Chapter 35: New Path Unlocked!!!

The being of pure chaos materialized before Feng Lin, it's form flickering and morphing as though it couldn't decide what shape to take. Its very presence distorted the air, and the ground around it warped as chaotic energy pulsed outward, shaking the forest. The altar behind it hummed with power, responding to the creature's presence.

Feng Lin took a deep breath, steadying himself. He'd faced countless enemies, but this was different. The entity didn't feel like a normal opponent—this was chaos incarnate, unpredictable, and uncontrollable. But if he wanted to unlock the true secrets of the secret realm, he had no choice but to confront it head-on.

[System Notification: Chaos Avatar Encountered – Danger Level: Extreme]

[Objective: Survive and claim the Chaos Core]

The creature's eyes, if they could be called eyes, focused on Feng Lin, and its body surged forward, moving with impossible speed. Feng Lin's instincts kicked in as he activated his skill.

[Skill Activated: Shadowstep – Lv 3]

In a blur, Feng Lin sidestepped the creature's charge, narrowly avoiding a tendril of chaos that lashed out at him. The attack struck the ground, leaving a deep crater where it landed. His agility allowed him to reposition quickly, but the creature was relentless, shifting forms as it continued its assault.

Feng Lin focused his Qi and unleashed a counterattack.

[Skill Activated: Void Slash – Lv 4]

His Chaos Rune Sword hummed with power as he swung it, unleashing a devastating arc of chaotic energy that sliced through the air. The Void Slash connected with the creature, but instead of being cut down, the Chaos Avatar simply absorbed the energy, its body rippling as though it had taken no damage.

Feng Lin's eyes narrowed. "So, that's how it's going to be."

The creature retaliated immediately, lashing out again with another wave of chaotic energy. This time, Feng Lin wasn't fast enough to dodge entirely. The tendril grazed his side, sending a shockwave of pain through his body. He gritted his teeth and summoned more of his Qi to stabilize himself.

[System Notification: Health – 75%]

The system's notification jolted him back to focus. He couldn't afford to get reckless. The Chaos Avatar was testing his limits, but he had his own chaotic energy to fight back. He just needed to harness it properly.

His Chaos Manipulation skill surged to the forefront of his mind.

[Skill Activated: Chaos Manipulation – Lv 2]

Drawing upon the chaotic energy within himself, Feng Lin mirrored the creature's movements, redirecting the ambient chaos around him. The energy in the air responded to his will, and for a moment, the battlefield shifted. His control wasn't perfect, but it was enough to slow the creature's assault. He could feel the chaos bending to his command, but only barely.

The Chaos Avatar halted, seemingly surprised by Feng Lin's ability to manipulate the very energy that composed it. But its hesitation was brief. It reformed into a more humanoid shape, its body crackling with raw power, and launched itself at Feng Lin once more.

This time, Feng Lin was ready. Channeling all his strength, he activated his most powerful skill.

[Skill Activated: Chaos Overdrive – Lv 1]

The moment he invoked the skill, his body was flooded with chaotic energy. His strength, agility, and spirit surged beyond their normal limits as the power of chaos amplified everything within him. It was risky, and the strain was immense, but it was exactly what he needed to match the Chaos Avatar's intensity.

Feng Lin met the creature's charge head-on, their chaotic energies colliding with explosive force. The ground beneath them shattered, sending shockwaves through the clearing. His Chaos Rune Sword clashed with the creature's form, neither giving an inch as the battle raged.

But Feng Lin could feel the strain. The chaos within him was difficult to control, threatening to overwhelm him with every passing second. He had to end this quickly, or the Chaos Overdrive would tear him apart from the inside.

Summoning the last of his strength, he drove his sword forward, aiming for the creature's core. The Chaos Avatar recoiled, but Feng Lin pressed on, pouring every ounce of his chaotic energy into his strike.

With a final surge, the sword pierced through the Chaos Avatar's form, and the creature let out an otherworldly scream. Its body destabilized, collapsing into a swirl of chaotic energy before dissipating entirely.

Feng Lin stumbled back, his breath ragged, as the chaos around him began to settle.

[System Notification: Chaos Avatar Defeated]

[Reward: Chaos Core Acquired]

A glowing orb of pure chaos energy appeared where the creature had fallen, pulsing with power. Feng Lin reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and grasped the Chaos Core. The moment he touched it, a surge of energy flowed through him, restoring his strength and stabilizing the chaotic power within him.

[System Notification: Chaos Manipulation Upgraded – Lv 3]

[System Notification: EXP Gained – 15,000]

[System Notification: Chaos Core Absorbed – Unlocking New Skills...]

Feng Lin collapsed to one knee, the weight of the battle finally catching up to him. He had won, but the cost had been great. His body was aching, his Qi was nearly depleted, and his mind felt like it had been pushed to the brink. Yet, despite the exhaustion, he felt stronger—more attuned to the chaos within him.

Before he could recover fully, the stranger's voice cut through the silence. "Impressive. You've proven yourself worthy of the chaos. But this is only the beginning."

Feng Lin looked up, his eyes sharp despite his weariness. "What now?"

The man stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Now, you decide. Will you walk the path of chaos? Or will you let it consume you?"

[System Notification: New Path Unlocked – The Way of Chaos]

[Choose: Embrace the Chaos or Seek Balance]

Feng Lin's mind raced. The choice before him was monumental. To embrace the chaos would mean incredible power, but also great risk. To seek balance would mean walking a more cautious path, but perhaps it would be safer in the long run.

The system chimed in once again.

[System Notification: Time Remaining to Choose: 5 minutes]