Volume 27 — Hei Xu's Desperate Gamble
The Core Archives trembled as Lin Feng pressed his advantage. Petals of the First Bloom spun with unmatched precision, slicing through shadows and intercepting Hei Xu's assaults with ease. The palace itself seemed to resonate with his every move, amplifying speed, power, and perception.
Caiyi shouted, "Lin Feng! He's still coming at full force! Don't underestimate him!"
Lin Feng gritted his teeth, eyes glowing bright. "I know. But I've learned his rhythm. I can anticipate his moves now. The palace and I—we're in sync!"
Yes, Host, the Peach Spirit whispered. Now is the time to exploit his desperation. But beware—desperation can make a cultivator unpredictable.
Hei Xu's aura darkened to its maximum intensity. Shadows stretched, coiling into massive serpentine forms, and energy pulses erupted from the ground, walls, and ceiling. "You think you've won? Pathetic!" he roared. "If I cannot defeat you with skill, then I will crush you with sheer chaos!"
Without warning, Hei Xu unleashed a barrage of shadow spikes, each moving independently, each guided by his will. The Core Archives shook violently. Lin Feng's petals flared, forming spinning shields and counter-strikes, but even with the palace's energy, some spikes grazed him, leaving shallow cuts.
Caiyi gasped. "He's… he's pushing everything he's got!"
Lin Feng clenched his jaw. Peach Spirit… now!
The orb pulsed violently. Lin Feng harmonized fully with the palace, extending the hidden energy of the Core Archives into the First Bloom. Petals multiplied, forming a radiant storm that moved as extensions of his own will, anticipating every shadow strike. He weaved through Hei Xu's chaos, exploiting the tiniest openings with deadly precision.
Hei Xu's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible… how can he counter all of this?!"
Lin Feng's voice rang with determination. "Because I'm not fighting alone anymore. The palace, the First Bloom, and I—we're united!"
The Core Archives trembled as petals and shadows collided in a blinding explosion of energy. Hei Xu staggered back, for the first time on the defensive, his aura faltering under the relentless, precise assault.
Caiyi smiled, breathing heavily. "We're turning the tide… he's faltering!"
Lin Feng hovered, radiant petals spinning like a storm, ready to escalate his offensive even further. Hei Xu's desperate gamble had failed—the boy had adapted, and now the real battle for the Obsidian Root Palace had truly begun.