Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 150 Return and New Path: Embarking on the Right Track of Cultivation

With the crisis at Sunset Peak temporarily averted, Zhang Peng and his group dragged their weary bodies back to Qingfeng Sect. Along the way, everyone remained silent; the ferocity of the battle and Xia Lijuan's betrayal weighed heavily on their hearts.

Upon returning to Qingfeng Sect, Zhang Peng and the others immediately went to see Elder Xuanfeng. After hearing their story, Elder Xuanfeng's expression became extremely solemn. He looked at Xia Lijuan, who had her head bowed, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Xia Lijuan, your betrayal is unforgivable, but considering that you showed some remorse at the end, I will imprison you for now and make a decision later."

Xia Lijuan nodded silently, her eyes filled with tears of regret. Zhang Peng looked at her, his heart filled with mixed emotions. His former partner had now gone down different paths, and the capriciousness of fate filled him with deep感慨 (gǎnkǎi - mixed feelings).

After dealing with Xia Lijuan's matter, Elder Xuanfeng turned his gaze to Zhang Peng: "Zhang Peng, after this series of battles, you should take some time to reflect and improve your cultivation level. The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind."

Zhang Peng wholeheartedly agreed. He recalled his journey, how he had overcome numerous crises with the help of the four divine artifacts and his companions, but his own cultivation level had not seen systematic improvement. He decided to follow Elder Xuanfeng's advice and go into seclusion to cultivate.

In a secluded chamber of Qingfeng Sect, Zhang Peng began his cultivation journey. He recalled when he first embarked on the path of cultivation, he was merely a novice cultivator just entering the Qi Refining stage, filled with curiosity and longing for everything in the cultivation world. After countless battles and adventures, although his strength had greatly improved, his cultivation realm had not made any substantial breakthrough.

Zhang Peng calmed himself down and carefully sensed the spiritual energy within his body. He discovered that after confronting various powerful forces, his spiritual energy had become more abundant, but somewhat chaotic. He knew that to break through to a higher realm, he must first organize and integrate this spiritual energy.

He circulated the five elements' spiritual power, following the principles of mutual generation and restraint among them, allowing the five elements to blend together. Initially, the five elements repelled each other, attempting to break free from his control. Zhang Peng gritted his teeth, concentrated his mind, and with his tenacious willpower, gradually guided them to coexist harmoniously. As the five elements' spiritual power merged, he felt the power within his body become more stable, and a warm current flowed through his meridians.

Next, he infused the Thunder Pearl with its thunderous power. The thunderous power was incredibly violent, causing a violent tremor the moment it entered his body. Zhang Peng's body trembled slightly, and his forehead was covered in sweat. But he did not back down. Instead, he used the power of the Hourglass of Time to slow down the impact of the thunderous power, while simultaneously using the power of the Fountain of Life to nourish his body and repair his damaged meridians.

As these four forces gradually merged, Zhang Peng felt as if he had touched a completely new threshold. His senses became sharper, everything around him became crystal clear, and he could even hear the rustling of leaves outside the secret chamber.

However, the breakthrough process was not smooth sailing. Just as he was about to break through the Qi Refining stage and enter the Foundation Establishment stage, a powerful resistance suddenly appeared. This resistance seemed to come from the fear and confusion deep within his heart, causing his mind to waver.

Zhang Peng knew all too well that this was the inner demon he was facing when breaking through to a higher realm. He closed his eyes, recalling every step of his journey, the life-and-death moments he had shared with his companions, and his original aspiration to protect the cultivation world. These memories, like warm sunshine, dispelled the gloom in his heart.

"I can't give up!" Zhang Peng roared in his heart. He concentrated all his spirit and strength and launched a final assault on that threshold of realm.

With a loud bang, Zhang Peng felt a qualitative change in the power within his body. He had successfully broken through the Qi Refining stage and entered the Foundation Establishment stage. A powerful force surged from his body, making him feel lighter and his spiritual energy flow more smoothly.

Zhang Peng slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with excitement. He knew this was just the beginning; the path of cultivation was long, and many more challenges awaited him.

When he stepped out of the secret room, Li Ming, Lin Wan'er, and the others were already waiting outside. Upon seeing Zhang Peng emerge, they all crowded around him.

"Zhang Peng, you've broken through?" Li Ming asked excitedly.

Zhang Peng smiled and nodded: "Yes, you have successfully entered the Foundation Establishment stage."

Lin Wan'er's eyes were filled with joy and admiration: "Zhang Peng, you're amazing!"

Su Yao, Liu Ruyan, and Shen Yue also offered their blessings. Looking at his companions, Zhang Peng felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead, as long as they were together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.