Warhammer Cultivation: Cultivating the Tao Te Ching in the 40K Universe

This light belongs to no known psychic school. It is neither fiery nor cold, neither violent nor feminine. It is… still. Like a perfect note suddenly ringing out in a dark theater filled with noise, roars, and blasphemy. A completely new “Tao,” not belonging to this era, a most essential negation of “disorder.”

It has no anger, no desire, no flaws; its very existence is the most thorough provocation to all chaotic entities.

This note was extremely faint, yet so… “dissonant”.

For the first time since the birth of this universe, Hector, a cultivator, has appeared, and for the first time in the subspace, a mark belonging to a cultivator has been left.

Unprecedented, naturally attracting extraordinary attention.

In an instant, four ancient and vast wills that slumbered in the deepest part of the chaotic ocean were simultaneously awakened.

In Tzeentch's crystal labyrinth, the countless futures being devised were enveloped in an immeasurable "mist" by the appearance of this single point of light. He recognized this aura as the "colorless thread" that had disrupted His perfect script in Nicaea. Now, this thread was no longer merely a "variable"; it was attempting to...weave its own "destiny." This filled the architect of destiny with an unprecedented sense of provocation and "pleasure."

In the garden of Nurgle, the Lord of Plague, a discordant syllable, carrying the connotation of "purification," emerged from the eternal song of decay and rebirth. He recognized this aura as belonging to the mortal who dared to wash away His "Father's" grace with a laughable "elixir." That "purification" was the most direct blasphemy against His "corrupt" authority! This truly ignited the Father's "wrath."

Within the brass throne domain of the Blood God Khorne, the inextinguishable flames of His rage flickered with impatience. From that point of light, He sensed a kind of… nauseating “calm.”

In the palace of Slaanesh, the Lord of Pleasure, even the eternal, ultimate feast of the senses had become somewhat unpleasantly "dull." From that point of light, He sensed a kind of... "moderation" that He loathed.

Four vast wills, filled with greed, malice, and destructive desires, like sharks smelling blood, instantly crossed infinite dimensions and cast their "gaze" upon that tiny yet incredibly "delicious" point of light.

However, just as this will was about to touch the barrier of the real universe—

Terra, the deepest part beneath the Imperial Palace.

A pair of golden eyes, which had been tightly closed for a long time, slowly opened a crack.

It wasn't just opening its eyes; it was like a supernova that had slept for billions of years, awakening in silence. A will equally vast and powerful, yet filled with absolute "protection," like an invisible and unyielding wall of sighs, instantly enveloped the entire solar system.

“Buzz——!!!”

Two supreme forces, caught between reality and illusion, engaged in a silent yet star-destroying confrontation...

In the quiet room, Hector, who had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, felt an indescribable chill surge from the deepest part of his soul, instantly engulfing him. His vast, newly formed sea of ​​true essence was compressed into a trembling droplet under the pressure of these two wills.

He seemed to have transformed into an ant being watched simultaneously by two ancient dragons. On one side was a chaotic abyss, capable of devouring everything, filled with sweet decay and endless changes; on the other side was a golden sun, capable of burning everything, filled with absolute reason and supreme authority.

He felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his whole body was ice cold! His newly opened microcosmic orbit was on the verge of collapse under this pressure.

He knew very well that his "way" was no longer a secret. All his past ingenious schemes and all his disguises under the guise of "ancient Terran wisdom" were rendered useless in the face of these two insightful eyes that saw through the essence of existence.

He understood more clearly that he had transformed from a "variable" hidden in the shadows of history into a chess piece placed at the center of the cosmic chessboard, incredibly conspicuous yet incredibly fragile... He was no longer an observer trying to influence the game; he himself had become part of the game, a key that both sides coveted to seize or destroy.

He also knew that his next advancement, the transformation from "Foundation Building" to "Golden Core," would involve facing not only invisible inner demons.

That would be a truly destructive collision from the very will of the universe.

A journey called "Tao"...

Chapter 42 The Path of Cultivation

That confrontation of supreme wills originating from the two poles of the universe came quickly and went just as fast. Like two ancient dragons that roared warnings at the boundaries of their respective territories, they slowly retreated back into their abysses after confirming each other's existence.

In the quiet room, Hector Kane was breathing heavily, his face, which had just regained its rosy hue due to the breakthrough, turned deathly pale once again.

That gaze, originating from chaos, was like a million invisible venomous insects, trying to burrow into his every thought; while the gaze from the throne was like a miniature sun, threatening to completely evaporate his soul from its most basic level. The terrifying pressure that had almost frozen and burned his soul had dissipated, but the trembling that had seeped into his bones still lingered endlessly in his sea of ​​consciousness.

He didn't immediately emerge from seclusion, nor did he feel fortunate to have survived. He knew very well that what had just happened was not merely a breakthrough in his cultivation level, but also a passive "appearance" on the highest chessboard of the universe. This insignificant piece of the game had already fallen into the eyes of both players.

Before making his next move, he must conduct a thorough and clear-headed review of all his cards.

He slowly closed his eyes, his mind sinking back into his body.

This time, it wasn't for fighting or breaking through, but for... reflection. He wanted to use the unprecedented clarity of mind he had after Foundation Establishment to systematically review and summarize his entire cultivation system from "Body Refinement" to "Foundation Establishment."

His consciousness first returned to the starting point of his cultivation—the Body Refinement Realm.

In his view, the core of the Body Refinement Realm lies in four words: "Heaven and Man Interacting." At that time, he was like a sophisticated receiver that had just been activated.

Using the supreme mental cultivation method of the Tao Te Ching as a "firewall" and "filter," he dared, for the first time, to sense the violent and dangerous subspace energy in this universe, and to filter and purify the first strand of pure true essence that belonged to him. The birth of that strand of true essence was like the first candle flame lit in eternal darkness, weak yet real, allowing him to feel a warmth that did not belong to this cold universe.

Then, using the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic as a blueprint, he used this faint true essence as "engineering tools" to painstakingly open up and temper the twelve meridians of his body.

This process transformed his mortal body. His physical strength, resilience, and all five senses far surpassed those of ordinary people, which is why he possessed the most basic ability to protect himself in the subsequent turmoil. He still remembers being able to clearly hear the anxious, rapid heartbeat of his supervisor, Valerius, a hundred meters away in the dead of night in the archives, and being able to discern the faded, delicate writing on the ancient parchment scrolls in the dim light.

“Body tempering is ‘borrowing’,” Hector concluded in his mind. “It is borrowing the power of heaven and earth to temper oneself. Its foundation is still external. Like a remote colony that must rely on external supplies to survive, although it has built walls, it is still difficult to be self-sufficient.”

Immediately afterwards, his mind turned to the ever-flowing ocean within his body—the Foundation Establishment Realm.

If body refinement is "sensing", then the core of foundation building is "the unity of heaven and man".

Opening up the Ren and Du meridians connects the bridge between heaven and earth, allowing true energy to circulate in the body through a "small circulation." This step, which may seem like just opening up two more meridians, actually completes a qualitative change from "borrowing" to "generating," a leap in the level of life, and a declaration from dependence on the environment to becoming a self-sufficient system.

From that moment on, the energy system within his body was no longer a pond that needed to constantly draw water from the outside, but transformed into an ocean that could self-circulate and endlessly generate life.

The total amount, recovery speed, and purity of his true essence were now incomparable to those of the Body Refinement Realm. He could feel that, as long as he was willing, the true essence nurtured in his dantian would flow along the Ren and Du meridians on its own, like an endless pulse, constantly nourishing his body and soul, and quietly dispelling fatigue.

Although he had never undergone any genetic modification, Hector could clearly feel that his physical strength was gradually approaching the level of a Space Marine.

More importantly, he completed his first transformation from "mortal" to "saint." He was no longer just a mortal capable of using true energy, but had truly entered the ranks of "cultivators." A seeker of the Dao who could transform himself into a microcosm and engage in equal dialogue with the dark and chaotic macrocosm outside...

“Foundation building is ‘establishment’,” he realized. “It is establishing the foundation of one’s own path. From now on, the root is inside, not outside. I am no longer a colony, but a self-sustaining, atmosphere-filled Terra. Though still small, I am complete.”

After clarifying the differences in their levels, Hector began to examine the three core divine abilities he currently possessed. These would become the foundation for his survival in this dark forest.

The first supernatural power is a defensive technique—immovable as a mountain.

This supernatural power originates from the supreme state of mind described in the *Tao Te Ching* as "attaining utmost emptiness and holding fast to stillness." It is not an energy shield, but rather a process of minimizing the sense of self and merging with the "great stillness" of the universe. In Hector's view, this is almost a perfect defense created to combat warp contamination.

Whether it's the malevolent curse of Eribus or the seductive whispers of the Chaos God, their targets are both the "self" of intelligent beings. When this "self" temporarily dissipates and merges with the world, all mental attacks vanish like arrows piercing the void. From the outside, any psychic energy attempting to probe his mind is like light falling into a black hole, swallowed by that absolute "emptiness," receiving no response whatsoever.

"This method is my last line of defense in this universe, protecting my soul from contamination... It is my shield of 'selflessness'."

The second supernatural power is the purification technique – the Spiritual Finger.

This supernatural power originates from the medical philosophy in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic: "When righteous qi is stored within, evil cannot invade." It does not use one energy to fight another, but rather highly condenses the purest true essence, like an extremely sharp scalpel, precisely severing the chaotic and disordered foundation of the chaotic energy, causing it to collapse from its source.

On the warship of the Word Bearer, it was through this technique that he was able to purify the malevolent energy imbued with the power of Nurgle. The result was not explosive destruction, but a higher-level purification, almost at the level of laws, like sunlight dispelling shadows and order covering chaos, containing a unique beauty of the "Tao".

"This technique is the blade of hope in my hand, which is capable of 'curing the sick and saving lives', and is the sword of my 'righteousness' as I walk in the darkness."

The third supernatural power, which was also the most profound and insightful way of insight he had just comprehended—

Chapter 43 The Path to the Golden Elixir and the Invisible Needle

This supernatural ability originated from the macroscopic observation of the I Ching and the microscopic diagnosis of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, giving Hector a pair of "divine eyes" that could see through appearances and directly perceive the essence.

He could "observe people," seeing through the essence of a life form's soul—whether it was loyalty or depravity, health or decay. In his eyes, the "aura" of a Custodian was like a solidified, pure golden star, stable and majestic; while an ordinary Space Marine was like a burning, slightly variegated flame, full of vitality and murderous intent. He could even see the fragile and dangerous aura, like a spiderweb connecting to the warp, on an untrained wild psyker.

The ability to "observe fortune" allows one to vaguely perceive the flow of "qi" (vital energy) surrounding major events or key figures, thereby judging good or bad fortune. This is not about predicting the future, but rather, like observing celestial phenomena, deducing a probable "trend" through the flow and color of "qi." The "fiery heat" burning beneath Horus's "golden glory" is a sign of "excessive yang," where, although the fortune is strong, the lack of yin (feminine) balance harbors the danger of collapse.

It can "discern objects," sensing the "pheromones" and "energy imprints" remaining on any object, thereby distinguishing its good or evil and its origin. A power sword that has won countless glorious duels will inevitably have a sharp and pure "qi"; while a chainsaw axe that has been used to slaughter innocent people will forever be entangled with an indelible "evil qi" full of resentment and bloodshed.

"This method is the 'unbreakable rock' upon which I established my Dao heart in this chaotic sea, ensuring I will never sink; this technique is the 'merciful blade' in my hand as I walk through the darkness, capable of removing the malignant tumor of chaos; and this Qi observation will be the 'only key' for me to understand the secrets of heaven and manipulate fate in this cosmic chess game in the future."

Hector suddenly thought of something and chuckled to himself.

"Grey Knight?"

The "unmovable as a mountain" mental defense is quite similar to the legendary indestructible "Aegis" psionic power of the 666th Battle Group.

The purification effect of "Lingxi Finger" is exactly the same as the Judgment Holy Sword in their hands, which can sever the physical form of demons.

And isn't this newly perfected "Qi Observation Technique" precisely their pure spiritual energy perception that can see through illusions and directly perceive the essence of chaos?

Protecting the mind, purifying evil, and discerning the essence... In terms of function, Hector's path is surprisingly similar to that of the Emperor's most secretive future demon hunter.

“No, that’s not right.” The thought had barely formed when he rejected it. “Similar in form but not in spirit.” His gaze grew even more profound.

"The Grey Knights are hammers, fire, and the sharpest, most ruthless scalpel in the Emperor's hand. Their path is 'cleansing,' to thoroughly and mercilessly remove and burn all the tissues corrupted by chaos, along with the surrounding flesh and blood that may be infected. What they face is 'results.'"

“And my Dao…” Hector gazed inward at the ocean of true essence in his dantian that nurtured all things, “…is water, is earth, is ‘life.’ What I do is not to eliminate, but to ‘transform.’ I try to understand the ‘pathology’ of chaos, to neutralize evil with righteous energy, to restore order to disorder, and to bring tranquility to rage. What I face is the ‘cause.’”

They are the extension of the emperor's will, the extreme embodiment of order, using absolute power to confront another kind of absolute chaos. As for me, I am searching for the tightrope called "balance" between these two extremes.

This idea made his place in this dark universe clearer than ever before.

After taking stock of all his cards, Hector turned his attention to the more distant and perilous future.

Foundation Establishment is merely the beginning. He could sense that although the ocean of true essence within his body was vast, it was still only in the form of "qi," without roots or branches. Compared to demigods and true gods who could annihilate stars at a moment's notice, it remained fragile.

He must take the next step.

The next major realm clearly emerged in his consciousness—the Golden Core Realm!

"I must compress and condense all my true essence and the divine consciousness that has been tempered by the wills of the four original bodies within my dantian and purple palace, so that I can ultimately transform the false into the true and turn the qi into a pill!"

He knew that once the Golden Core was formed, he would possess a stable, immortal, and self-contained internal energy core. That Golden Core would be like a miniature sun that never goes out, a Geller force field composed of order and operating perpetually.

At that time, his resistance to the erosion of chaos will increase exponentially, and the power of his true essence will undergo a tremendous qualitative change. He will no longer fear conventional subspace storms, and may even be able to traverse them physically for short periods. That golden core will be his guiding light in the chaotic ocean, ensuring he never loses his way, and will be the ultimate anchor of his personal reality.

Only in this way could he truly possess the capital to contend with those demons and monsters in this dark universe.

Aside from the improvement in his realm, another more important matter quietly surfaced in his mind.

He could clearly see within his inner vision that, at the very center of his dantian's true essence ocean, the four primordial law runes he had absorbed were like four supreme celestial furnaces, revolving around a singularity. The will and power emanating from them were constantly tempering the most fundamental wisp of innate energy within that singularity. Under this refining process, the nascent form of a divine needle, billions of times thinner than a hair, neither gold nor jade, formless and intangible, had quietly condensed.

"Invisible needle..."

Hector's mind touched that wisp of innate energy, and a piece of information naturally flowed into his mind.

This natal magic weapon, formed from his own essence, energy, and spirit, has only eight characteristics: formless and shapeless, specifically designed to sever cause and effect.

It is not a weapon on the physical level, but a higher-dimensional instrument of law. It does not cut flesh and blood, nor soul, but the "causal thread" that sustains the existence of all things.

This means that, in theory, when the divine needle is powerful enough, he doesn't even need to kill the enemy; he only needs to sever the cause and effect that led to its downfall and free it from the enslavement of chaos.

Alternatively, it could sever the very cause of a war, eliminating it completely. This is akin to the power to rewrite reality, with boundless potential and immeasurable danger.

Hector instantly understood the terrifying power of this magical artifact, and also knew that it was still extremely weak at the moment and needed a long period of tempering and nurturing.

At the same time, he also fully realized its significance in the future.

"So... this was my true trump card in overcoming that destined psychic tribulation and fighting against higher-dimensional beings."

He slowly returned to reality from the self-examination that had lasted for several days.

The quiet room remained completely dark and deathly silent.

But his heart was brighter than ever before.

The path is clear, the weapons are ready, and the resolve is firm.

Looking at his still-thin, yet now as serene as an abyss, reflection in the mirror, he knew that from this moment on, the bystander's mark deep within his soul, the one named "Lin Chen," had finally faded completely. He was no longer a reader of history, but its writer.

He will become the one who actively stirs up a colossal wave, etching a brand new trajectory of "Tao" in this dark universe...

Hector Kane.

Chapter 44 Makado's Mental Purgatory

When Hector Kane slowly withdrew from that long, almost eternal introspection, the first thing he did was not to get up immediately, but to quietly “listen.”

After successfully establishing his foundation and mastering the art of observing qi, his perception had long surpassed the five senses of ordinary people. He could "hear" the deep hum of the biological cores of the four Imperial Guards operating steadily outside the quiet room, like four inextinguishable furnaces; he could "see" the photons flowing in the energy conduits outside the alloy walls, like magma surging in the earth's veins; he could even "feel" time flowing slowly over his newly reshaped and incredibly resilient soul, like invisible sand.

Two hundred Terra days passed in the blink of an eye.

He slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, which, in the absolute darkness of the quiet room, carried a faint, pure white light, like the first breath of a newborn infant, exuding a subtle vitality. The ocean of true essence within his body had completely returned to calm from the turmoil of his breakthrough. Each cycle of the minor circulation was as natural as the tides of the universe, silently nourishing him.

He knew it was time.

As the massive, heavy door, crafted from dark alloy, slid silently open before him, the outside light poured in, yet it did not blind him. Outside, the four Imperial Guards, who had stood like golden statues for two hundred days and nights, simultaneously focused their gazes on this mortal who had emerged.

To their naked eyes, they still saw the same handsome young man, slightly pale from his long period of seclusion. But their genetically modified, superhuman combat instincts were silently warning them.

They clearly sensed that the "presence" of this mortal was different. If two hundred days ago he was a bottomless ancient well, mysterious and unpredictable, then now he was an invisible dragon connecting the earth's veins beneath the well, its power arising even though it lay dormant in the abyss.

Without any further words, one of the Imperial Guards bowed slightly and made a "please" gesture, a gesture that carried a subtle increase in solemnity compared to two hundred days ago.

"The Regent is waiting for you."

When Hector stepped back into the simple room filled with relics from the ancient Terran era, the Imperial Regent Macado was sitting behind an old wooden table, toying with an ancient chess piece carved from ivory—a pawn.

It was the most inconspicuous and weakest piece, yet it still possessed the potential to traverse the chessboard and undergo a transformation.

“Two hundred days.” Makado didn’t look up, but slowly stroked the smooth surface of the chess piece with his thumb, his tone calm. “For an interstellar war, that’s enough to decide the fate of a star system. For a mortal, it’s enough to complete the last leg of his life’s journey. Tell me, child, what have you found in these two hundred days?”

“I have found the ‘root’,” Hector replied calmly, his voice noticeably clearer and more resonant after his foundation-building.

"Oh?" A hint of genuine interest flashed in Makado's eyes.

"Before the next storm arrives, I have found a root for myself that will not be blown down by any external force."