Volume 34 — Exploring the Hidden Layers
The Core Archives was quiet now, the echoes of battle fading into a distant memory. Lin Feng hovered in the center, petals of the First Bloom spinning in calm, precise arcs. The palace had recognized him as its master, yet a whisper of mystery lingered in its depths—hidden layers that even Hei Xu had feared to touch.
Caiyi looked around, awe in her eyes. "Lin Feng… I've never seen anything like this. The palace feels… alive, like it's guiding us."
Lin Feng nodded, eyes narrowing with focus. "Exactly. Hei Xu only scratched the surface. If I want to truly master the Obsidian Root Palace, I need to explore its deeper layers. There's knowledge here… power… and maybe even secrets that could reshape everything."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, the palace has more than mere energy. Its hidden layers contain ancient techniques, traps, and cultivator legacies. Proceed carefully. Some challenges may test your mind, not just your strength.
Lin Feng extended his hand, petals spinning faster, scanning the chamber. A faint glow appeared on the walls, forming arcane symbols and lines that pulsed with energy. Pathways, previously invisible, now revealed themselves, leading deeper into the heart of the palace.
Caiyi's eyes widened. "It's like it's showing you the way… or maybe testing you."
Lin Feng's lips curved into a determined smile. "A little of both, I think. But I'm ready."
He moved forward, the First Bloom spiraling in perfect harmony with his movements. Each step deeper into the palace revealed more secrets—ancient inscriptions, hidden chambers, and dormant techniques that hummed with latent energy. The Core Archives seemed to respond to his presence, walls shifting, crystals glowing, guiding him through the labyrinthine halls.
Caiyi followed, her sword at the ready. "If Hei Xu feared this place, then what's waiting for us even deeper?"
Lin Feng's gaze hardened. "Whatever it is… we face it head-on. The palace has chosen me, and I won't fail it—or us."
The hidden layers of the Obsidian Root Palace stretched ahead, full of danger, knowledge, and untapped power. Lin Feng's journey had shifted from survival to discovery, and the true depth of the palace's secrets was about to challenge everything he knew.