Crystal Skeleton and the Secret Art Legacy

As Wang Quan narrowly escaped the collapsing crystal cave, he stood outside, staring at the ruins with lingering fear. The fierce battle between the Crystal Scorpion and the Crystal Earth Dragon had caused massive destruction, throwing the spiritual energy of the area into chaos.

Just as he was about to leave, a strange, faint spiritual energy pulsated beneath his feet, carrying an ancient and mysterious aura.

"What is this?" Wang Quan furrowed his brows and bent down to examine the sensation. The spiritual energy was weak, as if sealed by some force, but it was clearly distinct from natural energy—it bore the mark of a cultivator's presence.

"Could something have been buried during the collapse?"

Without hesitation, Wang Quan activated his Earth Element technique, carefully controlling the nearby rocks and soil, gradually revealing what lay hidden beneath. Before long, an entrance covered by layers of stone emerged.

"A hidden chamber?"

Wang Quan was surprised. Discovering a concealed chamber after the cave's collapse was completely unexpected. With caution, he entered the chamber, and what he saw inside left him in awe.

The chamber wasn't large, with smooth crystal embedded into the walls, casting a dim blue light and radiating pure spiritual energy. At the center of the chamber sat a crystal skeleton, its entire body gleaming and transparent, as if made from pure, condensed crystal. A faint blue glow emanated from its bones.

"This… this is the remains of a Golden Core stage cultivator!"

As Wang Quan drew closer, he observed that the crystal had fused entirely with the skeleton, making each bone glisten with an ethereal glow. Although the skeleton no longer held any life force, the bones still contained traces of potent spiritual energy. Clearly, this cultivator had once been extremely powerful.

Wang Quan's mind raced in shock. A Golden Core cultivator was an individual who stood at the pinnacle of the cultivation world, having surpassed mortal limits and wielding power capable of moving mountains and seas. For such a powerful figure to have their remains hidden in this crystal cave, there had to be a profound reason.

Scanning the room, Wang Quan found some tattered items—scrolls and fragmented jade slips that had been damaged by time. Among them, however, was one scroll that remained remarkably well-preserved.

He carefully unrolled it, revealing ancient characters that slowly came into view:

"Crystal Secret Art"

Wang Quan's heart raced as he read the content of the scroll, which unfolded a profound cultivation technique.

"The Crystal Secret Art allows a cultivator to crystallize their bones, greatly enhancing their physical defense and strength. As one's cultivation progresses, this crystallization will eventually lead to the formation of a Crystal Golden Core upon reaching the Golden Core stage."

Wang Quan was shaken by this discovery—this was the legacy left behind by the Golden Core cultivator. The Crystal Secret Art enabled a cultivator to transform their bones into crystal, granting them tremendous resilience. Upon reaching the Golden Core stage, they could even refine this crystallized power into a Crystal Golden Core, boosting their combat abilities to a terrifying level.

As he continued to examine the scroll, Wang Quan realized that the chamber was meant as a final resting place for the Golden Core cultivator, who had left behind this secret art as a legacy. According to the scroll, the cultivator had pursued an even higher realm but ultimately perished during a breakthrough attempt. The spiritual energy that lingered in their crystallized remains was what had influenced the surrounding beasts. The Crystal Scorpion and Crystal Earth Dragon had mutated into their current forms after prolonged exposure to the crystallized spiritual energy.

"So that's why…"

Wang Quan finally understood why both beasts possessed such unique crystal attributes. They had absorbed the residual energy of the Golden Core cultivator's remains, slowly evolving into crystal-infused beasts.

His heart surged with excitement. This expedition had indeed turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Crystal Secret Art was an extraordinary opportunity, a rare cultivation technique that could dramatically enhance his physical defense and future breakthroughs.

"Fortune favors the bold; this was worth it."

Wang Quan couldn't help but feel grateful. The value of this secret art far surpassed ordinary cultivation methods. If he could integrate it with his Five Elements Secret Art, his cultivation path would become even smoother and more powerful.

Carefully storing the scroll in his robes, Wang Quan turned toward the crystal skeleton and bowed deeply. Though the remains held no spiritual awareness, the legacy it had left behind would become a crucial foundation for Wang Quan's rise to power.

"Senior, I will cherish this legacy and honor the fortune you've passed on."

With that vow in his heart, Wang Quan began gathering the spiritual materials scattered around the chamber. Having obtained the Crystal Secret Art, his next goal was to return to the sect, improve his cultivation further, and seek out the materials required to refine his Metal Element technique.

However, just as he was about to leave, a faint tremor echoed from outside the chamber.

Wang Quan's heart skipped a beat. He quickly stilled his breathing, hiding his presence as he crept toward the entrance to probe the source of the disturbance.