Chapter 2: NUMBERS AND FOUNDATIONS
The first rays of dawn crept through the Archive Pavilion's window, painting the scroll-lined shelves in shades of gold and rose. Jemark had slept on a thin mat in the corner of the room—he'd chosen to stay here rather than in the novice dormitories, saying he wanted to be close to his work. In truth, he'd spent half the night in quiet contemplation, letting his Analysis & Comprehension ability—derived from his true body's Omniscience—map out the connections between every technique he'd cataloged so far.
He'd learned more about this world's cultivation system in the past week than most disciples did in a year. The 18 stages were divided into three tiers:
- Mortal Realm (Stages 1-6): Each stage multiplies base stats by 2 and adds 50 years to lifespan
- Immortal Realm (Stages 7-12): Each stage multiplies base stats by 5 and adds 200 years to lifespan
- God Realm (Stages 13-18): Each stage multiplies base stats by 10 and adds 500 years to lifespan
- Dao Realm: Beyond the 18 stages—details unknown in the archives, but said to grant eternal life and stats beyond calculation
Jemark ran his fingers over the bamboo slip where he'd written these numbers, his mind working through the calculations automatically. An average mortal with 1.0 in all stats who reached Stage 6 of the Mortal Realm would have 64.0 across all base stats and a lifespan of 350 years. A cultivator who reached Stage 18 would have stats multiplied by 2⁶ × 5⁶ × 10⁶—an astronomical 1,000,000,000 times their original base.
"But that's just the system of this world," he thought, rolling up the slip and setting it aside. "My true body's power comes from something beyond stages or multipliers—Omnipresence that lets me exist everywhere at once, Omniscience that knows all things, Omnipotence that can do anything. My three abilities are just tiny leaks of that infinite power."
He stretched his arms overhead, feeling the familiar tingle of his passive stat gain. After eight days in this world, his stats had inched upward:
- Strength (STR): 0.100006912
- Dexterity (DEX): 0.100006908
- Constitution (CON): 0.100006915
- Intelligence (INT): 0.100006921
- Focus (FOC): 0.100006919
- Wisdom (WIS): 0.100006923
- Perception (PER): 0.100006917
- Charisma (CHA): 10 (unchanged)
It was progress so slow it would be invisible to anyone else, but Jemark could feel it in the way he could now sweep two shelves without needing to rest, or how his hand no longer trembled slightly when writing for long periods. He'd also started doing the basic body tempering exercises described in the scrolls—simple stretches and movements that, according to his calculations, would give him a 1% stat increase per second during practice.
He'd already worked out a routine: one hour of exercises at dawn, followed by two hours of cleaning and organizing, then the rest of the day spent cataloging and compiling the list of techniques for younger disciples that Elder Tian Feng had requested.
As he finished his morning exercises—moving through each form with deliberate care, his weak muscles protesting with every motion—he heard footsteps on the stairs. Liu Qingyan appeared in the doorway, her green robes already dusted with morning dew.
"You're up early," she said, stepping inside and looking at the practice mat he'd laid out in the corner. "Are you… practicing body tempering?"
"Just the basics," Jemark said, wiping sweat from his brow with his sleeve. "Even if I can't cultivate spiritual energy, staying healthy will help me do my work better."
She walked over to look at the scroll he'd unrolled for reference—"Basic Body Tempering Technique – Volume 1". "You're doing the forms correctly," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Most novices take weeks to get the posture right, but you're already moving with proper alignment."
"I read the scroll carefully," Jemark said, rolling it up and setting it back on the shelf. "And I've watched the other disciples practicing in the courtyard. It's easier to get it right when you can see how it's supposed to look."
She nodded, but he could tell she wasn't fully convinced. "I came to thank you again," she said, moving to the table where he'd started compiling the technique list. "Your suggestion about linking the advanced circulation method to the basics worked—I broke through to Stage 2 of the Mortal Realm yesterday."
Jemark's eyes widened slightly—even with his analytical ability, he hadn't expected her to progress so quickly. Stage 2 meant her base stats were now multiplied by 4, and her lifespan had increased by 100 years.
"That's wonderful news, Senior Sister," he said sincerely. "You'll be one of the fastest cultivators in the sect's history."
"Maybe," she said, looking down at the list he'd started. "But I wouldn't have gotten there without your help. What are you working on here?"
"The Sect Leader asked me to compile a list of techniques suitable for younger disciples," Jemark explained, pointing to the bamboo slips laid out on the table. "I'm organizing them by stage, and adding notes about which ones work best with different learning styles. For example, some disciples learn better through visual forms, while others need detailed written instructions."
She picked up one of the slips and read it carefully: "Stage 1 Mortal Realm – Recommended Techniques: Azure Cloud Breathing Method (good for building foundational spiritual essence), Gentle Stream Form (ideal for disciples with low Strength), Clear Mind Meditation (helps with Focus and Wisdom). Notes: Avoid advanced techniques until meridians are fully opened—98% of novices who try to skip stages experience blocked meridians or slow growth."
"Where did you get that 98% number?" she asked, looking up at him with curiosity.
"I went through all the sect's records of disciple progress," Jemark said. "Every scroll that mentions a novice's cultivation journey—over three hundred entries total. I analyzed the data and found that almost all who tried to rush ended up struggling later on."
Liu Qingyan stared at him for a long moment. "You analyzed three hundred records just to make a list for novices?"
"It's important work," Jemark said simply. "If we can help the younger disciples avoid mistakes, they'll be able to grow stronger faster. The sect's future depends on them."
She set the slip back on the table, a new respect in her eyes. "Master was right about you. You see things no one else does." She paused, then said: "I was wondering if you'd be willing to look at another technique for me. I'm starting to practice the Azure Cloud Sword Form, but the footwork is confusing me."
"I'd be happy to help," Jemark said. "Bring me the scroll later, and we can go through it together."
After she left, Jemark returned to his work. Using his Analysis & Comprehension ability—his connection to Omniscience—he could see not just what each technique did, but why it worked, what its limitations were, and how it could be improved. But he was careful to only share insights that could be derived from careful study and observation.
As the morning wore on, Elder Wu arrived with a cart loaded with new scrolls—recently collected from a small clan that had allied with the Azure Cloud Sect. "These need to be cataloged too," he said, wiping his brow as he unloaded them. "Mostly low-level techniques, but there might be something useful in there."
"Thank you, Elder Wu," Jemark said, moving to help unload the cart. Even with his low Strength, he could now lift one scroll at a time without straining—a small victory he celebrated quietly to himself.
"How's your list coming along?" Elder Wu asked, watching as Jemark arranged the new scrolls on an empty shelf.
"I've finished Stage 1 and started Stage 2," Jemark replied. "I'm also adding notes about common mistakes and how to avoid them—based on the sect's records."
Elder Wu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You're putting more work into this than anyone expected. Most disciples would see this as a waste of time when they could be cultivating."
"Everyone contributes to the sect in their own way," Jemark said, dusting off one of the new scrolls. "Some cultivate to protect us, some gather resources, some teach. I help by making sure our knowledge is organized and accessible. It's how I can be useful."
"A good way to think about it," Elder Wu said, nodding approvingly. "I'll tell the Sect Leader how well you're doing. He'll be pleased."
Once Elder Wu had left, Jemark unrolled one of the new scrolls—"Mountain Root Body Tempering Method". His analytical ability immediately went to work, breaking down the technique's flow of energy, its effect on base stats, and how it compared to the sect's existing methods.
"This is interesting," he murmured, making notes on a blank slip of bamboo. "It focuses on strengthening Constitution more than Strength—perfect for disciples who struggle with endurance. But it requires access to earth-type spiritual essence, which we don't have much of in the mountains."
Using his Absolute Creation ability—derived from his true body's Omnipotence—he could easily create earth-type spiritual essence, or even modify the technique to work without it. But he pushed the thought aside. Instead, he made a note in his catalog: "Requires earth-type spiritual essence; consider modifying for mountain environment or sourcing from allied clans."
As the day progressed, more disciples began to visit the archives—sent by Liu Qingyan or the elders to look at the list Jemark was compiling. He greeted each one politely, answering their questions and helping them find the techniques that suited their needs.
"I've always struggled with meditation," one young novice said, looking at the list for Stage 1. "I can never seem to focus."
"Try the Clear Mind Meditation," Jemark suggested, pulling out the relevant scroll. "It starts with focusing on your breathing before moving to visualizing spiritual energy. There's also a section on how to deal with distractions—written by a disciple who had the same problem three hundred years ago."
The novice's face lit up. "Really? I thought I was the only one."
"No one's journey is exactly the same," Jemark said gently. "But almost every problem you face has been faced by someone before you. That's why preserving our knowledge is so important."
By the time evening fell, Jemark had helped nearly a dozen disciples find techniques that suited them. He'd also finished compiling the list up to Stage 3 of the Mortal Realm, adding detailed notes about each technique's benefits, drawbacks, and required prerequisites.
He sat back in his chair, stretching his tired muscles, and looked over his work. Every slip of bamboo was neatly written, every scroll properly cataloged, every shelf clean and organized. It was work that would never make him famous, never earn him glory in battle, but he knew it was building a foundation the sect would rely on for generations to come.
His stats had increased slightly more than usual that day—thanks to the extra time he'd spent practicing body tempering:
- Strength (STR): 0.100012437
- Dexterity (DEX): 0.100012429
- Constitution (CON): 0.100012445
- Intelligence (INT): 0.100012453
- Focus (FOC): 0.100012451
- Wisdom (WIS): 0.100012457
- Perception (PER): 0.100012449
- Charisma (CHA): 10 (unchanged)
He calculated that at his current rate—with daily practice and steady passive gain—he would reach 0.2 in all stats in just over a month. It would take nearly two years to reach 1.0, the base stat of an average mortal. To reach Stage 1 of the Mortal Realm, with its 2× multiplier, would take even longer if he relied solely on the world's cultivation methods.
But Jemark didn't mind. His true body's Omnipresence meant he existed beyond time and space—lifespan was irrelevant to him. He was here to experience growth the way normal people did, to understand the struggle and effort that made power meaningful.
As he prepared to settle down for the night, he heard a soft knock on the door. Elder Tian Feng stood there, holding a small bowl of rice porridge and a piece of steamed bread.
"You've been working too hard," the Sect Leader said, stepping inside and setting the food on the table. "Even those who don't cultivate need to eat properly."
"Thank you, Sect Leader," Jemark said, bowing his head in gratitude.
"I've heard good things about your work," Elder Tian Feng continued, sitting down across from him. "The disciples are saying the list you compiled has helped them avoid mistakes and progress faster. Qingyan tells me you helped her break through to Stage 2."
"I just pointed out something she might have missed," Jemark said modestly, picking up the bowl and eating slowly.
"Modesty is a rare quality," Elder Tian Feng said, his eyes studying Jemark carefully. "I know you were disappointed when you found out you had no spiritual roots."
"Not disappointed, Sect Leader," Jemark said honestly. "Everyone has their place. I may not be able to cultivate, but I can still help the sect achieve its dream."
Elder Tian Feng nodded slowly. "You have a wisdom beyond your years, Jemark. Sometimes I wonder if there's more to you than meets the eye." He paused, then said: "The sect is growing stronger every day. Qingyan is progressing faster than any disciple in our history, and your work with the archives is helping all our disciples grow. But we face challenges—other sects see our growth as a threat, and there are dark forces moving in the northern lands."
"I understand, Sect Leader," Jemark said. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
"Just keep doing what you're doing," Elder Tian Feng said, standing up to leave. "A strong foundation is the best defense against any threat. And who knows—maybe one day you'll find a way to cultivate after all."
After the Sect Leader had left, Jemark finished his meal and returned to the window. He looked out at the sect below, where lights burned in every building as disciples practiced late into the night. His Perception ability—sharpened by his connection to Omniscience—let him sense the flow of spiritual energy through the mountain, feel the strength of each disciple's cultivation, and even perceive the distant movements of other forces in the land.
"My true power is infinite," he thought, his hand resting on the window frame. "But the power I earn here, step by step, will mean more than all the Omnipotence in the universe."
Far to the north, a dark cloud of spiritual energy gathered over the Black Mountain Sect—a rival that had long seen Azure Cloud as weak and insignificant. But they had no idea that a quiet man in an archive pavilion was laying the groundwork for a power that would one day change the entire world.