Why do realms matter in cultivation?
What is the biggest difference between the realms and how can one differentiate between cultivators of each realm?
The first four realms from the Qi formation Realm to the Origin realm are used to cultivate the body.
During each of these realms, a different part of the physical body is refined and purified with the help of the Qi. These realms unlock the true potential of the body, consecutively making cultivators powerful and reach longer lifespans.
After that comes the Spirit Realm where numerous Mind palaces are opened. As its name suggests, the Spirit Realm deals with the working of the spirit or soul of the cultivator, making it stronger with each stage.
Cultivators of the Spirit Realm are able to live for up to 1500 years naturally, although almost none will manage to live that long without getting stronger.
Generally, cultivators of the Spirit Realm and below are referred to as mortals or mere warriors. And those of the Profound realm and above have said to have started their journey towards Immortality, having taken the first step on the true path of the cultivation.
But why is that so? What sets the Spirit Realm and the Profound Realm apart?
Well, there are two most significant differences.
1: The amount of Qi one can possess.
The internal meridian system of the body before reaching the Profound realm is akin to tiny rivulets. The amount of Qi that can pass through them is extremely limited, just like the overall Qi storage.
All the Qi that a Spirit Realm cultivator has access to is stored within the Meridians, which actually are not meant for that purpose.
But upon breaking into the Profound Realm two major changes take place. One is the expansion of the meridian system making the vessels not only more robust but able to transport tenfold more Qi.
The second is the creation of the Dantian. A dantian's sole purpose is to store refined Qi in large quantities. It is similar to the mind palace in the sense that despite being a physical organ within the body, it is also something incorporeal in nature.
It is a space within the body that can expand endlessly.
With enough time and resources it can be crafted before reaching the Profound realm but that is much more difficult.
2: The physical manifestation of the Mind Palaces and connection to the outside world.
This is how most Profound Realm cultivators are identified. They are able to physically manifest their Mind palace into the outer world, exerting great pressure on their enemies and unleashing abilities that specifically require a Mind palace to function.
They can tether their Mind Palace to the outside world to borrow the spiritual energy of the external world to use as their own. This further expands their spiritual energy reserves by many folds.
It is said that a Spirit Realm cultivator could fight perhaps half an hour while using their full strength. And if they possess a Dantian that time could be expanded to several hours.
But a Profound Realm cultivator could fight at full strength for days or even weeks by borrowing the worldly energies.
Where a Spirit Realm cultivator could lay waste to a small village, a Profound Realm cultivator could wreck cities if left unchecked. It is a difference in not only quality but also quantity.
That was the reason behind Abysswalker's comment. Stasa was able to manifest his mind palace's in almost perfect harmony because he was already half a step into the Profound Realm.
And looking at the technique he had employed, it had still taken him several minutes to get it to full power and even now the Great Ice Blade was not fully formed. This meant that either his Dantian was not fully formed or the technique required too much Qi which he was not able to easily provide by himself.
If he was actually in the Profound Realm then this battle would have been over seconds after it started. He would have summoned the blade and executed Hao Xuan on the spot while barely breaking a sweat.
Instead of some ultimate technique it would have been akin to a passing glance.
The entire colosseum shook when all the seven lights made contact with the ground. Dai Zhi jumped to his feet and muttered something under his breath to reinforce the barriers but it was clear he was not going to make it in time.
The energy readings were off the charts. The servants standing on the sides were the first ones to stumble over each other trying to regain their footings. The foods and drinks on the tables spilled left and right.
Many of the cultivators jumped back in shock.
It was not until the Abysswalker was annoyed by the disturbance that he took action himself. A single light tap by his forefinger stabilized the entire treasure palace. A second tap created a blue barrier around the colosseum.
Numerous beastly scales stacked on top of one another to create an intricate design which from afar, made it look like the skin of some obscenely large beast.
