Ki Meets Qi: Murim Reborn in Cultivation World

Riu Xian savored the last bite of the spirit fruit, its sweetness invigorating his weary body. The night air was crisp, and the faint glow of the moon bathed the forest in silvery light. He turned to Xiao Ming, who stood nearby with an enigmatic smile, her azure robes flowing gently in the breeze.

"Senior," Riu Xian began hesitantly, "why are you helping me?"

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes studying him as if weighing her words. "I like helping talented people," she said with a faint smile. "And you are… unique. Perhaps, in the future, you may prove capable of returning this favor."

Riu Xian nodded thoughtfully. Though her words carried a hint of mystery, he felt sincerity in her demeanor. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Senior, I am but a low-level cultivator in my sect. I don't know much about the cultivation realms beyond Qi Gathering. Since you are a Nascent Soul-level cultivator, could you explain them to me?"

Xiao Ming chuckled lightly, a note of amusement in her voice. "Oh, so you wish to learn about the realms of cultivation? Become my disciple, and I will teach you everything there is to know."

Riu Xian's eyes widened, caught off guard by the unexpected offer. But before he could respond, Xiao Ming shook her head. "Unfortunately, you and I are from different sects. The rules forbid us from forming a master-disciple bond. Still, I'll tell you a few things now, and perhaps in the future, you'll consider joining my sect."

With a wave of her hand, she produced a small jade tablet, its surface shimmering faintly in the moonlight. "Take this. It bears my mark. If you ever wish to visit my sect, present it to the guards. If they refuse you entry, break the jade, and I will come to you personally."

Riu Xian accepted the jade tablet with both hands, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Senior."

Xiao Ming nodded and began her explanation. "First, understand that we cultivators pursue immortality. Each breakthrough not only grants power but also extends our lifespan. And we don't just cultivate for strength; we also strive to ascend to higher realms of existence."

Her words sent a ripple of excitement through Riu Xian. In the Murim world, cultivation was solely for martial strength, a pursuit of the peak. But here… you gain power and extend your life?

Xiao Ming continued, her voice calm yet captivating. "There are many realms of cultivation, but I will only tell you about the levels up to Nascent Soul, as that is where I stand. Each realm has nine sublevels, and every breakthrough brings profound changes to the body, mind, and soul. We are currently in one of the lower realms, and in the lower realm, it is no small feat to achieve the Nascent Soul level. What comes after Nascent Soul, you will know in the future."

Riu Xian asked, "Senior, what is the lower realm? Is there an upper realm?"

Xiao Ming replied, her tone thoughtful, "The lower realm is a world with limitations. Once we reach the Deity Transformation level, which comes after the Nascent Soul stage, further growth in cultivation becomes nearly impossible. Yes, there is an upper realm. To achieve true immortality, one must ascend to one of the upper worlds."

Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Now, I have told you more than I promised, but let me explain some other details."

She gestured toward him. "After opening ten percent of your meridians earlier, you are now at the peak of Qi Gathering. Opening just two percent more will allow you to break through to Foundation Establishment. At that stage, your lifespan will increase to 200 years, and you'll gain the ability to use flying swords."

Riu Xian's thoughts raced. A lifespan of 200 years… The concept was almost unimaginable for someone from the Murim world, where even the mightiest martial artists were bound by the natural limits of life.

"In the Qi Gathering stage," Xiao Ming continued, "cultivators store their Qi in their meridians. However, some unique individuals—like yourself—may store Qi in their hearts or even their brains. But once you reach Foundation Establishment, Qi will be stored in your dantian. This change is vital for stabilizing your cultivation and advancing further."

She paused briefly before resuming. "After Foundation Establishment comes Core Formation, and then the Nascent Soul stage. But for now, your focus should be on understanding the process of unblocking your meridians and achieving Foundation Establishment. Take this."

She handed him a small jade slip. "This slip contains detailed information about breaking through to Foundation Establishment and beyond. Study it well."

Riu Xian bowed deeply, overwhelmed by her generosity. "Thank you, Senior. Your guidance is invaluable."

Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "It is nearly morning. I must take my leave."

With that, she stepped onto her flying sword, the faint hum of energy filling the air. As she ascended gracefully into the sky, her voice carried back to him. "Remember my words, and tread cautiously in your sect. The path of cultivation is treacherous, but with patience and wisdom, you will find your way."

Riu Xian watched her figure disappear into the heavens, her words echoing in his mind. Clutching the jade tablet and slip, he settled beneath the large tree where he had meditated earlier. The faint light of dawn began to illuminate the forest as he placed the jade slip against his forehead, his spiritual sense probing its contents.

The slip was a treasure trove of information, detailing not only the process of unblocking meridians but also insights into the Foundation Establishment realm. He learned about the importance of stabilizing his cultivation base, the methods of refining Qi in his dantian, and the dangers of rushing breakthroughs.

One passage in particular caught his attention: "The process of unblocking meridians is not just about force; it requires balance. Too much pressure, and the meridians may rupture. Too little, and the Qi will stagnate."

Riu Xian reflected on this wisdom, comparing it to his experience with martial arts in the Murim world. The principles of balance and control were universal, transcending the differences between Ki and Qi.

Hours passed as he delved into the jade slip's teachings, his understanding of this world's cultivation deepening with each revelation. When his stomach growled again, he glanced at the spirit fruits Xiao Ming had left him. He picked one up and bit into it, its rich flavor filling him with warmth and energy.

As he finished the fruit, he leaned back against the tree, gazing up at the morning sky. Xiao Ming's parting words lingered in his mind, a mixture of encouragement and caution. For the first time since his reincarnation, Riu Xian felt a glimmer of hope—a sense that he was no longer stumbling blindly through an unfamiliar world.

The journey ahead would be arduous, but with the knowledge he had gained and the jade tablet in hand, he was determined to forge his own path.