Volume 8 — Clash of Light and Shadow
The grove trembled beneath the collision of peach-light and obsidian darkness. Each blast cracked the air like thunder. Lin Feng's robe fluttered wildly, glowing petals circling him like a living shield.
Hei Xu planted his feet, eyes narrowing. "You have no mastery. Raw power alone cannot save you."
"That's fine!" Lin Feng shouted back. "I've survived years with zero mastery!"
Hei Xu lunged. His obsidian spear extended like a streak of night, aiming straight for Lin Feng's heart. Lin Feng panicked and swung his arms violently in a move that was definitely not a technique.
But the Peach Spirit adjusted his movement mid-air.
His arm curved elegantly, petals forming a crescent that deflected the spear with a musical chime.
Lin Feng blinked. "Did I just… block that?"
Yes, the Peach Spirit's voice echoed in his mind, gentle but urgent. But only barely. I cannot sustain this forever. You must learn to guide the flow.
"Teach me that before I die!"
Hei Xu unleashed another wave of shadow. This time, Lin Feng felt the Peach Spirit's guidance shift from pushing him to nudging, encouraging him to react himself.
His feet slid across the ground in a swirling step, peach blossoms blooming with every movement. His sword gleamed with a soft radiance.
Caiyi, still recovering, stared in awe. "He's… learning while fighting?"
Elder Mo, hiding behind a fallen tree, shouted, "That's how geniuses fight!"
"But he's not a genius!"
"That's what makes it so surprising!"
Hei Xu scowled and thrust both hands forward. Darkness condensed into a massive obsidian serpent, its jaws wide enough to swallow a house.
Lin Feng froze.
Trust the flow, the Peach Spirit whispered.
He closed his eyes—and let instinct guide him.
When he moved, it was like wind through petals: smooth, effortless, and annoyingly pretty. His blade carved a streak of shimmering peach light.
The serpent split in half and dissolved.
Hei Xu staggered. "No… This cannot be happening."
Lin Feng, breathless, pointed a trembling finger at him. "Look—I don't want to fight! I didn't choose this peach! I just wanted a snack!"
Hei Xu's aura cracked with rage. "Then perish as a fool!"
He gathered all his power into one final, world-shattering strike.
But before it landed, the Peach Spirit gasped.
Host—prepare yourself. They are not alone.
From the shadows around the grove, three more obsidian-robed figures stepped forward.
Caiyi's voice trembled. "Reinforcements…?"
Lin Feng turned pale.
The real battle was only just beginning.