There were two main paths of cultivation in the world of Aetherion — Qi Cultivation and Body Cultivation.
Qi cultivation was the process of absorbing the natural energy that drifted through the world. Every person possessed meridians — tiny channels where Qi flowed.
When a cultivator sat calmly and focused, they sensed this energy around them, faint at first, like a gentle breeze.
With steady breathing and concentration, the cultivator pulled this energy inward, guiding it through the meridians. As Qi circulated, the body grew stronger, the senses sharpened, and the mind became clearer.
The purer and denser the Qi became, the greater the cultivator's strength and potential.
Body cultivation, however, refined the body itself.
Through intense training, controlled breathing, and the aid of medicinal herbs, a cultivator pushed their body slightly beyond its limits — forcing it to rebuild stronger each time.
Every stage increased raw power, endurance, resistance to injury, and explosive strength.
Unlike Qi cultivation which relied on energy flow, body cultivation was built upon effort, discipline, and willpower.
In the end, the body became a powerful vessel capable of holding immense strength and energy.
Lucian sat quietly in the Aethercrest dining hall. At the head of the table sat his father, with his mother on his right and his stepmother on his left.
Lucian sat opposite them, eating calmly — at least on the outside.
Inside, excitement stormed through him.
Today, he would begin cultivating.
His parents sensed his excitement clearly.
His father broke the silence.
"I know how you feel, Lucian. I was the same on my first day. But remember — cultivation requires a calm and focused mind."
Lucian nodded respectfully.
"I'll remember your words, Father."
His mother added gently,
"Son, do not force it. Cultivating for the first time is very important."
Before Lucian could reply, his stepmother smiled softly.
"In this world, only the strong are respected. So become strong — but never hurt yourself to do it. We're always here for you."
Warmth bloomed in Lucian's chest.
Even when the world mocked him as "trash," his family never once abandoned him.
He was truly fortunate.
"Thank you… all of you. I'm ready."
After finishing lunch, Lucian quickly made his way to the courtyard.
The courtyard was quiet and peaceful.
A cool breeze brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of blooming flowers.
His heartbeat quickened — a mix of excitement and determination.
He sat down, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, calming his thoughts.
Gradually, his breathing became steady.
The world's natural energy — the Qi — brushed against him.
At first, it was faint… barely noticeable.
But then it grew clearer.
Denser.
Stronger.
Lucian felt the energy gathering around him as if responding to him.
He guided it inward.
A refreshing sensation traveled through his meridians — cool, pure, and incredibly soothing.
The Qi flowed gently, nourishing his body as it circulated.
And then—
Something shifted.
The air around him trembled faintly.
A strange, powerful force stirred deep within his body, as if something long asleep was finally waking up.
Lucian's eyes remained closed, unaware that the space around him seemed to ripple ever so slightly…
as though reality itself was reacting to his presence.
And deep within his dantian—
a faint glow flickered.
Something extraordinary was about to awaken.