Heaven Refining physique Chapter 3: Cultivation world

"Let me explain the stark difference between a mere mortal and a cultivator."

Mortals are defined as those individuals who lack spiritual roots within their bodies.

Without the presence of a spiritual root, one cannot perceive the spiritual qi, making cultivation an impossibility.

The world recognizes various types of spiritual roots, categorized into single elemental, dual elemental, and tri-elemental roots. However, individuals possessing four or five elemental spiritual roots are designated as having pseudo-elemental spiritual roots.

These are grouped together because, irrespective of whether one has four or five elements, pseudo-elemental spiritual roots are deemed unsuitable for cultivation. Consequently, no sect across any realm would extend an invitation to such individuals.

Typically, cultivators with pseudo-spiritual roots end up as independent or rogue cultivators.

Single elemental spiritual roots stand out as the most advantageous for cultivation and are also referred to as heavenly grade spiritual roots. Cultivators with such roots are seldom found, owing to their extreme rarity. These exceptional talents are highly sought after by all sects, as they invariably become the pillars of these organizations.

Dual-element spiritual roots are recognized as earthly grade spiritual roots and form the actual might of every prominent sect. After all, there are significantly more cultivators with earthly grade spiritual roots compared to their heavenly grade counterparts.

Tri-elemental spiritual roots are classified as common-grade spiritual roots. I won't delve into extensive details regarding tri-elemental spiritual roots, as they are generally relegated to the role of servants within the top-tier sects."

Having concluded his discourse on spiritual roots, Hu Tian paused, fixing his gaze calmly upon Jiang Hao.

"Prior to your recent refinement, you possessed an earthly grade spiritual root, a rarity indeed, especially considering both your parents are mortals. Had they not been, they would have surely guided you in cultivation already.

The five elements I mentioned encompass Metal, Earth, Fire, Wood, and Water. Previously, you had a Fire-Earth spiritual root.

While the majority of spiritual roots align with these basic elements, there exist rarer variant-grade spiritual roots. These primarily include Ice, Thunder, and Wind, which are even more uncommon than heaven-grade spiritual roots. However, their progress in normal cultivation mirrors that of heaven-grade ones.

Most cultivators fall within these spiritual root classifications. Yet, there remains a distinct category that utterly defies the natural order."

Hu Tian paused for a moment, as if lost in a memory, before resuming his explanation.

"The special category I'm referring to includes those who possess unique physiques instead of conventional spiritual roots.

Cultivation is inherently a path against the very heavens. However, certain physiques in this world are inexplicably favored by the heavens, a paradoxical situation indeed.

It's crucial to understand that not all physiques receive heavenly favor. In fact, some physiques are actively shunned by the heavens, presenting cultivators with numerous obstacles on their cultivation journey.

Despite these challenges, all cultivators would risk their lives to acquire such physiques, as a cultivator endowed with a special physique gains considerable advantages over those without.

Physiques are classified into four distinct tiers:

Common-grade physique, Earth-grade physique, Heavenly-grade physique, and finally, the Celestial-grade physique.

Even common-grade physiques are significantly rarer than heaven-grade spiritual roots, let alone the higher tiers.

The spiritual roots associated with physiques operate quite differently from standard spiritual roots. For comparison, even a common-grade physique offers a cultivation speed equivalent to that of earth-grade spiritual roots, and that's merely the lowest tier.

As I've stated, physiques challenge the natural laws. Allow me to provide an example: consider the heavenly physique known as the Elemental Body. As implied by its name, this physique comprises spiritual roots capable of supporting all five fundamental elements, much like pseudo-spiritual roots. Yet, its cultivation speed is on par with that of heaven-grade spiritual roots.

This extraordinary advantage is precisely why everyone aspires to obtain a physique. And yes, certain physiques are attainable, but the associated cost and peril are so immense that very few can even contemplate pursuing them.

However, acquiring a universal treasure significantly increases the odds of obtaining a special physique. But to obtain such a treasure is merely a foolish dream.

He paused, directing his gaze toward Jiang Hao.

"You might be wondering why I'm elaborating on special physiques in such detail to you. The reason is simple: you have just acquired one."

Hu Tian's eyes gleamed with excitement as he delivered this revelation to Jiang Hao.

Jiang Hao stood dumbfounded upon hearing this. Today had been a day of profound revelations, and while he was beginning to accept the new information, the shock of realizing that the agonizing ordeal he endured had bestowed upon him a coveted special physique left him speechless.

He was at a loss for words. Not long ago, he was just an ordinary mortal, entirely unaware of the cultivation world. Yet, suddenly, he had been bestowed with a special physique.

It seemed this sensation of immense power stemmed from that act.

"The medicinal pill you ingested was a treasure of the universe, something beyond your wildest imagination. Its value is immeasurable. Had you perished, it would have been a complete waste.

Fortunately, you did not disappoint. After all, I was killed myself because I acquired this very pill. My demise would have been in vain if its purpose had not been fulfilled."

Hu Tian declared, his gaze fixed upon Jiang Hao.

"Universal treasures are exceedingly rare, representing the pinnacle of all esteemed items. They possess sentience and cannot be acquired by mere force, as they themselves choose their destined owner.

Such treasures seldom manifest in the world, but when they do, widespread chaos invariably ensues."

Hu Tian let out a heavy sigh.

"This particular pill originated from a universal treasure known as the Heaven Refining Furnace. It is the ultimate artifact for crafting anything, and legend claims it can forge supreme-grade pills or weapons even from inferior materials. Its full capabilities remain a mystery.

When it appeared, everyone assumed it sought a master, hence its grand revelation. Consequently, all the most powerful experts vied for its favor. However, they were mistaken. The furnace merely bestowed a single pill before vanishing.

Anything connected to a universal treasure holds inconceivable worth. Though none of the experts understood the pill's effects, they craved it with their very lives, sparking massive conflicts and claiming innumerable lives. As one of the most formidable cultivators in the vicinity, I too was drawn to its allure.

Ultimately, the pill came into my possession, and I made my escape. Yet, my body was already branded with tracking marks, rendering any attempt to flee futile. Knowing my end was near, I resolved to prevent the pill from falling into another's grasp.

I had previously cultivated a clone and dispatched it to the lower world. Under the constraints of that realm, my clone could not have survived for more than an hour. However, that was sufficient time to establish this hidden cave and leave behind my residual will.

Not long after, I sensed the demise of my main body. The exact cause remains unknown to me, separated as I was by the lower world's limitations. Nevertheless, I had already prepared a self-destructing trap, ensuring many of those avaricious fools met their end along with me. Thus, I harbor few regrets... Haaaah."

He sighed once more.

"The moment I obtained the pill, its knowledge flooded my mind. Its value was truly beyond measure. Should one succeed in consuming it, they would attain a unique physique.

While methods exist to acquire physiques, they fall short of bestowing heavenly or celestial attributes. Such methods cannot even compare to ten percent of this pill's efficacy..."

He turned his gaze to Jiang Hao, speaking with utmost seriousness.

"The physique you have acquired is known as the Heaven Refining Physique, and its rank is... celestial."

Despite his preparations, Jiang Hao was still taken aback. He had indeed gained a physique after the refinement process, but he had assumed it was merely of ordinary quality. He was profoundly mistaken. It was of celestial grade, the highest possible tier for any physique.

"Remember this, never reveal your physique to anyone. Greed and envy are rampant in the cultivation world, particularly once you ascend to the upper realms."

"The upper world? Senior, you mentioned the lower world. What are these?"

Jiang Hao inquired, unable to grasp the concepts of the upper and lower worlds.

"Ahhh... Yes, it is understandable that you are unaware of their meanings. Even within this entire world, precious few might possess such knowledge.

Indeed, the world we currently inhabit is a lower world. The universe is vast, containing an incalculable number of lower worlds like this one. While their exact count is unknown, it far exceeds your imagination. Furthermore, new worlds are constantly being created, and some ancient ones are destroyed. Thus, determining a precise number is impossible.

Similarly, upper worlds exist. They dwarf lower worlds such as this one in size. A single upper world could potentially encompass the area of millions of lower worlds."

Jiang Hao was utterly astonished and awestruck. He had perceived his world as expansive, but to realize it was merely a mote of dust in the grand cosmic tapestry was overwhelming. For someone whose travels had rarely extended beyond his village to nearby towns, this revelation was truly staggering.

"Do not dwell on these matters excessively for now. As you grow stronger, you will naturally come to understand them.

Now, let us discuss the realms of cultivation. When a cultivator embarks on their initial journey, they must first perceive the spiritual Qi permeating nature. You will inherently be capable of sensing all forms of Qi, but your ability to absorb it will be dictated by your spiritual root."