My Celestial Ascension Chapter 5 First-Time Experiencing Cultivation

Previously on My Celestial Ascension...

After Anna’s miraculous but temporary recovery, Yuan assists his mother in regaining her strength, leading to a moment of lingering tension and newfound emotional closeness between them. The family reunites for a long-awaited lunch served by their loyal maid, Emma, where the reality of Yuan’s sudden maturity becomes apparent to those around him. Once alone, Yuan turns his focus toward the future, consulting his system about his mother’s condition and the path of cultivation. By the chapter’s end, he successfully absorbs the divine knowledge of the Heaven’s Secret Arts, marking the true beginning of his journey.

[Ding! You have successfully learned Heaven's Secret Arts]

<Heaven's Secret Arts>

<Rank: Divine>

<Description: Emerging from chaos itself, Heaven's Secret Arts consists of nine Heavenly stages. Each new state grants the user a unique ability.>

___

<Heaven's First Secret Art— Consuming Heaven technique>

<Rank: Divine>

<Description: Draws in 5 Qi per second. Activation requires the lotus position; the rate of Qi absorption scales with the user's mastery level.>

___

According to the insights gained from the book's text, Qi is the world's fundamental essence and the most refined energy. This stands in stark contrast to mana, which is considered the coarsest energy form utilized by mortals.

Mortals who rely on mana are unable to detect the Qi present in the atmosphere, regardless of their efforts. To perceive this energy, one must possess specific methods, commonly referred to as cultivation techniques. Through these procedures, a person can sense and draw Qi into their body. Without the appropriate techniques, accessing Qi in this world is impossible.

"Unbelievably fascinating and enigmatic..." Yuan whispered. He then sat on his bed in the lotus position and shut his eyes.

[Host! I suggest you don't cultivate on the bed because you might sweat excessively before you finish!] Nora cautioned him before he could begin.

"Ummm," Yuan mumbled, nodding as he moved from the bed to the floor, resuming the lotus position. He closed his eyes once more, preparing to activate the skill and begin his cultivation.

[Ding]

<5/1000>

<10/1000>

<15/1000>

<20/1000>

'Incredible! So this is the actual sensation of Qi!' Yuan mused while observing the glowing particles in the air. For every second spent in the lotus position, his Qi experience rose by 5. As the Consuming Heaven technique took effect, his breathing became rhythmic and deep, much like someone practicing "yoga." It felt as though his breathing had been flawed his entire life, and only now was he doing it correctly.

After nearly four minutes, Yuan felt a sudden surge within his body, followed by a soothing chill that permeated his limbs, bringing deep relaxation. It felt like diving into a refreshing pool on a sweltering summer day.

'This is quite simple; I just need to sit and cultivate... Doing this in reality feels amazing, like soaking in a pleasant, warm bath,' Yuan thought, reflecting on the wonderful sensation of the process.

"Nora! Display my status!" Yuan commanded. Immediately, a translucent window materialized before him, detailing his current state.

—

Name: Yuan Blank

Age: 19 years

Cultivation: First Level Spirit Apprentice

Legacy: None

Bloodline: None

Physique: Heaven Devouring Physique

Physical Strength: 108

Mental Strength: 145

Soul Strength: 220

Physical Defense: 105

Mental Defense: 221

SP: 90

«System Inventory»

«System Shop»

«Missions» [Currently None]

—

[Congratulations on becoming a cultivator, Host,] Nora spoke within his mind.

"It's thanks to you. If you hadn't picked me, I wouldn't have this second life, and you helped my mother recover. You have my deepest thanks, Nora."

[What are you talking about? Don't dwell on it; it was your destiny to have me!] Nora replied with a casual tone.

Yuan could only offer a wry smile at her words.

He picked up the book and returned to the page he had been studying. This time, the text was perfectly clear. The symbols that previously looked like gibberish now made perfect sense. It felt like reading an epic tale of a man's path toward becoming Transcendent; the deeper he read, the more profound and mysterious it became.

Without realizing it, he sat perfectly still with his eyes closed, his face reflecting a state of absolute serenity.

____

<Heaven's Secret Art Mastery Level has been increased> (2↑)

____

<Heaven's Second Secret Art— Heaven Splitting Sword Strike>

<Rank: Divine>

<Description: Costs 1000 Qi. Requires a sword to activate. Unleashes a massive pillar of light in the shape of a blade that obliterates everything in its path.>

—

Yuan opened his eyes and stood up, walking toward the window. This was the first time he had truly looked out at the world since his reincarnation.

"Is it already sunset...?" He was surprised by the time. To him, it felt as if only moments had passed during his meditation.

[From my perspective, Host, you entered a state of enlightenment!] Nora explained, seeing his confusion.

"Enlightenment?.. I've heard that term before. Almost every cultivation novel describes what I just experienced as a state of enlightenment," Yuan remarked, thinking back to the stories he read on Earth.

[Precisely!] Nora confirmed.

"To think that I, Yuan, would actually experience the enlightenment from those fantasy stories in the real world... It really is a remarkable feeling!" he whispered.

[Did you gain any new insights during your enlightenment?] Nora asked, showing a very human-like curiosity about his first day of cultivation.

"Actually, yes... It seems I've reached the second stage of the Heaven's Secret Art and learned the Heaven Splitting Sword Strike," he informed her.

[Congratulations, Host! I am very pleased,] Nora said happily. [However, your current cultivation is too low to use it. You need to reach at least the Warrior Realm to activate that skill.]

Yuan replied, "Then I just need to raise my cultivation base. Once I'm stronger, I'll be able to use it without any issues."

"I should stop here for now. Mom and Sis are likely worried about me. I need to talk to them, especially Mom. I also need to find a technique for her." Realizing the pill's effect was temporary, he knew he had to discuss her health seriously.

He left his bedroom and went to the living room. There, he found his sister, Emma, and his mother, Lily, chatting and smiling together.

"Yuan, what were you doing in your room for so long?" Lily asked the moment he appeared.

She felt confused as she looked at him. Why does he seem different? Am I imagining things? she wondered.

"No... It's nothing. I was just busy with something important and got a bit carried away!" he lied.

"Is that so?" Lily said.

'Something happened in that room; I'll find out what it was later!' Lily thought, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Dear, is something wrong? You look like you have a lot on your mind; it's worrying to see," Anna said, noticing her son's serious expression.

'Sigh! I can't hide anything from them, especially Mom. But I don't know how to start this... This is tough...' Yuan thought, seeing her concern.

Seeing that they weren't taking him seriously yet, he could only sigh again.

He sat down across from them and said, "Mom, Big Sis, Emma—you are the most important people in my life. What I'm about to say will change how you see the world forever. It will open a door to a new universe. But please, keep this a secret. If anyone else finds out, we will be in grave danger!"

They all looked at him with raised eyebrows, bewildered by his sudden gravity.

[Host! I suggest moving this conversation. Walls have ears, you know?] Nora warned him before he could continue.

"You're right, Nora. Thanks for the warning!" Yuan agreed. In a world of magic, anything was possible.

[No need for thanks; I am your assistant!] Nora replied, though she felt happy inside.

"Mom! Let's go to your room first. We'll talk there," Yuan said, standing up and heading toward Anna's bedroom.

"Alright, safety first! Lily, Emma, let's go," his mother said, nodding. They all followed Yuan into the room.

Once inside, they shut the door tight to ensure their privacy.

"Yuan! Stop keeping us in suspense! Tell us!" Lily urged, her curiosity piqued.

Anna and Emma both nodded, eager to hear his explanation.

"Fine! Let's start with that pill I gave Mom..." He was cut off before he could finish.

"Speaking of that, I've never seen that kind of medicine before—not even in the Mage Academy's archives. Where did you get such a miracle drug, Yuan? I meant to ask earlier," Lily questioned. She had searched ancient records from the God's era trying to find a cure for Anna, but found nothing. She had eventually given up hope.

But then her brother had produced a strange, marble-sized pill that actually worked. Witnessing its power made her desperate to know its origin.

"Yes, dear, I'm curious too. In my 45 years, I've seen many healing potions; they are usually bitter or salty. This was the first time I've had a solid medicine that melts on the tongue. Please, tell us where you bought it," Anna added, describing the pill's unique nature.

"Does such a medicine really exist?" Emma asked, fascinated by the conversation.

"It does, Sister Emma. You should have seen the results when Yuan gave it to Mom; you would have been amazed."

"I'm sorry, Mom! But I can't tell you where I got it right now!" Yuan said, looking apologetic. He couldn't reveal he was a reincarnated soul with a system that provided him with cultivation knowledge and items.

"It's okay. Don't worry, dear. Everyone has secrets, even me. I have things I don't tell anyone... So don't let it bother you," Anna comforted him, sensing his conflict. Yuan nodded in gratitude.

"Hey, Nora! Is there a good cultivation method for Mom?" he whispered internally. He wanted her to learn cultivation so she could recover her health permanently.

[There is a Divine rank technique perfect for Anna, though it is more costly than others of that rank. Do you wish to buy it?] Nora asked after checking.

"How much SP is it?" Yuan asked, curious about the "expensive" price.

[Nothing too bad—just 150 SP, Host!] Nora replied instantly.