Iron Spine Peak was silent. Broken stone and smoldering debris littered the summit. Moonlight reflected off the Titan Core Fragment now embedded in Lin Feng's palm, its golden pulse beating like a heart.
He was exhausted, bruised, bleeding, yet an overwhelming surge of energy coursed through him. Every muscle, every tendon, every sinew screamed with renewed power.
System chimed:
[SYSTEM – POST-TITAN CORE ABSORPTION]
Strength +20
Endurance +15
Earth Resistance +30%
Chaos Instinct Lv6 → Lv6.5 (Enhanced Synchronization)
Hidden Function Progress: Fist God Realm Awakening → 32%
Title Earned: Mountain Breaker
Recommended Next Step: Investigate anomalies beneath Iron Spine Peak
Lin Feng wiped blood from his mouth.
"System… anomalies beneath the mountain? Great. Nothing says a relaxing night like digging around in underground ancient evil ruins."
"Warning: Energy readings below peak exceed Stage 7 thresholds. Probability of danger: Extreme."
Lin Feng grinned despite the fatigue.
"Perfect. Let's see what's waiting for me."
Descent into the Unknown
He followed a faint energy trail, descending into cracks formed by the Titan's collapse. Dust swirled as he jumped between jagged stone, using Momentum Mastery Lv4 to chain movements with impeccable balance.
System pinged repeatedly:
Hidden Fist God System Function Detected: Subterranean Resonance Analysis
Lin Feng's vision shifted, seeing faint blue lines tracing energy currents underground. Some were unstable. Some were pulsing with ancient power, far beyond mortal comprehension.
"System… remind me why I'm not dead already?"
"Observation: You are alive due to Chaos Instinct synchronization and Titan Core absorption. Probability of survival if unenhanced: 4%."
Lin Feng chuckled. "Fantastic. I like those odds."
The Cavern of Echoes
At the bottom, the cracks widened into a vast subterranean cavern. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth. Pools of crystal-clear water reflected faint golden light from the Titan Core Fragment.
But it wasn't empty.
Energy rippled across the cavern floor. Shadows moved against the walls, flickering unnaturally. Each pulse echoed in Lin Feng's chest like a drumbeat.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Multiple energy sources detected: Unknown origin
Strength estimation: Stage 6 – 8
Elemental composition: Unknown / Mixed
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed.
"Unknown origin, Stage 8? That's… ambitious. Good. I like ambitious."
"Recommended: Activate Fist God Instinct for preliminary reconnaissance."
First Contact
A massive form emerged from the shadows.
It wasn't human. Not fully stone. Not fully flesh.
Its eyes glowed faintly red. A jagged crown of obsidian horns rested atop its head. Muscles like carved mountains rippled beneath translucent skin.
It spoke—not with words—but a low resonant vibration that made the ground beneath Lin Feng tremble.
"The Fist God has come… but is he worthy?"
Lin Feng clenched his fists. Mud, blood, Titan energy, and chaos combined into an aura that flared around him.
"Worthy? System?" he asked breathlessly.
"Probability: High. Suggested response: Display capability immediately."
Lin Feng grinned. "Oh, I can do that."
Clash of Titans – Underground Edition
The creature surged forward. Its speed was unthinkable. Every step crushed rock; every movement distorted the air. Lin Feng activated Fist God Awakening Mode, Chaos Instinct Lv6.5 synchronizing with Titan Core energy.
He rolled through a seismic strike, redirecting debris into a shield
Momentum Mastery allowed mid-air spins to dodge crushing fists
Seismic Impact channeled through the cavern floor, shaking stalactites to distract the opponent
The underground cavern became a chaotic storm of dust, stone, and energy arcs.
Lin Feng's laughter echoed:
"This is… exactly my kind of party!"
The system pinged repeatedly:
Hidden Fist God Function: Battle Resonance Optimization unlocked
Survival probability against Stage 8 entity: 27%
Cliffhanger Moment
The creature slammed a fist into the cavern ceiling. Massive chunks of stone fell. Lin Feng dove forward, energy flaring around him.
His eyes locked on a glowing core at the center of the entity's chest—a faint, pulsing sphere.
System Ping: Weak point detected. Analysis incomplete.
Recommendation: Caution.
Lin Feng grinned through blood and sweat.
"Perfect. I was hoping for a punching bag with a target."
He charged forward, fists glowing gold, the Titan Core energy surging in rhythm with his heartbeat.
Above the mountain, the moonlight reflected the cavern entrance. Somewhere deep, ancient eyes opened. The next test had begun.