"That copy of Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis, where is it?" Elder Lockridge broke the silence.

Leaf Gray hurriedly took Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis out of his storage bag and handed it to Elder Lockridge.

Elder Lockridge received it, flipped through it once, and slightly nodded. "A very common Yellow-rank cultivation method. If practiced to completion, it can open twenty-seven apertures."

The twenty-seven apertures Elder Lockridge mentioned were something Leaf Gray understood. While studying Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis earlier, he had discovered that fact. If cultivated to perfection, this method could open a total of twenty-seven apertures.

However, the term "Yellow-rank" confused Leaf Gray, so he immediately asked what it meant.

Elder Lockridge explained, "The human body possesses three hundred and sixty spiritual apertures, corresponding to the idea of the Great Cycle. In the cultivation world of The Novem Lands, there are countless techniques. Different methods allow for the opening of different numbers of apertures. Based on how many apertures one can open, the techniques are divided into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. Only Heaven-rank cultivation arts allow the cultivator to open all three hundred and sixty apertures. Earth-rank opens one hundred and eighty apertures. Below that are Profound-rank methods, which open eighty-one apertures…" He tapped the book in his hand, Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis. "The lowest tier is this kind that opens only twenty-seven apertures—the Yellow-rank—of which there are the most."

Hearing this, Leaf Gray suddenly understood.

So Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis was actually one of the lowest-grade techniques in The Novem Lands. No wonder Manager Miller carried it so casually.

Thankfully, he hadn't treated it as some precious treasure—otherwise, he would have made a fool of himself.

"Different grades of cultivation methods not only determine how many apertures one can eventually open but also create vast differences in strength between cultivators of the same realm. Moreover, they affect the future potential of a cultivator."

"The higher the grade of the cultivation method, the stronger the cultivator becomes, and the broader their future prospects?" Leaf Gray asked.

"Exactly so." Elder Lockridge nodded. "Do you know why?"

"I ask for guidance, Master," Leaf Gray said humbly.

Elder Lockridge organized his thoughts briefly, as though considering how to explain it clearly. He hadn't talked about such things in years. After a brief pause, he asked, "Do you know how realms in cultivation are divided?"

"The four major realms are Spirit Creek, Cloud River, True Lake, and Divine Sea," Leaf Gray answered—this was something Dawn Fielding had told him.

"Then what is the Spirit Creek Realm?"

Leaf Gray recalled Dawn Fielding's explanation and said, "By opening enough apertures, spiritual power can circulate through them, forming a complete cycle within the body. When the flow becomes continuous like a stream, that is the Spirit Creek Realm."

"Correct." Elder Lockridge stroked his beard. "Then how many apertures count as enough?"

"This…" Leaf Gray couldn't answer.

Elder Lockridge smiled faintly and tapped Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis. "If one practices this method, opening nine apertures achieves the first level of the Spirit Creek Realm, eighteen apertures the second level, and twenty-seven for the third level."

Leaf Gray immediately sensed something off. "But aren't there nine levels in the Spirit Creek Realm?"

"A Yellow-rank technique can only be cultivated to the third level of Spirit Creek. That's why its rank is the lowest. If one cultivates a Profound-rank technique, they can reach the sixth level. For Earth-rank, one can reach the ninth level. As for Heaven-rank techniques…"

"Twelve levels?" Leaf Gray was shocked. He had never heard of a twelfth level of Spirit Creek.

Elder Lockridge shook his head with a smile. "Still nine."

Leaf Gray was puzzled. "Why is that?"

Elder Lockridge explained, "Because for each grade of cultivation method, the number of apertures corresponding to each realm level is different. For this Cicada's Transcendent Metamorphosis, one only needs to open nine apertures to reach the first level of Spirit Creek. However, if practicing a Heaven-rank method, one must open eighteen apertures to reach that same level. A cultivator using an Earth-rank method reaches the ninth level of Spirit Creek by opening one hundred and eighty apertures. But a cultivator using a Heaven-rank method has only reached the sixth level when they open one hundred and eighty apertures."

Leaf Gray gradually understood. "So Elder Lockridge means that, the higher the grade of the cultivation method, the more apertures are required to reach the same realm?"

"Precisely."

"You mean then that a cultivator's realm alone cannot be used to judge their strength?" Leaf Gray asked.

"A cultivator at Earth-rank Spirit Creek nine who has only opened one hundred and eighty apertures would be no match for someone at Spirit Creek seven but practicing a Heaven-rank method, because the latter has opened far more apertures," Elder Lockridge said. "That is why cultivators of the same realm can differ so greatly in strength when their method grades differ. It also affects their future prospects."

Leaf Gray immediately understood Elder Lockridge's point. If cultivation methods differ in grade, then cultivators at the same realm may indeed exhibit large disparities in power and potential.

"Master, if Heaven-rank methods are so superior, why does everyone not cultivate Heaven-rank? What purpose do Earth, Profound, and Yellow ranks serve? Are Heaven-rank methods simply very rare?" Leaf Gray asked.

Elder Lockridge smiled. "Heaven-rank methods are not easy to obtain, but with enough perseverance even independent cultivators have a chance to acquire them. The reason not everyone practices Heaven-rank is because every cultivator has their own limit—the limit on how many apertures they can open."

"The limit on opening apertures?"

"At the beginning of cultivation, opening apertures is difficult. As you open more apertures and your cultivation rises, it becomes relatively easier. But eventually you reach a ceiling. Once you hit that limit, it becomes exceedingly difficult to open any more. Even if the finest Heaven-rank method were laid before them, what good would it do? A cultivator whose personal ceiling is one hundred and eighty apertures would gain nothing from practicing a Heaven-rank method. Thus, one must match their cultivation path to their own capacity."

"I see." Leaf Gray nodded in understanding.

"And besides, it is actually better for beginners to start with Yellow-rank methods."

"Because they are simpler?" Leaf Gray asked.

"Exactly. A Yellow-rank method requires only nine apertures to reach Spirit Creek one, while a Heaven-rank method would demand eighteen. Allowing spiritual power to permeate the apertures sooner, thus achieving Spirit Creek more quickly, increases training efficiency. That is why, among itinerant cultivators and disciples from reputable sects alike, most begin with Yellow-rank instruction. After their Yellow-rank method is fully cultivated, they may then switch to another technique."

Elder Lockridge did not give a completely candid account about switching methods.

Only cultivators with few foundations—solitary cultivators or disciples of lesser clans—generally start with Yellow-rank methods. Changing one's foundation technique is not without trouble; those with some background tend to select Profound- or Earth-rank methods because, whether Yellow, Profound, or Earth, the first level of Spirit Creek still requires nine apertures—no difference there.

Only when a cultivator has opened apertures to their limit and needs a new route will they change to a Heaven-rank method. Those without that capacity must attempt to break through their limits first.

Considering Leaf Gray's meager talent, Elder Lockridge judged that in this lifetime he would hardly be able to open many apertures; a Yellow-rank method would suffice.

Of course Elder Lockridge did not say this aloud, nor did he look down on Leaf Gray for it. As the sect's leader, he taught his registered disciple carefully and without impatience.

"As for your earlier worry that this method might be an evil art…" Elder Lockridge lifted his eyelids and fixed Leaf Gray with a solemn gaze. "Remember this: the path has no inherent good or evil; people have hearts of good and evil. No cultivation method is in itself good or evil. What truly decides good or evil is the cultivator's nature. The Firmament Palace contains men of corrupt hearts, and the Ophidian Covenant has within it those of noble character."

"Disciple will remember." Leaf Gray answered respectfully.