Volume 51 — The First External Confrontation
The Core Archives hummed with a potent energy, the fourth secret now partially awakened within Lin Feng. Petals of the First Bloom spun like a storm, radiating insight, perception, and control over the palace's energy. Outside, the cultivators had gathered, their auras powerful and resolute, drawn by the legendary awakening of the Obsidian Root Palace's master.
Caiyi's voice broke the tense silence. "Lin Feng… they're formidable. Not just strong—they're strategic. They've come prepared for a master of the palace."
Lin Feng's gaze hardened. "Then we test the fourth secret in battle. This isn't about brute force anymore—it's about anticipation, manipulation, and mastery. Peach Spirit… let's synchronize completely."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, this is the first true external challenge since awakening the fourth secret. Use perception, control, and insight. The palace will guide you, but your intuition must lead.
The cultivators attacked in unison, a coordinated wave of energy, illusions, and shadow techniques. Yet Lin Feng's petals responded instantly, slicing through attacks, redirecting energy, and dismantling formations before they could even solidify. Every movement was guided not by reaction, but by anticipation—he could see the flow of energy and the patterns of their strategy.
Caiyi moved alongside him, striking at openings that Lin Feng revealed, their actions perfectly synchronized. "It's like the palace itself is predicting their moves!" she exclaimed.
The cultivators' leader gritted his teeth. "Impossible… he's not just defending—he's controlling the battlefield!"
Lin Feng's aura flared. Petals spun faster, energy rippling outward to manipulate the terrain subtly. Rocks shifted, currents of air changed direction, and even the enemies' attacks were subtly redirected. Every strike became a calculated counter, every defense an offensive maneuver.
"This is the true power of the fourth secret!" Lin Feng shouted. "It's not just about strength—it's about harmony, perception, and control!"
The external cultivators faltered, their coordination unraveling as Lin Feng's mastery of the fourth secret reshaped the battlefield. The First Bloom spiraled into a storm of radiant energy, signaling that the Obsidian Root Palace's true power had been unleashed—and its master was ready for any challenge that followed.