Foundation Establishment

Foundation Establishment is the crucial realm where cultivators officially step into the world of cultivation, divided into Early Stage, Middle Stage, Late Stage, and Great Perfection. Cultivators gather spiritual energy into the dantian and compress it into liquid state, causing fundamental changes to the body.

Realm Description

Foundation Establishment cultivators compress gaseous spiritual energy in the dantian into liquid state, transitioning from spiritual energy cultivation to true qi cultivation. They can fly on swords for extended periods, fast without food, and experience greatly enhanced divine sense.

Lifespan and Abilities

• Lifespan: 200-250 years (double that of Qi Condensation)
• Abilities: Sword flying, fasting, enhanced divine sense, combat primarily with magical instruments
• Physique: Body undergoes fundamental changes through spiritual energy nourishment

Cultivation Key Points

Four Stages

Foundation Establishment is divided into four stages:

• Early Stage: Develop qi sea, establish spiritual energy storage foundation
• Middle Stage: Build spiritual platform, mental cultivation, control spiritual energy
• Late Stage: Form dan cauldron, prepare for Core Formation, strengthen foundation
• Great Perfection: Reach Foundation Establishment peak, ready for Core Formation breakthrough

Breakthrough Conditions

• Must first reach Qi Condensation 13th layer perfection
• Foundation Establishment Pills greatly improve success rate
• Complete body refinement process, improve mortal physique

Core Formation Breakthrough

After Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, breakthrough to Core Formation is needed:

• Success Requirements: Sufficient liquid true qi in dantian, condense into solid golden core
• Success Significance: Lifespan extended to 400-500 years, can fly without instruments
• Breakthrough Difficulty: More difficult than Foundation Establishment breakthrough, lower success rate

Significance in A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

This is the watershed for cultivator identity, the standard for sect elders accepting disciples. Han Li began true cultivation life at this realm: building cave abodes, learning sword techniques, participating in cultivator conflicts. Han Li used nearly 50 Foundation Establishment Pills to break through, while talented cultivators need only 1-2 pills.

Foundation Establishment is the crucial stage of transformation from mortal to true cultivator, marking the official entry onto the immortal path.