Shiela! (I have no idea what that means either.)
Hello!
I'm here to give you a brief walk through the world, very brief, with minimal spoilers.
It will be a fun ride, and quite different from the usual rollercoasters.
...Honestly, I never drop my books; I might pause them, but I never abandon them.
Glossary of Key Terms
Apocalypse & Qi Corruption
Fifty years ago, a catastrophic event shattered the skies, releasing Corrupted Qi — unstable energy that twists living beings into mutants and slowly poisons human cultivation. Traditional cultivation stalls past certain limits as corruption builds up in meridians and spirit roots. Most survivors delay the inevitable with suppression pills or crude body-strengthening methods, but corruption always wins in the end.
Corrupted Qi
A volatile form of Qi that erodes physical health, destabilises cultivation, and causes mutations. Cannot be permanently removed through normal methods.
Heavenly Cycle Dual Cultivation
A rare technique allowing Purification Qi Circuits — a closed energy loop between two cultivators that burns away corruption while increasing base energy capacity. Each completed cycle with a partner produces three lasting effects:
1. Purified Qi Pool – stable energy resistant to corruption.
2. Bond Imprint – a permanent spiritual link sharing traits or abilities.
3. Potential Unlock – the awakening of latent elemental or martial affinities.
Bond Imprint
A unique trait or skill gained permanently from a cultivation partner. Examples include elemental affinities, special combat techniques, or passive enhancements. Imprints can deepen over time, unlocking advanced forms.
Potential Unlock
The process of awakening hidden elemental or martial talents through a bond. Often tied to the partner's innate abilities.
Power Stages
Progression tiers for cultivators in the post-apocalyptic world:
[Ungraded] Mortal Realm – Survivors relying on brute force, low Qi, or mutations. Unstable and corruption-prone.
[Tier 0-1] Foundation Purification Realm – First stable cultivation stage, capable of slow regeneration.
[Tier 2-3] Elemental Vein Realm – Awakening elemental affinities through Bond Imprints.
[Tier 4-5] Domain Lord – Projection of a personal Domain — a zone infused with the cultivator's Qi where they exert total control.
[Tier 6-10] World Ascendant – Masters capable of purifying entire regions and creating stable cultivation zones.
Elemental Vein Realm
A cultivation stage where Bond Imprints reveal elemental affinities (e.g., fire, metal, water). Enables the fusion of multiple traits for hybrid techniques.
Domain
A controlled Qi environment projected by high-tier cultivators. Within a Domain, the user's abilities are amplified and reality bends to their will.
Partner Synergy
The combined combat potential from layering multiple Bond Imprints in battle. For example:
Ice + Lightning → frost-shock field.
Metal + Illusion → impenetrable mirage defences.
Breakthrough Mechanics
Advancing to a higher realm requires purified Qi to prevent bodily collapse. Attempting a breakthrough with insufficient purification risks catastrophic meridian damage. Repeated cultivation cycles with the same partner strengthen the Bond Imprint and grant advanced techniques.
Universal Ranking System
A measurement scale applied to all living beings with cultivation potential — humans, mutants, or hybrids. Progress is measured by:
Tier – Overall cultivation stage (power class).
Layer – Sub-stage within a Tier (small steps of growth).
Advancement requires absorbing Essence from mutant cores, relics, or other cultivators, along with tempering body and spirit.
Tiers & General Descriptions
Tier 1 – Initiate: Basic energy sensing, small physical boost.
Tier 2 – Tempered: Body and spirit reinforced, access to minor techniques.
Tier 3 – Forged: True combatants, capable of lethal Qi skills.
Tier 4 – Ascendant: High-tier warriors, capable of leading or defending territories.
Tier 5 – Elder: Peak mortal refinement, near-superhuman mastery.
Tier 6 – Paragon: Semi-mythical figures; alter terrain and overwhelm armies.
Tier 7 – Mythic: Legendary beings; reshape cities and distort reality.
Tier 8 – Apex Sovereign: World-class cultivators, immune to ordinary attacks.
Tier 9 – Transcendent: Break beyond mortal limits, wielding near-godlike abilities.
Tier 10 – Supreme Being: Ultra-rare beings, feared and revered across the world.
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Dual Core Evolution (Unique Path)
A rare cultivation system that develops two parallel Spirit Cores:
Human Core – Powers physical strength, reflexes, endurance, and weapon skills.
Mutant Core – Absorbs mutant essence for resistances, traits, and special abilities.
At advanced levels, both cores interlink, producing synergy effects that can stack with Bond Abilities from cultivation partners.
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Bond Imprint
A lasting gift from a cultivation partner, such as an elemental affinity, defensive skill, or battlefield technique. Can be deepened for advanced forms.
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Element Affinity
Innate or awakened alignment with a fundamental energy type (Fire, Ice, Lightning, Metal, Shadow, Life, Earth, Wind, Water, Light).
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Bond Ability Synergy
When multiple partners' Bond Abilities combine in battle, they can:
Boost Core Sync Rate (faster cultivation).
Grant temporary mutant-like traits.
Form joint combat techniques.
Provide hazard protection in dangerous zones.
At full synergy, some cultivators can operate at up to double their normal efficiency.
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Core Sync Rate
A measure of how efficiently a cultivator's Human and Mutant Cores share and process energy. Higher sync means faster breakthroughs.
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Essence Cores
Concentrated energy cores taken from mutant beasts. Power depends on the beast's size and rank.
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Relics
Ancient technology infused with cultivation arrays, often providing rare boosts or abilities.
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Trial Zones
High-risk areas containing rare Essence and mutation opportunities. Usually guarded by powerful beasts or environmental hazards.
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Breakthrough Mechanics
Progression to a higher Tier requires purifying energy and strengthening the body to withstand denser Qi. Attempting too soon risks meridian damage or mutation instability.
Cultivation Glossary – Beast Power & Zones
(Spoiler-Free Reference)
Beast Power Ranks (Universal Threat Classification)
Mutated beasts are ranked by Threat Grade, which determines their core potency, danger to zones, and the number of elite fighters required to kill one.
F – Feral (Tier 0–1) – Low-intelligence scavengers, dangerous in packs.
E – Enraged (Tier 1–2) – Larger, more aggressive, lethal to untrained civilians.
D – Dire (Tier 2–3) – Tactical hunters, resistant to light arms.
C – Cursed (Tier 3–4) – Dangerous mutations; can wipe out small squads.
B – Brutal (Tier 4–5) – Regional threats; require organised strike teams.
A – Apex (Tier 5–6) – Intelligent, strategic top predators.
S – Sovereign (Tier 6–7) – Rule zones; can alter local terrain and weather.
SS – Cataclysm (Tier 7–8) – Disaster-class, capable of erasing cities.
SSS – Extinction (Tier 8–10) – Mythic threats; usually dormant until provoked.
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Demons and Dragons are not ranked. They're special beings.
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Zone Ranks (Environmental Hazard Rating)
Zones are categorised by beast density, core saturation, and environmental danger.
Green Zone (F–E) – Safe towns; light mutant presence.
Yellow Zone (D) – Abandoned settlements; occasional hazard weather.
Orange Zone (D–C) – Constant danger; corrosive rain, hostile plants.
Red Zone (C–B) – Harsh climate, beasts roam in large packs.
Black Zone (B–A) – Reality warped by core saturation; sky anomalies.
Crimson Zone (A–S) – Ruled by intelligent Sovereign beasts.
Obsidian Zone (S–SS) – Semi-apocalyptic; unstable reality, rare relics.
Eclipse Zone (SS–SSS) – End-of-world hazard; near-certain death for intruders.
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Beast Mutation Types
Mutations dictate which Mutant Traits can be extracted:
Brute-type – Extreme mass and physical strength.
Swift-type – Exceptional speed and agility.
Venom-type – Poisons, acids, disease spread.
Elemental-type – Elemental attacks (fire, frost, lightning, etc.).
Mental-type – Psionics, illusions, mind attacks.
Terror-type – Fear aura, paralysis, intimidation roars.
Titan-type – Massive size, siege-class power.
Chimera-type – Multiple mutations; highly unpredictable.
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Boss Archetypes
Rare, intelligent zone rulers or unique beasts. They possess vastly stronger cores and drop unique Core Relics.
Maw Beneath – Subterranean titan that consumes entire districts. (Brute + Titan + Terror)
Spine-Queen Myrrak – Centipede-dragon hybrid with acidic bone spines. (Swift + Venom + Elemental)
Glacial Leviathan – Sea giant whose body is an iceberg. (Titan + Elemental)
Pale Choir – Swarm of psychic bat-creatures singing lethal hymns. (Mental + Terror + Swift)
Iron Tyrant – Armoured gorilla-beast with unbreakable hide. (Brute + Metal + Chimera)
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Cultivation Glossary (Spoiler-Free)
Bond Link
A special connection between two cultivators that allows the safe exchange of energy. Without this link, energy transfer is impossible.
Consent Sync
A mutual agreement between linked partners where both must willingly allow their cores to connect. This prevents forced energy extraction.
Environment Safety
A stability safeguard — if the process is interrupted, the sudden stop can cause dangerous backlash or unstable mutations.
Core Resonance Scan
A system-initiated scan that begins when certain physical or energetic conditions are met. It measures compatibility and readiness for energy flow.
Bonded Core
The central energy centre of a cultivator within a bond link. Displays visual indicators when resonance is active.
Core Lattice Alignment
A synchronisation phase where two bonded cores begin vibrating in rhythm, preparing for stable energy transfer.
Bond Energy Flow
A percentage-based measure of how much energy is currently being exchanged between bonded partners.
Yin Core / Yang Core
Two complementary energy types in dual cultivation. Yin and Yang flow into each other to create a balanced, refined energy.
Mutation Conduit
A channel or mechanism within the body that refines incoming energy and makes it compatible for the cultivator's unique abilities or mutations.
Breakthrough
A cultivation milestone where the practitioner advances to a higher stage of power. Can occur naturally or be triggered by refined energy intake.
Bond Essence
Stored refined energy gained from the bond link. Can be used later to evolve abilities or strengthen the core.
Peak Synchronisation
The highest point of energy alignment between bonded cores. Often marks the most efficient energy transfer.
Core Saturation
A percentage measure of how full or charged a cultivator's core is. High saturation can signal readiness for a breakthrough.
Aftermath Stabilisation
The system's process for redirecting or storing excess energy to avoid overloading the cultivator's body.
Mutation Sync Rate
A measure of how efficiently a cultivator's body can integrate and adapt to new traits or abilities.
Beast Trait Activation
A temporary or permanent awakening of animalistic abilities or physical enhancements, linked to a cultivator's mutation lineage.
Certain details are deliberately reiterated for clarity; this is intentional rather than erroneous. Trial Zones differ fundamentally from ordinary zones. They are far more perilous, containing a variety of mutated beasts ranging from the weakest to the most formidable, alongside demons and even dragons. Unlike conventional zones, Trial Zones have no designated bosses. Each is an entirely separate realm in its own right, and they are exceedingly rare to encounter.
In contrast, standard zones do possess bosses, and defeating such a boss will immediately release all the beasts bound to that zone. These newly freed creatures may then be tamed by individuals who possess Beast Traits or a natural affinity for beast taming.
Statistically, of all cultivators, also referred to as raiders or hunters, across every rank, only 0.25% emerge from a Trial Zone unscathed. This narrative does not adhere to the generic cultivation mechanics familiar to most readers. It is therefore strongly advised that you consult this glossary in detail. The system draws from a fusion of modern-day LitRPG mechanics, beast taming principles, and multiple interwoven genres.
Regarding the harem element, each heroine will be afforded two or three dedicated chapters to explore her backstory in depth, ensuring greater emotional resonance. The harem will be limited to ten members, preserving the integrity of the protagonist's development. This is a fast-progression novel, and patience will be rewarded. The protagonist is unabashedly flirtatious and harbours an irrational fear of insects.
The world is vast, with many regions omitted from this glossary to allow for a gradual and deliberate reveal. If you believe this world deserves to reach a wider audience, I encourage you to show your support with power stones, as greater engagement will ensure its continued growth.