Upon returning to Yunxiao Sect, Wang Quan and his team headed straight to the Mission Hall to complete their task. The hall was bustling, with disciples constantly coming and going, handling matters of the ongoing conflicts. The atmosphere was tense, with a palpable sense of urgency in the air. Wang Quan provided a concise report of their mission, recounting their fight against the Mosquito Beast Master and the successful capture of the toxic resource point. The elder in charge nodded approvingly, quickly verifying and recording the mission details.
"Wang Quan, you performed outstandingly in this mission, contributing greatly to your team's success," the elder commended, handing him a storage pouch filled with spirit stones and contribution points, a gleam of approval in his eye.
Wang Quan received the pouch with a respectful bow and, after leaving the Mission Hall, decided to visit the sect's Intelligence Pavilion to understand more about the ongoing situation. He was aware that tension was rising within the sect, and the struggle among the three sects was escalating.
Inside the pavilion, a supervising disciple spoke with Wang Quan in hushed tones. "Brother Wang, things outside have become increasingly tense over the past few days. The struggle for resources among the three sects has entered a feverish stage, especially between Xuanshao Sect and us at Yunxiao Sect."
"The recent fight at the toxic resource point was only one of many." The disciple continued quietly, "Xuanshao Sect's Shen family frequently sends disciples to attack our resource points, while Ancestor Huoyun of Tianque Sect has seized several areas originally under our control."
Wang Quan nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Xuanshao Sect's intent is clear—they're not just after resources; it looks like they're trying to suppress our sect's strength entirely. Tianque Sect's approach is more measured, yet still concerning."
The disciple's face grew grave as he added, "There are reports that Ancestor Huoyun from Tianque Sect is leading a group of elite disciples to target one of our core resource sites, which supplies Yunxiao Sect with high-quality spirit stones. If they seize it, the repercussions could be disastrous."
Wang Quan's brow furrowed as he considered the news. Ancestor Huoyun, a Nascent Soul cultivator at the peak of his power, was renowned and formidable. If he acted personally, Yunxiao Sect's spirit stone reserves would be difficult to safeguard, especially with Xuanshao Sect's relentless advances. The sect's position was becoming increasingly precarious.
"What measures are in place to counter these attacks?" Wang Quan asked quietly.
With a sigh, the supervising disciple replied, "Several of the Golden Core elders have already moved disciples to defend critical resource points, while Nascent Soul elders are stationed at key locations. However, this struggle won't end anytime soon. The delicate balance among the three sects has long since shattered, and the conflict will likely only intensify."
Wang Quan understood that danger loomed, and any disciple could be summoned to the front lines at a moment's notice. If he wished to protect himself amid this war, his only option was to keep advancing, aiming to break through to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage as soon as possible so he could defend himself if the need arose.
Leaving the Intelligence Pavilion, Wang Quan decided to take advantage of his brief respite to train. Having accumulated a good amount of contribution points, he went to the sect's Exchange Pavilion to trade them for high-quality materials, specifically selecting fire and metal-based spirit materials that would help enhance his cultivation.
"The battles in this last mission revealed new insights for my sword techniques," he murmured as he left with his materials, his gaze resolute. "I'll use this time to refine my control over the Five Elements Spirit Disc."
Back at his quarters, Wang Quan sat cross-legged, arranging the fire and metal spirit materials around him before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes to enter a meditative state. The Five Elements Spirit Disc within him began to rotate, drawing in five-colored spiritual energy to his dantian, then dispersing it through his meridians, creating a small but steady elemental cycle.
Channeling the heat from the fire spirit materials, Wang Quan carefully guided the fire energy through his meridians. The Five Elements Spirit Disc acted like an invisible furnace, refining the fire energy into a purer form. As he worked, he recalled his recent battle with the Mosquito Beast Master, contemplating how he might further integrate fire and metal energies into his sword techniques.
Supported by the materials he'd gathered, his mastery of the Five Elements Secret Arts progressed quickly. The energy cycle within him sped up, and each circulation sent warm currents through his body, steadily increasing his spiritual power.
Gradually, Wang Quan's awareness slipped deeper into his cultivation. He felt as if he were surrounded by the five-colored glow of elemental energy. The Five Elements Spirit Disc spun within his dantian, forming a self-sustaining cycle that enhanced his control over his energy flow.
As more energy entered his system, his spiritual energy became full to the point of overflow, surrounding him in a five-colored aura. A spiritual shield formed around him, emanating a pure, powerful essence.
He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally opened his eyes, a fierce golden light flickering within them. His cultivation had stabilized at the peak of mid-Foundation Establishment, only a step away from the late Foundation Establishment stage.
"The Five Elements Secret Arts are coming together, and once I fully unlock the power of the Spirit Disc, my strength will reach a new level," he said softly, clenching his fists and feeling the full power of his energy coursing through him.
At that moment, a transmission talisman drifted into his quarters. Wang Quan caught it, and after channeling a bit of energy into it, a low, urgent command echoed in his ear: "Wang Quan, report to the Mission Hall for an assignment. You are to support the southeastern resource point."
His gaze sharpened, knowing that the sect's situation was growing more critical and that he had to be prepared for battle at any moment. He quickly packed his materials and storage pouch, adjusted his gear, and left his quarters to head to the Mission Hall.
The hall was crowded with Yunxiao Sect disciples, the tension evident in their expressions. An elder stood before them, addressing the crowd solemnly as he explained the mission: "The southeastern resource point is under joint attack by Xuanshao Sect and Tianque Sect disciples. The situation is dire. You will be dispatched in teams to reinforce our defenses and protect the resource point."
Standing among the disciples, Wang Quan knew the mission would be extremely dangerous but looked forward to testing his mid-stage Foundation Establishment abilities.
As the elder finished issuing assignments, the teams quickly assembled. Wang Quan and his team prepared for the mission, each member feeling a surge of anticipation as they braced for the coming battle.