Chapter 57: Compression

Although Jun had never considered the possibility of others being unable to sense this new energy, the evidence seemed to suggest otherwise. It now made sense why Elder Lili and Yu Zhu hadn't seemed to notice him and Yinling.

But, he pondered, wasn't this a bit too convenient? If no one could sense this new energy, wouldn't it give him an unparalleled advantage, perhaps even making him the ultimate assassin?

The realization sent a surge of excitement coursing through Jun's veins, but it also left lingering questions. Why was no one able to sense this energy? And how was Yinling suddenly able to perceive it?

It's understandable that he can sense it since he's basically an anomaly in this world but Yinling? She's been born and raised here all her life.

"Perhaps it all started when I healed her and that changed something in her," Jun thought back to the day he met Yinling on the brink of death.

His mind drifted back to that fateful day, her life hanging in the balance. "Back then, I had no idea the energy I used to heal Yinling would be the one I'd use in my new cultivation system," Jun admitted, his tone reflecting a mix of surprise and realization. "Perhaps that's when it all began."

"If they can't sense it... can they see it?" Jun pondered aloud, his curiosity piqued by the prospect.

The idea only fueled Jun's eagerness to advance to the next realm of cultivation.

The next realm Jun created is where his new system started to deviate immensely from the old system. In the realm, known as the Qi Realm, cultivators typically formed their dantian, a vital energy center that enabled them to manage their energy within and beyond their bodies.

The dantian also acts as a storage container for a cultivator's energy. This key feature is what marks the Qi Realm and where it gets its name from.

All of that is the old system, but with Jun's system, he decided to take a similar but different approach.

However, Jun's approach diverged from tradition, drawing inspiration from the cultivation techniques he had encountered in his extensive reading. Jun recalled instances in the novels he once read where protagonists sought to elevate their power by forming multiple dantians throughout their bodies. While this technique had its merits, Jun couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with it.

First and foremost, simply adding more dantians is akin to basic arithmetic—adding one plus one equals two. While it may boost power incrementally, the gains are relatively minor. What Jun seeks is a quantum leap, akin to one plus one equals three.

This realization prompted Jun to explore a modification. Instead of merely forming conventional dantians, he envisioned creating a unique variation capable of compressing his energy into a higher state. This innovative approach would not only enhance his explosive power and speed but also grant him access to vast reserves of energy.

Considering the shape of his dantian, Jun drew inspiration from his previous life's knowledge of the Fibonacci spiral—a ubiquitous pattern found throughout nature.

Recognizing its harmonious alignment with natural principles, Jun resolved to mold his dantian into this shape. By doing so, he aimed to not only synchronize with the rhythms of nature and the new energy but also optimize the efficiency with which his dantian compressed energy.

Although there are risks involved, JUn was confident that with his 10,000x comprehension speed, he at least wouldn't be in any danger when forming it.

"Let's head back," Jun declared, his tone brimming with conviction. "I have a feeling that these next two days will bring us some monumental surprises."

Returning to their room with purpose, they settled in, prepared to commence their cultivation. However, it was then that Jun's keen mind remembered a critical issue...

"How are we supposed to refuel our energy reserves if we are fighting," Jun thought.

While it's true that they could be considered monsters with strength beyond their realms by their high energy control to minimize the amount of energy used per technique, they didn't have unlimited energy reserves so they would eventually run out.

Usually, a normal cultivator will try their best mid-fight to regain some of their energy reserves while they speak or take pills to refuel themselves but all of this becomes useless after their shift in the energy they use.

Without the ability to freely utilize spiritual energy without setting up the necessary array for conversion, they found themselves at a disadvantage.

"It appears my cultivation system isn't flawless either," Jun remarked solemnly, a hint of disappointment tinging his voice.

Jun had previously entertained the idea of inventing an array that could adhere to one's skin, actively converting the surrounding spiritual energy into the energy they need. However, with the current time they have left until the games, such a luxury remains out of reach.

Closing his eyes, Jun instructed, "Try to reach level 100 by tonight. If not, don't push yourself."

Swiftly configuring the array to convert spiritual energy, Jun settled onto the floor and commenced his cultivation practice.

Yinling on the side was also busy greedily absorbing the new energy into her system, 

After 4 hours of intense cultivation, Jun was the first to open his eyes, his presence causing nearby objects to tremble under the weight of his aura. With a conscious effort, Jun reined in his formidable energy, assuming the guise of an ordinary mortal devoid of any cultivation.

"I successfully reached layer 98 of the body tempering realm... but each one got progressively harder and the strength increase for each after the 65th small realm wasn't much," Jun said disappointed.

Jun had anticipated a continuation of the familiar pattern upon surpassing level 9, but it became apparent that a different purpose lay beyond. It dawned on him that these higher levels might have been crafted to fortify the foundation of his body.

Presently, he sensed himself teetering on the brink of the human body's ultimate limit.