Ancient Gods - Cultivation

Cultivation

Every author offers their own unique interpretation of realms, levels, and cultivation. This also applies to concepts like alchemy and artifacts. However, all these interpretations share a common goal: achieving progress toward immortality.

Ancient Gods follows this pattern with its own specific names for different realms. As a result, it's not helpful to directly compare different systems. I encourage you to visit my cultivation page to stay updated on this novel.

The translated novel I worked on as an editor and proofreader is one of the most perplexing cultivation stories I've encountered. The ranks and levels were jumbled, and the realms lacked clear explanations. I spent considerable time trying to understand it during my initial read and while editing. I thought checking a fandom site might help, but that turned out to be a mistake. The terms used by the poster were different, and I wasn't even sure if it was the same story.

So, I did some further searches and came across a site that explains the cultivation world fairly well. Although it’s still not complete, it provided me with valuable insights into this complex universe. Therefore, don't try to compare it to fandom or anywhere else; it's distinct. Similarly, my edits differ from other English translations.

Ancient Gods incorporates all of the elements mentioned above. In the initial realms, there are levels divided into four stages. Consider an individual refining their body with Qi Essence, which involves opening and enlarging their meridians and vessels. This process requires progressing through nine levels. Once the body has established a solid foundation, the focus shifts to the soul and mind, leading into the four subsequent stages.

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Ranks / Levels / Layers (级 jí) (层 céng): a common way to quantify martial power or the progress made in cultivation. In many cases (though not all) where these are used, there are 9 ranks/levels/layers for each cultivation stage, with rank 1 being the start and rank 9 the peak. After breaking through to the next stage, the practitioner starts at rank 1 of that new stage. The number 9 has a great deal of symbolism.

Another set of commonly used terms are Early-stage (初期), Middle-stage (中期), Late-stage (后期) & Peak (巅峰). For example, someone might be a “late-stage Core Formation expert” or they could be at “the peak of the Nascent Soul stage”.

A half step to __ (半步__境) – refers to someone who’s infinitely close to breaking through to the next stage of cultivation, but hasn’t achieved it yet. For example, someone who’s “a half step to Foundation Establishment” is still technically at the Qi Condensation stage, but they’re only a hair’s breadth away from Foundation Establishment.

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The table below will be updated as I edit the novel. It is quite possible that I will make some changes as the story becomes clearer.

Chapters	Realms	Levels / stages	Related to…	Chinese name	Meaning
	Qi Condensation Qi Gathering Qi Foundation	9 levels: * 1st to 3rd levels - Refinement of the flesh and muscles. * 4th to 6th levels - Refinement of energy channels and bones. * 7th to 9th levels - Refinement of one's inner organs.	Body Tempering Qi Vital Life Force Meridians	ningqi / 凝气 liànqì / 聚气	Meaning of Qi (Vital Force) - Definition: Qi is the "vital life force" or "breath" that animates all existence. - Role in Body: It acts as the "commander of blood," providing the energy needed for circulation, digestion, and protection against illness (known as Wei Qi or defensive energy). Qi Condensation (凝气 níngqì) – also known as Qi Refining (炼气 liànqì) or Qi Gathering (聚气 jùqì). An initial stage of cultivation which involves absorbing Qi from the natural world and refining it inside the body. Foundation Establishment (筑基 zhùjī) – also translated as Foundation Building. The stage after Qi Condensation. Once a cultivator’s Qi crosses a certain threshold (in the volume and/or density of the Qi), they’ll be able to breakthrough to this stage.
	Body refining Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Core formation Vital Energy Vital Life Force Vessels Wei Qi (Defensive energy)	luo mai / 絡脈	Luo Mai (经络) and Qi (气) refer to the secondary network of energy channels and the vital force that flows through them. Meaning of Luo Mai (Collaterals) - Definition: Often translated as "collaterals" or "connecting vessels," the Luo Mai are the secondary channels that branch off from the Jing Mai (the 12 primary meridians). - Function: While the primary meridians are like "highways," the Luo Mai act as "side streets" that distribute Qi and Blood to the skin, muscles, and internal organs, ensuring energy reaches every part of the body. - Purpose: They serve to balance energy between paired meridians (e.g., Lung and Large Intestine) and act as a buffer to hold "pathogenic factors" (toxins or emotional stress) away from the deeper, primary organs. Connection in Cultivation In the context of cultivation (the practice of self-improvement through meditation and martial arts), the relationship between Luo Mai and Qi is central to advancing one's "realm" or level: - Clearing Channels: A primary goal is to "open" or "clear" the Luo Mai. If these "side streets" are blocked, Qi cannot flow freely, leading to stagnation, illness, or a plateau in cultivation. - Refinement: Cultivators absorb spiritual energy from the environment and circulate it through these channels to refine it into higher forms of energy, such as Jing (essence) or Shen (spirit). - Physical Transformation: Strengthening the flow of Qi through the Luo Mai is believed to eventually transform the physical body, leading to increased longevity or "immortality" in xianxia/wuxia lore.
	Core Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Qi Transformation Foundation Establishment Original Qi Source Qi Bone Tempering	Yuan Qi /元气	Yuan Qi (元气) refers to "Original Qi" or "Source Qi," representing the most fundamental and vital energy within a cultivator. Original/Source Energy: It is the primary life force derived from prenatal essence (Jing) inherited at birth. In many cultivation systems, it serves as the foundation for all other forms of energy. Physical Enhancement: During early stages like "Bone Tempering," cultivators use Yuan Qi to refine their bodies, making them tougher and immune to natural sicknesses. External Manifestation: Once a cultivator reaches higher stages (e.g., Qi Transformation), they can release this internal Yuan Qi outside their body for offensive or defensive martial arts.
	Earth Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak Creation of Qi Essence Tank	Heavenly energy Constellation Yang Qi Core formation Core of Energy	TianGang / 天罡	TianGang cultivation is the practice of absorbing and mastering the supreme, pure celestial energy of the heavens to transcend humanity and gain profound, often supernatural, abilities. Definition of TianGang (天罡): Literally translates to "Heavenly" (Tian) "Ladle/Dipper" (Gang), referring to the 36 stars of the Big Dipper constellation, which are associated with supreme heavenly energy and power. Goal of the Practice: The aim is to move beyond mortal limits (Body Refining, Qi Condensation) and cultivate a "Golden Core" or "Nascent Soul" by absorbing this high-grade celestial energy. Effects of TianGang Qi: Cultivators using this technique can typically: - Harness Heavenly Energy: Draw upon the power of the stars and the universe. - Achieve Immortality: Refine their mortal body into a divine or immortal form. - Utilize Powerful Techniques: Perform advanced magic or martial arts that can, in fictional contexts, shake dimensions or manipulate elements. Relationship to General Qi Cultivation: While standard cultivation involves gathering general environmental energy, TianGang cultivation focuses specifically on refining this energy to its highest, most potent, and pure state (often referred to as Yang Qi or Immortal Qi
	Sky Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak Creation of Qi Essence Tank	Golden Core Qi refinement Heavenly Fragrance Celestial Scent Energy or Aura Ascendant	TianXiang / 天象境	"TianXiang" is not a widely defined, standardized term in the general corpus of cultivation, xianxia, or wuxia literature, but the context points towards it being a high-level, "Heaven" (Tian) related concept in specific, perhaps niche, fiction. Meaning of TianXiang Qi - Aura of Purity: "Heavenly Fragrance" often signifies a state of extreme purity or a divine origin. When a cultivator's Qi is described as having "TianXiang," it typically suggests that their energy has reached a level where it is no longer mundane or "foul," but instead refined and fragrant, symbolizing high-level spiritual attainment. - Divine/Empyrean Grade: In many power systems, "Tian" (Heaven) denotes the highest rank. TianXiang Qi is frequently used to describe energy associated with the Heavenly Dao or top-tier techniques that allow a cultivator to resonate with the universe. Cultivation Contexts - Techniques: Many fictional sects utilize "TianXiang" as a name for their signature arts (e.g., TianXiang Divine Art), which focus on refining Qi until it becomes as potent and pervasive as a fragrance. - Physical Transformation: As a cultivator progresses through realms like Foundation Establishment or Golden Core, their internal energy transforms. TianXiang Qi might represent a breakthrough where the body sheds mortal impurities, often accompanied by the literal scent of medicinal herbs or flowers. - Sword Qi: In some stories, specialized energy like "Sword Qi" can be imbued with "Heavenly Fragrance" properties to make it more piercing or difficult for enemies to defend against
	Nascent Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak Creation of Qi Essence Tank	Primal Infant / Original Baby Soul Embryo Nascent Soul () 'Mini-me' Dao Embryo/ Sacred Embryo Immortal Embryo () If the body is killed the soul survive and can be revived	yuányīng / 元嬰	"Nascent Soul" translates the term 元嬰 (yuányīng), which literally means "primal infant" or "original baby". It refers to a major, high-level cultivation stage where a cultivator's spiritual energy and consciousness condense into a sentient, mini-version of themselves (a "soul embryo") that resides within their body. Key Aspects of Nascent Soul Cultivation: - Definition & Origin: Coined in the 1932 novel Sword Xia of the Shu Mountains, it represents a significant, long-held Daoist concept of nurturing a "sacred embryo" (聖胎) within oneself to achieve immortality. - Function: When this stage is reached, the cultivator's Golden Core, soul, and essence merge to create a new, higher form of existence. - Capabilities: A Nascent Soul cultivator can often cause their "mini-me" to exit their body, allowing for external reconnaissance, and if their physical body dies, the Nascent Soul can sometimes survive to revive or possess another, similar to a spirit's rebirth. - Significance: Nascent Soul cultivators are generally considered masters or ancestors, serving as the backbone of strength for major sects. Alternative Translations & Related Terms: - Primal Infant/Baby: A more direct translation of 元嬰 (yuányīng). - Sacred Embryo/Dao Embryo: (聖胎/道胎) Refers to the same concept of nurturing a spiritual being within. - Immortal Embryo: (仙胎) Emphasizes the goal of immortality
	Immortal Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak Creation of Qi Essence Tank	Apotheosis Immortal Platform Spiritual Foundation Altar Golden Core	Xiantian / 先天	Xiantian (先天, xiāntiān) refers to the "Innate" or "Pre-celestial" stage of cultivation, representing a state of existence closer to the Tao (the natural order). Key Translations and Concepts - Literal Meaning: "Before Heaven" or "Pre-Heaven". - Common Translations: * Innate Stage / Innate Qi (most common in webnovel translations). * Pre-celestial / Pre-natal. * Prior Heaven. - Context: Xiantian is a stage in internal alchemy (neidan) and Daoist cultivation that directly follows the Houtian (后天, hòutiān - Acquired/Post-celestial) stage. Definition in Cultivation Systems In novels, a Xiantian cultivator has refined their bodily essences (Jing, Qi, and Spirit) to a purer state, moving beyond the limitations of a mortal body. - Transition: A practitioner moves from Houtian (consuming food, using post-natal energy) to Xiantian (breathing energy directly from nature/the universe, often associated with Embryonic Breathing or Taixi 胎息). - Abilities: Reaching the Xiantian stage often grants enhanced longevity, increased physical strength, the ability to release internal energy outwardly (qi projection), and faster healing. - Symbolism: It represents moving from a "degraded" state of humanity back to a "primordial" or divine state
	Immortal King realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Immortal King
	Immortal Emperor Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Immortal Emperor
	Empyrean Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Empyrean Qi		"Empyrean Qi" (often associated with terms like Da Tian Zun or 大天尊 in Chinese fantasy) refers to a highly advanced, celestial form of life force and energy, particularly within Xianxia or Wuxia, and sometimes in Taoist-inspired contexts. It represents the pinnacle of energy refinement, often equating to the power of the Heavenly Dao itsel
	Overlord Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	World Overlord Qi
	Divine Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Heavenly Deity
	God King Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	God King
	Transcendence Realm	Early-stage Middle-stage Late-state Peak	Transcendence

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