Chapter 6 - Cultivation

"But seriously master Jun, what does me listing the superpowers I wish I have to do with cultivation?" Julius asked with a confused face.

"Fool, this has everything to do with cultivation. You're too blinded with false expectations to see what's right in front of you," Jun scowled at Julius.

"Let me guess, you've been told about how much stronger you'll become once you begin to cultivate yourself right? You've probably heard about people splitting mountains and slaying dragons. Even tales of people acquiring the ability to fly," Jun asked Julius.

"Of course I have. Almost everyone has heard those stories from when they were a mere child. That's the very thing that pushes people to start their journey into cultivation," Julius replied.

"Good, good. Now let me ask you something, have you once seen your father or anyone from the rulers of the 9 kingdoms cultivate? As a matter of fact, do you even know the method of cultivation?" Jun asked Julius which had caught the prince off guard. He hadn't realized it but he'd been blinded by all the glorious stories that he had forgotten to look into the very basic methods of cultivation.

"No..." Julius replied with an ashamed look on his face.

"That's very interesting, Mr. prince. Let's see if you're smart... do you know why the adults which you're so familiar with stopped cultivating?" Jun asked a question which Julius had no way of answering.

"I don't know.. I mean, how could you blame me. Each of them probably have their own reasons for giving up cultivation such as having children and having to take care of their respective kingdoms," Julius tried to explain.

"I guess you do make some pretty good points but alas, they're all wrong and I'll explain why. Do you know how a person who is blind would feel if they were given the ability to see once again? You're probably thinking that they would be overjoyed and that's exactly right. However, after a few years, they'll begin to get used to their eyesight and will think of it as nothing more than a daily occurrence. That goes for anything and anyone. Think about people who were poor that grew to have enormous amounts of money. At the end of the day, humans will always grow bored of what they have and will seek something else. As you can tell by now, that is the same thing which happens to everyone who starts their journey of cultivation," Jun explained to the prince.

"Are you saying that my father along with the other 8 rulers of the great kingdoms stopped cultivating themselves just out of boredom?" Julius said as he found Jun's words quite insulting.

"Yes I am. I know this better than anyone. It has happened to me and my students. However, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you do not stop. It is a must that you reach the apex of all creation. You will train day in and day out until you alone can take on the entire world," Jun said which lit a fire in Julius's heart.

As the two sat down and continued to speak in the living room of Jun's old shrine-like house, Julius couldn't help but ask more questions so that he could learn as much as possible about cultivation.

"That's great and all master Jun, but how do I begin cultivating? You still haven't taught me how to grow," Julius asked with anticipation.

"Well, that's where you'll have to make an important decision. You see Julius, there are two ways of cultivation in our world. Those beings, cultivation through battles and cultivation through meditation. Both of them give you different results but the strength you end up with is relatively equal. Most just pick whichever one they're most compatible with such as your father you chose cultivation through battling as he didn't have much patience in his younger years. Although, you're a special case..." said Jun.

"How so?" Julius asked.

"Well, your status evaluation leads me to believe that you'll be able to master both of the cultivation styles. But don't get me wrong, your physical capabilities are horrible. You're better suited to pick the other method," Jun quickly explained to the prince so that Julius wouldn't get over confident.

"So why don't I go with the second option instead?" Julius asked.

"You still don't get it? Well, I guess I'll have to explain every single part of this. Julius, you have such high status points on the two aspects needed for cultivation through mediating that you would most likely be able to do it in your sleep. Since you'll be able to cultivate at night already, you can cultivate through battle during the day," said Jun as he eyes lit up just from talking about how overpowered his new student would become.

"Are you serious?! That's great! I couldn't have asked for anything better," Julius replied with a giant smile.

"There's a catch to it however. Since you don't quite know how to sleep and cultivate at the same time yet, you probably won't be able to sleep the first couple of nights because you'll be too busy trying to find your balance. To add on, you won't be able to sleep in the mornings either since I'll be teaching you how to cultivate through battles..." said Jun before his voice cut off.

"What's wrong? Why did you say it like that?" Julius asked with concern.

"Well, that's the problem. Your physical strength, speed, and defence are disappointingly low. You'll be overworked to death so that you can maximize your potential. However, if you find that to be too challenging, you just focus on meditating. Although you should know that the life ahead of you won't be easy. If you haven't realized yet, each of the other 8 rulers are after you. They would and will do everything in their power to get possession over you. Whatever you pick to do with your life, choose wisely as the fate of our planet depends on it," said Jun.

Hearing those words, Julius quit the childish act and changed to be more serious.. He knew which option to pick.