炒股配资咨询

The foundation of cultivation lay in energy absorption, where a cultivator refined ambient energy into their core. However, unlike what commoners believed, energy came in different forms—Solar, Lunar, Abyssal, Astral, Earthly, Elemental, and even Pure Energy.

Ardentia’s records detailed three primary cultivation paths:

Energy Cultivation was the most common path, where cultivators absorbed energy into an innate core, refining and expanding it to enhance strength, endurance, and longevity. Those with strong elemental affinities could manifest their power in raw destructive force or intricate techniques.

Body Cultivation merged energy with the physical form, reinforcing bones, muscles, and senses to superhuman levels. Practitioners of this path often displayed monstrous endurance and the ability to fight even when grievously wounded.

Spirit Cultivation enhanced the mind and soul, unlocking abilities that could bend reality, from illusions to divine perception. Those who excelled in this path could manipulate unseen forces, influence emotions, or even peer into the flow of fate.

However, the scrolls offered no advanced techniques, only generic methodologies that any noble family would have access to. A lower-tier kingdom has no real secrets, Sylas mused. It was evident that Ardentia, as a weaker kingdom, lacked records on the most profound cultivation paths—those reserved for empires and ancient sects.

The nobles of Ardentia had elemental affinities, shaping their strengths and weaknesses:

House Aldreth (his own) wielded solar and earth energy, known for its balance between unyielding defense and explosive counterattacks. Solar energy granted overwhelming bursts of power, while Earth energy provided resilience and fortification.

House Valecourt commanded Lightning energy, excelling in speed and precision-based combat. Their techniques were built around overwhelming an opponent before they could react.

House Ravencroft specialized in Shadow energy, mastering assassination and illusionary arts. Their warriors thrived in deception, striking unseen and disrupting the minds of their enemies.

House Emberlane cultivated Fire energy, their techniques focusing on aggressive, destructive power. Their style embodied unrelenting offense, burning through all obstacles in their path.

As Sylas closed the book, footsteps echoed outside the library. The summoning bell rang. A meeting had been called.

Seated at the grand oval table in Aldreth’s war hall, Duke Aldreth’s piercing gaze swept across the assembled family members.

“The Grand Selection is upon us,” the Duke began, his voice firm. “Ardentia’s future talents will be unveiled, and our house must not falter."

His sons, all gifted with Solar or Earth energy, sat in silence, knowing that this was a battlefield beyond mere cultivation. Yet, one absence was notable—Sylas was not permitted to compete.

“You are not to partake in the trials,” his father had stated days prior. The reason? Pure Energy was not acknowledged as a worthy path.

Sylas knew better than to argue—for now.

While House Aldreth held its discussions, the other ducal houses gathered their kin to prepare for the competition.@@novelbin@@

House Valecourt’s War Council convened in a grand hall adorned with lightning insignias. Lord Valecourt surveyed his gathered children with an intense gaze. “Speed and precision will dictate victory. Exploit weaknesses before the enemy reacts.” His eldest son, Lucien Valecourt, smirked in confidence. He was the undisputed prodigy of their house, his lightning arts already feared by many.

House Ravencroft’s Shadow Assembly took place in a dimly lit chamber, where masked figures sat in silence as their patriarch, Lord Ravencroft, spoke in a hushed but commanding voice. “We do not fight wars head-on. We control them from the shadows.” Their youngest heir, Seraphina Ravencroft, watched with calculating eyes—her illusions already enough to drive lesser minds to madness.

House Emberlane’s Flames of Conquest gathered within the Emberlane training grounds, the air shimmering with heat. Lord Emberlane observed his warriors sparring before speaking. “Fire is not just destruction. It is dominance. Burn your name into the world.” His daughter, Cassandra Emberlane, flared her crimson flames, eager to prove herself.

Each house sought to showcase their younger generation, aiming for prestige, alliances, and political leverage in the decade-long competition.

Days later, the nobles, guild leaders, and the royal family assembled in the grand hall of Ardentia’s capital. This was more than just a display of power—it was a hunt for talent.

The gathering was marked by veiled discussions, whispered negotiations, and careful maneuvering. Each house sought to secure its influence, forming alliances or setting the groundwork for future conflicts. The competition was merely a prelude to a greater game of power.

Sylas, standing at the edge of the hall, observed in silence. Though ignored by the nobles, he knew that knowledge was a greater weapon than any technique. He had learned much already, but there was still more to uncover.

If he could not participate, he would watch, learn, and prepare.

One day, he would redefine the very foundations of cultivation.