Volume 19 — The Palace's Deeper Secrets
The chamber was eerily quiet after the collapse of Hei Xu's shadow serpent. Lin Feng hovered, petals still spinning around him, each one a tiny beacon of light in the obsidian darkness. Caiyi stood beside him, catching her breath, her sword still glowing faintly from the battle.
"Do you think he's done?" Lin Feng asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
Caiyi shook her head. "Not even close. Hei Xu doesn't lose like that. He's only showing us what he wants us to see."
The Peach Spirit's voice filled Lin Feng's mind, calm but serious. Host, this is the moment. The Obsidian Root Palace holds deeper secrets—ancient techniques, hidden archives, and the core of their shadow power. We must uncover them before Hei Xu can retaliate.
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "Deeper secrets… so like, more dangerous puzzles with lasers and collapsing floors?"
Caiyi groaned. "Focus, Lin Feng. This isn't a game."
The walls of the inner sanctum shifted, revealing a hidden corridor lined with black crystal panels that absorbed the light of the First Bloom. Lin Feng felt a pulse of dark energy, as if the palace itself was alive, watching and judging their every move.
"Feels… alive," Lin Feng muttered. He stepped forward cautiously. Each petal from the First Bloom responded to his intent, glowing brighter as they probed for traps.
Suddenly, a series of shadowy guardians emerged from the crystal walls—warriors frozen in time, activated by their presence. Their eyes glowed red as they attacked with synchronized precision.
Lin Feng's First Bloom flared, petals spinning into multiple layers, deflecting strikes while countering with razor-sharp arcs. Caiyi's sword joined the rhythm, cutting through the guardians with a seamless flow.
As the last guardian shattered, Lin Feng approached a massive obsidian door at the corridor's end. Symbols pulsed across its surface, and the orb above him hummed in response.
Host, this door leads to the Core Archives of the palace, the Peach Spirit whispered. Inside lies knowledge that could turn the tide of your journey—but it is heavily protected. Only harmony of body, mind, and First Bloom can unlock it.
Lin Feng took a deep breath. "Alright… Peach Spirit. Let's see what secrets this palace has been hiding."
Hei Xu's voice echoed from the shadows. "So… you've reached this far. Impressive—but the final trial awaits."
The air thickened with tension. The true test of the Obsidian Root Palace's power—and Lin Feng's mastery of the First Bloom—was about to begin.