[Cultivation Path of the Demonic & Martial World]
"The Path to Break Fate begins with breath, and ends with void."
In the martial world of Murim, strength is governed by one's ability to control, refine, and transcend Qi (氣)—the spiritual life force that nourishes the body, soul, and path. Cultivators ascend realms by mastering body, mind, spirit, and ultimately fate itself.
Ⅰ. Early Foundation Stage – [Mortal Qi Realm]
These are the realms where one still walks the world as a mortal, albeit with rising internal strength.
• Qi Refining Realm (기연경 / Giyun-gyeong)
The beginner's stage. Qi is gathered, sensed, and circulated for the first time.
Focus: Breath circulation, dantian stabilization
9 sub-stages (1st – 9th Layer)
• Qi Ascension Realm (기승경 / Gisŭng-gyeong)
Qi is now compressed and used to enhance physical abilities, speed, and internal fortitude. The cultivator gains the strength of ten.
Breakthrough leads to superhuman physicality and minor Qi projection
Internal arts become lethal
Ⅱ. Middle Growth Stage – [Heavenly Human Realm]
A realm where cultivators are no longer considered ordinary mortals. Their bodies evolve, and their techniques birth devastation.
• Evolutionary Realm (진화경 / Jinhwa-gyeong)
The body evolves to contain more refined Qi. Qi veins expand. One's martial body is forged.
Capable of crushing boulders, regenerating limbs
Cultivators begin forming Martial Souls or True Aspects
• Mystic Realm (신비경 / Shinbi-gyeong)
Qi transcends the body, becoming mystic energy. Techniques gain supernatural properties.
Martial artists can now shatter the earth, create illusions, manipulate Qi externally
Demonic Cultivators begin refining Blood Qi or Sin Qi at this stage
• Earth Realm (지경 / Ji-gyeong)
Qi synchronizes with the Earth Pulse. One becomes a force of nature.
Movements alter the battlefield; pressure alone can crush weaker warriors
Demonic cultivators can now command small territories as Domain Holders
Ⅲ. Late Ascension Stage – [Dao-Seeking Realm]
Here, the cultivator walks the thin line between mortal and divine.
• Heavenly Realm (천경 / Cheon-gyeong)
Insight into Heaven's Dao. Cultivators can fly, tear apart rivers, or suppress armies with will alone.
Qi becomes elemental or conceptual
Martial Arts evolve into Heaven-grade Techniques
• Self-Nature Realm (자성경 / Jaseong-gyeong)
True understanding of one's inner Dao. Cultivators shape their identity into their power.
Every move reflects one's core philosophy
Spiritual Manifestation: e.g., Demonic Emperors may project Slaughter Domains or Heaven-Crushing Shadows
• Life and Death Realm (생사초경 / Saengsa-Cho-gyeong) – Beginning Stage
Touching the border between reincarnation and eternity.
Can survive fatal wounds, manipulate lifeforce
Techniques can curse, decay, or resurrect
Ⅳ. Transcendent Realm – [Immortal Path]
Only those who defy destiny enter this forbidden path.
• Life and Death Realm (Peak) (생사극경 / Saengsa-Geuk-gyeong) (This where Cheon Hajin's Current Realm)
At the peak, cultivators walk as living legends, feared across continents.
Can distort space, reverse aging
Demonic Cultivators may resurrect others or steal lifespans
• Void Realm (공허경 / Gongheo-gyeong)
The soul is severed from mortal ties.
Time manipulation begins. Space responds to will.
One's existence becomes intangible, allowing them to be in multiple places or escape fate
Ⅴ. Final Ascension – [Godhood: Void Sovereign Realm]
The final step. Beyond comprehension. Few have ever reached it.
• Void Sovereign Realm (공허지존경 / Gongheo Jijeon-gyeong)
You are no longer bound by the laws of Qi, time, or existence.
You do not cultivate Qi—you become it
Able to rewrite natural laws, create realms, resurrect armies, or sever the heavens themselves
Known as Dao Monarchs, True Immortals, or in some cases… Heaven Slayers
*****
Demonic Variant – [Demonic Path Refinement Addendum]
For those like Cheon Hajin, walking the Demonic Path alters progression:
Qi becomes Sin Qi, Blood Qi, or Rage Qi
Techniques are fueled by hatred, obsession, and slaughter
Instead of Dao insights, Demonic Cultivators reach "Heart Demon Enlightenment", where trauma becomes power
Domains are called Slaughter Domains, Desire Fields, or Heaven-Breaking Wills
"To walk the demonic path is to accept every wound, every betrayal, and every regret—until they form a weapon sharper than any blade."