Chapter 76: Chapter 76
At this moment, Ethan’s mind cleared, and his consciousness slipped into a state both empty and infinite, unshackled from the petty concerns of the world around him.
In this lofty emptiness, it seemed all things moved according to his will—though, of course, he himself knew nothing of such grand control.
In the cultivation world, this profound state was called "enlightenment."
Within it, Ethan’s mind operated like a supercomputer, endlessly calculating and unraveling every thread of meaning hidden within the stone book’s terse, ancient words. Problems and doubts that once knotted his thoughts now untangled with ease, revealing deeper truths.
The method of condensing blood pills hinged upon three crucial keys.
First, the mysterious power of essence and blood—Ethan’s own internal reservoir.
Second, the enigmatic energy of heaven and earth.
Third, the rare treasures scattered across heaven and earth, priceless conduits to harness forcefulness.
With the ethereal energy of heaven and earth as his foundation and their sacred treasures as framework, the body’s essence and blood were poured and refined, forming the blood pills.
Ethan pondered deeply. What exactly was this ’energy of heaven and earth’?
Though he now mastered the ancient condensing method and understood the intricate physical cultivation realm system laid bare in the stone book, the question lingered unanswered.
After the blood pill condensed inside, the process continued: tempering the soul, condensing the soul tower, igniting the spiritual fire, and stepping forth into the divine fire realm.
Beyond this divine fire realm did not lie the expected Tribulation Transcendence, but rather the more esoteric Dharma Body Realm.
Here, using divine fire as a base, one refined their Dharma body—rising beyond mortal fetters, grasping an extraordinary power.
Beyond the Dharma Body lay Nirvana, and past Nirvana, the legendary supreme state.
A gentle alert echoed in his mind.
"Ding—an epiphany detected. The complete realm system of physical cultivation has been unlocked."
The grand structure unfolded before him:
Skin refining, blood refining, bone refining, organ refining, steel and iron bones, soul refining, divine fire, Dharma Body, Nirvana, Supreme!
...
"The text says that the higher the quality of the treasures of heaven and earth, the purer and more potent the blood pill.
The greater the quality of heaven and earth’s energy, the stronger the pill’s effects."
Ethan’s brow furrowed.
"But what exactly constitutes heaven and earth’s energy?"
He struggled for clarity.
Yet one truth was certain: this energy was unlike spiritual energy itself; it was something else entirely.
The physical cultivation method now lay fully before him, waiting for execution.
Ethan replaced the stone slab and descended to the library’s first floor.
"Boy, done reading?" Mr. Stone’s voice cut into his musings.
"Indeed, senior. I have been enlightened—gained a deeper understanding of body cultivation," Ethan responded.
"Good. Physical cultivation is incomplete, scattered, but even a spark is precious," Mr. Stone nodded knowingly.
"Yet, senior, I have questions," Ethan ventured hesitantly.
"Ask away," Mr. Stone encouraged.
"I’m no master of physical arts, but I know enough to guide."
"What is this ’energy of heaven and earth’?"
The old man’s expression darkened and tightened, as if recalling ancient secrets once taught in whispers.
"You dare ask such a profound question?" he said gravely.
"Very well, listen carefully."
"For a cultivator who has reached the Mahayana realm—the gateway to transcendence—understanding the energy of heaven and earth is imperative."
"This energy divides into three levels—heavenly energy, earth energy, and mortal energy—hidden between the mountains, rivers, and voids beyond mortal perception."
"It is exceedingly difficult to detect, but vital. When one strives for the Mahayana realm, this energy is the key to enduring the terrifying Mahayana calamity."
Ethan exhaled slowly. "I see..."
"The energy of heaven and earth remains mysterious. Even I do not fully grasp its origins or how to ingest it. One must simply trust their instinct."
Ethan’s brow tightened, his doubts deeper than ever. Even a left-handed canvas like Mr. Stone, steeped in power, remained uncertain.
Physical cultivation alone was his path—but how to overcome this bottleneck without the legendary energy?
"Is there, then, no way to aid absorption of heaven and earth energy?"
"There is, but it is scarce." Mr. Stone’s tone lowered reverently.
"Have you heard of the Mahayana Pill?"
"I have," Ethan nodded.
"The Mahayana Pill carries laws within substance," Mr. Stone explained.
"It can draw and attract the elusive energy of heaven and earth, greatly enhancing one’s chance of surviving the Mahayana Tribulation."
"After one reaches the Mahayana realm, further improvement in cultivation demands nine tribulations. Each a trial by fire, each survived only by the strongest."
"And after each narrow victory, one is reborn—each cycle strengthening the true self."
"Complete the ninth, and you grasp the law itself—become the Supreme!"
A deep gleam shone in Mr. Stone’s eyes as if he relived those trials from ages past.
"But such heights are distant for you now. Your focus must be on understanding and exploring the true future of physical cultivation."
Ethan bowed. "Understood, Mr. Stone. Thank you for clarifying."
Suddenly, Mr. Stone’s eyes twinkled with an unexpected question.
"You’re around the same age as Seraphina, right?"
"Almost," Ethan replied cautiously. "Why ask?"
"Simply to say, that girl’s talent is extraordinary. She possesses a cold physique body. I wonder which of you is stronger."
Ethan smiled faintly.
"Mr. Stone, you can’t compare a dragon to a pig."
"Oh? And who is the dragon, and who is the pig?" Mr. Stone quipped.
"You know that better than anyone," Ethan shot back with a grin.
The last time Ethan encountered Seraphina, she was in the Void Amalgamation realm. Half a year had passed, and knowing her remarkable talent, her rise would be swift.
Yet his current power already dwarfed many at the Void Amalgamation level. Only a handful could challenge a cultivator in body integration, and Ethan was far beyond their reach.
"That’s the kind of stubborn spirit I admire—young men with fire, not pride," Mr. Stone chuckled warmly.
Ethan noticed the elder’s fatigue.
"Mr. Stone, if you have matters to tend, please rest."
"Very well." Mr. Stone waved his hand in farewell.
Ethan exited the library, feeling the weight of new knowledge resting lightly within.
Before he could journey far, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"By the way, when you meet your master tell him that he owes me a drink—and still hasn’t invited me."
"Definitely!" Ethan replied with a smile.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters