When the soft light of the sun began to tear through the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach, I was already on my way, my feet sinking into the cold, damp sand. The air was thick with the salty scent of the sea, and the gentle melody of waves crashing against the shore seemed like a symphony urging me onward. I could barely contain my anxiety. What would Alice show me? What did all of this mean?
Arriving at the beach, I spotted Alice leaning against a rock, the sunlight reflecting off her long pink hair, creating an almost ethereal effect. She looked calm and composed, but a faint expression of surprise flickered across her face when she saw me.
— So, why are we here so early? — Alice asked with a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Suddenly, the memory of the previous night hit me like a bucket of cold water. What should have been a simple conversation about cultivation had spiraled into a whirlwind of embarrassing thoughts and doubts. I'd promised myself I wouldn't let it distract me, but the excitement and anticipation of this new adventure had kept me awake, as if a thousand butterflies were dancing in my stomach.
— I… well, I didn't sleep very well — I replied, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. The shame of failing to contain yesterday's agitation was almost palpable.
Alice let out a soft, almost musical laugh as she watched me struggle to find the right words. The way she smiled, even in the face of my shyness, made my heart pound even faster.
— You were so excited you woke up before sunrise, weren't you? — she teased playfully. — I hope you brought all that courage with you.
Her laughter sent a wave of enthusiasm through me. The idea of having someone so special by my side, willing to teach me, filled me with determination. I glanced at the crystal she'd given me the night before, remembering it was a device capable of sending messages. The thought of being able to communicate with her, even from afar, made me feel a new kind of connection.
— I did! I'm ready to learn! — I declared, my eyes shining. Excitement overflowed, and the anticipation of what lay ahead made me more confident. — Let's begin!
Alice's expression brightened even more at my enthusiastic response.
— Then let's go, Ishida! Today is the day you take your first step toward becoming a cultivator!
With that, she turned to face the vastness of the sea, as if summoning the energies of the universe to guide us on this journey.
The cool sea breeze caressed my face, and a sense of adventure settled in my heart. I knew I was about to embark on a journey that would change everything I knew about the world—and myself.
Alice smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she continued to guide me on this new path.
— Great! That was the easy part — she said, the excitement in her voice contrasting with the mysterious glance she threw my way. — But even so, it shows you have the potential to be a cultivator. That's very important.
The joy on her face made me feel a little more secure, but at the same time, a sense of unease began to grow inside me. What could be harder than sensing Qi? Before I could dwell on it, Alice continued, her expression turning slightly more serious.
— Now, we move on to the painful part — she said, her tone light in a way that didn't quite match what was coming next. — We're going to open your Qi veins.
I froze for a moment, my heart racing in my chest. Open my Qi veins? What did that even mean? I wasn't sure whether to be excited or worried.
— What… what exactly does that involve? — I asked, trying to hide the hesitation in my voice.
Alice chuckled softly, as if I were a frightened child, and stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
— Don't worry! It's a crucial part of the cultivation process. We'll work through it together. The pain will help open your Qi channels, allowing energy to flow freely through your body.
I tried to swallow dryly, reminding myself I was about to undergo something potentially intense.
— You might feel some discomfort, but trust me. It's only temporary — she said with a calming smile. — And in the end, you'll feel stronger.
I took a deep breath, mentally steeling myself. The idea of opening my Qi veins sounded equally terrifying and intriguing. Alice had me sit down again, and I closed my eyes, hoping this new step wouldn't be as dreadful as I feared.
— Focus on your breathing — she instructed. — Feel the Qi already within you, and start visualizing the veins that need to be opened.
By then, a mix of nervousness and excitement enveloped me. I was about to take a significant step toward something I'd never imagined possible. And despite the fear, there was a spark of determination. After all, I didn't want to remain just a mortal in a world of cultivators. I wanted to discover my true potential.
— I'm ready — I murmured, my voice steady despite a slight tremble. Alice smiled again—a smile blending encouragement and a hint of amusement—and so began the journey to open my Qi veins.
A muffled scream escaped my lips as pain radiated throughout my body. I bit my lip hard, trying to suppress the sound and hide my suffering, but the intensity of what I was going through was nearly unbearable. Sweat dripped down my forehead, and my clothes were drenched, evidence of the effort I was exerting. The hours dragged on, each second stretching into an eternity of agony and resistance.
Alice's voice echoed around me, a constant anchor amidst the storm of pain.
— Come on, you're almost there! — she encouraged, her voice brimming with confidence and encouragement. Her tone was a lifeline of hope, pulling me forward even when despair threatened to consume me.
As I tried to focus on the flow of Qi, the pressure in my veins intensified, as if they were about to burst. It felt like I was fighting against a powerful current, each pulse of pain growing stronger as I struggled to break through the barriers blocking the vital energy I sought to access. The heat in my body surged, and I wondered if I could endure even one more second.
— Breathe deeply, Ishida! — Alice's voice cut through the chaos, steady and unwavering. She was right beside me, lending me strength even in the midst of my suffering.
I made one last attempt, a concentrated effort that made my veins throb almost painfully. The world around me faded, and all that existed was me, the pain, and the Qi. At the climax of my struggle, I felt something break inside me—like a door swinging wide open, allowing a flood of fresh energy to rush into my being.
— Yes! That's it! You did it! — Alice exclaimed, her excitement mingling with my own shock. Relief and euphoria flooded my body in equal measure, the pain gradually receding.
I slowly opened my eyes, and to my own disbelief, I realized I had advanced into the first realm of cultivators: Qi Gathering.
— Congratulations, Ishida! You've broken through to the Qi Gathering Realm! — Alice said, her eyes shining with pride. I could feel the weight of what I had achieved, and the realization that this world was far larger and more fascinating than I could have ever imagined settled firmly in my mind.
A wave of excitement surged through me, a newfound passion for cultivation blossoming in my heart. I was finally beginning to understand what it meant to be part of this world, and the possibilities ahead seemed endless.
— Let's keep going! Now's the time to explore all of this — Alice suggested, a happy smile on her face. And so, with renewed vigor and determination, I prepared for the next step in this journey.
Alice continued her explanation, now delving into the details of the cultivation realms, her voice brimming with enthusiasm as she guided me through this new world.
— We start with the Mortal Realm, which is where you were. In it, people have no access to Qi and thus cannot develop their abilities. Once someone advances to the Qi Gathering Realm, like you, they begin gathering Qi in their body. This realm has ten levels, and with each level you ascend, your body's strength and endurance increase. A cultivator's lifespan in this realm extends to around 150 years, allowing them to live longer than a common mortal, but still far from higher potentials.
Alice paused, her expression alight with excitement.
— Next, we have the Elemental Realm. Upon reaching this level, you develop the ability to use your deep veins to absorb the vitality of heaven and earth. This not only enhances your strength but also grants agility and senses superior to ordinary living beings. In the Elemental Realm, lifespan extends to about 250 years. It's at this stage that you begin to understand what it means to be part of the broader world and connect it to natural elements.
She continued, a gleam in her eyes:
— After that comes the Nascent Soul Realm, where you experience a significant boost in strength. At this level, your body and mind become sharper, and lifespan reaches an impressive 350 years. You begin to feel more in tune with Qi, allowing energy to flow more freely through your being.
— Then, there's the True Qi Realm. This is an advanced stage where cultivators can go without food or drink for up to a week, sustaining their bodies with Qi alone. They become so powerful that they can project Qi outside their bodies, creating astonishing abilities and techniques. Lifespan in this realm extends to 400 years, allowing them to live fully and continue evolving on their cultivation path.
Alice looked at me, a satisfied smile on her lips as she continued explaining.
— Finally, there's the Golden Core Realm. In this realm, the cultivator condenses a core of Qi, which not only amplifies their strength but also grants them an elemental affinity. This means you can connect to and control the elements with far greater ease. Lifespan here reaches 500 years, and you become a truly formidable being.
Alice then leaned slightly toward me, her gaze serious yet warm.
— And I am currently in the Golden Core Realm. Here, the power you can attain is immense, and I have a deeper understanding of Qi than many cultivators. But you don't need to worry about the information on higher cultivation realms—that's far beyond what you need to focus on right now.
— And what realm is your sister in?
— Hehehe, she's much, much stronger than me. You don't need to worry about that now—knowing the gap between you two would only discourage you.
With that, the conversation left me even more intrigued and determined to advance in my cultivation journey, aware that I had a friend like Alice by my side to guide me on this thrilling path.
— So, I'm now at the first level of the Qi Gathering Realm? — I asked curiously.
Alice nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.
— Yes! As I said before, this realm is fairly easy. You just need to accumulate Qi in your body. As you unlock more Qi channels, you'll feel as if you're breaking through a wall. That's the sensation of advancing a level within this realm.
She paused, as if recalling her own experiences.
— There are 10 levels, so there's no need to rush. Each level you complete allows you to live longer and grow stronger. It's a gradual process, but a very rewarding one. You're on the right path!
Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile. The idea of living longer and becoming stronger was everything I could wish for. Alice continued:
— Besides, as you advance, you might start experimenting with different techniques and ways to cultivate your Qi. There are many paths to follow, and each one can lead to surprising results.
Her voice was full of promises and possibilities, and I felt ready to face any challenge that came my way.
— So, what do you say we start working on the next steps? — she suggested, the anticipation in her gaze making my heart race again.
— Yes, let's do it! — I replied, determined to dive headfirst into this new life.
Alice went on, still wearing an excited smile.
— Oh, and one more thing! Elizabeth, my older sister, asked me to invite you to the tavern again. She said she wanted to celebrate your progress, especially now that you've broken through the first barrier and become a cultivator.
The mention of the tavern brought back memories of the previous night, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
— Do you think she'll be happy that I advanced? — I asked, a little apprehensive.
— Absolutely! Big sis loves to party, and she'll be thrilled to hear you've actually become a cultivator. It'll be a great chance for you to mingle more with people from our world and learn more about what it means to be a cultivator.
The prospect of going to the tavern again made me eager. The idea of interacting with more people and familiarizing myself with the life of a cultivator intrigued me.
— When are we going? — I asked, trying to contain my excitement.
— Let's wait until nightfall. I want you to be ready for the party, so we can spend the day training a little more before we go — Alice replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
— More training? — I said, a little intimidated but excited at the same time.
— Yes! Don't worry, I promise it'll be fun. And who knows? You might even impress Big Sis with your new skills!
With that, the desire to spend the day training and the night celebrating settled in me, and I was determined to make the most of both experiences.
What followed was another grueling cultivation session, where Alice helped me try to open a few more veins. Unfortunately, we didn't make any further progress, but I refused to be discouraged—Alice had already told me that breaking through levels wasn't quick or easy, even in the lower realms.
When the sun began to set and the moon appeared, Alice finally let me rest. We parted ways, and I headed toward the inn where I was staying to get ready for the night ahead.
As I bathed in a hot, relaxing bath, the warm water enveloped my body, soothing my tired muscles. The sensation was revitalizing, and little by little, the tension built up during training began to fade. However, I couldn't stop my mind from wandering back to the last few hours.
Training with Alice had been intense and, to be honest, a little humiliating. I remembered the final part, when she insisted that merely accumulating Qi wasn't enough—I had to learn martial arts too. Her voice still echoed in my mind: "A cultivator isn't just a scholar who collects Qi. You need to be strong, agile, and know how to defend yourself!"
All I could recall were the aches I felt after that beating. Alice, though kind, didn't hesitate to push me to my limits, and I'd been knocked down several times during combat lessons. I felt embarrassed, thinking about how pathetic I must have looked in her eyes.
— I really am just a lost mortal in this world of cultivators, aren't I? — I muttered to myself, staring at the bubbling water.
If I truly wanted to become a respectable cultivator and integrate into this new world, I'd have to overcome these insecurities and pains. With that thought, I sank a little deeper into the water, trying to relax and prepare for the night ahead. After all, the tavern wasn't just about celebrating—it was an opportunity to make new friends and show Elizabeth that I was willing to put in the effort.
As the warm water enveloped my body, a sense of calm and focus washed over me. I was ready to face the night, leaving my pains and insecurities behind.
Arriving at the tavern, I spotted Alice at the counter and walked over to greet her.
— Good evening, Alice.
— Heyy, Ishida! Good timing. Hehehe.
— Huh?...
Approaching the counter, Alice showed me a stack of mugs filled with beer and wine, along with several plates of meat and other dishes.
— Help me carry these to the table. While we're at it, I'll introduce you to our crew. Today's a celebration!
— Sure, let's go!
I helped Alice carry the food and drinks, and we headed toward the table. As we got closer, I noticed familiar faces among the group. 'Hmm… aren't those the two men I saw on that massive ship at the harbor? I remember that grumpy old man saying these are powerful people.'
While I started serving the ship's crew, Alice began introducing me to the members.
Here's your translation maintaining all original punctuation and formatting in WebNovel's Light Novel style:
—"That one in the corner with the bamboo hat and serious face is Vice-Captain Leonard Hallend."
Leonard nodded slightly.
'Amazing, so that man was the vice-captain.'
—"The dwarf with a monocle is Belur Chaosfeet, he's also our ship's blacksmith." Alice whispered quietly to me, "but stay away from him because he likes to blow things up."
I tried to serve Belur as quickly and distantly as possible.
—"Listen here boy, you better serve me right or I'll blow you up! Hehe."
I got startled and almost dropped the drinks I was holding, if not for Alice quickly steadying me.
Alice continued the introductions to ease my nervousness.
—"That blonde with green eyes sitting next to my sister is Unanda Myrasis, she's a high-elf and also the ship's cook."
The high-elf simply stared at me with a grateful yet gentle look as I served her.
—"Next to Unanda is Donn Lockman," Alice whispered again, "He's a brute who only knows how to fight. Humph."
Don gave a slight nod with a serious expression on his face... 'I think he's worse than Belur,' I thought while serving this red-haired man who looked like a strong warrior wearing leather armor.
—"Next to that brute is my best friend hehehe, she's Julia Evenwood, our navigator."
—"Hello boy... You two have been spending a lot of time together, I'm happy to see Ali making new friends," Julia said with a teasing glint in her eyes.
—"H-hi," I replied somewhat shyly to the girl with dark blue hair and golden eyes. "Please go easy on me tonight."
They nodded with smiles.
—"Next to her is Natsuo, our alchemist/doctor." Alice once again came close to whisper in my ear, "Hehehe he likes Julia but is too shy to confess."
I noticed Natsuo seemed more approachable than the others. He nodded at me with a blush on his face. 'He clearly heard what Alice just told me,' I observed. Looking at Julia, I saw her rolling her eyes at Alice who just giggled mischievously.
—"Next to her is Gyda Tarmikos, she's a Viking, a hot-headed brute who gets angry easily so be careful around her. Humph." As I nodded and served Gyda, I began noticing her long blonde hair and fierce gaze. Then I spotted a vein pulsing on her forehead - clearly angry at Alice - but Alice continued whispering pretending no one could hear, "She's actually a good person and very reliable."
—"On the other side is Isabel Higgs, she's very shy but very very nice hehehe, little Bel is also really strong, she's our ship's swordswoman."
Isabel had long black hair and a slender lilac eye. 'She's pretty,' I caught myself thinking as I saw the shy girl lower her head, blushing from Alice's praise.
'Wait, if none of them are the ship's captain... then that must mean...' Alice interrupted my thoughts and began introducing Elizabeth to me again.
—"Last but not least, the one at the head of the table who you already know is my big sister Elizabeth Sell, she's also our ship's captain hehehe."
As the revelation about the captain still swirled in my mind, the conversation around me began intensifying.
But before I could get completely lost in my thoughts, Elizabeth interrupted my mental whirlwind with a mischievous smile, almost as if she was enjoying my confusion.
— Tsk, tsk, tsk! — she exclaimed, shaking her head theatrically. — Leave the kid alone! Haven't you heard? He just became a cultivator! Tonight we're getting him drunk! HAHAHAHAHA!
Her laughter was contagious, and soon the whole table joined in cheerful laughter. The dwarf Belur, still laughing, stood up and grabbed a huge mug, filling it to the brim with foamy golden beer. He raised it as if making a toast.
— To the new cultivator! — he shouted!
The table erupted in laughter and applause as I tried to contain my astonishment. Alice placed the overflowing mug in front of me, and I stared at the beer.
— Come on, Ishida! Drink! — Alice encouraged with an enthusiastic look. — You need to blend in, and what better way than a toast for a new cultivator!
I hesitated for a moment, staring at the drink. 'Beer?' I'd never had beer before, only wine. But the atmosphere was so infectious, and their expectations were high. Taking a deep breath, I raised the mug and with a nervous smile, joined their toast.
— To a new life! — I shouted, and everyone joined in.
And so, with the mug raised and an involuntary smile on my lips, I let myself be swept up in the tavern's excitement, momentarily forgetting the training pains and the pressure of the new path I'd begun to walk.