What's the difference between a 'system' novel and a 'cultivation' novel?

The core difference between 'system' novels and 'cultivation' novels lies in their primary mechanism for power progression and plot advancement. In a 'cultivation' novel, the protagonist typically seeks to improve their martial arts, spiritual energy, or understanding of the universe through rigorous training, meditation, and understanding natural laws. Power growth is often depicted as a natural, albeit difficult, process of self-improvement, drawing inspiration from Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. The focus is on the journey of becoming stronger through personal effort and understanding the 'Dao'. Examples of this can be found in many fantasy and wuxia-inspired stories where characters meditate, absorb spiritual energy, and break through bottlenecks in their cultivation realms.

In contrast, a 'system' novel usually features a protagonist who gains access to a supernatural or artificial 'system' that provides them with tasks, rewards, and often a unique interface or set of rules. This system can grant skills, abilities, knowledge, or even items, accelerating the protagonist's growth in ways that might not be possible through natural means. The 'Salvation System' mentioned in "There Will Always Be Protagonists With Delusions of Starting a Harem" is a prime example. Here, the system actively guides or dictates the protagonist's actions, offering specific benefits for completing objectives. While both genres often involve a protagonist becoming powerful, cultivation emphasizes internal growth and understanding of universal principles, whereas system novels often rely on external, game-like mechanics and structured challenges to facilitate power acquisition. Sometimes, these genres can overlap, with a cultivation novel incorporating a system to enhance the cultivation process.