Crystal Plants and a Breakthrough Opportunity

Wang Quan proceeded cautiously through the crystal cave, his sharp eyes alert to the flow of spiritual energy around him. Just as he thought there would be no further anomalies ahead, his gaze was suddenly drawn to a strange sight.

In a secluded corner of the cave stood a plant entirely made of crystal. The plant was about half the height of a person, its transparent leaves shimmering with a faint glow, as if carved from jade. Each leaf emitted soft waves of spiritual energy, and in the center of its leaves, a few pearl-like fruits gently trembled, radiating a subtle golden light. The entire plant was like a masterpiece of nature, dazzling and beautiful.

"What kind of plant is this? The spiritual energy is so rich..."

Wang Quan was shocked. He had never seen such an extraordinary crystal plant before. Clearly, this plant was no ordinary herb—growing in a cave filled with such dense spiritual energy meant it was an extremely rare spiritual material. If he could refine its essence, not only would it significantly boost his cultivation, but it might also enhance the power of his Wood Element technique.

He cautiously approached, calculating his next move. He knew that natural spiritual treasures like this could lose their spiritual energy over time if not properly preserved. Smiling faintly, he activated his Wood Element technique from the Five Elements Art, enveloping the entire crystal plant to ensure none of its precious energy would escape.

The energy in his hands flowed smoothly, and the plant seemed to sense his goodwill, gradually calming its energy flow.

"I'll keep this safe for now. Once I return to the sect, I'll refine it."

Wang Quan felt a surge of satisfaction. With this crystal plant, his cultivation would undoubtedly reach new heights. However, he had no intention of leaving the cave just yet. The spiritual energy here was too abundant, far surpassing the resources available in the outer sect. It was an ideal place to continue his training, especially since he still needed to perfect his Earth Element technique.

Standing within the cave, he observed the area. Although it was slightly distant from the crystal lake, the spiritual energy was still dense enough to support his cultivation plans. It was the perfect location to complete his Earth Element technique.

"Since that's the case, I'll set up a temporary cultivation spot here."

Deciding quickly, Wang Quan got to work. Using the Earth Element technique, he carved out a small, hidden chamber in the cave, where he settled in for meditation and focused training.

Time passed swiftly in the course of his cultivation. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. The cave's spiritual energy remained abundant, and Wang Quan's aura grew increasingly powerful and stable.

In these two weeks, Wang Quan not only mastered the Earth Element technique but fully integrated the power of Earth into his Five Elements Art. Moreover, after secretly drawing on the lake's water a few times, his spiritual power became even more robust, further solidifying his foundation. He could now feel that the Five Elements energies within him had taken shape—Earth, Fire, Wood, and Water—all circulating in perfect harmony, strengthening his cultivation like waves of an endless ocean.

"With the four elements mastered, I'm just a step away from reaching the fifth level of Qi Refining."

Wang Quan's confidence soared. Holding the crystal plant in his possession, he knew his future cultivation would be even smoother. After this period of training in the crystal cave, he felt his power had risen to a whole new level, enough to face any threats from the outside world. Plus, with the abundant spiritual energy from the crystal lake, his cultivation had advanced significantly.

"It's time to return to the sect. Next, I'll need to find materials to train in the Metal Element."

Just as Wang Quan was preparing to leave, a loud rumbling echoed throughout the cave. The sound came from a distance, shaking the entire cavern, causing the crystal formations around him to tremble as though some immense power was awakening.

"The spiritual energy… it's gathering toward the crystal lake?"

Wang Quan instantly sensed something was wrong. Extending his spiritual senses, he noticed that the flow of spiritual energy had become unstable. It was as if all the energy in the cave was converging toward the direction of the crystal lake.

"Could it be… a rare treasure emerging?" Wang Quan thought, his heart racing with excitement. Unable to suppress his curiosity, he activated his Earth Element technique, blending his aura with the dense earth energy of the cave to avoid detection, and carefully approached the crystal lake.

When Wang Quan arrived at the lake once more, the scene before him revealed the truth.

In the center of the crystal lake, the enormous crystal scorpion was coiled tightly, its translucent exoskeleton glowing brighter than before. Its aura was no longer calm but violent and intense. The spiritual energy from the entire cave was pouring into its body, as if the heavens and earth themselves were aiding it in breaking through.

Wang Quan's eyes narrowed in shock.

"The crystal scorpion… it's attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage!"

Wang Quan had already suspected that the scorpion was at the peak of Qi Refining, but now it was clear that it was absorbing the cave's vast spiritual energy to breach the threshold of the Foundation Establishment stage.

His heart raced. He knew full well that once the crystal scorpion succeeded in its breakthrough, its power would skyrocket. At that point, his concealment would be useless, and he would stand no chance against it.

"This is bad. I need to leave immediately!"

Without a second thought, Wang Quan made his decision. He quickly turned to slip away unnoticed. But just as he was about to move, another deafening crash came from the depths of the cave.

"What? Another disturbance?"

He halted abruptly, turning toward the source of the noise with a mixture of confusion and wariness.

The sound came from deeper within the cave, accompanied by a strange surge of spiritual energy. Although the fluctuation was faint, it carried an unusual, powerful energy, as if something immense and ancient was slowly awakening within the cave's depths.

Wang Quan's heart pounded faster. Despite the danger closing in, his curiosity only grew stronger. That unknown energy piqued his interest, especially in a place so filled with dense spiritual energy. Any abnormality here could mean a tremendous opportunity.

Wang Quan's eyes flickered with indecision. While reason urged him to leave immediately, greed and ambition made him hesitate.

In that moment, Wang Quan felt a surge of fervor rise within him. He knew this was the moment to make a critical decision.