Within Hong's Origin Pearl, his soul origin began to condense and continuously grow, and the precious light of the pearl formed by the soul origin became even brighter.
With each tide within the Origin Pearl, the pearl condensed more rapidly, and the core pearl became more solid. Through repeated scouring, the pearl's form became more substantial, and a faint golden light gradually appeared within its radiance.
As the golden light continuously condensed, the core pearl turned golden, and its golden form began to change, gradually condensing into a human figure.
During the process of the soul origin transforming into a human figure, the appearance of the soul origin also gradually became clear, evidently taking on Hong's likeness.
A portion of the Ningshen Method involves steps from the Visualization Method, the core of which is visualizing a Dharma form. However, Qin Hao's Ningshen Method only contains a part of the Visualization Method, and the images condensed are always the cultivators' own appearances.
Furthermore, a part of World Lord Rank cultivation also involves the process of the soul re-condensing when a World Lord breaks through to Undying. This current process, to a certain extent, advances that process.
However, the gathering of the soul origin is merely the beginning of the Ningshen Method. The process of the Nine Refinements of Ningshen is the process of sensing, condensing, and transforming the soul origin. Qin Hao, to a certain extent, referenced the cultivation of the Crimson Bright Nine Heavens Diagram for this process.
Each cultivation and breakthrough of the Crimson Bright Nine Heavens Diagram is not only a physical transformation but also a transformation at the soul level—a process of repeatedly condensing, reorganizing, and transforming the soul. Qin Hao has experienced this multiple times and has gained profound insights into it.
Now, these insights are also integrated into the current cultivation method.
Each time one cultivates the Ningshen Method, one needs to undergo nine refinements to finally stabilize the soul and complete the transformation. It can be said that this process is not easy; it requires not only talent but also sufficient character and willpower to succeed.
This is also why Qin Hao created the cultivation method based on the Earth humans. Zuo Shanke's Renovation of Earth has laid a foundation for the Earth humans, and with proper guidance, it can be promoted as a universal cultivation method.
Within Hong's Origin Pearl, his soul origin had already condensed, and the transformation gradually began. His soul body began to transform from the inside out. With each transformation, his soul could be seen becoming a bit more solid. After nine transformations, Hong's soul body had solidified by nearly 20%.
After completing the first round of Ningshen Method cultivation, Hong did not stop. He felt that although there was pressure on his soul, it was still within his tolerable range.
"Continue!" With a thought, Hong's soul began a new round of transformation. His soul body started a new round of refinement. With each refinement, Hong felt a little pressure, which gradually increased. After completing the ninth refinement, Hong's second Ningshen Method cultivation was complete.
His soul this time became even more solid, with a portion already condensing into substance. Hong's cultivation did not end; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, until the eighth time, the pressure of refining his soul gradually increased.
Each refinement of the soul body within the Origin Pearl was accompanied by extreme pain. This pain was stronger and clearer than physical pain; it was a true deep-seated pain in the soul.
However, for Hong, this pain could not completely affect his will. With his character at the third level, any pain or pressure was embraced by Hong and transformed into motivation to move forward.
Hong's current character and willpower have reached the level of a Universe Lord. If he were to challenge the Illusion Sea, he might even clear it directly. In terms of talent in this aspect alone, he is top-tier in the entire universe.
However, even so, cultivating the Ningshen Method eight times had already pushed him close to his limit; he needed to rest for a period of time before he could continue refining. After eight refinements, Hong's soul was already more than four times its original strength.
The transformation of the soul was a qualitative transformation. At this point, Hong's soul strength was more than four times that of others at the same rank, and his perception of laws and energy had increased fourfold. Hong even felt that his clarity in perceiving the origin world had increased by more than four times.
After completing the eighth cultivation, Hong also stopped cultivating. Although the improvements brought by cultivation made him feel an unprecedented exhilaration, he knew the principle of moderation. The ninth refinement would be the limit of Ningshen Method cultivation, and he needed to rest for a period, digest his current gains, and regain control of his soul before he could complete the ninth cultivation.
Opening his eyes, Hong looked at the energy and laws within the Star Palace. They were much clearer than before he cultivated, and even the previously obscure Time Law became much clearer. Moreover, even the Space Law, which he could only vaguely sense before, also became much clearer.
With the Law of Light, Time Law, and Space Law clear, his path to becoming a Universe Lord also became much clearer.
After completing his cultivation, Hong did not make any significant moves. Instead, he looked at Thunder God beside him. Thunder God's face was filled with pain, as if he was undergoing severe torture.
Hong clearly knew that the transformation Thunder God was currently experiencing was very similar to his own. If he endured it and completed the transformation, it would be an improvement. If he failed, his soul might suffer a significant impact.
"Pfft!" Thunder God spat out a mouthful of blood, and his face became listless. Around him, the treasures and items shimmered with light, which integrated into Thunder God's body. The light entered his body and quickly merged into his Origin Pearl, enveloping Thunder God's soul body.
The backlash and soul instability caused by the failed cultivation quickly stabilized under this energy.
"I almost completed the eighth cultivation!" Thunder God said with a sigh after his complexion recovered, still looking somewhat dispirited.
"You were just a little short. You'll be able to complete it after a bit of accumulation!" Qin Hao said. He had been observing their cultivation, the process of their souls changing, and their cultivation experiences, also looking for directions for improvement.
Thunder God's accumulation and character were still a bit inferior to Hong's; he did not succeed in the last part of the eighth cultivation. However, after recovering for a period, Thunder God would also complete the breakthrough.
Their talent in soul and character were top-tier on Earth, and even unique in the universe. Such cultivation posed no great difficulty for them.
It was precisely because Qin Hao understood this that he felt at ease letting them cultivate. From their cultivation, Qin Hao also clearly understood that the current Ningshen Method still required a certain level of talent to complete. To popularize it, further simplification was still needed.
Reduce the magnitude of growth and increase the probability of successful cultivation.