Finding the Way to Breakthrough

After receiving guidance from Senior Brother Qinghuang, Wang Quan gained a deeper understanding of the path to Foundation Establishment. Although he had reached the eighth level of Qi Refining, he understood that breaking through to Foundation Establishment was not something that could be achieved overnight. It required a substantial accumulation of spiritual energy, an elevated state of mind, and the right opportunities.

The atmosphere within the sect had become increasingly tense as elders were dispatched to deal with the looming threat of wandering evil spirits, leaving the sect somewhat vulnerable. This added a layer of pressure to Wang Quan's cultivation journey.

Back in his dwelling, Wang Quan began contemplating his next steps.

"Senior Brother Qinghuang mentioned that accumulating spiritual energy is the foundation for Foundation Establishment, but the resources available in the inner sect, though abundant, are far from enough to sustain the cultivation of my Five Elements Technique." Wang Quan frowned slightly. The Five Elements Technique was undoubtedly powerful, but its consumption of resources far exceeded that of ordinary cultivation methods. To break through to Foundation Establishment quickly, he would need a vast amount of elemental spiritual materials.

"I must find higher-quality spiritual materials. Relying solely on the sect's monthly contribution points won't be enough."

Wang Quan got up and decided to head to the sect's exchange center to use his accumulated contribution points to trade for spiritual materials suited to his cultivation. As he walked along the inner sect's paths, the tension in the air was palpable—many disciples were quietly discussing the movements of the evil spirits.

At the exchange center, Wang Quan approached one of the attendant disciples.

"I'd like to exchange for some elemental spiritual materials, particularly those suited for metal and fire elements," Wang Quan requested. Since merging the Azure Sword Technique with the Five Elements Technique, he had been focusing on refining his sword intent with metal and fire elements, which emphasized offensive capabilities.

The attendant nodded and quickly consulted the sect's resource inventory before handing Wang Quan a list. "Here is the current inventory of elemental spiritual materials in the sect. You're still in the Qi Refining stage, so the number of high-grade materials you can exchange for is limited, but we do have stock of basic materials."

Wang Quan carefully reviewed the list, noting that most of the materials were basic in nature. Although these materials were sufficient for daily cultivation, they were far from adequate for his impending Foundation Establishment breakthrough.

Frowning slightly, he nonetheless exchanged for several types of metal and fire spirit stones. Though these weren't top-tier, they would temporarily help bolster his spiritual energy reserves.

Back at his residence, Wang Quan remained anxious about the future. Although his cultivation had advanced significantly, he was acutely aware that Li Cang and You had already achieved Foundation Establishment, placing them far beyond his current capabilities. The ever-present threat of the evil spirits loomed larger by the day, adding further urgency to his situation.

"Perhaps I should seek out external resources to supplement what the sect cannot provide..."

Just as Wang Quan was deep in thought, he recalled a rumor he had heard earlier: an ancient ruin had been discovered within the territory of the sect's superior, Yunlan Mountain. This ruin was said to contain a vast array of treasures and spiritual materials, some of which were particularly useful for Foundation Establishment. However, it was located in an area rife with wandering evil spirits, making it highly dangerous and rarely explored.

"That ruin..."

The idea took root in Wang Quan's mind. Although the danger was considerable, he knew that taking risks was often the key to obtaining rare resources and opportunities. The sect's supplies were insufficient for the cultivation demands of the Five Elements Technique, so the ruins might be his best chance.

The next day, Wang Quan began gathering information on the ruin from several inner sect disciples. He learned that the ruins were located deep within Yunlan Mountain, where evil spirits roamed freely. These spirits varied in strength, with the weakest being at the Qi Refining level, and the strongest reaching as high as the Golden Core stage or beyond.

Rumor had it that the ruins were once the abode of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator who had passed away centuries ago. The interior was fraught with dangerous formations and traps but also brimming with invaluable treasures, including rare spiritual materials ideal for Foundation Establishment.

"If it really is a Nascent Soul cultivator's abode, the resources inside must be extraordinary," Wang Quan thought. Despite the risks, the opportunity was too valuable to ignore.

At the same time, Senior Brother Qinghuang also offered Wang Quan some advice.

"Junior Brother, the sect is in turmoil with the evil spirits running rampant. If you want to improve your cultivation, consider taking on some high-level external missions from the sect. This will not only allow you to accumulate contribution points but also offer opportunities to obtain rare spiritual materials."

Qinghuang regarded Wang Quan with a measured look before adding, "Of course, there's also the option of exploring ancient ruins, but be warned—those places are filled with dangers. If you're not prepared, it's best not to venture there lightly."

Wang Quan nodded, already formulating his plan.

After a few days of preparation, Wang Quan made the decision to explore the ancient ruins in Yunlan Mountain.

He knew that this journey would be fraught with danger, but with danger came great opportunity. With the looming threat of the evil spirits and limited time, he had no choice but to take risks. If he could break through to Foundation Establishment, he would not only secure his place in the sect but also stand a chance against the likes of Li Cang and You.

Before leaving the sect, Wang Quan ensured that he had ample medicinal pills and spiritual materials for the journey. He also solidified his cultivation at the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining.

Standing atop Yunxiao Sect's mountain peak, Wang Quan gazed into the distance toward the looming Yunlan Mountain range, his eyes filled with resolve.

"No matter what, I must walk this path."

With a silent vow in his heart, Wang Quan set out for Yunlan Mountain.

This journey would be one of the most pivotal adventures in his cultivation journey and would lay the foundation for his future path toward Foundation Establishment.