The AST is one of the most ancient strengthening techniques ever created by mankind. It could even allow cultivators who cultivated it to it’s peak to clash with gods and demons. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that all strengthening techniques had traces of their origin come from the Ancient Strengthening Technique. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this technique was one of the strongest techniques!
The AST is considered a body and Qi dual-cultivation technique. The true strength cannot be seen unless you actually fight somebody. (Until Peak Martial King) Other cultivators increase their 'Qi', which is considered detectable essence, whereas the AST cultivators train the physical prowess, Qi and stamina of their bodies to fight divine beings.
- Ancient Strengthening Technique could be differentiated into 9 different layers, representing the 9 heavens: Qing Shui knew that the Ancient Strengthening Technique had a total of 9 layers. Every 3 layers represented a tier. 1-3 equates to low tier, 4-6 equates to mid tier, 7-9 equates to top tier.
- Most likely a Divine support technique that includes heaven-crushing sub-technique unlocks.
- 9 levels instead of 89 levels of normal cultivators
- Aura can be adjusted when above that level of battle power. No aura to the current level.[2] This is due to the AST being above the Obscure realm where techniques are incredibly efficient and not release any aura, seemingly ordinary. This is only effective until 'Peak Martial King'.
- Each level has a set number of cycles, which is a set number of concurrent runs of the AST when cultivating. When hitting the current cycle cap, there will either be a breakthrough into a higher number of cycles or a backlash which increases spiritual level by a marginal amount.
- The AST is not almighty meaning QS heavily depends on pills, sex and the divine marionette pill (War Elephant's breakthroughs). Martial King level and above have different levels of strength and when he is at the 'final cycle' of the realm, his base strength is nowhere near the peak base strengths of that realm.
- During a fateful encounter he advances from 5k countries to 10k via epiphany in front of buddha. Ch 855
- Don't have to go through False God Tribulation, but can go through Paragon Tribulation if go through a sudden increase of strength.