Atlas' dantian looked strange when compared to that of an ordinary Core Formation Realm cultivator, but the process of breaking through was no different.
Instead of a core, Atlas had two vines surrounded by a qi mist that represented his supply. In order for a breakthrough to occur, the qi mist in the dantian had to be packed enough to overflow, providing the cultivator with enough energy to improve the dantian itself.
Atlas had this much qi. He always had it from the moment he broke through to the Core Formation Realm. The flame vine sucked in so much qi upon its creation that it left his dantian overfilled.
As he used his qi and replenished it, this state was relatively maintained until now. With the creation of the water vine and the same influx of energy, Atlas did not need to wait for anything else.