The great sun rose.
The hour of Si (9-11 AM) was approaching.
Before it arrived, Jiang Ning had already broken through the ice and entered the water to restore his state.
Now, he was fully prepared.
A moment later, he glanced at the sundial in the courtyard. As the sun slowly moved overhead, the time reached the hour of Si.
In the next instant, Jiang Ning focused his mind.
With the Earth Core Warm Jade on his chest, he found it much easier to calm and center himself than before.
Without needing excessive adjustments, he instantly entered a state of tranquility. His mind became clear, and his thoughts emptied.
Then, he assumed the Five Hearts Facing the Sky posture, slightly tilting his head back, and gently inhaled toward the blazing sun above.
At that moment, a strand of the Five Elements Solar Essence Qi was drawn from the void and entered his nostrils.
The Solar Essence Qi sank into his lungs. Although it was intensely hot, he felt no pain or burning sensation.
Ever since he had gained the Water-Fire Immortal Robe trait, the Solar Essence Qi could no longer harm his internal organs it only refined them.
He then felt the Solar Essence Qi disperse, merging into his five Organs and six bowels.
Instantly, it was as if he had stepped into a furnace. All traces of cold vanished, and warmth spread throughout his body.
As the five Organs were tempered by this wisp of Solar Essence Qi, strands of internal energy condensed from within them, flowing into the dantian in his abdomen.
[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
As the notification appeared, the wisp of Solar Essence Qi was fully consumed.
Jiang Ning opened his eyes, his face showing joy.
After being nourished by the Five Elements Spiritual Essence, his five Organs had grown much stronger.
This time, his refinement of Solar Essence Qi was entirely different from before.
Previously, each breath of Solar Essence Qi would only yield a single strand of internal energy.
But this time, refining just the first wisp of Solar Essence Qi had produced five strands of internal energy a fivefold increase in efficiency!
"A fivefold boost in internal energy condensation efficiency!" Jiang Ning couldn't help but take a deep breath in amazement.
Because his five Organs had been nourished by the Five Elements Spiritual Essence, their foundation had grown tremendously stronger.
Over the past few days, his internal energy had already begun increasing on its own. Initially, it was just one strand per day, but it gradually grew to two, then three strands daily.
This spontaneous increase in internal energy was a direct result of his strengthening five Organs and six bowels.
From the very beginning, he had possessed a unique trait:
[Essence Stored in the Five Organs]: Essence Qi is stored within the five Organs, strengthening them naturally.
Since his five Organs and six bowels continuously grew stronger on their own, they also continuously condensed internal energy.
At the Internal Fortification Realm, the goal was to strengthen the five Organs and six bowels prioritizing the five Organs, with the six bowels as secondary.
Because of this trait, his organs subtly strengthened every day.
And since they grew stronger each day, they also condensed a strand of internal energy daily.
Though just one strand per day didn't seem like much equivalent to a single breath of Solar Essence Qi
Its advantage lay in consistency.
It continued without fail, regardless of external conditions.
Over time, the accumulated growth in internal energy became astonishing.
And now, things had leaped forward.
Nourished by the Five Elements Spiritual Essence, his five Organs had broken through their natural limits.
In turn, his six bowels were also strengthened.
As a result, his natural internal energy growth had increased from one strand per day to three strands per day.
Jiang Ning had assumed this was the peak.
He thought this was the full extent of what the Five Elements of Spiritual Essence could do for him.
But after today's session of breathing in Solar Essence Qi, he realized he had underestimated the effects.
A single breath now condensed five strands of internal energy five times more than before!
Without hesitation, Jiang Ning refocused his mind, clearing all distractions.
Then, he continued inhaling toward the sun.
With each breath, strands of Solar Essence Qi flowed into his five Organs and six bowels.
His organs were continuously refined.
[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique Experience +1]
[...]
With the Water-Fire Immortal Robe trait protecting him, he no longer feared being burned by the Solar Essence Qi.
This allowed him to refine Solar Essence Qi far more efficiently than before.
He no longer needed to worry about the burden on his organs.
Previously, before gaining the Water-Fire Immortal Robe, he had to submerge himself in water to protect his organs.
Even then, he had to take breaks to recover.
But now, with no need to worry about any limitations
his efficiency had skyrocketed to unprecedented heights.
Compared to ordinary people, the gap was like heaven and earth!
However, as Jiang Ning continuously absorbed and refined the essence of the great sun, he began to notice another change.
Each wisp of solar essence he refined no longer produced five strands of internal energy like before. Gradually, the number decreased to four strands, then three, until
The sun reached its peak.
The hour of Si had passed, and the hour of Wu was approaching.
Even in the cold of winter, the midday sun was beginning to feel scorching.
"This wisp of solar essence still condensed only two strands of internal energy." Jiang Ning slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air from his abdomen, opened his eyes, and murmured to himself.
At the same time, as his thoughts shifted, a familiar notification appeared before him once more.
[This session of absorbing solar essence has increased your Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique experience by 95 points.]
Not much, but not little either.
A single session of breathing and refining, lasting two full hours, had yielded nearly a hundred points of experience.
He had also long noticed that the status panel seemed to respond to his will, undergoing slight changes as he directed his thoughts.
This was undoubtedly a good thing.
If the panel could be influenced by his intent, it likely meant that he had true control over it.
All things in the world changed for a reason. Jiang Ning speculated that this status panel was no exception!
He then turned his gaze to the "Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique" section on the panel.
[Skill]: Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique (Minor Accomplishment 1086/5000)
"At this rate, I'll need about forty-one to forty-two more days."
"The efficiency is indeed high!"
"But unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable. Days of clear skies and a blazing sun are few, while overcast skies and heavy snowfall are far more frequent."
Jiang Ning sighed and shook his head.
He once again assumed the "Five Hearts Facing Heaven" meditation posture and closed his eyes.
"Five Hearts Facing Heaven" was a traditional Daoist sitting posture for cultivation.
The Internal Alchemy Cultivation Technique was also a proper Daoist internal cultivation method, requiring an immortal root also known as spiritual wisdom as well as exceptional comprehension.
As he looked inward, observing his own body, his gaze fell upon his dantian.
There, he saw his internal energy swirling like smoke, mist, and clouds.
At times, it took the form of a dragon, weaving through the vaporous currents.
At other times, it resembled crashing waves, surging endlessly.
Anyone familiar with the Fifth Grade Internal Strength Realm would recognize that this level of internal energy had already reached the magnitude of vast mountains and mighty rivers.
This was known as "internal energy like a river."
It signified the second stage of internal energy refinement advancing from "internal energy like a stream" to "internal energy like a river."
What Jiang Ning did not realize was that this level of internal energy, among those in the Fifth Grade Internal Strength Realm, was known as "ten years of cultivation."
For an average Fifth Grade expert, it would take five to ten years of accumulation to reach the level of internal energy like a river.
Beyond this stage was "internal energy like an ocean," where the sheer quantity of energy accumulated would cause another transformation, making one's power even more profound.
"My internal energy has increased compared to before," Jiang Ning thought to himself, feeling slightly astonished.
The difference from the last time he examined his dantian was evident.
Now, his internal energy surged like a vast, flowing river, exuding an overwhelming momentum.
"Today's session of absorbing solar essence increased my internal energy by 291 strands. Could it be due to the increase in total internal energy?"
Jiang Ning pondered over the possibility.
"Once the New Year's holiday ends and I return to work, I should focus on getting a promotion to increase my clearance level and gain access to information on Fifth Grade and higher realms."
He made up his mind on the spot.
Previously, he hadn't been in a rush, as he needed to save his contribution points for other necessities.
But now, he realized that increasing his official rank was necessary.
Not just because of He Jinsheng's visit from the Qinghe Marquis Residence, but also because he needed higher clearance.
Otherwise, once he forged his Jade Bones and stepped into the Fifth Grade Internal Strength Realm, he would be left completely in the dark.
"Perhaps I should seek out Lin Qingyi?"
A figure dressed in green surfaced in his mind, but he immediately shook his head.
"Forget it, better not to approach her. A married woman I should keep my distance."
A few more days passed.
During this time, ever since He Jinsheng's visit, there had been no further movement from the Qinghe Marquis Residence.
Jiang Ning made a mental note of this but didn't dwell on it too much.
With his current strength, he had no fear of He Jinsheng.
As for the Qinghe Marquis Residence, since they had only sent He Jinsheng, it indicated that they wouldn't be sending anyone else in the short term.
Besides, the mountains were now sealed by heavy snowfall, and the roads outside the city were buried under thick layers of snow.
In such harsh conditions, even powerful individuals would struggle to traverse long distances.
And even if they could, they wouldn't do so unless necessary.
Under normal circumstances, the journey from Dongling City to Luoshui County would take about five days on horseback.
Now, in these treacherous conditions, it would take at least half a month.
That meant enduring over two weeks in cold, without fire, traveling through ice and snow.
So Jiang Ning remained completely unfazed.
The Qinghe Marquis Residence had long since fallen into decline.
Finding someone on the level of Hong Minghu, a fifth-grade expert, wouldn't be difficult for them.
But persuading such a person to traverse the frozen wilderness for half a month, braving relentless frost and bitter winds? That was a whole different matter.
Any Fifth Grade expert would hold a significant position in Dongling City.
As for a Fifth Grade Peak Master, someone on par with Lu Qingshan, the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley?
That was simply impossible!
The difference between a Fifth Grade Peak Master and those below that level was enormous. The gap between them was like heaven and earth two completely different realms.
At this level, internal energy condensed into true qi, and a single strike could slay a thousand troops.
Such power was utterly terrifying.
Naturally, such individuals held exceedingly high status. Inviting one would require an immense favor.
In the courtyard.
After completing a full set of Fist techniques, Jiang Ning also finished a full cycle of bone refinement.
Under the warm sunlight overhead, his entire body was drenched in sweat, with steam rising continuously from his head.
Even for him, completing each full cycle of tempering his bones was still a significant expenditure of energy.
Hoo
He exhaled a breath of turbid air, then instinctively opened his status panel for a glance.
[Name]: Jiang Ning
[Divinity]: 0
[Authority]: Flesh and Blood Regeneration (Deficiency 82.73%)
[Source Energy]: 221.88
[Skills]:
Literacy (Fourth Breakthroughs 2466/5000) (Traits: Photographic Memory, Enhanced Senses, Quick Thinking, Exceptional Comprehension)
Five Animals Fist (Two Breakthroughs 3000/3000) (Trait: Essence Stored in the Five Organs, Five Elements Spirit)
Firewood Chopping Saber Technique (Fifth Breakthrough 6000/6000) (Traits: Versatility, Swift as Wind, Mastery of the Saber, Unity of Man and Saber, Natural Saber Talent)
Internal Alchemy Cultivation (Minor Accomplishment 1277/5000)
In recent days, the most significant improvement has been in Five Animal Fist.
He had completely maxed out 3000 experience points, and now, the only thing missing was source energy points.
A third breakthrough required a total of 500 source energy points, yet he only had a little over 220, leaving a considerable gap to fill.
Apart from that, his Internal Alchemy Cultivation had also progressed.
Over the past two days of clear skies, he had taken full advantage of the sunlight to absorb Great Sun Essence Qi, increasing his skill experience by nearly 200 points, bringing him one step closer to a major accomplishment.
More crucially, his internal energy had surged by several hundred strands.
These additional strands of internal energy merged into his dantian, making his internal energy more vast and abundant, increasing his total reserves by roughly 6-7%.
Such an increase was already quite remarkable.
After all, this was merely the result of two days.
At this rate, if the weather remained sunny every day, he could double his total internal energy reserves in just a month.
Such an efficiency rate would be utterly shocking to any Fifth-Grade Internal Strength expert who learned of it.
After closing the status panel
"Five Animal Fist's third breakthrough… Now, all I lack are the source energy points. I need to find a way to gather them!"
Jiang Ning thought to himself.
Then, he closed his eyes again and focused inward, directing his spiritual awareness into his body.
In an instant, he saw his 206 bones appearing vividly in his mind's eye.
Compared to a few days ago, they had undergone another dramatic transformation, now vastly different from their original state.
They had turned a deep obsidian black, with 95% of their structure already completely darkened.
This blackness wasn't dull or lifeless; instead, it gleamed with a brilliant luster.
Interwoven within this black were countless fine silver threads.
As he continued refining his bones, he needed to completely transform these silver threads into black, ensuring all 206 bones were utterly free of impurities only then would he officially step into the second stage of Sixth-Grade Bone Refinement, the Mystic Bone Realm.
"Just three to five more days, and I'll be there!"
Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes.
He stood still for a moment, contemplating.
Then, he went back inside and gathered the clothes that his sister-in-law, Liu Wanwan, had freshly washed and sun-dried over the past two days.
After drying under the sun for an entire day, the clothes carried the distinct scent of sunlight.
He neatly stored the folded clothes into his spatial storage ring, then turned and stepped out of the house.
Two consecutive days of warm sunshine had melted some of the snow on the roads, but the lake's surface remained thickly frozen.
Boom
Jiang Ning stomped the ground with his right foot, causing the ice layer, over 20 centimeters thick, to shatter instantly.
From where he stood, chunks of broken ice shot upwards, while cracks spread out for several zhang.
With the ice collapsing beneath him, Jiang Ning plunged straight into the freezing lake water.
Yet, what others might find unbearably cold, Jiang Ning found pleasantly refreshing.
Closing his eyes slightly, he relished the sensation of the lake water nourishing his entire body.
The fatigue from his recent bone refinement training quickly faded away.
After a short while, his stamina was completely restored, returning him to his peak condition.
He then washed his body.
With a slight movement of his mind, the water surrounding him shifted, forming a vacuum sphere around him.
Standing within this underwater vacuum, he swiftly changed into a fresh set of clothes.
Then, as he willed it, the lake water above him parted, while the water below him lifted him upward, acting like an invisible elevator.
By the time he stepped back onto the ice, his clothes remained completely dry.
"Time to head to Wan Hua Pavilion."
"I'll sell the golden box, buy some rare spiritual herbs, and accumulate enough source energy points to break past 500."
"Once I complete the third breakthrough for Five Animal Fist, I can finally see what kind of traits it will unlock!"
"After that, I'll keep refining my bones and training my Fist techniques simultaneously. In a few more days, I'll reach the second stage of Bone Refinement and enter the Mystic Bone Realm. My strength will undoubtedly soar to new heights!"
Jiang Ning's heart surged with anticipation.
After many days of relentless effort, he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
With that in mind, he set off towards Wan Hua Pavilion.
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