Volume 21 — The Hidden Power Within
The Core Archives sprawled before Lin Feng, a vast chamber lined with glowing scrolls, ancient tomes, and floating crystals that pulsed with hidden energy. Every corner seemed alive, vibrating with centuries of cultivation secrets.
Caiyi looked around, awe and caution in her eyes. "This… this is unbelievable. All this knowledge, all this power…"
Lin Feng nodded, petals of the First Bloom still spinning around him. "Yeah… but something tells me Hei Xu didn't leave this unguarded for curiosity's sake."
The Peach Spirit's voice resonated in his mind. Host, the Core Archives contain more than knowledge. There is a hidden force within the palace itself, one that Hei Xu fears. If we can awaken it, your strength will grow beyond imagination—but only if you approach with patience, control, and unity.
Lin Feng exhaled slowly, focusing. "Alright… Peach Spirit. Let's see what secrets you're hiding."
He extended his hand toward a floating crystal, and the First Bloom's petals responded, forming a spiral that connected him to the crystal's energy. The orb above pulsed in resonance, and a soft hum filled the chamber. Shadows lurking at the edges recoiled, sensing something greater awakening.
Caiyi raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't look like study… that looks like you're summoning trouble."
Lin Feng grinned. "Maybe… but I think it's the good kind of trouble."
The crystal's light flowed into him, intertwining with the First Bloom, and suddenly Lin Feng felt a surge of awareness. He could feel the palace's energy—its flow, its rhythm, its heartbeat. Every hidden trap, every shadowed guardian, every technique stored in the archives revealed itself to him as patterns in the energy.
Yes… Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, you are beginning to harmonize with the palace itself. This is the hidden power Hei Xu fears most: the unity of host, spirit, and palace.
Hei Xu's voice boomed from the shadows above. "So… the boy awakens the palace's own power. Clever—but do not think I will allow this!"
Lin Feng's eyes glowed brighter. "Then let him come. I'm ready… and so is the palace."
The chamber vibrated as if responding to his resolve. The hidden power within the Obsidian Root Palace had begun to awaken, and the true battle for dominance—and survival—was about to reach a whole new level.