30: Secret Realm Breakthrough and Foundation Building Power

After leaving Wangyue City, Liu Shan and his group dared not stop for a moment, rushing towards Luoxia Valley through the night.

The threat of the Black Wind Old Demon was like a sword hanging over their heads, keeping everyone on edge. Mo Chu's Spirit Vision remained constantly vigilant, ensuring they weren't being followed.

After five days of continuous travel, and confirming they had shaken off any potential pursuers, they temporarily stopped in a valley where the Spiritual Qi was even denser than in Luoxia Valley—this was a hidden place between Duan Yun Peak and Luoxia Valley, named "Cuiping Valley." Within the valley was a natural Juling Array eye, an excellent location for a Breakthrough.

"We'll achieve Breakthrough here," Liu Shan said in a deep voice, looking at the array eye in the center of the valley where Spiritual Qi was condensed into mist. "Liu Zhi, you take people to guard the perimeter; no one is allowed to approach. Mo Chu, you come with me into the array eye."

"Father, don't worry!" Liu Zhi gripped his Flowing Cloud Sword, his eyes filled with determination.

Wang Lan took out several communication talismans and handed them to Liu Shan and Liu Zhi: "Send a message immediately if anything happens."

Liu Shan took the communication talismans, took a deep breath, and, with Mo Chu, walked into the Juling Array eye.

The Spiritual Qi within the array eye was so dense it was almost liquefied; just inhaling a breath made one feel the spiritual power surging through their body.

Liu Shan sat down cross-legged, took out a Foundation Establishment Pill, and his expression became incredibly solemn.

Breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage not only required the aid of Medicinal Pills but also a Perfection of the mind. A slight mistake could lead to Qi Deviation, resulting in the complete loss of cultivation at best, or death and the dissipation of the Dao at worst.

"Mo Chu, be my Protector."

Mo Chu nodded, coiling in front of him, his spiritual domain fully expanded, enveloping the entire array eye. At the same time, his Spirit Vision constantly scanned Liu Shan's body and Sea of Consciousness, ensuring no accidents would occur to him.

Liu Shan no longer hesitated, placing the Foundation Establishment Pill into his mouth.

The Medicinal Pill melted upon entry, and a majestic yet gentle medicinal power instantly surged throughout his body. Wherever it passed, his Meridians felt as if soaked in warm water, and a tingling sensation came from the previously blocked Bottleneck.

"Now is the time!"

Liu Shan closed his eyes tightly, fully circulating the Mystic Water Art, guiding the medicinal power and the Spiritual Qi within the array eye to charge towards the Bottleneck of the eighth level of Qi Refining Peak!

"Boom!"

It was as if thunder rumbled within his body; spiritual power, like a bursting river, frantically impacted the Bottleneck!

The Bottleneck was like an indestructible dam, repelling the spiritual power again and again!

Liu Shan's face turned crimson, veins bulging on his forehead, clearly enduring immense pain.

Mo Chu's Spirit Vision could see his Meridians constantly trembling under the impact of the spiritual power, on the verge of collapsing at any moment!

At the critical moment, Mo Chu mobilized the Spiritual Qi within his spiritual domain, forming a gentle current that slowly infused into Liu Shan's body, helping him to sort out the chaotic spiritual power.

At the same time, he spent 1000 contribution points to exchange for a "Heart Calming Talisman," which he infused into Liu Shan's body to stabilize his mind.

"Buzz—!"

The power of the Heart Calming Talisman instantly cleared Liu Shan's eyes. He seized this opportunity, once again urging the medicinal power to launch an attack!

"Crack!"

A faint crisp sound, like a dam collapsing!

The Bottleneck, it was broken!

Vast Spiritual Qi surged into Liu Shan's Dantian like a tide. The originally gaseous spiritual power began to compress and condense, gradually turning into liquid!

This was the mark of the Foundation Establishment Stage—the condensation of liquid spiritual power within the Dantian!

Liu Shan's aura soared at a visible speed: Qi Refining eighth level… Qi Refining ninth level… Qi Refining Peak… and finally stabilized at a brand new Realm!

Foundation Establishment Stage!

He slowly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing within them, and a pressure far more powerful than before, several times stronger, emanated, causing the entire Juling Array eye to tremble!

"I… I succeeded!" Liu Shan clenched his fists, feeling the surging liquid spiritual power within his body, his voice tinged with a tremor and excitement.

【Ding! Detected a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator in the host's team. Team authority has been upgraded, unlocking the "Foundation Establishment Stage Resource Library."】

【Gained +5000 contribution points.】

5000 contribution points!

Mo Chu's eyes also filled with joy; this meant he could exchange for the "Demonic Core Transformation Liquid" to prepare for breaking through to the Demonic Core Realm!

Liu Shan stood up and stretched his limbs. Every movement carried immense spiritual power, and the surrounding Spiritual Qi flowed according to his will.

"Foundation Establishment Stage… it truly is different." He felt the changes in his body, his heart filled with emotion.

Just then, an urgent communication talisman fluctuation came from outside!

It was Liu Zhi's distress signal!

"Not good!" Liu Shan's face drastically changed. "Liu Zhi and the others are in danger!"

Mo Chu's Spirit Vision instantly penetrated the array eye, seeing Liu Zhi and his clansmen being besieged by over a dozen Cultivators outside Cuiping Valley. The leader was none other than the Black Wind Old Demon!

He had found this place at some unknown time, clearly with prior planning!

Although Liu Zhi resisted fiercely, he was no match for the Foundation Establishment Stage Black Wind Old Demon, already severely wounded and on the verge of death!

"Courting death!"

Liu Shan roared, unleashing his Foundation Establishment Stage pressure without reservation, sweeping out towards the valley like a hurricane!

He moved, taking Mo Chu with him, transforming into a streak of light, and rushed out of the Juling Array eye!

Outside the valley, the Black Wind Old Demon was grinning sinisterly, striking a palm towards Liu Zhi's head!

"Old dog! Stop!"

A furious shout, like thunder, exploded!

Liu Shan's figure appeared like a ghost in front of Liu Zhi, striking out with a palm as well!

The two palms met!

"Bang!"

A massive wave of Qi exploded with the two as its center, uprooting the surrounding trees!

The Black Wind Old Demon staggered back seven or eight steps as if struck by a heavy blow before steadying himself, looking at Liu Shan, his eyes filled with incredulous shock: "Foundation Establishment Stage?! You actually broke through in such a short time?!"

Liu Shan stood in front of Liu Zhi, his Foundation Establishment Stage aura as imposing as a towering mountain, staring coldly at the Black Wind Old Demon, his voice like ice: "Today, is your day of death!"

After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, his strength had undergone an earth-shshattering change; he was no longer the Qi Refining Cultivator to be manipulated at will!

New grudges and old hatreds, all to be settled today!