Xu Qingtong gazed at the Earth Milk before him, turning things over in his mind. He had remained at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage for some time, and his accumulation and consolidation were nearly sufficient. He met the conditions for attempting a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
The spiritual qi here was sparse, so by rights, this was not a suitable place to attempt a breakthrough. But he had Earth Milk and did not need to worry about spiritual qi. Besides, the place was secluded, with no outsiders to disturb him. Thus, Xu Qingtong decided to attempt his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage here.
He took the jade bottle, dripped a drop of Earth Milk into his mouth, and began refining the spiritual power within it.
Xu Qingtong distinctly felt a barrier obstructing the circulation of his spiritual power. Neither joy nor sorrow showed on his face as he kept circulating the Five Elixirs Origin Refinement Art and continued absorbing spiritual power.
Half a day passed. Xu Qingtong had finished refining that drop of Earth Milk, but there was still no sign of a breakthrough. Xizi had already returned, with three pieces of Earth-Melting Gold and five bottles of Earth Milk laid out in front.
"Master, do you have any more empty bottles?" Xizi hurriedly asked upon seeing Xu Qingtong open his eyes.
"Xizi, you're back! What? Is there more Earth Milk down there?" Xu Qingtong asked.
"Yes! Even another ten bottles might not hold it all!" Xizi replied.
Delighted, Xu Qingtong hurriedly took out a dozen or so more bottles, tied them with string, and piled them on the ground. "Xizi, take as many as you can carry. Once you've filled them, come back for more!"
After Xizi left, Xu Qingtong took out the jade