The most complicated esoteric effect a cultivator uses is called a ki formation. By using a series of other ki-empowered abilities, a ki formation can be created. A cultivator can then use this ki formation to further empower an attack or replace an attack with a magical effect. A ki formation is expended once used, and the cultivator must create a new formation to use the effect again.
Ki formations come in three tiers of power: Student, Adept, and Master.