章 2: 2 : Work in Horse Shed

Of course! Here's a brief explanation of each cultivation stage before diving into the story :

1. Opening of Meridians - This is the initial stage where practitioners start to cultivate their inner energy (Qi) and open up the meridian channels in their body. It's about laying the groundwork for future cultivation.

2. Qi Gathering - At this stage, practitioners focus on gathering and condensing the Qi from their surroundings. It involves the absorption of energy from nature and its refinement within the body. People mostly use Spirit Stones to finish this phase faster.

3. Foundation Building - This is a crucial phase where the practitioner solidifies their Qi base and strengthens their core. A strong foundation ensures stability and potential for higher cultivation levels.

4. Core Formation - Here, practitioners form a core within their body, usually in the dantian area. This core is a concentrated form of their Qi and acts as a reservoir of energy and power.

5. Spirit Condensation - In this stage, cultivators begin to condense their spiritual energy. It involves refining the Qi core to a denser state, enhancing the practitioner's spiritual and physical abilities.

6. Nascent Soul - This advanced stage involves the formation of a 'Nascent Soul,' a manifestation of one's cultivated essence. It marks a significant increase in power and longevity.

7. Mystic Transformation - Here, practitioners transform their physical body using their cultivated energy, achieving profound strength and capabilities. It's a stage of major physical and spiritual transformation. This where the Dao of the cultivator take roots.

8. Mortal Sovereign - At this level, cultivators gain the ability to manipulate space to a certain extent. They can perform feats like teleportation and dimensional travel. Dao growth starts from this stage.

9. Immortal Sovereign - The final stage of cultivation, where the practitioner transcends physical boundaries and achieves a near-immortal, enlightened state. This often involves ascending to a higher realm or plane of existence. One need to master a specific Dao to reach this stage.

Inside the "Noble House Inn", as the early morning light gently filtered through the windows, Eric sat in a secluded corner. The inn, with its cozy ambiance, was quiet at this hour, save for the soft murmur of a few early risers and the occasional clink of cutlery.

Eric was partially hidden in the shadows, a black cloth draped over his head, creating a veil of privacy in the softly lit room. His eyes, however, were alive with intense focus, directed towards the window that offered a clear view of the royal entrance of the Clark clan's sect across the street.

The royal entrance, visible from the inn, was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, its majestic architecture standing in stark contrast to the inn's understated elegance.

As Thea, Eric's wife, gracefully stepped into the royal entrance, there was a noticeable shift in Eric's posture. His intense gaze followed her every move until she disappeared inside. Despite his concealed face, a sense of relief seemed to wash over him. Thea's effortless entry into the sect's territory was a testament to her skills, and her presence there brought a subtle comfort to Eric.

Surrounded by the quiet hum of the inn and the emerging day outside, Eric remained seated, his attention now returning to the room, yet the relief from seeing Thea safely enter the royal domain lingered in his expression.

"Your order?" The inn servant, a stern man in his forties, approached Eric's table with an air of indifference. His gaze swept over Eric, quickly assessing his cultivation level. Noting nothing of significance, he didn't bother with a second look.

"Spirit Panther—one portion," Eric replied, his voice steady, his mind still elsewhere.

The servant's face twisted into a scowl. "Spirit panther meat is for Clark sect disciples and Core formation stage experts only. Next time, think before ordering. Otherwise, you might lose your life," he warned, his tone laced with threat.

Jolted back to reality, Eric's eyes widened in realization. "Sorry... sorry. I'm from a remote place, unfamiliar with these rules. Please, just something cheap," he stammered, adopting a submissive tone. Internally, he reminded himself of the need to maintain a low profile in the city.

The servant's demeanor shifted to one of smug superiority. He returned shortly with a meal of meager quality, worth only a few rank 1 spirit stones. Eric ate quickly, his thoughts racing.

"Thank you, brother, for helping me out. I'm new here, looking for work inside the fort. Can you help me?" Eric asked, sliding two rank 1 spirit stones towards the servant.

"What could a Qi condensation stage fellow possibly do in the fort?" the servant retorted, his attitude still dismissive.

Undeterred, Eric placed two more spirit stones in the servant's hand. "Haha, brother, you are the only good man I found, your heart is certainly kind. Any tips for me? Please."

The servant's demeanour changed at the sight of the additional stones. "Go to the back gate of the fort. There's a servant warden there. Try your luck," he said with a boisterous laugh, pocketing the stones as he moved away.

Eric moved along the circular fort to reach the back gate.

As Eric neared the back gate of the circular fort, he spotted the figure described by the inn servant. A rotund man, evidently in the Foundation stage, lounged at the entrance. A thick ledger and an ink pot rested on a table before him, while he idly cleaned his teeth with a wheat straw.

Approaching with humility, Eric addressed the warden, "I'm looking for any kind of work inside the fort. I might be at the Qi condensation stage, but I assure you, my skills are diverse." Eric is trying hard to sound like a weak Qi condensation guy of common background.

The warden, barely glancing up, replied nonchalantly while whistling, "Sorry, nothing here for a Qi condensation fellow. The fort isn't a place for weaklings."

"I can do any work, please just give me a chance. My cultivation might not be strong, but my dedication is..." Eric persisted, standing his ground.

"Can't you hear? I said there's no work. Scram! Nowadays, everyone thinks they can waltz into the fort," the warden scoffed, his legs swinging in a rhythmic, almost comical, manner.

At this moment, a skinny old man standing beside the warden, who had been passing pea nuts to him one by one, interjected. "Master, remember the third princess recently acquired some horses from High Society? This fellow might be of use there."

"Oh, really?" the warden mused, his interest piqued by the mention of the third princess, a known favorite of his relative, the king's concubine.

"Yes, master, and you're always so wise and kind to offer opportunities to the less fortunate," the skinny servant added with an exaggerated smile, laying it on thick.

Flattered by the praise, the warden, with a somewhat pompous air, waved his hand dismissively, granting Eric permission to enter. "Fine, fine, let him in. But remember, you're here because of my generosity!"

As Eric passed through the gate, he exchanged a grateful glance with the skinny old man, whose timely intervention had opened a path for him. The fat warden, meanwhile, resumed his leisurely tooth-cleaning, a self-satisfied grin on his face, oblivious to the cunning play of words that had just transpired.

Note: Thank you young master for reading... Don't forget to add the book to your library. Bonus chapter for reaching the Power stones target. Let's do this together.

PETERPAN