The ancient carriage wheels creaked rhythmically against the stone road as Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue journeyed toward the Kingdom of Light. The landscape unfolded like a celestial painting—towering mountains piercing through misty clouds, rivers flowing with spiritual energy visible to Lin Feng's dragon-enhanced vision. The sun hung low in the western sky, casting golden rays that illuminated the spirit herbs growing wild along the roadside.
Xia Qingyue sat beside Lin Feng, her cyan hair catching the fading sunlight like strands of moonstone silk. Her delicate hands rested in her lap, and a contented smile played on her lips. The transformation in her was profound—where once stood a yandere girl obsessed with Long Tian, now walked a confident cultivator with fire in her soul and newfound purpose in her heart.
Lin Feng watched her with satisfaction, his crimson eyes gleaming with the power of the Void Emperor's inheritance. He could feel the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within his consciousness spinning steadily, absorbing the golden threads of destiny that had once connected Xia Qingyue to Long Tian's fate. With each passing moment, his strength increased while Long Tian's heavenly fortune weakened.
The journey to becoming the strongest cultivator under heaven continues, Lin Feng thought, his cultivation base humming with power. And I walk this path with my own two feet, without relying on any cheat system or divine blessing.
As they crossed the border into the Kingdom of Light, the spiritual energy of the land changed. The ambient Qi grew denser, richer, carrying the essence of ancient cultivation legacies. Lin Feng felt his meridians expand slightly in response, his body instinctively adapting to the new environment.
"The Kingdom of Light has always been our rival," Xia Qingyue said softly, her voice carrying the wisdom of one who had studied the histories. "Their cultivation techniques focus on light and purity, while ours emphasize versatility and adaptability. This tension between our cultivation paths has created conflict for centuries."
Lin Feng nodded, his strategic mind already calculating the advantages of this situation. "Perfect. In times of tension, opportunities for advancement multiply. The chaos will conceal our movements while we seek the herbs Parul requires."
Xia Qingyue tilted her head, studying his profile. "Husband, I notice you've avoided speaking of Parul since our departure. What are your true intentions regarding the Mission Hall daughter?"
Lin Feng's expression remained calm, though internally he marveled at her perceptiveness. The dragon bloodline had not only enhanced his strength but had clearly awakened something within her as well. "Parul serves a purpose in my plan, my dear. She is a piece on the cultivation board, one that Long Tian covets. By controlling her fate, I control a portion of his heavenly fortune."
He placed a hand over hers, allowing a thread of spiritual energy to flow between them. "But you need not worry. Unlike those who would use women as mere stepping stones, I value you for who you are. Your strength, your loyalty, your fire—these are the qualities that make you worthy of standing at my side as we ascend the cultivation path."
Xia Qingyue's eyes shone with emotion. "I believe you. And I will prove myself worthy of your trust and affection."
The carriage continued its journey as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold. Lin Feng could feel the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within him responding to the changing environment, its nine petals representing the fundamental elements of the universe rotating in harmony with the celestial rhythms.
This world operates on different principles than Earth, Lin Feng reflected. Power isn't merely about wealth or influence—it's about cultivation, resources, and connections to the Heavenly Dao itself.
As darkness fell, they arrived at the capital city of the Kingdom of Light. Unlike the Azure Dragon Sect's city with its spiritual stone streets and protective formations, this metropolis gleamed with a different kind of power. Buildings carved from white jade rose toward the heavens, their surfaces adorned with light-based talismans that pulsed with gentle radiance. The air hummed with spiritual energy, but it carried a purity and clarity that differed from the versatile Qi of their homeland.
"The Radiant City," Xia Qingyue whispered in awe. "I've only heard of it in legends. They say the first emperor of this kingdom cultivated beneath a celestial star, absorbing its essence to create a new cultivation path."
Lin Feng nodded, his dragon eyes scanning the city with enhanced perception. "Indeed. And that star's legacy still lingers in their cultivation techniques. But remember, my dear—we are not here to admire their beauty. We have a mission to complete."
They secured lodging at a modest inn on the outskirts of the city—a strategic choice that would allow them to move freely without drawing attention. The innkeeper, an elderly cultivator with a withered left arm, greeted them with cautious respect.
"Travelers from the Azure Dragon territory," he observed, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Your Qi signatures are unmistakable. What brings you to our humble establishment?"
Lin Feng smiled warmly, his cultivation base subtly radiating enough power to command respect without threatening the old man. "We seek rare herbs in the Restricted Forest. The Mission Hall in our city has tasked us with retrieving black-tailed wild grass and red ginseng for an ancient elixir recipe."
The innkeeper's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Restricted Forest is no place for young cultivators. Even our most experienced experts tread carefully there. The spirit beasts within have evolved under the light of countless celestial phenomena, their powers far exceeding those of ordinary creatures."
Lin Feng's smile widened. "We are aware of the dangers. But necessity drives us forward. Perhaps you could recommend a guide who knows the forest well?"
The old man studied them for a long moment before nodding slowly. "There is someone... Lady Rose, daughter of the Light Kingdom's Guild Master. She has spent years exploring the Restricted Forest, mapping its treasures and dangers. But she is not easily swayed to assist outsiders."
Lin Feng's heart quickened. Rose—Hua Lingwei's elder sister. Another piece of Long Tian's potential harem, waiting to be claimed. "We would be grateful for an introduction. Our resources are limited, but we offer fair compensation for her expertise."
The innkeeper considered their request. "Very well. I will send a message to Lady Rose. But be warned—young cultivators often enter the Restricted Forest, but few return unchanged. The forest tests not just your cultivation, but your spirit and will."
The next morning, Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue waited in the inn's courtyard, where spirit cherry trees bloomed with petals that glowed faintly in the morning light. The air carried the scent of spiritual herbs and morning dew, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that belied the tension of their mission.
Xia Qingyue practiced her fire cultivation techniques, small flames dancing across her fingertips with newfound control. The dragon bloodline had enhanced her abilities, allowing her to manipulate the Blue Phoenix Flame Technique with precision that would have taken years of dedicated practice.
Lin Feng observed her progress with satisfaction. "Your control improves daily. With time, you will master all nine elements of the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus."
Xia Qingyue smiled, her sapphire eyes sparkling with determination. "I will not disappoint you, husband. Every day, I grow stronger because of your guidance."
Before Lin Feng could respond, the courtyard gates opened to reveal a figure that commanded attention. Lady Rose approached with the grace of a celestial maiden, her jet-black hair flowing like a midnight river down to the floor. Her face was round as the moon, her skin white as the purest jade, and her body moved with a maturity and charm that made countless male cultivators lose their souls.
Another disaster-level beauty, Lin Feng noted inwardly. The Heavenly Dao itself seems to favor Long Tian, placing exquisite maidens in his path wherever he goes.
Rose's eyes scanned the courtyard before settling on Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue. Her gaze lingered on Lin Feng, a flicker of recognition in her depths. "You are the cultivators seeking my guidance in the Restricted Forest," she stated, her voice smooth as honey.
Lin Feng bowed respectfully. "I am Lin Feng, and this is my companion Xia Qingyue. We come from the Azure Dragon Sect's territory, seeking your expertise in navigating the Restricted Forest."
Rose's expression remained neutral, though Lin Feng could sense the calculation in her eyes. "The innkeeper mentioned you seek black-tailed wild grass and red ginseng. These are not common herbs—they carry the essence of ancient celestial phenomena. What purpose could such rare treasures serve in your homeland?"
Lin Feng maintained his calm demeanor. "The Mission Hall requires them for an ancient elixir recipe. I was told only someone with your knowledge of the Restricted Forest could guide us to their locations."
A subtle change occurred in Rose's expression—a tightening of her lips, a flicker in her eyes. Lin Feng's dragon-enhanced perception caught the shift immediately. She knows where these herbs grow. But she's testing us, determining whether we're worthy of her assistance.
Xia Qingyue stepped forward, her fire cultivation base subtly flaring. "We understand the value of what we seek, Lady Rose. We offer fair compensation and our gratitude for your guidance."
Rose studied Xia Qingyue for a moment before turning back to Lin Feng. "Very well. I will guide you to the herbs. But there will be a price beyond mere spirit stones. The Restricted Forest demands respect from those who would harvest its treasures."
"What price?" Lin Feng asked, his voice steady despite the excitement building within him. This is it—the moment to begin my manipulation of another piece of Long Tian's fortune.
Rose's smile was enigmatic. "That will be revealed when we reach the heart of the forest. For now, prepare yourselves. We depart at noon, when the celestial energies are most favorable for spiritual navigation."
As Rose turned to leave, Lin Feng noticed a small jade slip fall from her sleeve. With a swift movement, he retrieved it before anyone could see. The slip contained coordinates and markings that matched perfectly with the map from the Void Emperor's inheritance—a hidden location deep within the Restricted Forest where ancient treasures were said to lie.
The Heavenly Dao continues to guide my steps, Lin Feng thought with satisfaction. Even as I steal Long Tian's luck, fate itself opens new paths before me.
The journey to the Restricted Forest took half a day. Rose led them along ancient spirit paths that only those with her cultivation level could perceive. The forest itself was unlike anything Lin Feng had ever seen—towering trees with bark that shimmered with spiritual light, flowers that bloomed only under moonlight, and creatures that moved between dimensions with ease.
"This is no ordinary forest," Lin Feng observed as they walked. "The spatial energy here is unstable, creating pockets where time flows differently."
Rose nodded, impressed despite herself. "Few outsiders recognize this so quickly. The Restricted Forest exists between worlds, sustained by the collision of cosmic energies. Only those with pure intentions can navigate its depths safely."
Xia Qingyue looked around with wide eyes. "I can feel the spiritual energy here—it's unlike anything in our homeland. The Qi carries the essence of stars and celestial bodies."
Lin Feng smiled inwardly. She learns quickly. With time, she will become a true cultivator, not just a pawn in my game.
As they ventured deeper, the forest grew increasingly mystical. Spirit beasts of various levels observed them from a distance, their eyes gleaming with ancient intelligence. Rose moved with confidence, her cultivation base radiating a protective aura that kept the more dangerous creatures at bay.
After several hours of travel, they reached a clearing where two distinct plants grew—one with black-tipped leaves that seemed to absorb light, the other with crimson roots that pulsed with inner fire.
"The black-tailed wild grass and red ginseng," Rose announced. "Harvest them carefully. Their spiritual essences are delicate and easily damaged."
Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue worked efficiently, using specialized harvesting techniques that preserved the herbs' medicinal properties. Lin Feng could feel the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within him responding to the celestial energy of the plants, its rotation speeding slightly as it absorbed ambient luck.
Once the harvest was complete, Rose led them to a small spring where the water glowed with spiritual light. "This is the Celestial Dew Spring," she explained. "Its waters can cleanse impurities from the body and enhance cultivation techniques. Drink deeply, for we face greater challenges ahead."
As they rested by the spring, Lin Feng studied Rose with new intensity. Her cultivation base was strong—nearing the peak of Qi Condensation—but it was her spiritual sense that intrigued him most. She moved through the forest with an instinctive understanding of its rhythms, as if she had formed a bond with the land itself.
"You have a deep connection to this place," Lin Feng observed. "Few cultivators achieve such harmony with their environment so young."
Rose's expression softened slightly. "I was raised here, taught by masters who understood the language of the forest. They say the first emperors of our kingdom didn't conquer the land—they listened to it, learned from it, became one with it."
Lin Feng nodded. "True strength comes not from domination, but from harmony. This wisdom is often lost in our cultivation world."
Rose studied him carefully. "You speak like one who has seen beyond the ordinary paths of cultivation. What is your true purpose here, Lin Feng? The herbs you seek are but a small part of what this forest offers."
Lin Feng met her gaze directly. "I seek strength—not just for myself, but for those I protect. In our world, power determines destiny. I will not allow those I care for to become victims of others' ambitions."
Xia Qingyue placed a hand on his arm, her eyes shining with devotion. "Lin Feng has shown me a new path—one where I am valued for who I am, not for what others expect me to be."
Rose's expression shifted again, a flicker of something like recognition in her eyes. "You remind me of someone I once knew—a cultivator who refused to follow the path laid out for him, who forged his own destiny despite the heavens' opposition."
Lin Feng smiled. "Perhaps our paths were meant to cross, Lady Rose. The cultivation world is vast, but destiny has a way of bringing together those who share similar hearts."
Rose stood suddenly, her expression returning to its neutral mask. "We should continue. There is one more place I wish to show you—a location where the boundaries between worlds grow thin. It is said that those who meditate there can glimpse their true destinies."
Lin Feng's heart quickened. The location marked on the jade slip—the place where ancient treasures lie hidden. "Lead the way."
The path grew increasingly treacherous as they approached Rose's destination. Ancient formations hummed with protective energy, their runes glowing with celestial light. Lin Feng could feel the spatial distortions intensifying, the air vibrating with power that would have shattered ordinary cultivators.
"This place is forbidden to most," Rose explained. "Only those with pure hearts and strong wills can pass through the protective formations. Many have tried; few have succeeded."
Lin Feng activated his dragon bloodline, his senses enhancing to perceive the subtle fluctuations in the spiritual energy around them. He could see the threads of fate weaving through the formations, the golden strands of heavenly luck that had guided countless cultivators to this sacred site.
"I can lead us through," he said quietly. "My cultivation technique allows me to perceive the spiritual pathways others cannot see."
Rose studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But remember—what lies beyond these formations is not merely treasure. It is truth. And truth can be more dangerous than any spirit beast."
Lin Feng took Xia Qingyue's hand, his spiritual energy flowing through both of them to create a protective barrier. "Stay close. The formations will test our resolve, but together we can overcome any obstacle."
As they passed through the ancient barriers, Lin Feng felt a profound shift in the spiritual energy around them. This was no ordinary location—it was a nexus of cosmic power, where the boundaries between cultivation realms grew thin. The air hummed with potential, the ground pulsed with ancient energy, and the sky above shimmered with starlight even at midday.
At the heart of this sacred space stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested three objects that glowed with inner light—a ring of pure jade, a scroll inscribed with celestial runes, and a small vial containing liquid that shone like captured starlight.
Rose's expression transformed into one of awe. "The Celestial Legacy of the First Emperor... It was said to have been lost centuries ago during the Great Schism between our kingdoms."
Lin Feng approached the pedestal reverently. "This is what I was meant to find. The Void Emperor's inheritance guided me here, but it is my own strength that brought me to this moment."
Rose stepped forward, her eyes wide with realization. "You are not merely a cultivator seeking herbs. You are the one foretold in the ancient prophecies—the thief of destinies, the breaker of heavens."
Lin Feng turned to face her, his crimson eyes glowing with power. "I am Lin Feng. I forge my own path, claim my own destiny. And today, I offer you a choice—will you continue to serve the heavens' design, or will you walk with me on a new path, free from the chains of predestined fate?"
Xia Qingyue stood beside him, her fire cultivation base flaring with inner strength. "The path Lin Feng walks leads to true freedom. I have found my destiny beside him."
Rose looked between them, the weight of her decision pressing upon her soul. The celestial light reflected in her eyes, illuminating the conflict within her—the dutiful daughter of the Kingdom of Light versus the cultivator yearning for true freedom.
Finally, she took a deep breath. "I have spent my life listening to the whispers of the forest, the songs of the stars. And they tell me this—destiny is not a path to be followed, but a river to be navigated. Sometimes, to find true strength, one must break from the current and forge a new course."
She extended her hand to Lin Feng. "I will walk with you. Not as a servant of fate, but as a cultivator seeking her own truth."
Lin Feng took her hand, feeling the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within him spin faster as another golden thread of heavenly fortune shifted from Long Tian's destiny to his own. The first piece of the Kingdom of Light's strength had fallen, and with it, another piece of Long Tian's heavenly backing weakened.
The path to becoming the strongest cultivator under heaven continues, Lin Feng thought as they stood together in the celestial light. And with each step, I shatter the chains of predestined fate, forging my own destiny with my own two hands.
As the three cultivators stood together in the sacred space, the boundaries between their destinies blurred and reformed, weaving a new tapestry of fate that would reshape the cultivation world.
The sun dipped below the horizon as they left the sacred site, the three treasures secured within Lin Feng's storage ring. Rose led them back through the Restricted Forest, her steps lighter, her spirit freer than it had been in years.
Xia Qingyue walked beside Lin Feng, her hand in his, her eyes shining with pride. "You continue to amaze me, husband. Where others see obstacles, you find opportunities. Where others follow predetermined paths, you forge new destinies."
Lin Feng smiled, his dragon eyes reflecting the starlight above. "This is the true path of cultivation—not to accumulate power, but to understand the fundamental nature of existence. With the Void Emperor's inheritance, I can see the threads that bind all living things to the Heavenly Dao. And I have learned this—the strongest cultivators are not those blessed by heaven, but those who defy its design to create their own reality."
Rose joined them, her expression thoughtful. "In my kingdom, we are taught that harmony with the heavens brings peace. But you show me a different truth—that true harmony comes not from submission, but from understanding. The forest does not bow to the sky; it grows toward it, adapting, evolving, becoming stronger with each passing season."
Lin Feng nodded. "Exactly. The cultivation path is not about following others' expectations—it's about discovering your own truth and forging your own destiny. Together, we will uncover the deepest secrets of the universe, claim the treasures of countless worlds, and break through the heavens themselves."
As they emerged from the Restricted Forest, the moon hung high in the sky, casting silver light across the landscape. Lin Feng could feel the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within him spinning steadily, absorbing the combined luck of Xia Qingyue and Rose, converting it into pure cultivation energy that strengthened his meridians and expanded his comprehension of the Dao.
Long Tian, you have no idea what awaits you, Lin Feng thought with a smile that would have chilled the bones of any who saw it. Your heavenly fortune weakens with each passing moment, while mine grows stronger. And your beautiful companions...they will stand by my side as I challenge the heavens themselves.
The journey back to the city was filled with discussions of cultivation techniques, spiritual theories, and future plans. Lin Feng shared his knowledge of the eight orders of strength, explaining how their current world could only produce protagonists capable of reaching the fourth order, while more advanced worlds contained cultivators of far greater power.
"When I reach the fourth order—the limit of this world—I can break through the barriers between realms and enter more advanced cultivation worlds," Lin Feng explained. "But I won't leave you behind. The dragon bloodline connects us. As I grow stronger, so do you."
Rose listened intently, her eyes wide with realization. "This explains why I feel different since accepting your offer. My cultivation base has expanded, my spiritual sense heightened. It's as if a veil has been lifted from my perception."
Xia Qingyue nodded. "I felt the same when Lin Feng shared his bloodline with me. The limits I once believed constrained me have vanished, replaced by boundless potential."
As they approached the city gates, Lin Feng could already feel the tension in the air. The cultivation world was on the verge of upheaval, and he would be the one to reshape it according to his will. With the Void Emperor's inheritance, the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus, and the dragon bloodline flowing through his veins, he was ready to face any challenge that came his way.
I will become the true protagonist of this story, Lin Feng vowed silently. I will claim these beauties, seize these treasures, and break through the heavens themselves.
The moon was high in the sky as they returned to their inn, but Lin Feng's mind was already racing ahead to the battles that awaited him there. The path ahead was long and dangerous, filled with powerful enemies and cunning opponents. But Lin Feng was no longer the same man who had arrived in this world with nothing but his wits and determination. He was now a cultivator with the inheritance of an emperor, the bloodline of a dragon, and the power to steal destinies.
And he would use all of it to reach the pinnacle of power.
That night, as Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue lay beneath the stars on the inn's rooftop, the celestial light casting intricate patterns across their bodies, Lin Feng felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The first day of their journey had yielded more than he had hoped for—he had not only retrieved the required herbs but had also claimed another piece of Long Tian's heavenly fortune.
Xia Qingyue turned to face him, her sapphire eyes reflecting the starlight. "What are you thinking about, husband?"
Lin Feng smiled, brushing a stray strand of cyan hair from her face. "I am thinking about how far we have come since that day in the Verdant Forest. You were a lost soul, defined by others' expectations. Now, you stand beside me as a true cultivator, your fire burning with your own light rather than reflecting another's flame."
Xia Qingyue's eyes filled with tears. "I was always second choice—my family's lesser daughter, Long Tian's backup betrothed. No one ever truly saw me, truly valued me for who I am."
Lin Feng cupped her face in his hands. "I see you, Xia Qingyue. Not as Long Tian's betrothed, not as the daughter of an important clan, but as you truly are—a cultivator with fire in her soul and strength in her spirit. I see your determination, your loyalty, your capacity for love. And I value all of it."
He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers. "The path ahead won't be easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, moments of doubt. But you won't face them alone. I will be with you, every step of the way."
Xia Qingyue nodded, her resolve hardening. "I will follow you, husband. Wherever your path leads, I will walk beside you."
As they lay together beneath the stars, Lin Feng could feel the Luck-Devouring Divine Lotus within him spinning faster. He could sense Long Tian's golden aura of heavenly fortune weakening with each passing moment. The threads of destiny that had once connected him to his harem were slowly unraveling.
First Xia Qingyue, now Rose, Lin Feng thought with satisfaction. Soon, Su Wan'er and Bai Luoyan will follow. And when Long Tian stands alone, stripped of his heavenly backing, I will be waiting to claim what remains of his luck.
The moon was high in the sky as Lin Feng and Xia Qingyue finally drifted to sleep, the first embers of a new destiny glowing brightly between them. The path ahead was long and dangerous, filled with powerful enemies and cunning opponents. But Lin Feng was no longer the same man who had arrived in this world with nothing but his wits and determination. He was now a cultivator with the inheritance of an emperor, the bloodline of a dragon, and the power to steal destinies.
And he would use all of it to reach the pinnacle of power.