After leaving the Grand Throne Room, Ash continued down the corridors, his thoughts weighed down by the recent discussions. His mind lingered on the marriage arrangement and his father's expectations, but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside. His steps led him to the old training grounds—a place that had witnessed many of his earliest struggles and triumphs.
Standing in the familiar training area, Ash was flooded with memories. He remembered the countless hours spent training under Selene, his first master, and the fierce battles with his older brother Toran.
'Toran... I wonder how his cultivation has been going.' Ash's thoughts wandered to his brother, who had always been a rival and companion in training.
Shaking off the thoughts, Ash continued walking, eventually reaching a forest-like area that surrounded the training grounds. The calmness of nature, the rustling leaves, and the distant sounds of wildlife offered a welcome distraction. He found a huge rock and sat cross-legged on it, letting out a slow breath.
Ash closed his eyes and spoke mentally to Riya.
'Riya, give me an estimation. How long will it take for me to enter the Domain Forging Realm?'
[Hmm... with your current progression, I estimate you can reach the Domain Forging Realm in the three years you have before meeting your fiancé.] Riya's voice echoed in his mind, calm and soothing as ever. [Your recursion ability has evolved to a point where your mana intake and cultivation speed will far surpass others. The more you cultivate, the more your body and soul will adapt to your abilities, enhancing your capacity to break through realms at an accelerated pace.]
Ash's brow furrowed slightly, trying to understand the process better.
'How does this work exactly? I mean, what are the requirements for reaching the Domain Forging Realm?'
[As you already know, the Spiritual Foundation Realm is a critical stage in a cultivator's progression. You will start to connect with the deeper aspects of your being. Cultivators at this stage can manipulate their inner essence, increasing their strength and refining their abilities.]
[The process itself isn't easy. It requires a cultivator to solidify their foundation—this includes refining their soul essence and physical body. Spiritual energy must be absorbed, controlled, and harmonized with their body. You're already quite advanced, but even so, it will take some time before your foundation is fully stable.]
Ash listened intently as Riya continued.
[Once you've stabilized your Spiritual Foundation, the next step is entering the Domain Forging Realm. This is where you create a Domain that will reflect your unique cultivation path.]
Ash's mind whirred with questions. 'Domain? What exactly do you mean by that?'
[In the Domain Forging Realm, you will shape your personal Domain, which will manifest as a space that reflects your spiritual sense. This domain will allow you to exert control over the environment within it, and it will act as an extension of your path in cultivation.] Riya's voice remained steady. [Think of it as a spiritual territory, a space where your abilities, essence, and intent will flourish. Most cultivators base their Domains on their innate abilities, such as elemental control or strengthening their body, but some choose to base their Domain on the path they wish to walk, such as enlightenment or mastery of a particular skill.]
Ash absorbed this new information with growing clarity. 'So the Domain reflects the path a cultivator chooses?'
[Yes, exactly. In this Galaxy however, cultivators create Domains that mirror their innate abilities. For example, a cultivator who can control fire might create a Domain that burns with flames. Those with healing abilities might create a Domain full of healing energy. But in the wider world cultivators tend to create Domains that express their entire philosophy or mastery over something greater, something they are ultimately striving to become.]
Ash nodded slowly. 'I see... So the Domain is like an embodiment of the path I chose?'
[Precisely. Your Domain will be like your inner world, an extension of your strength. As you grow, your Domain will evolve and expand. It will become a key part of your identity as a cultivator, and it will be the foundation of your power in battle.]
Ash took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination welling up inside him.
'Thanks, Riya. I think I understand now. The Domain Forging Realm will be a key point in shaping my future.'
[Exactly, Master. You are on the right track. With your abilities and the foundation, you have, the Domain Forging Realm will come to you. The challenge will be molding your Domain into something that reflects your true potential.]
Ash sat quietly for a moment, reflecting on the path ahead. His training had been rigorous, but now he had a clearer goal in mind. Reaching the Domain Forging Realm would be a monumental step.
After a long silence, Ash adjusted himself and his breathing. Then he closed his eyes and began cultivating.