Chapter 28: You don’t belong here
As Feng Lin emerged from the collapsing chamber, the weight of the Void Dragon Technique surged within him. As he journeyed through the strange terrain, Feng Lin began to notice the signs of civilization. Ancient ruins dotted the land, overgrown by the strange flora of the Crimson Star Continent. The remnants of once-mighty cities, now reduced to crumbling stone, whispered of a forgotten era. He paused at the edge of one such ruin, kneeling beside a broken column that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
"System " Feng Lin muttered, calling upon the interface.
[System Notification: Void Dragon Technique – Lv 1 (Active)]
Before he could examine it further, The faint rustling of leaves caught his attention. He focused, his body tensing for combat. From the treeline emerged a massive beast, unlike anything he had seen before. Its eyes glowed with a primal intelligence, and its body was covered in dark red scales that shimmered under the sunlight.
Feng Lin's system flashed with another notification.
[Beast Detected: Scarlet Wyrm – Stage Three Beast]
[Threat Level: Low]
The Scarlet Wyrm growled, its massive claws sinking into the earth as it circled Feng Lin, assessing him like prey. "Perfect," he smirked, his confidence returning. "Let's see what you've got," Feng Lin muttered, checking his Qi reserve.
[System Notification: Qi Energy: 4,750/7,000]
The Scarlet Wyrm lunged, its claws sweeping toward Feng Lin with incredible speed. But Feng Lin had anticipated its move. He sidestepped gracefully, avoiding the blow, and unleashed a blast of Qi-infused chaos energy directly at the beast's side.
The blast struck the Wyrm, sending it tumbling backward with a howl of rage. Feng Lin didn't let up, pressing the advantage. His system pulsed in his mind, urging him to push further.
[System Notification: Chaos Manipulation Skill Activated]
Energy crackled in the air as Feng Lin channeled the skill he had only recently mastered. The chaotic energy surged through him, his control over the wild forces tightening with each passing second. His power flared, and with one final strike, he sent the Scarlet Wyrm crashing into the trees.
He gathered his Qi into his palm and struck the beast's exposed side. The impact sent shockwaves through its body, and the ground trembled from the force of the blow. The creature let out one final roar before collapsing in a heap, its body disintegrating into particles of energy.
[System Notification: Beast defeated. Rewards acquired: 200 Chaos Points, +15,000 EXP, Essence Pill (x1).]
Noticing it was getting late, Feng Lin set up camp in the shadow of a towering cliff. The night was silent, save for the occasional distant rumble of strange beasts in the wilderness. As he sat by the fire, his thoughts drifted back to the secret realm. His journey there had been intense, but the Crimson Star Continent seemed like an entirely different challenge. He could feel it in the air, in the very ground beneath him. This place was alive with power, but also danger.
His cultivation had advanced steadily, but the challenges ahead would require even more power. He needed to break through soon, or the dangers of Serenthia would overwhelm him.
Feng Lin closed his eyes, meditating on the chaotic energy swirling within him. He could feel the Void Dragon Technique stirring, eager to grow stronger. But it would take more than just meditation to advance.
The Next Morning
As dawn broke, Feng Lin began his journey toward the mountains in the distance. Before long, he encountered a small settlement nestled at the foot of the mountains. It was primitive compared to the grand sects and cities he had known, but it was alive with activity. Cultivators moved about, each radiating the unique energy of this continent.
Feng Lin approached the settlement cautiously. He needed information, and perhaps these people could offer insight into the mysteries of this continent. But he also knew that on this foreign land, trust was a rare commodity.
As he stepped into the settlement, a voice called out to him from the shadows.
"You don't belong here, stranger."
Feng Lin turned to face the speaker—a tall man with piercing eyes and an aura of raw power. The man's gaze was cold, but there was something more beneath the surface. Was it hostility? Or curiosity?
Feng Lin smiled, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "Maybe I don't. But I'm here now."