The Path of Cultivation

"The path of immortal cultivation follows the way of Cultivation of both Essence and Life; at least, that is how the Orthodox Lineage of our world sees it."

"What is Essence? Primordial True Nature, A radiant spirit—that is Essence. What is Life? Innate Supreme Essence, A pervasive vital energy—that is Life."

"Put simply, Essence refers to a person's inner Dao: their heart and nature, thoughts, disposition, character, Mental Will, and so on. All these fall within the scope of Essence.

"Life refers to a person's outer Dao: the body, lifespan, energy, fate, matter, and so on.

"The creation of Essence lies in the heart; it is one's spiritual sense. The creation of Life lies in the body; it is one's vitality.

"Cultivation of both Essence and Life means 'Cultivating both heart and form.' In the end, one achieves Inner and outer connection, Unity of Heaven and Man."

"Senior Mighty Ones once said that Cultivation of both Essence and Life could be viewed as a lamp.

"The lamp oil is Life, and The lamplight is Essence. With a lamp but no oil, the lamp cannot shine. With only lamp oil but no light, it cannot fulfill the purpose of an oil lamp—to illuminate. The meaning of cultivation is to teach people to store enough oil and teach them the Method of lighting the lamp. Then life will surely be filled with brilliance."

"Strictly speaking, cultivation at every stage is Cultivation of both Essence and Life, though each stage has a different emphasis.

"Foundation Establishment, Chaoyuan Realm, and the Golden Core realm focus more on cultivating Life, tempering the body until it can become a Treasure Raft, so that it may later Traverse the vast void.

"Body cultivators rely on tough skin and thick flesh, while Mana Cultivators rely on exquisite spells.