Volume 35 — The First Ancient Secret
The deeper chambers of the Obsidian Root Palace pulsed with an eerie, radiant energy. Lin Feng floated through corridors lined with glowing crystals and arcane inscriptions, petals of the First Bloom spinning steadily, slicing through faint shadows that lingered even after Hei Xu's defeat.
Caiyi's voice echoed softly behind him. "Lin Feng… the energy here… it's unlike anything we've seen. I can feel it resonating with you."
Lin Feng's eyes glimmered with determination. "Exactly. Hei Xu only tapped into a fraction. These hidden layers… they contain the palace's true power. I can sense it—there's an ancient secret waiting for us, and I intend to unlock it."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, this is no ordinary power. The palace's ancient techniques are guarded by trials. Only those who understand its essence can awaken them fully.
Lin Feng moved forward, petals forming a radiant shield around him. Soon, they reached a massive chamber, its walls covered with shifting glyphs and crystalline barriers. At the center, a pedestal hovered, holding a glowing orb that pulsed in sync with Lin Feng's heartbeat.
"This must be it," Lin Feng muttered, stepping closer. "The first ancient secret of the Obsidian Root Palace."
As he reached out, the chamber shifted violently. Crystal shards erupted, forming moving barriers, while spectral constructs emerged, testing his agility, precision, and synchronization with the palace's energy.
Caiyi leapt into action, matching his movements with her sword. "These trials… they're designed to test more than strength!"
Lin Feng smiled faintly, petals spinning faster. Peach Spirit… guide me. Every move, every strike, every thought—let's sync perfectly.
The First Bloom responded, petals splitting and attacking independently, breaking through the spectral constructs and dismantling the barriers with precise energy harmonics.
Finally, the orb pulsed brightly, and the chamber fell silent. The ancient technique within the orb revealed itself—a powerful cultivation method capable of amplifying both body and spirit, resonating perfectly with the palace's hidden energy.
Lin Feng absorbed the knowledge, feeling the palace's energy deepen within him. "This… this is only the beginning," he murmured.
Caiyi's eyes widened in awe. "If this is the first secret… what else is hidden in the palace?"
Lin Feng's gaze hardened. "Whatever it is… we'll face it together. The Obsidian Root Palace is ours to explore—and to master."