Cultivation techniques are the lifeblood of every cultivator's journey. A root may grant talent, but techniques decide destiny. They are divided into three primary categories, each with their own dangers and mysteries.
I. Cultivation Methods (Gōngfǎ 功法)
These determine how one cultivates qi itself. A weak method leads to shallow seas, frail meridians, and slow growth. A profound method can defy heavens, condense qi more efficiently, or even draw upon forbidden elements.
Mortal-Grade: Simple breathing methods, enough for peasants who barely scratch the path.
Earth-Grade: Solid, stable, commonly used in sects to form a proper base.
Heaven-Grade: Rare. These can shape meridians, enhance spiritual roots, or grant affinity beyond natural limits.
Origin-Grade: Said to descend from the primordial chaos. Only a handful are recorded in history.
Example Methods:
Flowing River Sutra (smooth, stable qi circulation, common in mid-tier sects).
Crimson Flame Heart Codex (absorbs fire qi at double speed, dangerous to unprepared veins).
Void-Forged Soul Manual (forbidden method rumored to devour not only qi, but fragments of souls).
II. Martial Techniques (Wǔjì 武技)
These are offensive and defensive arts, the tools by which cultivators crush their enemies. Martial techniques are fueled by qi and intent, ranging from simple strikes to world-shaking devastations.
Palm and Fist Arts: Direct, brutal power (e.g., [Heaven-Splitting Palm]).
Sword Arts: Refined, deadly, often tied to the wielder's Dao (e.g., [Seven Sky-Cutting Slashes]).
Body Arts: Harden flesh and bone, allowing bare-handed combat against steel (e.g., [Iron Mountain Body]).
Movement Arts: The most treasured, for survival matters more than killing (e.g., [Shadowstep Mirage]).
Ranking System: Same as cultivation methods: Mortal → Earth → Heaven → Origin.However, most sects hoard their Heaven-grade arts, and Origin-grade techniques are considered legends.
III. Forbidden Arts (Jìnshù 禁术)
The dark temptation that all cultivators whisper about. Forbidden arts sacrifice life, soul, or fate itself for overwhelming power. Few survive their use, but those who do leave scars on history.
Blood Arts: Consume vitality or stolen life essence.
Soul Arts: Burn fragments of one's soul for devastating attacks.
Time/Space Arts: Warp the natural order, inviting the wrath of heaven.
Void Arts: The most feared—techniques that erase rather than destroy.
Examples:
[Thousand Blood Sacrifice] — Convert slain enemies into temporary cultivation.
[Soul-Burning Flame] — Trade lifespan for explosive combat power.
[Void Reversal] — A legendary technique said to turn an enemy's strike back on themselves by unraveling reality.
Warning: Forbidden arts often carry curses. The stronger the power, the deeper the mark left on one's destiny.
IV. The Role of Comprehension
Techniques are not just learned; they must be understood. A mediocre cultivator may practice a Heaven-Grade technique their entire life and never grasp more than a shadow. A genius might take a Mortal-Grade art and elevate it beyond recognition.
Common Saying: "Technique without comprehension is a blade without edge."
Dao Influence: When one's Dao manifests, even basic arts become devastating extensions of will.
Author's Note (Auxiliary)In this novel, techniques are more than flashy names. They are weapons, burdens, and temptations. Each cultivator's rise is defined not just by their realm, but by the techniques they dare to wield.