C4 Three Thousand Great Dao

Standing resolutely at the door, Zhang Hao appeared to have made up his mind. He strode toward Grandma Zhao with a serious look etched on his face and stood before her.

"I, Zhang Hao, vow to slay the demonic beast that took Grandpa Zhao's life!"

The adults of Hillfar Village overheard Zhang Hao's declaration but didn't take it to heart, considering he was just a nine-year-old boy. Grandma Zhao, however, burst into tears and embraced him tightly.

That evening, the villagers of Hillfar buried the bloodied garments and then dispersed to their homes to rest.

Back in his room, Zhang Hao inquired within his mind, "Black Hou Beast, at what cultivation level must I be to avenge Grandpa Zhao?"

Hearing his name spoken aloud, the Black Hou Beast wasn't bothered but issued a warning, "Kid, keep my name to yourself, lest you invite disaster upon your head."

"The beast that took his life was at the Late Period of the Blessed Stage. To defeat it, you'll need to reach at least the Early Period of the Fusion Stage."

Zhang Hao didn't grasp the cultivation levels the Black Hou Beast referred to, so he asked another question, "How long will it take me to reach the Early Period of the Fusion Stage?"

The Black Hou Beast didn't respond immediately but took the time to explain patiently, "Before you begin your cultivation journey, you must first grasp the foundational knowledge."

Accepting the Black Hou Beast's advice, Zhang Hao listened intently as it continued.

"The primary cultivation realms are the Foundation Stage, Blessed Stage, Fusion Stage, and Heart Throb Stage, each divided into Early, Middle, and Late Periods."

"The Foundation Stage focuses on forging the body and transforming the Dantian to produce lotus seeds."

"The Blessed Stage is about enlightenment and perceiving the essence of mountains and rivers."

"The Fusion Stage involves the integration of body and cultivation, turning lotus seeds into lotus flowers."

"The Heart Throb Stage is about mastering the heart's frequency, bringing the lotus heart to a stillness that can calm the divine."

After finishing, the Black Hou Beast noticed Zhang Hao's puzzled expression and offered a calm smile, "Once you've reached the Blessed Stage, you will have formed the lotus seeds. Close your eyes and use your energy to sense the Dantian."

"The Dantian lotus seeds are primarily categorized into Gold, Green, Blue, Red, and Yellow Lotus Seeds."

"Each lotus seed color represents one of the five elemental energies: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth."

"For instance, the Gold Lotus Seed is known for its sharpness, the Green for its nourishing properties, and the Blue for its flexibility..."

While the Black Hou Beast was in the midst of explaining, Zhang Hao interjected with a question.

"Black Hou Beast, hold on, why do I have a Black Lotus Seed?"

"Your unique cultivation method leads to a different kind of lotus seed formation."

As soon as the Black Hou Beast finished his explanation, Zhang Hao's brow furrowed in confusion.

"If my cultivation method is unique, then how is what you just explained relevant to me?"

"It's important for you to understand how to face other cultivators in battle..."

"But I'm preparing to face a late-stage Blessed Demonic Beast. What does that have to do with other cultivators?"

Upon hearing Zhang Hao's point, the Black Hou Beast lapsed into silence, seemingly grasping the implication.

At this moment, Zhang Hao was solely focused on avenging Grandpa Zhao, giving little thought to anything else.

So, the Black Hou Beast ceased its explanation and directly addressed Zhang Hao's earlier question.

"Without a spiritual root, ordinary people can't hope to reach the Blessed Stage, no matter a lifetime of cultivation."

"Many in the village spend their whole lives at the Foundation Stage, never advancing beyond the Early or Middle Periods."

"Those with a spiritual root might need five years, or even over a decade, to attain the Blessed Stage."

"Advancing from the Blessed Stage to the Fusion Stage could take a minimum of ten years, or perhaps an entire lifetime..."

Before the Black Hou Beast could finish, Zhang Hao cut in resolutely.

"Enough, Black Hou. I'm ready to start my cultivation now. Just tell me what to do!"

"Since you're set on this path, I'll spare further comment. Your cultivation technique is indeed extraordinary."

"Unlike others who draw on the energy of the cosmos to cultivate their lotus, you will use blood as your nourishment."

Late into the night, as the residents of Hillfar Village lay sleeping, Zhang Hao stood at the village's edge, his expression grave and indecisive, contemplating the Black Hou Beast's directive to head to the rear mountain.

The village elders had warned him time and again not to venture out at night.

Many vicious creatures roamed in the dark, and even a moment's carelessness against a Foundation Stage demonic beast could be fatal.

"Kid, if you lack even this small measure of bravery, how will you ever avenge your Grandpa Zhao?"

Spurred by the Black Hou Beast's taunting words, Zhang Hao left the village without a second thought.

By the next morning, Zhang Hao stumbled back home, his fists bruised and swollen, collapsing into bed from sheer exhaustion.

"Black Hou, you're not deceiving me, are you? This is what cultivation is like..."

He barely got the words out before exhaustion overtook him, and he fell asleep mid-complaint.

"The Great Dao offers three thousand paths, yet this one is the most arduous; few choose to walk it."

"But master this path, whether as a warrior or a sorcerer, and you'll have the world at your feet!"

The Black Hou Beast's voice, filled with anticipation, echoed in Zhang Hao's mind, but he was too deep in slumber to hear it.

Not long after Zhang Hao's return to Hillfar Village, the rest of the villagers began to stir awake.

A handful of middle-aged men were busy gathering their gear, readying themselves for the day's hunt.

"Zhao Ming, did you catch that noise last night? It seemed to come from the mountain, went on all night long."

One sleep-deprived villager, his eyes ringed with dark circles, spoke up in frustration.

"Noise? I didn't hear a thing. I slept like a log."

"How could you sleep through all that racket? I heard it too, like something was pounding on trees or rocks."