Core Formation (결단/結丹)
Core Formation is the fourth stage of Immortal Cultivation. It is preceded by Qi Building and followed by Nascent Soul. When someone reaches the Core Formation realm, their strength is said to shatter mountains and split seas.
Boundary
Sub-Realms
Lifespan
Description
To reach Core Formation, a cultivator who has reached the Grand Perfection of Qi Building must perform rituals for each of the Twenty-Eight Stars corresponding to the Spiritual Energy Stars within their body. All Core Formation Cultivators form a golden core in their body.
Ascension
To reach Core Formation, a cultivator who has reached the Grand Perfection of Qi Building must perform rituals for each of the Twenty-Eight Stars corresponding to the Spiritual Energy Stars within their body. Four altars in cardinal directions each offering sacrifices to the heavens. The ritual involves embedding celestial energy in each of these Spiritual Energy Stars.
Ritual Prayers
Substages
The principles of Core Formation resemble the process of humans embracing fate. The Core Formation stage has 4 substages:
- The Heavenly Market Enclosure (천시원/天巿垣): Perfects the flow of life force (Qi) coursing through one's body and the fate that reveals one life. The command of fate is without adornment.
- The Supreme Palace Enclosure (태미원/太微垣): Liberates the Qi and blood throughout the body to connect outwardly, aligning oneself with the heavens. In serving fate, one is with reverence.
- The Purple Forbidden Enclosure (자미원/紫微垣): Establishes a foundation and altar, culminating in becoming a priest that connects heaven and earth. In nurturing fate, one is with benevolence.
- The Celestial Dominion (天象列次分野): One acts as a priest through one's own body as an altar to perform rites to fate. In commanding fate, one is righteous.
Characteristics
Golden Core
After completing the Ritual, a complete set of 28 stars, infused with celestial energy, begin to solidify in their places. Within the dantain, a Golden Core is formed. The size of the Golden Core is slightly larger than two fists combined, and the surface of the Golden Core is engraved with 28 stars, forming the Heavenly Sphere Diagram.
Dan Fire
The spiritual clouds of Qi Building heat up into spiritual fire upon reaching Core Formation. Cultivators call this fire Dan Fire.
Dharma Treasure
Through the process of refining magic artifacts with Dan Fire, they are reborn as dharma treasures of Core Formation cultivators. These reside within the cultivator's Golden Core and develop gradually as the cultivator advances.
Vitality
From Core Formation onwards, your lifespan increases by a further 600 years on top of the 300 from Qi Building. Their regenerative abilities are also increased. They can survive even decapitation so long as their golden core is intact.