Cultivating with Top Enlightenment
Chapter 36 - 33: The Great Dream of 9 Deaths, Advancement to Inner Essence (Two-in-One)

Chapter 36: Chapter 33: The Great Dream of 9 Deaths, Advancement to Inner Essence (Two-in-One)

Within the Seeking Tao Institute.

Ning Qi was slowly practicing the Myriad Phenomena Origin Stance. Although his physical body was now flawless and had reached its limit, he still needed to use "God" to stimulate the body, thus continuously generating Inner Strength.

Like right now.

The Inner Strength within Ning Qi’s body was no longer just a few strands as before; it had gradually coalesced into a mass. In a matter of days, it could completely condense into an Inner Essence "fruit," thereby nourishing the body and greatly extending lifespan once more.

This was truly the advancement to the Inner Essence Realm.

For Ning Qi, that day was not far off, just twenty days or so would suffice.

During this period.

Ning Qi had gained a more profound understanding of the essence of Inner Strength.

"Inner Strength is formless, lacking a visage, a ’virtual substance.’ Whether strands sensed previously or now coalesced into mass, these are actually perceptions the body gives back to me, not necessarily truly existing within."

"But cultivation to the Inner Essence Realm is about condensing the virtual into the real. Upon reaching a profound stage in the Inner Essence Realm, Inner Strength is nearly in a ’semi-real’ state, not only amplifying the body but also adhering to fists, palms, and weapons, enhancing their power."

"How to condense the virtual into the real?"

Ning Qi gently swung his fist, feeling the body gently ’peel off’ and ’squeeze out’ strands of Inner Strength.

In his mind, inspiration continually arose.

The various Stacking Strength Skills and Secret Techniques he had studied floated in his mind, providing an answer to this issue.

"Every instance of Stacking Strength is actually making Inner Strength integrate with the body once again, allowing the body to produce stronger, more ’real’ Inner Strength. After nine times, it can completely transform into Gang Essence!"

"Therefore, all Stacking Strength Skills in the world can be divided into two steps."

"The first step is forming a connection between Inner Strength and the body, merging once more to improve body strength. The second step is squeezing new Inner Strength from the enhanced body!"

"It means the body serves to ’enhance’ and ’compress’ Inner Strength during this process, and the effectiveness of the Stacking Strength Skill depends on optimizing this process. For instance, the Ice Silkworm Strength, with nine instances of Cocoon Breaking and Rebirth, actually presses the body to an extremely high degree, surpassing even the four superior Stacking Strength Skills of my True Martial Sect."

"But, I don’t think this is the true limit!"

Ning Qi had forgotten that he was practicing Stance Skill; he had entered into a marvelous state of enlightenment.

Ning Qi’s mind was bubbling with inspiration, constantly springing forth.

"Wanting the body to reach the true limit each time in this process requires the body to ’die,’ and then be reborn. Not only will this extract stronger Inner Strength, but it can also let the body transform again. This is the true Cocoon Breaking and Rebirth!"

"However, letting the body die is a very dangerous act; mishandling it could lead to a complete cessation of vitality, truly dying. Therefore, ’fake death’ can be used instead, going through cycles to reach the true limit of the body!"

In his mind, there was faintly the sound of Heavenly Thunder roaring.

At some point.

Ning Qi had stopped practicing Stance Skill. He closed his eyes, standing motionless in the courtyard like a sculpture.

Fine rain began to pour from the sky.

Seeing this, the White Ape quickly stopped the Ape King Stance, fetched an oiled paper umbrella from the storeroom, and carefully walked to Ning Qi’s side to shield him, ensuring he was as quiet as possible, fearing to disturb Ning Qi.

His eyes were filled with reverence.

After living with Ning Qi, he learned just how formidable Ning Qi truly was and how well he treated him. Although Ning Qi never acknowledged him as a disciple, the White Ape had long regarded Ning Qi as his master.

A man and an ape stood quietly in the rain.

Until the rain ceased late at night.

Ning Qi slowly opened his eyes, genuine joy in them.

"Tiansheng, go rest."

He gently said.

The White Ape bowed respectfully and returned to his own courtyard.

Ning Qi looked at the faint rain lines in the sky and smiled.

Having reviewed seventy-six Stacking Strength Skills, using the Myriad Phenomena Origin Stance as a foundation, drawing on the concept of Cocoon Breaking and Rebirth from the Ice Silkworm Skill, and capturing the essence of Dreaming Gluttony, he had gained enlightenment.

Great Dream Nine Deaths Strength.

This was Ning Qi’s achievement during this time, a Stacking Strength Skill tailored for himself.

"Letting the body die in a sleep-like dream, and awakening as a rebirth. Each Stacking Strength can reach the true limit; this is the Great Dream Nine Deaths!"

"Each realm breakthrough can be replaced by long slumber, thus avoiding any danger. Just need to consume enough energy before sleeping. Fortunately, I’ve optimized the absorption problem for the body’s rebirth, without becoming like Zhuang Chen, a little fatty."

Ning Qi chuckled.

He stretched lazily, feeling very satisfied.

Now he only needed to fully set foot in the Inner Essence Strength, and could then explore the potent Great Dream Nine Deaths Strength in subsequent levels.

Completing the Inner Essence Realm in twenty years was already considered an exceptional talent, but Ning Qi thought he would do so very quickly.

"Strictly speaking, the second half of the Great Dream Nine Deaths Strength is still lacking."

"Upon achieving Great Success in the Inner Essence Realm, reaching the ’semi-real’ state allows Inner Strength to acquire various attributes. For example, with Ice Silkworm Strength, one can condense Ice Silkworm Inner Strength, forming it within the palm, able to freeze one’s bones, immensely powerful, and even relates to the later Gang Essence Realm’s True Gang cultivation method."

"But there’s no rush, achieving Great Success in the Inner Essence Realm will take at least over a year, so I need to deliberate further."

Ning Qi set aside the thought.

He would strive towards this goal in the future.