Volume 32 — The Final Showdown
The Core Archives trembled as the last remnants of Hei Xu's shadow constructs fell to Lin Feng's flawless assault. Petals of the First Bloom spun around him in a radiant storm, reflecting every shard of light and shadow in the chamber. Hei Xu hovered in the center, his aura fractured and unstable, rage and disbelief burning in his eyes.
Caiyi called out, her voice firm: "Lin Feng… this is it. No holding back. End this!"
Lin Feng's grip tightened on his sword, petals forming sharp spirals that moved in perfect harmony with the palace. Peach Spirit… together, we finish this. Every ounce of energy, every hidden technique… all of it now.
Yes, Host, the Peach Spirit whispered. This is the final convergence. Hei Xu has no defenses left. Strike decisively.
Hei Xu roared, summoning a thin veil of shadows as a last desperate barrier. "I… will… not… lose! The Obsidian Root Palace is mine!"
Lin Feng's eyes glowed. "No. The palace chooses its master, Hei Xu… and that's not you."
The orb pulsed violently, the palace itself channeling its energy into Lin Feng. Petals multiplied into thousands of razor-sharp spirals, weaving through Hei Xu's final defenses with flawless precision. Each strike shattered the shadows, forcing Hei Xu to retreat step by step.
Caiyi moved alongside Lin Feng, synchronized perfectly. "You've got him! Keep pushing!"
Hei Xu's face twisted in fury. "Impossible… the palace… it obeys him?!"
Lin Feng's aura surged, petals spinning faster and brighter than ever. Hidden techniques within the First Bloom unleashed, striking at Hei Xu's core shadow, tearing apart the last barrier between them. Hei Xu staggered, his aura flickering wildly, his power crumbling under the combined force of Lin Feng and the palace.
With a final, blinding spiral of petals, Lin Feng struck decisively. Hei Xu's shadow exploded into fragments, his presence in the Core Archives shattered. The chamber fell silent, the only movement the soft glow of the First Bloom spiraling around Lin Feng.
Caiyi exhaled, eyes wide. "It's… finally over."
Lin Feng hovered, radiant petals spinning, breathing heavily but victorious. Hei Xu had been defeated, and the Obsidian Root Palace had chosen its true master. For the first time, Lin Feng could feel complete harmony with the palace—a power, a legacy, and a destiny now fully his.