Primordial Ascent version 2 CH 7
Chapter 7: The Primordial Ritual
As the first light of dawn crested the horizon, Ilfrey stood at the edge of the secluded glade. His heart thudded in his chest, a rhythmic echo of the vast revelation that had transformed his understanding of the Dao. He knew the journey ahead would be fraught with peril, but his resolve was unwavering. Today, he would undergo the ritual that would bind his chosen Dao to his very essence, setting him on the path of cultivation that few dared to tread.
The Primordial Ritual
The ritual to transcend from a mortal to a cultivator was a profound and ancient practice, known only to a few. It began with the engraving of one’s chosen Dao into the mind and heart, followed by the merging of the Seeds of Creation within oneself. This merging symbolized the sprouting of a unique existence, no longer bound by the seeds but transcending into a new realm of possibility.
Ilfrey knelt in the center of the glade, surrounded by ancient stones inscribed with primordial runes. His mother, Maeya, stood nearby, her presence a comforting anchor. She had prepared the ritual space meticulously, drawing upon her vast knowledge and experience from her previous realm.
“Ilfrey,” she began, her voice soft yet resonant, “this ritual will imprint your chosen Dao into the deepest recesses of your being. Once the process begins, there is no turning back. Are you ready?”
Ilfrey nodded, his eyes reflecting a determined light. “I am ready, Mother. I have chosen the Dao of Infinite Potential, and I am prepared to embrace its path.”
Maeya smiled, a mix of pride and apprehension in her eyes. “Very well. Let us begin.”
Engraving the Dao
The first step of the ritual involved engraving the chosen Dao into Ilfrey’s mind and heart. Maeya handed him a small, intricately carved stone – the Primordial Etcher. Holding the etcher, Ilfrey closed his eyes and focused on the essence of his chosen Dao.
He envisioned the infinite potential of existence, the boundless source from which all realities sprang. As his mind resonated with this profound truth, he felt the etcher grow warm in his hand. A searing pain coursed through him as the stone began to inscribe the Dao into his very soul.
Sweat beaded on his forehead, but Ilfrey did not falter. He embraced the pain, understanding it as a necessary part of the process. Gradually, the agony subsided, replaced by a deep sense of connection and clarity. He could feel the Dao of Infinite Potential etched into his being, a guiding star that would illuminate his path.
Merging the Seeds of Creation
With the engraving complete, it was time for the next phase: merging the Seeds of Creation. These seeds represented the primordial essence of life and the universe, and their merging signified the cultivator’s transcendence from mortality.
Maeya produced two luminescent seeds, glowing with an inner light. “These are the Seeds of Creation,” she explained. “To merge them, you must first harmonize their energies within yourself. This will require immense concentration and willpower.”
Ilfrey took the seeds, feeling their potent energy thrumming beneath his fingertips. He closed his eyes once more, centering himself. Slowly, he brought the seeds together, focusing on their merging within his core.
At first, the seeds resisted, their energies clashing violently. Ilfrey gritted his teeth, channeling his willpower to harmonize the discordant forces. Gradually, the turbulence eased, and the seeds began to merge, their energies blending into a cohesive whole.
As the merging reached its climax, a blinding light enveloped Ilfrey. He felt a surge of power, a profound transformation as the Seeds of Creation sprouted within him. The light faded, and Ilfrey stood, his body radiating with newfound strength and potential.
The Final Step: The Little Dao Pill
To cultivate two Daos, a cultivator needed to harmonize their energies perfectly. This required the Little Dao Pill, a rare and potent elixir that facilitated the merging of dual Daos. Maeya had managed to procure one such pill through her extensive network of contacts.
“Ilfrey,” she said, holding out a small jade bottle, “this is the Little Dao Pill. If you wish to cultivate a second Dao, you must take this now. It will aid in the harmonious integration of both Daos within you.”
Ilfrey hesitated, considering the monumental decision before him. He had always felt a deep connection to the Dao of Space as well, its mysteries and expansiveness calling to him. With a resolute nod, he took the pill from his mother’s hand.
Swallowing the pill, Ilfrey felt a rush of energy coursing through him. His mind expanded, accommodating the essence of the Dao of Space alongside the Dao of Infinite Potential. The two Daos intertwined within him, their energies blending seamlessly thanks to the power of the Little Dao Pill.
The Dawn of a New Path
As the ritual concluded, Ilfrey felt a profound sense of clarity and purpose. The Daos of Infinite Potential and Space were now an integral part of his being, guiding his every step. He had transcended the bounds of mortality, stepping onto the path of cultivation with unwavering resolve.
Maeya watched her son with a mixture of pride and awe. “You have done it, Ilfrey. You are now a cultivator, bound to the Daos you have chosen. Your journey will be long and arduous, but I have no doubt you will achieve greatness.”
Ilfrey bowed deeply to his mother. “Thank you, Mother. For your guidance, your support, and your unwavering belief in me. I will honor the path I have chosen and strive to reach heights beyond imagination.”
The Trials of the Barriers
With the ritual complete, Ilfrey was now ready to face the trials of the Barriers. These stages were designed to test and hone a cultivator’s abilities, each one presenting unique challenges that required mastery of one’s Dao.
Barrier 1: Speed
The first barrier tested a cultivator’s speed, both physical and mental. Ilfrey’s connection to the Dao of Space granted him an edge in this trial. He found himself in a vast arena, facing a series of increasingly difficult obstacles that required lightning-fast reflexes and split-second decision-making.
Drawing upon the Dao of Space, Ilfrey manipulated the very fabric of reality to enhance his speed. He blurred through the obstacles, his movements a seamless dance of agility and precision. The trialmasters watched in awe as he completed the course with ease, his mastery of space bending time and distance to his will.
Barrier 2: Strength
The second barrier focused on raw strength. Ilfrey entered a chamber filled with towering constructs and unyielding barriers, each one designed to test his physical and spiritual power. His connection to the Dao of Infinite Potential surged within him, granting him access to untapped reserves of strength.
Channeling this boundless potential, Ilfrey shattered the constructs with mighty blows, his fists imbued with the essence of the infinite. The trialmasters could only watch in astonishment as he dismantled each challenge, his strength seemingly limitless and ever-growing.
Barrier 3: Wisdom
The third barrier tested a cultivator’s wisdom and understanding of their Dao. Ilfrey found himself in a labyrinthine library, filled with ancient tomes and cryptic puzzles. To succeed, he needed to demonstrate a profound comprehension of the Daos he had chosen.
Drawing upon his deep connection to the Dao of Infinite Potential, Ilfrey deciphered the riddles and uncovered hidden truths within the texts. He navigated the labyrinth with ease, his mind expanding to encompass the vast knowledge contained within. The trialmasters marveled at his insight, recognizing the depth of his understanding.
Barrier 4: Endurance
The fourth barrier was a trial of endurance, testing a cultivator’s ability to withstand prolonged challenges and hardships. Ilfrey entered a desolate wasteland, where harsh conditions and relentless adversaries awaited him. His connection to both Daos would be crucial in overcoming this trial.
Utilizing the Dao of Space, Ilfrey created protective barriers and sanctuaries, shielding himself from the brutal environment. Simultaneously, he drew upon the Dao of Infinite Potential to rejuvenate his spirit and sustain his strength. Days turned into weeks, but Ilfrey endured, his resolve unbroken and his spirit unwavering.
Barrier 5: Willpower
The final barrier tested a cultivator’s willpower and determination. Ilfrey found himself in a realm of illusions, where his deepest fears and doubts manifested before him. To succeed, he needed to confront and overcome these inner demons.
With unwavering focus, Ilfrey drew upon the infinite potential within him, confronting each illusion head-on. He faced his fears, his doubts, and his insecurities, emerging stronger with each victory. The trialmasters observed in silence, witnessing the indomitable will that drove Ilfrey forward.
The Ascendant Stages
Having conquered the Barriers, Ilfrey now stood at the threshold of the Ascendant Stages. These stages would further hone his mastery of the Daos, leading him towards the pinnacle of cultivation.
**Ascendant Stage 1: Resonance**
In this stage, Ilfrey deepened his connection to the Daos, achieving a state of perfect resonance. He could now harmonize with the fundamental forces of the universe, enhancing his abilities and sensing the underlying patterns of reality.
**Ascendant Stage 2: Integration**
Ilfrey integrated the essence of the Daos into his very being, achieving a seamless fusion of body, mind, and spirit. This integration granted him unparalleled control over his powers and a profound understanding of the cosmic order.
**Ascendant Stage 3: Manifestation**
At this stage, Ilfrey could manifest the true power of his Daos in the physical realm. His mastery
