12: Chapter 12 Five Elements Foundation Building

Time passed, and several months had gone by since the battle at the Sword Platform.

In Qingyun Cottage during autumn, the golden breeze brought refreshing coolness, and the sweet osmanthus fragrance drifted about. In the spirit fields, the Jade Sprout Rice hung with heavy, full ears, and the Dew-Condensing Grass had also reached the season for harvesting. Several spirit osmanthus trees by the pond had bloomed; clusters of pale yellow flowers adorned the branches, emitting a refreshing and lingering fragrance that drifted with the wind, filling the entire courtyard.

Lin Wan sat cross-legged in the quiet room on the top floor of the main building, his eyes slightly closed, his aura as calm as water. On the jade table in front of him lay several items neatly arranged: a perfect Foundation Establishment Pill, the size of a dragon's eye, with nine apertures and swirling clouds; a slightly inferior but equally radiant Three-Turn Foundation Establishment Pill; an ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill; a Jade Slip containing the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Great Five Elements Sword Art and insights on Five Elements Foundation Establishment; and a silver-white sword with faint, shimmering light—the "Flowing Light Sword."

In the four corners of the quiet room, according to a specific Formation, four Mid-Grade Spirit Stones had been buried to create a simple "Four Symbols Spirit Gathering Array," which further gathered and purified the already dense Spiritual Qi of Qingyun Cottage, transforming it into visible, pale cyan spirit mist that seeped into every pore of Lin Wan's body, thread by thread.

Half a year had passed since the battle at the Sword Platform. During these six months, Lin Wan had kept to himself. Aside from the mandatory monthly lectures for True Disciples and one Sect mission (escorting a batch of supplies to a nearby market, which was easily completed), he had spent almost all his time consolidating his cultivation, refining his five elements sword Qi, and preparing for the Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Although he had won the battle against Zhao Yuan, it made him realize the limitations of the Qi Refinement Stage all the more clearly. For a Cultivator in the Qi Refinement Stage, spiritual power was gaseous, limited in total quantity, and slow to recover. In the Foundation Establishment Stage, however, spiritual power turned into liquid; its total quantity, purity, and recovery speed far exceeded those of the Qi Refinement Stage. More importantly, those in the Foundation Establishment Stage could initially release spiritual power externally to cast more powerful Spells, and flying with artifacts became more flexible and agile. Only by reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage could one truly step over the threshold of immortal cultivation and have a certain degree of influence within the Qingyun Sect.

After half a year of hard cultivation, the Five Elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth spiritual power within Lin Wan had all reached the Perfection of the Qi Refinement Stage, which was known as "Five Energies Converging to the Origin." In his Dantian, the five-colored energy vortices were independent yet faintly echoed each other, forming a subtle balance. He felt that he had reached a point where he could advance no further, and the timing for the Foundation Establishment was ripe.

"Five Elements Foundation Establishment carries risks far greater than single-element Foundation Establishment. One must simultaneously channel the Five Elements of spiritual power to construct a circulatory Dao Foundation. If one is even slightly careless and the Five Elements become unbalanced, it will result in the destruction of the Dao Foundation and the total loss of cultivation," Lin Wan thought as he once again sank his Divine Sense into the Jade Slip containing the insights on Five Elements Foundation Establishment, carefully considering every detail.

"However, high risk also means high reward. Once the Five Elements Dao Foundation is formed, the stability of the Foundation, the vastness of the spiritual power, and the speed of recovery will far exceed those of the same rank. Furthermore, the Five Elements generate each other, allowing for an autonomous cycle. During combat, one's spiritual power is nearly inexhaustible, and one can Cultivate various Five Elements Divine Abilities, doubling one's combat power."

"I have the perfect Foundation Establishment Pill and the insights for Five Elements Foundation Establishment; my success rate should be over seventy percent. It is worth a gamble."

Taking a deep breath, Lin Wan adjusted his state to the best it could be, his gaze becoming firm and sharp.

"System, bring up items that can assist with Foundation Establishment," he silently recited in his heart. He had kept over ten thousand Luck Points specifically for this moment.

The System shop refreshed, listing several treasures that could assist with Foundation Establishment.

[Calming Incense (can stabilize the mind and resist Heart Demons): requires 500 Luck Points.]

[Meridian Protecting Pill (can protect Meridians and reduce the impact of spiritual power): requires 800 Luck Points.]

[Five Elements Spirit Liquid (can temporarily replenish Five Elements spiritual power and balance the Five Elements): requires 2000 Luck Points.]

[Foundation Establishment Protector Puppet (can block one external interference): requires 3000 Luck Points.]

Lin Wan thought for a moment and exchanged for the Calming Incense, the Meridian Protecting Pill, and the Five Elements Spirit Liquid. Although the Protector Puppet was good, Qingyun Cottage was protected by the Yi Wood Azure Origin Array and was within the range of Tianjian Peak, so security was not a major issue. The remaining Luck Points needed to be saved for emergencies.

[Consumed 3300 Luck Points, exchange successful. Remaining Luck Points: 10000 points.]

The three items appeared before him. The Calming Incense was a dark purple stick of incense, the thickness of a finger, with a refined and elegant scent. The Meridian Protecting Pill was an amber-colored pill the size of a dragon's eye. The Five Elements Spirit Liquid was in a palm-sized jade bottle, containing a viscous liquid with swirling five-colored light.

Lin Wan lit the Calming Incense and inserted it into the incense burner in the corner of the quiet room. Wisps of blue smoke rose, emitting a tranquil and peaceful aura, making his mind even clearer. He swallowed the Meridian Protecting Pill; the pill turned into a warm current that dispersed, nourishing the Meridians throughout his body and forming a faint protective film.

Everything was ready.

He picked up the perfect Foundation Establishment Pill and, without the slightest hesitation, put it into his mouth and swallowed it.

The pill melted upon contact with his mouth, turning into a majestic, pure, yet incredibly gentle torrent of medicinal power that instantly surged into his limbs and bones, rushing straight to his Dantian!

The main function of the Foundation Establishment Pill was to provide a massive amount of pure spiritual power, assisting the Cultivator in compressing and condensing gaseous spiritual power into a liquid state, while simultaneously stabilizing the Dantian and constructing the Dao Foundation.

The medicinal power of the perfect Foundation Establishment Pill was even gentler and purer than Lin Wan had imagined. It did not violently impact his Meridians but, like spring rain nourishing all things, it seeped thread by thread into every inch of Lin Wan's flesh and every meridian, finally converging in the Dantian.

In his Dantian, the originally calm five-colored energy vortices seemed to be stimulated and suddenly accelerated their rotation! Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—the five energy vortices each erupted with intense light, frantically absorbing the spiritual power provided by the Foundation Establishment Pill, their volume rapidly expanding, compressing, and expanding again...

Lin Wan held his breath and focused, fully operating the Little Five Elements Sword Technique and the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Great Five Elements Sword Art according to the method of Five Elements Foundation Establishment. What he had to do was not simply liquefy the Five Elements of spiritual power separately, but to construct a liquid spiritual power cycle that was connected end-to-end and circulated endlessly according to the order of the Five Elements generating each other (Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal)—the Five Elements Dao Foundation!

This was an extremely delicate process that required a high level of control. If there was even the slightest mistake and the Five Elements of spiritual power became unbalanced, the result would be an unstable Dao Foundation and a ruined future, or worse, the Dantian would explode, leading to death and the dissipation of his Dao.

Time passed bit by bit.

Lin Wan's forehead seeped with fine beads of sweat, and his body trembled slightly. He could feel the pressure in his Dantian growing, and the speed at which the five-colored energy vortices rotated had reached its limit, beginning to produce intense friction and collisions between them. Since the Five Elements of spiritual power had different attributes, it was no easy task to make them coexist harmoniously and circulate in a generative cycle.

Severe pain came from his Dantian, as if countless small knives were cutting it. His Meridians also felt a sense of swelling pain under the scouring of the majestic spiritual power. If not for the protection of the Meridian Protecting Pill, they would likely have been damaged long ago.

"Persist! Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal... endless and cyclical..." Lin Wan kept his mind focused, reciting the Mind-Cultivation Technique over and over, guiding the Five Elements of spiritual power.

The Metal element vortex reached its limit first and began to compress and collapse inward. The originally loose gaseous spiritual power, under the immense pressure and the medicinal power of the Foundation Establishment Pill, began to liquefy bit by bit, turning into a drop of pale golden liquid spiritual power that hovered in the center of the Dantian. Immediately after, the Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth energy vortices also began to liquefy one after another.

However, just as the five drops of liquid spiritual power were initially formed and Lin Wan attempted to construct the cycle according to the Five Elements generating each other, a sudden change occurred!

Fire spiritual power and Water spiritual power were naturally mutually destructive! Although there was guidance from the Mind-Cultivation Technique, attempting to neutralize them with Wood spiritual power, the two drops of liquid spiritual power were too close, and they actually produced a violent repulsion reaction, appearing as if they were about to spiral out of control and collide!

Once they collided, the balance of the Five Elements would be instantly broken, and the consequences would be unimaginable!

"Now!" Lin Wan had been prepared. With a thought, the bottle of Five Elements Spirit Liquid flew up, the bottle tilted, and a wisp of five-colored spirit liquid flew into his mouth.

The spirit liquid entered his body and quickly turned into a neutral, balanced spiritual power of the Five Elements, instantly merging into the Dantian like a lubricant and buffer zone, separating the Fire and Water spiritual powers that were about to collide, and guiding them to slowly approach, blend, and transform according to the predetermined trajectory.

Metal generates Water; beside the pale golden droplet, a pale blue droplet condensed.

Water generates Wood; beside the pale blue droplet, an emerald green droplet condensed.

Wood generates Fire; beside the emerald green droplet, a crimson red droplet condensed.

Fire generates Earth; beside the crimson red droplet, a deep yellow droplet condensed.

Earth generates Metal; beside the deep yellow droplet, the pale golden droplet shone slightly, appearing even more solid.

A small, fragile, yet real five-colored spiritual power cycle slowly took shape in the center of the Dantian! Although it was still very weak and the speed of the cycle was slow, it was undeniably the Five Elements generating each other, connected end-to-end!

The Five Elements Dao Foundation was taking shape!

"It's done!" Lin Wan was overjoyed, but he dared not relax in the slightest. The prototype was just the beginning; next, he needed to convert more gaseous spiritual power into liquid, integrate it into this cycle, strengthen the Dao Foundation, until all the spiritual power was liquefied and the Dao Foundation was stabilized.

He operated his Cultivation Technique with all his might, frantically absorbing the remaining majestic medicinal power of the Foundation Establishment Pill, as well as the dense Spiritual Qi gathered in the quiet room. In his Dantian, the five-colored spiritual power cycle was like a small millstone, rotating slowly. Each time it rotated, a wisp of gaseous spiritual power was sucked in, crushed, liquefied, and integrated into the cycle, making the cycle grow stronger and shine brighter by a fraction.

This was a slow, grinding task that required time, patience, and precise control.

The blue smoke from the Calming Incense curled, protecting his mind and resisting the pain and exhaustion brought by the scouring of spiritual power. The medicinal power of the Meridian Protecting Pill also continued to play its role, protecting his fragile Meridians.

One day, two days, three days...

Lin Wan sat motionless like an old monk in meditation. The concentration of spirit mist in the quiet room fluctuated, rising and falling with his breathing. Liu Ruyan, Xiao Yun, Nanny Zhao, and others were all guarding outside the quiet room, not daring to make the slightest sound, their hearts filled with both anticipation and worry.

Above Qingyun Cottage, strange phenomena gradually appeared. At first, it was just the intensification of Spiritual Qi fluctuations, gathering into a vortex. By the third day, there were even faint five-colored rays of light shining through the clouds. Although faint, they carried a neutral, profound, and life-containing Dao rhyme. This phenomenon was not as earth-shattering as when Qing Yao was born, but it was more lingering and restrained, as if it were gestating something.

On Tianjian Peak, some perceptive Golden Core Immortal Masters cast their gazes toward Qingyun Cottage one after another.

"Five-colored rays of light? Is someone attempting Five Elements Foundation Establishment?" In Lingyun Hall, Peak Master Yue Lingyun put down the Jade Slip in his hand and looked out the window, a flash of surprise and anticipation in his eyes. "Is that kid Lin Wan? He certainly has guts and good Opportunity."

"Five Elements Foundation Establishment... it has been many years since I last saw it." Another Golden Core Elder sighed. "If he succeeds, this child's future will be limitless."

"The Five Elements generate each other, and the Dao Foundation is self-formed. But the dangers within are several times greater than ordinary Foundation Establishment. Let us see his fortune."

Lin Wan was unaware of the attention from the outside world. All his focus was immersed in the construction of the Dao Foundation within his body.

Inside the Dantian, that five-colored Spiritual Power cycle had grown from its initial weak embryonic form to the size of a fist.

Within the cycle, the five-colored liquid Spiritual Power—gold, blue, green, red, and yellow—flowed like five small streams, head-to-tail, moving slowly and ceaselessly.

At the center of the cycle, a chaotic space had vaguely formed; this was the "Origin" of the Foundation Establishment, the place where the future Golden Core would be conceived.

At this moment, ninety-nine percent of the gaseous Spiritual Power within his body had been transformed, leaving only the final wisp—the most stubborn and pure Five Elements Origin Qi—that had yet to merge into the cycle.

"One last push!" Lin Wan gritted his teeth and pushed the Yin-Yang Harmony Guidance Technique to its limit. The Yin and Yang Qi circulated, forcibly stripping away and dispersing that final wisp of Five Elements Origin Qi, merging it into the corresponding five-colored liquid streams.

"Hum——!!!"

The Dantian shook violently, and the five-colored Spiritual Power cycle erupted with brilliant light! The speed of the cycle suddenly accelerated, the five-colored liquid streams surging and flowing, making a rushing sound like a roaring river! An unprecedentedly powerful, dense, and harmonious aura erupted from within Lin Wan's body!

The Mid-Grade Spirit Stones at the four corners of the quiet room shattered with a "crack," their Spiritual Qi instantly drained. The five-colored glow above the quiet room suddenly retracted, sinking entirely into the main building.

Foundation Establishment, complete!

Lin Wan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze radiant. Deep within his pupils, a five-colored light seemed to flicker and vanish. He exhaled a long breath of stale air; this breath did not disperse, instead forming a pale gray arrow of Qi before him that shot out a zhang away before slowly dissipating.

He lowered his head to look inward.

Within the Dantian, a palm-sized, slowly rotating five-colored Spiritual Power cycle was floating quietly. At the center of the cycle was a hazy, chaotic space, containing vibrant vitality and infinite possibilities. The Five Elements liquid Spiritual Power surged and flowed within the cycle, mutually generating and restraining, harmonious and unobstructed. He could feel that his total Spiritual Power was now more than ten times what it was before Foundation Establishment! It was also purer, more agile, and recovered at an astonishing speed.

His Divine Sense range had also surged to a hundred zhang! Everything was clearly visible, his perception incredibly detailed. He could even vaguely feel the flow trajectory of the Five Elements Spiritual Qi in the air.

His body had also undergone a complete transformation. His Meridians had widened and toughened, his flesh was denser, his bones faintly carried a jade-like luster, and his strength, speed, and reaction time had all increased several-fold. His Lifespan had even directly broken through to three hundred years!

Foundation Establishment Stage, a Lifespan of three hundred years. He had finally crossed this chasm and truly possessed the qualifications to pursue longevity.

"Is this the power of Foundation Establishment..." Lin Wan clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body, his heart stirred. Compared to the Qi Refinement Stage, it was like the difference between clouds and mud.

With a thought, he attempted to release his Spiritual Power. A wisp of pale gold Metal-element Spiritual Power seeped out of his body, condensing at his fingertips into a three-inch-long golden sword, incredibly dense and shimmering with a cold light; its power far exceeded the Sword Qi of the Qi Refinement Stage. With another shift of his thoughts, the golden sword transformed into a water orb, a vine, a flame, and a lump of earth... the Five Elements transformed as he wished.

"The Five Elements Foundation is indeed profound." Lin Wan retracted his Spiritual Power with satisfaction and looked before him. The Three-Turn Foundation Establishment Pill and the ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill had not yet been used, so he would keep them, as they might be useful later. The Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill had already exhausted its medicinal efficacy.

"System, bring up the attribute panel."

[Host: Lin Wan] [Cultivation: Early Stage Foundation Establishment (Five Elements Foundation)] [Dao Companion: 2/?] [Offspring: 1/?] [Fortune Points: 10000] [Current Task: Branching Out (II) (2/3, remaining time approximately two years)] [Family Scale: Small (Members 6, Potential Excellent)]

Foundation Establishment was successful, and the System panel had updated. His cultivation had changed to Early Stage Foundation Establishment, with "Five Elements Foundation" marked behind it, clearly indicating that the System recognized his Foundation. The Fortune Points remained unchanged, but the offspring task progress had become 2/3? Lin Wan was stunned, then immediately looked toward Liu Ruyan's location, sweeping his Divine Sense over.

Sure enough! Within Liu Ruyan's womb, another faint aura of life was gestating! Although it was still very weak, it was definitely there. Judging by the strength of the aura, it seemed she had not been pregnant for long, likely within this past month.

That was it; over the past six months, he and Liu Ruyan had practiced Dual Cultivation without pause. Liu Ruyan had recovered excellently after childbirth and had received nourishment from Qing Yao's Innate Dao Physique, optimizing her constitution, so getting pregnant again was reasonable.

"It seems the 'Branching Out (II)' task is expected to be completed ahead of schedule." Lin Wan was joyful. He just wondered what kind of Aptitude this child would have.

He rose and stretched his limbs; a sound like popping beans came from his body, and he felt unusually good.

He pushed open the quiet room door, and sunlight poured in.

Liu Ruyan, Xiao Yun, Nanny Zhao, and Wang Tiezhu were all waiting outside. Seeing him come out, their faces revealed expressions of relief and joyful smiles.

"Senior Brother!" Liu Ruyan hurried forward, looking him over carefully, her eyes filled with tears, "Did... did you succeed?"

"Yes, I succeeded." Lin Wan held her hand and said gently, "Thank you all for keeping watch. How long have I been in secluded meditation?"

"A full seven days!" Xiao Yun answered eagerly, her face full of admiration, "Brother Lin, we all saw the phenomenon when you achieved Foundation Establishment; it was so impressive! There were five-colored lights in the sky!"

"Congratulations to the Immortal Master on your successful Foundation Establishment! The Great Dao is within reach!" Nanny Zhao and Wang Tiezhu also hurriedly offered their congratulations.

"Good, good." Lin Wan nodded with a smile and looked at Liu Ruyan, his eyes filled with gentleness and a hint of deeper meaning, "Ruyan, you have worked hard too. During the days I was in seclusion, did you have any discomfort?"

Liu Ruyan blushed slightly under his gaze, seeming to understand something, and shook her head gently: "I am fine, just a little worried about you. Qing Yao is also very well-behaved, not crying or making a fuss."

"That is good." Lin Wan's Divine Sense swept over her lower abdomen again; the aura of life, though weak, was very stable and full of vitality. "In these next few days, you also need to rest well and nourish your body."

"Mm." Liu Ruyan nodded, sweetness welling up in her heart. She knew she might be pregnant again.

Achieving Foundation Establishment was a momentous happy event. Nanny Zhao immediately went to prepare a sumptuous spiritual meal to celebrate, and Xiao Yun ran around excitedly. Wang Tiezhu went to check the spiritual fields and Formations to ensure everything was fine.

That night, Qingyun Cottage was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Although no outsiders were invited, the Family sat around a table, the atmosphere warm and joyful. Lin Wan gave the remaining Three-Turn Foundation Establishment Pill to Liu Ruyan, instructing her to keep it well and use it when she reached the Perfection of the Qi Refinement Stage in the future. He left the ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill for Xiao Yun; although she had no Spiritual Root, if she cultivated the Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique to Major Achievement, combined with the Foundation Establishment Pill, there might be a glimmer of hope for her to break through to the Innate stage and extend her life by a hundred years.

After the meal, Lin Wan accompanied Liu Ruyan for a walk in the courtyard. Qing Yao was being held by Xiao Yun, babbling and reaching out to be held by her parents. Lin Wan took his daughter, and the little one immediately giggled, grabbing his hair with her small hands.

"Qing Yao seems very close to you." Liu Ruyan leaned against Lin Wan's side and said softly.

"I am her father, naturally she is close to me." Lin Wan teased his daughter, his heart full of tenderness. With children and a home, this path of immortal cultivation was no longer just a lonely quest, but also included protection and attachment.

"Senior Brother, I... I think I am..." Liu Ruyan whispered, her cheeks flushed.

"Yes, I know." Lin Wan held her hand and said softly, "It is our second child. This time, you must take good care of yourself and not work as hard as last time."

"You knew?" Liu Ruyan was surprised, then realized; a Foundation Establishment Cultivator had a powerful Divine Sense, so it was not strange that he could perceive it. Sweetness filled her heart as she leaned on Lin Wan's shoulder, "I will listen to everything you say, Senior Brother."

The night deepened, and the moonlight was like water. Lin Wan stood in the courtyard, looking at the bright moon hanging high, his heart filled with myriad thoughts.

Achieving Foundation Establishment was only the beginning. Although the Five Elements Foundation was strong, it also meant that the resources he needed were several times that of others, and future Bottlenecks might be even more difficult. Moreover, within the Inner Sect, it seemed calm, but in reality, undercurrents were surging. Elder Li, Zhao Yuan, and Deacon Zhao Kun would likely not let matters rest. Although Peak Master Yue Lingyun was protective of his own, he could not stand up for him in everything.

He needed to familiarize himself with the power of the Foundation Establishment Stage as soon as possible, Cultivate the Divine Abilities of the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Great Five Elements Sword Art, and find ways to obtain more cultivation resources. At the same time, the Family also needed to continue to develop. Qing Yao needed the best cultivation, the second child was about to arrive, Liu Ruyan's cultivation could not be neglected, and Xiao Yun's martial arts path also needed to be put on the agenda...

"The road is still very long." Lin Wan sighed softly, but his eyes were full of fighting spirit. "However, with you all here, no matter how long the road is, I will walk it steadily."

He turned around and looked at the warm light shining from the windows of the main building; there, he had his wife, his children, and his home.

The next day, Lin Wan went to Lingyun Hall on Tianjian Peak to pay his respects to Peak Master Yue Lingyun and report his successful Foundation Establishment.

In Lingyun Hall, Peak Master Yue Lingyun sat in the main seat, his gaze like lightning as he swept it over Lin Wan, a satisfied smile on his face: "Good! A Five Elements Foundation Establishment! Your Foundation is so robust and your Spiritual Power so pure that it is even three parts better than mine back then! It seems you gained quite a lot from the Sword Tomb Legacy."

"It is all thanks to Revered Master's cultivation; this Disciple succeeded by luck." Lin Wan said respectfully.

"No need to be overly humble. A Five Elements Foundation Establishment cannot be achieved without great perseverance and great Opportunity. That you were able to succeed is your own fortune." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand and said sternly, "Since you have achieved Foundation Establishment, you have truly entered the gate of immortal cultivation. As a True Disciple of my Tianjian Peak, after Foundation Establishment, you may enter the 'Sword Pool' to refine your Sword Heart, and you may enter the third floor of the 'Scripture Pavilion' to select one Profound Rank Cultivation Technique or Divine Ability."

"In addition, as per the rules, you are granted a monthly allowance for the Foundation Establishment Stage: fifty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, five hundred contribution points, and a number of Foundation Establishment Stage Medicinal Pills. You may also apply to change your Immortal Cave to a Grade-A Immortal Cave, but your Qingyun Cottage is well-located and has sufficient Spiritual Qi, so it is sufficient for now; it is up to you."

"Thank you, Revered Master!" Lin Wan was overjoyed. Sword Pool refinement, third-floor techniques from the Scripture Pavilion, and the monthly allowance—these were all tangible benefits.

"However, rights and obligations are equal." Peak Master Yue Lingyun changed the subject, "After Foundation Establishment, you must shoulder more Sect responsibilities. Each year you must complete one Grade-B Sect mission or provide equivalent contribution. As a True Disciple, you must contribute to the Sect during the Sect Tournament, foreign enemy invasions, Secret Realm explorations, and other matters. Can you do this?"

"This Disciple will certainly do his utmost to not fail the Sect or Revered Master." Lin Wan said solemnly.

"Mm." Peak Master Yue Lingyun nodded, taking out a sword-shaped jade talisman and a token, "This is the 'Sword Pool Order' and the 'Scripture Pavilion Third Floor Access Token'; keep them safe. The Sword Pool opens on the first day of every month, and holding this order allows you to enter and practice for three days. You may go to the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion at any time, but you may only choose one Cultivation Technique, so choose carefully."

"In addition..." He paused, looking at Lin Wan with deep eyes: "Your Five Elements Foundation Establishment has likely attracted the attention of some people. A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The Inner Sect is not like the Outer Sect; the waters are very deep. You must be cautious in your words and actions, work hard on your cultivation, and improve your strength as soon as possible. If you have any trouble you cannot resolve, you may come to me. But remember, Revered Master can protect you for a time, but not for a lifetime. The true reliance is always the sword in your own hand."

"This Disciple will keep Revered Master's teachings in mind!" Lin Wan felt a jolt in his heart and bowed solemnly. Peak Master Yue Lingyun's words were both an expression of care and a reminder. The Inner Sect was likely more complex than he had imagined.

"Alright, go ahead. Properly consolidate your Realm and familiarize yourself with the power of the Foundation Establishment Stage. Three months from now, the Sect will open a 'Small Five Elements Secret Realm,' which only allows Foundation Establishment Stage Early Stage Disciples to enter. It may contain the Five Elements spiritual items you need, so you should prepare early." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand.

"Small Five Elements Secret Realm?" Lin Wan's eyes lit up. Five Elements spiritual items were exactly what he needed to consolidate his Five Elements Foundation and Cultivate his Divine Abilities! He had to go to this Secret Realm!

"This Disciple understands. Thank you for informing me, Revered Master!"

Leaving Lingyun Hall, Lin Wan first went to the Internal Affairs Hall to update his identity information and collect his monthly allowance for the Foundation Establishment Stage and his True Disciple benefits. They were indeed generous: fifty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones (equivalent to five thousand Low Grade ones), five hundred contribution points, and a bottle containing ten "Pei Yuan Pills" (Medicinal Pills for increasing cultivation during the Foundation Establishment Stage).

Next, he headed to the Scripture Library.

The Scripture Library was located on the main peak and had nine levels. Outer Sect Disciples could only enter the first level, Inner Sect Disciples could enter the second, True Disciples could enter the third after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, and Golden Core Elders could enter the fourth level and above. It was rumored that the top level housed the Qingyun Sect's Sect-guarding Cultivation Techniques and ancient secret records.

Lin Wan displayed his access token and, under the surprised gaze of the guarding Elder (having achieved Foundation Establishment at such a young age and being qualified to enter the third level), stepped into the third level.

The space on the third level was much smaller than the first and second, but it was decorated more elegantly, and the Spiritual Qi was dense. The bookshelves were all crafted from superior spiritual wood, and the Jade Slips and classic books placed upon them all exuded an ancient and profound aura.

The Cultivation Techniques here were at least Profound Rank Low Grade, with a few Profound Rank Medium Grade and High Grade ones, and perhaps even hidden Earth Rank fragments. Lin Wan did not lack a main Cultivation Technique (the "Great Five Elements Sword Art" was definitely of a High Grade); what he needed were Divine Abilities and secret techniques in areas such as offense, defense, movement, and Spirit Refining.

He browsed through them carefully.

"Geng Metal Divine Thunder Sword Art" (Profound Rank Medium Grade): A Metal and Thunder dual-attribute sword art with violent attacks and an additional paralysis effect from the thunder techniques.

"Yi Wood Longevity Art" (Profound Rank Low Grade): A Wood-attribute Cultivation Technique specializing in healing, recovery, trapping enemies, and enduring vitality.

"Gui Water Escape" (Profound Rank Low Grade): A Water-attribute movement technique that is extremely fast in water or places with abundant water vapor, and has strong concealment.

"Li Fire Shield" (Profound Rank Medium Grade): A Fire-attribute defensive Spell that combines offense and defense, capable of reflecting a portion of Fire-type attacks.

"Wu Earth True Body" (Profound Rank High Grade): An Earth-attribute Body Refining Divine Ability. Once mastered, one's body becomes like a mountain, with unparalleled defense and immense strength.

"Mind Splitting Technique" (Profound Rank Medium Grade): A Spirit Refining secret technique that can split Divine Sense, allowing one to multitask and enhance perception and control.

Lin Wan was dazzled and wanted every single one. However, the rules dictated he could only choose one; he had to pick the one he most urgently needed and that was most suitable.

For offense, he had the five elements sword Qi, which was sufficient for now. For defense, "Wu Earth True Body" was good, but his Five Elements Foundation itself did not have weak defense. Regarding movement techniques, "Floating Light Sweeping Shadow" was slightly lacking at the Foundation Establishment Stage, and "Gui Water Escape" could reinforce it. The Spirit Refining secret technique "Mind Splitting Technique" was also very tempting, as it could significantly enhance his control over the five elements sword Qi and his cultivation efficiency.

After hesitating for a long time, Lin Wan ultimately chose the "Mind Splitting Technique." The Five Elements Foundation and five elements sword Qi required extremely high Divine Sense and control. This technique could split Divine Sense and enhance control, making it the most practical for him at the moment. Moreover, cultivating this technique would make learning miscellaneous arts like Alchemy, talisman making, and Formation setting twice as effective with half the effort in the future. As for movement and defense techniques, he could exchange for them later using contribution points or find a way through the System.

After selecting the Cultivation Technique and registering it with the guarding Elder, Lin Wan took the Jade Slip of the "Mind Splitting Technique," left the Scripture Library, and returned to Qingyun Cottage.

In the following days, Lin Wan entered a more intense period of cultivation.

First, he consolidated his Foundation Establishment Early Stage Realm, familiarizing himself with his surging power and Divine Sense. Then, he began cultivating the "Mind Splitting Technique," attempting to split his Divine Sense into two, or even three. At first, it was extremely difficult; the pain of splitting his Divine Sense was like having his Soul torn apart, but relying on his tenacious will and strong Divine Soul after Foundation Establishment, he endured it. Half a month later, he could initially achieve multitasking, able to simultaneously control two strands of five elements sword Qi to attack in different trajectories, or Cultivate while remaining vigilant of his surroundings, greatly increasing his efficiency.

At the same time, he was also deducing the embryonic forms of several Five Elements Divine Abilities recorded in the Foundation Establishment chapter of the "Great Five Elements Sword Art." "Geng Metal Divine Thunder," "Yi Wood Divine Light," "Gui Water Divine Escape," "Li Fire Golden Eyes," and "Wu Earth Seal" were each profound and mysterious, but extremely difficult to Cultivate, requiring a very deep understanding and control of the corresponding attribute's spiritual power. With his Five Elements Foundation as a base and Grandmaster-level insights for reference, Lin Wan's progress, though slow, was steadily advancing.

On the first day of every month, he used his Sword Pond Token to enter the "Sword Pond." The Sword Pond was located in the forbidden area behind Tianjian Peak. It was a milky-white pool ten zhang square. The pool water was not ordinary water, but rather liquefied pure Sword Intent and Sword Qi left behind by countless predecessor Sword Cultivators, accumulated over time. Soaking in it could refine one's Sword Heart, purify Sword Qi, and allow one to comprehend the various Sword Intents remaining in the pool, making it a supreme treasure land for Sword Cultivators. Each time Lin Wan entered, his five elements sword Qi would receive varying degrees of tempering and improvement, and his understanding of the Sword Dao became increasingly profound.

The child in Liu Ruyan's womb was also growing healthily. Perhaps due to the nourishment from the Five Elements rosy clouds induced when Lin Wan achieved Foundation Establishment, or perhaps because of the increase in Liu Ruyan's own cultivation, the child's life aura seemed even stronger than Qing Yao's at the same period, full of spirituality. Lin Wan often used his own pure Five Elements spiritual power to nurture it, looking forward to the birth of the little life.

Xiao Yun's "Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique" had reached Major Achievement; the blood and Qi in her body were as vigorous as a furnace, her every movement had the strength of a thousand catties, and her movement technique was as fast as a ghost. Lin Wan began teaching her some basic Martial Skills and sword technique routines. Although she had no spiritual power, relying on her formidable Physique and exquisite techniques, even ordinary Qi Refinement Stage Middle Stage Cultivators might not be her match. Lin Wan planned to wait until she polished her body to the extreme, then use that ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill to help her break through to the Innate Realm. If she succeeded, she would have the power to protect herself, and her Lifespan would greatly increase.

Qing Yao was growing more and more adorable, able to walk unsteadily and babble while learning to speak. She was extremely sensitive to Spiritual Qi, sometimes unconsciously inducing the weak Five Elements Spiritual Qi around her, forming small points of light to circle and play with. Lin Wan and Liu Ruyan discussed that once she turned three and her bones and constitution were initially set, they would officially teach her the "Three Talents Spirit Nourishing Art" to guide her onto the path of immortality.

Everything at home was in good order, and his cultivation was advancing steadily. However, Lin Wan did not let his guard down. The news of his successful Foundation Establishment had long spread throughout Tianjian Peak and even the entire Inner Sect. There were those who envied him, those who were jealous, and likely many who were watching in the shadows. There had been no movement from Elder Li and Zhao Yuan, but the more it was like this, the more unsettling it was.

One day, as Lin Wan was in the courtyard instructing Xiao Yun in sword techniques, his heart suddenly stirred, and he looked up.

He saw a fiery red sword light speeding from the horizon, landing outside the courtyard of Qingyun Cottage in an instant. The sword light dissipated, revealing a woman dressed in red, with a charming appearance and flowing eyes; it was none other than Senior Sister Qin Hongyu.

"Junior Brother, how leisurely you are." Qin Hongyu smiled brightly and stepped into the courtyard. Her gaze swept over Xiao Yun, who was practicing sword techniques, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes, before she looked at Lin Wan, "You won't blame your Senior Sister for coming uninvited, will you?"

"Senior Sister, your presence brings light to my humble abode; how could I blame you?" Lin Wan cupped his hands, signaled for Xiao Yun to withdraw, and said, "Senior Sister, please sit. May I ask what advice you have for coming here today?"

Qin Hongyu sat on a stone stool in the courtyard, took the spiritual tea offered by Nanny Zhao, took a sip, and smiled, "I dare not offer advice. Senior Sister is here to congratulate you. Congratulations, Junior Brother, on your successful Foundation Establishment. A Five Elements Foundation; it has shocked the Inner Sect."

"Senior Sister, you overpraise me; it was just luck." Lin Wan sat down opposite her, waiting quietly for what would follow. This Senior Sister was well-informed and adroit at social interactions; she would never visit without a reason.

"Junior Brother, you are too modest." Qin Hongyu put down her teacup, her smile fading slightly, and lowered her voice, "Senior Sister came today not just to congratulate you, but also to give you a warning. Recently, Elder Li and Zhao Yuan seem to be restless. They have been getting very close to Elder Sun of the main peak's 'Spirit Beast Mountain,' and it is said that Elder Sun is very interested in your Five Elements Foundation Establishment, having asked about your situation multiple times in public. Junior Brother, you need to be careful."

Elder Sun of Spirit Beast Mountain? Lin Wan's heart stirred. Spirit Beast Mountain was the branch of the Qingyun Sect responsible for taming and cultivating Spirit Beasts, and their strength was not weak. Elder Sun was even a Mid-stage Golden Core Cultivator with a lofty status. He was interested in him? That was likely not a good thing.

"Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister." Lin Wan said solemnly, "Do you know what they intend to do?"

Qin Hongyu shook her head, "I don't know the specifics. But Elder Li manages spiritual plants, Zhao Yuan is skilled in Formations, and Elder Sun is proficient in beast taming... With them gathered together, they are likely plotting something significant. Are you planning to go out recently? Or do you have any plans?"

Go out? Lin Wan thought of the "Small Five Elements Secret Realm" that Peak Master Yue Lingyun had mentioned, which would open in two months. Although this matter had not been made public, given Qin Hongyu's information network, she might well know about it.

"I will not hide it from you, Senior Sister; Revered Master mentioned that the 'Small Five Elements Secret Realm' will open, and I indeed intend to enter it." Lin Wan said frankly. This matter could not be hidden, nor was there any need to hide it.

"Small Five Elements Secret Realm..." A flash of understanding crossed Qin Hongyu's eyes, "That explains it. Every time that Secret Realm opens, the competition among Disciples from various peaks is intense, and not a few fall inside. If someone attacks you in the Secret Realm... the Sect cannot investigate it. Junior Brother, although the Secret Realm is good, it is extremely dangerous, especially for you. You must think carefully."

As expected, they were targeting the Secret Realm. A cold light flashed in Lin Wan's eyes. They wanted to use the Secret Realm to get rid of him? A good scheme indeed.

"Thank you for telling me, Senior Sister. I have my own discretion." Lin Wan cupped his hands.

"Mm, as long as you have a plan in mind. Senior Sister has said all that needs to be said, take care of yourself." Qin Hongyu stood up, gave Lin Wan a meaningful look, and added, "Oh right, Senior Sister will give you one more piece of information. For this Secret Realm, the True Disciple of the main peak 'Heavenly Array Peak,' 'Array Fanatic' Zhou Yiming, will also enter. This person's attainments in Formations are extremely high, already reaching the level of a Second-Rank Formation Master, and he is on good terms with Zhao Yuan. If you encounter him in the Secret Realm, be absolutely careful."

After saying this, she smiled brightly and transformed into a red beam of light, departing.

Lin Wan stood in place, watching the red light disappear, his eyes deep.

"Elder Sun of Spirit Beast Mountain, Zhou Yiming of Heavenly Array Peak, Elder Li of the Spiritual Plant Department, Fifth Senior Brother Zhao Yuan... They really think highly of me."

He looked towards the direction of the main peak, where the Small Five Elements Secret Realm was about to open.

Crisis is also an Opportunity.

They want to use the Secret Realm to kill me? Then let's see who the real hunter is.

Five Elements Foundation Establishment, the edge is first revealed.

The storm of the Inner Sect is already upon him.