Volume 24
The chamber quaked under the combined might of Lin Feng and Hei Xu. Shadows swirled violently around the Core Archives, meeting the radiant storm of the First Bloom. Every corner seemed alive, energy thrumming like a heartbeat in harmony with Lin Feng's own.
Caiyi braced herself, sword raised. "Lin Feng… he's hitting harder than before. Are you sure we can handle this?"
Lin Feng's eyes glowed brightly, petals spinning at an incredible speed. "We don't just handle this—we control it. The palace's energy flows through me now. I can do this."
Yes, Host, the Peach Spirit whispered. The palace responds to your will. Merge with it fully, and you can overcome even Hei Xu's strongest attacks.
Hei Xu roared, forming a massive shadow storm that twisted and surged like a living tempest. "You think the palace makes you invincible? Pathetic!"
Lin Feng's First Bloom flared in response, petals splitting into dozens of spirals, moving independently yet perfectly harmonized. He dove into the storm, slicing through shadows with arcs of radiant energy, petals forming barriers and razors that deflected Hei Xu's strikes.
Caiyi followed his lead, her movements synchronized perfectly with his. "This… it's like you're part of the palace now!"
Lin Feng grinned, flowing with the energy. Peach Spirit… all of it… guide me!
The orb above pulsed violently, responding to his command. Hidden techniques surged outward—spirals, barriers, and strikes flowing seamlessly, anticipating Hei Xu's every move. The chamber trembled as light and shadow collided, the very walls cracking under the intensity.
Hei Xu's eyes widened. "Impossible… how can he control the palace's energy so perfectly?!"
Lin Feng focused entirely, letting the palace's flow integrate with his own, creating a storm of petals so powerful it radiated pure energy. He struck at Hei Xu's core shadow, slicing through the tempest and forcing the cultivator to retreat.
The chamber fell silent, echoes of the battle lingering. Lin Feng hovered, breathing hard, petals still spinning. The palace had responded, unlocking a new level of power within him.
Caiyi exhaled. "We… actually did it. But I have a feeling Hei Xu won't give up that easily."
Lin Feng's gaze hardened. "Then we'll just have to push even further. The palace and I—we're only getting started."
The next stage of the battle was coming, and Lin Feng's mastery of the palace's hidden energy would be put to the ultimate test.