My Celestial Ascension Chapter 5 First-Time Experiencing Cultivation

[Ding! Heaven's Secret Arts successfully learned!]

<Heaven's Secret Arts>

<Rank: Divine>

<Mastery Level: 1>

pαndα`noνɐ1--сoМ <Description: Originating from primordial chaos, Heaven's Secret Arts progresses through nine Heavenly stages, each unlocking a new profound ability.>

___

<Heaven's First Secret Art— Consuming Heaven technique>

<Rank: Divine>

<Mastery Level: 1>

<Description: Swiftly absorbs 5 Qi per second. This technique is only active when seated in the lotus position; increased mastery enhances the Qi absorption rate.>

___

Qi, the world's essence, represents the purest energy form, distinct from the lowest energy, mana, which mortals in this world employ. This understanding was gained from comprehending the knowledge within the book.

Despite their efforts, mortals wielding mana within this realm cannot perceive airborne Qi. Specialized techniques, often called cultivation techniques, are required to sense and absorb ambient Qi into one's body. Without these proper methods, accessing Qi is impossible for anyone in this world.

"Truly fascinating and mysterious..." Yuan uttered these words, then closed his eyes and assumed the lotus position upon his bed.

[Host! A word of caution before you commence: I advise against cultivating on your bed, as significant perspiration may occur!] Nora's warning came before he closed his eyes to begin his cultivation.

"Understood." Yuan rose from the bed and adopted the lotus position on the floor, nodding in agreement. With his eyes slowly closing once more, he prepared to initiate his cultivation before activating the skill.

[Ding]

<Your first cultivation has unlocked Qi experience generation.>

<5/1000>

<10/1000>

<15/1000>

<20/1000>

'Incredible! So this is the true sensation of Qi!' Yuan mused, observing the Qi particles swirling in the air. Every second spent cultivating in the lotus position saw his Qi experience ascend by 5 points. Moreover, upon activating the Consuming Heaven technique, his breathing grew naturally calm and rhythmic, akin to performing yoga. It felt as though his entire life he had been breathing incorrectly until this moment of proper respiration.

Within approximately four minutes, Yuan experienced an internal explosion, swiftly followed by a soothing, cold sensation that permeated his entire body, imparting a profound sense of relaxation. It was comparable to plunging into a cool pool on a sweltering summer day.

<You have successfully shattered your mortal shackles, achieving the Spirit Apprentice realm! >

<All stats increased by 100>

'This is remarkably simple; all that's required is to sit and cultivate... And experiencing this cultivation in reality feels wonderful, much like basking in a warm soak.' Yuan reflected, recalling the pleasant sensations he had felt during his cultivation.

"Nora! Display my status!" Yuan commanded. Subsequently, a translucent screen materialized before him, detailing his attributes.

—

Name: Yuan Blank

Age: 19

Cultivation: First Level Spirit Apprentice

Legacy: None

Bloodline: None

Physique: Heaven Devouring Physique

Physical Strength: 108

Mental Strength: 145

Soul Strength: 220

Physical Defense: 105

Mental Defense: 221

SP: 90

«System Inventory»

«System Shop»

«Missions» [Currently None]

—

[Congratulations on becoming a cultivator, Host.] Nora's voice resonated in his mind.

"It is all thanks to you. Had you not selected me as your host, I would not have received a second chance at life, and you also aided in my mother's recovery. Therefore, I offer my deepest gratitude, Nora."

[What are you talking about? Cease such thoughts; your destiny is intertwined with mine!] Nora responded nonchalantly.

Yuan could only offer a wry smile at Nora's reply.

He then retrieved the book from his bed and turned to the page he had been studying. However, this time, Yuan could comprehend every word from beginning to end. The characters were no longer the jumbled symbols they had been before, which he had later lost understanding of. It was akin to reading a novel about a man's journey toward transcendence, each chapter becoming more enigmatic and profound as the narrative progressed.

Unbeknownst to him, he remained seated, eyes closed, with an expression of utter serenity, as if lost in a state of profound peace.

____

<Your comprehension of Heaven's Secret Art has surged dramatically! >

<Heaven's Secret Art Mastery Level has advanced> (2↑)

____

<Heaven's Second Secret Art— Heaven Splitting Sword Strike>

<Rank: Divine>

<Mastery Level: 1>

<Description: Requires 1000 Qi. The user must be wielding a sword to activate this formidable ability. It manifests as a sword-shaped pillar of light capable of obliterating all in its destructive path. >

—

Upon reopening his eyes, Yuan rose from his seat and approached the window. For the very first time since his transmigration into this new world, he cast his gaze outward.

"It's already dusk...?" He pondered how long his meditation had lasted, as it felt like mere minutes to him.

[According to my knowledge, Host, it appears you were in a state of enlightenment!] Nora responded, observing Yuan's perplexed expression.

"Enlightenment? That term sounds quite familiar. It's practically a staple in every cultivation novel I've ever read, describing precisely what I just experienced," Yuan remarked, his mind recalling the vast library of cultivation novels from Earth.

[That is correct!] Nora affirmed with a nod.

"Reflecting on it, I never would have imagined that I, Yuan, would one day experience the very same enlightenment spoken of in those fantasy novels in real life... The sensation is truly extraordinary!" Yuan murmured to himself.

[Would you mind sharing if you learned anything new during your enlightenment?] Nora inquired, her curiosity piqued like that of a genuine person, eager to understand the nature of Yuan's first cultivation enlightenment.

"Ah, I see... Well, it seems I've advanced to the second stage of the Heaven's Secret art and have also acquired the Heaven Splitting Sword Strike," he informed Nora.

[Host, congratulations! I am overjoyed for you.] Nora offered her congratulations, genuinely delighted by Yuan's accomplishment. She then added, [However, Host, your current cultivation level is insufficient to wield this technique; you must attain at least the Warrior realm to utilize this skill.]

Yuan responded, "All I need to do is strengthen my cultivation base, and I'll undoubtedly be able to employ it." He was confident that as long as he improved his cultivation, its use would become effortless.

"Let's pause here for now. Mother and Sister are likely worried about me. I should speak with them, especially Mother. I also need to purchase a technique for her," he decided, remembering that the pill's effects were temporary and valid only for the day. He resolved to have a serious discussion with his mother about her condition.

He promptly rose and headed directly from his bedroom to the living room. Upon entering, he found his sister, Emma, and his mother, Lily, conversing cheerfully, faint smiles gracing their faces.

"Yuan, what have you been doing in your room for so long?" Lily inquired as soon as she saw him

Why does he seem so different now? Am I dreaming? she wondered, perplexed by the current Yuan.

"No... it's nothing important. I was occupied with something significant, which made me a little preoccupied!" he replied, offering a white lie.

"Is that so?" Lily questioned.

'Something must have happened in his room; I'll get to the bottom of it later!' Lily thought, her brow furrowed as if she didn't quite believe him.

"Dear, is something troubling you? You seem to have a lot on your mind; it's quite unsettling to see!" Anna asked, her concern evident for her son's troubled expression.

'Sigh! It appears I can't keep anything from them, especially Mother! But I'm at a loss for how to even begin this conversation... This is quite frustrating!...' Yuan sighed internally, gazing at his mother's worried face.

Their expressions suggested they weren't taking him seriously, and at this, he could only heave another sigh.

He then sat down before them and addressed them, "Mother, Big Sister, and Emma, as you are integral parts of our small family, what I am about to reveal will fundamentally alter your perception of the world! The information I'm about to share will grant you access to a new universe. And please, remember that anything I tell you must remain within this room. If word were to get out, we would all be in grave danger!"

Upon hearing this, they all raised their eyebrows and turned to him with bewildered expressions, curious about what he was about to divulge.

[Host! I'd advise discussing this elsewhere. You do realize that walls have ears, don't you? Just to be safe, Nora offered him a cautionary note before he proceeded.]

"You're right, Nora; thanks for the heads-up!" Yuan agreed. Considering they were in a world of magic, anything was possible at any moment.

[You don't need to thank me; I am your assistant!] Nora replied, though inwardly, she felt a sense of satisfaction.

"Mother! We should go to your room first, and then we'll continue our conversation from there," Yuan declared as he stood up from the sofa and moved towards Anna's bedroom.

"Alright, better safe than sorry! Let's head to my room, Lily and Emma!" His mother nodded in agreement with Yuan, saying this to Emma and Lily as she rose from the sofa. Emma and Lily then stood and followed behind Yuan and Anna.

After they had all entered Anna's room and securely closed the door to ensure their conversation with his family remained private.

"Yuan! Stop delaying and just tell us already! You've certainly captured our interest," Lily stated, her patience wearing thin for Yuan's revelation.

Anna and Emma echoed Lily's sentiment with nods, their curiosity piqued about Yuan's impending statement.

"Alright! Let us start with the pill I administered to Mom earlier..." Yuan began, but his words were cut short by Lily's eager interruption.

"Now that you mention it, I've never encountered or even heard of such a peculiar medicine—not even within the vast archives of the Mage Academy. Pray tell, Yuan, where did you procure such a miraculous concoction? I meant to ask sooner," Lily inquired, her initial motivation being to locate a cure for Anna's ailment within historical medical texts. Despite her diligent search through ancient records, even those dating back to the God's era, nothing resembling this pill materialized in the Mage Academy's library. Consequently, she had abandoned her quest for her mother's recovery.

However, witnessing her younger brother present his mother with an unusual, marble-sized medication today, and seeing its astonishing efficacy, filled her with intrigue. The pill's remarkable effect ignited a desire to uncover its origins.

"Indeed, dear, I too am eager to know its source. In my forty-five years, I've sampled numerous healing potions, some with a bitter or saline taste, but never have I consumed a medicine that felt solid initially, only to melt upon the tongue. Please, enlighten us on where you acquired this remarkable remedy," Anna queried, elaborating on the pill's unique properties.

"Can such a medicine truly exist?" Emma chimed in, her curiosity piqued by the preceding conversation.

"Of course, Sister Emma. You truly should have been present when little Yuan gave Mom the pill; the outcome would have astounded you."

"My apologies, Mom! However, please refrain from asking about its origin, as I am unable to disclose that information at this juncture!" Yuan expressed his regret for withholding the truth, his gaze meeting theirs with an apologetic air. He could not possibly reveal that he was a reincarnated soul equipped with a system that aided his cultivation through knowledge and various other boons.

"It's perfectly fine. Don't fret, my dear. Everyone, including myself, harbors secrets. I certainly have my own unspoken truths... so please, don't trouble yourself over it!" Anna reassured him, her motherly instinct sensing his internal conflict. Yuan responded with a simple nod.

"Nora! Is there a suitable cultivation method available for Mom?" he inquired, his intention to immerse his mother in cultivation promptly, thereby accelerating her recovery without any further delay.

[A Divine-grade technique that is exceptionally well-suited for Anna is available, albeit at a slightly higher cost compared to other Divine-grade techniques. Shall we proceed with the purchase?] Nora posed the question after a swift assessment of the technique.

"What is the SP cost, Nora?" Yuan inquired, his eyebrows lifting marginally upon hearing Nora's description of the price as 'expansive'.

[Merely 150 SP, Host! Nothing overly substantial!] Nora replied instantly.