Crisis

As soon as Nalan Yanran and the others left, Xiao Family Hall fell quiet. The elders showed concern for Lin Feng. After all, the family was now grooming him as its successor, and with the formidable combat power he had displayed, they could not afford for anything to happen to him.

Seeing that Lin Feng was unharmed, they finally relaxed. Then they looked at Xiao Yan, snorted coldly, and left.

"Ding, check-in successful. Obtained Meteor Tear. Next check-in location: Monster Mountain Range. Reward: Chaos Flame."

Hearing the system's voice, Lin Feng felt a stir in his heart. The Meteor Tear was the protagonist's cheat item from Stellar Transformations, condensed from the energy gathered by the Goddess of Life before her death.

In the early stages, it could accelerate the absorption of the world's Dou Qi and greatly increase one's cultivation speed. At the same time, it possessed an exceptionally powerful restorative ability, allowing one to break through the limits of the human body again and again.

The Undying Scripture, the Eight Inner Gates, and now this Meteor Tear... Are these all part of a set? Is this really trying to make me invincible?

Lin Feng sighed inwardly, then became somewhat puzzled by the reward at his next check-in location. Chaos Flame? It is the source of all flames in the world. If I have it, wouldn't Heavenly Flames be mine for the taking?

That was what Lin Feng thought, but whether it was truly the case would have to wait until he obtained it.

After leaving Xiao Family Hall, Xiao Yan followed Lin Feng all the way. Once he had escorted him back to his small courtyard, Xiao Yan said solemnly, "Feng Ge, thank you so much. I'll definitely work hard. In three years, I'll crush every last bit of her pride."

Lin Feng smiled. "I believe in you. In three years, you'll definitely defeat her."

After entering his room, Lin Feng used his powerful soul perception to confirm that Xiao Yan had already gone far away. Everything was finally getting on track. His cheat had arrived, Yao Lao would soon appear, and Xiao Yan's journey was about to begin.

He even began to look forward to it. With him appearing in this world, what changes would take place? What would he experience?

Just how marvelous could this world become?

But for now, the most important thing was to increase his strength. He knew that the Hall of Souls would begin acting later on. The darkness in this world was gradually beginning to stir, and he had to become stronger.

With the Undying Scripture, the Meteor Tear, and the Eight Inner Gates working together, Lin Feng continuously tempered his body. The Dou Qi between heaven and earth was unconsciously drawn toward him, forming a vortex that poured endlessly into his body.

Starlight fell from the night sky, entering Lin Feng's body along with the Dou Qi.

Xiao Zhan and several elders sensed it as well. "This aura... in that direction, it's Feng'er."

"What cultivation technique is he practicing? How could it be so terrifying?"

It was not only Xiao Zhan who sensed it. Everyone in Wu Tan City with even a little strength noticed the disturbance.

At the Mittel Auction House, an old man suddenly opened his eyes. Beside him stood a beautiful woman in a red dress, her graceful figure and every movement exuding mature charm and seductiveness. She was truly a peerless beauty.

"That direction... it's the Xiao family!"

Seeing the old man's astonished expression, the woman's red lips parted slightly, her voice soft and alluring. "What is it, Grandmaster Gu Ni?"

"The Dou Qi of heaven and earth is acting strangely. It's all gathering at the Xiao family's residence. I wonder who is cultivating such a profound technique."

Gu Ni wore a puzzled expression. At his words, an image flashed through the alluring woman's mind. She said in a sweet voice, "Could it be him? That genius from the Xiao family?"

"Do you mean Xiao Yan, or...?"

The woman shook her head. "Of course not the Xiao family's Third Young Master. I mean that young man who has risen to prominence recently. At such a young age, his talent is already so astonishing."

Ge Ye and Nalan Yanran's group had just left Wu Tan City and were preparing to return to the Yun Lan Sect when Ge Ye's expression suddenly changed. He looked back toward the city. "The Xiao family."

His eyes shifted as Lin Feng's figure flashed through his mind. He muttered, "It seems he has quite a few secrets."

After his expression changed several times, he snorted coldly and said something to the man beside him. The man gave a cold laugh. "Yes!"

"To turn from a worthless cripple into a genius in such a short time, possess that strange movement technique, and now cause such a disturbance... he must have a supreme treasure on him and some great secret behind him."

"Hmph. I'd like to see just what you're capable of."

On the Xiao Family Back Mountain, the illusory figure of an old man appeared before Xiao Yan. Looking toward Lin Feng's residence, he frowned. "Your Feng Ge is rather extraordinary. Such a disturbance isn't something an ordinary cultivation technique could produce. It has to be at least Heavenly Rank."

Xiao Yan did not sense it quite as clearly. Looking in that direction, he said, "Feng Ge has his own fortuitous encounters. I only need to know that he's my brother."

A trace of approval flashed through Yao Lao's eyes. It seemed that the boy he had observed for so long had a decent character.

"Little fellow, cultivate well. Everyone has their own fortuitous encounters."

In Xun Er's courtyard, a figure hidden in the shadows spoke. "Miss, the secrets behind this Lin Feng are not simple."

Xun Er looked in Lin Feng's direction, golden flames flickering in her eyes before disappearing after a long while. She waved her hand. "Feng Ge has his own secrets, but I know he bears us no ill will."

Then she looked toward the back mountain. She knew that the young man was there, spacing out alone in sorrow. What happened today must have hurt him deeply.

Seeing that his young mistress was lost in thought, the figure in the shadows did not linger. After glancing toward Lin Feng's small courtyard, he vanished back into the darkness.

Xun Er gazed toward the back mountain, unable to put her mind at ease. Her lotus steps light, she headed for the back mountain, intending to comfort the young man.

Lin Feng exhaled a breath of turbid air. The Undying Scripture had finally reached minor mastery. Clenching his fist, he rushed out of the room and tested his skills in the courtyard. The sensation his body gave him now was completely different. It felt as though endless power flowed within him. He felt that relying solely on his physical strength, he could rival some high-level Dou Practitioners.

Lin Feng examined the power within his body. Cultivating the Undying Scripture alongside the Meteor Tear had not only transformed his physique but also raised his strength directly from Dou Practitioner One Star to Dou Practitioner Three Star. Furthermore, his soul power had greatly improved, benefiting him immensely.

"As expected of its reputation."

Lin Feng sighed. The Undying Scripture had only reached minor mastery, yet it had already brought earth-shaking changes to his body. If he truly cultivated it to great mastery, he might genuinely reach the state of being undying and indestructible.

"Feng Ge."

Xiao Yan and Xun Er greeted Lin Feng when they saw him.

Seeing the long-missing smile on Xiao Yan's face, Lin Feng knew that Yao Lao had appeared. He nodded and discreetly glanced at the ring on Xiao Yan's finger.

Standing beside Xiao Yan, Xun Er looked at Lin Feng, whose aura had grown noticeably stronger again. Blinking her beautiful eyes, she said, "Feng Ge seems to have broken through again."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan also looked over and sensed it for himself. Sure enough, Feng Ge's aura was much stronger than before.

"Feng Ge, your cultivation speed is way too fast, isn't it? Don't tell me you've already broken through to the two-star level?"

Lin Feng smiled but neither denied it nor explained further. Explaining it would be troublesome, so he might as well let them misunderstand on their own.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed inwardly. Feng Ge's talent was even better than his own had been back then.

As though he knew what Xiao Yan was thinking, Yao Lao's voice rang out in his mind. "Brat, don't lose heart. With this old man here, are you afraid you won't become strong? Your Feng Ge has great fortune. Don't compare yourself to him."

Xiao Yan sighed. Hearing Yao Lao's words, he silently nodded to himself. "Don't worry, Teacher. I will definitely become strong and reclaim all the dignity I lost!"

"Where are you two planning to go?"

"Xun Er and I are going out for a stroll. I also happen to need to buy a few things. Feng Ge, do you want to come with us?"

The moment Lin Feng heard that, he knew Yao Lao was about to give Xiao Yan a boost in alchemy. Besides, if those two were going out together, wouldn't he just be a third wheel? Especially with the way Xun Er was looking at him—it was practically saying, Feng Ge, you're alone, aren't you? Don't interrupt the long-awaited time alone between Brother Xiao Yan and me.

Lin Feng shook his head. "You two go ahead. I have something to do."

"Alright, then."

Xiao Yan and Xun Er headed out. Xiao Yan felt somewhat disappointed that Lin Feng was not coming along, while Xun Er gave Lin Feng a look instead. Lin Feng nodded at her and silently mouthed, "I've already given you the opportunity."

After Xiao Yan and Xun Er left, Lin Feng tidied up a little before heading out as well.

Walking through the streets of Wu Tan City, he could feel the bustle expected of one of the Jia Ma Empire's prosperous cities.

Not long after leaving the Xiao Family, Lin Feng sensed something faintly. He warily looked around but found nothing unusual, leaving him puzzled. "Was I mistaken?"

But in the next instant, his expression changed. A figure suddenly attacked him. He immediately dodged. After he evaded the strike, the figure merely glanced at him, its eyes full of provocation, before leaping away and racing toward the outskirts of the city.

Lin Feng hesitated for a moment, then followed.

By a river outside the city.

The figure stopped, revealing an aged face that was entirely unfamiliar to Lin Feng. He was certain he had never seen this person before.

"You've got some guts, little brat."

Lin Feng could sense danger from the old man. This man was likely even stronger than Xiao Zhan. "May I ask who you are, Senior? Why have you been watching me?"

The old man let out a raspy laugh. His sinister smile made one's skin crawl as his aura erupted from within his body. He was actually at the peak of the Da Dou Shi realm!

"Kid, blame yourself for being too conspicuous. Hand over the supreme treasure, and I'll leave your corpse intact."

"I don't know what treasure Senior is talking about. This junior has no such supreme treasure on him."

As he spoke, Lin Feng circulated the Dou Qi within his body, ready to fight at any moment.

"Hmph! At such a young age, your cultivation speed is so extraordinary, and your cultivation method is beyond imagination. Did you think I'd learned nothing after watching you for so long? Since you insist on playing dumb, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The old man suddenly released his Dou Qi, slashing out a wind blade that shot toward Lin Feng with a piercing howl through the air.

Lin Feng's expression changed. He did not dare let down his guard. The Undying Scripture circulated as his soul power swiftly spread across the area. Seizing the right moment, he dodged aside.

"Hmph! A mere Dou Zhe, yet your soul power is so strong. That is quite unexpected."

The old man suddenly burst forward, charging straight at Lin Feng. A long trail was carved into the ground in his wake.

The difference in strength was too great. Lin Feng did not dare clash with him head-on. He used Phantom Tracing beneath his feet, constantly evading the attacks as he searched for an opening.

But the old man seemed to have expected it all along. "Hmph, a movement Dou Technique? I already knew about it."

The old man suddenly spun around and released his Dou Qi, wrapping it around his fist as he punched behind him. Lin Feng's expression changed, and he hurriedly raised both hands across his chest to defend.

Bang!

A dull impact rang out. Lin Feng was sent staggering backward, a sweetness rising in his throat that he forcibly suppressed. His face turned pale. Was this the gap brought by strength? He was only a Dou Zhe, while his opponent was far too strong—and it seemed the man understood him as well as if he had studied him thoroughly. Even Phantom Tracing had been seen through.