WHO RULE THE WORLD OF CULTIVATION WITH THE HUNDRED MANUAL OF CULTIVATION

THE MANUAL OF CULTIVATION The Hundred Stages and the Rule of Clans Age I — Beginning of Civilization Before Heaven had names. Before kingdoms existed. Before clans raised banners. There was only chaos. Mountains devoured nations. Spirit beasts ruled valleys. Humans lived short lives and feared storms. Then the First Founder observed Heaven for ten thousand years and recorded one truth: All existence can be refined. Thus was born— Cultivation The art of refining: Body Soul Energy Destiny Dao From this teaching came civilization. The strong ruled. The weak followed. And the world became known as— Tianxia I. THE LAWS OF CULTIVATION Every living being possesses three foundations. 1. Spirit Root (Talent) Spirit Root determines cultivation speed, maximum potential, and comprehension. Grades Mortal Root Bronze Root Silver Root Gold Root Diamond Root Heavenly Root Saint Root Divine Root Origin Root Eternal Root Legend: Those with Eternal Root are not chosen by Heaven— Heaven is chosen by them. 2. Cultivation Resources Power cannot grow from talent alone. Resources: Basic Spirit Stones Spirit Water Beast Blood Formation Rooms Advanced Heavenly Herbs Beast Cores Ancient Manuals Secret Arts Supreme Bloodline Inheritance Dao Fragments Origin Crystals Heaven Essence 3. Clan Recognition After the rise of civilization— cultivation became regulated. Rule: No cultivator may advance beyond Stage 30 without recognition. Punishment: Cultivation sealing Territory exile Inheritance removal II. THE HUNDRED STAGES Realm I — Mortal Foundation (Stages 1–10) The beginning of power Body Tempering Skin Strengthening Muscle Refinement Bone Forging Blood Refinement Organ Tempering Meridian Opening Qi Gathering Spirit Awakening Peak Mortal Power: Lift hundreds of kilograms Live 120 years Realm II — Earth Ascension (11–20) Become greater than ordinary people Earth Vessel Stone Body Iron Core Mountain Foundation Earth General Spirit Earth Golden Earth Domain Seed Earth King Earth Emperor Power: Destroy small cities Command 10,000 soldiers Realm III — Heaven Refinement (21–30) Heavenly Disciple Sky Tempering Celestial Walker Cloud General Heavenly Palace Divine Sky Great Ascension Heavenly King Heavenly Emperor Heavenly Sovereign Privileges: Establish sects Gain clan recognition Realm IV — Dao Formation (31–40) Dao Seed Dao Root Dao Foundation Dao Manifestation Minor Dao Lord Dao Resonance Great Dao Formation Dao Domain Dao Crown Great Dao Master Realm V — Saint Realm (41–50) Lesser Saint Saint Body Saint Heart Saint Soul Saint Domain Saint General Saint Lord Great Saint Half True Saint True Saint Power: Rule continents Create bloodlines Realm VI — Immortal Realm (51–60) Immortal Soldier Immortal Guard Immortal Commander Lesser Immortal Lord Immortal Lord Immortal King Great Immortal King Immortal Sovereign Immortal Emperor Supreme Immortal Realm VII — Ancient Realm (61–70) Ancient Body Ancient Soul Ancient Spirit Ancient General Ancient King Ancient Emperor Ancient Heaven Ancient Origin Great Ancient Lord Ancient Ancestor Realm VIII — Celestial Realm (71–80) Star Walker Heavenly Commander Celestial Lord Celestial King Celestial Emperor Heaven Weaver Star Sovereign Heavenly Dominion Celestial Crown Celestial Monarch Realm IX — Eternal Realm (81–90) Eternal Body Eternal Soul Eternal Domain Eternal King Eternal Emperor Eternal Heaven Eternal Sovereign Candidate Eternal Monarch Eternal Ascendant Eternal Sovereign Realm X — Origin Realm (91–100) Origin Seed Origin Vessel Origin Body Origin Soul Origin Lord Origin King Origin Emperor Origin Heaven Great Origin Lord Absolute Origin Emperor Legend: Only one can exist. III. THE NINE GREAT CLANS When cultivation spread— Nine clans conquered the world. Azure Dragon Clan Symbol: Eastern Dragon Controls: Sword cultivation Military supremacy Army: 12 Dragon Legions Vermillion Phoenix Clan Controls: Flame cultivation Diplomacy Royal academies White Tiger Clan Controls: Battlefield cultivation Spears Black Tortoise Clan Controls: Defensive formations Fortress cities Golden Kirin Clan Controls: Trade Spirit economy Heavenly Wolf Clan Controls: Scouts Assassination Jade Crane Clan Controls: Medicine Alchemy Star Emperor Clan Controls: Astronomy Destiny Void Monarch Clan Controls: Space Secret inheritances IV. CLAN HIERARCHY Clan Ancestor Supreme Elder Clan Leader Grand Elder Hall Master Inner Elder Core Disciple Inner Disciple Outer Disciple Servant Disciple V. HEAVENLY MEDALLION SYSTEM White → Entry Blue → Inner Court Gold → Elite Purple → Core Black → Heir Crimson → Successor Platinum → Clan Lord Without a medallion: No manuals. No libraries. No advancement. VI. FORBIDDEN LAWS Forbidden: Stealing manuals Betraying ancestors Entering forbidden mountains Demon cultivation Breaking Stage Laws Punishment: Cultivation sealing Exile Dao destruction YEAR 1 — THE AGE OF CIVILIZATION BEGINS The Nine Great Clans gathered. The world was divided. The Manual became law. And for the first time— civilization began.Year 2 The Manual was copied onto stone tablets and sent across Tianxia. Every village received only the first realm. Every town received the second. Only cities and clans possessed the higher realms. Knowledge became currency. Power became inheritance. The first rule declared: Cultivation is permitted. Ascension is controlled. Children began testing Spirit Roots at age six. Those without roots became farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and soldiers. Those with roots entered the path. Year 3 The Nine Great Clans created the first universal registry. Every person was recorded. Records included: Name Family Spirit Root Grade Cultivation Stage Clan Status Medallion Rank Identity became tied to cultivation. Year 5 The first Spirit Villages appeared. Village requirements: Population above 1,000 At least one Stage 10 cultivator One spirit well One training field Village Ranks: White Village Blue Village Gold Village Purple Village Higher rank meant stronger protection. Year 8 Marriage laws were introduced. Marriage Classes: Common Marriage Cultivator Marriage Clan Marriage Heaven Marriage Rules: Stage gap above 20 stages requires clan approval Bloodline conflicts prohibited Clan heirs require official registration Families became strategic alliances. Year 10 The First Examination was held. Requirements: Age below 20 Reach Stage 5 Pass written Manual examination Demonstrate combat and comprehension Results: Top 1% → Inner Disciple Top 10% → Outer Disciple Others: → Return home Entire regions celebrated successful candidates. Year 14 The first noble houses were established beneath the clans. Ranks: Grand Prince House Archduke House Duke House Marquis House Count House Viscount House Baron House Knight House Rights depended on average cultivation. Year 19 Spirit currency replaced ordinary currency. Values: 1 Spirit Coin = 100 Silver 1 Spirit Stone = 1,000 Spirit Coins 1 High Spirit Stone = 100 Spirit Stones Trade accelerated. Year 25 The first great roads opened. Routes: Dragon Road Phoenix Road Tiger Road Heaven Road Caravans moved manuals, herbs, and disciples. Cities began growing. Year 31 The first cultivator city reached one million residents. City Structure: Outer Ring Merchant Ring Disciple Ring Inner Palace Clan Citadel Only Stage 20+ could enter the central district. Year 40 Beast tides struck. Millions of spirit beasts descended. For the first time— the Nine Great Clans fought together. The campaign lasted 300 days. Results: 28 beast kings slain. Three new military titles appeared: Spirit Captain Heaven General Guardian Marshal Year 47 The clans discovered something disturbing. Some mortals without talent reached Stage 4 through discipline alone. Research began. Conclusion: Effort cannot replace talent. But effort can challenge fate. This finding was sealed. Year 53 Public libraries opened. Access: White Medallion: Basic Manuals Blue: Technique Rooms Gold: Advanced Arts Purple: Secret Records Knowledge became regulated. Year 60 Population passed 500 million. Cultivators: 41 million. Stage 30: only 700. Stage 40: 17. Stage 50: none. Civilization appeared stable. But hidden deep beneath the oldest mountain— a stone wall awakened. On it appeared one sentence: “The Hundred Stages are not the beginning.”Year 61 The stone wall was immediately sealed. The Nine Great Clans declared: Natural phenomenon. No investigation permitted. Yet rumors spread. People whispered: If the Hundred Stages are not the beginning… what came before? Year 64 The clans expanded education. Every registered settlement built three structures: Training Grounds Spirit Hall Manual Repository Children entered cultivation schools at age seven. Subjects: Manual Recitation Meridian Theory Spirit History Clan Law Weapon Basics Graduation required Stage 3. Year 68 The first generation born entirely under civilization came of age. They became known as: Children of the Manual Unlike their ancestors— they knew no world without stages. No world without registration. No world without clans. Year 72 The Azure Dragon Clan founded the first military cultivation doctrine. Army Structure: 10 Soldiers → Squad 100 → Banner 1,000 → Regiment 10,000 → Legion 100,000 → Heavenly Army Promotion required both achievement and cultivation. Year 79 The Vermillion Phoenix Clan created the Great Selection. Every three years: talent, etiquette, scholarship, leadership, cultivation, and artistic ability were evaluated. Successful candidates entered elite academies. Influence became another path to power. Year 84 The Golden Kirin Clan opened the Spirit Exchange. For the first time: Spirit Stones Manuals Beast Materials Weapons Land Rights could be traded publicly. The richest merchant families appeared. Some possessed wealth equal to small clans. Year 90 The first Stage 50 breakthrough occurred. Name: Ancestor Shen. Spirit Root: Gold. Age: Realm: True Saint. The entire world shook. Mountains trembled. Clouds opened. His clan became instantly elevated. New law announced: Stage 50 and above may establish bloodline houses. Year 96 The first Saint House appeared. Privileges: Independent armies Tax collection rights Territory inheritance Direct audience with Great Clans Lower houses rushed to imitate them. Year 103 Conflict began. Not war. Competition. Cities competed. Academies competed. Clans competed. Rankings appeared. Official Rankings: Top 100 Clans Top 100 Cities Top 100 Manuals Top 100 Talents Top 100 Young Cultivators People no longer asked: “Who are you?” They asked: “What rank are you?” Year 111 The Black Tortoise Clan completed the Great Eternal Wall. Purpose: Protect civilization. Length: Crossed entire northern regions. Each fortress required Stage 20 defenders. For the first time— mortals could sleep safely. Year 118 The first flying transport succeeded. A Stage 36 formation master created: Cloud Ships. Travel time reduced dramatically. Trade exploded. Cultivators spread. Civilization accelerated. Year 126 A discovery shocked the world. A servant disciple. Mortal Root. Reached Stage 12. Impossible. Investigation found: He cultivated slower— but never stopped. The records were hidden. The official statement remained: Talent determines destiny. But among disciples— another saying quietly appeared: “Cultivate one day more than Heaven expects.” Year 140 Population: 1.2 billion Cultivators: 120 million Stage 10: 21 million Stage 20: 1.8 million Stage 30: 31 thousand Stage 40: 420 Stage 50: 3 Stage 60: 0 Civilization prospered. But astronomers of the Star Emperor Clan noticed something. The stars had shifted. One constellation disappeared. And in its place— a single new character appeared in the sky. Origin.Year 141 The appearance of the character Origin above the sky caused unrest. The Star Emperor Clan closed observatories. Astronomers were forbidden from publishing records. Official announcement: “Star movement is natural. Civilization remains stable.” Few believed it. For the first time— people wondered whether Heaven itself was observing them. Year 145 The Jade Crane Clan achieved a breakthrough. Spirit Root diagnosis became precise. Every child now underwent three examinations: First Test: Birth Talent Second Test: Age Seven Potential Third Test: Age Sixteen Confirmation Results determined education. Children with higher grades received better manuals. The lower grades received discipline and labor paths. Year 150 The Great Academy System began. Every province built academies. Academy Levels: Village School County Academy Regional Academy Clan Academy Heaven Academy Curriculum: Morning: Body cultivation Afternoon: Theory Evening: Meditation Final evaluation: Reach Stage 5. Year 156 The White Tiger Clan reformed warfare. Cultivation alone was insufficient. Military Paths appeared: Sword Army Spear Army Formation Army Beast Army Flying Army Supply Army Army strength became measured by average stage. Year 163 The first recorded cultivator duel tournament occurred. Rules: No killing. No forbidden arts. One surrender allowed. Rewards: Manual access. Promotion. Marriage invitations. The strongest youth earned the title: Young Heaven. Year 171 A hidden valley was discovered. Inside— ancient stone pillars. The language was unknown. One line was translated: “You inherited the Hundred Stages but forgot the First Step.” The site disappeared three days later. The Void Monarch Clan denied involvement. Year 180 Population crossed 2 billion. Cities evolved. New city classes: Spirit City Jade City Heaven City Saint City Each city required stronger formations. Some cities began developing independent identities and traditions. Year 188 The Golden Kirin Clan introduced taxation. Taxes: Cultivation Tax Trade Tax Territory Tax Inheritance Tax Saint Houses protested. Compromise reached. Higher realms paid influence instead of currency. Year 196 The first official cultivation professions emerged. Cultivators no longer only fought. Professions: Formation Master Alchemist Beast Tamer Manual Scholar Weapon Smith Spirit Architect Medical Cultivator People began building careers. Year 207 The Heavenly Wolf Clan revealed hidden security systems. Every major city gained: Observation Towers Spirit Detection Medallion Verification Cultivation Records False identities became nearly impossible. Year 219 The first Stage 60 appeared. Title: Supreme Immortal. The breakthrough lasted seven days. The sky changed colors. Rain fell across several regions. The clans immediately elevated that cultivator into ancestor status. New privileges: Found immortal houses Create independent territories Direct negotiation with clans Year 233 An unexpected problem emerged. Too many geniuses. Not enough resources. Competition intensified. Resource wars began. Officially called: Allocation Disputes. Unofficially: Silent Wars. Year 250 Population: 4.7 billion Cultivators: 410 million Stage 20: 18 million Stage 30: 700 thousand Stage 40: 12 thousand Stage 50: 108 Stage 60: 1 Stage 70: 0 Yet the deepest records of the Nine Great Clans quietly updated one line. Founder Status: Alive. Location: Unknown. Cultivation: Not measurable. And for the first time— the field called Stage was left blank.Year 251 The blank record disturbed the Nine Great Clans more than any enemy. Every archive in Tianxia required revision. A hidden decree spread: “All cultivators must belong to the Hundred Stages.” But no one knew how to classify the Founder. No clan discussed it publicly. Year 257 The clans strengthened authority. New cultivation licenses appeared. Requirements for advancement: Stage 10 → Regional approval Stage 20 → Provincial approval Stage 30 → Clan recognition Stage 40 → Dao registration Unauthorized breakthroughs became illegal. Many obeyed. Some disappeared. Year 264 The first Great Manual Revision occurred. The Manual was expanded. New chapters added: Dao Stability Resource Management Clan Service Civilization Duty Realm Transition One line remained unchanged: Cultivation exists to refine existence. Year 272 The Star Emperor Clan discovered patterns. Breakthroughs were increasing. Too quickly. Too evenly. Statistically impossible. Prediction: Within 500 years— civilization would produce more high-stage cultivators than expected. Conclusion: Something was accelerating cultivation. Cause: Unknown. Year 281 The first continental competition began. Name: The Grand Heavenly Assembly. Eligibility: Under 100 years old Stage 20+ Registered status Tests: Combat Strategy Manual comprehension Dao perception Final reward: Direct recommendation to Stage 30 recognition. Entire cities stopped to watch. Year 290 A young cultivator shocked the world. Background: Servant Disciple. Spirit Root: Bronze. Result: Champion. His final statement: “Stages measure cultivation. They do not measure people.” His clan erased the speech. The audience remembered. Year 301 The first Stage 70 breakthrough appeared. Title: Ancient Ancestor. Effects: Entire mountains transformed. Old rivers changed course. Ancient records awakened. New privileges granted: Found eternal lineages Rewrite territory laws Preserve memories across generations Civilization entered a higher age. Year 315 The Jade Crane Clan announced lifespan records. Average: Mortal → 70 Stage 10 → 120 Stage 20 → 300 Stage 30 → 1,000 Stage 40 → 5,000 Stage 50 → 20,000 Stage 60 → 100,000 Stage 70 → immeasurable People stopped fearing age. They began fearing stagnation. Year 327 Spirit industries emerged. Largest sectors: Manual Printing Formation Engineering Spirit Agriculture Cloud Transportation Alchemy Production The economy surpassed old noble wealth. Merchant influence increased. Year 341 The first floating district was completed. Entire populations moved above the ground. Floating settlements ranking: Cloud Town Sky City Heaven Capital Children born there developed stronger spiritual sensitivity. Year 356 An unusual discovery was made. A remote village had no clans. No medallions. No rankings. Yet— average cultivation exceeded many cities. Investigators entered. Returned confused. Their report stated: “They cultivate normally.” Location disappeared from maps. Year 372 The Great Clan Summit convened. Decision: No new Great Clans. No matter how powerful. The Nine would remain Nine. Even Stage 70 houses could not join. Stability was preserved. Ambition was not. Year 390 The first challenge appeared. Three Saint Houses formed an alliance. Demand: Reduce clan restrictions. Request denied. The alliance dissolved after negotiations. Officially. No official records mention what happened afterward. Year 410 Population: 8.3 billion Cultivators: 1.1 billion Stage 30: 5 million Stage 40: 110 thousand Stage 50: 2,900 Stage 60: 53 Stage 70: 2 Stage 80: 0 Civilization stood stronger than ever. But in a quiet market— a traveler bought an ordinary copy of the Manual. He opened to the final page. A sentence had appeared. No one else could see it. “Continue.”Year 411 The traveler disappeared. No cultivation trace. No identity. No medallion. Only the Manual remained. When opened— the extra sentence was gone. The clans investigated. Nothing was found. The report was sealed. Year 418 A proposal emerged. If civilization continued growing— the current structure would collapse. The Nine Great Clans introduced the Layered Civilization System. Levels: Village Civilization City Civilization Regional Civilization Provincial Civilization Sacred Civilization Every level had cultivation requirements. Progress became measurable. Year 426 The first cities reached self-governance. Requirements: Population above 50 million Average Stage 8 Independent economy Stable formations These cities gained privileges. Some became richer than noble houses. Year 437 Cultivation education became mandatory. All citizens trained. Three possible paths: Combat Path Scholar Path Professional Path Even ordinary people gained basic refinement. Average life expectancy increased. Year 449 The Heavenly Examination was expanded. New rankings: Top 10,000 Youth Top 1,000 Talents Top 100 Geniuses Top 10 Heavenly Candidates Winner title: Child of Civilization Entire bloodlines changed from one result. Year 461 The Void Monarch Clan announced a discovery. Hidden dimensions. Categories: Pocket Realm Secret Realm Heavenly Realm Ancient Realm Expedition teams formed. Treasure hunting became an industry. Year 474 A team discovered an impossible ruin. No symbols. No formations. Only stairs. One hundred steps. Nothing else. At the final step— words appeared. “Did you think cultivation started at One?” The expedition ended. Records disappeared. Year 489 Breakthrough methods improved. The Four Paths of Advancement became standard. Path of Talent Path of Wealth Path of Comprehension Path of Persistence Most elites combined all four. Year 503 The first public Stage 80 breakthrough appeared. Title: Celestial Monarch. Effects: Cloud seas formed. Stars became visible in daylight. Every clan offered alliances. Privileges: Build Celestial Domains Command world-scale armies Establish independent heavens Civilization entered a new level. Year 519 The economy changed again. Cultivation professions were ranked. Common professions: Formation Engineer Manual Historian Battle Strategist Spirit Banker Heaven Architect Top experts gained influence equal to nobles. Year 536 A phenomenon appeared. Children began speaking unknown words. Words translated as: Before. Beginning. Return. The Star Emperor Clan investigated. No conclusion. Year 550 Population: 12 billion Cultivators: 2.1 billion Stage 30: 14 million Stage 40: 700 thousand Stage 50: 26 thousand Stage 60: 900 Stage 70: 21 Stage 80: 1 Stage 90: 0 Yet hidden inside the oldest archive— a locked page opened by itself. Written there: Founder Status: Active Clan: None Cultivation: None Recorded Title: The One Who Wrote Stage One No explanation followed.Year 551 The archive closed by itself. No formation activated. No elder touched it. The page simply disappeared. The clans attempted reconstruction. Every copy ended with the same result— the line vanished. Only one sentence remained remembered: The One Who Wrote Stage One. For the first time— some scholars proposed an impossible theory. Maybe cultivation was discovered. Not created. Year 559 Research into the origin of Spirit Roots began. Questions emerged. Why did roots appear? Why ten grades? Why stop at Eternal? Millions of records were analyzed. Result: No one had ever naturally increased Spirit Root grade. Official conclusion: Talent is fixed. Unofficial rumors: Somewhere— there existed methods to refine destiny itself. Year 570 The first Great Manual Library opened. Stored inside: 10 million manuals 400 thousand techniques 70 thousand weapon records countless cultivation notes Access Rules: White Medallion: Floor 1 Blue: Floor 10 Gold: Floor 30 Purple: Floor 60 Black: Floor 90 Upper floors remained unseen. Year 583 The profession system expanded. Civil civilization now recognized twelve official paths: Sword Path Spear Path Body Path Alchemy Path Formation Path Scholar Path Military Path Merchant Path Beast Path Healer Path Star Path Administrative Path For the first time— not everyone aimed to become the strongest. Some aimed to become indispensable. Year 599 The first city reached Stage Equivalence. Meaning: Its formations, economy, military, and spirit systems together matched a cultivator. Classification: Stage 42 Civilization. The city received a title: Living City. People celebrated. Ancestors worried. Year 612 A child was born. Spirit Root: None. Yet every spirit instrument shattered. Tests repeated. Result remained: No Root. But surrounding energy moved toward the child naturally. The family disappeared from records. Year 625 The Heavenly Examination changed. New sections added: Leadership Innovation Resource Management Civil Administration Reason: Civilization needed builders— not only warriors. The highest scoring candidate became governor of a province at age twenty-six. Year 639 Exploration fleets reached distant lands. New discoveries: Glass Desert Thousand Rivers Frozen Heaven Silent Plateau Evidence showed— civilization existed elsewhere. Unknown civilizations. Unknown manuals. Unknown systems. Contact was forbidden. Observation continued. Year 650 Population: 15 billion. The world celebrated. A grand ceremony lasted one hundred days. Every clan sent representatives. At the ceremony's end— an old traveler asked: “Why celebrate?” Someone answered: “Because civilization has become powerful.” The traveler smiled. Then asked: “Compared to what?” Nobody knew who he was. Year 668 The Star Emperor Clan completed the Heaven Map. Expected result: Chart all known existence. Actual result: The map extended beyond known borders. It showed— empty regions. Then another layer. Then another. Label: Outer Tianxia. The map was immediately classified. Year 683 The first public Stage 90 appeared. Title: Eternal Sovereign. Effects: Time distortion. Cloud continents formed. Several regions experienced strange echoes of the future. Privileges granted: Create civilization laws Establish independent calendars Rewrite regional natural rules The clans celebrated. Quietly— their ancestors did not. Year 700 Population: 18 billion Cultivators: 3.3 billion Stage 30: 31 million Stage 40: 1.9 million Stage 50: 80 thousand Stage 60: 4 thousand Stage 70: 170 Stage 80: 8 Stage 90: 1 Stage 100: None Civilization had never been stronger. Then— every Manual in Tianxia opened by itself. Only one new line appeared. Not a warning. Not a prophecy. A question. “You built civilization. But who taught the First Founder?”Year 701 Panic did not spread. The clans prevented it. All manuals were collected, rewritten, inspected. Public statement: Temporary resonance phenomenon. But every elder knew. The line had appeared even on sealed manuals. Even manuals carved into stone. Even manuals buried for centuries. No explanation existed. Year 708 The Nine Great Clans held their most secret meeting. Agenda: Origin of cultivation. Outcome: Unknown. Only one resolution became public: Funding for historical research increased by one hundred times. Official reason: Preserve civilization. Real reason: Find the beginning. Year 716 Expeditions entered forbidden mountains. The expectation: Ancient ruins. The discovery: Empty structures. No treasure. No bones. No signs of battle. Only abandoned training grounds. Each contained exactly: 100 platforms. One platform for each stage. But Platform One showed unusual writing. Translated: Learn to breathe. Scholars argued for decades. Year 729 The first historical reconstruction project began. Timeline produced: Era of Chaos → Era of Discovery → Era of Cultivation → Age of Civilization Problem: No evidence existed for the transition. Records simply began. Civilization had no visible starting point. Year 742 The Great Clan Genealogies were updated. Every bloodline was traced. Results: Most houses ended after several thousand years. The Nine Great Clans extended impossibly far. Yet all lines stopped at the same point. Ancestor: Unknown. Before that— blank. Year 758 The profession path overtook military growth. Largest sectors became: Spirit Construction Civil Administration Cloud Shipping Resource Engineering Archive Sciences Cultivation became integrated into daily life. Civilization matured. Year 773 The first city exceeded Stage 50 Equivalent. Its systems functioned continuously. Weather. Defense. Agriculture. Transport. Everything self-maintained. Title granted: Saint Civilization. People said: The city itself had become a cultivator. Year 790 A strange event occurred. A poor district reported a teacher. No cultivation. No authority. No medallion. Students gathered anyway. After one year: average advancement exceeded elite academies. Investigators questioned him. Question: “Which clan are you?” Answer: None. Question: “Which stage?” Answer: I forgot. He disappeared. The school remained. Year 808 The Heaven Observation Towers reported instability. Constellations moved again. New symbols appeared. Order. Growth. Cycle. One final symbol remained unreadable. The Star Emperor Clan sealed observation. Year 825 The Great Examination reached record participation. Success rates: Stage 5: Common Stage 10: Expected Stage 20: Respected Stage 30: Elite Stage 40: Legend Stage 50: Historic Yet one participant caused attention. Result: Stage 0. Not Stage 1. Not unawakened. Stage 0. No one knew what it meant. The records rejected deletion. Year 841 Research teams attempted to define Stage 0. Findings: No qi. No pressure. No cultivation signs. Yet growth potential— undefined. The project ended. Reason classified. Year 860 Population: 23 billion Cultivators: 4.8 billion Stage 30: 66 million Stage 40: 4 million Stage 50: 190 thousand Stage 60: 11 thousand Stage 70: 480 Stage 80: 31 Stage 90: 3 Stage 100: None Civilization expanded beyond expectation. But in hidden archives— the Heaven Map updated itself. Known World: Complete. Outer Tianxia: Incomplete. Beyond Outer Tianxia: Unknown. And beneath all categories— a final layer appeared. Label: Before Cultivation.Year 861 The phrase Before Cultivation became the most restricted information in Tianxia. Only: Clan Ancestors Supreme Elders Stage 70+ authorities were permitted access. Copies were forbidden. Discussion was forbidden. Questions were discouraged. Which naturally meant— everyone wanted answers. Year 872 A secret historical division was created. Name: The Hall of First Records. Mission: Discover everything before the Manual. Thousands of experts joined. After ten years— their first report contained only one line: We found no beginning. Year 886 The Heaven Map expanded again. This time— new markers appeared. Not continents. Not stars. Not dimensions. Markers: Layer One Layer Two Layer Three Tianxia occupied only Layer Three. No one understood. Year 900 Civilization reached new heights. New social classes appeared. Civil Order Ancestors Saint Houses Noble Houses Clan Officials Cultivator Citizens Registered Citizens Unregistered Population Rank and cultivation became deeply linked. Some questioned whether this was progress. Year 913 The first recorded Stage 95 appeared. Title: Origin Lord. Effects: No lightning. No pressure. No heavenly signs. Only silence. Witness reports: Reality felt calmer. Privileges: Establish Origin Domains Suspend regional laws Observe lower stages directly The Nine Great Clans immediately invited allegiance. Answer: Declined. Year 929 A strange movement appeared. Followers called themselves: The Returners. Beliefs: Civilization forgot something Cultivation should be simple Stages are tools, not identity The movement spread quietly. No rebellion. No violence. Only teaching. Year 944 The Great Libraries discovered contradictions. Old manuals differed. Earlier editions had fewer restrictions. Some ancient copies never mentioned clan approval. Questions spread: Was cultivation always controlled? No public answer came. Year 960 Outer Tianxia exploration succeeded. First contact. Report: Cities. Roads. Cultivators. Civilizations. But— their cultivation system only had 33 stages. Their Stage 33 matched Tianxia Stage 40. Shock spread. The Manual was not universal. Year 972 More worlds discovered. Examples: World of Nine Stages World of Twelve Gates World of Seven Thrones World of Endless Cycles Every civilization reached power differently. For the first time— the Hundred Stages became a theory. Not a certainty. Year 986 The Great Debate lasted three years. Question: Is the Hundred Stage Manual absolute? Results: Traditionalists: Yes. Reformers: No. Compromise: The Manual remains law in Tianxia. Research permitted. Civilization remained stable. Ideas changed. Year 1000 One thousand years of civilization. Population: 31 billion Cultivators: 7 billion Stage 30: 120 million Stage 40: 9 million Stage 50: 600 thousand Stage 60: 38 thousand Stage 70: 2 thousand Stage 80: 150 Stage 90: 11 Stage 95: 1 Stage 100: None A ceremony was held. Representatives from every region gathered. At the center stood a monument. Engraved: One thousand years since civilization began. Then— new words appeared beneath. No one touched the stone. The inscription changed itself. It now read: One thousand years since civilization began again. Silence spread. One child raised a hand and asked: “Then what happened the first time?”Year 1001 No one answered the child. The ceremony ended early. The monument was covered. Official explanation: Ancient formation instability. Yet millions had already seen the words. Not: “One thousand years since civilization began.” But— One thousand years since civilization began again. For the first time— people wondered whether Tianxia had inherited ruins instead of building a future. Year 1007 The Hall of First Records reopened old excavations. Deep beneath the oldest capitals— they found foundations. Impossible foundations. Their architecture matched no known clan. No symbols. No cultivation arrays. No Spirit Stone sockets. Only smooth black stone. Age estimation: Older than recorded civilization. Older than the Manual. Possibly older than history. Year 1016 A complete structure was uncovered. Shape: A circular city. No walls. No defenses. No palace. At its center— a single pillar. Written on the pillar: Advancement without understanding creates elegant ruins. Nobody knew the language. Yet everyone understood it. Year 1028 The Nine Great Clans quietly increased education. New mandatory subjects: History Manual Interpretation Civil Responsibility Dao Philosophy Public reason: Prevent social instability. Private reason: Questions were spreading too quickly. Year 1040 The first independent school of cultivation appeared. Name: School of First Principles. Their teachings: Body before Qi. Understanding before advancement. Manual before technique. Their disciples cultivated slower— but almost never regressed. Clans observed carefully. Year 1053 Outer Tianxia trade expanded. New discoveries entered civilization: Living metals. Thinking formations. Cities grown from trees. Worlds where cultivation happened through memory. Tianxia remained strongest— but no longer unique. Year 1068 A Stage 90 cultivator attempted something impossible. Goal: Observe Stage 100. Method: Predict and simulate the final realm. Result: Failure. Final recorded words: There is no Stage 100. The record was sealed. Year 1084 The Returners movement grew. Still peaceful. Still legal. Their most famous saying became: Reach Stage One correctly before dreaming of Stage One Hundred. Many mocked them. Some listened. Year 1100 Population: 37 billion Cultivators: 9.5 billion Stage 30: 180 million Stage 40: 18 million Stage 50: 1.7 million Stage 60: 120 thousand Stage 70: 9 thousand Stage 80: 900 Stage 90: 41 Stage 95: 3 Stage 100: None Civilization reached heights never imagined. Yet growth slowed. Breakthroughs became harder. People called it: The Great Plateau. Year 1117 A forgotten library opened. No key. No guardian. Inside— every shelf was empty. Except one. On that shelf sat a single ordinary book. Title: Manual of Cultivation Not The Manual. Just— Manual of Cultivation. Page One read: This manual assumes civilization already exists. Everyone reading froze. Because for the first time— the Manual itself admitted something. It was not the beginning. Year 1139 Excavations accelerated. More ruins appeared. Patterns emerged. Every ancient site lacked: Clans. Medallions. Rank systems. But all showed cultivation. Different. Simpler. Unrestricted. Year 1160 A hidden chamber beneath the circular city finally opened. Inside— no treasure. No weapon. Only a stone wall. And carved into it— one hundred empty circles. Circle One alone contained writing. It said: Have you truly completed this one? The other ninety-nine remained empty. No one understood. But no one laughed. Not anymore.Year 1161 The discovery of the one hundred empty circles spread quietly among the highest ranks. The public never received the full report. Official statement: Ancient philosophical artifact. Internal conclusion: Unknown. But one observation unsettled everyone. The first circle was worn. The other ninety-nine had never been touched. Year 1170 The Hall of First Records proposed a dangerous question. If Stage One had not been completed— what exactly had civilization been cultivating? The proposal was rejected. Then archived. Then mysteriously restored. No one admitted restoring it. Year 1182 A new field appeared. Name: Foundation Studies. Goal: Study Stage One across all known civilizations. Findings: Different worlds used different names. Body. Breath. Origin. Attention. Discipline. Yet all treated the beginning as sacred. Only Tianxia rushed upward. Year 1195 Several Stage 60 cultivators voluntarily returned to retrain. They reduced activity. Rebuilt routines. Re-examined fundamentals. Unexpected result: Progress accelerated. Stability improved. Resource consumption decreased. People called this: Returning to the First Step. Year 1210 The Nine Great Clans could not ignore the results. A controlled reform began. New Stage One requirements: Body Balance Breathing Control Mind Discipline Manual Comprehension Practical Application Stage 1 became harder. Advancement beyond it became smoother. Success rates increased. Year 1226 Outer Tianxia sent delegates. Question asked: “Why does your civilization separate cultivation and life?” Tianxia scholars replied: “To achieve greater heights.” The delegates asked: “Then why are your highest stages so rare?” No answer came. Year 1244 The Heaven Observation Towers activated unexpectedly. The unreadable symbol from centuries earlier finally translated. Order. Growth. Cycle. Beginning. The final symbol was: Return. No prophecy followed. Only that single word. Year 1260 Population: 42 billion Cultivators: 11 billion Stage 30: 210 million Stage 40: 31 million Stage 50: 3 million Stage 60: 300 thousand Stage 70: 20 thousand Stage 80: 2 thousand Stage 90: 110 Stage 95: 7 Stage 100: None But for the first time— Stage 1 completion rates doubled. Year 1281 The School of First Principles became respected. Their teachings evolved. Rules: Do not chase stages. Do not skip foundations. Do not mistake rank for understanding. Do not confuse inheritance with mastery. They produced fewer elites. But almost no failures. Year 1300 The first experiment began. One hundred volunteers. All cultivators. All forbidden from advancing. Task: Remain at Stage One for one hundred years. Study only fundamentals. The world mocked them. Year 1319 The first volunteer emerged. Expected: Weak. Actual: Stage One. Yet impossible. No aura. No pressure. But observers described: Perfect control. No wasted movement. No instability. Evaluation failed. Stage could not be measured. Result classified. Year 1340 More volunteers completed. Patterns emerged. Some advanced naturally afterward. Breakthrough speed exceeded geniuses. Some skipped bottlenecks. Some no longer needed manuals. No one understood why. Year 1366 One participant finally spoke publicly. Question: “What did you gain?” Answer: I stopped trying to reach Stage One Hundred. I finally started learning Stage One. The statement spread. Arguments erupted. Traditionalists resisted. Young cultivators became curious. Year 1400 Population: 48 billion Cultivators: 13 billion Stage 30: 250 million Stage 40: 44 million Stage 50: 5 million Stage 60: 700 thousand Stage 70: 51 thousand Stage 80: 7 thousand Stage 90: 400 Stage 95: 21 Stage 100: None That year— the stone wall with one hundred circles changed. No one touched it. Circle Two became faintly illuminated. Circle One remained incomplete.Year 1161 The discovery of the one hundred empty circles spread quietly among the highest ranks. The public never received the full report. Official statement: Ancient philosophical artifact. Internal conclusion: Unknown. But one observation unsettled everyone. The first circle was worn. The other ninety-nine had never been touched. Year 1170 The Hall of First Records proposed a dangerous question. If Stage One had not been completed— what exactly had civilization been cultivating? The proposal was rejected. Then archived. Then mysteriously restored. No one admitted restoring it. Year 1182 A new field appeared. Name: Foundation Studies. Goal: Study Stage One across all known civilizations. Findings: Different worlds used different names. Body. Breath. Origin. Attention. Discipline. Yet all treated the beginning as sacred. Only Tianxia rushed upward. Year 1195 Several Stage 60 cultivators voluntarily returned to retrain. They reduced activity. Rebuilt routines. Re-examined fundamentals. Unexpected result: Progress accelerated. Stability improved. Resource consumption decreased. People called this: Returning to the First Step. Year 1210 The Nine Great Clans could not ignore the results. A controlled reform began. New Stage One requirements: Body Balance Breathing Control Mind Discipline Manual Comprehension Practical Application Stage 1 became harder. Advancement beyond it became smoother. Success rates increased. Year 1226 Outer Tianxia sent delegates. Question asked: “Why does your civilization separate cultivation and life?” Tianxia scholars replied: “To achieve greater heights.” The delegates asked: “Then why are your highest stages so rare?” No answer came. Year 1244 The Heaven Observation Towers activated unexpectedly. The unreadable symbol from centuries earlier finally translated. Order. Growth. Cycle. Beginning. The final symbol was: Return. No prophecy followed. Only that single word. Year 1260 Population: 42 billion Cultivators: 11 billion Stage 30: 210 million Stage 40: 31 million Stage 50: 3 million Stage 60: 300 thousand Stage 70: 20 thousand Stage 80: 2 thousand Stage 90: 110 Stage 95: 7 Stage 100: None But for the first time— Stage 1 completion rates doubled. Year 1281 The School of First Principles became respected. Their teachings evolved. Rules: Do not chase stages. Do not skip foundations. Do not mistake rank for understanding. Do not confuse inheritance with mastery. They produced fewer elites. But almost no failures. Year 1300 The first experiment began. One hundred volunteers. All cultivators. All forbidden from advancing. Task: Remain at Stage One for one hundred years. Study only fundamentals. The world mocked them. Year 1319 The first volunteer emerged. Expected: Weak. Actual: Stage One. Yet impossible. No aura. No pressure. But observers described: Perfect control. No wasted movement. No instability. Evaluation failed. Stage could not be measured. Result classified. Year 1340 More volunteers completed. Patterns emerged. Some advanced naturally afterward. Breakthrough speed exceeded geniuses. Some skipped bottlenecks. Some no longer needed manuals. No one understood why. Year 1366 One participant finally spoke publicly. Question: “What did you gain?” Answer: I stopped trying to reach Stage One Hundred. I finally started learning Stage One. The statement spread. Arguments erupted. Traditionalists resisted. Young cultivators became curious. Year 1400 Population: 48 billion Cultivators: 13 billion Stage 30: 250 million Stage 40: 44 million Stage 50: 5 million Stage 60: 700 thousand Stage 70: 51 thousand Stage 80: 7 thousand Stage 90: 400 Stage 95: 21 Stage 100: None That year— the stone wall with one hundred circles changed. No one touched it. Circle Two became faintly illuminated. Circle One remained incomplete.Year 1161 The discovery of the one hundred empty circles spread quietly among the highest ranks. The public never received the full report. Official statement: Ancient philosophical artifact. Internal conclusion: Unknown. But one observation unsettled everyone. The first circle was worn. The other ninety-nine had never been touched. Year 1170 The Hall of First Records proposed a dangerous question. If Stage One had not been completed— what exactly had civilization been cultivating? The proposal was rejected. Then archived. Then mysteriously restored. No one admitted restoring it. Year 1182 A new field appeared. Name: Foundation Studies. Goal: Study Stage One across all known civilizations. Findings: Different worlds used different names. Body. Breath. Origin. Attention. Discipline. Yet all treated the beginning as sacred. Only Tianxia rushed upward. Year 1195 Several Stage 60 cultivators voluntarily returned to retrain. They reduced activity. Rebuilt routines. Re-examined fundamentals. Unexpected result: Progress accelerated. Stability improved. Resource consumption decreased. People called this: Returning to the First Step. Year 1210 The Nine Great Clans could not ignore the results. A controlled reform began. New Stage One requirements: Body Balance Breathing Control Mind Discipline Manual Comprehension Practical Application Stage 1 became harder. Advancement beyond it became smoother. Success rates increased. Year 1226 Outer Tianxia sent delegates. Question asked: “Why does your civilization separate cultivation and life?” Tianxia scholars replied: “To achieve greater heights.” The delegates asked: “Then why are your highest stages so rare?” No answer came. Year 1244 The Heaven Observation Towers activated unexpectedly. The unreadable symbol from centuries earlier finally translated. Order. Growth. Cycle. Beginning. The final symbol was: Return. No prophecy followed. Only that single word. Year 1260 Population: 42 billion Cultivators: 11 billion Stage 30: 210 million Stage 40: 31 million Stage 50: 3 million Stage 60: 300 thousand Stage 70: 20 thousand Stage 80: 2 thousand Stage 90: 110 Stage 95: 7 Stage 100: None But for the first time— Stage 1 completion rates doubled. Year 1281 The School of First Principles became respected. Their teachings evolved. Rules: Do not chase stages. Do not skip foundations. Do not mistake rank for understanding. Do not confuse inheritance with mastery. They produced fewer elites. But almost no failures. Year 1300 The first experiment began. One hundred volunteers. All cultivators. All forbidden from advancing. Task: Remain at Stage One for one hundred years. Study only fundamentals. The world mocked them. Year 1319 The first volunteer emerged. Expected: Weak. Actual: Stage One. Yet impossible. No aura. No pressure. But observers described: Perfect control. No wasted movement. No instability. Evaluation failed. Stage could not be measured. Result classified. Year 1340 More volunteers completed. Patterns emerged. Some advanced naturally afterward. Breakthrough speed exceeded geniuses. Some skipped bottlenecks. Some no longer needed manuals. No one understood why. Year 1366 One participant finally spoke publicly. Question: “What did you gain?” Answer: I stopped trying to reach Stage One Hundred. I finally started learning Stage One. The statement spread. Arguments erupted. Traditionalists resisted. Young cultivators became curious. Year 1400 Population: 48 billion Cultivators: 13 billion Stage 30: 250 million Stage 40: 44 million Stage 50: 5 million Stage 60: 700 thousand Stage 70: 51 thousand Stage 80: 7 thousand Stage 90: 400 Stage 95: 21 Stage 100: None That year— the stone wall with one hundred circles changed. No one touched it. Circle Two became faintly illuminated. Circle One remained incomplete.Year 1401 As civilization stabilized and the Hundred Stages became more refined, Tianxia demanded something new. Not just strength. Not just cultivation. Recognition. Thus the Grand Rankings of Civilization were officially established. Updated every ten years. Recognized by all Nine Great Clans. A place on these lists could raise families, destroy alliances, and reshape entire regions. Heavenly Beauty Rankings — Top 10 Beauties of Tianxia Evaluation: Appearance Presence Cultivation Influence Talent Public Reputation Rank 1 — Phoenix Crown Lady Age: 29 Affiliation: Vermillion Phoenix Clan Cultivation: Stage 62 — Ancient Soul Titles: Flame Empress Candidate Most Desired Alliance Known for: Crimson eyes Supreme etiquette Flame Dao Influence: Entire regions copied her fashion. Rank 2 — Snow Lotus Saintess Age: 41 Affiliation: Jade Crane Clan Cultivation: Stage 59 — Immortal Emperor Titles: Heaven Medicine Successor Known for: Legendary healing Calm presence Rank 3 — Star Mirror Fairy Age: 33 Affiliation: Star Emperor Clan Cultivation: Stage 61 — Ancient Body Known for: Star observation Strategic genius Rank 4 — Azure Sword Maiden Age: 25 Affiliation: Azure Dragon Clan Cultivation: Stage 54 — Lesser Immortal Lord Known for: Unmatched sword comprehension Rank 5 — Lady of Thousand Clouds Age: 48 Affiliation: Independent Sect Cultivation: Stage 65 — Ancient King Known for: Cloud movement techniques Rank 6 — White Moon Noble Stage 56 Rank 7 — Jade Palace Successor Stage 55 Rank 8 — Scarlet Orchid Stage 52 Rank 9 — Silver River Princess Stage 50 Rank 10 — Silent Heaven Disciple Stage 58 Year 1405 The beauty rankings became political. Marriage alliances shifted. Sect influence increased. Several clan disputes began because of ranking changes. Heavenly Cultivator Rankings — Top 20 Strongest Living Cultivators Measured by: Cultivation Combat Influence Territory Achievement Rank 1 — Dragon Ancestor Affiliation: Azure Dragon Clan Cultivation: Stage 95 — Origin Lord Titles: Sword Above Heaven Founder of Twelve Legions Rank 2 — Eternal Phoenix Ancestor Stage 95 Known for: Flame Civilization Rank 3 — Void Monarch Ancestor Stage 94 Controls hidden space regions. Rank 4 — Great Tortoise Ancestor Stage 94 Rank 5 — Star Emperor Ancestor Stage 94 Rank 6 — White Tiger Ancestor Stage 93 Rank 7 — Kirin Grand Patriarch Stage 93 Rank 8 — Jade Crane Ancestor Stage 92 Rank 9 — Heavenly Wolf Ancestor Stage 92 Rank 10 — Origin Lord Shen Stage 91 Ranks 11–20 All Stage 90–91. Total Eternal Sovereigns: 17. Total Origin Lords: 21. Stage 100: Still none. But hidden records continued listing: Unknown Individual Stage: Unmeasurable. Year 1410 The sect rankings were released. Ten Great Sects of Civilization Rank 1 — Heavenly Sword Pavilion Specialty: Sword Dao Members: 480 million Rank 2 — Endless Dao Palace Specialty: Dao Comprehension Rank 3 — Great Void Temple Specialty: Space Rank 4 — Nine Flame Temple Specialty: Fire Rank 5 — Heavenly Medicine Court Specialty: Alchemy Rank 6 — Ancient Rune Palace Specialty: Runes Rank 7 — Thousand Beast Valley Specialty: Beast Contracts Rank 8 — Star Boundary Academy Specialty: Astronomy Rank 9 — Eternal River Sect Specialty: Water Dao Rank 10 — Formation Heaven Hall Specialty: Formations Year 1420 A new unofficial ranking appeared. Nobody knew who published it. No seals. No signatures. Title: Those Most Likely To Reach Stage 100 Rank 1: Unknown Age: Unknown Clan: None Cultivation: Not Recorded Comment: “Still at the beginning.” No one understood what it meant.Year 1421 The release of the rankings did not calm the world. Instead— it ignited ambition. Disciples left clans. Sects recruited aggressively. Sword cultivators declared: “If Heaven has one hundred stages, then the sword has one hundred thousand.” Thus began the great age of sect prestige. The Thirty Great Sects of Tianxia Evaluation: Cultivation level Territory Inheritance Military power Influence Number of disciples Rank 1 — Heavenly Sword Pavilion ⚔️ Path: Pure Sword Dao Founded: Year 508 Members: 490 million Famous Rule: One sword. One heart. Known for: Highest swordsman count Extreme discipline Current Master: Stage 91 Rank 2 — Endless Dao Palace ☯️ Path: Comprehension and Dao Known for: Highest scholar density Fastest breakthroughs Rank 3 — Great Void Temple 🌌 Path: Space Cultivation Known for: Hidden dimensions Void stepping Rank 4 — Nine Flame Temple 🔥 Path: Fire and battle Known for: Largest combat sect Rank 5 — Heavenly Medicine Court 🌿 Path: Healing and alchemy Known for: Medicine monopolies Rank 6 — Ancient Rune Palace 📜 Path: Runes and inscriptions Rank 7 — Thousand Beast Valley 🐉 Path: Spirit contracts Rank 8 — Star Boundary Academy ⭐ Path: Stars and destiny Rank 9 — Eternal River Sect 🌊 Path: Flow and adaptation Rank 10 — Formation Heaven Hall 🏔️ Path: Formations Rank 11–30 Included: Mountain Heart Sect Great Sun Pavilion Frost Moon Sect Iron Heaven Sect Jade Cloud Sect Thunder Palace Silent Peak Hall Golden Origin Temple Heavenly Forge Sect Seven Sword Academy Sky Mirror Palace Infinite Spear Hall Spirit Mountain Sect Crimson Lotus Court White Crane Pavilion Hidden Valley Sect North Sea Palace Emperor Path Sect True Dao Hall Returning Origin Sect These thirty controlled nearly half of all independent cultivation. Year 1433 The sword world separated from ordinary rankings. Reason: Sword cultivators argued— cultivation and swordsmanship are not identical. Thus was created: The Legendary Sword Ranking Requirements: Master a Sword Dao Leave a permanent legacy Defeat recognized experts Possess world influence Top 20 Legendary Swordsmen of Tianxia Rank 1 — Sword Ancestor Xu Title: Sword Above Origin Affiliation: Heavenly Sword Pavilion Cultivation: Stage 95 Achievements: Split a continent Defeated three Stage 94 cultivators Created 3,000 sword arts Known saying: “Do not cultivate the sword. Become worthy of holding one.” Rank 2 — Dragon Sword Emperor Affiliation: Azure Dragon Clan Cultivation: Stage 95 Known for: Twelve Dragon Sword Forms Rank 3 — Heavenly White Blade Affiliation: Independent Cultivation: Stage 93 Known for: Defeated stronger opponents repeatedly Rank 4 — Lady Mirror Sword Affiliation: Sky Mirror Palace Cultivation: Stage 92 Known for: Reflection Sword Dao Rank 5 — Silent Sword Monarch Affiliation: Unknown Cultivation: Stage Unknown Known for: Won 700 duels Never drew fully Rank 6 — Ocean Sword Saint Stage 91 Rank 7 — Seven Sky Sword Lord Stage 91 Rank 8 — Black Heaven Sword Stage 90 Rank 9 — Eternal Frost Sword Stage 90 Rank 10 — Crimson Sword Saint Stage 90 Ranks 11–20 Included: Storm Sword King Cloud Sword Emperor Jade Blade Saint Moon Splitter Golden Sword Lord Thousand Edge Master Heaven Piercing Sword Iron Mountain Blade Falling Star Sword Endless Sword Walker Year 1450 A public exhibition was held. Top swordsmen demonstrated techniques. Sword rivers. Sword storms. Sword domains. Millions attended. Then— a visitor entered. No sword. No aura. No clan mark. He watched quietly. Someone asked: “Senior, which sword path do you cultivate?” He looked at the stage and replied: “Before paths existed, people simply learned not to miss.” Then he left. The ranking committee searched for him. Result: No record. No identity. No stage.Year 1451 The exhibition ended. But the stranger’s words remained. “Before paths existed, people simply learned not to miss.” Sword cultivators argued for years. Some called it ignorance. Others called it enlightenment. The phrase entered manuals. Quietly. Year 1458 The Heavenly Sword Pavilion announced reforms. New Sword Progression: Sword Technique → Sword Intent → Sword Heart → Sword Domain → Sword Will → Sword Dao A warning was added: Do not mistake destruction for mastery. Young disciples hated the rule. Older swordsmen approved. Year 1466 The Seven Sword Academy made an unusual discovery. Ten thousand disciples trained. Only seventeen became stronger. Their common trait: They practiced fewer techniques. Average disciples practiced: 2,300 forms. The seventeen mastered: Three. Training methods changed. Year 1475 The first Great Sword Gathering began. Rules: No cultivation suppression. No killing. No outside interference. Contest Categories: Basic Sword Sword Intent Sword Dao Final Match: No cultivation allowed. The champion— a Stage 22 disciple. He defeated Stage 40 competitors. Technique: One movement. His answer afterward: “I stopped trying to impress people.” Year 1489 The Legendary Sword Ranking updated. Changes: Silent Sword Monarch rose to Rank 3. Reason: No explanation. Evidence submitted: Classified. The entire sword world became curious. Nobody had seen him. Nobody knew his sect. Yet nobody questioned the ranking. Year 1500 Population: 52 billion Cultivators: 15 billion Sword Cultivators: 3.8 billion Recognized Sword Masters: 83 million Sword Saints: 8,400 Sword Immortals: 190 Sword Ancestors: 11 Civilization celebrated the Age of the Sword. Year 1512 The Heavenly Sword Pavilion opened its deepest archive. Inside— the oldest sword manual. Expected title: Heaven Sword Art. Actual title: How Not To Miss Contents: Page One: Stand correctly. Page Two: Look carefully. Page Three: Move only when necessary. Remaining pages: Blank. Entire generations of sword experts were disappointed. Several returned secretly to read again. Year 1524 The Thirty Great Sects entered competition. New rankings introduced. Top Ten Sect Masters Pavilion Master of Heavenly Sword Pavilion — Stage 92 Palace Lord of Endless Dao Palace — Stage 92 Abbot of Great Void Temple — Stage 91 Flame Sovereign of Nine Flame Temple — Stage 91 Medicine Emperor of Heavenly Medicine Court — Stage 90 Rune Heaven Elder — Stage 90 Beast Valley Lord — Stage 90 Star Boundary Headmaster — Stage 90 Eternal River Master — Stage 90 Formation Heaven Patriarch — Stage 89 None reached Stage 100. Not one. Year 1540 A wandering sect appeared. No headquarters. No rankings. No recruitment. Name: First Step Sect. Rules: Train. Eat. Sleep. Study. Practice. Repeat. No hidden arts. No secret inheritance. People laughed. Applications exceeded expectations. Year 1563 Inspectors visited First Step Sect. Report: Techniques: Ordinary. Manuals: Ordinary. Environment: Ordinary. Results: Extraordinary. Average disciple stability surpassed elite sects. Nobody understood. Year 1588 The Sword Rankings updated again. Unexpected entry: Rank 10 — Unknown Walker Affiliation: None Cultivation: Unknown Sword: Wooden Recorded Battle Count: 1 Result: Victory Notes: One strike. Opponent surrendered before impact. No witnesses could explain why. Year 1600 Population: 58 billion Cultivators: 18 billion Stage 30: 390 million Stage 40: 71 million Stage 50: 9 million Stage 60: 1.5 million Stage 70: 120 thousand Stage 80: 11 thousand Stage 90: 810 Stage 95: 39 Stage 100: None And in the oldest mountain— the wall of one hundred circles changed again. Circle Two became brighter. Circle One— still incomplete.Year 1451 The exhibition ended. But the stranger’s words remained. “Before paths existed, people simply learned not to miss.” Sword cultivators argued for years. Some called it ignorance. Others called it enlightenment. The phrase entered manuals. Quietly. Year 1458 The Heavenly Sword Pavilion announced reforms. New Sword Progression: Sword Technique → Sword Intent → Sword Heart → Sword Domain → Sword Will → Sword Dao A warning was added: Do not mistake destruction for mastery. Young disciples hated the rule. Older swordsmen approved. Year 1466 The Seven Sword Academy made an unusual discovery. Ten thousand disciples trained. Only seventeen became stronger. Their common trait: They practiced fewer techniques. Average disciples practiced: 2,300 forms. The seventeen mastered: Three. Training methods changed. Year 1475 The first Great Sword Gathering began. Rules: No cultivation suppression. No killing. No outside interference. Contest Categories: Basic Sword Sword Intent Sword Dao Final Match: No cultivation allowed. The champion— a Stage 22 disciple. He defeated Stage 40 competitors. Technique: One movement. His answer afterward: “I stopped trying to impress people.” Year 1489 The Legendary Sword Ranking updated. Changes: Silent Sword Monarch rose to Rank 3. Reason: No explanation. Evidence submitted: Classified. The entire sword world became curious. Nobody had seen him. Nobody knew his sect. Yet nobody questioned the ranking. Year 1500 Population: 52 billion Cultivators: 15 billion Sword Cultivators: 3.8 billion Recognized Sword Masters: 83 million Sword Saints: 8,400 Sword Immortals: 190 Sword Ancestors: 11 Civilization celebrated the Age of the Sword. Year 1512 The Heavenly Sword Pavilion opened its deepest archive. Inside— the oldest sword manual. Expected title: Heaven Sword Art. Actual title: How Not To Miss Contents: Page One: Stand correctly. Page Two: Look carefully. Page Three: Move only when necessary. Remaining pages: Blank. Entire generations of sword experts were disappointed. Several returned secretly to read again. Year 1524 The Thirty Great Sects entered competition. New rankings introduced. Top Ten Sect Masters Pavilion Master of Heavenly Sword Pavilion — Stage 92 Palace Lord of Endless Dao Palace — Stage 92 Abbot of Great Void Temple — Stage 91 Flame Sovereign of Nine Flame Temple — Stage 91 Medicine Emperor of Heavenly Medicine Court — Stage 90 Rune Heaven Elder — Stage 90 Beast Valley Lord — Stage 90 Star Boundary Headmaster — Stage 90 Eternal River Master — Stage 90 Formation Heaven Patriarch — Stage 89 None reached Stage 100. Not one. Year 1540 A wandering sect appeared. No headquarters. No rankings. No recruitment. Name: First Step Sect. Rules: Train. Eat. Sleep. Study. Practice. Repeat. No hidden arts. No secret inheritance. People laughed. Applications exceeded expectations. Year 1563 Inspectors visited First Step Sect. Report: Techniques: Ordinary. Manuals: Ordinary. Environment: Ordinary. Results: Extraordinary. Average disciple stability surpassed elite sects. Nobody understood. Year 1588 The Sword Rankings updated again. Unexpected entry: Rank 10 — Unknown Walker Affiliation: None Cultivation: Unknown Sword: Wooden Recorded Battle Count: 1 Result: Victory Notes: One strike. Opponent surrendered before impact. No witnesses could explain why. Year 1600 Population: 58 billion Cultivators: 18 billion Stage 30: 390 million Stage 40: 71 million Stage 50: 9 million Stage 60: 1.5 million Stage 70: 120 thousand Stage 80: 11 thousand Stage 90: 810 Stage 95: 39 Stage 100: None And in the oldest mountain— the wall of one hundred circles changed again. Circle Two became brighter. Circle One— still incomplete.Year 1601 The request for stronger rankings spread across Tianxia. People no longer wanted to know: Who is talented? They wanted to know: Who truly stands at the peak? At the same time— another topic quietly became accepted among scholars: cultivation does not only refine power. It also affects emotions, desires, ambition, attachment, discipline, and self-control. Cultivation manuals warned: Desire can strengthen determination. Obsession can destroy cultivation. Thus the next records were established. Heavenly Peak Rankings The Strongest Known Beings of Tianxia Measured by: Cultivation Combat Ability Influence Dao Stability Historical Achievement Rank 1 — Unknown Founder Title: The One Who Wrote Stage One Clan: None Sect: Unknown Cultivation: Unmeasurable Known Records: Exists before recorded history Appears young in every era Never officially fought Every known measurement fails Notes: Status cannot be determined. Rank 2 — Dragon Ancestor Clan: Azure Dragon Clan Cultivation: Stage 96 — Origin King Titles: Sword Above Civilization Known for: Commanding the Twelve Dragon Legions. Rank 3 — Eternal Phoenix Ancestor Cultivation: Stage 96 Known for: Creating the Flame Courts. Rank 4 — Star Emperor Ancestor Cultivation: Stage 95 Known for: Reading heavenly cycles. Rank 5 — Void Monarch Ancestor Cultivation: Stage 95 Known for: Controlling hidden domains. Ranks 6–20: All Stage 92–95. Stage 100: Still none. Year 1615 Another ranking appeared. Not strength. Not beauty. Something more difficult. The Wicked Rankings This list measured: Ruthlessness Ambition Manipulation Political influence Fear caused Being ranked was not always honorable. Rank 1 — Black Crown Patriarch Cultivation: Stage 92 Known for: Winning wars without battles. Famous saying: “Most people defeat themselves.” Rank 2 — Thousand Mask Lord Cultivation: Unknown Known for: Never appearing publicly. Rank 3 — Silent Court Matriarch Cultivation: Stage 90 Known for: Controlling alliances. Rank 4 — Crimson Strategist Stage 89 Rank 5 — White Shadow Minister Stage 88 Year 1632 Scholars published a major work: The Seven Emotions of Cultivation They taught that all cultivators experience emotions. Seven major emotions: Joy Anger Sadness Fear Desire Attachment Peace Manual warning: Suppressing emotions completely damages understanding. Being controlled by emotions damages judgment. Balance creates stability. Year 1650 Research showed advanced cultivation affected feelings. Common observations: Lower stages: Emotions change quickly. Middle stages: Greater self-control. Higher stages: Clearer understanding of feelings. Ancient ancestors advised: Do not abandon humanity while seeking Heaven. Year 1677 The First Step Sect became unexpectedly influential. Their teaching: Strength without understanding becomes empty. Emotion without control becomes chaos. Control without humanity becomes cold. Many powerful cultivators began retraining there. Year 1700 Population: 63 billion Cultivators: 21 billion Stage 30: 500 million Stage 40: 100 million Stage 50: 13 million Stage 60: 3 million Stage 70: 300 thousand Stage 80: 30 thousand Stage 90: 2 thousand Stage 95: 81 Stage 100: None At the oldest mountain— the wall changed once more. Circle Three became faintly visible. Circle One— still incomplete. And below the circles— new words appeared: “Power was never the destination.”Year 1701 As civilization became richer and more peaceful, influence was no longer measured only by cultivation. Prestige. Presence. Elegance. Culture. Refinement. These became powers of their own. Thus the Grand Ranking Pavilion released a list that all of Tianxia argued over: Heavenly Beauty Civilization Rankings The Most Beautiful Clans of Tianxia Evaluation: Average appearance Presence and bearing Bloodline refinement Culture and etiquette Reputation Influence across generations Beauty rankings never measured appearance alone. Rank 1 — Vermillion Phoenix Clan 👑🔥 Symbol: The Eternal Phoenix Average Traits: Bright eyes Refined bearing Elegant speech Strong flame affinity Known for: Royal academies Marriage diplomacy Cultural influence Public saying: “One Phoenix appearance changes ten generations.” Rank 2 — Jade Crane Clan 🌿 Known for: Graceful appearance Calm temperament Refined manner Traits: Smooth spiritual circulation Elegant movement Rank 3 — Star Emperor Clan ⭐ Known for: Distinctive eyes Celestial presence Strong spiritual perception Rank 4 — Azure Dragon Clan ⚔️ Known for: Noble appearance Strong physique Commanding presence Rank 5 — Void Monarch Clan 🌌 Known for: Rare beauty Quiet elegance Mysterious aura Rank 6 — Golden Kirin Clan Known for: Luxury and refinement. Rank 7 — White Tiger Clan Known for: Strong and dignified features. Rank 8 — Heavenly Wolf Clan Known for: Sharp expressions and confidence. Rank 9 — Black Tortoise Clan Known for: Calm and steady bearing. Year 1710 After endless debate— the individual rankings were revealed. Heavenly Beauty Rankings The Ten Most Beautiful Ladies of Tianxia Measured by: Appearance Presence Talent Influence Cultivation Reputation Rank 1 — Lady Feng Yutong Affiliation: Vermillion Phoenix Clan Age: 31 Cultivation: Stage 67 — Ancient Heaven Titles: Heavenly Phoenix Successor Crown of Civilization Known for: Extraordinary composure Leadership ability Legendary public influence Description often used: “Like sunrise reflected on a calm sea.” Rank 2 — Lady Su Qinghe Affiliation: Jade Crane Clan Age: 38 Cultivation: Stage 65 — Ancient King Titles: Heaven Medicine Saintess Known for: Medical genius Calm presence Rank 3 — Lady Xing Yue Affiliation: Star Emperor Clan Age: 34 Cultivation: Stage 68 — Ancient Origin Titles: Star Mirror Fairy Known for: Celestial research Strategic brilliance Rank 4 — Lady Long Ruoxi Affiliation: Azure Dragon Clan Age: 27 Cultivation: Stage 60 — Supreme Immortal Titles: Sword Crown Maiden Rank 5 — Lady Ji Lian Affiliation: Void Monarch Clan Cultivation: Stage 64 Known for: Quiet and mysterious presence. Rank 6 — Lady Haneul Seo Affiliation: Independent Sect Cultivation: Stage 61 Rank 7 — Lady Bai Yun Cultivation: Stage 58 Rank 8 — Lady Luo Xinyi Cultivation: Stage 56 Rank 9 — Lady Murong Xue Cultivation: Stage 55 Rank 10 — Lady Shen Yue Cultivation: Stage 54 Year 1718 Another list appeared. Unexpectedly popular. Most Desired Marriage Alliances Rank 1: Vermillion Phoenix Clan Rank 2: Azure Dragon Clan Rank 3: Star Emperor Clan Rank 4: Jade Crane Clan Rank 5: Golden Kirin Clan Applications reached impossible numbers. Entire houses changed strategy. Year 1725 The top-ranked ladies gathered publicly once. Observers expected rivalry. Instead— they exchanged cultivation insights, discussed governance, and debated civilization. A famous line remained: “Beauty gains attention. Character keeps influence.” And far away— the Founder looked once and continued walking.Year 1730 As Tianxia matured, the archives expanded beyond ordinary rankings. Only cultivators who surpassed history itself entered these records. The title Immortal was not beauty alone. The title God was not power alone. Each required: Cultivation Legacy Influence Dao Understanding Civilization Contribution These names became known as— The Thirty-Six Ascended Immortals Those who rose from the Immortal Realm and became legends (18 male • 18 female) From Azure Dragon Clan ⚔️ Long Tianjian (M) — Sword Immortal Long Xuande (M) — Heaven Blade Immortal Long Yichen (M) — Dragon Sky Immortal Long Ruoxi (F) — Azure Beauty Immortal From Vermillion Phoenix Clan 🔥 Feng Yutong (F) — Phoenix Crown Immortal Feng Yuexin (F) — Scarlet Heaven Immortal Feng Lianhua (F) — Flame Lotus Immortal Feng Haoran (M) — Burning Emperor Immortal From White Tiger Clan 🐅 Bai Hujin (M) — War Immortal Bai Zhen (M) — Tiger Spear Immortal Bai Xueying (F) — Snow Battle Immortal Bai Jianhong (M) — Heaven General Immortal From Black Tortoise Clan 🛡️ Xuan Ming (M) — Fortress Immortal Xuan Yue (F) — Eternal Shield Immortal Xuan Qing (F) — Stone Heaven Immortal Xuan Cheng (M) — Mountain Immortal From Golden Kirin Clan ✨ Jin Taixing (M) — Golden Prosperity Immortal Jin Meilin (F) — Heavenly Fortune Immortal Jin Yuran (F) — Kirin Saint Immortal Jin Guowei (M) — Trade Sovereign Immortal From Heavenly Wolf Clan 🌙 Lang Ye (M) — Shadow Immortal Lang Seol (F) — Moon Fang Immortal Lang Tian (M) — Sky Hunter Immortal Lang Xinyi (F) — Silent Heaven Immortal From Jade Crane Clan 🌿 He Qinglian (F) — Medicine Immortal He Yuantao (M) — Heavenly Physician Immortal He Yun (F) — Crane Immortal He Shenyu (M) — Eternal Healer Immortal From Star Emperor Clan ⭐ Xing Yue (F) — Star Mirror Immortal Xing Tianhao (M) — Celestial Observatory Immortal Xing Meiyu (F) — Heaven Star Immortal Xing Dao (M) — Cosmic Scholar Immortal From Void Monarch Clan 🌌 Ji Lian (F) — Void Beauty Immortal Ji Wuchen (M) — Space Immortal Ji Xuanyin (F) — Silent Space Immortal Ji Zhen (M) — Hidden Origin Immortal These thirty-six became known as: The Heavenly Thirty-Six. The Thirty-Six Gods Those who ascended from Immortal to God Realm Examples of titles: Dragon God Phoenix Goddess White Spear God Eternal Shield Goddess Golden Wealth God Moon Hunt Goddess Medicine God Star God Void God Heavenly Sword God Flame God War God Fortress God Merchant God Night God Healing Goddess Astral God Space Goddess Heavenly Crown God Dao River God Cloud God Frost Goddess Heaven Gate God Origin Goddess Formation God Beast God Law God Destiny Goddess Ocean God Thunder God Mountain God Wind Goddess Mirror God Harmony Goddess Civilization God Endless God Only twelve reached Stage 90. The Thirty-Six Dao Ancestors Founders of Great Paths Examples: Sword Dao Ancestor Fire Dao Ancestor Water Dao Ancestor Space Dao Ancestor Time Dao Ancestor Life Dao Ancestor Death Dao Ancestor Formation Dao Ancestor Alchemy Dao Ancestor Star Dao Ancestor Battle Dao Ancestor Destiny Dao Ancestor … (36 total paths) These Ancestors no longer ruled territories. They ruled concepts. The Thirty-Six Primordial Dao Ancestors Those who stood before civilizations Titles included: Ancestor of Origin Ancestor of Heaven Ancestor of Stars Ancestor of Mountains Ancestor of Oceans Ancestor of Cycles Ancestor of Creation Ancestor of Return Ancestor of Beginning Ancestor of End … until Thirty-Six. Each governed entire layers of reality. The Thirty-Six Supreme Creators Highest known recognized existence These were no longer called cultivators. Titles: Creator of Worlds Creator of Laws Creator of Seasons Creator of Stars Creator of Civilization Creator of Dreams Creator of Destiny Creator of Space Creator of Harmony Creator of Time Creator of Knowledge Creator of Life … Thirty-Six total. But all creator records ended with one empty throne. Seat 0. Inscription: Reserved. No name recorded. No one knew for whom.Year 1731 The appearance of Seat 0 changed everything. Until then— cultivators believed there was always another realm. Another title. Another ascension. But the Supreme Creator Records ended. Thirty-Six seats. And one empty throne. Not numbered First. Not numbered Highest. Simply— Zero. Older than one. Year 1739 The Thirty-Six Supreme Creators issued no commands. No decrees. No miracles. Their only known act: Maintaining existence. Each Creator governed one Great Principle. Examples: Creator of Stars → Maintained celestial order Creator of Life → Maintained growth Creator of Time → Maintained continuity Creator of Knowledge → Maintained memory Yet— none governed cultivation. That place remained empty. Year 1750 The Thirty-Six Primordial Dao Ancestors gathered once every ten thousand years. Location: Unknown. Entry requirement: Leave behind all titles. Ancestors arrived without armies. Without servants. Without crowns. Only understanding remained. Records of the gathering were prohibited. Only one line escaped. “Creation is easier than beginning.” No explanation followed. Year 1766 The Thirty-Six Dao Ancestors began opening inheritances. For the first time— ordinary cultivators could observe fragments of true Dao. Inheritance Trials: Sword Valley Sea Reflection Mountain Silence One Thousand Breaths Still Water Hall The Empty Page Millions entered. Few succeeded. Unexpectedly— the highest success rates belonged to lower-stage cultivators. Year 1780 A new title appeared. Not Immortal. Not God. Not Ancestor. Not Creator. A historical designation. Seekers Definition: Those who stopped pursuing higher realms and began seeking understanding. Requirements: None. Recognition: None. Influence: Growing. The First Step Sect became their center. Year 1800 Population: 71 billion Cultivators: 26 billion Stage 50: 21 million Stage 60: 7 million Stage 70: 900 thousand Stage 80: 140 thousand Stage 90: 9 thousand Stage 95: 201 Stage 99: 1 Stage 100: None The first Stage 99 finally appeared. Name: Unknown. Clan: Refused. Sect: None. Title accepted: Great Origin Lord. Questions flooded in. Everyone asked: “How do we reach Stage 100?” Answer: “Why?” The answer spread faster than the breakthrough. Year 1814 The Thirty-Six Immortals updated. Three names vanished. No death. No replacement. Their entries simply became: Returned. No location. No explanation. People became uneasy. Returned to where? Year 1833 A hidden archive beneath the oldest mountain opened. Inside— thirty-six statues. Immortals. Gods. Dao Ancestors. Primordial Ancestors. Supreme Creators. All kneeling. Before an empty platform. Inscription: Every summit was once a first step. The platform had no throne. Only footprints. One set. Leaving. Not arriving. Year 1850 A question spread through Tianxia. Children asked it. Ancestors debated it. No one answered it. If even Supreme Creators climbed— who made the staircase? And somewhere beyond the Heaven Map— something ancient smiled.