Immortal Reincarnation Tribulation

Chapter 313 Realms and Cultivation

Zi Yan glanced at Du Fan and guessed what he was thinking. After a light laugh, she said calmly, "In fact, there is not much difference between the Foundation Establishment stage and the Qi Refining stage. At this stage, cultivators have not yet formed a Golden Core. They are all going through a process of refining essence into Qi."

The only difference is that Foundation Establishment cultivators possess purer and more abundant magical power, stronger spiritual sense, and more resilient physical bodies. Relying on these fundamental qualities, they can cultivate more powerful spells or physical techniques, elevating their combat strength to a higher level.

Hearing this, Du Fan couldn't help but purse his lips, thinking to himself, "If that's what you're saying, then I'm not much different from you..."

Zi Yan paused for a moment, then continued, "In fact, at every stage of cultivation, there will be a few exceptionally talented individuals who can fight across different levels. Although there can't be too many of these cultivators, they do exist. This phenomenon has almost become a law in the cultivation world."

For example, you, with your seventh level of Qi Refining, can't you directly confront a cultivator at the peak of the Great Perfection of Qi Refining?

"The difference between the seventh level of Qi Refining and the Great Perfection of Qi Refining is just a minor realm within a larger realm. How can it be compared to those top Qi Refining cultivators who can shake Foundation Establishment experts?" Du Fan smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Seeing this, Zi Yan smiled and said softly, "Don't underestimate yourself. I have already used my divine sense to investigate all six hundred-plus cultivators participating in the competition. Apart from you, there is not a single cultivator below the Great Perfection of the Qi Refining stage."

This alone is enough to show that even suppressing someone across realms is extremely difficult, but you did it. Even Protector Chen, who has never thought highly of you, now looks at you differently.

"Once you truly reach the Great Perfection of the Qi Refining stage, if you encounter some fortuitous events that allow your strength to advance further, then it wouldn't be impossible for you to directly confront an ordinary early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"I am deeply grateful for your kind words, senior. If I ever have such an opportunity, I will never forget your teachings today."

"Senior Ziyan, there is something I don't understand. I hope you can enlighten me." Du Fan first clasped his hands in thanks, then frowned, seemingly puzzled.

"Speak," Zi Yan said calmly, glancing at Du Fan.

"What I want to ask is about the two cultivation concepts of cultivation level and realm."

For example, this junior seems to be able to say that he has the cultivation level of the seventh level of Qi Refining, or he can say that he has the realm of the seventh level of Qi Refining. Is it possible that cultivation level and realm are inherently confused?" Du Fan's expression turned serious as he asked the question that had been on his mind for a long time.

"So that's what it is. But that's normal. With your cultivation level, it's indeed difficult for you to distinguish clearly. Of course, it's not exactly a secret. You'll understand sooner or later. Since you've asked, I'll tell you in advance."

Actually, the seventh level of Qi Refining, the early stage of Foundation Establishment, or the middle stage of Golden Core are all, to be precise, realms.

The concept of cultivation level is more complex. Cultivation level is composed of many factors related to cultivation, such as the density of magical power, the strength of meridians, and vitality. You can understand cultivation level as a cultivator's combat power, that is, their true strength. Although this is not an accurate way of putting it, it is roughly the idea.

However, in most cases, realm is equivalent to cultivation level, and only a very few cultivators, such as the fifteen people I mentioned to you, have a cultivation level greater than realm.

"Of course, the world is full of wonders, and it's not impossible for a few oddballs to exist whose cultivation level is lower than their realm." After pondering for a moment, Zi Yan gave Du Fan a rather detailed explanation.

"So, realm is a ruler, the most standard, while cultivation fluctuates around realm?" Du Fan's eyes suddenly lit up. At this moment, he was reminded of a concept from his previous life about economics.

Everything has its true value, but value is not the same as price. The price of something fluctuates around its value, and there are many factors that influence this phenomenon, which no one can fully explain.

In Du Fan's view, a cultivator's realm is their value, while their cultivation level is their price. However, under normal circumstances, cultivation level must be greater than or equal to realm.

"This is the first time I've heard you say this, but it's very apt. Your comprehension is indeed far beyond that of ordinary cultivators. I believe you can go very far on the path of cultivation." A strange light flashed in Zi Yan's eyes as she gave Du Fan a deep look.

"I am truly flattered that Senior Ziyan thinks so highly of me and has given me such high praise. I am now really looking forward to my future path of cultivation," Du Fan said slowly, taking a deep breath.

"It's nothing. Although I have a high opinion of you, it is well-deserved. You deserve it." Zi Yan waved her hand at him, then turned around gracefully and slowly walked to the bed and sat down.

Du Fan's heart skipped a beat, as if he had suddenly thought of something, and his expression became somewhat strange. After only a slight hesitation, he stepped forward, gave a slight bow, and gritted his teeth, saying:

"By the way, Senior Ziyan, in your opinion, there are at least fifteen people in this competition whom I cannot defeat. If that's the case, how should we resolve our agreement to finish in the top ten?"

"Oh, so you're worried about this. This was just something I did on a whim, so you don't have to take it seriously. But since you keep thinking about it, I can't just let it go."

"Alright then, in the upcoming competition, if you can win every single one before you encounter the fifteen people recorded in the jade slip, then you'll have fulfilled your promise." Zi Yan pondered seriously for a moment before smiling and saying this.

"What...?" Du Fan's mouth dropped open, and he was dumbfounded.

He was now filled with regret. Why did he bring it up? The other person was just saying it casually and didn't take it seriously. Now, things had gotten out of hand, and he'd made it real...

"Nine days later, we will set off again. During this time, I will still be in seclusion. If you have any difficulties in cultivation, please ask Protector Liu."

"As for other matters, do you have any further questions?" Zi Yan's face darkened, and her expression unconsciously turned cold.

Du Fan was prepared for this woman's unpredictable temper, so he wasn't too surprised. He took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and said in a low voice, "Senior Ziyan, I need to purchase some things..."

"random!"

Before Du Fan could finish speaking, Zi Yan's figure blurred and disappeared from the living room. At the same time, a slightly cold voice suddenly came out.

Du Fan was taken aback upon seeing this. After a moment of hesitation, his mind began to race as he pondered the matter of Xiao Yun, the female assassin who had returned to her roots.

A moment later, his eyes suddenly flashed, and he made a decision. He then stepped out of the attic.

……

Several hours later, Du Fan appeared at the foot of the mountain where he had first met Xiao Yun. Without stopping, he climbed the mountain, found a hidden cave, and went inside.

Du Fan immediately sat down cross-legged, patted the storage bag at his waist with one hand, and a flash of spiritual light appeared. After the light faded, it transformed into a small silkworm about the size of a thumb, dark green in color, with two wings. It was none other than the Xuanmu Silkworm.

Du Fan, witnessing this scene, smiled slightly and extended one palm.

With a mere sway, the Xuanmu Silkworm landed in Du Fan's palm, chirping incessantly. Its two antennae swayed slightly, as if trying to please him, displaying a rather affectionate demeanor.

Compared to before it went into slumber, this Xuanmu Silkworm didn't look much different in appearance. However, the little guy's current cultivation level really surprised Du Fan.

If compared to cultivators, this silkworm's current cultivation level has already met the basic requirements for the Great Perfection of the Qi Refining stage. If this Xuanmu Silkworm were to advance one more time, it would most likely step into the Foundation Establishment stage.

After flattering Du Fan for a while, the Xuanmu Silkworm immediately sent him a mental message, which requested that he consume another empty mulberry leaf.

According to this silkworm, as long as it consumes another empty mulberry leaf and sleeps for one or two years, it has a high chance of advancing to the next level.

Du Fan pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No, I have to fight continuously, and those opponents are all formidable. I need your help. Let's talk about it after this period is over."

After receiving the information from Du Fan, the Xuanmu Silkworm's green, hazy eyes surprisingly showed a hint of disappointment, a sight that Du Fan found both amusing and exasperating.

Du Fan was relieved to learn that the Xuanmu Silkworm had no physical problems after its awakening. When he waved his hand to put it away again, the Xuanmu Silkworm suddenly dodged.

"Huh? What trick are you up to now, you little rascal?" Du Fan looked at the Xuanmu Silkworm a few feet away, his expression slightly darkening.

After another flash, the Xuanmu Silkworm flew back to Du Fan's side and landed on the storage bag at his waist. It hissed at Du Fan and then sent out a thought.

"What? There's something in my storage ring that you're particularly interested in. You want me to take it out and show it to you? It's not some hollow mulberry leaf, is it...?"

Du Fan was speechless. Did they think that if they couldn't get the silkworm outright, they would try to get it indirectly by deception?

If that's the case, then this Xuanmu Silkworm's intelligence is a bit too high...