Yes, for now, forget all about XX1 unless you have a shedload of money and will buy the complete setup. It has several purpose-built pieces and you do need the whole setup.

Before you go about removing chainrings, just ride it and don't shift the front (remove the cable if you really must). Ride it in all the conditions you will after the conversion... for example if you give up the big ring for a bashguard, you might not like your speed on flat ground, especially if you ride roads on your way to & from trails.

If you can't ride it 1x9, or don't like it, then stop planning for that. Maybe you'll like the triple or 2x9 better.