Innate Realm

Biodata

Power Progression

Position in the Martial Path

• The Innate Realm follows the Postnatal Realm and precedes the True Essence Foundation Establishment Realm. Entering Foundation Establishment grants the title of Grandmaster. 6 17
• The Postnatal Realm is divided into nine grades, while the Innate Realm is described through ascending stages or layers. 3 6
• Innate martial artists possess dramatically greater combat power than Postnatal martial artists and can cause major destruction with ordinary attacks. 17
• An Innate martial artist may be called a Martial Master and has a lifespan of two hundred and forty years. 17

Breakthrough

Advancement requires a martial artist to first reach Postnatal Perfection, then break through the mystic gate separating the individual from heaven and earth. Spiritual energy is drawn into the body and transforms Postnatal inner force into purer Innate True Qi. 6

• Mystic gate — The barrier that must be opened to begin the transformation into the Innate Realm. 6
• Innate True Qi — The refined energy produced when Postnatal inner force is transformed through spiritual energy of heaven and earth. 6
• Heavenly cycles — The repeated internal circulations through which the breakthrough transformation deepens; Xie Jinghan required eighty-one cycles. 6
• The realm is considered a major bottleneck that has stopped countless martial artists throughout history. 6

Characteristics

Physical Transformation

A successful breakthrough cleanses and refines the body.

• Flesh, sinews, and bones become tougher than refined steel. 6
• Impurities accumulated in the body may be expelled during the breakthrough, leaving behind foul gray-black grime. 7
• The body becomes resistant to illness and free of impurity. 6
• Meridians widen substantially, allowing True Qi to circulate and renew itself continuously. 6

Heightened Perception

Innate cultivation greatly strengthens the senses and mental state.

• The five senses and six perceptions rise far beyond their Acquired-Realm state. 7
• An Innate practitioner can perceive approaching footsteps and recognize a familiar aura through a courtyard gate. 7
• The breakthrough condenses the mind, reinforcing composure and resolve. 6
• Innate advancement also makes it easier to condense the mind and progress in artistic-conception realms such as Sword Intent. 17

Martial Pressure

Innate experts exert pressure inaccessible to lesser martial artists.

• Spectators below the Innate Realm could not approach the duel between Xie Jinghan and Chu Ning because of the pressure surrounding the combatants. 19
• A Seventh Stage Innate expert's released True Qi cracked bluestone and bent surrounding grass and trees; such an expert was regarded as capable of holding down an entire region. 22
• An exceptional First Stage practitioner, Xie Jinghan, injured Fourth Stage Innate martial artist Gong Feiyu in a sword duel. 23 24

Martial-World Rules

• The Great Yan court and major martial sects prohibit Innate martial artists from reckless private combat and needless killing because of their destructive strength. 17
• Disputes between Innate experts may be submitted to the Sword Challenge Register, where public duels decide superiority and potentially life or death. 17
• The Sword Challenge Register records Innate experts across Great Yan’s nineteen provinces, including their battle records, challenge history, cultivation, and unique arts. 18

Compatible Weapons

• Named Weapons can withstand the explosive True Qi of Innate martial artists and amplify the power of their techniques. 6
• Treasure Weapons can contain Innate True Qi, resonate with a wielder’s mind, and assist in nurturing weapons and cultivating intent. 6
• Xie Jinghan used the Treasure Weapon Thunderclap Sword to support his Sword Intent cultivation before and after entering the Innate Realm. 5 6