Han Wei stood outside the doors to his courtyard and viewed his disciples, determining what to say. He needed to obtain their respect, enough that they would keep any doubts they had about his odd behaviour to themselves at least.

  And he could admit to himself that he didn’t want to screw-up their training. The first few years of cultivation arguably could set the course for their entire lives if they stayed within the sect. Cultivators had long long memories, making a person's reputation more precious than any treasure.

  If his actions damaged their reputation it was likely they would never forgive him.

  Xiao Lan maintained her polite but distant demeanor but Han Wei sensed an arrogance beneath it. Her test scores were fairly impressive, spiritual roots that were worthy of the inner sect and a cultivation comprehension that was significantly above average. But she was not a genius and her family, while nobility, did not have the resources to support her cultivation.

  She would have to work past her arrogance if she did not want to make enemies here that were far beyond her.

  Lan Feng was fidgeting beneath Elder Han’s scrutiny, still nervous - unsure of himself and his position. His spiritual roots were good, his comprehension acceptable, and he had a rare constitution that had potential. He had a Wild Fox Spirit bloodline that could provide huge benefits to his cultivation if nurtured correctly.

  But his confidence was missing. And conviction in their path was crucial for a cultivator to be able to pass bottlenecks. Without it he could potentially be stuck in the Qi Gathering realm forever.

  His last disciple was standing at attention before him, neither taking his new position for granted nor questioning whether he deserved to be there. Tie Zhu. His test scores were mediocre at best, and his performance in the trials had been mixed. But something about him caught Han Wei’s eye.

  The boy’s determination was palpable, his will unyielding. In a world where strength of spirit could matter more than inborn talent, Tie Zhu’s resolve had the potential to overcome his shortcomings. Or so Han Wei hoped.

  “This is my courtyard,” Han Wei began, his voice calm and measured. “Within it I have set up a cultivation space that I expect you to use for your cultivation at least once per day.” With that he opened the doors to reveal the garden.

  As he took in the lush greenery that filled his courtyard, he thought that he could be forgiven for his dramatic reveal. The naturally high qi of this area had been flowing through his unconventional living array since its creation and the garden had exploded in growth. Han Wei had already had to prune back the willow saplings to prevent the hedging from turning into full trees.

  “This is a cultivation grotto,” He said with more than a little pride. “An artificial recreation of a Spiritual Cave or Blessed Site, that should speed your cultivation while you are within it.”

  Xiao Lan raised an eyebrow, her tone polite. “Elder Wei, how exactly does this grotto differ from the standard cultivation chambers provided by the sect?”

  Han Wei smiled faintly. “An excellent question. The grotto itself is a type of formation that harmonizes with the flow of spiritual energy.

  “Instead of simply increasing the qi density this space is designed so that it makes qi easier to absorb through cultivation as well as allowing it to passively nourish your physical body. Something that can increase your potential for body refinement.”

  Lan Feng’s eyes widened. “It feels... alive,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

  “Precisely,” Han Wei said, nodding approvingly. “The grotto is a living array, shaped by the interplay of nature and spiritual energy.

  “You will have been cultivating in the outer sect courtyards until now, and so you may not be aware of the dangers of cultivation within areas of high qi density. Geniuses and those with high talent do so in the inner sect as they are expected to be able to avoid cultivation deviations or shattering their spiritual organs through qi overload.

  “At your level, all except geniuses would be expected to cultivate in lower qi areas than exist this close to the Silvermist Ravine. My cultivation grotto bypassess this issue by taming the qi before it can be absorbed.”

  Even Xiao Lan looked impressed by that.

  “Surely there must be a downside, master. Or wouldn’t these be more well known?” She asked. And Had Wei smiled slightly.

  “It does require constant upkeep to maintain the energy flows, and it is likely only an elder would have the spiritual sensitivity required to maintain it.” Indeed without his divine sense and memories from being in the Core Refining stage it would have been impossible for him to balance the array.

  He showed the three where their new quarters would be and then invited them to sit in his receiving room for a discussion.

  “Before we proceed,” He began, “I would like to know what type of cultivation each of you plan to focus on initially.”

  The disciples exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Han Wei continued, “For the first few realms, it’s crucial to focus on one primary cultivation type. Only once you’ve established a solid foundation, can you explore secondary cultivation paths to complement your primary focus.”

  Xiao Lan was the first to speak. “I wish to focus on wind-aspect techniques. My family has a long history of mastering the element, and I intend to continue that legacy and use them to support my martial arts.”

  Han Wei nodded. “Then I recommend you start with spiritual cultivation and choose a method that is wind based. I’d suggest finding one that leans towards the cutting wind rather than the raging storm or the gentle breeze.” Xiao Lan nodded respectfully at the advice but he suspected from her expression that this wasn't anything new to her.

  “Lan Feng, what about you?”

  The boy hesitated, his fingers twisting the hem of his sleeve. “I... I don’t know. I know I should refine my bloodline, and that a darkness or shadow based method would complement my roots.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing.

  “The testers said that I was born to be an assassin…” He looked incredibly unsure and Han Wei sighed.

  “None can choose your cultivation path for you,” He started, trying to be reassuring, “not even the heavens assign cultivators their daos. You must look within yourself to discover who you desire to be, only once you have a destination in mind can you begin to choose a road.”

  Without meaning to Han Wei fell into the lecturing cadence of his favourite professor from university. “Start by selecting a type of cultivation. It is perhaps the easiest step if you haven’t yet set goals for yourself as there are only four options available in the sect.

  “If you want to focus on your body, its strength, durability, and health, then you should choose body cultivation. They are the strongest cultivators in the lower realms and the weakest in the higher ones - but regardless of realm they are always the most durable and it is typically this type of cultivator that are the survivors of calamities.

  “If you want to balance strength of the body with the power of spiritual techniques, then spiritual cultivation is best. Spiritual cultivation is the most common cultivation type as it provides reserves of qi in the spiritual body that can be used for techniques while also supporting the physical body.

  “If you want to focus solely on spiritual techniques and do not care whether your body stays essentially mortal then you should choose aura cultivation. It is a rare choice, but not without benefits as aura cultivators can manipulate huge amounts of qi in their techniques giving them great power, though many look down on it as without a secondary cultivation method its users still age like mortals and are very vulnerable to sneak attacks.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  “Soul cultivation is the last option available to you. Though the dao is infinite, the cultivation methods the sect has access to are not. Those who are primarily soul cultivators are even rarer than aura cultivators, and they are often feared, respected, and shunned all at once.

  “This is because soul-aspected combat techniques are nearly impossible to block even if the damage they can do varies wildly depending on the soul defenses of the target. Soul cultivation does empower the spiritual body and physical body, similarly to how spiritual cultivation empowers the physical body, but at a vastly reduced rate.

  “Soul cultivation also grants access to a wide range of esoteric techniques such as true divination, spirit surgery, possession, and more that can't be replicated by more typical cultivators. Soul cultivators are often either revered healers or assassins.”

  Lan Feng looked slightly overwhelmed by the information but he bowed in respect and promised to think on his choice.

  “Tie Zhu, do you have a path yet for your cultivation?”

  The boy frowned, clearly deep in thought. “I had heard that body cultivation is expensive, that it required treasures and that only the rich could be body cultivators. Is that true?”

  “There is truth in it. But some body cultivation methods do not require many treasures or alchemical treatments, and a rare few don't require them at all. Consuming treasures is merely the easiest way to refine the body and is the method many use when body cultivation is not their main focus.”

  Tie Zhu still looked deep in thought, his brow furrowed, “And is it possible for someone's secondary cultivation method to become their primary one?”

  “Yes. It is simply a matter of a person's focus. However it is not easy. Yes cultivating the early realms in a new cultivation type will go faster, but as once you are within two, sometimes three, major realms that advantage will stop and your cultivation will slow to its natural pace.

  “Choosing where to spend your time is one of the biggest challenges of a cultivator and switching cultivation types without a good reason is generally considered a waste of that time.”

  Tie Zhu nodded in understanding. “I understand master. I think I will have to see what methods the sect has to offer before I can choose.”

  “Master.” Xiao Lan broke in. “You didn't cover dharmic cultivation in your explanation. I had heard you were a dharmic cultivator and am unsure what that means.”

  Elder Han raised an eyebrow at the implied question. It was clear from Xiao Lan’s test scores that she had studied cultivation for years in preparation for joining the sect. How could she not know what a dharmic cultivator was?

  Dharmic cultivators were duty bound to teach their dharmic cultivation to any who asked. Were the local powers suppressing knowledge of dharmic cultivation for some reason? The only reasons he could think of for such a thing were too concerning to dwell on.

  “Dharmic cultivation is not a type of cultivation, but a cultivation technique. The Dharma is one of the ways of living that has the approval and blessing of the heavens.

  “A righteous soul can use a dharmic technique with their cultivation and if their beliefs and actions resonate truly with the Dharma they will pass through their bottlenecks far easier and will not suffer from cultivation deviations.”

  As Han Wei said this, pulling the information easily from Elder Han’s memory, he was struck by the realisation of what his cultivation deviation meant.

  Elder Han had been a virtuous man as far as he could remember. He had disdained excess, fought against demonic cultivators, always stood up for justice and stood against evil doers. How could he have strayed from the Dharma? What had he missed?

  Tie Zhu perked up at the explanation, his reaction clearly showing that he was aware of the limitations of his spiritual roots.

  “Master, will you be teaching us dharmic cultivation techniques then?” He asked eagerly.

  “If any of you ask for it I will teach you how to use a dharmic technique to convert your cultivation method into a dharmic one. However I would request that you familiarise yourself with the Dharma before asking so that you can be sure you are willing to dedicate your life to its teachings.

  “Dharmic cultivation methods are easy to take up at any point in your cultivation, but they are incredibly difficult to turn away from without dispelling your cultivation base entirely.”

  Xiao Lan spoke up once more. “Elder Wei, how do we know which cultivation methods to choose from the sect’s library? There are so many options.”

  Han Wei’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I encourage you to explore the library yourselves. Familiarity with the texts will deepen your understanding.”

  Lan Feng frowned. “But what if we choose the wrong method?”

  “There’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ method,” Han Wei replied. “Each path has its strengths and weaknesses. What matters is whether your choice will lead you towards the cultivator that you wish to be.

  “Trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance, and if you still cannot choose between cultivation methods,” He smiled, “then trust in fate and the heavens will guide you.”

  The disciples nodded, their expressions thoughtful. Han Wei clapped his hands and stood up.

  “Very well.” Han Wei stood up to end their discussion. “Your first task is to collect your things, and settle into your new accommodations. Your second task is to cultivate in the courtyard to acclimatise yourself to the difference the grotto makes. Your third task is to visit the library and select a cultivation method and either a martial arts manual or a martial technique.

  “Once you’ve made your choices, we’ll begin your training.”

  With that he motioned to them in dismissal and they each bowed in respect. As the disciples turned to leave, Han Wei added, “Remember, cultivation is not just about strength. It’s about understanding yourself and the world around you. Approach it with an open mind.”

  The disciples departed, leaving Han Wei alone with his thoughts. He exhaled slowly, the weight of his responsibilities pressing on him. His near-perfect memory was a blessing that was covering for his many flaws, but he was reminded of a saying from his past life ‘You don’t know what you don’t know.’

  Any single piece of common knowledge that he was missing could easily throw suspicion upon him that he could not afford. At least they have not yet unlocked their spiritual senses and can’t yet sense my cultivation. That buys me some time.

  Han Wei paused for a moment and, deciding that he was unwilling to be idle and that he was not in the mood to continue reading, decided to adjust the flow of spiritual energy within the grotto to make sure it was perfect for when his disciples returned.

  Just as he was considering the merits of hanging talismans from some of the taller greenery, he felt a faint ripple against the veil of his disguise technique - a telltale sign of someone attempting to scan his cultivation with their spiritual senses.

  He straightened, schooled his expression to the stern countenance of Elder Han, and strained his senses to detect the intruder.

  Despite his heavyset form, Elder Liu’s footsteps were soft, almost imperceptible, as he neared the courtyard. Even with his enhanced senses he wouldn't have been able to hear him approaching without being alerted first by the probe.

  “Elder Wei,” Elder Liu called out from the courtyard entrance, his voice smooth and amiable. “What an impressive garden you’ve created. I must say, your dedication to your disciples is commendable.”

  Han Wei turned, offering a polite bow. “Elder Liu. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

  Elder Liu’s sharp eyes scanned the grotto, taking in every detail. “I heard a rumour that the disciples you took were the first students you had ever taken. And Elder Zhang suggested that I should drop by to make sure you were handling it well. He’s always been... concerned about the well-being of our fellow elders.”

  Han Wei’s eyes tightened imperceptibly, though he kept his face a polite blank. “Elder Zhang is too kind. But there is no need to worry, I am confident in my ability to guide my disciples.”

  Elder Liu’s gaze lingered on the courtyard. “Your methods are... unconventional. But then again, you’ve always been full of surprises.

  “Your grotto is quite remarkable,” Elder Liu continued, his tone casual but his gaze piercing. “It must have taken considerable effort to create.

  The question was phrased casually, but as Elder Liu spoke, Han Wei felt a subtle pressure against the veil of his disguise technique - a probing technique this time, one actively trying to pierce his defenses.

  Probing at one another with their spiritual senses was a common enough tactic among elders, a way to assert dominance or uncover weaknesses. But using a scanning technique was downright rude.

  Han Wei nodded formally, allowing a frown to form on his face. “It was indeed a challenge, but one I welcomed. Engaging in new endeavors has been... informative.”

  “I see. Tell me, how is your spirit tempering going?”

  Elder Liu’s eyes narrowed slightly, his probing technique intensifying. Han Wei felt the pressure increase, like a needle trying to pierce through a veil. But his disguise technique was designed to withstand scrutiny by much worse than an inquisitive elder and held firm.

  “Slowly,” he replied, his tone flat. “But then that is true of anything worth doing is it not?”

  Elder Liu’s probing technique faltered for a moment, and then pulled away. He frowned almost imperceptibly, then smiled. “Humility is a rare virtue among cultivators. It’s refreshing to see someone of your standing embrace it.”

  Han Wei inclined his head. “We all have much to learn, no matter our level of cultivation.”

  The two elders stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Elder Liu was the first to break, though his sharp gaze lingered. “Well, I won’t keep you. I’m sure you have much to do. Do let me know if you want any advice about training disciples.”

  “Thank you, Elder Liu. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  As Elder Liu walked away, Han Wei’s unease grew. The elder’s probing had been more aggressive than he would have expected. What exactly did Elder Zhang suggest about me that raised his suspicions like that?

  He would need to tread carefully, both for his sake and that of his disciples.

  Once Elder Liu was out of sight, Han Wei exhaled slowly, releasing the tension in his shoulders. He glanced at the grotto, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. Han Wei took a deep breath, drawing strength from the tranquil energy of the space. He had chosen his path, and he would see it through - no matter the challenges ahead.