Cultivation is Creation

"Azure," I thought as I floated gently in the air, surrounded by curious vines, "why exactly am I flying right now?"

"Fascinating," Azure murmured, and I could practically hear him taking mental notes. "This appears to be related to the celestial bodies now orbiting in your inner world. Typically, only cultivators in the Stellar Realm or above can achieve flight, likely due to their connection with heavenly bodies. You've essentially created your own version of that system."

That made a strange sort of sense.

I closed my eyes, remembering how it felt using the Skybound rune to fly in the Two Suns world. The sensation had been different then - more like pushing against the air itself. This felt more natural, as if gravity had simply decided to become optional.

Taking a deep breath, I focused on that feeling. The vines slowly unwound from my limbs as I guided myself downward, landing softly on my feet. Well, that was one more ability I'd need to keep under wraps. Flying at the Qi Condensation stage would raise far too many questions.

I could sense Wei Lin's presence outside my door. He hadn't knocked again, probably assuming I was deep in meditation. Knowing him, he was probably debating whether to wait or come back later.

Better see what he wants.

I made my way from the private training courtyard back through my room, straightening my robes before opening the door. Wei Lin stood there with his hand raised, apparently having finally decided to knock again.

"Oh, you're—" Wei Lin started, then did a double-take. He pointed at me accusingly. "You broke through? Again?!"