Volume 29 — Turning the Tide
The Core Archives vibrated with energy, the air thick with residual force from Hei Xu's forbidden technique. Shadows still swirled, but Lin Feng hovered at the center, petals of the First Bloom spinning like a radiant storm.
Caiyi's voice rang out, tense but hopeful: "Lin Feng… he's exhausted! This is our chance!"
Lin Feng clenched his fists. Peach Spirit… the palace is fully awakened now. We can do this. Flow with me.
Yes, Host, the Peach Spirit whispered. Now is the moment to press the advantage. Hei Xu's desperation is your weapon. Exploit it carefully and decisively.
Hei Xu's aura flickered, anger and disbelief twisting his features. "No… this cannot be! How… how can you… harness the palace itself against me?!"
With a roar, he surged forward, shadows coiling into massive, jagged forms. But Lin Feng didn't just react—he anticipated. Petals split into countless spirals, weaving between the shadows, cutting and redirecting with surgical precision. Each strike moved in perfect harmony with the palace's energy, exploiting every misstep Hei Xu made.
Caiyi fought alongside him, her movements synchronized flawlessly. "He's controlling the battlefield completely! This is… amazing!"
Lin Feng focused, letting the palace's energy amplify every strike. Hidden techniques long locked within the First Bloom emerged, petals forming complex patterns that disrupted Hei Xu's shadow forms, shattering constructs with controlled, precise arcs.
Hei Xu's eyes widened. "Impossible… my power… my shadows… they are useless against him!"
Lin Feng's voice rang clear and confident: "Your shadows are strong, Hei Xu… but your arrogance is stronger. And that's the opening we need."
The orb pulsed violently, radiating energy that merged with Lin Feng's techniques. He unleashed a final, synchronized assault—petals spinning in blinding spirals, slicing through Hei Xu's shadows and forcing the cultivator to retreat, staggering under the relentless precision.
Caiyi's eyes sparkled. "We… we've done it! We've turned the tide!"
Lin Feng hovered, petals still spinning in a radiant storm. Hei Xu's fury was palpable, but now he was on the defensive. The Obsidian Root Palace itself seemed to resonate with Lin Feng's victory, marking the beginning of a decisive shift in their battle.
The war within the Core Archives had turned—Lin Feng had seized the advantage, and Hei Xu would have to face the consequences of underestimating the palace's true power.