Chapter 11

In the dimly lit cave, a cold wind blew. Outside the cave, it was a scorching summer, but here, it was bitterly cold. (Note: The phrase "(!.赢话费)" is not translated as it seems to be an advertisement or promotional text and does not fit the context of the story.)

At this moment, in the center of the cave, a young man sat cross-legged, practicing his breathing exercises by a small pool of water. The pool was filled with a chilling aura, and the young man's mouth was slightly open, white mist swirling with each breath.

The young man's brows were slightly furrowed as he endured the repeated cleansing of his body by the true essence energy within him.

It had already been thirty-six cycles, and this was his third attempt to break through the barrier. This time, he could not fail; otherwise, he would have to give up this opportunity. Forcing it further would cause unimaginable harm to his body.

"This boy..." A translucent figure floated beside the young man, his brows furrowed with concern.

These two were Wang Chen and Ling Zhan. Since finding this extremely yin cave, Wang Chen had spent almost every day here practicing, except for the time he slept.

In the morning, he would exercise and undergo Ling Zhan's medicinal baths outside the cave. In the afternoon, he would enter the cave to practice using the yin cold energy, both to refine the medicinal energy absorbed into his body and to strengthen his true essence energy.

With this dual practice, Wang Chen's cultivation progress was astonishing, and in just half a month, he showed signs of breaking through to the fifth stage of the Body Tempering realm.

It was well known that it was impossible for an ordinary person to advance from the fourth stage to the fifth stage of Body Tempering in less than half a year, but he had done it in just half a month! This clearly demonstrated his terrifying potential, which was undoubtedly due to his firm determination and rigorous training. Additionally, his innate divine martial bloodline and the balance of yin and yang provided him with a strong foundation.

Today, as Wang Chen was about to finish his practice, he suddenly felt a call, as if the fifth stage of Body Tempering was just a step away.

This was a sign of an impending breakthrough, and for this reason, he chose to attempt the breakthrough to the fifth stage of Body Tempering.

However, it was very unfortunate. Perhaps it was not the right time, and his attempts were particularly difficult. He had failed twice, and if he were an ordinary person, he would have given up long ago. After all, such failures were common in the path of martial arts; if one attempt failed, there was always the next, and there was no need to push too hard!

More importantly, the strain on the body from such attempts was unimaginable. An ordinary person could hardly endure a second attempt, let alone a third. Only Wang Chen, with his incredibly strong body and indomitable will, could persist.

"This is the last time. I can't let him continue this reckless behavior. The path of cultivation is a long and arduous journey; how can one achieve success overnight? Which strong person didn't take it step by step? He's being too hasty!"

Thinking of Wang Chen's determined gaze, Ling Zhan sighed inwardly. He knew that Wang Chen carried a heavy burden. The next day was the registration day for the clan competition, and the basic requirement for registration was to reach the fifth stage of Body Tempering. He was desperate to become stronger.

But even so, he needed to take good care of his body. The body was the capital of the revolution.

Ling Zhan took a step forward, ready to stop Wang Chen if necessary. If this attempt failed, he would make him give up and wait for the next opportunity.

Wang Chen gritted his teeth, his face pale, and cold sweat poured down his body, soaking his coarse linen clothes. Sweat dripped continuously from his forehead.

His body trembled slightly as he began his final attempt. He could clearly feel the intangible barrier, the wall of the fifth stage of Body Tempering.

He gathered all the true essence energy in his body, like a tidal wave, and charged at the barrier with all his might!

This time, failure was not an option.

Wang Chen knew what failure this time would mean: he would lose the opportunity to participate in the clan competition.

"Break through!" He roared inwardly, and at that moment, his entire body's martial energy surged toward the barrier as if boiling.

Once, twice, three times... After more than ten collisions, the barrier began to waver. At the same time, Wang Chen endured unimaginable pain. His lips were pale, and he gritted his teeth, emitting a grinding sound.

"Damn brat, stop it! This won't work!" Sensing Wang Chen's pain and knowing that this attempt would likely fail, Ling Zhan shouted in frustration.

Forcing himself to continue would only cause harm, and if it was severe, it could damage his meridians, which would be a serious problem.

Taking a step forward, he extended his hand to stop Wang Chen from continuing. But just as he reached out, he felt a surge of energy, a powerful mental energy.

This sensation made Ling Zhan pause, his hand hovering in the air, his face changing several times before he slowly retracted it.

That was Wang Chen's indomitable will, his unyielding spirit!

"Fine, let you finish!" Thinking of Wang Chen's burden and his determined gaze, Ling Zhan relented. It was the first time in many years that he had done so.

"No, I can't give up. I must succeed. I can't be defeated by this failure. I've endured so much, come so far. Am I going to give up now?" At this moment, feeling a bit of exhaustion, Wang Chen roared in his heart, unwilling to give up.

Gritting his teeth, he launched his final attack. At this moment, all his true essence energy was concentrated in one area, and he used all his strength, as if expending all his life force in one final push.

Seemingly sensing Wang Chen's anger and determination, the true essence energy surged forward like a spear, launching an absolute assault on the barrier.

When the true essence energy touched the barrier, it felt like an endless sea, soft and yielding, making it difficult to exert force.

The true essence energy advanced step by step, inch by inch, shaking the barrier. Despite the immense pain, Wang Chen endured, pushing aside the feeling of exhaustion, leaving only a resolute heart.

A millimeter at a time, a millimeter at a time, the process was long and arduous.

"Boom..."

Finally, after an unknown amount of time, a loud explosion echoed, and the world gradually fell silent.

Just like the last time he broke through to the fourth stage of Body Tempering, everything came and went quickly, as if nothing had happened.

But Wang Chen could clearly feel the change. The world before him brightened, becoming vivid.

Feeling weak all over, he could clearly sense his strength returning rapidly, and the true essence energy that had been depleted was recovering at an alarming rate!

External essence energy flowed rapidly into his body through his mouth and nose, replenishing his meridians, gradually filling him up.

After a long time, Wang Chen slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, opened his eyes, and a sharp gaze flashed in the dimly lit cave, like a bright saber.

He had successfully reached the fifth stage of Body Tempering.

"Damn brat, do you know how dangerous that was?!" Seeing the young man open his eyes, the translucent figure beside him asked angrily.

"Is there anything wrong?" He then asked with concern, leaning in to examine him carefully, afraid of any problems.

"No, just a bit tired!" Seeing Ling Zhan's actions, a warm feeling spread through Wang Chen's heart. How long had it been since he had felt such care and concern?

"Damn brat, if you do this again, I'll show you what I can do!" Confirming that Wang Chen was fine, Ling Zhan let out a sigh of relief and then started scolding him. Wang Chen was his only hope now.

But after the worry came deep pride and satisfaction.

It had been only a little over ten days since Wang Chen reached the fourth stage of Body Tempering. In just over ten days, he had advanced to the peak of the fourth stage and, today, had miraculously broken through the barrier to the fifth stage of Body Tempering, much to Ling Zhan's surprise.

Such talent was rare, and if others knew about his cultivation speed, the Qingfeng City would go into a frenzy. Advancing two stages in a month was hard to believe.

Of course, more importantly, it was his resolute heart and unwavering belief. In the path of martial arts, many geniuses had fallen because they lost their way and their beliefs. Such a belief was more important than anything.

"Fifth stage of Body Tempering!" Feeling the abundant true essence energy in his body, Wang Chen muttered to himself. He did not show the expected excitement but clenched his fists and muttered.

His gaze, sharp as a blade, swept through every corner, filled with determination: "Tomorrow is the registration day for the clan competition!"

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