Shu Weijing took a glance at Xue Zunjing before sitting back down in his original spot.
Xue Zunjing followed suit.
"What, in essence, do you know about cultivation, and its levels?", The General asked with a somber, clear tone.
Xue Zunjing smiled, excited to finally get some understanding of cultivation.
"I know the basic levels of Blood Transformation, Qi Condensation, Aura Coalescence, and Golden Core", Xue Zunjing pondered for a moment.
The General's eyes narrowed.
''You would think that as the son of one of the four major noble families, you would know more. But it seems I have the privilege of filling in that gap of knowledge.''
''The Golden Core stage is actually known as the Heaven's Center stage, and above that realm, is the Transcendence Realm. There are more above that, but those powerhouses are only seen in Sects, so there's no need for you to know about them until you join one.''
Xue Zunjing was both shocked and Intrigued.
''Why is the Golden Core stage called Heaven's center?''
Shu Weijing left Xue Zunjing a lingering glance, ''Because in essence, one's Core, or Heaven's Center, isn't actually supposed to be Golden in color. The more Golden it is, the more filled with impurities it is, and the harder it is for one to advance in cultivation further. Golden Core was a term adapted by the empires and common folk to distract from their lack of talent compared to the sects.
In actuality, one's center goes from Golden to yellow, to white, blue, and then clear.
A clear Heaven's Center is incredibly hard to get, and can delay one's cultivation compared to peers by one hundred years, but its benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.''
Xue Zunjing was slightly shocked. He wasn't privy to such information before.
Would it be possible for him to get a clear Heaven's Center?
''If you're thinking about a clear Heaven's Center, I'd advise you not to worry about it.''
Zunjing was confused.
''Why not? Is it unachievable for me?''
Shu Weijing had a sour look on his face, ''It would be better to say that it's too achievable for you. While a clear Heaven's Center is hard to attain for the general genius of a generation, you happen to have a Dao Body. The Heavens adore you, and you'll likely achieve clear center quite easily.''
Just saying it out loud left a slightly bitter taste in his mouth. Why'd this new disciple of his have to be abnormally pretty and abnormally talented too? Couldn't he save some attributes for the poor to pick from?
"Since you're currently Qi Condensation 30%, there's really no need to worry about that for the moment. Instead, what you need to focus on is cultivating a technique to facilitate your cultivation. Since your Dao body corresponds to ice, wind, and water, you need a cultivation technique of these types. Unfortunately, elemental techniques are rare and frankly kept tight-lipped from the mortal dynasties. There is a way you could attain one, but it's not the best option ever."
Xue Zunjing was saddened to hear the first part of Shu Weijing's dialogue, before jumping back up again at the latter half.
"What option would that be!?"
Shu Weijing chuckled, "Calm yourself, it's not a straightforward solution, just a thought.
Of the four great sects on this continent, there's a place called Xue Palace. The cultivators there are the most proficient in yin-type elements on the continent, namely ice, wind, and water, which fit you perfectly. It's just that there is a slight problem..."
Xue Zunjing's eyebrows raised in confusion, "What is it? Stop beating around the bush!"
The General looked away nervously.
"All the cultivators there are women. They absolutely hate men, too! Interestingly enough, as well, despite being a sect open to accepting disciples, to learn their most proficient techniques, you need to be of the Xue mainline, a specific bloodline that was thought to have disappeared over a thousand years ago. They're simply unreasonable! I mean, you won't have a problem with the woman part, but despite your last name, I doubt you're of that Xue bloodline they are looking for, kid."
Xue Zunjing's eye twitched.
"You know, one day I'm going to freeze the little hair you have left on your head!"
Despite saying that, Zunjing was contemplating whether or not he would have to pretend to be a girl to get that technique.
But something deep inside him told him that would be unnecessary.
Was there a much simpler solution to this?
"Is it possible to put in a request for me to meet a representative of Xue Palace?"
Shu Weijing thought for a moment, "I should be able to see during the monthly borderfield meet. All 13 Generals and four representatives of the four great sects gather on the 14th of each month to talk of battle plans and resource allocation. That happens to be tomorrow morning.
Enough of this, though, let's talk about training, starting today....."
....
....
Late at night, hours later, Xue Zunjing tiredly entered his assigned military courtyard.
It was small, and frankly more stuffy than anything, but it would have to do. Despite his noble status, Military resources were scarce, and luxury was but a dream here, where the skies were red as blood.
As Xue Zunjing began resting on his bedding, his brain swirled with a million thoughts.
From insights in cultivation to his Dao Body, his mind was restless.
Sitting up, Xue Zunjing, for the first time since his Dao body awakened a week ago, consciously decided to gather his qi. He'd never done it before, but he figured it was almost like manipulating chakra.
Instinctively, A chill crept up from the pit of his stomach, before slowly gathering towards the palm of his hand in the shape of a delicate, yet intricate snowflake.
The temperature of the room decreased instantly, and the walls creaked and groaned from the sheer pressure of his qi. Daoist rhymes gathered around his now snow-covered room, and frost quickly spread from his courtyard.
Zunjing panicked and quickly stopped circulating his qi, but the frost didn't disappear!
But he didn't feel cold; in fact, he felt warm and comfortable, more so than before.
The night was long, and a day full of training had drained him. Under the moonlight, and this comforting chill...
He quickly fell asleep.