Volume 12 — Infiltrating the Obsidian Root Palace
Lin Feng and Caiyi stood at the edge of a cliff, staring down at the Obsidian Root Palace. It sprawled like a blackened fortress, towers twisting skyward and surrounded by dark clouds that seemed to swallow the sunlight.
"Wow…" Lin Feng whispered. "It's… kind of cozy."
Caiyi smacked his shoulder. "Cozy?! That looks like a death trap!"
The Peach Spirit's voice resonated in Lin Feng's mind. Host, the palace is heavily guarded. Many cultivators there are powerful beyond your current level. You must rely on agility, deception, and the flow of your First Bloom.
"I rely on all three already," Lin Feng said. "Mostly the last one, sometimes the second, rarely the first."
Caiyi groaned. "You're ridiculous."
The two descended into the palace's shadow, slipping past obsidian sentries who seemed to anticipate every move. Lin Feng let the First Bloom guide him, petals spiraling like a cloak of light, masking their presence.
Inside, the palace was a labyrinth of dark halls and shadowed courtyards. Lin Feng's heart pounded with adrenaline and fear. "Why do I get the feeling we're being watched?"
"Because we are," Caiyi said sharply. "Focus!"
Suddenly, a group of elite Obsidian cultivators emerged, surrounding them. Hei Xu had returned, his eyes glowing with deadly intent. "So you've come," he said. "You think your First Bloom can save you here?"
Lin Feng gulped. "Well… it better, because I didn't bring a plan B."
The battle erupted. Obsidian energy clashed against Lin Feng's peach-light petals. He dodged, flowed, and countered, gradually learning to harmonize with the First Bloom. Each swing of his sword became more precise, petals spinning faster, illuminating the shadowed courtyard.
Caiyi fought beside him, her strikes cutting through enemy defenses like a gale. Together, they became a whirlwind of light and motion.
Hei Xu gritted his teeth. "Impressive… but not enough." He summoned a shadow beast, massive and writhing, eyes burning with hatred.
Lin Feng tightened his grip on his sword, petals flaring outward. Peach Spirit… guide me. I won't fail.
As the beast lunged, Lin Feng's First Bloom reached full synchronization for the first time. His aura exploded, enveloping the courtyard in radiant energy. The fight for the palace had truly begun.