further on the path of cultivation to begin with. If one was born with too shabby of a Talent, then they were frequently forced to rush ahead as rapidly as possible, leaving hidden dangers and injuries to their foundations in their wake. However, if they delayed, then they would never be capable of going any further to begin with. There was simply no way for them to succeed! Alas, life was inherently unfair.
"Don't think that you're already done with your Dantians, though. Corresponding with the Core Formation Stage is the Armillary Ring Creation Realm, which focuses on condensing rings akin to those of an armillary sphere around your Golden Cores. The exact details will yet again depend on your Cultivation Technique, so don't worry about them. Fashion them one by one, and once you're done, you'll notice a marked improvement in the Energy output of your Golden Cores."
Shifting into a more comfortable sitting position, he gave them a moment of time to digest all of this information, before recommencing his explanation.
"The Soul Garment Realm is fully dependent on your Cultivation Technique once more. Basically, you utilize Energy to weave an outfit for your soul, which it will then be clad in, strengthening it in various ways. When that is done, you will automatically break through to the Tri-Aspect Reverberation Realm–there are no bottlenecks barring your progress here whatsoever. Your body, Dantians and soul will resonate with each other, further elevating these three facets of you to greater heights. There is absolutely nothing you need to do here, it's completely automatic, and the most immediate result of your prior efforts. So at that point, simply kick back and relax."
Witnessing their eyes light up in anticipation, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself, yet he didn't go out of his way to dampen their enthusiasm. Cultivators were usually quite hard-working–well, at least those that made it far were–therefore having everything fall into place 'magically' was a rare luxury for them.
"Lastly, you'll arrive at the Mundanity Shedding Realm. Once your previous improvement has ended, you'll instinctively begin to sense a certain gate deep within your self. It's not truly present there, mind you–it is merely a projection. Neither is it actually in the Nascent Soul you have formed, but in the very core of your self, which is protected within it and shrouded by your Coreflame. The gate has never been named, yet everyone calls it the 'Divine Gate'. Long ago, it was created by the Heavenly Emperor when he pioneered this path. All others are simply witnessing a projection of it, which guides the way forward. Without this clear and obvious marker, it would be countless times more difficult to proceed! The goal of the Mundanity Shedding Realm is to approach the Divine Gate–nothing more, nothing less. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to open it. Not only will you be unable to do so, but in the freak chance that you'll succeed, all that awaits is your utter annihilation. The gate serves as both a waymarker, yet also a staunch protective measure."
Quite confused by this, and aware that the lecture was pretty much over, Han Junqiao inquired about what had now begun to mystify her.
"But why? Why is it so dangerous to proceed? The next cultivation stage should require us to open that gate, right? Are there some special preparatory steps needed, perhaps?"
Not sure whether to shake his head or nod, Theodore pondered how exactly to answer her question, then eventually found the right words to do so.
"The assumptions you've made are both correct and incorrect. It is true that preparation is necessary before one can open the gate, but they won't merely be a few cultivation realms–instead, it'll be entire stages! Prior to the Heavenly Emperor erecting that gate and projecting it into the selves of every being born in worlds belonging to the Heavenly Dao, innumerable geniuses incorrectly made the decision to 'step into' the 'area' that the gate now shields everyone from. However, they weren't aware that doing so was practically forcing themselves to transform into 'the divine' on the spot, without any of their aspects being truly ready for it. All of them were eradicated immediately because they couldn't bear it. It's not simply a matter of Attributes, but of the hierarchy of life itself. It cannot be overcome when the difference is too vast."
Looking directly at the two girls and locking eyes with them, his voice turned a lot more solemn and serious.
"On the path of cultivation, sometimes, one shouldn't blindly forge ahead. Taking a 'detour' can also be a kind of progress, especially if it allows oneself to get ready for the following steps. Never forget this, alright?"
They responded to him with grave nods, taking his advice to heart. Like so many times before, it would be nigh impossible for them to truly understand all details about cultivation without experiencing the process for themselves. However, his cautionary words and guidance were still invaluable to them. Exactly akin to the Divine Gate, they served as a sort of guide to the correct path to take. Naively doing what they felt was right might usually work out well, but that wouldn't always be the case. It was solely due to the sacrifices of their forebears that cultivators today wouldn't fall victim to this particular pitfall any longer.
"Good! Alright, that's enough of the doom and gloom. Just continue on in the same way as you have been until today, and you'll be fine. I'll always be readily available if you have any questions, or in case of an emergency. If I'm currently too occupied to respond, then Vigdis and Cheong Suhyeon can also help you out. Once you've made it to the Divine Gate, I'll explain the Dawning Numen Stage to you."
Dissipating the heavy atmosphere with a reassuring smile of his own, he rose to his feet, only to feel both of his arms quickly be occupied by his two lovers. Staring at him with an adoring look in her eyes, Xie Mei pushed her soft body against his, whispering just loud enough for him and her sister to hear her.
"Husband, Qiao'er and I would like to thank you for your advice. Why don't you come with us for a while? I promise, we won't bite~"
Moments later, he was 'captured' by the two, led away to their bedroom. Along the way, Han Junqiao's face was flushed a bright red in anticipation of the various plays she and Xie Mei had come up with.
In the Qinglong World, for Theodore and his Subordinates, a long period of peaceful, steady development had begun.