Excerpt from "The Basics of Cultivation."

Hello, there dear reader. If you're reading this, I'm assuming you're here to learn more about cultivation. To learn the hows and the whats of cultivation. Well worry no more, for this book is here! That's why I'm naming this book 'The Basic of Cultivation' after all.

Chapter 1-Introduction

To even think about cultivation, one must have what we call a meridian. The meridian is like an organ, developed in the body at the young age of 8 years old. However, unlike other organs, the meridian can't be found in the physical realm. To avoid confusion, think of it as a spiritual organ. One that is there but isn't there as well. Don't dwell on it too much, it is of unimportance. What is important is realizing your luck if you become one of a few whose body receives a meridian. What a day it is, realizing you have a future in cultivation.

Moving on, there are currently 4 known ranks for cultivation. The first tier is called the Seed stage. The second is called the Sprout Stage while the third and fourth respectively are called the Sapling Stage and the Tree Stage. As you could notice, all 4 realms are named after the cycle of a tree, with respect to the Holy Tree and the natural progression of power. But this is all too complicated for you beginners.

Getting back on track, the Seed stage is where a cultivator builds the building blocks for their path to power. This stage, is in essence preparing your physical body for the next stages, hence its importance. To become a Seed cultivator, one must first begin to meditate in a quiet environment. They must begin to close each of their 5 sense until all 5 is shut off. Then you must begin to feel it. That's right, feel the qi to absorb it.

Now, what is qi? That is an excellent question if I may say so. Qi is what every cultivator uses whenever they wish to do something. Qi is released from the Holy Tree, spreading all across the content so don't you worry about not having any.

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January 21, 1561

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It had been 3 weeks since Henry received his book from his father; who shortly left after Henry's birthdays, with Mary causing a scene crying. Ever since that day, all Herny had done was stay in his room, reading and reading; never leaving his room unless it was his mother calling for him or Sir Stuart's lectures which contained as usual. He just couldn't stop reading the book, it was like an insatiable hunger for him, the more he read, the more he would become interested. For Henry, it was like lifting a veil to a whole new world.

However, today was the day he would begin to apply what he read to himself. Henry couldn't wait any longer. Stepping out of his room he quickly ran to the garden, the best place he could think of where it would be absolute silence.

"Okay, Here is a good spot right under the tree."

Gazing upwards, Henry could see some snow getting laid on top of the glass ceiling, reminding him of how much had happened in the past month. Thinking of his father, he couldn't help but wonder where he was or what he was doing now. 'Once I become an official Seed, then father cant say no to bringing me along!' Henry thought with newfound spirit.

As Henry sat down, he tried out the position the book offered to begin culturing with, called the Lotus Pose. Sitting down, he put the base of his feet together, placed his hands on his knees, and closed his eyes.

'Okay. Now I have to close my 5 senses. Which one should I start with?' Henry thought as he pondered over the question.

'I'll start with my sense of touch, then smell, taste, sight, and hearing.' Henry nodded to himself, liking his plan.

'Deep breaths Henry, you got this'

After meditating for what seemed like an hour, Henry felt something missing.

'What is it?' He asked himself before realizing what felt off to him. He could no longer feel his body. Henry couldn't tell if his body was in the same position he started with for he could no longer feel anything. He had done it! Feeling a sense of excitement, Henry quickly opened his eyes but to his disappointment, his sense of touch returned as his concentration was broken.

'Okay. I've done it once, I can do it again.' Henry quickly reassured himself. Closing his eyes, he quickly began clearing his thoughts. Soon, he realized the lack of touch he felt warier however this time it was a bit quicker. If it took him an hour on the first try, this time it only took him 50 minutes. This time, Henry didn't open his eyes but pushed on, trying to close his sense of smell. Soon he fell into a daze, mediating non-stop until he realized that he could no longer smell the roses his mother planted near him. He had succeeded again!

"Here you are, young master!" A voice suddenly exclaimed interrupting Henry's zen. In an instant, Henry's sense of touch and smell immediately came back as if it was never gone.

"What is it, Amy," Hary responded feeling a bit annoyed at her loud entrance.

"It's time for dinner young master Henry. Your mother is waiting for you in the dining room."

"Eh? Is it dinner time already?" Looking up, Henry saw the sun had begun to set, as the darkness crept up in its place. Henry was shocked at seeing how long he had spent mediated. After his first attempt, it was still morning so he had assumed the second attempt would be quite quick as well; however, it seemed things wouldn't go according to his wishes.

'If sealing 2 senses takes up a whole day, then what about all 5?' Henry asked himself, wondering how long it would take.

"Shall we leave, young master Henry?" Amy asked seeing Henry's lack of response.

"Ah, of course. Let's go."

Halfway across a hallway, Henry asked Amy a question about his father.

"Amy, will Father be alright? I miss him."

"Of course, he is young master Henry. The Baron is the strongest man in the whole Barony! There won't be any problems at all!"

Hearing her confirmation, Henry nodded feeling reassured of his worries. Having reached the dining room, Henry saw that his mother hadn't started eating, clear that she was waiting for someone.

"Hi Mum," Henry said as he ran up to her, excited to tell her about his progress, eyes sparkling.

"Guess what Mum!"

"Oh my, what is it dear?" she replied smiling seeing her son act so happy.

"Guess!"

"Hmmm. I don't know, just tell me."

"No, just guess!"

"I don't know. Tell me already."

"Okay, I've already sealed 2 of my senses!"

"Eh?" The smile on Mary's face froze in shock. She asked Henry just to be sure,

"Henry, when did you start cultivating?"

"Today! It doesn't seem as hard as the man said in the book you know."

"..... I see, amazing job sweetie. Come here and give your mum a hug."

"Okay," Henry replied, unable to hide his childish grin after getting praised by his mum. What Henry hadn't noticed because of his sheer excitement, was his mother hugging him extra tight.

"Alright, now let's eat. I'm starving"

"Um, same!"

After a lengthy dinner, stuffed and fatigued from all that happened today, Henry told his mother,

"I'm sleepy mum. Can I go?"

"Of course you can sweetie. Sweet Dreams."

"Sweet Dreams."

Seeing that Henry had left, she quickly called over a maid, giving her a task.

"Go call Sir Stuart right now. Tell him it's an emergency."

"As you wish Ma'am." Bowing, the maid quickly left to do what her Lady asked.

'Sigh, In just a single day. Robert, where are you when we need you.' Mary pondered as she gazed out the window.