Chapter 3: Planes and Qi
Li Chen floated in the endless blue void, arms folded, expression flat.
"So," he said at last, "are you going to explain things properly, or am I just going to keep nearly dying while guessing?"
There was a pause.
Then the voice in his head sighed—long, exaggerated, and deeply offended.
"Explain things properly?" the system repeated. "How generous of you to assume I wasn't already doing that. Very well. Since you've survived long enough to ask questions, I suppose you've earned… a briefing."
The void rippled. Light condensed, forming translucent panels that hovered around Li Chen like silent judges.
"Listen carefully," the system continued. "I will not simplify this twice."
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Planes of Power
"Cultivation in this world is divided into Planes," the system said. "Not realms. Not stages with poetic nonsense names meant to inspire idiots. Planes."
A panel flared to life.
> Planes represent thresholds of Qi tolerance.
Each Plane is the limit of how much Qi your body can safely contain and circulate without collapsing.
Li Chen frowned. "So it's about how much energy the body can handle."
"Congratulations," the system replied dryly.
"You grasped the obvious , dimwit !."
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The Mortal Plane
"The Mortal Plane is where all cultivators begin," the system said. "Including you. Unfortunately."
A faint silhouette appeared—thin, unstable, Qi flickering weakly within.
"At this Plane, the body is barely compatible with Qi. Meridians are fragile. Circulation is inconsistent. Strength is only marginally superior to ordinary humans."
Li Chen glanced at the image. "That explains… a lot."
"It explains everything," the system corrected.
> STAGES:
• Early Mortal Plane
• Mid Mortal Plane
• Peak Mortal Plane
"Most outer disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect remain trapped here their entire lives," the system went on. "Some because they lack talent. Others because they lack discipline. Many because they mistake ambition for ability."
"And Peak Mortal Plane?" Li Chen asked.
"The absolute limit," the system replied. "Push beyond it without preparation, and your body fails. Permanently."
---
The Tempered Plane
The silhouette shifted. Bones thickened. Muscles tightened. Qi flowed more evenly.
"The Tempered Plane is where the body is reforged," the system said. "Qi is no longer merely circulated—it is used to temper flesh, bone, and internal organs."
Li Chen felt his breath slow. This… this sounded like real power.
"At this Plane, physical strength increases dramatically. Endurance improves. Martial techniques stop being performative and start being lethal."
> STAGES:
• Early Tempered Plane
• Mid Tempered Plane
• Peak Tempered Plane
"Peak Tempered Plane cultivators possess bodies stable enough to support continuous Qi flow," the system added. "Without reaching this point, advancing further is reckless."
Li Chen nodded slowly. "So this is where the sect's real fighters are."
"Correct," the system said. "And also where arrogance kills most of them."
---
The Arcane Plane
The void darkened. The final panel radiated a deeper, denser glow.
"The Arcane Plane marks the true beginning of internal power."
The silhouette pulsed. Qi surged outward, briefly leaving the body.
"At this level, Qi ceases to be passive reinforcement. It becomes an active force. Internal energy can be projected. Techniques produce visible effects."
Li Chen swallowed. "So this is where cultivators become… dangerous."
"Now you're thinking," the system replied.
> STAGES:
• Early Arcane Plane
• Mid Arcane Plane
• Peak Arcane Plane
"Cultivators at this Plane are considered elites within sects. Killing one is difficult. Fighting one without preparation is suicidal."
Li Chen hesitated. "And after the Arcane Plane?"
The panels warped instantly to reveal another set of information.
The system's voice flattened.
"That information is above your pay grade."
Li Chen clicked his tongue. "You're doing that on purpose."
"Yes."
---
Qi and Its Use
"Now," the system continued, "Qi itself. Since your sect loves pretending this part is mystical."
A thin stream of energy appeared, flowing through invisible channels.
"Qi is energy. Nothing more. Nothing less. It flows through meridians, reinforces the body, and—when refined—becomes a weapon."
Li Chen watched closely.
"Circulate it poorly, and you injure yourself. Force it, and you cripple yourself. Ignore it, and you stagnate."
"So where does the Azure Cloud Sect fit into this?" Li Chen asked.
---
Cloud Flow Cultivation
"The Azure Cloud Sect practices what they call Cloud Flow Cultivation," the system said, and Li Chen could almost hear the disdain.
"It emphasizes smooth, continuous Qi circulation. No sharp bursts. No violent compression. Everything flows."
The energy stream curved gently, looping back into itself.
"This method is safe. Stable. And painfully slow."
Li Chen grimaced. "Elder Yun always said patience was key."
"Elder Yun is still alive," the system replied. "That should tell you everything."
It continued, "Cloud Flow Cultivation prioritizes long-term stability over explosive growth. It produces fewer prodigies, but also fewer corpses."
"And the colors?" Li Chen asked. "I've seen Qi glow differently."
"Yes. Visual manifestation," the system said. "As Qi density increases, its color deepens. Mortal Plane Qi is faint and dull. Tempered Plane Qi becomes clearer. Arcane Plane Qi gains intensity and presence."
The system paused.
"You, however, will not be limited to their pacing."
The panel warped again ....
---
The System Difference
Panels flickered back into different symbols before settling into definite characters ,sharper and cleaner.
"Other cultivators rely on instinct, tradition, and guesswork," the system said. "You rely on me."
Li Chen sighed. "Unfortunate."
"With my guidance," it continued, ignoring him, "your cultivation will be monitored, quantified, and optimized. You will still follow the Planes. You will still train. You will still suffer."
A beat.
"But you will progress faster."
Li Chen clenched his fists. "So I'm not skipping anything."
"No," the system replied. "You are simply wasting less time being ignorant."
The blue void hummed softly.
"Understand this," the system finished. "Power in this world is structured. Predictable. Cruel. Those who fail to respect the Planes are crushed by them."
Li Chen exhaled slowly.
"Then teach me," he said.
The system laughed quietly.
"Oh, I will."
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P:S - As many of you probably guessed, I used the chance to also explain the planes to the readers, more like a filler chapter .