Chapter 391: Dual Cultivation

Chapter 391: Dual Cultivation

"You can only consume one!"

Jiang Cheng replied without hesitation, surprising Chu Ning greatly.

He immediately asked, "Has anyone else tried it before?"

"Yes," Jiang Cheng nodded.

"According to the Nascent Soul elders of our alliance, the reason we are able to refine the energy here is that it originates from spiritual qi. However, it may also contain other unknown powers."

As Jiang Cheng spoke, he pointed to the spiritual fruit of the Myriad Laws Tree in Chu Ning's hand.

"This spiritual fruit only matures once every hundred years, absorbing a vast amount of energy from this place. Perhaps we can absorb and refine the spiritual qi within it, but the other powers may not be something we can handle. Instead, they might remain in our bodies and slowly nourish and improve our physical bodies. Our limit is probably one fruit when it comes to retaining this power. It is said that a Nascent Soul elder thousands of years ago consumed two of these fruits, but his body couldn't withstand the impact of the fruit's energy and eventually exploded, leaving only his Nascent Soul intact. So, fellow daoists, please be cautious when consuming the spiritual fruit."

Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, the expressions of the other cultivators changed slightly. If a Nascent Soul cultivator's physical body couldn't withstand the impact of the fruit's energy, then it was imaginable what would happen to them as Golden Core cultivators.

After listening, Chu Ning's eyes flickered slightly as he calmly said, "If I had known this earlier, I should have only plucked eight fruits and left the other two for the Nascent Soul elders to absorb and refine."

Hearing Chu Ning's words, Jiang Cheng was slightly taken aback and felt ashamed. "Chu daoist is thoughtful. I, Jiang, failed to remind you of this earlier."

"It's fine!" Chu Ning shook his head at the moment. "After you all have your share of the spiritual fruit, I'll go and cultivate beneath the Myriad Laws Tree. Let's see if this fruit can retain some of its effects when aided by the spiritual tree's energy. If the elders can make it in time, perhaps the fruit's power won't have faded yet."

When Cen Ziqin heard this, she immediately became concerned and said, "Chu Ning, you're going to cultivate beneath the Myriad Laws Tree? But that pressure..."

Chu Ning gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry, I've discovered that the energy becomes more concentrated the closer you get to the Myriad Laws Tree. My cultivation technique is unique, so this pressure doesn't affect me much."

The others were astonished by Chu Ning's words, but after recalling his previous displays of ability, they didn't feel too surprised. As for Chu Ning's suggestion, they naturally had no objections. After Chu Ning had demonstrated his cultivation level, they were content to follow his lead. Moreover, it was Chu Ning who had plucked the spiritual fruits for them. They were already grateful to receive their share, so they wouldn't complain even if they couldn't consume more. Furthermore, Chu Ning was even offering to return some to the Nascent Soul cultivators.

"We shouldn't delay. Fellow daoists, let's refine the spiritual fruits now," said Chu Ning as he began plucking the fruits from the branches and handing them out to the seven people. After giving the last fruit to Cen Ziqin, he gave her a reassuring look, indicating that she could focus on her cultivation.

Then, holding the remaining three fruits on the branch, he quickly walked towards the Myriad Laws Tree. As he walked forward, Chu Ning scanned the area with his spiritual sense. He found that after Jiang Cheng and the others received the fruits, they each found a spot to sit and cultivate peacefully, and no one paid attention to his actions.

Soon, he arrived at the Myriad Laws Tree and found a spot in a corner where no one could see him. He sat down with his legs crossed. Cultivating in the oppressive environment of the Myriad Laws Tree was something Chu Ning had already considered when plucking the spiritual fruits earlier. The other reason he wanted to come here now was to avoid the others.

After crossing his legs, Chu Ning's gaze fell upon the three spiritual fruits of the Myriad Laws Tree in his hand. He had heard Jiang Cheng's words clearly, and unlike the others who were wary, he was overjoyed.

From Jiang Cheng's words, Chu Ning also realized that the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Cloudsoar Alliance weren't completely ignorant about the energy in this place. At the very least, they knew that the energy here was a fusion of spiritual qi and other powers.

However, it was likely that even the Nascent Soul cultivators in the alliance didn't possess the power of origin in their bodies. Therefore, they weren't aware that this other power was, in fact, the power of origin.

As for Jiang Cheng's mention of the Nascent Soul cultivator who consumed two fruits and had his body destroyed by the power within, it was most likely the power of origin that caused it.

For cultivators who had never absorbed or come into contact with the power of origin before, if a large amount of origin power suddenly appeared in their bodies, it was understandable that their physical bodies might not be able to withstand it.

However, Chu Ning was different. Back in Wuling Island, he had cultivated the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique and absorbed a large amount of origin power. Even when he obtained the droplet of origin power in the cave in Snow Mist Valley, he didn't experience any discomfort.

Compared to that droplet, the spiritual fruit of the Myriad Laws Tree in this forbidden area probably didn't have a stronger concentration of origin power. Since that was the case, Chu Ning believed that his body should be able to withstand it completely.

Of course, whether or not that was true remained to be verified.

Thinking of this, Chu Ning plucked one of the spiritual fruits from the branch. The fruit was crystal clear, and as he held it to his nose, a refreshing fragrance wafted towards him. Chu Ning could vaguely sense a powerful energy lurking within.

After a quick glance, he no longer hesitated and directly popped the spiritual fruit into his mouth. The fruit didn't melt instantly upon entering his mouth. Chu Ning gently chewed, and as the fruit broke apart, the fruit pulp burst forth, filling his mouth.

If there had been a core, Chu Ning wondered if he could have taken it out and cultivated it outside.

Putting that thought aside, Chu Ning began to activate the Five Elements Chaos Technique.

Just then, he felt a unique energy similar to the fusion of the Origin Power and spiritual qi he had absorbed before emerging within his body.

This energy was more substantial and violent compared to the free-flowing energy between heaven and earth.

Chu Ning's entire body felt a slight warmth from the impact of this energy.

However, his body had extremely strong endurance, and this energy surge did not affect him much.

With the activation of the Five Elements Chaos Technique, Chu Ning began to refine this energy bit by bit.

At the same time, the Dual Spirit Seeds and the droplet of Origin Power within his body were also stimulated and refined.

Meanwhile, external energy gathered and was absorbed into Chu Ning's body without any hindrance.

In a short span of time, multiple energies converged within Chu Ning, giving him an incredibly fulfilling sensation.

This feeling reminded Chu Ning of when he first refined the Spirit Seeds, drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

However, this time, he was drawing upon the special energy of the valley instead of external spiritual qi.

At this moment, Chu Ning's body was like a black hole, frantically absorbing and refining energy.

Surprisingly, the speed of absorption was even faster than before.

"The energy absorbed into my body seems purer and more concentrated than before," Chu Ning thought to himself.

For a moment, he couldn't be sure if it was due to the Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruit or his proximity to the tree, which resulted in a denser concentration of energy between heaven and earth.

However, this thought flashed through Chu Ning's mind and was quickly dismissed.

At this moment, his only focus was to cast aside all distractions and concentrate solely on activating the Five Elements Chaos Technique, continuously absorbing and refining the energy to rapidly improve his cultivation.

Half a day later, Chu Ning regained consciousness from his meditative state.

He scanned the surroundings and noticed that everyone else was still meditating with their eyes closed, apparently still refining the Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruit.

Considering their cultivation speeds, this was not surprising. Even with his unique body, he had only refined less than half a spirit fruit so far.

Withdrawing his gaze, Chu Ning looked back at the branch where he had left the remaining two spirit fruits.

He felt that the spirit fruits would fall off the branch with the slightest external force.

"According to Jiang Cheng, even if we cut off the branch, the spirit fruits can only be preserved for a day. Half a day has already passed..."

Chu Ning hesitated for a moment, sensing the residual energy from the spirit fruit within his body, which didn't seem like a burden at all.

Without further delay, he plucked another spirit fruit from the branch and swallowed it whole.

Immediately, a powerful energy surged within Chu Ning's body.

It merged with the unrefined energy from before, turning into an even more violent force raging inside him.

A scorching sensation spread throughout Chu Ning's body.

However, he actually felt relieved.

"The combined energy of these two spirit fruits is indeed stronger and more violent than I imagined, but it's still within the range that my body can withstand," Chu Ning thought.

After carefully sensing the energy, Chu Ning put aside his doubts and continued to stimulate his cultivation technique to refine it.

Half a day later, after refining a little more of the spirit fruit's energy, Chu Ning opened his eyes once again.

His gaze fell on the Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruit, which was about to fall off the branch, and he plucked it with his hand.

After a quick glance, he swallowed the fruit once more.

In almost a day, he had not even refined half a spirit fruit.

At this moment, there was still more than one and a half spirit fruit's worth of energy in his body that hadn't been refined.

However, precisely because he felt the power of this spirit fruit, Chu Ning didn't want to waste it.

A violent and powerful energy surged within his body once again.

It merged with the energy that was already present in Chu Ning's body.

Instantly, an incredibly powerful force was born within Chu Ning's body.

The intensity of this energy exceeded anything Chu Ning had ever encountered before.

Chu Ning felt his body burning with heat, as if it would explode under the impact of this violent energy.

"Not good!"

Chu Ning's heart sank with worry.

At this moment, he realized that he might have been too careless.

Although the Origin Power contained in a single spirit fruit, or even three of them combined, seemed less potent than the droplet of Origin Power, the energy within the fruit was far more violent.

On top of that, he was drawing upon the energy between heaven and earth, as well as the power of the Dual Spirit Seeds and the droplet of Origin Power within his body.

Even with Chu Ning's abundant spiritual power, his cultivation speed couldn't keep up with the refining process.

His indestructible golden body, renowned for its strength, seemed on the verge of being forcibly ruptured by this force.

However, Chu Ning had experienced countless battles and a variety of serendipitous encounters.

Soon, he calmed down.

"Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique!"

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Chu Ning.

He hadn't felt this burning sensation in a long time, but it was familiar to him from his previous breakthroughs in bodily strengthening.

If the Five Elements Chaos Technique couldn't refine this violent energy in time, perhaps the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique would succeed.

With this thought in mind, Chu Ning didn't hesitate any longer, not even considering whether others might see him.

Moreover, the violent energy that felt like it would burst through his entire body had lessened considerably.

A slight sense of relief washed over him.

However, this respite was short-lived as Chu Ning soon discovered that the force assailing his physical body had weakened.

At the same time, the spiritual power in his dantian began to stir violently.

Even his Golden Core was convulsing violently within his dantian, as if it wanted to break free from his body.

This new development gave Chu Ning a massive headache.

"The power here is a fusion of Origin Power and spiritual qi. When I cultivate the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique, the speed of refining the Origin Power can keep up.

However, the speed of refining spiritual qi fails to match!"

As he carefully sensed the changes in his dantian, he gritted his teeth and continued to cultivate the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique for a few more breaths.

Subsequently, Chu Ning quickly sat cross-legged and switched to cultivating the Five Elements Chaos Technique.

As he expected, with the cultivation of the Five Elements Chaos Technique, the speed of refining spiritual qi increased, and the spiritual power in his dantian soon stabilized once again.

Even his Golden Core calmed down.

But just after a few breaths, the Origin Power began to surge violently again.

The scorching sensation returned to Chu Ning's body, and he felt like his flesh was about to explode.

Chu Ning continued to cultivate the Five Elements Chaos Technique, feeling that his body had reached its limit and was on the verge of exploding.

He switched back to cultivating the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique.

Over and over again, Chu Ning alternated between the two techniques, gradually increasing the duration from a few breaths to tens of breaths and even hundreds of breaths.

The violent energy within him began to subside.

Just then, as Chu Ning switched back to cultivating the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique, he unexpectedly discovered that when the spiritual power in his dantian started to stir, the Five Elements Chaos Technique began to operate on its own!

This turn of events astonished Chu Ning.

He almost immediately tried to suppress the Five Elements Chaos Technique to stop it from operating.

But this thought had barely formed when he hesitated slightly.

"The Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique and the Five Elements Chaos Technique operating simultaneously will likely result in conflict.

But what if they don't conflict?"

Chu Ning had never considered this possibility before, as these were two entirely different sets of techniques.

The Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique focused on bodily refinement as a path to enlightenment, with additional instructions on spiritual power manipulation and cultivation, primarily serving to strengthen the physical body.

However, regardless, the power utilized ultimately came from one's spiritual power.

It was impossible for Chu Ning to operate the spiritual power of the Five Elements Chaos Technique while simultaneously operating the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique.

Doing so would undoubtedly lead to a disastrous loss of control.

But the current situation was different. The Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique was not operating using Chu Ning's spiritual power.

Instead, it was drawing upon the power within the Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruit, the Origin Power above the droplet of Origin Power.

"It seems that it truly might be possible for them to operate without conflict."

The thought flashed through Chu Ning's mind like lightning, and he immediately made up his mind.

He no longer forcibly suppressed the Five Elements Chaos Technique but let it operate freely.

At the same time, he actively operated the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique without interruption.

However, Chu Ning remained vigilant, constantly monitoring the operation of the two techniques.

If there was any abnormality, he would immediately stop cultivating.

What delighted and surprised Chu Ning was that the Five Elements Chaos Technique successfully completed a full cycle without causing any adverse effects on his body.

"Operating two types of energy and cultivating two sets of techniques simultaneously, they truly don't interfere with each other.

Whether it's the scorching and violent energy in my body or the turbulent spiritual power in my dantian, they are now both alleviated."

This discovery greatly relieved Chu Ning.

At the same time, he felt perplexed.

"So, the two types of power that were originally fused have remained separate within my body.

No, that's not right."

At this moment, Chu Ning calmed his mind and carefully sensed his body, and indeed, he discovered something.

Although the Nine Derivative Body Refining Technique had refined a significant amount of energy to strengthen his body, and the Five Elements Chaos Technique had also refined a substantial amount of energy into his dantian, most of the energy was still fused with the spiritual qi and the Origin Power through the operation of the two techniques, intricately blending within his body.

After this fusion, Chu Ning couldn't pinpoint the exact location of this energy.

It seemed to permeate his entire being—present in his dantian, meridians, skin, muscles, bones, and every part of his body.

While Chu Ning couldn't control this power, he could clearly sense its presence within him.

"This power might be the intrinsic nature of the energy in this place.

I seem to have unlocked a new world. If I can master this power, perhaps I will open up an entirely new realm!"

This thought flashed through Chu Ning's mind.

He continued to operate the two sets of techniques, constantly refining the various energies that had entered his body or were already present within it—the Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruit, the energy of this place, the Dual Spirit Seeds, and the droplet of Origin Power.

Chu Ning's entire being entered a profoundly mysterious state.

After an unknown amount of time, Chu Ning felt that the scorching sensation within him had completely vanished, and his dantian had stabilized.

"The three Myriad Laws Tree Spirit Fruits have been completely refined!"

Realization dawned on Chu Ning, and he emerged from his cultivation state.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end