Breakthrough!

The dense deathly energy in the cave seemed ready to engulf everything. The overwhelming power of the Golden Core-level evil spirit had driven everyone to despair, even the Foundation Establishment cultivators, who now felt powerless and terrified.

Wang Quan stood still, gazing into the darkness ahead, a surge of defiance rising within him. He knew that if they continued to delay, the Golden Core evil spirit would defeat them one by one. The only way to survive was to quickly enhance his strength and break through the current predicament.

"I can't sit and wait for death!"

Wang Quan made a firm decision. The only path to survival was for him to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. He understood that with his Five Elements technique, reaching Foundation Establishment would grant him immense combat power, potentially making him the key to turning the tide of the battle.

He quickly pulled out some Five Elements materials from his storage bag, which he had carefully collected from the scattered cultivators' marketplace. These materials were specifically intended to aid his Foundation Establishment breakthrough, and now was the time for them to serve their purpose.

"Fengming Daoist."

Wang Quan approached, his tone serious and resolute. "I've decided to attempt breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage here, but I'll need someone to protect me during the process. I hope you can assist me. If I succeed, it will give us a better chance."

Fengming Daoren had already been feeling hopeless, but seeing the determination in Wang Quan's eyes, he felt a slight shock. He knew the situation was dire, and if Wang Quan succeeded, it would significantly increase their chances of survival.

After a moment of contemplation, Fengming Daoren nodded. "Very well. I'll guard you. I'll do my best to hold off any evil spirits."

Wang Quan nodded gratefully and moved to a relatively safe area. He sat down cross-legged, focusing inward and channeling the Five Elements spiritual energy within him. He had already reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refinement, with only one step left to break through to Foundation Establishment.

Carefully, he took out the Five Elements materials and arranged them around him. Each material radiated a faint glow, representing the power of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Their spiritual energy flowed through the air, creating a multi-colored aura that encircled Wang Quan.

"Unite the Five Elements and form the Foundation!"

Wang Quan silently chanted the mantra as he activated the Five Elements technique. The five types of spiritual energy began circulating rapidly within him. As he continued, the energy of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth started forming a cycle, each element nurturing the next. It was as if a great wheel of elemental power was spinning within his meridians, flowing ceaselessly.

The true wonder of the Five Elements technique became apparent at this moment. The five elements constantly regenerated each other, keeping the flow of energy steady and growing stronger. Wang Quan's spiritual energy surged as the five elements intertwined, gradually forming a new, more refined power.

At the same time, Wang Quan channeled the spiritual energy from the surrounding Five Elements materials into his body. The essence of the materials entered him, merging with his cultivation. His spiritual power surged like a river meeting the sea, and the energy within him intensified.

It was as if a storm of Five Elements energy was brewing within him, with each element alternating in force. The sharpness of metal, the burning intensity of fire, the solid weight of earth, the fluidity of water, and the life-giving energy of wood all coalesced.

The brilliance of the Five Elements technique lay in its continuous cycle—never exhausting, only growing stronger with each rotation. Wang Quan could feel the spiritual energy within him becoming increasingly refined, signaling the imminent merging of the Five Elements.

Fengming Daoren stood nearby, his expression tense as he remained vigilant for any signs of the evil spirits. His spiritual senses were fully extended, knowing that any disturbance could ruin Wang Quan's breakthrough attempt.

Wang Quan, meanwhile, had reached the critical moment of his breakthrough.

"Merge, Five Elements!"

He opened his eyes abruptly as the five elemental energies condensed into an immensely powerful force. The elements intertwined rapidly, forming a perfect cycle that converged in his dantian, creating a swirling vortex of golden light.

The vortex began to shrink as the spiritual energy solidified into a tangible spiritual sea—a hallmark of Foundation Establishment!

As the spiritual sea formed, Wang Quan's energy surged like a tidal wave, far surpassing his previous Qi Refinement level.

"Success!"

Wang Quan's heart leapt with joy as the Five Elements energies fully merged. His spiritual energy was more concentrated, endlessly circulating. His aura skyrocketed as he crossed from the peak of Qi Refinement into the Foundation Establishment stage, his power growing in both quality and quantity.

With this newfound strength, the Five Elements technique also reached a new height. Not only did the elements counterbalance and nurture each other, but he could now freely manipulate and transform them, giving him even greater combat abilities.

As the breakthrough completed, Wang Quan felt as though a flood of power had been unleashed within him, filling him with boundless strength.

He stood up, his gaze resolute. The power of the Five Elements was now deeply integrated into his meridians. He had finally stepped into the Foundation Establishment stage and now had the strength to contend with the evil spirit.

"Thank you for guarding me, Fengming Daoist."

Wang Quan bowed respectfully, his tone filled with gratitude and confidence.

Seeing Wang Quan's successful breakthrough, Fengming Daoren relaxed slightly and smiled. "It's good that you succeeded! With another Foundation Establishment cultivator among us, we have a better chance against the evil spirit."

Feeling the powerful spiritual energy surging through him, Wang Quan extended his spiritual senses far into the depths of the grand array, where he detected the aura of the Golden Core evil spirit.

"Now, it's time to deal with that evil spirit..."

His eyes gleamed with determination as his spiritual energy hummed, and his sword was ready to be drawn at any moment.