Volume 73 — The Entity's Truth
The Obsidian Root Palace surged with radiant energy, petals of the First Bloom spinning like a storm, intertwining with Lin Feng's aura, the artifact, and the hidden force. The entity hovered before him, its presence warping reality itself, resisting manipulation yet strangely… observing.
Caiyi's eyes widened. "Lin Feng… it's not attacking directly… it's… waiting, testing us. But why?"
Lin Feng's gaze was sharp, aura blazing. "Exactly. The fourth secret isn't just about power—it's about perception. This entity… it wants to be understood. Peach Spirit… help me probe its essence without aggression. We need to see its truth."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, this entity is older than the palace and even the hidden force. Its energy is a reflection of fundamental principles—balance, adaptation, and evolution. Observe carefully; one misstep could trigger catastrophe.
Lin Feng extended his hands, petals spinning faster, hidden force intertwining with the artifact's amplified energy. Streams of perception flowed outward, probing the entity's aura, reading patterns, rhythms, and subtle distortions. Slowly, the nature of the entity became clear—it was not a conqueror but a sentinel, a force that had watched civilizations rise and fall, testing those who dared to approach the pinnacle of cultivation.
Caiyi whispered, awe in her voice, "It's… a guardian… not an enemy. Its purpose isn't destruction—it's… judgment, or perhaps… guidance."
Lin Feng nodded, aura flaring. He harmonized with the entity's rhythm, merging palace currents, hidden force, and fourth secret mastery. The petals of the First Bloom spun faster, energy rippling outward, establishing a resonance with the sentinel. Subtle pulses of influence extended, aligning their auras, perceptions, and intent.
"This… is the true test of mastery," Lin Feng murmured. "Not just dominance, not just control, but understanding… connection… and alignment with forces beyond our comprehension."
The entity pulsed, aura stabilizing, its energy now almost gentle, no longer hostile but observing, acknowledging Lin Feng's resonance.
Caiyi exhaled, awe in her voice. "Lin Feng… you've reached a level beyond even the hidden force… the fourth secret… the palace itself bows to your understanding."
Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with determination. "And now… we will learn from this sentinel, unlocking the next stage of the palace and the fourth secret. A new era begins."