I am the Dao Ancestor

As the early morning mist blanketed Peach Blossom Peak, Ling Hao's thoughts lingered on his first mission. The thrill of triumph over the demonic wolf and the satisfaction of earning his Contribution Points still echoed in his mind. However, he felt far from content. Though victorious, the battle had exposed his weaknesses.

Standing atop a ridge overlooking the vast Azure Sky Sect, Ling Hao allowed the cool breeze to steady his mind.

"You're early," a familiar, nonchalant voice called out from behind him.

Ling Hao turned to see Yue Ling casually strolling toward him, her ever-present wine jug swinging at her side.

"Master," Ling Hao greeted respectfully, bowing his head.

She waved off his formality. "Come with me. There's something you need to know if you're serious about walking the path of cultivation."

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The 10 Realms of the Mortal World

Yue Ling led him to a secluded part of the peak, where a simple stone table sat beneath a massive peach tree in full bloom. She gestured for Ling Hao to sit before pouring herself a drink.

"Your first mission was acceptable, but it's time you understood what truly lies ahead," Yue Ling began, her tone unusually serious. "If you're to carry the mantle of Peach Blossom Peak, you must know the structure of cultivation itself. Listen well."

Taking another swig of wine, Yue Ling set down her jug and began her explanation.

"Cultivation is the process of transcending one's mortal limitations. The journey starts with the Mortal World, where there are ten major realms of cultivation. Each is a stepping stone, a trial to overcome."

Yue Ling paused, observing Ling Hao's attentive expression. Satisfied, she continued.

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1. Body Refinement Realm

"This is the beginning of cultivation, where the body is trained to endure the stress of absorbing spiritual energy. It strengthens the muscles, bones, and organs, creating a foundation of physical resilience. Without a strong body, the path forward is impossible."

Ling Hao nodded. He remembered his own grueling training on Peach Blossom Peak and realized it was Yue Ling's way of helping him lay this groundwork.

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2. Qi Gathering Realm

"Once the body is prepared, the cultivator begins absorbing spiritual energy from the world. This realm is about gathering and storing that energy within your body. It's the foundation for using basic techniques."

Ling Hao thought back to his encounter in the Verdant Grove. If he had better control of spiritual energy, the fight against the wolf would have been much easier.

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3. Foundation Establishment Realm

"This is where true cultivation begins," Yue Ling said, her voice laced with reverence. "A strong foundation is the key to avoiding future mishaps. Cultivators solidify their control over spiritual energy, ensuring their path remains stable."

She tapped the table lightly, as if emphasizing the importance of stability. "Many fail here because they rush. You must remember, haste is the enemy of progress."

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4. Core Formation Realm

"Once your foundation is set, the spiritual energy within you condenses into a core. This core becomes the heart of your cultivation, the source of your strength. It's a fragile process, and failure can lead to death."

Ling Hao's eyes widened. He hadn't realized just how dangerous cultivation could be. Yue Ling smirked, sensing his apprehension.

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5. Spirit Ascension Realm

"At this stage, the cultivator connects their soul with the spiritual energy around them," Yue Ling continued. "Your perception and willpower grow stronger, and you start to see the world for what it truly is. Clarity of thought and unwavering resolve become your weapons."

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6. Soul Tempering Realm

"The soul is both a weapon and a shield. In this realm, you strengthen your soul, allowing it to harmonize with the Dao—the very essence of your path. A weak soul cannot withstand the trials ahead."

Ling Hao felt a chill run down his spine. He was beginning to grasp the magnitude of what lay ahead.

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7. Energy Condensation Realm

"This is where your techniques evolve," Yue Ling said, leaning forward. "The energy you gathered in the earlier realms is refined and purified, becoming more potent. Each strike you make will carry the force of your dedication and training."

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8. Earthly Pillar Realm

"This realm focuses on stabilizing your cultivation," she explained. "You align yourself with the worldly laws, grounding your power and ensuring that it doesn't become chaotic."

Yue Ling's tone grew softer, almost wistful. "Few reach this realm, but those who do leave an indelible mark on the world."

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9. Heavenly Conduit Realm

"This is where the heavens acknowledge your existence," Yue Ling said, her gaze turning skyward. "You establish a connection to the heavens, drawing upon their boundless energy. Your strength becomes more than your own—it's as if the universe itself lends you its power."

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10. Sky Reaching Realm

"The peak of mortal cultivation," Yue Ling concluded. "Here, you defy the boundaries of mortality, touching upon the realm of immortals. At this stage, you're no longer bound by the limits of the mortal world. However…"

She trailed off, her eyes darkening slightly.

"What is it, Master?" Ling Hao asked hesitantly.

"Few achieve this realm," she said, her voice heavy. "And those who do rarely remain in this world for long. Some ascend to higher planes, while others..."

Ling Hao didn't press further, sensing the weight of her words.

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Ling Hao's Resolve

Yue Ling leaned back, finishing her drink in a single gulp. "Remember, each realm is a trial of its own. Some are physical, others mental, and many test your very soul. If you truly wish to walk this path, prepare for hardship."

Ling Hao bowed deeply, his respect for Yue Ling growing tenfold. "Master, what realm have you reached?"

Yue Ling chuckled, the sound filled with equal parts amusement and pride. "Me? I've touched the Heavenly Conduit Realm." She stretched her arms lazily, as if such a grand declaration required no additional fanfare. "It's not an easy place to reach, boy. It takes discipline, talent, and years of hard work. Do you think you can climb that far?"

Her words were meant to provoke him, and they did. Ling Hao's heart thudded in his chest. The Heavenly Conduit Realm, he repeated in his mind. His master, who spent half her days drinking and brawling, had reached a realm that most cultivators only dream of.

He looked up at her with unflinching determination. "I will, Master. Someday, I'll catch up to you."

Yue Ling's lips curled into a smirk. "Good. But you'll need to take bigger steps. Right now, you're barely in the fifth stage of the Body Refinement Realm—the foundation of the foundation. You have a long road ahead, Ling Hao."

Ling Hao clenched his fists. He had already surpassed his initial fears of cultivation and had made steady progress on Peach Blossom Peak. But Yue Ling's casual reveal of her prowess made his progress feel minuscule.

"Don't overthink it," Yue Ling said, seeing his intense expression. "Reaching the fifth stage in the Body Refinement Realm so quickly isn't bad, especially for someone with no formal guidance before joining this sect. Take pride in your progress."

Ling Hao nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."

"Good," she said, waving him off dismissively. "Get back to your cultivation. Strength doesn't grow by itself."

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Ling Hao's Determination

As Ling Hao made his way back to his quarters, the cool night air sharpened his focus. He looked up at the stars glimmering above the peak. Each one felt like a distant milestone—something to aim for as he climbed the path Yue Ling had laid out before him.

The Body Refinement Realm wasn't enough. One day, he would move beyond Qi Gathering and Core Formation. He would reach the same heights as Yue Ling.

No, higher than her.

A fire ignited in his chest, bright and unrelenting. The journey would be long and fraught with challenges, but Ling Hao was ready to give everything he had.

For now, he would focus on his next goal: breaking into the sixth stage of Body Refinement. If he could do that, he would be one step closer to proving himself worthy of carrying the Peach Blossom Peak's legacy and earning Yue Ling's confidence.

From then on, Ling Hao devoted himself to cultivating like never before. Whether under the relentless gaze of the sun or the cool embrace of the moonlight, the young cultivator began building the foundation for his ascent into greatness.