Volume 17 — The Orb's Hidden Techniques
The chamber trembled as the storm of light and shadow roared around Lin Feng and Hei Xu. Every clash sent shockwaves through the palace walls. The obsidian orb floated above, pulsating in tune with Lin Feng's heartbeat, responding to his growing mastery of the First Bloom.
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, the orb has secrets—techniques beyond raw power. You must unlock them, or Hei Xu will overwhelm you.
Lin Feng gritted his teeth, focusing inward. "Okay… secrets… unlock… somehow…"
Caiyi, slicing through lingering shadows, yelled, "Lin Feng! Don't overthink—let the First Bloom flow!"
Lin Feng nodded. He closed his eyes, letting the petals swirl with intent, guiding him instead of forcing him. A strange resonance hummed through his body—a vibration he had never felt before. Suddenly, the petals arranged themselves into intricate patterns, forming a barrier and a set of razor-sharp spirals that moved independently.
"Whoa…" Lin Feng muttered. "I didn't do that… did I?"
No, host, the Peach Spirit replied. We did it together. The orb's hidden techniques respond only to unity of host and spirit.
Hei Xu's eyes widened. "What? How is he moving like that?! This… this power…!"
The shadow cultivator struck with renewed ferocity, forming multiple shadow clones that attacked simultaneously. But Lin Feng, guided by the orb, anticipated every strike. Petals spun outward, splitting and reassembling midair, cutting down the clones with precise arcs.
Caiyi gasped. "He's… controlling multiple attacks at once!"
Lin Feng felt exhilaration coursing through him. The First Bloom wasn't just energy—it was a partner, a flowing extension of himself. He raised his sword and let the orb's hidden techniques fully bloom. Petals formed a vortex, lifting him into the air, encasing him in radiant energy.
Hei Xu's jaw tightened. "Impossible! He's… adapting… faster than I can predict!"
With a shout, Lin Feng directed the energy, striking Hei Xu's shadows. The clones dissolved, the obsidian energy fractured, and the chamber was bathed in blinding light.
Lin Feng floated above the remnants, breathing hard. Peach Spirit… we did it… we unlocked the technique!
The orb pulsed gently, as if approving. But in the deepest shadow of the chamber, a faint laugh echoed.
Interesting… Hei Xu murmured. So the host awakens something new… but the game has only begun.