What precedes intention (niyyah)? And does intention require an intention? And how did the Salaf make seventy intentions for a single action?

Intention is the foundation of action, and obedience is not rewarded unless it is preceded by an intention. Intention does not require an intention, otherwise it would lead to an infinite regress. Multiplying good intentions in a single act multiplies the reward. An example of this is sitting in the mosque with the intention of visiting Allah, awaiting prayer, restraining one's hearing and sight, dedicating oneself to the remembrance of Allah, benefiting from knowledge, gaining a brother for the sake of Allah, and abstaining from sins out of shyness.