The three known dynasties of Qingzhi's realm were, in fact, the Spring and Autumn, the Warring States, and the Celestial Dynasty. Raphael wondered if this was mere coincidence, so he asked why the era over two thousand years ago was called 'Spring and Autumn'...
"There are two explanations," Qingzhi answered, "The first says that the climate back then differed greatly from today; there were only spring and autumn, no summer or winter. The second explanation states that three of the eight major powers were founded in spring, and five in autumn. Both occasions involved large-scale sacrifices and celebrations..."
"...So, spring and autumn were generally eras of recuperation and development for the major powers, with warfare occurring only in summer and winter. By the Warring States period, however, fighting raged across all four seasons. People missed the peace of the previous springs and autumns, thus naming that bygone age 'Spring and Autumn'. As to which explanation is accurate, there is still no consensus."
Raphael nodded and did not pursue the question further.
Then, with great reverence, Qingzhi said, "This humble one has fully disclosed our realm's powers and history. May I presume to ask the Demon Monarch another question?"
"You may ask," Raphael said, "But as before, after your question, I shall also ask another."
He suspected Qingzhi was still interested in the Acting Method, which he should be able to answer.
"Yes." Qingzhi acknowledged. Then he asked, "May I inquire of the Demon Monarch if there are flaws in this realm's Blood Sect cultivation methods? Also, are there better ways to cultivate?"
"There are flaws," Raphael said in an aged tone, "And there are indeed better cultivation methods." Then he smiled, "Now it's my turn to ask."
Qingzhi blinked before blurting, "Demon Monarch, what specifically is the cultivation method?"
"The specific methods are also closely guarded secrets in the realm where this Monarch resides. Yet the question I wish to ask could be answered by any ordinary cultivator of your world." Raphael sneered coldly, "Whilst this Demon Monarch's divine power and cultivation cannot yet descend upon your realm, my intact mind certainly has."
Qingzhi smiled awkwardly, then asked, "Then how might this humble one obtain these stable cultivation methods?"
"Answer this Monarch's questions carefully, and this Monarch will naturally not treat you poorly. Now, since you seek stable cultivation methods, you should explain in detail the different cultivation approaches of the Qi Sect and the Blood Sect, lest this Monarch's cultivation method prove unsuitable for your realm."
"Yes," suspecting nothing, Qingzhi proceeded to explain the two distinct cultivation systems in detail.
Surprisingly, both Qi Sect and Blood Sect disciples began their training with the same foundational techniques of this realm.
According to Qingzhi, most mortals practiced these basic methods, primarily techniques for breathing and absorbing the qi of heaven and earth. Even those fated never to become formal cultivators could, through such training, strengthen their bodies and extend their lifespans.
These foundational techniques were taught in ordinary schools and academies, akin to the calisthenics drills in Raphael's conceptual framework.
After having practiced these basic techniques, one could, upon completing general education, attempt to seek opportunities at the various major sects.
These so-called 'opportunities' essentially meant seeking recognition from a Dao lineage.
This process followed no discernible pattern and depended entirely on one's personal karmic fortune. Should one receive an infusion of power from a Dao lineage, they would be accepted as a disciple of the sect's Qi Sect and uniformly instructed in the sect's cultivation methods at the various branch sects.
Once someone gained the recognition of the Dao lineage, their destiny underwent a monumental transformation.
Even if they remained only at the Mortal Realm, that is, Sequences 9 through 7, they would still be honored with the title of Cultivator and universally respected.
Each major sect possessed its own foundational cultivation technique. The Shadow Cottage's technique was the 'Mystic Source True Scripture', divided into nine layers. Only disciples who had been recognized by the Dao lineage, infused with its power, and had their bodies reforged, could begin cultivating the first layer.
The function of this scripture was twofold: first, to familiarize the cultivator with their reforged body in preparation for cultivating abilities; second, to train the mind and spirit, allowing the cultivator to comprehend the true essence of the Shadow Cottage.
Only upon perfectly mastering one layer of the scripture could one receive further power infusion from the Dao lineage and proceed to cultivate the next layer.
Generally, upon reaching the later stage of the Mortal Realm (Sequence 7), one could begin cultivating certain low-level abilities.
Shadow Cottage disciples at Sequence 7 could cultivate the Wolf Fang Technique and the Chaos Art.
Cultivators who practiced the Wolf Fang Technique, upon activating the technique, would only grow four wolf fangs and elongated nails, with no other physical changes. Simultaneously, thanks to the Mystic Source True Scripture, their minds remained exceptionally steadfast, even when wielding the Wolf Fang Technique, they would not experience loss of rationality or similar afflictions.
Moreover, besides the transformative essentials, the Wolf Fang Technique contained two arts: 'Wolf Shadow Nine Steps' and 'Wolf Fang Claw'.
The former was a movement technique divided into three levels. At the late stage of the Mortal Realm, only the first level could be practiced. The second and third levels became accessible at the early and middle stages of the Deification Realm, corresponding to Sequences 6 and 5, respectively.
The latter, though called a supernatural ability, was essentially a martial art specifically designed for the Wolf Fang Technique.
Although Qingzhi's account was brief, Raphael couldn't help but admire the 'Beyonders' of this realm for developing the Werewolf Transformation ability to such an extreme.
He had just participated in actual combat. His battle with the 'Zombie' had been like two wild animals fighting, it was only rudimentary combat with little to no finesse involved.
But these two arts maximized the 'Werewolf's' agility and claws to the extreme, forming techniques that could be passed down to later generations...
At the Deification Realm (Sequences 6 through 4), besides cultivating the next levels of the Mystic Source True Scripture, one could also learn other supernatural abilities, such as the 'Three Arts of Corpse Refinement', 'Phantom Mirage Divine Skill', and so forth. {T/N: Zombie and Wraith! lol...}
The Blood Sect's cultivation methods were entirely different. After completing general education, if one failed to gain recognition from the Dao lineage, all was not lost. Should one be willing, they could also undergo the Blood Sect's assessment.
The assessment criteria generally emphasized robust spirit and unyielding will. If one passed the assessment, there remained a possibility of becoming a Blood Cultivator.
However, most chose not to take this path, because once one consumed an Inner Core, their temperament would drastically change. Even cultivating mind-tempering methods like the Mystic Source True Scripture yielded limited effectiveness.
Generally, at the early and middle stages of the Mortal Realm (Sequences 9 and 8), one would likely only exhibit eccentric behavior and certain bodily mutations. But upon consuming an Inner Core at the late stage of the Mortal Realm, there was a significant probability of directly collapsing into a monster.
So Qingzhi greatly desired the 'stable cultivation methods' the Otherworldly Demon Monarch had mentioned. Having explained the two cultivation systems of his realm, he posed his question once more.
Raphael was also keenly interested in acquiring this realm's cultivation methods, willing to trade potion formulas in exchange.
But he immediately thought of a problem: 'Does this realm even have those supplementary materials?'