Volume 56 — Beyond the Battlefield
The battlefield had quieted, leaving Lin Feng and Caiyi standing amidst the energy-scarred terrain. Yet the Obsidian Root Palace hummed with a deeper, more subtle power. The fourth secret, now partially mastered, had layers yet to reveal—layers that extended beyond combat into perception, strategy, and spiritual alignment.
Caiyi's gaze swept across the palace corridors. "Lin Feng… the fourth secret isn't just about fighting. I can feel it… it's connected to everything—the palace, the environment, even the flow of time and energy around us."
Lin Feng nodded, petals of the First Bloom spinning steadily around him. "Exactly. Mastery of the fourth secret is not only about dominating battles—it's about understanding and harmonizing with the palace at every level. The battlefield is just the beginning. The palace itself has deeper lessons for us."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, the next stage of the fourth secret will challenge not your strength, but your insight. Hidden spiritual energy, subtle energy flows, and advanced perception must be integrated. Only by harmonizing with these can you awaken the true potential.
The palace responded to Lin Feng's thoughts. Energy currents shifted, forming intricate patterns, weaving subtle pathways of influence throughout the environment. Sigils glimmered faintly in the air, offering guidance—but understanding them required careful observation and intuition.
Caiyi followed closely, watching as Lin Feng traced energy flows with his hand, petals spinning faster, aura resonating with every subtle pulse. "These… patterns… they're like the palace itself is teaching us how to think, how to strategize."
Lin Feng's lips curved into a determined smile. "Exactly. The fourth secret is a lesson in harmony, perception, and influence. The palace is showing us the threads that connect all things, teaching us how to manipulate outcomes before they even occur."
A subtle glow emerged from the deepest corridors, signaling the awakening of hidden spiritual energy. Lin Feng's aura flared as he extended his perception, reading the energy streams, guiding them through the palace's pathways, and connecting fully with its essence.
"This is the next step," Lin Feng murmured. "The fourth secret is more than power—it's understanding, foresight, and true mastery of the Obsidian Root Palace. Only by mastering this can we face the challenges ahead."
Caiyi's eyes shone with awe. "Then let's uncover it… together."
The palace pulsed in response, as if acknowledging its master's readiness to explore its deepest secrets.