The martial arts arena in Qingfeng Town was now a cauldron of excitement. Lin Feng's unexpected victory over Li Xuan had sent shockwaves through the crowd. The whispers had turned into animated discussions, every eye now fixed on the unassuming figure in the dark cloak. He was the dark horse, the mystery that everyone wanted to unravel.
Match after match, Lin Feng continued to shock. His opponents, mostly Qi Condensation Realm Initial Stage cultivators, found themselves helpless. Some tried to overwhelm him with speed, only to find him quicker. Others attempted to brute force their way through, only to be met by his surprisingly tough physique. And then came the touch. The moment Lin Feng's hand made contact, his opponents would flinch, their faces paling as they felt a strange draining sensation, often leading them to forfeit in confusion and weakness.
[Match 5: Lin Feng vs. Wang Qi (Qi Condensation Realm Initial Stage). Lin Feng wins! EXP +50.] [Match 8: Lin Feng vs. Li Ming (Qi Condensation Realm Initial Stage). Lin Feng wins! EXP +45.] [Match 12: Lin Feng vs. Hu Jin (Qi Condensation Realm Initial Stage). Lin Feng wins! EXP +55.]
With each victory, Lin Feng's System Panel flashed with new notifications. He wasn't just gaining experience; he was extracting. From Wang Qi, he gained Stone Manipulation (0.1) and Earth Affinity (0.05). From Li Ming, Wind Blade Technique (0.2) and Agility (0.1). From Hu Jin, Fireball Spell (0.2) and Spiritual Power (0.3).
His spiritual power steadily climbed, and his attributes subtly improved. The Cultivation Talent (0.1) he had extracted from Hu Lei seemed to accelerate his comprehension, making it easier to understand and integrate the new extracted attributes and skills.
By mid-afternoon, Lin Feng had won five consecutive matches, effortlessly advancing to the top eight. He was the undisputed star of the tournament, overshadowing even the renowned young masters of the three great families.
On the main platform, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The patriarchs of the Li and Wang families looked at Hu Tian with thinly veiled suspicion. Lin Feng, a former wretch, had just humiliated their disciples. And the Hu Family, who managed the tournament, seemed to be doing nothing to stop him.
Hu Tian's face was a thundercloud. He had initially planned for Hu Lei to "accidentally" cripple Lin Feng. But now, Lin Feng's performance was too shocking. He wasn't just winning; he was winning in a way that defied common sense, leaving his opponents weakened and bewildered. The whispers of "forbidden arts" and "demonic cultivation" were starting to spread among the crowd.
"Patriarch Hu," Patriarch Li said, his voice laced with thinly veiled accusation. "This Lin Feng... his methods are quite unusual. Are you sure he is not using some unorthodox techniques?"
Patriarch Wang chimed in, "Indeed. My disciple Wang Qi felt a strange draining sensation. This is highly suspicious."
Hu Tian forced a smile, though his eyes were cold. "Gentlemen, the tournament rules state that any method is allowed as long as it doesn't involve killing blows. Perhaps Lin Feng merely has a unique body cultivation technique, or a rare spiritual artifact that can cause such effects. We should not jump to conclusions." He knew he couldn't openly accuse Lin Feng without proof, especially since Elder Hu had vouched for his registration. But inwardly, his rage simmered.
His gaze fell upon Hu Lei, who was now scheduled for his own match in the top eight. Hu Lei's face was a mixture of fury and growing fear. He had witnessed Lin Feng's previous matches. That subtle touch, the inexplicable weakening... it was the same thing he had experienced.
"Hu Lei," Hu Tian transmitted a spiritual message to his son, his voice stern. "You are next. If you encounter Lin Feng, you must not hold back. Use everything. And if you cannot defeat him, at least force him to reveal his true capabilities. Do not let him shame our Hu Family again."
Hu Lei clenched his fists, his eyes burning with a desperate resolve. "Understood, Father. I will not disappoint you again."
The next round began. Lin Feng was scheduled for the final match of the top eight. His opponent was a young cultivator from a minor family, also at the Qi Condensation Realm Initial Stage. Lin Feng quickly dispatched him, gaining more spiritual power and a small amount of Healing Aura (0.03).
[Host: Lin Feng] [Level: 3 (EXP: 215/300)] [Cultivation: Qi Condensation Realm (Intermediate Stage)] [Spiritual Power: 110.2/200] [Attributes:]
Strength: 5
Agility: 6.1 (increased by 0.1)
Physique: 5
Spirit: 7.1 (increased by 0.1)
Cultivation Talent: 0.1
Sword Technique Comprehension: 0.2
Stone Manipulation: 0.1 (new)
Earth Affinity: 0.05 (new)
Wind Blade Technique: 0.2 (new)
Fireball Spell: 0.2 (new)
Minor Healing Attribute: 0.05
Healing Aura: 0.03 (new) [Skills:]
Flesh Reinforcement (Intermediate): Reduces 10% physical damage.
Speed Boost (Basic): Increases movement and reaction speed by 10%.
Devouring Art (Basic): Absorbs spiritual energy from all things, converts it into spiritual power. [Extracted Items:]
... (long list of extracted attributes and skills) [Synthesized Items:]
... (long list of synthesized items) [System Points: 0]
Lin Feng felt the diverse energies flowing within him. He was a walking library of abilities, constantly absorbing and refining. The System was truly evolving with every steal. He had a plethora of raw attributes and skills. Now, he needed to start synthesizing them into more potent forms.
He looked at the remaining participants. Only four remained: Lin Feng, Hu Lei, and two other cultivators from the Li and Wang families, both at the Qi Condensation Realm Intermediate Stage. The semi-finals were next.
"The semi-finals will commence after a short break!" the announcer declared.
Lin Feng closed his eyes, pretending to meditate. In reality, he was reviewing his newly acquired attributes. Stone Manipulation, Earth Affinity, Wind Blade Technique, Fireball Spell, Healing Aura. These were all basic, but they held potential.
He focused on Stone Manipulation (0.1) and Earth Affinity (0.05).
"Synthesize... Stone Manipulation and Earth Affinity!"
[Synthesizing... Success!] [Consumed: Stone Manipulation (0.1), Earth Affinity (0.05). Received: Earth Manipulation (Basic) - Allows basic control over earth and stone elements.]
A new skill appeared! Earth Manipulation (Basic). This was much more versatile than simply manipulating stones. Lin Feng felt a subtle connection to the ground beneath him.
Next, Wind Blade Technique (0.2) and Fireball Spell (0.2). These were offensive skills.
"Synthesize... Wind Blade Technique and Fireball Spell!"
[Synthesizing... Success!] [Consumed: Wind Blade Technique (0.2), Fireball Spell (0.2). Received: Elemental Fusion: Wind-Fire Blade (Basic) - A basic offensive spell combining wind and fire elements.]
Lin Feng felt a surge of elemental energy. He could now conjure a blade of wind wrapped in fire! This was a significant upgrade from simple elemental attacks.
He had one more interesting attribute: Healing Aura (0.03). It was small, but healing was always useful. He decided to synthesize it with his existing Minor Healing Attribute (0.05).
"Synthesize... Minor Healing Attribute and Healing Aura!"
[Synthesizing... Success!] [Consumed: Minor Healing Attribute (0.05), Healing Aura (0.03). Received: Self-Healing (Basic) - Allows passive, slow regeneration of minor injuries.]
A warm, soothing sensation spread through his body. A passive healing skill! This was incredibly valuable for sustained combat.
Lin Feng opened his eyes. He had just synthesized three new, powerful skills. He was ready.
"The semi-finals will now begin!" the announcer's voice boomed. "First match: Lin Feng versus Hu Lei!"
A collective gasp went through the crowd. This was the match everyone had been waiting for. The wretch versus the genius. The humiliated versus the rising star.
Hu Lei, his face a mask of cold fury and determination, stepped onto the stage. His eyes locked onto Lin Feng, hatred burning within them. He had seen Lin Feng's previous matches, and the fear had turned into a desperate resolve. He would not be humiliated again.
Lin Feng calmly walked onto the stage, his gaze meeting Hu Lei's. There was no fear, only a quiet confidence, and a predatory glint. He knew this would be his biggest test yet.