Volume 10 — The First Bloom's Trial
The grove was bathed in radiant peach light. Lin Feng hovered above the ground, petals spinning around him like a living storm. Hei Xu and the three obsidian warriors recoiled, shielding their eyes.
"I… feel… weird," Lin Feng muttered, gripping his sword. His limbs buzzed with new power, yet his head spun from the sheer intensity.
The Peach Spirit's voice echoed inside him. Host, this is the First Bloom. Master it, or the power will consume you.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Lin Feng said, completely unconvincing.
Caiyi staggered to her feet, eyes wide. "Lin Feng… your aura… it's magnificent!"
Hei Xu recovered first, narrowing his glowing eyes. "Do not let raw power blind you, boy. You are strong—but strength alone cannot save you."
With a roar, he surged forward, darkness condensing into twin obsidian dragons. The ground cracked under their weight.
Lin Feng's body reacted instinctively. Petals formed a spinning shield, deflecting the crushing blows. Every motion flowed, perfectly synchronized with the Peach Spirit's energy.
Move with me… the spirit whispered. Feel the energy, do not fight it.
Lin Feng's fear melted into focus. His sword glowed, tracing elegant arcs as he countered Hei Xu's assault. With every swing, petals exploded outward, blinding and slashing, cutting through shadow like sunlight through fog.
The obsidian dragons shrieked and dissolved into fragments of darkness. The other three warriors attacked together, but Lin Feng's First Bloom erupted again. Petals wrapped around them, restraining and immobilizing their movements.
Caiyi, inspired, leapt forward to help, slicing shadows that tried to break free.
Hei Xu roared in frustration. "Impossible! How can a child wield such power?"
Lin Feng's body glowed brighter, his confidence growing. "Not a child! And not just power! This… is teamwork!"
The Peach Spirit laughed softly. Yes, Host. Trust yourself. Trust the flow.
Hei Xu recoiled, realizing brute force alone would not win. He glanced at his subordinates—defeated, restrained, and terrified.
Lin Feng took a deep breath, feeling the First Bloom's energy harmonize fully with his body. The grove shimmered, petals drifting like snow.
"I… I can do this," he said quietly.
Hei Xu's eyes darkened. "Then show me… everything."
The true trial of the First Bloom—and of Lin Feng's journey—had only begun.