Volume 14
The shadow of the Obsidian Root Palace loomed over Lin Feng and Caiyi as they stepped into the inner sanctum. The air was thick with a sinister energy that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat. The walls were lined with black crystals, absorbing the light from Lin Feng's First Bloom instead of reflecting it.
"Creepy," Lin Feng muttered. "I feel like we're walking inside someone's evil stomach."
Caiyi scowled. "Focus. We don't know what traps await us."
The Peach Spirit's voice resonated in Lin Feng's mind: Host, the Inner Sanctum holds secrets of cultivation long lost. You must tread carefully; one wrong step could trigger the palace's defenses.
A distant clang echoed, and shadowy figures appeared from the walls, guardians formed entirely of condensed darkness. Their eyes glowed like dying embers.
"Not again," Lin Feng groaned, raising his sword. Petals erupted around him, forming protective barrier.
Caiyi moved alongside him, slicing through the first wave of guardians. Lin Feng followed, letting the First Bloom guide his strikes. Unlike before, he could now control the petals with precision, slicing through shadows with elegant arcs instead of chaotic bursts.
As the last guardian fell, the walls of the inner sanctum shifted, revealing a hidden chamber. Inside, a pedestal held an obsidian orb pulsating with dark energy.
"The Core Artifact…" Elder Mo's voice echoed in Lin Feng's memory. "That orb contains the knowledge and power of the Obsidian Root Palace itself. Whoever controls it can dominate all the shadows within."
Lin Feng stepped closer, feeling the orb's pull. The Peach Spirit whispered urgently: Host, do not touch recklessly. The orb is alive; it tests the soul.
Caiyi's hand rested on his shoulder. "We have to be smart about this. You're the host now—let the spirit guide you."
Lin Feng nodded, closing his eyes. He reached out slowly, focusing on harmonizing with the First Bloom, letting the energy flow through him rather than forcing it.
The orb trembled. A wave of dark energy rippled outward, but Lin Feng's petals flared, meeting the darkness with light. A soft voice whispered from the orb: Who dares awaken me?
Lin Feng swallowed. "I… I am Lin Feng, host of the Peach Spirit. I seek balance, not domination."
The orb's pulse softened, as if acknowledging him.
But in the shadows, Hei Xu watched silently, a grim smile on his face. "Interesting… the real test begins now."