Eve of the Finals

Lin Feng stepped off the stage, met by a deafening roar of cheers.

However, his expression remained calm. He simply gave a slight nod to the teachers leading the Jiangnan City team before heading straight for the lounge.

He closed the door, shutting out the external clamor.

He immediately sat down cross-legged, took out a high-grade Energy Liquid, and began circulating the Wind-Thunder Foundation Building Method to heal his injuries.

The battle with Zhao Feng, though seemingly decisive, had been incredibly dangerous.

Forcing the activation of "Wind-Thunder Annihilation" at the end had nearly depleted more than half of his True Qi and Spiritual Power, and his meridians had suffered significant shock.

If not for the solid foundation he had built in the Myriad Phenomena Battlefield with the Star Origin Spiritual Milk, his very essence might have been damaged by now.

Purple-black Wind-Thunder True Qi flowed slowly within his body, repairing damaged meridians and nourishing his fatigued body and spirit.

Lin Feng closed his eyes and looked inward, carefully replaying every detail of his exchange with Zhao Feng.

Zhao Feng's pure Sword Intent, his absolute devotion to the sword above all else, had left a deep impression on him.

If he hadn't achieved a breakthrough during the battle and comprehended "Wind-Thunder Annihilation," which touched upon the fundamental level of energy, the outcome might have been uncertain.

"The path of the sword... is indeed one of extreme lethality," Lin Feng realized. "While my Wind-Thunder power is strong, it still lacks in 'purity' and 'extremity'."

He understood that although his power system was powerful and comprehensive, when facing an opponent like Zhao Feng, who had pushed a single path to its extreme, he often found himself in a difficult fight.

To truly be invincible among peers, or even to fight across realms, he needed to make his own "Dao" purer, or find a way to perfectly fuse multiple powers to achieve a qualitative change.

"System, bring up the data analysis of the battle with Zhao Feng, focusing on dissecting his Sword Intent structure and energy circulation method."

[Command received. Analyzing data...]

[Target 'Zhao Feng' Sword Intent Structure Analysis: 37%... Simulating energy circulation...]

[Warning: Target's Sword Intent contains unique personal will and Sword Heart. Forced imitation success rate is less than 5%, and may cause conflict with host's own Dao Foundation.]

Lin Feng frowned slightly. As expected, at their level, everyone's "Dao" was unique and difficult to replicate directly.

However, analyzing its structure and principles would still provide significant insights for him to refine his own Wind-Thunder True Intent.

Just as he was engrossed in healing and contemplation, there was a gentle knock on the lounge door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Qin Wushuang, dressed in white, walked in with his usual spring-like smile.

"Brother Lin, are your injuries alright?" Qin Wushuang asked in a gentle tone, as if genuinely concerned for a friend.

Lin Feng opened his eyes and looked at this unfathomable opponent, calmly stating, "I'm fine. I won't disappoint you in tomorrow's finals."

"That's good."

Qin Wushuang smiled, sat down opposite him, and his gaze swept over the faint, fluctuating Wind-Thunder aura around Lin Feng, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Brother Lin's recovery speed is truly astonishing. It seems tomorrow's battle will be even more interesting than I imagined."

"Brother Qin, you didn't just come to check on my injuries, did you?" Lin Feng asked directly.

Qin Wushuang's smile slightly faded, and he said seriously, "Let's be direct. Brother Lin, I observe that the Wind-Thunder power you cultivate, while immensely powerful, seems... not to be a complete inheritance?"

Lin Feng's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. "What makes you say that?"

"A feeling."

Qin Wushuang pointed to his chest. "Star power is the most sensitive. Your lightning has ample destructive intent, but lacks the creation and vitality; your wind's malevolent power is sharp, but lacks grandeur. Extreme hardness is easily broken, extreme strength invites humiliation. If I'm not mistaken, your cultivation method should stop before the Martial Master realm, right?"

Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.

Qin Wushuang's insight was terrifyingly sharp, seeing through the current limitations of his Wind-Thunder Foundation Building Method at a glance.

While this was partly due to the System's deduction and optimization, the foundation was still a fragmented Nine Heavens Thunder Blade and his self-comprehended malevolent wind power, lacking higher-level inheritance guidance.

"Does Brother Qin have any advice?" Lin Feng asked noncommittally.

"I wouldn't dare offer advice," Qin Wushuang waved his hand.

"I just find it a pity. With Brother Lin's talent, to be limited by his cultivation method would be a great loss to our human race. In the 'Thunder Institute' of our Beichen Martial University, we have a portion of the ancient Thunder Emperor's inheritance, the Nine Heavens Thunder Spirit Art, which might be able to complete Brother Lin's Dao. Furthermore..."

He paused, lowering his voice slightly, with a hint of meaningfulness. "Brother Lin, do you know that you have been placed in the top 100 of the 'Blood List' by the 'Shadow Kill Pavilion'? And it seems to involve something that even Martial King experts are coveting?"

Lin Feng's heart trembled violently, but he remained outwardly composed. "Brother Qin's information is quite well-informed."

"Beichen Martial University does have some channels."

Qin Wushuang smiled faintly. "Brother Lin, this world is vast and dangerous. Fighting alone is ultimately not a long-term solution. Sometimes, choosing a powerful platform can not only provide resources but also... protection."

His words were loaded with meaning, conveying both an invitation and a warning.

Lin Feng remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Thank you for the information, Brother Qin. However, my path is one I will walk myself."

Qin Wushuang seemed to have expected this answer and was not surprised. He stood up and said with a smile, "In that case, we shall see on the stage tomorrow. I hope Brother Lin can bring me more surprises."

With that, he turned and left, his white robes fluttering, his demeanor still transcendent.

Lin Feng watched his departing figure, his gaze deep.

Qin Wushuang's words confirmed some of his suspicions.

The Shadow Kill Pavilion's pursuit would not cease, and the so-called "key" clue likely involved something significant.

"Strength... I still need greater strength!" Lin Feng clenched his fists, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Only by becoming strong enough could he fear no schemes or tricks, and control his own destiny!

He stopped thinking and closed his eyes again, circulating his cultivation method with all his might.

Within his dantian, the purple-black vortex spun faster, continuously absorbing the pure medicinal power of the Energy Liquid. At the same time, the wisp of Thunder True Intent and specks of starlight in his sea of consciousness were slowly merging, as if nurturing something.

For tomorrow's finals, he not only wanted to win, but also to find his own path to a higher realm within this battle!

Meanwhile, in a hidden VIP room within the arena.

The Star River Martial King stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window at the brightly lit arena below, and slowly spoke, "Have you found out? Is the thunder cultivation method of that young fellow named Lin Feng related to the 'Thunder Emperor Ruins'?"

Behind him, a blurry figure bowed and replied, "Reporting to the Martial King, preliminary judgment suggests that the style of his cultivation method bears a seventy percent similarity to certain Thunder Pattern Talismans discovered around the outer perimeter of the ruins. However, whether it is the core inheritance still requires further confirmation. Additionally, people from the Shadow Kill Pavilion have already infiltrated."

A cold killing intent flashed in the Star River Martial King's eyes. "Keep a close watch on them. During the provincial trials, they are absolutely not allowed to harm any examinees, especially... this Lin Feng."

"Understood!"

As the night deepened, the Starfall Arena remained bustling.

The night before the finals, undercurrents surged.

Everyone was anticipating tomorrow, the birth of the ultimate champion!