The Frozen Sky bodyguards arrived at dawn on the third day, and Lin Feng felt their presence before seeing them—two concentrated points of spiritual energy that made the ambient cultivation atmosphere feel suddenly denser.
Divine Domain Level 7, both of them. Professional, powerful, and radiating the kind of controlled lethality that came from decades of combat experience.
Patriarch Cloud Heaven had summoned Lin Feng to the main gate to formally receive them, turning what could have been simple security assignment into minor diplomatic ceremony.
"Lin Feng," Cloud Heaven introduced as they approached. "These are Disciples Han Shu and Liu Feng from Frozen Sky Sect, assigned by Patriarch Bingfeng to provide enhanced security during elevated threat conditions."
Han Shu was a mountain of a man, easily two meters tall with the solid build of an earth element cultivator. His expression suggested he smiled rarely and spoke even less. Liu Feng was his opposite—slender, graceful, with wind element spiritual energy that seemed to make her presence almost ethereal despite her obvious power.
"Honored to meet you," Lin Feng said, bowing respectfully. "Though I hope my situation doesn't prove dangerous enough to require your capabilities."
"Hope is pleasant," Han Shu rumbled, his voice like grinding stone. "Preparation is practical. We're here to ensure hope remains reality."
"What he means," Liu Feng translated with slight smile, "is that we'll keep you alive while staying unobtrusive to your daily routine. You won't notice us most of the time—but anyone attempting capture will notice us immediately."
The arrangements were efficient. Han Shu and Liu Feng were assigned quarters adjacent to Lin Feng's, with direct access through connected formations that would alert them instantly to any threat. They would maintain discrete distance during normal activities but close proximity during higher-risk situations like travel outside sect territory.
"Your schedule includes formation theory sessions with Elder Wei starting today," Liu Feng observed, having apparently reviewed his itinerary already. "We'll observe from distance but remain within intervention range if necessary."
"Do you expect trouble during routine sect activities?" Lin Feng asked.
"We expect nothing," Han Shu replied. "But prepare for everything. Infiltrators disguised as disciples, poisoned cultivation resources, sabotaged formations, social manipulation disguised as friendship—all documented methods for compromising targets. Vigilance prevents most attacks before they manifest."
It was sobering reminder that his life had become complex enough to require this level of security consciousness.
After the bodyguards settled into their quarters, Lin Feng made his way to Elder Wei's formation research chamber for their first collaborative session.
The space was magnificent—walls covered with formation diagrams, shelves holding jade slips containing centuries of accumulated knowledge, and central work area with advanced spiritual energy manipulation arrays. Elder Wei was already present, studying a complex three-dimensional formation that floated in mid-air through sustained spiritual energy.
"Lin Feng," he greeted warmly. "Thank you for agreeing to work with me. I've been preparing research framework based on what we know about your tournament performances."
He gestured, and the formation shifted into different configuration—simplified version of the hybrid ice-void construct Lin Feng had created with Sun Bing.
"I can't replicate what you achieved," Elder Wei admitted. "Every attempt to unify opposing elemental principles results in immediate structural collapse. But I believe the key lies not in the elements themselves but in how void cultivation perceives geometric relationships."
Lin Feng studied the formation carefully, extending his awareness through its spiritual energy composition. "The problem is you're treating ice and void as separate elements trying to coexist. That creates inherent instability because the principles genuinely do oppose each other when viewed as discrete categories."
"Then how did you achieve unification?"
"By not viewing them as separate." Lin Feng began forming his own demonstration formation. "Void cultivation teaches that emptiness isn't absence—it's potential. The space where things could be. Ice is one manifestation of that potential—water's possibilities frozen into specific structure."
He created a simple void formation, then began adding ice element components—not as separate layer but as natural extension of the underlying void framework.
"See how the ice structures emerge from the void rather than being imposed upon it? They're not two things unified—they're single thing expressing itself through multiple aspects." The formation stabilized, maintaining coherence despite containing both void and ice properties. "The geometry doesn't fight itself because it recognizes it's fundamentally one system."
Elder Wei's eyes widened with scholarly fascination. "That's... that completely inverts traditional formation theory. We teach that you start with element and add geometric structure. You're starting with geometry itself and allowing elements to express naturally through the structure."
"More or less. Though I'm not sure how well it works with elements other than void and ice. Their principles have natural compatibility through the potential-manifestation relationship." Lin Feng dissolved the demonstration. "Trying this with fire and water might be considerably more difficult."
"But theoretically possible if we can identify the underlying principle that unifies them." Elder Wei immediately began sketching notes on a jade slip. "This could revolutionize formation cultivation across multiple disciplines."
They spent the next three hours exploring various applications and limitations. Lin Feng demonstrated void formation techniques while Elder Wei documented the spiritual energy patterns and geometric relationships. It was fascinating work—theoretical exploration that enhanced Lin Feng's own understanding even as it provided Elder Wei with research material.
"One question," Elder Wei said during a break. "Your void cultivation—how does it interact with Celestial Dawn's standard cultivation methods? Are there conflicts or complications?"
Lin Feng considered carefully before responding. This was exactly the kind of question where he needed to balance honesty with appropriate boundaries.
"Void cultivation emphasizes different principles—liberation over domination, flexibility over rigid structure, understanding over memorization. Those differences create some friction with traditional methods, but not irreconcilable conflict." He paused. "The challenge is that void techniques often look like they shouldn't work according to established theory, which makes them difficult to teach systematically."
"Because you're operating from fundamentally different theoretical framework."
"Correct. Which is why I can demonstrate techniques but struggle to explain them in ways that translate to non-void cultivators." Lin Feng smiled slightly. "It's like describing color to someone who's only experienced touch—the explanations are technically accurate but miss essential experiential components."
Elder Wei nodded thoughtfully. "That's consistent with historical accounts of unique cultivation paths. Each operates from different foundational assumptions that make cross-translation difficult." He set aside his documentation. "For now, let's focus on geometric principles rather than specific void techniques. If we can establish common theoretical ground, the applications will follow naturally."
They concluded the session with agreement to meet three times weekly for ongoing collaboration. Lin Feng left feeling satisfied—he'd shared valuable knowledge while protecting core void cultivation secrets, exactly the balance Patriarch Cloud Heaven had suggested.
Liu Feng materialized from apparent nowhere as he exited the research chamber.
"Productive session?" she asked mildly, falling into step beside him.
"Very. Elder Wei is brilliant formation theorist. Working with him will accelerate my understanding significantly." Lin Feng glanced at her. "How long were you observing?"
"The entire session. Han Shu maintained perimeter security while I monitored the chamber itself." Liu Feng's expression remained pleasant. "No threats detected, no suspicious activity, no unusual spiritual energy fluctuations. Exactly as expected for routine collaboration."
"You watched for three hours?"
"That's the assignment. We observe, assess, intervene only if necessary." She paused. "Also, your formation technique is genuinely impressive. I've never seen void cultivation demonstrated at that level before."
The afternoon brought scheduled dao synchronization session with Yun Qingxue. She arrived precisely on time, moving through Celestial Dawn Sect with the quiet confidence of someone completely comfortable in her own power.
"How are the bodyguards?" she asked once they'd settled into meditation position in Lin Feng's cultivation chamber.
"Professional. Unobtrusive. Slightly unnerving in how thoroughly they monitor everything." Lin Feng allowed their dao resonance to deepen naturally. "I'm not sure I'll ever be completely comfortable with constant surveillance."
"You won't. But you'll adapt." Through their bond, he felt her amusement mixed with sympathy. "I grew up with security escorts. They become background presence you barely notice except when genuinely necessary."
Their consciousness streams intertwined as the synchronization deepened. This was one of Lin Feng's favorite aspects of their dao companion bond—the ability to share awareness so completely that boundaries between individual perspectives became temporarily fluid.
Your foundation is solid, Qingxue observed through their connection, sensing his cultivation status with intimate precision. Level 5 fully consolidated. You're perhaps two weeks from touching Level 6 threshold if advancement continues steadily.
Faster than expected, Lin Feng sent back. The enhanced resources and systematic training are accelerating progress.
Good. Because I have concerning news. Her mental presence carried gravity that made him focus immediately. Frozen Sky intelligence has detected unusual movement patterns near Celestial Dawn territory. Nothing overtly hostile, but increased presence of unfamiliar cultivators without clear organizational affiliations.
Mercenaries positioning for capture attempt?
Possibly. Or reconnaissance for larger operation. Or completely unrelated travelers who happen to be numerous and suspicious. She projected wry humor. Cultivation politics makes paranoia seem reasonable.
What should I do differently?
Nothing dramatically. Just maintain security protocols, avoid unnecessary risks, and remember that Han Shu and Liu Feng are here specifically for scenarios like this. Her presence in his consciousness felt warm despite serious discussion. Also, I'm extending my stay at Celestial Dawn by two weeks. Call it diplomatic relations, advanced training exchange, or protective dao companion instinct—choose your preferred explanation.
All three are accurate, Lin Feng replied, feeling gratitude and affection through their bond. Thank you.
We protect each other. That's the agreement.
They continued meditation in comfortable mental proximity, their cultivation resonance enhancing both their advancements through synergistic effect. This was the genuine power of dao companion bonds—not just tactical advantage but fundamental enhancement of cultivation potential through harmonic relationship.
When they eventually separated after two hours, Lin Feng felt noticeably stronger. His spiritual energy circulation was smoother, his meridian networks were more refined, and his dantian capacity had expanded fractionally. Not dramatic advancement, but consistent progress toward Level 6.
"Two weeks," Qingxue said as they concluded the session. "We'll do this daily. Between the enhanced resources, systematic training, and our synchronization sessions, you should touch Level 6 threshold before I return to Frozen Sky."
"That's aggressive timeline."
"That's necessary timeline. The stronger you become, the safer both you and Celestial Dawn are." Her ice-blue eyes held fierce determination. "I'm not losing you to capture contract or assassination attempt because we were too cautious about advancement speed."
Evening found Lin Feng in Patriarch Cloud Heaven's study for their weekly strategic discussion. The sect leader reviewed reports while Lin Feng waited, conscious of how these meetings had become increasingly sophisticated in their political complexity.
"Three items require discussion," Cloud Heaven said, setting aside his documentation. "First: Elder Wei reports your formation collaboration is exceeding expectations. He believes you're developing theoretical framework that could benefit the entire sect."
"The work is genuinely valuable," Lin Feng confirmed. "Though I'm being careful about what specific techniques I demonstrate."
"Good. Share enough to maintain collaborative relationship without compromising unique advantages." Cloud Heaven moved to the second item. "The unusual cultivator presence near our territory—Frozen Sky intelligence isn't alone in noticing. Our own scouts report increased surveillance of sect entrances and main travel routes. Someone is definitely studying our security patterns."
"Preparing for capture attempt?"
"Most likely. The question is whether they'll attempt infiltration or direct assault." Cloud Heaven created a formation displaying Celestial Dawn's defensive arrangements. "We've enhanced perimeter security and implemented random patrol patterns to prevent predictable response times. But ultimately, our best defense is you being too difficult to capture to justify the risk."
"Which requires continued advancement."
"Correct." Cloud Heaven dissolved the formation. "Third item is more complex. We've received formal diplomatic inquiry from Azure Sky Sect—they want to establish regular information exchange about Crimson Empress activities, positioning it as continental security cooperation."
Lin Feng felt immediate suspicion. "After the capture contract appeared two days following my meeting with their representative?"
"Precisely why I'm discussing this with you rather than simply accepting." Cloud Heaven's expression was calculating. "The offer might be legitimate—Azure Sky does maintain extensive intelligence networks and sharing information could benefit multiple parties. But it might also be attempt to monitor you more closely or establish influence over Celestial Dawn's strategic decisions."
"What's your instinct?"
"Accept, but maintain appropriate boundaries. Information exchange doesn't require granting them influence over internal sect matters. We gain intelligence while limiting their access to sensitive information." Cloud Heaven paused. "Unless you have specific concerns about Azure Sky's motivations?"
Lin Feng considered the question carefully. Chen Yue's meeting had felt legitimate if politically calculated. The Crimson Empress intelligence had been genuinely valuable. But the timing of the capture contract was suspiciously convenient.
"I think they're playing multiple angles simultaneously," he said slowly. "Positioning as helpful allies while also gathering information for other purposes. Not overtly hostile, but not purely friendly either."
"That's standard major sect behavior—maximize options by maintaining relationships with multiple parties." Cloud Heaven smiled slightly. "Welcome to cultivation politics where everyone has seventeen simultaneous agendas and 'alliance' means 'temporarily aligned interests' rather than genuine loyalty."
After the meeting concluded, Lin Feng returned to his quarters feeling mentally exhausted despite relatively light physical activity. The constant tactical calculations, security awareness, and political navigation were draining in ways that combat training never was.
Han Shu was waiting outside his door, solid presence that somehow managed to be both reassuring and slightly intimidating.
"Perimeter is secure," the massive cultivator reported. "Liu Feng is monitoring spiritual energy patterns for infiltration attempts. No threats detected currently."
"Thank you," Lin Feng said. "Though I hope all this security proves unnecessary."
"Hope is pleasant," Han Shu repeated his earlier statement. "But preparation is practical. Sleep well. We'll maintain watch."
Inside his quarters, Lin Feng found that someone—probably Xiao Ling based on the organizational efficiency—had left his evening meal prepared along with schedule for the next day:
Tomorrow's Schedule:
Dawn: Cultivation practice (2 hours) Morning: Combat training with Zhang Ming (1 hour) Late Morning: Formation theory with Elder Wei (3 hours) Afternoon: Consciousness division training with Mei She (2 hours) Evening: Dao synchronization with Yun Qingxue (2 hours) Night: Personal study and meditation
It was full schedule but manageable—each activity serving clear purpose in his advancement while maintaining sustainable pace.
Lin Feng ate his meal while reviewing Elder Wei's formation notes from the day's session. The theoretical frameworks they were developing genuinely excited him—this was cultivation advancement through understanding rather than just power accumulation.
This is what I wanted, he realized. Not just strength, but knowledge. Not just victory, but comprehension of underlying principles.
The Crimson Empress's eventual recruitment attempt would offer power and position. But would it offer this—intellectual partnership with skilled mentors, systematic development of understanding, and freedom to explore cultivation without imposed limitations?
He doubted it.
Demonic cultivation specialized in shortcuts and corrupted advancement—quick power at cost of foundation quality and ethical compromise. The Inverse Void Dao emphasized liberation from constraints, which was fundamentally incompatible with the control-based methodology the Crimson Empress represented.
When she comes, Lin Feng thought while settling into evening meditation, she won't be able to offer anything I actually want. Because what I want is freedom to develop naturally, and that's exactly what she can't provide.
The clarity felt solid, grounded in genuine self-knowledge rather than just defensive preparation. This was the psychological foundation he needed—not perfect immunity to manipulation, but strong enough sense of purpose that corrupted alternatives would be obviously incompatible.
His meditation deepened, spiritual energy circulating through meridians with practiced ease. Divine Domain Level 5 felt increasingly comfortable—not limiting anymore but solid platform for continued advancement.
Two weeks to Level 6, he thought, echoing Qingxue's assessment. Then the journey toward Level 7 begins.
Somewhere in the darkness outside, Han Shu and Liu Feng maintained their vigilant watch. Throughout Celestial Dawn Sect, enhanced security formations hummed with protective spiritual energy. In the surrounding territory, suspicious cultivators observed and planned their approaches.
But for tonight, in this moment, Lin Feng was safe enough to cultivate in peace.
The next two weeks would bring continued advancement, deeper theoretical understanding, and presumably various complications from capture-seeking mercenaries or demonic cultivation infiltrators.
Let them come, he thought with grim determination. I'll be stronger when they arrive than they expect.
The meditation continued into deep night, his consciousness expanding through void awareness while his body rested and recovered. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, continued training, and incremental progress toward power sufficient to defend himself without constant protection.
But tonight—rest, consolidation, and preparation for whatever came next.
End of Chapter 54