Volume 16 — Hei Xu's Challenge
The chamber shook violently as Lin Feng faced Hei Xu. Darkness and peach-light clashed in an unstoppable storm, swirling around the obsidian orb. Every pulse of the orb sent ripples through the room, amplifying Lin Feng's First Bloom and Hei Xu's shadow power alike.
Lin Feng gritted his teeth, gripping his sword tighter. "Alright… time to see if all this practice actually works!"
Caiyi braced herself behind him. "Lin Feng, remember—use the flow! Don't let him dictate your moves!"
Hei Xu's eyes burned like coals. "You've grown, little host, but you're still naïve. The First Bloom cannot protect you from everything!"
With a roar, Hei Xu lunged, striking with shadows so dense they swallowed the floor. Lin Feng responded instinctively, petals spinning, weaving a protective barrier around himself and Caiyi. The petals deflected the attack but were shredded at the edges.
Peach Spirit, I need more! Lin Feng cried internally. Guide me!
Flow with me, host, the spirit replied. Feel the rhythm, anticipate, don't resist.
Lin Feng inhaled, letting the First Bloom move through him, not just around him. His movements became fluid, elegant, almost like dancing in midair. Petals flared and struck Hei Xu's shadows with precision, forcing the darkness to recoil.
Hei Xu's expression darkened. "Clever… but strength without understanding is meaningless!"
Lin Feng shook off fear and nodded to the Peach Spirit. "Then I'll understand! I'll master this now!"
The orb pulsed wildly, responding to Lin Feng's determination. Peach-light surged, fusing with Lin Feng's strikes, creating arcs of energy that cut through Hei Xu's attacks. The chamber shuddered as petals and shadows collided, sparks of light exploding with each clash.
Caiyi leapt into the fray, her sword harmonizing with Lin Feng's energy. Together, they created a dual whirlwind of light and steel, pushing Hei Xu back step by step.
Hei Xu snarled, summoning a massive wave of obsidian energy. Lin Feng inhaled, closing his eyes, and focused fully on the flow. The First Bloom blazed around him, petals spiraling into a storm of radiant precision.
The wave met the storm—and for a moment, everything froze.
The balance between light and shadow had been tested. The true power of the First Bloom—and Lin Feng's potential—was awakening.