Volume 20 — The Core Archives Trial
Lin Feng stood before the massive obsidian door of the Core Archives, the orb hovering above him pulsing in tune with his heartbeat. The air was thick with oppressive energy, and shadows crawled along the walls like living tendrils.
"Okay… this feels like the part where everything tries to kill me at once," Lin Feng muttered, tightening his grip on his sword.
Caiyi glared at him. "Focus! The Core Archives contain knowledge and techniques that could change everything. One wrong step, and Hei Xu will make sure you regret it."
The Peach Spirit's voice resonated in his mind. Host, the door is not merely physical. It tests the harmony of your body, mind, and First Bloom. Only when fully synchronized will it open.
Lin Feng inhaled deeply. He let the First Bloom's petals swirl around him, tracing intricate patterns that mirrored his breathing. The orb above responded, pulsing in harmony with the petals. Slowly, the obsidian door trembled, black runes glowing faintly as if acknowledging his effort.
Suddenly, shadows erupted from the floor, walls, and ceiling, forming an intricate labyrinth of attacks. Lin Feng dodged, flowed, and struck in perfect harmony with the First Bloom. Every petal moved with precision, forming shields, slicing through darkness, and guiding him toward the door.
Caiyi fought alongside him, her strikes weaving through the chaos, keeping the shadows at bay. "Lin Feng! You're doing it!"
The orb pulsed violently, and Lin Feng felt an unfamiliar energy coursing through him. Memories of past training, battles, and moments with Caiyi merged in his mind. The First Bloom expanded, radiating a blinding light that cut through the labyrinth of shadows.
Yes… Host… you are ready, the Peach Spirit whispered.
With one final step, Lin Feng pressed his sword to the obsidian door. The runes flared, the door shuddered, and a burst of energy knocked both him and Caiyi back. Slowly, the massive door opened, revealing a chamber filled with glowing scrolls, ancient artifacts, and the accumulated secrets of the Obsidian Root Palace.
Hei Xu's voice echoed from above. "So… you have reached the Core Archives. Impressive—but knowledge alone will not save you from what comes next."
Lin Feng wiped blood from his lip and stood tall, petals still spinning around him. "Then we'll just have to fight smarter… and stronger."
The real trial of the Obsidian Root Palace—the convergence of knowledge, power, and destiny—had officially begun.