Five-Element Dao Foundation, Attain the Cosmic Cycle Wheel!

Inside the Underground Palace, the atmosphere had grown oppressive to the extreme.

When the Mountain God staggered violently, the hearts of the cultivators, already on the verge of collapse, sank even further.

They had no idea what was happening outside. They only felt that their seemingly indestructible shelter was slipping out of control.

"Can it not hold on anymore...?"

"Our spiritual power is almost exhausted. It's a dead end after all."

Many faces turned ashen. Some had even let their hands fall from the formation patterns and slumped to the ground, waiting for the final judgment.

Yet those at the very heart of the Sacrificial Altar had no choice but to force themselves to stay alert.

Xia Xing, in particular, stood half a step behind Chu Bai, his hands braced hard against the formation hub. He was the vital link between Chu Bai and the spiritual power of the thousand cultivators behind them.

Even if everyone else gave up, he could not pull away. If he did, the torrent of spiritual power would instantly recoil and smash Chu Bai to pieces.

"Fellow Daoist Chu! Hold steady! If you lose control too, this ship really will capsize!"

Xia Xing roared through clenched teeth, trying to rouse Chu Bai from the strange state he seemed to have fallen into.

Chu Bai's eyes were shut tight. An unnatural flush covered his skin, and scalding white vapor rose from the crown of his head, shrouding him in a hazy mist.

He seemed unable to hear anything outside. He simply breathed in and out, mechanically—greedily, even.

Inhale—exhale—

Every breath came with a low rumble like thunder.

At first, Xia Xing thought Chu Bai was burning through his life force to keep the divine body moving. His heart ached with sorrow and pity.

But gradually, he